At such a time as this, we are living with respect in Creation.
The New Creed invites us to Live with respect in Creation, a call that is more important now than ever before. This year, we helped transform a garden with native plants, established a fund for scholarships, and supported an environment-focused workshop.
Awarded through 7 Seeds of Hope grants
Awarded through 3 grants from the New Ministries Fund
Transforming a garden to better suit native species
Thanks in part to a Seeds of Hope grant, Eden United Church (Mississauga, ON) completely transformed their old garden space into a peaceful, reflective place with a pollinator garden containing over 300 native, plants, trees, grasses, and shrubs. We were delighted to join the dedication of their Peace Garden on September 24th; it was a powerful experience to witness the impact of this project on their faith community!
The native plant movement seeks to provide natural, healthy environments for native species of bugs, birds, butterflies, and critters of all sizes. Native plants and species have evolved over 10,000 years to suit each other, while non-native plants do less to feed and shelter native species.
By transforming their church garden, Eden United seeks to live up to their namesake and create a haven for native pollinators. In doing so, they’re also preserving native species – many of which are in decline – and natural green spaces.
The Eden Church Peace Garden Committee would love to share notes on their process of growing a native plants garden with anyone interested in starting their own! Contact the Foundation to get in touch:
Photos: Jessica Smith / United Church of Canada Foundation
Honouring a former Moderator’s legacy
The Very Rev. Dr. William (Bill) Phipps, the United Church of Canada’s 36th Moderator, faithfully served in the role from 1997 to 2000. Rev. Phipps died on March 4, 2022. To honour his advocacy and commitment to justice, the Bill Phipps Memorial Fund was established at the Foundation to provide bursaries to Indigenous, Inuit, and Metis students engaging in social and climate justice.
During his time as Moderator, Bill championed, and led by example, a style of engaged, prophetic ministry that has been central to the ethos and witness of The United Church of Canada. After his tenure as Moderator, he continued as a strong advocate for Indigenous rights, peace, justice, and ecological integrity.
Bill’s kind of leadership is needed more than ever as the United Church and many community-based organizations address the challenges of the 21st century. A leadership style that is contextual, relational, and passionate for the common GOOD.
To honour Bill’s legacy and lifelong commitment to social and climate justice, The Bill Phipps Memorial Fund will also assist leadership development in innovation and sustainability within The United Church and other community organisations.
In May of 2023, the Fund was officially launched with a special service at Hillhurst United Church in Calgary, AB. We are grateful to the family and friends of The Very Rev. Dr. Bill Phipps for creating this Fund and entrusting a part of Bill’s legacy to the Foundation. Today and always, we are thankful for his life and work.
Photo: Family of Rev. Phipps
Looking at Creation in a new way
The Denman Island United Church (Denman Island, BC) wanted to showcase a different, spiritual view of Creation through their Elements of Creation workshop. The weekend event highlighted the activist Reclaiming Movement that honours the earth and holds it as sacred. The event was made possible thanks to a grant from the Environmental Fund.
Bringing together diverse views of sacredness and nature, the Elements of Creation workshop invited attendees of all demographics, beliefs, and backgrounds into Denman Island United Church’s Gathering Place for a weekend of learning and reflection.
In addition to learning about the Reclaiming Movement, Denman Island United Church hoped that the event would also be an opportunity for fellowship and healing for those who had negative experiences while attending churches in the past.
Money supporting the event came from the Environmental Endowment Fund, which was established in 2012 with a gift from Moderator Mardi Tindal.
The fund supports the church’s initiatives which enable it to live with respect in Creation as a denomination and spirit-filled people and to actively work towards leaving our environment in a better state than we found it.
Video: United Church of Canada Foundation
Growing and Creating God,
At such a time as this,
Help us grow with each other
And care for our earth.
Amen.
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www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca
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Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
The United Church of Canada Foundation provides service and support to all courts of the Church and United Church-related institutions and organizations.
The Foundation facilitates gifts of stocks, mutual funds, etc., provides grants for innovative and unique programs and projects run by United Church-related organizations, and facilitates the longterm support of all courts of the Church and their mission and service.