E-ssentials: We Shine By Lifting Others

Share Your Light Did you know that Boxing Day was originally a day to give rather than receive? Before Boxing Day came to be associated with turkey sandwiches, football, and discounts, it was known as a day to serve those in need. This story calls us to return to the compassion-focused roots of Boxing Day and shine our light.   [Photo credit: Geoff Duncan/Lightstock] We Shine By Lifting Others   We shine by lifting others. This holiday season, be a source of light for those who need it most. In these challenging times, your gift will help change — and save — lives. Please make a gift today.  Together, we can be the difference for those who need us most. [Photo credit: Geoff Duncan/Lightstock] LifeSpeak   As 2021 comes to an end, this holiday season might be difficult as we may not have the energy to reflect and be present with others and ourselves. The LifeSpeak platform has expert-led videos and blog articles to help you navigate the emotions of compassion fatigue, loneliness, as well as stress and sleep. Log in using the Group Account option. The password is "wellness." WorkHealthLife WorkHealthLife has some great articles this season, like simple pleasures to bring you close as a family over the winter holiday season, and healthy hibernation. You can also check out articles on seasonal affective disorder under their Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health section. United Church Bookstore Following the WorkHealthLife article on being close with family over the holiday season, the bookstore has Adventures in Faith & Family available in softcover and e-book format. Offering practical, intelligent, loving, and spirit-filled wisdom, this book includes ideas for family holiday activities just in time for the season! [Image credit: bluartpapelaria from Pixabay] United Church Bookstore: Lesser Evils Now Available  Pardon the interruption in your Advent waiting, but for those of you planning ahead, the new 2022 United Church Lenten devotional is now available as an e-book and the print version will be in stock in just a few days. Lesser Evils: Daily Reflections on Seeking Wisdom explores everyday dilemmas of seeking the good while choosing the lesser evil from a Christian perspective. The diverse group of contributors reflect on how their faith informs their daily choices, from "Do I take this parking space?" to "Do I wear this mask?" to "Do I choose to forgive you?" Edited by Alydia Smith, this book includes daily scripture, reflections, personal questions, and prayers for individual devotions or group study that explore how we attempt to seek wisdom and do good as followers of Jesus. Life is full of big questions, and no easy answers. Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. December 25 - Christmas December 26 - First After Christmas December 26 - Boxing Day: Mission & Service Sunday January 1 - New Year's Day January 2 - Second After Christmas Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Our gifts for Mission & Service bring healing, justice, and hope to life. Donate today.

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