National Gathering - 2026
Tuesday, September 15 – Friday, September 18, 2026
Kelowna, British Columbia
Logo designed by
Ev Robertson
What is a DUCC Gathering and why should you attend?
DUCC (Diakonia of the United Church of Canada) is a national organization of diaconal ministers, candidates for diaconal ministry and those people who are diakonia-adjacent . We gather every two years so that we may reconnect with friends and colleagues and to meet new people who are involved in diaconal ministry within the United Church of Canada. There will be ample time to visit, enjoy time with one another, and to make new friends.
At our gatherings, you will meet the people working on DUCC’s various committees and of hear the work they are doing. You will learn of the opportunities to be involved in the many different aspects of diaconal ministry in the wider church. You will meet lots of people doing the work of diakonia in the United Church. We hope that you will return to your homes and ministries feeling inspired, supported, and grounded in diakonia.
Why a Travel Pool?
A travel pool really is like a pool… everyone brings water to fill it. They then gather around it, prepared to share it with those who need it the most.
If everyone jumps in there is less room for everyone.
There will be some folk who would prefer to sit on the sides – so they don’t take up any water space.
Some folk are just beginning to learn how to swim and they need more support and space than others.
At DUCC, we all put $50 into the Travel Pool.
Anyone can apply for a reimbursement toward their travel expenses.
If everyone applies, then we’d all get $50 back.
If those who don’t need support don’t take up the space, then the remaining funds are distributed to those who do need it.
DUCC National Gathering
Tuesday, September 15 – Friday, September 18
Watch for more information.
Theme
“Prophetic Voices:
Nurturing Transformational Diakonia in a Time Such as This”
Focus Scripture:
“For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will arise for your people from another quarter, but you and your ancestor’s house will perish. Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
Topics for Keynote:
Transformational Diakonia: Rooted in Service, Reaching for Justice
Naming the Climate: Justice, Food Security, and the Earth We Serve
From Context to Mandate: Birthing Prophetic Action for Gender and Social Justice
Registration is open. The cost is $650. Click on the first link above to register. Registration deadline is August 10th.
Please provide your information in the second link above to request transportation from the airport.
Online Participation
If you prefer/need to attend the National Gathering online – the registration fee will be $50.
Keynote Speaker
Mable Sichali, Deaconess, United Church of Zambia
Community Development and Social Justice Secretary. UCZ Synod Headquarters
Cost: $650 which includes:
- Double accommodations for three nights (September 15, 16, 17) Single supplemental cost – $105 for each of the three nights
- Meals as follows: Tuesday – supper, Wednesday – breakfast, lunch, supper, Thursday – breakfast, lunch, supper, Friday – breakfast, bag lunch, and snacks and beverages every day
- Travel Pool contribution ($50)
- Transportation, as needed, from the Kelowna airport
(If applying for financial assistance from the Kaufman Fund, must apply by June 15, 2026.)
Where
The gathering will be held at Central Okanagan United Church, 721 Bernard Ave, Kelowna. Accommodations will be the Accent Inn, 1140 Harvey Ave #2, Kelowna.
Keynote Speaker, Mable Sichali
Mable Sichali serves as the Community Development and Social Justice Secretary for the United Church of Zambia, bringing 19 years of practical experience to her work in social justice and community development. Her academic background includes a Master of Social Work in Project Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation from St. Eugene DMI University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and a Certificate in Diaconia Studies from the UCZ Theological College.
Mable’s approach is deeply rooted in her specialized training in Development Education and “Training for Transformation,” for which she serves as the Zambian Country Coordinator. As the founder of the Kuntendekelo Training Foundation, she focuses on building community resilience through climate justice, permaculture, and food sovereignty.
In addition to her foundational work, Mable supports various organizations as a Master Trainer in Child Safeguarding and Self-Help concepts and contributes to global advocacy through her roles on the World Diaconia Federation Executive Board and the DRAE Executive Committee.
Locally, she remains active in agricultural and community networks, serving as the Vice Chairperson of the Chipembi Farmers Association and participating as a member of both the SCOPE Zambia and Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity consortia.
A trained Paralegal and Psychosocial Counsellor, Mable remains dedicated to serving others through a holistic blend of grassroots engagement and administrative leadership.