Faith Formation
Faith formation is at the heart of what the Christian life is all about. As we engage in daily spiritual practices, as we participate in the rituals of our faith communities, as we work for justice and peace—our faith is nurtured, enlivened, sustained, and formed. The ministry of faith formation takes seriously the prophet Isaiah’s image of Potter God actively forming humanity: we are always in formation by and for God.
Faith Formation News
See below to find the latest news about what is upcoming for Faith Formation with your Community of Fatih:
Faith Formation October Newsletter
Free Summer Sabbath Resource
A Gift from Your Regional Council
As we anticipate the gifts of summer, your Regional Council is pleased to provide you with a free resource.
Inventions of Summer
or Worship Series for your Community of Faith
- Print and share with congregants to keep community if your church takes a summer break.
- Use and adapt as a creative Summer Worship series with ready-made reflections and prayers for Communities of Faith.
- Easy-to-use four week worship resource for Communities of Faith without ministry leadership or when leaders are on holiday or study leave.
- Use as personal or family summer spiritual practice on vacation, at the cottage, or for stay-at-home vacations.
- Enjoy in Small Group gatherings on decks, beaches or gardens.
- Print-ready PDF booklet (8 double-sided pages)
- Editable Word file to personalize the booklet for your community of faith or to share with friends (includes space for your personalized welcome/greeting to your congregants)
- Permission to print and share freely within your community
- Additional Worship Planning Notes with prayers, blessings, music suggestions, and ideas for preparing your worship space.
- A short introductory video and theme photo for use in bulletins or on social media.
The Four Themes
1. Sunflowers – Pronouncing a Blessing
Receiving the day and affirming Goodness.
2. String Beans – Taking Up the Offerings
Thanksgiving and returning blessing to Earth.
3. Mosquitoes – Praying Through Hard Times
Honest prayer when life irritates or wounds.
4. Fireflies – Praying for Others
A practice of carrying others in Love.
with Prayer Bench at www.prayerbench.ca
Download the Resource Here
A Gift for the Season! Reflect and pray each day this Easter!
As a gift to the United Church community, Growth Animator Sharon Ballantyne (Atlantic Regions), has written a 50-day Eastertide devotional. These seven weeks of prompts focus on sharing the story of Resurrection, ministry as a community, and living a life of discipleship. Explore it personally or as part of a group.
📖 Access the booklet formatted PDF (Printing instructions: select double-sided, print on long-edge)
📄Access the simple Word Doc version
For questions about formatting or printing contact Tori Mullin at tmullin@united-church.ca.
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!
Staff Support
SHAWN REDDEN
Justice and Faith Formation Minister
Direct Phone: 249-489-2004
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
Toll Free: 1-888-747-9063, Ext. 6
Direct Phone: 249-480-0390
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.