ADVENT MUSINGS …
WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS
Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions.
This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.
Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:
- A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
- An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
- A loss of interest in judging other people.
- A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
- A loss of interest in conflict.
- A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
- Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
- Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
- Frequent attacks of smiling.
- An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
- An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.This virus can and has affected many systems. WHAT: ADVENT MINI-RETREATWHERE: St. Luke’sIf you have not yet done so, would you please RSVP to Rev. Erin today? JWHAT: WHITE GIFT CHRISTMAS PAGEANT WHERE: Trinity The Christmas Story comes alive as our little actors take to the stage J WHEN: Thursday, December 15 at 6:30 pm WHEN: December 24 at 3:30 pmA high-energy, interactive and fun Christmas Eve programme for children of all ages!WHAT: CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICEWHERE: TrinityWHAT: CANDLE LIGHT AND COMMUNION SERVICEWHERE: St. Luke’s
- WHEN: December 24 at 9:00 pm
- WHEN: December 24 at 7:30 pm
- WHERE: Trinity
- WHAT: BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS!
- WHERE: meeting at Trinity and then heading out to bring Christmas cheer to our shut-ins!
- WHAT: HERE WE COME A’CAROLLING!
- Oh yes, and who could pass up hotdogs and soup for lunch?
- A NDPC tradition!
- WHEN: Sunday, December 4 at 10:30 am
- Our time together will begin at 5:30 with a pizza supper, followed by a programme of reflection and prayer.
- WHEN: THIS Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 pm
- ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS AT NDPC …
- Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.
- Please send this warning out to all your friends.
NEWSBITE FROM NATIONAL…
At a weekend meeting of the Executive of the General Council of The United Church of Canada, members unanimously voted to support a statement denouncing recent graffiti attacks in Ottawa.
Four religious institutions were sprayed with hateful words, plus one private home.
A letter of support from the church Executive was sent to all those targeted, which included a Muslim centre, two Jewish institutions, and Parkdale United Church.
This statement from the Executive affirms that the United Church stands “with anyone who is subjected to any form of racism and discrimination.”
As we gathered in Toronto for our fall meeting of the Executive of the General Council, we were horrified to hear about the recent incidents of racist graffiti in Ottawa.
The Executive members of The United Church of Canada strongly, and with one voice, denounce these incidents. We stand with anyone who is subjected to any form of racism and discrimination.
We reaffirm our commitment to continue to work for justice and to resist any form of structural oppression; we offer our prayers and support to all the faith groups that have been targeted, for we know that such hateful actions have no place in our Canadian society.
As a church, we commit ourselves again to working for a country of peace and justice for all people, and call on all people of faith and goodwill to take concrete, peaceful actions to support those who have been targeted by hatred and fear.
The Executive of the General Council
The United Church of Canada
GIFTS WITH VISION …
The United Church of Canada developed this giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church’s Mission & Service partners across Canada and around the world.
If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas or perhaps would rather not give family and friends the same old clothes/toys/chocolates, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people’s lives!
Gift funding raised for partners through the catalogue will be over and above the regular member-supported, stable core funding that these partners receive.
Everyone will find something in Gifts with Vision worth sharing with the special people in their lives. Gifts are available in a range of dollar amounts, as well as for many areas of need (hunger, shelter, education, health, safety, mobility, and more).
For more information, or to purchase a gift, please visit: wwwgiftswithvision.
THIS WEEK’S LECTIONARY LESSONS…
“RANDOM ACTS OF ADVENT”…
During the SECOND WEEK of ADVENT why don’t you and your family… bless your Christmas tree? These days more than ever, there seems to be a sharp division between secular Christmas traditions and Christian traditions.
As the tree is the focal point in many homes during Christmas, blessing the tree can highlight the Christian significance of the day, something culture has lost sight of.
So before your tree is decorated, why not gather everyone together and read the following blessing:
God who created the birds in the air, the fish in the sea, the stars in the sky, and the trees in the ground, bless this tree as we decorate it and make it joyful symbol in our home. May its branches remind us of the shade and shelter you provide for us and for many creatures. May its trunk remind us of your strength. May its lights bring us peace. May we remember your gift to us this season, the gift of the baby Jesus. Amen.
Grace United Church Sudbury 