Smithers United Church of Canada

09/03/2026

08/06/2026

07/26/2026

Our prayers are with the LGBTQ community in Berlin, Germany, as a terrorist drove a van into a Pride festival event last night, and also attacked people with a machete.

One person was killed and at least 29 others injured. The suspect has been identified and is still at large and being sought by police.

An attack on one LGBTQ community is an attack on LGBTQ communities everywhere.

We pray for the victims in Berlin, for their families and for those responding to this tragedy as medics, police and community leaders. We pray also for the police as they search for the person or persons who wreaked this chaos on an event meant to celebrate the community, solidarity and joy of Pride.

Bring your comfort, your justice and your healing, dear God.

In the name of the One who brings peace. Amen.

[Photo: shaunl / iStock]

07/20/2026

As wildfires impact lands and peoples across the country, we ask you to join us in prayer:

• For safety and protection for people, animals, and communities in harm’s way
• For strength and resilience among evacuees, fire fighters, and other first responders
• For those affected by the smoke of the wildfires which is impacting the air quality across broad distances
• For acknowledgement and action on the ongoing impact of climate change caused by human activity, and renewed attention toward an energy transition
• For healing and renewal for the land and all of creation

Let us pray—

Creator,
Wildfires are engulfing homes,
leaving us vulnerable, exposed, open:
We come to you, broken, seeking wholeness…
In our time of need provide for us those things that will bring restoration to all of creation,
the gifts of the spirit
and the gift of each other.
Above all, remind us always of your steadfast and abiding love.
Amen

The United Church of Canada has created a new handbook for communities of faith to prepare for any major emergency or disaster. Available for download at: https://united-church.ca/worship-theme/emergencies

[Photo: shaunl / iStock]

06/25/2026

Spots for Camp Spirit are filling up but there is still room!

06/21/2026

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