The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Monday, December 11, 2023
E-ssentials: Advent Resources, Called to Act Book Launch, and more!
The United Church of Canada E-ssentials - December 6, 2023
In the new Advent video, we offer you an invitation to go deeper into the reason for the season.
Talking about Advent is confusing: some people describe it as the Second Coming of Christ; others say it is the end of the world as we know it (the apocalypse); others say it is the start of something new (a revolution). We say Advent is all these things and more! Advent is a wondrous time for us to boldly imagine what a new world, God’s world, would look like, and then dare to make it so!
Do you and your community of faith have questions about Remit 1: Creating an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization? We have gathered a list of Frequently Asked Questions and offered answers. You can find this new resource on the website for the 44th General Council. If your questions are still not answered there, please contact your regional council.
[Image credit: Lori-Ann Livingston/The United Church of Canada]
Your Mission and Service Advent Resources
Every Christmas, the generous United Church community reaches out and makes gifts to Mission and Service. This year, we hope, will be no different. While there are dozens of causes and ministries that Mission and Service gifts support, this year’s campaign is focusing on the issue of child hunger.
We are hoping you’ll use resources on the Mission and Service in Worship page with your faith community to encourage donations to Mission and Service. For the Advent season, you will find a prayer, video, and impact report to share with your community of faith.
United Church Bookstore: Tonight! Called to Act Book Launch
Join us tonight for the online book launch of Called to Act with author the Rev. David Sparks and Manager of United in Learning the Rev. Stephen Fetter. During the book launch, they'll cover topics like:
Why Mark’s gospel?
What about this gospel speaks to our time and calls us to prayer and action?
What makes a prayer feel relevant? Compelling? Inspiring?
How can this book be a resource for worship leaders, committee volunteers, and people in the pew?
And so much more!
Plus, participants will receive a time-limited promo code for 20% off the cover price of the book at the United Church Bookstore.
Host or Attend a Candles for COP28 Vigil
Together with faith groups across the country under the banner of For the Love of Creation, you are invited to organize and/or attend a Candles for COP28 vigil this Friday through Sunday. Vigils currently planned are in Penticton, Burnaby, and Parksville, BC; Morden, MB; Ottawa, Toronto, Cobourg, Stone Mills, Waterloo, Guelph, and London, ON; Saint Laurent, QC; and Halifax, and Wolfville, NS. You can find more details on how to join one, or to host your own and add it to the map at the For the Love of Creation website. Follow these vigils and updates from COP 28 delegates on social media using #FLCCOP28 and #UCCanCOP28.
[Image credit:Lori Neale]
Mission and Service Stories: Update—The Holy Bible in Mohawk
Preserving language enables future generations to engage in their rich culture in a rounded and essential way. As part of the ongoing work of preserving the Mohawk language, a Mohawk translationof the Bible was developed, and it is now ready to use.
[Photo credit: The Canadian Bible Society]
Learn about The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints Grant: December 15
Are you or a community of faith you know interested in learning more about the United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints Grants? Join the Faithful Footprints team on December 15 at 1:00 p.m. CST/ 2:00 p.m. EST to explore how the grant program can help empower your community of faith to reduce the carbon and energy footprint of your faith building. Register.
[Image credit: Faithful Footprints]
Faith@Home Magazine Call for Writers
Published four times a year, Faith@Home aims to support ministers and leaders in their ministry with the children, youth, and families in the community of faith they serve—and it’s proven to be a wonderful way to support grandparents and godparents in faithfully connecting with the young people in their lives.
We are actively seeking people with a passion for writing for children, youth, and families to contribute to Faith@Home Magazine. We are specifically looking for engaging activities suitable for individuals or groups during the upcoming seasons of Lent, Holy Week, or Easter in 2024. Your work will be financially compensated.
How to Apply If you are interested, please submit an expression of interest along with an example of your writing to Pamela Evans, pevans@united-church.ca, by January 1, 2024.
We welcome creative and thoughtful contributions that resonate with our target audience.
[Image credit: Faith@Home Magazine]
Worship Resources
See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.
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