| | | | | | O God, Our Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer,
We give You thanks for this Advent season so filled with promise and possibilities. Despite the turmoil in the world, we come before You with great anticipation and even greater hope. In the midst of strife and confusion, we look to You knowing our help, our strength, our encouragement comes from You. O God, in this time of profound uncertainty, we pray for increased faith and determination. As we wait with great expectation for the birth of the Messiah, birth in us afresh and anew what we need to be Your ambassadors, Your witnesses in this nation and world. Where we are inadequate, O Lord, remind us that You are enough. Where we have doubts, increase our faith. Where we have anxiety or fear, replace it with courage and determination. As we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, may peace break out in every war-torn corner of the earth, and in our hearts. As despair seeks to envelope so many of Your children, show Yourself strong as a wonderful Counselor and Mighty God. As communities are in turmoil and injustice is pervasive, help us to do our part for justice and mercy, ever mindful that the government is on Your shoulders. We bless, honor, and praise You in this and every season. In Jesus’ name. Amen. | | NCC Attends 2024 National Workshop on Christian Unity in Chicago | | | | (r) Rev. Dr. Jean Hawxhurst, 2024 National Workshop on Christian Unity (NWCU) presenter, United Methodist Church; Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA Presiding Bishop, NCC Governing Board Chair; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, NCC President and General Secretary, NWCU closing dinner preacher; and Amanda Kiser, the Christian Science Church, NCC Observer, at the NWCU in November 2024. | The 2024 National Workshop on Christian Unity (NWCU) took place November 18–20 at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Illinois, coming together under the theme, "Hear What the Spirit is Saying to the Churches." The NWCU is an annual gathering that began in 1963 as an opportunity for Christians to learn about ecumenical theology, corporate worship, and fellowship. Diverse denominations gathered as a visible example of singing, praying, worshiping and learning together. There were large group presentations on various aspect of ecumenism– formal and informal dialogue, the limits of dialogue, navigating public ecumenical worship, and prayer. Small group sessions covered subject matter areas that included the Holy Land, Nicene Creed, Christian nationalism, and more.
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA's Presiding Bishop and Chair of NCC's Governing Board, hosted this gathering, and the program of events included a closing message preached by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, NCC President and General Secretary. | | | NCC to Participate in Guibord Center's 'Take Heart Now' Series, Nov. 25 | | Join NCC for the upcoming virtual conversation in The Guibord Center’s "Take Heart Now" series on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. PT. This session will be led by Dr. Tony Kireopoulos, NCC Associate General Secretary. Attendees will explore the theme of spirituality and connection and gain spiritual tools for centering and compassion. | | | National Benevolent Association to Host Live SoulCare Wellness Webinar | | | | | | | | | | | Call for Applications: Greek Orthodox Church's 2025 Pilgrimage of
Discovery Program | | The Greek Orthodox Church Pilgrimage of Discovery program's application process will open December 1. Young adult Orthodox Christians between the ages of 23 to 30 are encouraged to apply for this seven-day, all-expenses paid, religious and cultural summer journey to the heart of the Orthodox Faith, Constantinople, to learn about critical issues impacting the present and future of the Orthodox Christian Church. | | | Become a National Faith + Climate Forum! Host and Receive up to $500 | | | | | | You are invited to become a host within your local community for the National Faith + Climate Forum on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
This Forum is a national event, live-streamed to local in-person gatherings with interactive elements that encourage engagement, collaboration, and connection. Click the link below to learn what hosting entails! | |
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