a pastoral letter from Treena Duncan, Executive Minister,
Pacific Mountain Region

~ from an email sent on July 22, 2026.

Dear Church Family,

As wildfires continue to impact communities across Canada, we hold in prayer all those who have been forced to leave their homes, those living with uncertainty, and all who are affected by smoke and poor air quality.

We are especially mindful of the people of Kimberley and the Fraser Canyon, where evacuation orders have affected families, neighbours, and communities within our Pacific Mountain Region.

We pray for the safety of those in harm’s way, for strength and protection for firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel, and for comfort and hope for all who have been displaced. We also pray for healing and renewal for the land, and for the wisdom and courage to respond faithfully to the growing impacts of climate change.

The United Church of Canada has created a new handbook for Communities of Faith to prepare for any major emergency or disaster which is available here.

Treena Duncan
Executive Minister
Pacific Mountain Regional Council

Creator,
Wildfires are engulfing homes,
leaving us vulnerable, exposed, open:
We come to you, broken, seeking wholeness…
In our time of need provide for us those things that will bring restoration to all of creation,
the gifts of the spirit
and the gift of each other.
Above all, remind us always of your steadfast and abiding love.
Amen.

This prayer was shared in the July 21, 2026 issue of the United Church’s E-ssentials Newsletter.