Member Church News: Reflect, Worship, Counsel

Then and now: Living in a time of pandemic: Swiss Reformer Ulrich Zwingli can help the church discern how to meet the challenges of COVID-19.

The gift of being a minority: Interview with pastor Peter Ciaccio talking about social commitment and the role of the church.

The Uniting Church in Australia’s website is hosting stories and worship resources that celebrate First Peoples’ God-given relationship with the land.

United Church of Canada shares a new vision of mission: “The God of mission has a church in the world,” says Michael Blair, assuming the role of general secretary of the church.

All are warmly invited to register now for a free online learning experience to be held 6-26 January 2021, on key topics and themes in worship and the Christian life at the Calvin Symposium on Worship. This online experience is designed for learners of all ages: students, faculty, artists, musicians, pastors, scholars, teachers, worship leaders, and planners, and all other interested worshipers around the world.

National leaders of the United Church of Christ are inviting the denomination’s members and partners to join them in an online “Pre-Election Communion Service of Unity in Hope” at 7 p.m. (EST) Monday, 2 November, on the eve of a U.S. general election like none other.

For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on mental health. But are we paying close enough attention? In a Q&A, Irene Kraegel, director of the Center for Counseling and Wellness at Calvin University, digs into the pandemic’s impact and shares some best practices that can help us through this season.

The October issue of the Council of World Mission’s INSiGHT, which attempts to unpack and define life-flourishing communities, is now available.

Hans-Ruedi Weber dies at 97: During his long career, Weber made the Bible come alive for thousands of people through Bible studies that he coordinated with groups from many different cultures, contexts and situations.

Heinrich Bedford-Strohm will not seek another term as chair of the Council of the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany).

The World Council of Churches has announced an essay competition for youth who want to reflect on the theme “The Future of Interreligious Dialogue.” The contest marks the 50th anniversary of the WCC’s Office of Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation.

Organized by the Christian Conference of Asia, the annual Asian Ecumenical Institute, a month-long ecumenical formation and leadership development training course, is set to commence next week on 2 November.