2023 Advent Resources from the AMEC Publishing House

2023 Advent Resources

Advent Sermon Guide to Preaching Advent Advent Candle Litanies “Hope: The First Sunday of Advent” “Peace: The Second Sunday of Advent”  “Joy: The Third Sunday of Advent” “Love: The Fourth Sunday of Advent”     Advent Media Covers Advent Image Advent Logo (png file) Advent FB Header Face Book Banner (png file) Powerpoint Front Advent Power Point Cover (png file) Powerpoint Slide  Advent Powerpoint Slide (png file) Advent   Social Media Format (png file) Advent Hope  Media Format (png file) Advent Peace  Media Format (png file) Advent Joy   Media Format (png file) Advent Love   Media Format (png file) Advent Christ  Media Format (png file) Not on our list? Join Here The News Digest contains selected articles from the newspaper. Click below to get full access! Buy Here

Share Tweet Forward The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.   Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Dr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder Copyright ©  2023The Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.

The Presbyterian Outlook - A free Advent liturgy & Thanksgiving prayers

December 3, 2023 First Sunday of Advent Mark 13:24-37 We often treat Christmas as an end, as if all the little doors on the Advent calendar lead to the birth of Christ and the opening of presents on Christmas morning. After the living room is trashed, full of ripped wrapping paper, and Santa’s cookies have mysteriously disappeared, we’ve successfully “done” Christmas. But Christmas is a new hope, not an end. Advent, from the Latin adventus, means “coming.” The church’s season of preparation is not just for the birth of Jesus at Christmas but for Christ’s second coming. Jesus’ speech in Mark 13, known as Mark’s “Little Apocalypse,” highlights the destruction of the Temple, social chaos, “wars and rumors of war” (v.7) as the “beginning of the birth pangs” (v.8) — the signs of the apocalypse. Mark was written during a time of Christian persecution by the Roman Empire, but these words still echo today. Our world is erupting in devastating wars while we witness the horrifying killing of innocents. This Advent, the political and social chaos of Jesus’ day resonates a little too well. When we are overwhelmed by the suffering of our world, what can we learn from apocalyptic texts that turn us to the future? How can these texts illuminate the ways we can and should move through our current context? How can these texts prepare and inspire us for a new beginning come Christmas? Mark’s “Little Apocalypse” is meant to encourage the faithful to endure, because, as the old spiritual says, “soon and very soon, we are going to see the King” (Glory to God, 384). Mark anticipates Jesus will return within his lifetime, encouraging us to “keep awake” (v.37), recognize the ways God is already here, and keep hopeful eyes on the horizon for the redemption God promises to bring. The climax of Jesus’ apocalyptic speech in verses 26-27 describes God’s final gathering of his people. Jesus reassures those suffering that God is ultimately in control; their hardships will not last forever. The vision of God’s people gathered “from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (v.27) is a source of strength. There is no greater suffering than that endured alone. ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Order of worship for December 3, 2023. These liturgies are free to use. Talking about the Israel/Palestine conflict with children by Karen-Marie Yurst Home and hope in Ruth (December 3, 2023) by Chris Burton Sing of Hope — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Want the worship resources for November 26, 2023? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... COGA approves updates to PHS mission statement, strategic plan With the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly's approval, the Presbyterian Historical Society's mission statement now emphasizes: “Collect, Preserve, Share, Transform.” — John Bolt The Present You, Lord, Might Open Scott Barton turns Isaiah 64:1-9 into a prayer. Praying with finger paints May your creating be your prayer, writes Ashley Mason Brown. The “Day by Day Deck” Looking for the perfect gift for a parent, pastor or Sunday school teacher? Consider the "Day by Day Deck" — an inter-generational tool for praying with pictures. — Amy Pagliarella  Thanksgiving prayers, liturgies and articles by various authors "Creator of the Stars of Night: An Advent Candle Liturgy" by Carol Holbrook Prickett  FREE for a limited time. Click to download.

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, November 27 and Sunday, December 3, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, November 27, 2023 - That textbooks would honor and reflect the godly heritage of our country and the contributions made by all the different groups within our country.
• Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - That we have the courage to deal with the violence within our society.
• Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - That artists and entertainers avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion, and drunkenness in their craft.
• Thursday, November 30, 2023 - That the racial, ethnic, religious, and political divisions within the United States be healed.
• Friday, December 1, 2023 - That the Ukrainian refugees are protected and sheltered.
• Saturday, December 2, 2023 - That we reject the politics of division and hatred and join together as we work to solve the problems we face.
• Sunday, December 3, 2023 - That the body of Christ in America would fervently pray for our nation and its leaders.

Sunday's Message: The Parables of the Gospel of Matthew (The Wise and the Foolish - Matthew 25:1-13)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message: The Parables of the Gospel of Ma...: During the months of October and November, we're discussing the following parables unique to the Gospel of Matthew: October 8 - Wolves &...

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, November 19, 2023

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the months of October and November, we're discussing the following parables unique to the Gospel of Matthew: October 8 - Wolves &...

Praising the Lord at Country Springs - Sunday, November 19, 2023

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

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, November 20 and Sunday, November 26, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, November 20, 2023 - That parents and communities would teach young people the importance of love and compassion.
• Tuesday, November 21, 2023 - That those in national authority would be given godly counsel and God-fearing advisors.
• Wednesday, November 22, 2023 - That we condemn racism in all of its forms.
• Thursday, November 23, 2023 - That we be thankful for the blessings we've received.
• Friday, November 24, 2023 - That companies and unions in America would flourish with new creativity and practice honorable work ethics.
• Saturday, November 25, 2023 - That Americans celebrate the values on which our nation was founded.
• Sunday, November 26, 2023 - That workers be provided a safe workplace and paid a living wage.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, November 12, 2023

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the months of October and November, we're discussing the following parables unique to the Gospel of Matthew: October 8 - Wolves &...

Sunday's Message: The Parables of the Gospel of Matthew (Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message: The Parables of the Gospel of Ma...: During the months of October and November, we're discussing the following parables unique to the Gospel of Matthew: October 8 - Wolves &...

SojoAction - Celebrate and Act with us this Christmas!

Next month, piñatas, tamales, and holiday cheer will fill the air among Latine communities hosting Christmas celebrations known as Posadas. Posadas are a time to re-enact the migration journey of the Holy Family remembering Christ’s birth amid strife. Scripture narrates Joseph and Mary’s arduous journey to Bethlehem, the rejection they experienced, and the birth of Christ in a humble stable (Luke 2:2-7).

This Christmas season, we invite you to our very own Posada celebration taking place virtually on December 6, 2023, at 5PM PT | 7PM CT | 8PM ET. We will highlight hope and action with opportunities to advocate with our immigrant communities during a time of remembrance, reflection, and Christmas cheer.

Register Now

Sign up to receive updates on our latest campaign, Caminando Juntos, Journeying Together, as we pray, reflect, and act for a just, humane, and common-sense pathway to citizenship this Christmas Season and beyond.

In solidarity,

Vanessa 

Vanessa Martinez Soltero Immigration Narrative & Power Building Organizer

WCC news: Churches in Nigeria fill with music, dancing, and prayer as WCC visits

Members of the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee visited an array of churches in Nigeria on 12 November, bringing a deep spiritual aspect to their gathering, taking place in Abuja from 8-14 November.  Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley,  general secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union and vice moderator of the WCC central committee, preached at the First Baptist Church in Abuja, reflecting on human rights and freedom. Photo: WCC 14 November 2023 As churches filled with songs, dances, vibrant colors, and passionate prayers, the WCC visitors accompanied the host churches in celebrating their unique gifts and listening to the challenges they face in their daily lives. Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley,  general secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union and vice moderator of the WCC central committee, preached at the First Baptist Church in Abuja, reflecting on human rights and freedom.  “When we are seized by God’s call, everything and anything that could be regarded as competing interest or could detract from God’s call to service in the mission of God, must be put into perspective,” said Hyde Riley. “The mission to which we are called is more important than our idiosyncrasies or the claims we may make about our churches and ourselves.” Sunday morning prayer at the Reformed Church of Christ for Nations in Abuja, Nigeria. Photo: WCC She talked about a new orientation—a new way of thinking, being, and living. “Some of us have become complacent and we believe there is no longer any necessity or urgency, or somebody else should do it,” Hyde Riley said. “May God forgive us for the assumptions we make to absolve ourselves of the call of God upon our lives to be agents of the mission of God.” Hyde Riley suggested we pause and take stock. “There will be times in our lives when we are tempted to lose perspective,” she said. “We have this obligation to be a part of this transformation that God is making possible.”  WCC moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and WCC staff members with a group of women of the First African Church Mission in Abuja, Nigeria, after the Sunday morning service. Photo: WCC In reflecting on some of the people he met and stories he heard in churches, WCC moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm said his heart was touched. “In many ways it is a wonderful country with wonderful people,” he said, but added that people’s stories of attacks on Christian congregations were painfully sad.  “The tears of a woman who told us about such an attack on a congregation and the murders she had to witness are still fresh on my mind,” said Bedford-Strohm. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. If there’s any consolation in the face of so much violence, it is this firm trust that, in the end, there will be peace." WCC executive committee members and WCC staff gathered for a group photo with the members of the Abuja congregation of the Church of the Lord (Prayer fellowship) Worldwide after the Sunday morning prayer. Photo: WCC WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay preached at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.  Churches visited included The First African Church Mission, Methodist Church Nigeria, Nigeria Baptist Convention, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) , Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Reformed Church of Christ for Nations, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, The Church of the Lord (Prayer fellowship) Worldwide, and the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay was invited to preach at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, First Abuja Parish. Photo: Aregbe Segun Abraham/WCC WCC photo gallery of the WCC executive committee in Abuja, Nigeria WCC “source of hope in this world,” says WCC moderator (WCC news release, 08 November 2023) WCC general secretary to executive committee: “How can we be God’s healing and restoring presence?” (WCC news release, 08 November 2023) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland