Our congregation is hosting a funeral for a community member. This man did not have a church connection. We are providing tea, coffee and dishes for the reception. A caterer is doing the food.

We have set up extra chairs for the services-and an additional screen and projector in the lobby.

Our big room has had a makeove and is now full of small table with tableclothses and looks great.

We'll be doing the dishes and clean up.

Does your church have a fee schedule for funerals?

Does anyone know of a United Church in the West GTA that offers the Religion in Life Scouting program?

When I do a good deed, I feel great.I didn't realize that watching another person do a good deed could make me feel just as good—maybe better.

This week, during a hasty trip to a shopping mall, I walked past a man carrying a woman's purse. The man, dressed in full military uniform, sought out the mall security guards. He handed the purse to them and said, "Something to keep you busy." The man had found the purse left behind in the food court and decided to do the right thing.

Do you have any feedback to share about the United Church's 2009-2011 Living for the Earth: Choosing Creation over Empire mission theme? What did you think about the concept? The resources that were produced?

How about ideas for 2013-2015, after we've completed the current "Are We Healthy?" theme? We're looking to hear from lots of people and know what you're interested in and passionate about!

The Design Team and Local Arrangements Team are getting ready to welcome YOU to Rendez-vous 2011 coming up August 11-14 at Emmanuel College and Koerner Hall in Toronto.

We have a great line-up of speakers: Shane Claiborne, Trey Anthony, Rodger Nishioka, and our very own Mardi Tindal!

We have a great line-up of musicians: rEvolve, Rick Gunn, Karla Adolphe, Abbey North Drummers!

We have workshops by some great United Church leaders as well as ecumenical friends too numerous to list here!

In Friday’s post , SchoolBOX president Tom Affleck told us that the most rewarding aspect of his work has been witnessing creation—seeing his work begin as a mustard seed and then grow and evolve.

I really love stories about the power of one. I love stories that involve a person—just an ordinary person—starting out on a journey that seems impossible, even crazy, at the beginning, but then persevering and doing miraculous things. These stories let us know that we can change the world.

What are the transformative moments in your life? When have you received a lightning flash of insight that changed your point of view, or even the direction of your life?

At the age of seventeen I went to Mexico on a student exchange. When I arrived I spoke no Spanish. My introduction to the language began at breakfast the morning after my arrival. My host held up a fork. “Tenedor,” he said.

10. Critical thinking

There are faith communities out there that don't want to tell you what to think! There are faith communities out there that say, "Let me share something with you so that we can explore this mystery together." Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples provide places for you to sit and listen and really ponder matters fundamental to our lives together.

 BELIEVE is an LGBT & Friends social outreach group from St. James United Church, in Montreal.

Please join us for our March Gathering: