2019 is shaping up to be a big year for the United Church.

In an open letter penned by The United Church of Canada (UCC) Moderator Rev. Richard Bott and General Secretary Nora Sanders, it was announced that developments six years in the making had finally come to fruition. The changes, say the UCC, mark the most significant structural changes made to the United Church in almost 100 years.

"With the advent of 2019, six years of intense focus on structural and governance change concluded with the implementation of the largest restructuring of our church since its formation in 1925," the letter began, promptly thanking readers for their wisdom and patience with the progress of the project over the last six years.

The letter highlighted the importance of gathering in faith communities as the UCC endeavours to "deepen our faith and theological convictions and put our faith into action in the world," in response to the important structural changes that have been made to the Church.

Four statements of faith remain the core of the UCC's statement of faith, second only to the authority of scripture within the Church.

"There is a range of language and imagery in these four statements, but at their core they all affirm that we are a Christian church rooted in the Reformed tradition. We recognize the primacy of scripture, and we celebrate the sacraments through which, by simple things—bread, wine, and water—the saving love of God is lifted up and known," the letter reads.

The inspiration of these statements and commitment to faith lends itself to the mention of what the UCC calls, "participating in God’s mission in the world." A number of local organizations are named as those supported by the UCC. A reliance on additional resources is also mentioned.

"Confident in the grounding of this United Church of Canada, we give thanks for the privilege, and the call, to serve as members and as leaders in this day. We invite you, too, to give thanks for God’s abundant love as we continue on our journeys of faith," the UCC concluded.