First United Church, Waterloo

10/12/2026

In the final episode of "Kitchen Conversations: A Thanksgiving Tabl...

10/11/2026

God, giver of all good,
you continually pour your benefits upon us.
Age after age the living wait upon you and find
that your faithfulness has no end,
that your care is unfailing.
We praise you that the mystery of life
is a mystery of infinite goodness.
We praise you
for the order and constancy of nature;
for the beauty and bounty of the earth;
for day and night, summer and winter,
seedtime and harvest;
for the varied gifts of loveliness which every season brings.
We give you thanks
for all the comfort and joy of life,
for our homes, for our friends,
and for all the love, sympathy, and goodwill of all people.
Amen.

—from Celebrate God's Presence: A Book of Services for The United Church of Canada (UCPH, 2000).

10/09/2026

Reflections and Ripples & Weekly Update October 11 (Sun), 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/firstunitedchurch/reflections-and-ripples-weekly-update-october-11-19888728

10/09/2026

10/03/2026

Reflections and Ripples & Weekly Update October 4 (Sun), 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/firstunitedchurch/reflections-and-ripples-weekly-update-october-4-19888616

09/29/2026

How to Be an Active Non-Indigenous Ally: Practical Steps for Truth and Reconciliation 🌲

Allyship is not a label we claim; it is an ongoing practice of learning, listening, and taking meaningful action. To support Truth and Reconciliation, non-Indigenous allies must actively work to dismantle systemic barriers and foster cultural safety in their personal and professional lives.

If you are looking to move from awareness to action, here are practical steps you can take to practice active allyship:

1. Do the Groundwork: Educate Yourself First.
Read the Calls to Action: Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action. Identify how they apply to your specific field, workplace, or community.
Learn the Local History: Research the treaties, traditional territories, and languages of the land where you live and work.
Listen Without Interrupting: Seek out books, podcasts, and articles by Indigenous authors, historians, and Elders. Focus on listening to understand, rather than responding.
2. Challenge Bias and Speak Up
Address Harmful Stereotypes: Gently but firmly challenge myths, racist remarks, or systemic biases when you encounter them in social, familial, or professional settings.
De-center Yourself: Use your platform to amplify Indigenous voices, rather than speaking on their behalf.
3. Support Indigenous Sovereignty and Economy
Buy Indigenous: Make a conscious effort to support Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and community-led initiatives.
Support Grassroots Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that support Indigenous youth, language revitalization, and land-based healing.
4. Reflect and Adapt Your Practice
Examine Your Workplace: Ask how your organization can integrate cultural protocols, provide trauma-informed spaces, and recruit and retain Indigenous staff equitably.
Embrace the Discomfort: Acknowledging difficult truths can be uncomfortable. Accept this discomfort as a necessary part of growth and healing.

Reconciliation is a shared responsibility. By taking consistent, respectful action, we can build a foundation of mutual respect and genuine partnership.

09/28/2026

We're pleased to share that The United Church of Canada has appointed Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly as the next General Secretary, effective January 1, 2027.

Currently serving as Executive Minister for East Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario Outaouais, and Nakonha:ka Regional Councils, Rev. Hébert-Daly brings extensive experience in church leadership, strategic planning, and community development. A passionate advocate for a thriving and welcoming church, he has played a key role in shaping Toward 2035, our hope-filled strategy for a bolder future.

Born to an Acadian family, Éric has roots in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. He will be the first Francophone to serve as General Secretary.

We give thanks for the faithful leadership of Rev. Michael Blair, who will continue as General Secretary until December 31. Following a transition period in January 2027, he will retire, after more than six years of dedicated service in this critical leadership role.

Please join us in congratulating Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly as he prepares to begin this new ministry of leadership and service.

Read more: https://united-church.ca/news/rev-eric-hebert-daly-appointed-new-general-secretary

[Photo: The United Church of Canada]

09/28/2026