First United Church, Waterloo

We are heartbroken by the tragic violence in Montréal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood and grieve the lives lost. We hold in prayer all who have been affected, including the injured, first responders, loved ones, and the wider community.

Currently reports point to violence rooted in hatred and misogyny, we reaffirm the sacred worth and dignity of every person. We pray for an end to all violence, especially violence against women and girls, and for a society shaped by respect, justice, compassion, and peace.

God of healing and hope, comfort the grieving, strengthen those who serve and protect, and guide us in building communities where all can live free from fear.

Nous sommes profondément bouleversés par la violence tragique survenue dans le quartier Côte-des-Neiges à Montréal et nous pleurons les vies perdues. Nous portons dans la prière toutes les personnes touchées, y compris les personnes blessées, les premiers répondants, leurs proches et l’ensemble de la communauté.

Alors que les informations actuelles indiquent une violence enracinée dans la haine et la misogynie, nous réaffirmons le caractère sacré et la dignité de chaque personne. Nous prions pour la fin de toute violence, en particulier la violence faite aux femmes et aux filles, et pour une société façonnée par le respect, la justice, la compassion et la paix.

Dieu de guérison et d’espérance, réconforte celles et ceux qui sont en deuil, fortifie les personnes qui servent et protègent, et guide-nous dans la construction de communautés où toutes et tous peuvent vivre à l’abri de la peur.

[Côte-des-Neiges - By Colocho - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0: https://ow.ly/OUKK50ZfuFA, Wikipedia]

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

Happy Father's Day to the fathers and father figures in our lives. We thank you for your love and wisdom, and for the ways you raise us up with grace and encouragement.

We also remember and lift up those who may find this day difficult—those who have lost fathers, those who are estranged from them, and those yearning to become fathers.

Our hearts are full of gratitude and love for you.

Today the Anglican Church of Canada, Presbyterian Church in Canada, and United Church of Canada collectively gifted the NCTR 1.5 million dollars in support of our new home.

With this gift, we are another step closer to making Survivors’ vision of an international centre of remembrance, education, and healing, a reality.

Miigwetch for your support. 🧡

The Board Retreat with Carmen Lansdowne, PhD

Back by popular demand. We are so excited to announce our newest edition of the Willow River Park T-shirts. They will be available this Sunday at the lighting of the first fire! Make sure to grab yours!

Cash and e transfer will be accept

Artist credit:

Have you heard? There's only 14 DAYS left to register! And only 1,368 hours until Collective 2026!! (I mean, who's counting? *We sure are 🙈*)

Registration ends June 30 Register today at: https://www.collective-gathering.ca/

Please pray for the people of the Philippines, where a magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao island in the southern part of the country at 7:37 a.m. local time on Monday, causing widespread damage and destruction. The number of those killed or injured is still being determined.

God of justice and compassion,
You call us to be peacemakers in a world that longs for healing.
Be present with those who grieve,
those who live in fear,
and those who continue to struggle for dignity and justice.
Strengthen all who seek truth.
Guide leaders in the ways of accountability and peace.
Move our hearts beyond silence into faithful action.
Help us to work together—across communities and faiths—
in solidarity and hope,
trusting in your vision of a just and peaceful world.
Amen.

[Image: omersukrugoksu / iStock]

Joint Pride Sunday Worship