Moderator of The United Church of Canada

09/11/2026

It was a blessing to visit with some in the South-West New Brunswick cluster. I stopped in St. Stephen at Kirk McColl UC and then on to Scotch Ridge United Church, celebrating their 200th anniversary as a faith community.

While I was there my phone welcomed me to the US. …I was not in the US but the nearest cell tower, not very far away, was.

This is an area of deep roots. It’s a place where historically the border was very fluid with many friends on either side and they are very aware of all that has changed.
I too live in a border town where people used to cross over by bridge or boat frequently to visit, to go to the movies or to do laundry at the laundromat.
Today is the 25th anniversary of 9/11. I remember how much the border changed after 9/11. Today the walls that divide us from our neighbours to the south are getting higher and harder to get through from either side. We’ve lost so much.

I pray for a world with fewer borders and more neighbours.

09/10/2026

Great to have a short visit with the Lunenburg cluster at Bridgewater United Church. Thank you for your hospitality!

Being here brings back memories of a pilgrimage I walked near here 10 years ago and of a poem by Denise Levertov that held me during that time:

-The Avowal-
As swimmers dare
to lie face to the sky
and water bears them,
as hawks rest upon air
and air sustains them,
so would I learn to attain
freefall, and float
into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace,
knowing no effort earns
that all-surrounding grace.

09/02/2026

Nouvelles concernant les Ministères en français de l'Église Unie - https://mailchi.mp/egliseunie/infolettre-5-septembre-4755950

08/30/2026

-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

08/29/2026

The calls for nominations for fall 2026 have launched! Who do you know who has the expertise the church is seeking for these denominational groups? Is it you who is being called? Serving on a committee is a great way to live Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice.

✅The Manual Committee
✅Academic Awards and Scholarships Sub-Committee
✅General Council 46 Equity Support Team
✅Indigenous Justice Advisory Group
✅Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy
✅Roman Catholic–United Church Dialogue
✅Candidacy Boards
✅Response Committee
✅Remedial Committee

Check out all of the current opportunities to serve: https://united-church.ca/opportunities

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]

08/27/2026

Thank you Christopher White for your article “Where is God in the midst of a trade war?”

As Canada-U.S. tensions fuel economic uncertainty, churches can help the faithful find their footing

08/27/2026

Découvrez ces publications de Mon Credo - https://mailchi.mp/ed25812c0142/infolettre-du-27-aout-moncredoorg-4755946

08/21/2026

Grateful to be present with our full communion partners— the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)— at their all-Canada Convention in St. Thomas Ontario.

We have been full communion partners since 2018 and we share some churches and ministers too. Nice to meet one, Rev. Darlene Brewer, right when I arrived.

We have ecumenism in our roots but the Disciples have the value of connecting across denominational lines imprinted at a cellular level.

We need each other. It’s good to be together.

Thank you Rev. Jean-Daniel Ó Donncada for the invitation.

08/16/2026

it’s a wrap!
I wish everyone could experience 500 youth worshipping together, singing and clapping their praise to God. ✨
A special blessing to share the communion celebration with the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, Lara Scholey
Photo credit Catherine Tamara Stuart