 Prayer
Poems can form times/moments of prayer and reflection by inviting wondering and imagery in different ways. Use this poem by Jan Richardson for personal, family, committee or council prayer time:
HOW JOY WORKS
A Blessing
You could not stop it
if you tried—
how this blessing
begins to sing
every time it sees
your face,
how it turns itself
in wonder
merely at the mention
of your name.
It is simply
how joy works,
going out to you
when you least expect,
running up to meet you
when you had not thought
to ask.
—Jan Richardson
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Together We Pray...
The 2022-2023 Anglican-Lutheran Cycle of Prayer for Canada starts from Advent 1, 2022 to the Reign of Christ, 2023. To download your copy, please click here. Guided by the Anglican-Lutheran Prayer Cycle, we particularly lift up the following in our prayers for Nov. 27, 2022:
ACC: The people of the Anglican Church of Canada
ELCIC: The people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
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 The MNO Synod Ministry Priorities include Empowered Discipleship, which looks like 'resourcing and supporting faith formation', and 'building a culture of missional discipleship'.
There are a variety of sources for devotions during the season of Advent. Consider using and sharing one of these resources as a household or congregational faith practice this season.
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 Advent Devotions Available via Email
Rev. Bruce Ehlert is offering Advent daily devotions to those who request them. If you would like an email prayer delivered to you each day during Advent, click this link, or send an email (with “subscribe” in the subject line) to pbprayer@telus.net.
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 Advent Meditations and Conversation Series
What Are We Waiting For? Advent meditation series is an ecumenical Advent initiative among the church leaders of The Anglican Church of Canada, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and The United Church of Canada.
Every Monday during Advent, church leaders will release an ecumenical Advent meditation and conversation reflecting on that week's Advent theme. On each of the following Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. EST, you are invited to join in a live discussion on that week's Advent theme and ask questions with one of the leaders via Zoom. To read the full news release and download the bulletin inserts that can be shared with your congregation or ministry group, please click here. If you would like to receive the meeting link for each of the weekly events during Advent, please sign-up when you click here.
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Advent Devotions from Lutherans Connect
This year's Advent theme from Lutherans Connect reflects on how music transforms us as disciples. In both Hebrew and Greek, the words for sound, noise, and voice are all the same. And these words are also used to convey the presence of musical instruments and even the sound of language being spoken. In the biblical story, human sound and voice are used to express joy and sadness, the praise of God and the longing for restoration. How does music lift up our Advent hope and our year-round longing? How can our voices inspire us to bring forth our deepest desires for new creation?
As we journey toward Bethlehem, along the way, we will explore the musical term ‘selah’ which means ‘to pause and take a breath’ while singing or praying. How can we make space and take a breath to dwell in the wonder and mystery of Advent?
Starting November 27th, for twenty-nine devotional days until Christmas, devotions will be posted on the Lutherans Connect Facebook page.
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For Congregational Leaders
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The MNO Synod Ministry Priority of Faithful Transformation includes equipping and supporting leaders in managing change.
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Training and Development Courses for Congregational Leaders
ChurchNext.tv offers training and development courses around a variety of topics related to faith, ministry, and leadership. If you are looking for personal or group resources for training, development or discussion, take a look at these courses. Specifically, there are several courses related to church management that could be valuable for council members, staff, and key volunteers. ChurchNext was founded by an Episcopal priest and includes lessons curated and created by theologians across mainline denominations.
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 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
Every year, from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), Canadians observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It is an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up and renew our commitment to end gender-based violence. Learn more here.
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 Lutheran/Anglican Centre Advent Open House
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
2:00-6:00 pm
Stop in to meet the staff, enjoy some refreshments, and celebrate community as we kick off the season of Advent with an Open House. Come and go as you are able.
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December Youth Event--FortWhyte Alive
The next regional youth event is on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 4:00-6:00 pm at FortWhyte Alive. Any youth (grade 7-12) in or connected to an MNO Synod congregation is welcome to attend. The cost for the event is $8/person. Additional information has been sent to pastors/youth leaders.
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University of Manitoba Campus Ministry--Advent/Christmas service
Chaplains at the University of Manitoba (Lutheran, Anglican, Mennonite) are joining together to host a brief Advent/Christmas service on Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 12:30-1:00 at St. John's College. The service will include songs and readings, and will be followed by treats and refreshments. Open to university students, faculty and staff.
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Please share this and encourage others to sign up for the MNO Synod Newsletter.
The newsletter is our primary way of communicating with members and congregations, and we want everyone to be informed in a timely manner.
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Sign up for newsletters directly from our ministry partners. These include:
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