Events

Covenanter Church, Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia ; the Gospel, Ecumenism and Theology Committee of Maritime Conference ; and the Unit of Ministries in French invite members of the United Church across Canada to light a candle, a "light of hope and healing," on the evening of July 28. After lighting the candle, place it in a window facing out into the world.

We ask church members to join in this symbol of prayer and solidarity with Acadian people across Canada. This gesture will coincide with commemoration events at Covenanter Church in Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia, on the evening of July 28.

Appropriate liturgy, gestures of solidarity, and activities for children and adults are proposed below.

Individuals and congregations wishing to take part in this gesture : please contact us by e-mail or fax to let us know of your participation.

Include your first name, community, and province. A list of participants will be presented to the Acadian associations that have organized the commemorative events as a further sign of our solidarity.

The Resources

Light of Hope and Healing: Congregations/Members Edition

This 10-page booklet will help congregation members more fully participate in the July 28 remembrance events. It encourages both reflecting on the past and standing up against today's tragedies—such as those in Bosnia, Darfur, Kosovo, Rwanda, Palestine, and on First Nations ancestral lands.

The booklet is available in French and Mi'kmaq/English and Mi'kmaq. Please contact MiF to place an order.

Light of Hope and Healing: Pastors/Leaders Edition

This resource is designed for congregational use—to help sensitize and inform church members of this little-known part of our history.

It includes

• an expanded historical summary
• scriptural reflections
• suggestions for group discussions
• suggestions for Sunday worship
• personal commentary from Acadians and First Nations peoples

In French and Mi'kmaq/English and Mi'kmaq. Printed version available upon request.

• Download Pastors/Leaders Edition [PDF: 49 pp/572 KB]

For more information please contact:

• Acadie July 28th Committee
  c/o Ministères en français
  L'Église Unie du Canada / The United Church of Canada
  1435 City Councillors,
  Montréal, QC H3A 2E4
  Téléphone: 514-284-1675
  Télécopieur: 514-284-1672
  Courriel: Ministères en français