Belonging Believing Becoming
Curious about Jesus, the United Church or what it might mean to belong to a community of faith? Come with your questions, doubts and experiences, and discover where this six-week journey might lead.
Belonging, Believing, Becoming
A Six-Week Introduction to Jesus, The United Church of Canada and Your Local Community of Faith
What does it mean to follow Jesus? What makes The United Church of Canada distinctive? And is there room in the church for your questions, experiences and evolving beliefs?
Belonging, Believing, Becoming is a welcoming six-week journey for people who are new to the United Church, returning after time away, arriving from another tradition or exploring faith for the first time. It is also a meaningful refresher for those who have been part of the church for years and would like to understand it more deeply.
The journey begins with Jesus—his stories, teachings, relationships, death and resurrection—and asks why people continue to follow his way. You do not need to arrive with settled beliefs or the “right” answers. This is a place to learn, wonder, speak honestly and listen to the experiences of others.
Each gathering centres on a story of Jesus and a simple symbol—an open table, a loaf of bread, a Bible and lamp, water, a candle, a towel and basin, or a woven cord. Together, these symbols connect the Christian story with United Church faith and the realities of everyday life.
Over six weeks, we will explore welcome and belonging, different ways of believing, Scripture, worship, justice, service and life in a community of faith. A New Creed will accompany us throughout the journey, gradually unfolding its vision of a God who is with us and a church called to love, serve and seek justice.
Come as you are—with your faith, your doubts, your curiosity and your story. Belonging can begin before believing is settled, and becoming is the journey we share
What to Expect
Over six relaxed, 90-minute gatherings, you will explore Jesus, the Bible, worship, the beliefs and practices of The United Church of Canada, and the different ways people understand and live their faith. Each session includes stories, Christian symbols, short presentations or videos, conversation, and opportunities for reflection.
You do not need any previous church experience, and you will not be expected to have the “right” answers—or even to agree with everyone else. Questions, doubts, curiosity, and different points of view are all welcome.
We cannot promise that you will be especially holy by the end of six weeks! We do hope you will leave with more information, a better understanding of the United Church, some new companions for the journey, and a clearer sense of what you believe—or what you would like to explore next.
Meet the Team
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Beth Walker
Program Design and Facilitator
Minister with All Souls at Fairfield United Church -

Michelle Slater
Program Design and Facilitator
Regional Minister for LeaderShift · The United Church of CanadaRegional Minister for LeaderShift at The United Church of Canada
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Core Resources
The Bible, especially the selected Gospel passages
The United Church of Canada, A New Creed
The United Church crest and its history
A Godly Play presentation about the crest, the Bible
Janet Gear, The Theological Banquet video workshop series and materials
Janet Gear, Undivided Love: Navigating Landscapes of Living Faith
Building God’s Beloved Community discipleship resources
Current United Church resources on Jesus and Christian faith, Scripture, worship, sacraments, membership, governance, apologies, reconciliation, Affirming ministry, anti-racism, and Creation care
Stories, symbols, worship materials, and examples from the host community of faith