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Peace be with you, 

This weekend The United Church of Canada is turning 100 years old! This anniversary has been embraced as a church as an opportunity to celebrate the past century while we look forward, imagining what future awaits this church in the years to come. There have been lots of different celebrations planned at the local, regional, and national level throughout the year to celebrate the occasion. 

One of the centennial projects I want to let you know about is a colouring book that honours different United Church members and their contributions to The United Church over the years. While it was designed with a third grade reading level, I think it’s a wonderful way to learn the stories of people like Joseph Vessot (a French clergy from the early 1800s), Rev Lydia Gruchy (the first woman to be ordained in our church), and Wilbur Howard (the first Black minister in the UCC). 

I am also honoured to share that I am a part of this project! You can read my story and take a look at the colouring page here: Michiko Bown-Kai 

Michiko’s story shows how important it is to find people you can be yourself with. We all 
need to work together to make sure everyone feels welcome and loved at church. One of the 
ways we can do this is by celebrating how God uniquely made each of us. When we let our 
light shine, we help make the world a better place. 

I hope that you will be able to join the Olde Fashioned Picnic Celebration this Sunday happening in Bethel Road United Church in the afternoon. It is always so wonderful to gather as the larger body of Christ and remember that we are part of a beautiful and powerful network of faithful disciples. All the details found below in this newsletter!

 

Yours in Christ, 

Rev Michiko