E-ssentials: The Giver Advent Music Video, New Podcast Episodes, A Very Special Book Release, and more!

Advent Music Video: The Giver

The United Church of Canada and the United Church of Christ, our full-communion partner in the United States, collaborated to bring you The Giver, a new music video by Mia McClain. We invite you to use this original song as part of your Advent worship. You can find the sheet music on all of our Advent worship pages. The Latest Advent Blog Posts! Have you been following along with Advent Unwrapped? If not, be sure to check out these wonderful Advent-themed blog posts from the Rev. Richard Choe and the Rev. Maria Christina Conlon. Last week we explored finding joy in simple and small things. Read the Advent blogs A Sip of Tea by the Rev. Maria Christina Conlon, and A Flower by the Rev. Richard Choe. Keep up with all the new blogs, videos, prayers, and more by subscribing to the Advent Unwrapped newsletter. [Image credit: A Sip of Tea  Art created by the Rev. Maria Christina Conlon| Photo credit: A Flower by the Rev. Richard Choe] New Episode! It's Your Call Podcast featuring Moderator Carmen Lansdowne   It's Your Call podcast interviews Carmen Lansdowne for the second time—this time as the Right Rev. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of The United Church of Canada! This time around, the Moderator discusses her unique call to become leader of the United Church. Listen to the conversation! [Image credit: It's Your Call/Photo courtesy of Carmen Lansdowne] Your Generosity Supports Life-Changing Arts Programs for Children Eighty-Four percent of violent acts in Colombia are committed against children. Two and a half million children living there work to sustain their families, and many are forced into dangerous labour. For hundreds of children living in Córdoba, Colombia, arts programs supported through your Mission & Service gifts help keep them safe, teach peace-making, and give them an opportunity to express themselves. [Photo credit: Felix Posada, CEPALC] You Can Make a Difference This Christmas—Anytime! When you send Gifts with Vision to celebrate Christmas or any special occasion, the person who gets your gift will know you care about them—and about helping the people who need it the most. This year we've made it even easier to make a difference. Just click the “Send an e-card” box right above the “Add to Cart” button on GiftswithVision.ca, and you’ll be able to enter the gift recipient’s e-mail and a personal message. The e-card can be sent the same day or anytime up to a year in advance! [Photo: Ibrahim Ibrahim Melhem, Middle East Council of Churches] The United Church Bookstore: New Lenten Devotional Has Arrived! Our 2023 Lenten devotional, Good Courage: Daily Reflections on Hope, is now available in print and e-book formats! Though we are now in the heart of Advent, Lent is coming soon. We are excited to share this new Lenten devotional early for those looking to plan ahead. Good Courage offers honest testimonies from people who have had the courage to follow their hearts, to hope against hope, and to faithfully work toward a better world.  Edited by the Rev. Alydia Smith, the book includes daily scripture, reflections, study questions, and prayers for individuals or groups. Good Courage makes an excellent gift! Looking to buy multiple? Be sure to use code COURAGE20 to receive 20% off any purchases of five or more copies of the book, and while you're shopping be sure to add one of our beautiful 2023 Canadian Church Calendars to your cart as well!  [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. 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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