Justice Seeking
Yet, in love, the one eternal God seeks a relationship.
So God creates the universe and with it the possibility of being and relating.
God tends the universe, mending the broken and reconciling the estranged.
God enlivens the universe, guiding all things toward harmony with their Source.
Grateful for God’s loving action, We cannot keep from singing.
- Song of Faith 2006 -
The main difference between justice and charity is that charity is meeting someone’s immediate needs and helping them, while justice is getting to the root of the problem and solving it more permanently. Both are part of the Christian response. However, it is vital to move from charity to justice to effect real, positive, and long-lasting change.
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We believe that we strengthen one another to work, through God's grace, for a better world. Living Spirit United Church cooperates with other churches, faith traditions, and people of goodwill to eliminate inequities, seek justice and protect those who are most vulnerable.
Mission & Service Fund
Our congregation gives generously to the work of the United Church of Canada in Canada and around the world through the Mission and Service Fund. We are very proud of our track record and the work that Mission and Service are doing.
Being Good Relations Circle
The mandate of the Being Good Relations Circle - Chinook Winds and Northern Spirit Regions from the United Church of Canada is to encourage good relations between Indigenous and non - Indigenous people. The group is comprised of both indigenous and non-indigenous members of the UCC from the regions noted. We gather for conversations, connections, and friendship. Ideas and resources are shared, as we discover ways to live into the Calls for Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day is a national event held in Canada on September 30th each year. The day honours the Indigenous children who were taken away from their families and forced to attend residential schools, which were run by the Canadian government and various Christian denominations. The day is named after the orange shirt that a young Indigenous girl, Phyllis Webstad, had taken away from her on her first day of residential school. The event is an opportunity to educate Canadians about the legacy of residential schools, to remember the survivors, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The Blanket Exercise
Living Spirit UC had the privilege of having Wilson Bearhead and Seneca Crowe Dueck facilitate three sessions of the Blanket Exercise. With their guidance, we were able to deepen our understanding of Indigenous history and develop a stronger sense of empathy and connection. We're grateful for their important work.
No More Stolen Sisters
The issue of violence against women, particularly Indigenous women, is frequently not recognized as a matter of human rights. Typically, when violence against women is addressed by governments, media, and the general public, it is categorized as a criminal or social concern.
While this is true, Indigenous women and girls possess the right to safety and freedom from violence. When a woman is subjected to violence based on her gender or Indigenous identity, her essential rights are violated. Furthermore, if authorities fail to provide sufficient protection due to her gender or Indigenous identity, her rights are being infringed upon.
Pride Month
Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of love, equality, and self-acceptance that takes place every June. It is a time when the LGBTQ+ community and its allies come together to honour the rich history, diverse experiences, and remarkable achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. During this month, colourful parades, festivals, and events fill the streets, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, solidarity, and pride. It is a time to reflect on the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges that remain. Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing diversity, advocating for equality, and creating a world where everyone can be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination.
Photo Courtesy of Claire and Brian Sather 2022
Food Bank Sunday
In an effort to alleviate hunger in the local community, Living Spirit United Church has designated the first Sunday of every month as a time to donate to the Drayton Area Community Food Bank Society.
Refugee/Immigrant Settlement
We believe that hospitality to the refugees in our midst is fundamental to the Gospel of Christ and God’s way of working in the world. In 2015 a group organized to support a family from Syria. The group included concerned community members, members from All Saints Anglican Church, the former United Church (now Living Spirit United Church), and members of the local Lebanese community who graciously provided translation. Our connection with the family continues and we give thanks for all we have learned from each other. Applications have been submitted to support a brother and his family of our present family. We have also submitted an application to sponsor a cousin here as an immigrant.
The Bissell Centre
The Bissell Centre is an inclusive, client-centred organization that recognizes the dignity and strengths of individuals and families and offers the support they need to overcome poverty. The Bissell Centre’s history began as a Methodist mission in 1910, founded by the Reverend William Pike and his wife Florence. It then collaborated with a Presbyterian Mission. When the United Church of Canada (UCC) came into being, the Bissell Center continued under the direction of the UCC. Although no longer a UCC Mission, many UCC individuals, and communities of faith, including LSUC, continue to support their work. Our annual White Gift contributions and our Christmas Eve special offer support the work of Bissell.
Care of Creation Garden Tour
In July we offer a self-directed garden tour. For many participants, some of the joy is in the opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbours. An equally important outcome is offering the participants information on the work of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and sending the UCC partner our proceeds.
Food Pantry
Food Pantries are managed by Warming Hearts. We are grateful to the many groups/businesses that provide food to help keep the pantries filled.
Tools 4 Schools
With the support of the community, LSUC coordinates an annual Tools 4 Schools ministry. Individuals and businesses contribute basic school items or cash (tax receipts available). Items donated are divided equitably by age/student population between the schools. Each school is invited to submit a “wish list” and the cash we have received is used to purchase as many of the requests as we can. Supplies are left at the schools for staff to distribute as a need is identified.
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