The Very Rev. David Giuliano

May 29, 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings in these days of Easter and Pentecost. I am writing to invite you to join me on June 10, the anniversary of our denomination, in a national day of prayer for The United Church of Canada.

We are preparing now for our 40th General Council, to be held in Kelowna, B.C., in August. Many in the church have been using “Called to Be Church,” a document released earlier this year and intended to generate grassroots reflection and conversation about our church. We hope that it will be used in the context of prayer, to enrich and deepen the work of the General Council. You can find it on The United Church of Canada website (www.united-church.ca).

The suggestion of praying together across the church on June 10 came to me from Jack Scott, chairperson of Fellowship Magazine, who wrote to me recently to let me know of discussions he has been part of based on “Called to Be Church.” I encourage you to use June 10, or Sunday, June 7, as a time for reflection and prayer for The United Church of Canada, and for all those who will carry the responsibility of making decisions at General Council.

Some of us pray for our church regularly. Some celebrate a rich and faithful history. Others lament our failures. Still others offer visions and hope for what lies ahead. We all want to enter into a silence in which God may speak to us. Whatever your prayer, or your way of praying, let us join our hearts together in goodwill for continued and growing faith in the Way of Jesus through The United Church of Canada.

Peace be with you,
The Right Rev. David Giuliano,
Moderator