First United Church, Waterloo

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

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]