God's Mission Our Gifts: Your June Mission and Service Stories and more!

Philanthropy News - May 28, 2026 View this email in your browser

Scroll down for congregational stewardship news! 2026 Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat The Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat will once again offer space for rest and renewal in 2026. The United Church of Canada Foundation is reaching out by mail, email, and social media to invite your community to take part in supporting this gathering. A donation link is available for those who would like to make a gift, or include it in communications. We invite you to keep an eye on your mailboxes (physical and digital!) and share these resources when they are available. Your June Mission and Service Stories June 7 Created and Loved [Image credit: Juan Moyano]   Partners work across Canada and globally to create safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for 2S and LGBTQIA+ individuals facing discrimination and violence. Rooted in the belief that everyone is unconditionally loved by God, this vital work ranges from local community care and safe spaces to life-saving international advocacy. Ultimately, these efforts help nurture communities of true belonging where all people can live safely, authentically, and with dignity. June 14 Making Joyful Noise [Image credit: Mary981 from Getty Images]   Two music programs at First-St. Andrew’s United Church in London, ON provide children and youth with affordable access to music, creativity, and shared meals. By lowering financial barriers, these initiatives encourage teamwork, reduce stress, and build lasting confidence. Ultimately, the programs offer a safe, inclusive environment where young people can thrive in friendship and joy. June 21 Campfires and Confidence [Image credit: Arthur Kidston memorial Camp] Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp in Nova Scotia offers children and youth a vital space to unplug, connect with nature, and build self-confidence. Through outdoor adventures and leadership training, campers of all backgrounds are encouraged to try new things and develop new strengths. The camp continues to encourage resilience and a deep sense of belonging for young people. June 28 Caring for Caregivers [Image credit: Photo by Reynold Anderson] The Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat offers a crucial space for rest, trauma-informed support, and cultural healing for spiritual leaders facing extraordinary grief and burnout. Participants share experiences and engage in traditional crafts to find collective renewal. This ongoing initiative ensures that those carrying heavy community burdens receive the vital care they need. Congregational Stewardship and Generosity   It works!!! Bethany United Church in Halifax, NS is doing some good things. They have taken steps in the last month alone to look at some of their community events and fundraisers through a stewardship lens. They have done a Volunteer Expo and used PAR resources this month to boost consistent giving. They've had new sign ups. They are still waiting on data, but there has been really good feedback. A Community of Faith is Alberta made good use of the PAR Month resources and were absolutely thrilled with how well the people responded. It’s too soon for numbers, but they're noticing the culture of their Community of Faith changing away from a scarcity mindset. Small steps really work. A small-town church in South Western Ontario simply added one more donor on PAR, moving from 6 to 7. Not only did it change the financial picture, it also gave them the chance to be successful. Claiming their CanadaHelps page and letting people know they can give this way, saw an increase in donations. They even bought a Square brand card tap machine to use at community events, like their pasta supper, which realised an extra $70 in gifts. If they can do it, you can do it. (And we can help you) Let’s say thank you!    As PAR Month wraps up, please take the opportunity to thank your donors. Thank those who are newly signed up for consistent giving through PAR. They are making a statement about their commitment to the church and to their faith. Thank those already using PAR who increased their giving. They love their church. Thank those not using PAR, but still being generous. Generosity is a mark of discipleship. You cannot thank people too much or too often. Now is the time!   New Stewardship BLOG The Rev. Sarah Giles invites you to “Drink the Juice” this month! Mmmmm, tasty!!   Getting Started in Stewardship This is where it all begins. Communities of Faith completing this course have better outcomes. After this FREE 90-minute online course you will better understand: Stewardship is not fundraising. Stewardship is discipleship. Why people give? What can you do next? Find out more and sign up on CHURCHx.   Get the Stewardship support you need. The people and resources to help you succeed are here. Team Changes. Big News for Eastern Canada!! The Rev. Rob Shearer will be starting on June 1 as the Growth and Stewardship Animator for the Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters region. He will also be covering the First Dawn Eastern Edge region for the foreseeable future. Those in his regions are welcome to reach out to Rob at rshearer@united-church.ca. Melody Duncanson Hales will also continue with some ongoing work in these regions. Thanks, Melody, for your help!

Gifts with Vision News Our small but mighty Gifts with Vision catalogue has been updated – featuring brand new gifts, as well as your existing favourites. Take a look now! Questions? Email Gifts with Vision. You can also call us at 1-844-715-7969. Why be a Mission and Service Volunteer? You love the Mission and Service stories and want to share them: you’ve been reading the stories on the website every now and then, and you think they would inspire your congregation – if only you could hear about how other people were using them! As a volunteer, you get a weekly email with information you can use, plus resources to help you spread the word about Mission and Service in your community and online.  You can also virtually meet other Mission and Service volunteers and learn what works for them!  Contact us today to learn more!      Mission and Service Volunteer Program    The United Church of Canada Foundation  ms@united-church.ca    1-800-465-3771  GOD’S MISSION, OUR GIFTS is your newsletter. We want to provide news and information that you can use in your community of faith, whether you’re a minister, a board member, an administrator, a treasurer, or anyone else who wants to make a difference.   What else would you like to see? What can we do to help your community of faith get where it needs to go? Send us your thoughts! Donate Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn   Your generosity enables the United Church to love, serve, and minister in the world. Make an online donation or learn more about your options to support the work of the church.

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