In February, we celebrate the rich Black history in The United Church of Canada. Union United in Montreal has been the home of a vibrant Black congregation for more than a century; Wilbur Howard became the church’s first Black Moderator in 1974. The leadership and participation of Black peoples and congregations continues today.
Worship Ideas
Prairie Horizons Intercultural Worship (26.65 KB): An outline for worship in an intercultural context.
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: Vignettes of Canadian Black History (39.6 KB): A worship service honouring the histories of Black people in Canada.
A History in Song (21.38 KB): This hymn festival celebrating Black History Month could be used in the place of a sermon.
Celebrating the Journey worship service for Black History Month (130.33 KB): A worship service for Black History Month.
Gathering at the Table worship service for African Heritage Month (48.23 KB): A worship service for African Heritage Month
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).
We All Belong because We Are Home (18.9 KB): A liturgy for Black History Month.
Who Are We? Resources for Canadian Multiculturalism Day (26.17 KB): Worship resources to celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
Prayers
International Decade for People of African Descent: 2021 Prayer Cycle, January (129.62 KB): January's theme is "We've Come This Far by Faith."
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.
Bulletin Insert: Black History Month (136.97 KB): Features a prayer written in response to racial tensions in North America and the 50th anniversary of voting rights marches from Selma, Alabama.
Bulletin Insert: Children’s Time for Black History Month (185.47 KB): A bulletin insert to outline the story of The Freedom Quilt for Children's Time.
Bulletin Insert: Stories for Black History Month (177.51 KB): A bulletin insert to outline the importance of telling stories about Black heroes.
Intercultural Hymn Service (24.77 KB): A service framed around hymns in Voices United from cultures around the world.
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.
Voices United: Intercultural Index (24.42 KB): A listing of hymns from Voice United identified by their country of origin.
Worship Blog
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”
Allies Need to Show Up
I was wondering if you might be available to write a Bible study for Black History Month?
“There’s no way I can do this,” was my first thought when asked by those at the United Church General Council Office to contribute a Bible study for Black History Month. Me, a White guy,… 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
