The United Church of Canada celebrates its 85th anniversary this year and in celebration, the Richard United Church Women association organized a program to honour the historic event.
Fifty guests from surrounding United Church parishes and other faiths gathered in the Richard Hall Aug. 28 to enjoy a brief program and social.
Membership in the program included Alice Potter, Ruth Reiley, Charlotte Gillatt, Hattie Wawryk, Lorna McDonald, Rev. Ellen Wood, Rev. Nora Borgeson and Ida Gillatt. Members missing were Gayle Wensley and Laveta Johnson.
The theme for the program was Remember! Renew! Rejoice! and the program provided a condensed history of the evolution of the United Church of Canada.
In 1925, a historic ceremony took place in Toronto's Mutual Street Arena. The inaugural service of the new United Church of Canada was held joining together three denominations: Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist.
"The United Church of Canada works hard to be open and inclusive, seeking to draw in people of different races and cultures and creeds," explained Lorna McDonald. "Interfaith dialogue and partnership is absolutely vital in our multicultural society."
Rev. Ellen Wood used the United Church crest to best describe the history.
"The crest was designed and each part of the crest has significance," began Rev Ellen Wood.
"The oval shape is derived from the outline of a fish, the symbol of identity by early Christians, while the initials of the words, 'Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour' spell the Greek word for fish. The crest is designed in the form of a St. Andrew's cross with an insignia in each of the four corners. The 'x' at the centre, is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ.
"In the four corners are symbols, three of which are particularly associated with our three communions - the Methodist, the Congregationalist and the Presbyterians. The open Bible represents the Congregationalist churches with their emphasis upon God's truth which makes people free. From this communion, we inherited the awareness of the creative power of the Holy Spirit.
"The dove is symbolic of the Holy Spirit whose transforming power has been a distinctive mark of Methodism. From this tradition we inherited concern for human redemption, the warmth of Christian fellowship and the ministry of sacred song.
"The burning bush is the symbol of Presbyterianism referring to the bush that burned and was not consumed symbolizing the indestructibility of the church. From Presbyterianism we have received a heritage of high regard for dignity in worship, the education of all people, the authority of scripture and the church as the Body of Christ.
"The symbols Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet which symbolize the eternal living God, in the fullness of Creation. The Latin words 'ut omnes unum sint' mean 'all may be one', a reminder that it is both a united and uniting church."
The United Church of Canada has always assisted others in the world. The Richard UCW assist in the mission of the United Church by annually donating $300 (from the monthly offerings) to each of the following projects: World Development and Relief; Calling Lakes; Oliver Lodge; St Andrew's College, Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Centre; Mission and Service Fund; UCW Bursary Fund and Camp Christopher.
Donations from meeting roll call are given to Saskatchewan Child Find, Heart and Stroke, Alzheimer's Society, Canadian Cancer Society and Interval House. A Lenten calendar and visits to Saskatchewan Hospital residents are two projects that the Richard UCW undertake as part of their mandate.
The program concluded with a hymn sing followed by a light lunch social.
