Avil Beckford

Interior of Kamloops United Church sanctuary severely damaged by fire, with charred walls, exposed beams, scattered debris, and standing water on the floor. A burned piano and broken furniture sit amid the wreckage.

Sanctuary fire sparks renewal in Kamloops United Church

by Avil Beckford

A year after flames gutted their building, the congregation is rebuilding through community support and reimagined ministry

A white woman's hands with the right on a black calculator and the left is wearing a watch, holding a pen writing on a piece of paper

The United Church of Canada keeps its deficit in check, tightens belt for 2025

by Avil Beckford

Stronger-than-expected 2024 donations ease pressure, but leaders set cautious course with new three-year budget

A multi-storey building with balconies stands in front of a blue sky

Historic Vancouver outreach undergoing major revamp

by Avil Beckford

First United’s plans include creating affordable housing units for Indigenous people in the Downtown Eastside

Four people stand in front of a colourful mural in a room full of books and shelves. The mural features a blue sky with a red sun and a rainbow in the sun. The sun is rising above grey mountains and blue rivers. The rivers have salmon painted in it and runs along a green landscape and pine trees. In the sky there is a black eagle painted in an Indigenous style. On the green land, there is a black and grey bear painted in an Indigenous style. The four people standing in front of the mural include three women and one young man. One woman is the artist. She is wearing a black hoodie and has short curly black and grey hair. She is wearing glasses. Behind the artist is a taller white woman with blond hair and is wearing a white scarf and black shirt. On the other side, in the front is a middle-aged woman with white hair, white skin in a black shirt and pants with a long white scarf that has silver stars on it. She is holding the head of a black and white dog with curly fur who is sitting in front of her. Behind this woman is a young man with brown skin. He is wearing a blue and white plaid shirt, yellow gloves, black pants and a grey toque. He is smiling.

Indigenous artist’s mural designs in Port Alberni church represent hope and healing

by Avil Beckford

The vibrant artwork honours the church's commitment to truth and reconciliation

An artificially generated image shows a heritage church sanctuary next to a new office building. Behind the sanctuary is a condo tower.

United Church to share new national office space with Anglicans and Presbyterians

by Avil Beckford

The office merger at a spot in downtown Toronto doesn't mean the churches are uniting, says the denomination's general secretary

New stats show 2022 bump in United Church amalgamations

by Avil Beckford

"We honestly felt that amalgamation was the best way to honour the ancestors of the church," says Rev. Will Wheeler