Tuesday, November 19, 2024

E-ssentials: Support the UN Special Rapporteur, Call for Climate Stories, and more!

Canada Must Not Undermine the United Nation's Work in the Middle East


The United Church of Canada calls on the Canadian government to reconsider its decision to cancel a meeting with United Nations Special Rapporteur Dr. Francesca Albanese. The United Church also urges condemnation of attacks against her and support for her work investigating human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Read the full news story.

[Image credit: Hosny Salah | DSPR]


40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism: Week at a Glance


Tonight, Tuesday, November 19, at 7:00 p.m. EST Amy-Jill Levine will present "The Texts of Advent: Finding Good News and Avoiding Antisemitism."

The gospels base their stories of Jesus’ nativity on Jewish ideas: Matthew’s Jesus is a new Moses; Luke’s Mary is a new Hannah; John’s “In the beginning was the Word” draws on Jewish theology; the “virgin birth” tradition begins with the Greek translation of Isaiah. How did the Christian Church adapt its Jewish roots, and how can Christians avoid the antisemitic teachings that occur when those roots are forgotten?

To join, simply register for the 40 Days live events on CHURCHx.

Want to delve deeper? Check out these additional resources:

  • Recommended Reads: Explore the United Church Bookstore for recommended reads, including Amy-Jill Levine's The Difficult Words of Jesus and Entering the Passion of Jesus.
  • Weekly Reflections: Discover two insightful reflections on combatting antisemitism during Advent. HyeRan Kim-Cragg discusses strategies to challenge antisemitism, while Michelle Voss emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting diverse interpretations of shared sacred texts.


If you would like to financially support the church's anti-racism work, please consider donating.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada | HyeRan Kim-Cragg and Michelle Voss]


Faithful Footprints: Share Your Climate Story!


Calling all United Church communities of faith, United Church regional councils, and United Church programs and initiatives. The United Church of Canada will be releasing its 2023-2024 Sustainability Report next spring. We're looking for submissions of stories, initiatives, and events from 2023 and 2024 to be featured. Submissions should align with one or more of The United Church of Canada’s Climate Pillars: Putting Our House in Order; Raising Our Spirited Voices; Reconnecting with the Earth; or Responding to Climate Impact. 

Share your climate story and help us showcase the incredible work being done across our church to address climate change.

Learn more about the Sustainability Pillars and read previous Sustainability Reports on The Faithful Footprints website.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada | Faithful Footprints]


The United Church Bookstore: The Mod's Book Squad

On November 28 at 6:30-8:00 p.m. EST, join Moderator Carmen Lansdowne and special guest the Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, former General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, as we explore her powerful book, Faith as Protest.

In a world marked by division and injustice, can faith inspire action and social change? Together, we'll dive into the transformative power of faith, discuss pressing global issues, and learn practical ways to become agents of positive change.

Register for the Mod's Book Squad on CHURCHx today!

Use discount code MODSQUAD for 15% off your purchase of two or more Mod's Book Squad featured books.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada | Faith as Protest/ Novalis Publishing]


Mission and Service Stories: Gifts with Vision


This holiday season, choose meaningful gifts from the comfort of your home, choose Gifts with Vision. Support Mission and Service partners and their projects around the world. It's a simple, impactful way to spread joy and make a lasting difference.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]


Round the Table: Sharing Stories of Life, Faith, and Ministry


United Church Round the Table blog offer personal reflections and stories of interest from our faith communities and beyond. Check back often, or subscribe to receive new blog posts as an email—new posts are added regularly!

Check out some of the latest blogs featured:


[Image credit: Canva]


Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20, 2024
Reign of Christ - November 24, 2024
World AIDS Day - December 1, 2024
First Sunday of Advent - December 1, 2024
UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 3, 2024
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent - December 8, 2024
UN Human Rights Day - December 10, 2024
Third Sunday of Advent - December 15, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 22, 2024
Christmas - December 25, 2024

For more inspiring worship ideas and resources subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca
Important Note: The images included in this newsletter are protected by copyright. While we encourage you to share the newsletter itself, please don't copy or use the images independently. Thanks for your understanding!
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