E-ssentials: A Christmas Message from Moderator Carmen Lansdowne

A Christmas Message from Moderator Carmen Lansdowne In her Christmas message, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne reminds us that when so much seems uncertain and the news amplifies all the hard stories, there is One who came to show us that all the ends of the earth should see the salvation of God―and that through that One, we are capable of coming together to achieve the impossible. Please feel free to include the Moderator's video in your worship service. It can be downloaded from the United Church YouTube channel.  [Video still: The United Church of Canada] Environmentally Progressive: Westworth United Church Westworth United Church (Winnipeg, MB) wants to be “the hands and feet of Christ within Westworth and beyond,” and prides itself in demonstrating a living faith; one that is expressed not only in ministry, but also in mission, in and with the world. Part of this mission is to live with respect for creation and to be ecologically and environmentally progressive. Read "Environmentally Progressive: Westworth United Expands its Mission with a Faithful Footprints Grant" and learn about the two-program-funded projects that helped Westworth United reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 15.9%, and its natural gas usage by 16%.   Faithful Footprints monthly blog posts are published the second Tuesday of every month. Read other Faithful Footprints inspiring and educational blog posts.  [Image Credit: Faithful Footprints] Health Virtual Information Session: December 7   The Canadian Council of Churches, in collaboration with the Canadian Interfaith Conversation and the Canadian Multi-faith Federation, is helping to plan a virtual information session and dialogue on Wednesday, December 7, about protecting our communities through vaccination against COVID-19 respiratory viruses with Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer. One of the respondents is our own Dr. Moira McQueen from the Canadian Council of Churches Faith and Life Sciences Reference Group. Find out more and register for the event through Eventbrite. Please note that this session will be offered in English with simultaneous French interpretation available. [Image credit: Canva] Anti-Racism App Developed by Young Adults Set to Launch Anti-racism? There’s an app for that. Jonisha Lewinson is one of a team of young adults who helped create it. Called ar4yt (short for Anti-Racism For Youth Training), the app—supported through your Mission & Service gifts—is aimed at 12-18 years old and covers topics like the history of racism in Canada, White privilege, and how to get involved in anti-racism work. It is set to launch January 1, 2023, and will be available at no cost on Google Play and the App Store.  [Photo credit: Courtesy of Jonisha Lewinson] New Gifts, New Hope New gifts, new hope. Giving a gift to a friend or loved one through Gifts with Vision can make a world of difference. The new Gifts with Vision giving catalogue is now online! Take a look! [Photo: Ibrahim Ibrahim Melhem, Middle East Council of Churches] The United Church Bookstore: Our Top Reads! It's that time of year—the holidays are fast approaching and gift giving season is upon us. Why not check out our top reads!? These titles have something for everyone. From building faithful relationships to our new Lenten devotional.  Plus, don't forget that our 2023 Canadian Church Calendar makes for a great stocking stuffer! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6 UN Human Rights Day - December 10 Third Sunday of Advent - December 11 Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 18 Christmas - December 25 Christmas Day Worship Service for Mission & Service - December 25 First After Christmas - January 1, 2023   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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