Grace United Church

09/09/2026

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

Loving God,
On this Labour Day, we give thanks for all who work to provide the things we need to live, and for the many ways that our labour contributes to the life of our communities and our world.

We give thanks for the witness of organized labour and unions, who remind us of the power of solidarity and our shared responsibility to safeguard fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity for every worker.

Bless workers with strength, safety and dignity. Bless employers and leaders with wisdom, fairness, and care. May all who have power use it to create workplaces and communities where everyone can flourish.

May our shared labour, and our commitment to justice, help bring about your vision of peace, dignity, and abundant life for all.

And remind us, O God, that in you, our labour is not in vain.

Amen

08/19/2026

Speakers present included participants in the original Apology and The Very Rev. Dr. Stan McKay; participants gathered to remember, witness, and recommit to the words of the Apology with presence and meaningful action

07/30/2026

07/22/2026

Forty years ago, our church took an historic, foundational step—yet as leaders within the United Church of Canada, we know the journey toward true reconciliation remains an ongoing, vital covenant. On behalf of the organizing committee, we would like to formally invite you to join us for a meaningful day of reflection, community, and renewal as we honor this milestone and look collectively toward our future responsibilities.

“What are you going to do about it?”

Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the United Church Apology & Recommitting to Reconciliation

Date: Saturday, August 15th

Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Location: Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, Laurentian University

This gathering marks four decades since the 31st General Council met at Laurentian University in 1986, where our church delivered its first formal apology to Indigenous peoples. This pivotal moment was set in motion years earlier by Alberta Billy, a We Wai Kai Elder who courageously stood before the Executive of General Council in 1981 to demand that the church acknowledge and apologize for the systemic destruction of Indigenous culture and the legacy of residential schools.

When the apology was finally delivered in 1986, it was Anishinaabe Elder and spiritual teacher, Art Solomon who delivered the profound, immediate challenge that defines our work today: “What are you going to do about it?” Elder Solomon—who also designed and guided the physical construction of the Apology Cairn on campus—reminded our denomination that words are only the beginning of reconciliation, and that true apology demands lived, concrete action.

Given your leadership, ministry, and commitment to the United Church's ongoing call to right relations, your presence would be a deeply meaningful addition to this gathering. We are honored to welcome The Very Rev. Stan McKay—former Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Indigenous elder, wisdom keeper, and leader—as our keynote speaker to share his profound insight and guide us in our continued response.

Program Highlights

Sacred Fire & Drumming: Grounding our hearts and minds in community and tradition.
Personal Stories: Hearing reflections on the impact of the apology and the path forward.
Community Lunch: Sharing food and fellowship together.
Pilgrimage to the Apology Cairn: Concluding our time together with a meaningful walk of remembrance and commitment to the sacred site designed by Art Solomon.
Registration Details

While this event is entirely free to attend, registration is highly encouraged to ensure adequate seating and catering for all guests.

Please confirm your attendance by completing the form here:

“What Are You Going to Do About It?” Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the United Church Apology and Recommitting to Reconciliation Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Location: Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbu...