For the Beauty of the Earth
As I'm writing this, I'm taking a break from packing for a camping trip with my family. I'm looking forward to all of the sights, sounds, and smells that a week with Mother Nature can provide (ok, maybe not all). 'Unplugging' from the busyness and having time to connect with my family and God's Creation is a wonderful, grounding feeling. I hope your summer is also off to a great start!
Did you see that we recently released the Foundation’s 2021 Impact Report? Like last year's report, it’s entirely digital! Visit our website to check it out now. I know you'll be inspired and moved by the innovative United Church ministry being generously supported by Foundation donors. United, we are forging a new path!
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or the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flower,
sun and moon and stars of light,
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.
(Voices United #226)
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Spring 2022 Grant Recipients Named
Round after round, it remains a delight to announce the newest people and projects who will be buoyed by grants from the Foundation! This Spring, the Foundation Board joyfully approved funding to nearly 70 grant recipients totaling over $600,200. You can explore the results of our Spring granting cycle here on our blog: https://www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca/2022-spring-granting-cycle-results/
We are blessed to connect the faithful generosity of United Church people to the innovative, life-giving work being carried out both inside and beyond the walls of our churches, community ministries, camps and schools. Congratulations to all the Spring 2022 grant recipients; we look forward to seeing all the exciting work to come!
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Fall Grant Round Open
You may be enjoying your Summer gardening, but it's also time to start thinking about a different type of planting: seeds of hope that will grow into powerful ministry! Our Fall granting round is now open, and we want to see your name on our next list of grantees.
To apply for a Seeds of Hope grant for your project, please complete your ( 100% paperless!) digital application by October 15, 2022. Know someone who needs help getting a program off the ground? Forward this email to let them know about this exciting opportunity!
The Seeds of Hope granting program awards approximately one million dollars each year to support innovative United Church projects. For more information or to apply today, please visit the Seeds of Hope page on our website.
We are always available if you need help completing your application, or have any further questions. Please email us at grants@united-church.ca . |
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Get to Know the Foundation Team!
Three questions with Mission Advancement Lead, Karen Seunarine.
Q: You're our Mission Advancement Lead. What does that mean?
A: The Mission Advancement Team helps to support generous people who are looking to invest in the future of The United Church of Canada (UCC) and The United Church of Canada Foundation (UCCF). Our team listens to donors to find out what their passions and desires are for a more caring world and aligns those desires with partners, projects and programs the UCC/UCCF support. If you have questions about what opportunities there are for donating to a particular cause, supporting your local church, starting a named endowment, or donating stock, I'm here to help!
Q: What is your background?
A: After graduating from Tyndale University with my Masters of Theological studies in 2006, I worked at many charitable organizations. In 2015, I joined The United Church of Canada and currently work for both the Foundation and United Church leading the Mission Advancement Team.
Q: What do you love most about your work?
A: I am constantly encouraged by the generosity of people who want to make a difference! I enjoy building relationships with donors and helping align their dreams for giving with the many partners, programs and Funds with in the United Church and the Foundation.
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Whether it is a long-term or short-term fund, an endowment, or stocks you want to donate; call Karen to discuss how you can support initiatives to create a more just world here and now and for generations to come. Karen looks forward to hearing from you and would like to thank each and every one of our donors for their generosity!
Contact Karen by phone at 416-779-7745 or toll-free 1-800-268-3781 ext. 6227 or send her an email kseunarine@united-church.ca. |
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Summer Blessings!
While the following prayer from Karen Bridges and Shauna Gibbons¹ is fitting for my upcoming time in the great outdoors, I think you'll find it meaningful for your adventures too; physical or spiritual (or both!), close to home or further afield, and not just this Summer, but in all seasons. Let's pray it together.
Creator God, we hear your wilderness cry from the depth of our souls and long to answer. We seek you out in the silence and beauty of nature, in the sound of the birds, the rustling trees, the lapping water, and the crunching of branches. Our eyes and ears are opened to your presence in the newness of day, the brisk air, and the colours of the sunrise. Be with us in this time of storytelling and memories, guiding us along the forest’s edge into oneness with you. May we follow faithfully the way of Jesus in this and all the paths of our lives. Amen.
I hope you'll stay connected with us over the Summer; we'll continue to bring you more stories of hope and faith in action, learning opportunities and Good News you can use. If you're new to the Foundation's newsletter, I'd love for you to subscribe so we can stay in touch: https://mailchi.mp/united-church/vkekj0a3vy!
Blessings,
Sarah Charters
President
PS Don't miss out on this year's Alvin Dixon Memorial Run/Walk which is happening through the end of this month! Organize a run for your Community of Faith or other group, run/walk on your own or with a friend, sponsor a group or participant, or simply make a donation to support Indigenous students entering or continuing post-secondary education or study at religious and spiritual centres!
¹ © 2015 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike License.
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