February is Black History Month in Canada, a time to honour the historical and present contributions of peoples of African descent. This could also be a time for congregations to make a commitment to becoming more culturally sensitive, racially inclusive, and justice-conscious.
Worship Ideas
2019 Black History Month: International Decade for People of African Descent (32.59 KB): A service of Word and Sacrament from The United Church of Canada / United Church of Christ
2020 Black History Month Service (54.44 KB): A worship service marking the legacy of slavery in Canada and the British Commonwealth with the theme of “all are made in the image of God.” By the Rev. Paul Douglas Walfall.
2021 Black History Month: Ancestors and Ancestry (40.77 KB): A worship service honouring the histories of our families and our faith by the Rev. Debbie McMillan.
2021 Black History Month: Honouring Our Identities (27.7 KB): See link in file for YouTube recording of service led by Rev. Thérèse Samuel with Dr. Christopher Burton and Phyllis Fleming.
2021 Black History Month: It Takes One Voice to Initiate Change (42.74 KB): A worship service that includes some Canadian history of racism and anti-racism activism. By Rev. Sadekie Lyttle-Forbes.
2021 Black History Month: Vignettes of Canadian Black History (39.6 KB): A worship service honouring the histories of Black people in Canada.
2022 Black History Month Service: Fishing So Others Can Have a Meal (38.02 KB): What would it be like to live in Beloved Community? By Charmain Bailey. Includes a link to video sermon on YouTube.
2022 Black History Month Worship Liturgy: Stories of Black Experiences in Canadian Churches (43.32 KB): Includes links to videos and a podcast by the Young Black Scholars.
How long will we have to cry? Black History Month service (30.6 KB): A service of lament for anti-Black racism
On Eagle's Wings: Black History Month Service (35.72 KB): May we not grow weary but soar on eagle’s wings as one people, bound together in your love.
Revival Out of Helplessness: Worship (269.83 KB): A worship service on the theme of anti-racism (from Mandate, Winter 2018).
Related Material
Black History Month: An introduction to the little-known history of Black peoples in The United Church of Canada, from 100 years of Union United in Montreal to the present day across Canada.
Black History Month 2021 - Patricia Watson, Bedford United Church, Nova Scotia: For Black History Month, Patricia Watson share ways the wider church can learn from the Black communities of faith in Canada's Atlantic region.
Black History Month Nancy Oliver-MacKenzie: Nancy Oliver-MacKenzie shares the history of Montreal's Union United Church and its long-time role in the work for social justice for the Black community and beyond.
International Decade for People of African Descent: 2021 Prayer Cycle (84.59 KB): We invite people to pray for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of peopl
Recommitting to Justice, Equity, and Peace (17.54 KB): A prayer of confession about racial justice - for individual or community prayers
Revival Out of Helplessness: Bible Study (495.66 KB): The story of the Samaritan woman at the well can help us reflect on racism (from Mandate, Winter 2018).
UN Decade for African Descent: Join The United Church of Canada and the United Church of Christ USA in promoting recognition, justice, for people of African descent.
Worship Blog
The Black-African Origins of Western Civilization
To wrap up Black History Month for 2022, Isaac Makarios Kamta shares how Western perspectives of African history have been diminished to support White supremacy.
Growing Up Black in the Dominican Republic
For Black History Month, Kermys Bonilla-Pontigo describes the important ways Afro-Latinos contribute to the African diaspora in the Americas.
When Hope Meets Indifference
For Black History Month, Albertine Chokoté Naoué asks what each of us can do to deconstruct thoughts and behaviours that are harmful to ourselves and others.
Confusing Pain
For Black History Month, Amelia Brohman writes that “polite racism” in the church is still racism — and it silences Black voices.
My Fault for Having Been Created Black?
For Black History Month, Demanya Kofi Akoussah shares stories of anti-Black racism and prays for a better future.
Get Out of My Face
For Black History Month, Yvonne Wright writes that we need to be ready to challenge racist attitudes and actions.
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
Come, Join Me Under the Palaver Tree
For Black History Month, Pastor Samuel Vauvert Dansokho recounts the devastating and lasting impact of colonialism on Africa.
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.
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.
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”
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.