Melrose United Church

06/23/2026

Happy Pride 🏳️‍🌈
Celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ communities this June and beyond.

06/22/2026

Thanks to Margaret Duff and Jim Kraemer for painting the trim in the gymnasium last week! It looks fabulous!

06/22/2026

Happy Father's Day to the fathers and father figures in our lives. We thank you for your love and wisdom, and for the ways you raise us up with grace and encouragement.

We also remember and lift up those who may find this day difficult—those who have lost fathers, those who are estranged from them, and those yearning to become fathers.

Our hearts are full of gratitude and love for you.

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

Elders and advocates say decades of environmental damage can no longer be ignored

06/22/2026

Creator,
thank you for your truth and wisdom, and for inviting us to travel the healing path with you; we offer you our hearts and minds so that we might embody your grace and share your blessings with all who live upon the earth.
Amen.

[from All God’s Beloved Children -
Worship Service for Indigenous Day of Prayer 2022]

06/22/2026

Today, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

You can participate in this special day by attending a local Indigenous celebration, supporting Indigenous businesses and restaurants, reading a book by an Indigenous author, listening to Indigenous music, enjoying Indigenous art at a museum or gallery, donating to our Northern Indigenous Ministers appeal, and so many other ways: http://uccf-northern-ministers-retreat.pllenty.com

In this prayer by Rev. Nancy Best, we are called to love our neighbours and seek out ways to work for reconciliation and justice in our communities:

Tender and loving Creator, we are all part of the delicate web of life. When one thread is plucked, the ripples are widely felt, stronger closer to the epicentre, still felt toward the outer reaches. May the uncertainties and concerns we hold close to our hearts be gentled by the love we have of you, and the support of each other.

You know the longing of our hearts for a just society for all of your beloved children. When we are cut, we bleed the same colour. When we donate blood, it provides the same life-giving sustaining gift with no knowledge of race; it does not exist in that little clear bag. We don’t understand the conflicts and hatred rampant, which aren’t new; have they always existed? We pray for people living in troubled places, for refugees needing homes and relocation, for people without safe drinking water.

Rabboni Jesus, may your teachings lead us all to speak the same language of loving you, ourselves, and our neighbours. Gentle people’s harsh feelings and opinions. Restore our gratitude and refresh our faith. Grant us dreams of unity and harmony. May your light and love encircle and envelope us all as we rest in the promise of your goodness. Living Spirit, we are all relations in your family. We give thanks for our blessings. Amen.

—Prayer by Rev. Nancy Best, from a 2022 Indigenous Day of Prayer worship service. https://united-church.ca/worship-special-days/indigenous-day-prayer

06/19/2026

A church is more than a building. More than attendance numbers. More than programs. More than what happens for an hour on Sunday morning. The true impact of a church is seen in the lives of the people who leave its doors. 🙏

Do they love more deeply?
Show more grace?
Serve more generously?
Reflect Christ more faithfully?

A healthy church doesn't simply gather people. It helps people become more like Jesus. May we all be part of communities that encourage faith, inspire growth, and remind people they are deeply loved by God.

If you're looking for thoughtful encouragement throughout the week, we'd love to welcome you into our community. Receive our FREE weekly devotional delivered each week. Enjoy our free worship playlists designed to help you slow down and spend time with God. Everything is linked in our bio.

Thank you for being part of the Mindful Christianity family.

06/19/2026

A catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck off the coast of Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines on June 8, 2026, causing widespread damage and destruction.

At least 45 people have lost their lives and over 450 others have been injured; 40,674 people have been displaced. Families are camping outside their homes, on roadsides, and in open spaces to feel safe overnight.

Hundreds of aftershocks have continued to shake the region, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

The United Church of Canada is committed to working in partnership. We are responding to the crisis in the Philippines with Mission and Service partners ACT Alliance, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Please donate today: https://uccf-emergency-response.pllenty.com (specify "Philippines")

[Photo credit: National Council of Churches in the Philippines]

ACT Alliance