Children, Youth and Young Adults
Children, youth, and young adults are valued members of The United Church with much to recieve and contribute to our faith communities. Young people are recipients of the church’s ministry, but they are also participants and contributors to its life, mission, and witness.
Taking young people seriously is essential to the journey toward wholeness in the church. Each person, at whatever age, will have gifts and needs within the community. The integration of children and youth into the church is an important part in the journey toward the wholeness that God intends for God’s church.
Leading from the Heart Project
Are you a youth (under 30) who is concerned about environmental and social crisis facing humanity, and wish you could do something about it but need a bit of support? Have you ever wondered how faith can help us fight for a better world? The Social and Ecological Justice Commission would like to collaborate with you!
Leading from the Heart is a program developed to help empower youth voices like your own on key issues related to the themes of the United Churches Social and Ecological Justice Commission, including but not limited to:
- Ecological Justice (Including Climate Change)
- Anti-Racism
- Homelessness and Poverty
- Israel/Palestine
- Right Relations
- LGBTQ2S+ Advocacy and Inclusion
Whatever event you can imagine, as long as it connects to these themes, is welcome. When you apply to the program, you will be matched to a United Church mentor who will help you access space for your event, logistical support, and $500 towards whatever resources you need to realize your vision. (This may include, but are not limited to, supplies, food, guest speakers, honorarium, and advertising).
Submit your idea (with a short description and budget outline) here. Or for more questions email Shawn Redden at sredden@united-church.ca or Celio de Andrade Santos Jr at cdeandrade@united-church.ca
We are excited to hear from you!
Youth Forum of the 45th General Council
The Youth Forum of the 45th General Council will take place in Calgary, Alberta, from August 5-12, 2025. Youth across the country are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the event. Participants can get answers to questions like Who can go?, What will we do?, How do I get there?, What will we eat?, and more. More information here.
The next info session is:
- November 30, Saturday at 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Eastern
Programs and Resources for Youth and Young Adults
Programs, resources and events that promote faith, mission, service—and fun—for children, youth, and young adults.
View the Youth and Young Adult page of The United Church of Canada website.
United Church Camps – information on the United Church Camps in our region, with camp details and locations near you.
Creating Conversations – a video series featuring a variety of topics that youth and young adults are keenly interested in exploring further. These short videos have been created so that communities of faith may utilize them in their engagement with youth and young adult ministry.
Staff Support
SHAWN REDDEN
Justice and Faith Formation Minister
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6773
Email: sredden@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils
Location: Teleworks from her home
Role: Shawn encourages and connects communities of faith with matters of faith and justice and the regional council in youth and young adult ministry and matters of faith formation and liaises with the General Council in this regard.
Contact Shawn about: Affirming Ministry; Camping Ministries; Faith Formation; Guaranteed Income; Harm Reduction; Homelessness; Poverty; Social and Eco-justice; Worship and Music; Youth and Young Adult Ministry, United Church Women (UCW)
CELIO de ANDRADE SANTOS Jr.
Administrative Support
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 2020
Email: cdeandrade@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council and Canadian Shield Regional Council
Location: Teleworks and works in the Guthrie office
Role: Celio provides administrative support to Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils.