Your August Mission and Service Stories and more!

Emancipation Day August 1, 2026 marks Emancipation Day, commemorating the legal abolition of slavery on the land that is now Canada. It’s a day to remember our history, acknowledge that racism continues to impact lives today, and renew our commitment to building a more just and equitable future. This Emancipation Day, The United Church of Canada Foundation is extending an invitation to help sustain anti-racism initiatives across the church. Gifts will support programs that address racial injustice and create opportunities for learning, healing, and conversation. Powerful anti-racism initiatives are happening across our church in response to the truths that racialized and Indigenous Peoples have bravely shared and acknowledge their stories of resistance and strength. Contributions to the Foundation are an investment in these crucial initiatives, such as: The United Church of Canada’s 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism, which encourages vital conversations about racial discrimination across our church communities. Our involvement in Fund Canada, which aims to unlock $500 million in grants by 2030, focusing on underfunded leaders and underrepresented voices. This funding will transform communities by investing in leaders with lived experiences to drive necessary change. The Indigenous and Racialized Youth Scholars Program, an investment in young leaders in the church, encouraging their participation in dialogues that shape the future of our society. Together, we can continue the work of becoming an anti-racist church. The giving page is online here: https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/anti-racism/donations-anti-racism-work Your August Mission and Service Stories PowerPoint slides for each story are available on the Mission and Service Resources page. August 2 Threads of Identity Mamohkamatowin Spiritual Community Inc. is helping Indigenous participants in Saskatoon reconnect with culture and community through a ribbon skirt-making program. The program combines practical sewing skills with teachings from an Elder, creating opportunities to build confidence, celebrate identity, and carry traditions forward. August 9 A Girls' School that Grows  For more than a decade, People's Action Forum has supported girls' education in Zambia. That work continues to grow with the development of a new girls' school, creating more opportunities for girls to stay in school and build brighter futures. August 16 Breaking the Silence A bursary program through Breaking the Silence is making it possible for more people to participate in human rights delegations to Guatemala. This year's delegation includes a Mi'kmaq couple who will share knowledge, build relationships with Indigenous partners, and bring new learnings home to strengthen their own community. August 23 Faithful Futures Young people are searching for places where they can belong. The Hub Community Network is creating welcoming spaces across Southern Ontario where youth and young adults can build friendships, explore faith, and experience God's inclusive love. August 30 Nourishing Students As students return to campus this fall, Brock University's Ecumenical Chaplaincy is helping address student food insecurity with homemade meals prepared by local church volunteers. This practical ministry is ensuring students have access to nutritious food and a caring community when they need it most.

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 can have Mission and Service stories for the upcoming month sent right to your email inbox. They’re part of a weekly email with lots of information you can use.  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  Gifts with Vision News   Looking for a gift that gives twice? The Gifts with Vision online catalogue is brimming with meaningful ways to celebrate birthdays, holidays, milestones, or even "just because!" From supporting food security and education to caring for creation and emergency response, there's something for everyone. Take a look... you might just find the perfect gift. Take a look now! Questions? Email Gifts with Vision. You can also call us at 1-844-715-7969. Congregational Stewardship/Generosity   Stewardship news has moved! As of July 2026, you can find Stewardship resources and more through the Community of Faith Stewardship page.  Get the Stewardship support you need. The people and resources to help you succeed are here. 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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