Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, January 1 and Sunday, January 7, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, January 1, 2024 - That we enter the new year with both faith and focus.
• Tuesday, January 2, 2024 - That we remember those who died in service to their country.
• Wednesday, January 3, 2024 - That we put aside our self-interest for the sake of our neighbors.
• Thursday, January 4, 2024 - That our leaders have the courage and wisdom to confront the racial divisions within our country.
• Friday, January 5, 2024 - That our leaders would be honest, humble and God-fearing men and women who recognize that they are accountable to God for each decision and action.
• Saturday, January 6, 2024 - That God bring peace to the Middle East.
• Sunday, January 7, 2024 - That people stop expressing their frustration through violence.

The SPC Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The SPC Christmas Eve Candle Light Service: Christ came in simplicity. His mother was a young woman who'd found favor with the Lord. He was born in a stable and laid in a manger. H...

Our Christmas Eve Message - Christmas Is About

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Our Christmas Eve Message - Christmas Is About: Christ came in simplicity. His mother was a young woman who'd found favor with the Lord. He was born in a stable and laid in a manger. H...

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, December 24, 2023

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During this Christmas season we’ll explore the miracle of Christmas from different viewpoints. December 3 – The Miracle of the Message Decem...

The Miracle of Christmas - The Miracle of the Method

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Miracle of Christmas - The Miracle of the Method: During this Christmas season we’ll explore the miracle of Christmas from different viewpoints. December 3 – The Miracle of the Message Decem...

The Presbyterian Outlook - NYE and January 7 worship resources

When my younger son was baptized, his older brother, then a few months shy of 3, kept saying that Micah was being “sanitized.” It was quite adorable. Reflecting on our practice of Baptism these days, “sanitized” and “adorable” might be pretty accurate. Family members dress in their Sunday best, and the one being baptized is often decked out in special baptismal garments. Don’t forget the sacred tradition of the “baby parade” — walking the newly baptized babe in arms up and down the aisles for the whole church family to see. There is nothing sanitized or adorable in Jesus' baptism described in Mark 1. John was an outlier, even in his context, and he was out in the wilderness, preaching and telling people to repent. Though a dove descends, there’s not much peace in the tearing apart of the heavens. If we look at the three sentences following today’s pericope, we see Jesus driven by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted and John arrested. Mark’s Gospel doesn’t include a nativity or genealogy. Like John’s Gospel, it starts in the beginning: the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s son. Unlike John, Mark is sparse, lacking theological exposition or historical or exegetical orientation. What remains is the baptism, an ordinary and entirely extraordinary moment where the heavens are torn apart. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth — human categories meant to distinguish between God’s realm and the human one. As an aside, the beginning of Mark’s Gospel is full of allusions to the Hebrew scriptures, and while the RCL committee may be forgiven for the omission, the first three verses ought not to be separated from the assigned lesson. Like the beginning of creation itself, this is a new beginning. ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Thanks to this week's writer Stephanie Sorge. Order of worship for January 7, 2024. These liturgies are free to use. A confession to close 2023: The rocks cry out by Jesy Littlejohn   What does “faith” actually mean? (January 7, 2024) by Tara Bulger Following the light — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Want the worship resources for December 31, 2023? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Feeling the squeeze: Financial pressures add up for PC(USA) congregations  The cost of maintaining an installed pastor with benefits is a growing concern for churches and presbyteries. — Gregg Brekke Incarnation A tritina form poem by Nadine Ellsworth-Moran on Madeleine L'Engle's Christmas quote: "Love still takes the risk of birth." Christmas celebrations canceled, Christians in the Holy Land still find hope in the season' Do not let death rejoice in its victory over us,' said one writer. — Daoud Kuttab The top Outlook book recommendations of 2023 Whether it's in the magazine, on the website or in our monthly book newsletter, Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella always has a reading recommendation. These are the top 10 books our readers decided to purchase in 2023. 5 things the Catholic Church’s document on same-sex blessings does (and doesn’t) say The Vatican approved same-sex blessings, but there are a few caveats. — Claire Giangravé The top 10 Outlook stories of 2023 From Taylor Swift to a "text of terror" to Robert's Rules. See the Outlook's top 10 stories from 2023. — Rose Schrott Taylor Shattered illusions and sacred encounters: A journey through the woods In the woods, writes Karie Charlton, we find doors to new beginnings, even in the depths of winter.

Looking into the Lectionary - New Year's Eve worship resources

December 31, 2023 First Sunday After Christmas Luke 2:22-40 and Galatians 4:4-7 “Happy Easter!” Harry chimed. “Thanks, Harry,” I replied to the church elder. “Easter is my favorite day of the year.” We had recently completed our sunrise service and church members were now sharing a breakfast. Harry immediately responded, “Christmas is my favorite day of the year. If we didn’t have Christmas, we wouldn’t have Easter!” “True, but if we didn’t have Easter, Christmas wouldn’t matter.” “I suppose you’re right, but Christmas is still my favorite!” This anecdote is a good illustration of the interplay between the second reading from Galatians 4 and the Gospel reading from Luke 2 on this First Sunday of Christmas. Although Paul’s words predate Luke’s chronicles by 30-35 years, it’s as if he were writing a theological commentary on Luke’s story about Jesus being presented by his parents in the Temple according to God’s law and being recognized by faithful Simeon and Anna as the long-awaited redemption of Israel. We are still celebrating Christmas, even if many people have quickly moved on and may be more focused on New Year’s Eve celebrations. Nevertheless, this Sunday’s Gospel lesson, especially the testimonies of Simeon and Anna, echoes Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55 and the angel’s message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-12. The week-old baby is recognized for who he is and what he will do: “Your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples ... destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel” (Luke 2:30-31, 34). The incarnation at Christmas, recognized and celebrated a week later in the Temple by two faithful servants of God, portends the salvation to be revealed and brought about in Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. Or, as Paul writes in Galatians in one of his rare references to events in Jesus’s life other than his death and resurrection, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5a).. ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Thanks to this week's writer Philip Gladden. Order of worship for December 31, 2023. These liturgies are free to use. A confession to close 2023: The rocks cry out by Jesy Littlejohn   Imagination, vocation and the Three Wise Men by Chris Burton Sing of his birth — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Want the worship resources for December 24, 2023? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Lawsuit: Priest says first gas execution in US poses threat to religious liberty The Rev. Jeff Hood, spiritual adviser to Kenneth Smith, argued the restrictions imposed during the execution would violate Hood’s right to the free exercise of religion. — Kathryn Post Moving in with Jesus: A grilled cheese parable Eliza C. Jaremko shares some wisdom on the incarnation through the eyes of her 4-year-old. Preaching to polarized congregations: A responsibility and a challenge, clergy say 'It's not about going from red to blue to purple,' Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement advises clergy. ‘It's about going above the partisan divisions.’ $1.25 million grant to help establish UDTS initiative to revitalize small churches The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish Plentiful Gifts: Nourishing Members for the Flourishing of Small Member Congregations. Come alive, O Christ: A Christmas Eve prayer Come alive, O Christ in every broken place so that love fills every gap, writes Jeremy Wilhelmi. A Family Christmas Eve Service by Jenny Lee Free for a limited time!

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, December 25 and Sunday, December 31, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, December 25, 2023 - That we focus on the one whose birth we celebrate.
• Tuesday, December 26, 2023 - That churches fulfill their purpose as lighthouses for Christ.
• Wednesday, December 27, 2023 - That those in the arts would be open to biblical world views and principles.
• Thursday, December 28, 2023 - That all human trafficking would end.
• Friday, December 29, 2023 - That we strengthen our global unity rather than casting blame and sowing divisions.
• Saturday, December 30, 2023 - That God protect all civilians impacted by the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
• Sunday, December 31, 2023 - That there'll be peace between Russia and Ukraine

Praising the Lord at Country Springs - Sunday, December 17, 2023

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Praising the Lord at Country Springs - Sunday, Dec...: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons sponsors a worship service at the Country Springs Retirement & Assisted Living Facility. ...

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, December 17, 2023

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During this Christmas season we’ll explore the miracle of Christmas from different viewpoints. December 3 – The Miracle of the Message Decem...

The Miracle of Christmas - The Miracle of the Moment

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Miracle of Christmas - The Miracle of the Moment: During this Christmas season we’ll explore the miracle of Christmas from different viewpoints. December 3 – The Miracle of the Message Decem...

Advent Unwrapped: Dwelling in Possibilities

Dwelling in Possibilities… This is me at Tuba Christmas at Toronto City Hall.  Even after 30 years of practice, training, and muscle memory, I am still amazed that I can blow a raspberry into a long tube of brass and make music. It's really magical, and I rely on this magic to bring me joy in my times of trouble, when joy and happiness feel out of reach. Even after 20 years of ministry, the same stories of prophets, magi, shepherds, ordinary people, and angels continually reveal something new. It’s miraculous that the stories of our faith that taught my ancestors (despite hateful and harmful interpretations) continue to teach us. That scripture, like the song of Mary, which has been sung for thousands of years, still motivates us to turn the world around for the better. I have loved some people my whole life (and others I have loved for their whole lives), and even still, I find new and unexpected things to love about them, even in my hardest moments. Joy is like this; it is uncontrollable, unpredictable, and surprising.  Every time I pick up my horn, go to church, open my Bible, or visit a friend, I can’t guarantee that joy will come, but I am content to dwell in the possibility of joy. Perhaps my grandpa, who was a carpenter, felt the same way about woodworking, or my grandma, who is a seamstress, feels the same way about needlework. We can’t control joy for ourselves or for others, but hopefully, in our worship and in our ministries, we can create the possibility for joy to bubble out like a raspberry, even in our times of trouble.  [Image credit: courtesy of Alydia Smith]

This Week’s Round-up: New Videos, and more! If you are looking for resources to share with people who maybe new to Advent, or if you need a bit of a primer yourself, be sure to check out (and share) Your (Unofficial) Guide to Advent! This handy newsletter has some FAQ’s, tips for the season (at church and at home), and resources for worship at home. The Original Advent Unwrapped theme video for Joy is the gift that keeps on giving. The imagery of joy as an egg, in a fragile place, full of anticipation and potential, feels particularly poignant today as we search for joy. Catch up on some webinars from Advent Unwrapped past as you do your last-minute prep. An always timely conversation on Light and Dark imagery during Advent.  And a more recent conversation around Copyright Justice and Musical Misappropriation and how we can commit to anti-racism and anti-oppression in our communal singing. This A John the Baptist Christmas webinar lead by Diane Strickland is a helpful reminder of how to be welcoming of people who don’t quite fit into  pretty nativity scenes. Advent Blogs of The Week     Our social media is buzzing with all things Advent! This week's blog from Stephen Milton uncovers a question many of us probably wondered--Why do we wrap presents? Plus, check out the peace themed Microblog contributions from Sarah Yang, Michael Lee, and Mini Choi.  Shout Outs!   A special shout-out to all of the worship leaders out there who keep on creating spaces and opportunities for us to dwell in the possibilities, regardless. Thank-you! Last year, I gave a shout out to Journey Band of St. Mary’s Road United Church, and their CD “A Year in the Life of Faith.” Are there other great songs and resources to share? Let me know at worship@united-church.ca. To Consider     The holidays can be triggering for people of all ages in different ways. The constant reunions and family get-togethers can be painful for people who are separated from parts of their family. There is the pressure to be joyful and grateful. And there is also a sensory overload. Consider ways to respect all of the complex feelings that people are holding during this season. You can find some ways to support your own mental health or that of others in our resource: Supporting Mental Health and Wellness During Advent. To Try     I love this craft because it always comes out beautifully. First use crayons or oil pastels to draw a simple picture on a heavy paper (like card stock). If you wanna be fancy about it, outline the drawing with white glue and let it dry. Then take some markers (maybe blues and purples) and colour on a piece of foil (about the same size as your card). Spray the foil with some water and then dip your card right into the foil. And tada, you have created a beautiful water colour background! Again, if you would like to stay fancy, use the markers, foil, and water to create some instant watercolours that you could paint on to your drawing with a paintbrush. The glue will help to create a nice outline around your work (as it dries clear). Add some black tempera paint to your glue for a stained glass window effect. In anticipation, Alydia P.S Remember sharing means caring! If this email has been forwarded to you by a loving friend, family member or neighbour please sign-up for our weekly Advent newsletter. You may also want to follow us on on our Facebook page, where you can share links to resources, ideas and inspirations that have worked for you. Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn   Your generosity enables the United Church to love, serve, and minister in the world. Make an online donation or learn more about your options to support the work of the church.

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