Food systems shape far more than what’s on our plates—they also play a significant role in climate change. The April climate webinar, hosted by the North American Climate Justice Team, invites participants to explore how what we eat, how food is produced, and how we shop all affect both our health and the environment.

Presenter Sally Eales, an educator in human and environmental sciences with a background in home economics, will share insights into food systems and their connection to greenhouse gas emissions. Drawing on personal experience and practical approaches to stewardship, she will explore ways to reduce food waste, make informed choices about food sources, and consider how everyday decisions can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. MT / 4:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. ET
Where: Zoom

By Leandro Palacios, Director of Communications

It was Lent. We were following the Passion account in the Gospel of John. Steve Thompson, from the Edmonton congregation, was our preacher. Before the sermon, and with a big smile on his face—like that of a child about to do mischief—Steve took a moment to ask: “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” I’m sure the question surprised at least a few of those gathered for worship that day, but everyone was certainly intrigued by it.

During the sermon, Steve explained that we can’t really understand “anything going on during the ministry of Jesus without understanding at least a little bit about the Roman Empire.” In the stories about Jesus that our four evangelists wrote we hear about injustice, marginalization, and suffering caused by the overarching reality of Empire.

When theologians speak of Empire—without an article—we do not only refer to the Roman Empire. Rather, Empire refers to systems of power that normalize economic inequality and sustain a status quo in which large segments of the population are marginalized and oppressed. The ministry of Jesus was a direct challenge to Empire 2,000 years ago. And although Empire may not look the same after all these years, it is still a reality in our lives today.

This question inspired Apostle Shannon McAdam to talk about Empire during her Easter sermon a few weeks later. What do Holy Week and Easter have to do with Empire? Below is an excerpt from her sermon exploring John 20:1–18, which is the World Church’s suggested lectionary scripture for this Sunday, April 5, 2026. Shannon begins by addressing Steve’s question, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?”

        For me, I’d say it is at least weekly. It is Empire that was
        oppressing the average person in Jesus’ time, Empire that
        was doing its best to corrupt the Jewish leaders, Empire that
        was reshaping industry and changing the job market. Sound
        ​familiar? It was Empire that crucified Jesus. 

In the gospels Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of God. In the original Greek this is “Basileia tou Theou.” The word “basileia” is the same word used to refer to an empire, including the Roman Empire. As odd as it may sound to us, Jesus was talking about the “Empire of God”; he was preaching and teaching about a reality in direct opposition to that of the Roman Empire—an upside-down empire in opposition to Empire. Shannon adds:

        In God’s empire, the last are first, the weak are strong, the
        Christ kneels and washes the feet of the disciples, and a
        woman is the first witness of the resurrection. Jesus wanted
        his followers to “Come and See” that a different kind of
        empire was possible. And because Jesus was killed by
        Empire, the resurrection itself is God’s unequivocal “NO” to
        Empire and the Empire’s forces of death and destruction.
        The resurrection is God saying “Come and see” that death
        and empire will not have the final word. Those we hear say
        “Jesus is Lord” are also saying “the Emperor is not Lord.”
        The Mary who proclaims “I have seen the Lord” is also
        saying “but not the Empire’s Lord.” So what could it mean
        for us, today, to say “I have seen the Lord”? And, radically,
        what could it mean for us today to say “Come and see”?
        Can we proclaim that we have been amazed by seeing the
        risen Christ in a stranger? Can we invite others into God’s
        empire of love and inclusion by saying “Come and See.”?

As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection this Sunday, I invite you to take a moment each day to meditatively walk the path of the cross with Jesus as told in the Gospel of John, chapters 18 and 19. If you are a fan of classical music, you might enjoy listening to a performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion, which closely follows this scripture. Notice how Empire is present, promoting division, discord, and competition—even among the disciples. And notice how, in every action and in every word, Jesus challenges this Empire.

What is the meaning of the Resurrection for us today? The Risen Christ stands in opposition to all unjust systems in our world. It is not only a response to Empire, but a declaration that it will not have the final word, and that—as Shannon says—a different kind of empire is possible.

​A new podcast featuring Apostle Shannon McAdam has launched as part of the Brewed Awakenings series on the Faith Unfiltered podcast (formerly Project Zion Podcast). Second Cup, co-hosted with Jack Hindle, invites listeners into thoughtful and honest conversations about faith, doubt, and some of life’s big questions. Drawing on their different backgrounds, they explore what it means to be religious, Christ-like, or simply human in a complex world.

​With curiosity, humour, and openness, each episode creates space to “walk around” big questions rather than rush to easy answers. Listeners are invited into deeper reflection on faith, discipleship, and meaning-making. Stay tuned for future episodes of Second Cup.

Preparing to officiate a wedding? Brydges Street Congregation in London, ON, invites you to attend a marriage certification course on Saturday, April 11. You can join in person or online. Online participants will receive the Zoom link and course materials after registering.

Instructor Kevin Mercer will lead this course for priesthood members serving as elders or priests who want to learn or review current church and provincial regulations. The session will focus on Ontario marriage requirements.

When: Saturday, April 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT

Where: Brydges Street Congregation, 1550 Brydges St, London, ON N5W 2C8

Registration deadline: April 9, 2026

To register, contact Nancy Baer at [email protected]

Several new opportunities are currently available at Samish Island Campground, offering ways to get involved through employment, volunteering, and summer experience.

There is currently an opening for a Grounds and Facilities Manager. Those interested in this role are invited to request a job description and application details.

A summer internship in campground management is also available for two individuals age 18 and older. This 8–10 week opportunity offers practical experience supporting the life and operations of a church campground.

From April 26 to May 3, Samish will host its annual Volunteer Week, with projects including cabin renovations, landscaping, cleaning, carpentry, and power washing. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, and food and accommodations will be provided.

The campground is also seeking a head cook to support its programming and community life.

For more information about these opportunities, or to express interest, please contact Brad Martell at [email protected]

To learn more, including full job postings and upcoming events, click here

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming Samish Island events. For more information about upcoming events, please see the calendar.