Forest Lawn United Church

10/27/2026

Hard times don’t last forever

10/23/2026

Over the past several months, Palestinian chef and storyteller Izzeldin Bukhari has travelled across Canada, sharing Palestinian food, culture, and family stories with more than 2,000 people in United Churches and other communities. From British Columbia to Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto, these gatherings have offered Canadians a chance to discover Palestinian traditions and the people behind the dishes.

This past Thanksgiving, Izzeldin Bukhari joined Moderator Kimberly Heath for a special edition of "Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator." Watch all the episodes: https://ow.ly/8zRQ5100A0k

In a new blog post, Bukhari reflects on the power of breaking bread together—and how sharing food can open doors to understanding, challenge stereotypes, and bring people closer across cultures and experiences. Each meal offers an opportunity to learn about Palestine through its hospitality, its heritage, and the stories passed down through generations.

“By knowing a bit about a people, you're able to do much,” Bukhari writes. "Maybe that little bit changes things."

Discover how food can help build connections and deepen understanding.

📖 Read "Breaking Bread With Canadians, Palestinian-Style": https://ow.ly/jEIv5100A0m

SacredCuisine بيت البركة Moderator of The United Church of Canada

10/23/2026

Think back to a stranger who was kind to you when you needed it most. You probably still remember them. Someone remembers you that way too.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

Safe Trick or Treating for kids in our church parking lot. Friday, October 30 from 6pm - 8:30pm

07/30/2026

What happens when churches talk openly about class? Bridging Poverty and Privilege is a six-module online course developed by Bedford House that invites participants to explore how poverty, privilege, and social class shape our relationships, communities, and ministries.

Through these engaging modules, participants will examine common assumptions about helping, discover practical ways to build authentic relationships across class lines, and explore how churches can foster communities rooted in dignity, mutuality, and belonging.

Ideal for church leaders, small groups, volunteers, and anyone seeking to build stronger, more connected communities, this course is available nationally through CHURCHx.

Find out more and sign up today: https://churchx.ca/local/shop/product.php?id=401

Bedford House is a community-building non-profit organization in Peterborough, ON committed to bridging social and economic divides. Through lived-experience leadership, educational programming, and community dialogue, Bedford House creates opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and build authentic relationships across class lines.

07/30/2026

A Pastoral Letter from Rev. Bill

This afternoon, Calgary Police announced that investigators have found a body believed to be Parker, the 11-year-old boy whose disappearance has held the attention, concern, and hope of people across Calgary and beyond. While formal identification remains with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, our hearts are already turning toward a family facing unimaginable grief.

For nearly two weeks, all Calgarians have searched, prayed, shared Parker’s photograph, checked neighbourhoods, and held onto hope for a different outcome. The search for Parker drew people together with shared purpose and compassion. Today we hold Parker’s family and loved ones in our prayers. We also remember the police officers, first responders, search and rescue volunteers, and the many members of our community who gave so generously of themselves throughout the search.

The death of a child touches something deep within each of us. Even if you never knew Parker or his family, this news may leave you feeling sad, anxious, unsettled, or simply heartbroken. It may also bring back memories of other losses or experiences. Whatever your response, I want you to know that it is a human response to a heartbreaking tragedy, and whatever you are feeling is held in God’s grace.

If the children or youth in your life have been following this story, they may have questions or emotions they don’t yet have the words to express. They may be looking to the adults around them for reassurance, comfort, and a sense of safety. Take time to listen, and to offer honest, age-appropriate answers. Your calm presence, your patience, and your love will matter more than having the right words.

Friends, please be gentle with yourself in the days ahead. If this news has affected you more deeply than you expected, don’t struggle through that burden by yourself. Reach out to someone you trust. Talk with family or friends. Connect with a counsellor or another helping professional if that would be helpful. Your ministers are also here for you. If you need someone to listen, to pray with you, or simply to sit with you in this difficult moment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

As people of faith, we entrust Parker to the God who knows every child by name, whose love is deeper than our sorrow, and whose compassion never fails. We pray for Parker, for his family, for everyone who searched and hoped, and for all whose hearts are heavy today.

May God bless and keep us all,
Rev. Bill Weaver

07/11/2026

just be you.
it’s the bravest thing
you’ll do.