We are a united church! This week, include Canada’s largest Protestant denomination, The United Church of Canada, in your prayers.

And please consider making a special donation to the Mission and Service (M&S) Fund in the anniversary envelope provided in honour of the 85th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada. Please make cheques payable to Islington United Church.

The United Church of Canada was born 85 years ago, on June 10, 1925. On that day, leaders of the Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and General Council of Union churches met at the Mutual Street Arena in Toronto, and put aside fear and competitiveness to sign the Basis of Union. Some said the new denomination wouldn’t last, but 85 years later, we are still uniquely united.

It has not been an easy journey. United Church members lived through the Great Depression and World War II together. Internally, we have engaged in difficult debates that have sometimes stretched the bonds of our unity. Through it all we have remained The United Church of Canada.

In our 85 years as a denomination we have done much. The theme for this anniversary is “Remember, Renew, Rejoice! 85 Years of The United Church of Canada.” We are called to celebrate our history, the initiatives that we took, the causes our church supported, the great friendship and fellowship we offered to Canadians. Then we are called to renewal, to consider our current ministry projects, which give us energy as a denomination. Finally, we are called to rejoice, as part of God’s wondrous creation, for what we have to offer Canada and the world. Hallelujah!

Throughout our history, The United Church of Canada has relied on the caring financial support of our members to help make our world a better place. As you remember, renew, and rejoice, please continue to support the Mission and Service (M&S) Fund, our United Fund for a United Vision.

Faithful, inclusive, just, compassionate, serving, tolerant.
These are some of the words that United Church people use to describe The United Church of Canada. Together they illustrate our United Church values, and a United Vision. They are the powerful values that we support with the Mission and Service Fund. Through M&S-funded work, the world sees in us the hands and face of Jesus in places where we cannot go as individuals or even as a congregation.
It’s a United Fund for a United Vision.