Pickering Village United Church

09/09/2026

Did you know that starting September 2026, a new three-whistle system will be implemented at all school crossing locations?

This will be implemented to help keep students, families, drivers and crossing guards safe.

Learn more about the three-Whistle System and safety reminders: bit.ly/4gM1VVv

09/08/2026

The United Church of Canada invites communities of faith to order and wear a bilingual Every Child Matters / Chaque Enfant Compte shirt for Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Order yours today: https://ucrdstore.ca/collections/every-child-matters-orange-shirt

September 30, Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, calls us to listen, reflect, and act—including acknowledging the church’s role in the residential school system and its responsibility to pursue justice, healing, reparations, and reconciliation.

As a church, we acknowledge the harms caused by the Residential School system and its ongoing impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. We remain committed to walking the path of truth, justice, healing, and right relations through continued learning and meaningful action.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS is a trademark owned by the Orange Shirt Society and is used under license. Shirts are sold at cost, reflecting garment and printing production expenses.

You can help support The United Church of Canada's reconciliation work by donating to the Healing Fund, which funds Indigenous healing initiatives around the country. Show your support: https://healingfund.pllenty.com

09/07/2026

Just a reminder that we are collecting quilts until the end of September!

Heritage United Church in Markham, Ontario are collecting quilts to send to those who have been impacted by the wildfires in Northern Ontario. The hope is to have the quilts in Thunder Bay by early October. If you have a quilt that you have made or that is gently used that you would like to donate, please arrange a time to drop it off at Pickering Village United Church either by calling 905-683-4721 or by emailing [email protected]. If you have any other questions, please contact Rowena Dunlop.

09/03/2026

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite you to join us on September 24 for a special webinar reflecting on our collective journey of truth and reconciliation in Canada.

We are honoured to welcome bestselling author and journalist Waubgeshig Rice of Wasauksing First Nation, author of Moon of the Crusted Snow and Moon of the Turning Leaves. Through his writing and journalism, Waubgeshig has shared stories of contemporary Anishinaabe life, culture, language, family, and community with audiences across Canada and beyond.

Together, we’ll explore the importance of Indigenous voices and storytelling, reflect on where we are in the journey of reconciliation, and consider what each of us can carry forward beyond September 30.

September 24 | 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT

Register to join us for this important conversation:
https://moosehidecampaign.ca/truth-reconciliation-webinar-2026

09/02/2026

It’s Wear & Share Wednesday, and it’s back-to-school season!

As students, educators, and families return to classrooms, it’s a great time to bring conversations about kindness, respect, healthy relationships, and ending gender-based violence into the school year.

The Moose Hide Campaign has resources created to help educators bring these conversations into their classrooms in culturally grounded and meaningful ways. Young people can move from learning about the Campaign to taking action, starting conversations, and becoming leaders in their own schools and communities.

Visit:
https://education.moosehidecampaign.ca

This Wear & Share Wednesday, wear your Moose Hide pin, share one with an educator or student in your life, and explore the resources available on our education site.

Let’s start the school year with conversations that can make a difference.

09/01/2026

-Sunday Prayer-

May those who have lost their lives rest in peace.
May the missing be found safely.
May the injured receive care, grieving families find comfort, and all those affected find strength and support in the days ahead.
May all beings be safe.
May all beings be free from suffering.

- Walk for Peace, Buddhist Monks

08/31/2026

A Prayer for Harm Reduction Sunday: This Harm Reduction Sunday, August 30, 2026 we invite you to consider how your community of faith, through small and faith-filled actions, could cultivate a world where life can be better for those whose lives are so often held precariously.

God of the cross,

You who call us into active presence and participation,

Be present as we consider the ways you challenged us to live lives worthy of your purpose.

Be present as we recognize the wounds inflicted on members of our community.

Be present as you call us to act with integrity and hope in response to the systems of neglect, stigma, and isolation.

For we know, the toxic drug crisis continues to claim the lives of neighbours, friends, family and community members,

For we know, the toxic drug crisis is volatile and reaches across the globe.

For we know, that every life lost is another story cut short by the crucifixions of our world.

Challenge us
Enliven us.
Call us.

Amen

—The Rev. Jeffrey Dale, MFA, M Div is minister at College Street United Church.

08/27/2026

A devastating flash flood in northern Nepal has killed hundreds of people and left hundreds more missing after a sudden surge of water and debris swept through communities near the Nepal–China border. At least 24 Canadians appear to be among the missing. The disaster has destroyed numerous homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure in the region.

God of Creation,

We live in a world where beauty and danger are found.
Hear our prayers for the people of the Nepal and China border region and the visitors, workers, and tourists
who have been affected by a devastating flash flood,

Bring healing to those who are injured.
Comfort those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.
Strengthen with your presence
all who are numb with fear and distress.
Guide those who are searching for loved ones
and those anxiously waiting for news.

Be near those who are grieving,
and bless them with your peace.

Grant tenderness, strength, and wisdom
and to all who are working to rescue and care for those in need.

May we be moved by compassion
and share willingly and generously
in the relief and recovery of your much-loved people.

Amen

(Adapted from Celebrate God's Presence, pg. 564.)

[Photo: Pixabay]

08/26/2026

As the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, some Muslims mark this occasion by special prayers, whilst other Muslims may mark the occasion by dedicating more time to reading the Qur'an.

Learn more: bit.ly/3B5BGb6

08/25/2026

The 2026 Ajax Municipal and School Board Elections Voting Period is October 19 – 26!

Below is a certified list of candidates following the close of nominations on August 21, 2026.

To learn more about candidates and the upcoming election, visit the Town’s dedicated election website at ajax.ca/Vote