General News and Announcements

December 2, 2009

During Advent we remember the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Having no choice but to travel, they persevere and receive God’s gift of beauty, wonder, and awe. We have the same opportunity to embrace this journey of change with hope rather than despair, with step-by-step changes to our ways of life.

Moderator Mardi Tindal and a small United Church delegation are going to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen on our behalf. A number of former Moderators are taking prayerful action in support, including the Very Rev. Dr. Bill Phipps fasting for a week.

We are invited to join with them in prayerful support, ring bells, or make noise at 3 p.m. on December 13 (along with people of faith around the world doing the same), and to consider how we will be part of healing creation and seeking an eco-sustainable and eco-just future.

This bulletin insert [PDF: 1 p/72 KB] includes more information for this coming Sunday, December 6.

Prayer

Spirit of God,
groaning with Creation
and all living things
for healing and wholeness

Creep into our hearts
	to inspire our spirits
Enrage our minds
	to love passionately our Earthly Home
Move our feet
	to places of action

May we open ourselves to your
	hope, peace, joy, love
that these candles of Advent light
may lead us to a new day of
humble respect for all the earth
and all her living mysteries

Spirit of Creation justice
give us courage
so that Earth may rejoice in
her gracious abundance

May it be so. Amen

Very Rev. Dr. Bill Phipps