E-ssentials: Wishing You a Blessed Christmas

Wishing You a Blessed Christmas! When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. The Beloved is with us. Blessed Christmas! (Matthew 2:10) [Image credit: Jan Richardson] A Holiday Message from Moderator Carmen Lansdowne in Broadview Magazine In her latest Broadview article, Moderator Carmen Lansdown shares a holiday message on why the Advent season is her favourite time in the liturgical year, the struggles of her past, and the magic of new beginnings, and urges all of us "to bear fruit worthy of repentance." [Image credit: Neil Webb/ Broadview Magazine] A Mission & Service Christmas Message At its heart, Christmas is a celebration of new life through the birth of a child, the most vulnerable of beings. It’s ultimately a story about hope. Hope that the Spirit will come to life even in the most challenging times and that something sacred will be born anew because of it.  [Photo credit: © Photowitch | Dreamstime.com] Ecumenical Advent Series Round-Up Have you been enjoying the Ecumenical Advent Series? If you missed these beautiful meditations and conversations from four Canadian church leaders, including our very own Moderator Carmen Lansdowne, you can still enjoy all of these past recordings: Week One: Hope, "Signs of the Times" Week Two: Peace, "Finding the Good Path" Week Three: Joy, "God's Love Includes Everyone" Week Four: Love, "The Cost of Discipleship" [Photo: Tom Threndyle] The United Church Bookstore: Closed for the Holidays The team at the United Church Bookstore would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Our store will be closed beginning on December 23, 2022, and will reopen on January 3, 2023. During this time all orders will not be fulfilled until our return. Thank you for continuing to support our bookstore, and we look forward to sharing some exciting changes with you in the new year! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. Christmas - December 25 Christmas Day Worship Service for Mission & Service First After Christmas - January 1, 2023   Essentials Newsletter will return on January 3, 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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