Worship Blog
Advent Unwrapped: Foggy Night
In this Advent Unwrapped microblog, Rev. Richard C. Choe reflects on living in hope.
Advent Unwrapped: Finding Hope in Hagar
In a microblog for Advent Unwrapped, Rev. Maria Christina Conlon reflects on the hope found in the story of Hagar in Genesis 16.
Walls of Welcome
Rev. Anne Hines writes how our church’s Truth and Reconciliation project transformed our walls, and our lives.
Discipleship that Is Bold
Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall shares thoughts on "Bold Discipleship," which is part of the United Church Call and Vision.
Deep Spirituality Is for Regular People like Us
Reflecting on the United Church Call and Vision, theologian Rob Fennell writes that spirituality is the way we seek and receive God’s love and grace in everyday life.
Bold Discipleship Turns Water Into Wine
Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa writes that Bold Discipleship is how our lives become avenues of God’s love and presence in the world.
Don’t Stop Before the Miracle Happens
Looking back after 12 years of leading the EDGE Network, Rob Dalgleish shares reflections on ministry innovation, the power of failing boldly, and living faithfully into a new reality — even if others don't yet understand.
Deep Spirituality Is Drawing Close to God
Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa writes that our Call and Vision identifies “Deep Spirituality” as the cornerstone of our identity, not just as a church but also as individuals.
“My Soul Is Fed” by Supporting Refugees
Norma McCord, a long-time United Church refugee program supporter, says the work is in her blood.
Refugee Sponsorship Profile: Islington United Church
For World Refugee Day, we share the story of Islington United Church's Refugee Support Ministry, which has been creating relationships for over 40 years.
The Earth is the Lord’s
For National Indigenous Day, Rev. John R. Thompson shares that, "Truth cannot be hidden. It eventually rises up and is revealed."
A Clash of Faith and Culture
For Asian Heritage Month, Calin Chun-hong Lau looks at both his Chinese heritage and the Canadian cultural context through the eyes of faith and finds a broader perspective.
Parallel Journeys of Healing
For Asian Heritage Month, Nobuko Iwai shares her experience of being born in Japan and raised in The United Church of Canada.
Jesus Heals People through Relationships
For Mental Health Week, Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund shares about the important impact being a friend can have for mental health and wellness.
No Longer Hidden in Plain Sight
On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Kim Uyede-Kai calls us to disrupt racism wherever it is found.
Hard Lessons of Racism Begin at a Young Age
For International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Adele Halliday shares difficult experiences of racism her child faces even in the playground.
Wrestling with Lesser Evils
Editor Alydia Smith introduces a new Lenten study, and writes about the dilemma of seeking the good while choosing the lesser evil from a Christian perspective.
The Sunflower Man
The story of “The Sunflower Man,” a healing, community-based dance performance based on the regenerating life and work of migrant farmworkers in the Niagara Region.
What Do We Call Ourselves?
For Latin American Heritage Month, Néstor Medina contrasts the long history of others naming people of Latin American heritage — to today, when we choose to name ourselves.
October is Latin American Heritage Month
Éric Hébert-Daly previews ways the United Church will commemorate Latin American Heritage Month and celebrates our connection to Latino communities of faith.
Celebrating Asian LGBTQI+ Voices
Video interviews with three queer Christians of Asian descent who have found refuge in the affirming congregations of the United Church.
Space for Creation and Discovery
During Pride Month, artist Noah Janosch Brown writes about finding a safe place in a United Church to create art and nurture self-discovery.
A Fighting Pride Rooted in Love
Jordan Sullivan share about how Two-Spirit LGBTQ+ people love and value Pride Month.
Beautifully Made
For Asian Heritage Month, Rev. Sun-Young “Sunny” Kim writes about the unique challenges of being queer, Asian, and Christian.
God Gives Us Abundant Life
For Asian Heritage Month 2021, Klaus Simon Bondoc shares how his discovery of God’s love and acceptance led him on the path toward ministry.
The Blessings of Community
For Asian Heritage Month 2021, a blog writer tells of her experience navigating the complexities of her Asian and LGBT2Q+ identity.
The Desert Gives Life
For Mental Health Awareness Week, Rev. David Boyd talks about his personal journey with depression.
Wishing for a Better World
Rev. Cindy Bourgeois considers how a world without transphobia would improve the mental health of trans people.
On Racism and White Allies
Rev. Sun-Young "Sunny" Kim writes on the need for progressive White people to show humility when it comes to confronting racism.
A Strategic Approach to Tackling Racism
Moses Kanhai explores ways to develop a strategic plan to end racism.
Forgiveness as a Way of Life
The Rev. Marie-Claude Manga reflects on her ministry and work as an ordained Black woman with The United Church of Canada
Building a "Quilt of Belonging"
For Black History Month, Patricia Watson shares about ways to teach Black history using a variety of artistic expressions.
One Instrument in the Orchestra
Nancy Oliver-MacKenzie writes about the role of Montreal's Union United Church as a force for social justice for the Black community and beyond.
We Are Pilgrims on a Journey of Love
Reflecting on the young adult pilgrimage to Palestine Israel, Shanna Bernier writes about walking in the footsteps of so many pilgrims before them, all together on a journey of faith and love.
Joyful Singing as Nonviolent Resistance
Shanna Bernier shares an Advent reflection on a pilgrimage to Palestine-Israel she took part in with other young adults. The group found that even joyful singing could be a form of nonviolent resistance!
Seeking Peace Instead of Turmoil
In this Advent reflection, Shanna Bernier finds that even in times of great upheaval and change, deep moments of peace exist.
Speaking of Darkness in Advent
Our ingrained notions of black/white and darkness/light as inherently good and evil can guide how we treat each other.
Mind-Boggling Intercultural Change and Potential
During Asian Heritage Month, Noel A. Suministrado, a United Church minister from the Philippines, sees great opportunities for the church as it opens itself to Canada’s changing demographic realities.
Working toward Wholeness
As a recent immigrant from Asia, Rev. SunDo Hyun finds that opening oneself to intercultural opportunities — despite the challenges — can be transforming and life-giving.
Expanding the Circle of Understanding
Rev. Dr. Alan Lai writes about how Asian Heritage Month challenges us to grow deeper into intercultural awareness and understanding.
Moderator's Online Worship - Sunday, May 3, 2020
In his online worship service, Moderator Richard Bott shares a reflection about the followers of the risen Christ finding power and joy in the breaking of bread together - even when it's shared virtually during hard times.
Testing the Call: Vocation Sunday 2020
For Vocation Sunday, Rev. Bronwyn Corlett writes about how others helped her develop leadership skills after she was first ordained.
Moderator's Online Worship - Sunday, April 26, 2020
Moderator Richard Bott reflects on the road to Emmaus story, and asks who are you walking with in this time of shock and tragedy?
Moderator's Online Worship - Sunday, April 19, 2020
Moderator Richard Bott shares a worship service for Sunday, April 19, 2020 and reflects on the role of doubt in our faith and how it can lead us to experience the good news for ourselves.
Moderator's Online Worship - April 5, 2020
For Sunday, April 5, 2020, Moderator Richard Bott shares reflection on Matthew 21:1-11, the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and urges us to keep our eyes on hope as we begin Holy Week.
The Great Gathering
At The Great Gathering in November of 2019, 24 people from United Church of Canada camps, joined more than 540 innovative outdoor ministry partners gathered at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The event was hosted by… Read more
Learning to Be Black
Rev. Andrew Kinoti Lairenge writes that growing up in post-colonial Kenya, he did not know what it was to be a person of colour or visible minority. It is in Canada that he is learning to be Black.
Where Were You?
In this excerpt from the new Lenten devotional "Faithfully Yours: Letters for the Wondering," Bri-anne Swan reflects on the perennial question, “God, where were you?”
Merry Christmas!
We have all the tools we need to mend the world and bring about Christ’s Kingdom.
The Final Countdown
Alydia Smith writes, "It’s exciting and scary to imagine what change, God’s will, might actually look like."
Who Is Jesus? A Reflection in Two Voices
Rev. Susan Lukey and Rev. David Robertson reflect on how Jesus is known by many names—but all of them mean love.
A mixtape made with love to help you prepare for Christmas
Alydia Smith shares an Advent mixtape to enjoy together, as we wait for Christ(mas).
Alternative Gift-Giving for a Buy Less Christmas
Kathryn Gray muses on how we can be more mindful with gifts this Advent, and not give in to the pressure to shop/consume/shop some more...
Christmas at Home: Time to Celebrate Together
Create an Advent-Christmas season that embraces the gift of God’s presence in Jesus.
Getting Ready for Christ(mas): Combatting Anti-Semitism in Advent
The Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg reflects on how we can work to fight against antisemitism during Advent.
Christmas at Home: The Gift of Ritual
In this season, many things distract us from nurturing faith within our families.
What I Am Remembering
For Remembrance Day, military chaplain and United Church minister Capt. (Rev.) Linda Tomlinson-Seebach reflects on the cost of war and peace.
A Kin-dom of Peace and Justice
December has a number of special days that call on people of goodwill to work together.
Getting Ready for Christmas: Advent Videos
Reflecting on who we think Christ is as a way to help prepare for Christmas is an ancient tradition.
O Come, Emmanuel
In this Christmas pageant, the sheep deliver the words we all need to hear.
Stories behind Carols
The first Sunday after Christmas is a perfect opportunity to enjoy Christmas carols and stories.
Pull Out the Christmas Music
Adding some different liturgical music during Advent can certainly make everyone take notice that it’s a new season.
Hanging the Greens
During Advent, we prepare our sanctuaries and buildings to be symbols of preparing ourselves for the birth, and rebirth, of Jesus.
What Freedom Really Means
Rev. Stephen Fetter writes that, "Forgiveness is about being set free of whatever binds us, so we can become whom God wants us to be."
Queer? Absolutely. Black? Not So Sure.
Basil Coward asks, Can you be both queer and Black, and enjoy a celebrated and visible presence in the United Church?
Privilege in the LGBTIQ2S+ Community
Jordan Sullivan asks, “What measure of privilege are we willing to give up to create equity for others?”
Chaplain among those Lost in Normandy 75 Years Ago
Two Canadian Armed Forces chaplains remember United Church minister, the Rev. William Alfred Seaman, who served as a chaplain during World War II and is among those who lost their lives in Normandy 75 years ago.
Our Diverse Heritages Are Gifts to Give and Receive
For Asian Heritage Month, YoonOK Shin writes that our diverse heritages are gifts to give and receive, transforming bleak cultural boundaries.
As Purple to Lavender
Row on row we stood… in the brand new courtyard… row on row of young girls in navy tunics or navy skirts, white starched shirts, ties, and polished oxfords. I wore my new navy blazer with its red school crest, because it was a special occasion. The Honourable Lieutenant Governor… Read more
Facing the Past, Transforming the Future
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” —Maya Angelou, “On the Pulse of Morning”
Unwrapping "The 'Huron' Carol"
We have received many comments and questions about whether or not to incorporate the “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” into Christmas carol services. Thanks to Dana Lynn Seaborn, of seabornsong.com, who offered us a helpful response to start the conversation… Read more
Disability, Who Me?
People sometimes share that they forget I am a person who is totally blind. I experience this as a good thing, an acknowledgment that they feel acceptance, and embrace me for who I am, my abilities and disabilities.
When I or others are not focusing on my disability and “forget” it, so… Read more
The End of AIDS by 2030?
When I acquired HIV in 1987, it was “a death sentence”. One of the first comments made by my GP in 1990 in Regina, when he gave me the HIV+ test result, was that I would need more tests to find out “when the clock started ticking.” Not very comforting words. My work in the community-based AIDS… Read more
How Are You Getting Ready for Christ(mas)?
How are you getting ready for Christ(mas) this year?
If you are celebrating the Advent season as a family—or as an individual or an all-ages group of any kind—Advent Unwrapped offers an alternative to the advertisements, shopping lists, and hype that we are bombarded with at this time of… Read more
Let Our True Colours Shine
The old, grey stone steps of my local United Church in Toronto were recently transformed. They are now awash in a cheerful rainbow of hues, almost daring people who bustle by on the busy Toronto street not to stop and smile. I’m sure more than a few pedestrians have wondered, “What’s going on… Read more
Why an Indigenous Day of Prayer?
In 1971, the observance of June 21 as a National Indian Day of Prayer was formally recognized by The United Church of Canada, at the 24th General Council. In 1982 the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of a National Aboriginal Solidary Day.… Read more
A Proud Heritage
I am a third-generation Japanese Canadian living in southern Alberta among the third-largest concentration of Japanese in Canada; the other two concentrations of population are in Vancouver and Toronto. In my city of Lethbridge, no one questions our presence here, because people have grown up… Read more
What Is at Stake in Celebrating Asian Heritage Month?
To be candid, when I received an invitation to create a worship service and Bible study for Asian Heritage Month 2018, I hesitated at first. I am grateful for this opportunity to share why I accepted.
Earth Day: A Call to Care for the Planet
My father was not much of a churchgoer. I still vividly recall him putting dollops of pancake batter onto a sizzling griddle, or devouring the weekend newspaper, on Sunday afternoons when I came home from singing in the local church youth choir. But my father is a deeply spiritual… Read more
Earth Hour: In Seeking Hope, We Are Making a Difference
Earth Hour—Saturday, March 24, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.—marks its 12th edition this March.
I remember that first gathering in a darkened Church of the Holy Trinity next to the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. We lit candles, we read scriptures and other readings, we signed a… Read more
Why Did I Write a Worship Service for Black History Month?
Why did I write a worship service and sermon for Black History Month? It’s a difficult question to answer. I was filled with excitement and dread at the prospect. I was excited because the topic of race and identity is volatile at the moment (well, really, when hasn’t it been?) and the… Read more
What Black History Offers Us in Times of Change
Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall on the West African concept of “Sankofa," which teaches us that it’s not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.
An Interview with Lent Book Editor Alydia Smith
Alydia Smith is the editor of the new United Church Lenten devotional, Why I Believe. She was interviewed by Tilman Lewis, an Editor/Resource Coordinator at the General Council… Read more
Finding Hope in Disability
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3. This year, the day coincides with the first Sunday of Advent, when we traditionally celebrate a theme of hope.
What Do We Celebrate on Remembrance Day?
Across the United Church, there are many approaches to marking Remembrance Day. In contributing a new selection of prayers for use in a Remembrance Sunday service, my hope was to address the wide variety of needs of different church congregations.
What Makes Us Protestant: Why Just Two Sacraments?
October 31, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, an important date in the history of the United Church and for Reformed Churches around the world. To commemorate the occasion, we are publishing a series of blog posts by Trisha Elliott on "What Makes Us Protestant… Read more
What Makes Us Protestant: To Sign or Not to Sign?
Most of the reformers left it up to individual Christians to decide whether signing was an appropriate expression of faith, but there were some who condemned it as a form of idolatry. Gradually, it fell out of favour with the majority of Protestants.
What Makes Us Protestant: Lift High the Cross?
Reformers disagreed about whether to reject or use the crucifix, to adopt an unadorned cross, or to discard the symbol altogether. Most Protestant churches today tend to be less ornate—a direct reflection of the Reformation call to integrity.
What Makes Us Protestant: What about Mary?
For the first thousand years of Christianity, and particularly since the Council of Ephesus in 431, Mary has held a special place in Christian faith. But for just as long, there has been debate about how “special” that place ought to be.
What Makes Us Protestant: Teachings That Matter
October 31, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, an important date in the history of the United Church and for Reformed Churches around the world. To commemorate the occasion, we are publishing a series of blog posts by Trisha Elliott on "What Makes Us Protestant… Read more
Under the Big Top: Thoughts on National Aboriginal Day
I took these pictures last August while visiting my mother’s relatives in the central part of Saskatchewan on the Muskoday First Nation. They capture some of the 825 dancers that participated in the 25th annual traditional Powwow.
Canada 150, through the Lens of Reconciliation
Canada Day is coming. Canada 150 celebrations are intensifying. I wonder how Indigenous people are feeling about it all. I asked a few Indigenous friends and leaders in our church: “If someone from one of our non-Indigenous communities of faith asked you about the 150th year of Confederation,… Read more
Asian Heritage Enriches the Church
May is Asian Heritage Month, and the perfect time to prayerfully reflect on the contributions of Asian Canadians to Canadian society. Liturgies, songs, and other material that can be used in Asian Heritage Month… Read more
Seeing the Face of God in Refugees
The United Church of Canada cares for refugees because we believe that sharing God’s love is our prime purpose. We believe that justice is the public face of God’s love, and work to share God’s love on a personal, local and global level.
I see the face of God in refugees’ faces:… Read more
