This year’s Advent Talks series comes with a few changes, all brought on by COVID-19.

First of all, there are four talks, not the usual three. Retired Bishop and leader Bill Hockin offers two, with the Rev. Canon Albert Snelgrove and Dr. Barry Craig delivering the other two. Music by Doug Vipond (saxophone and clarinet), Emily Kennedy (cello), Justine Everett (vocals), and Alice Boyd (pianist and director) was recorded at Christ Church (Parish) Church and added to the videos.

Collectively, the series this year is entitled Shopping For A Messiah.

Dec. 17 - Caleb Twinamatsiko - 25 years a priest
Dec. 18 - Jim Irvine - 50 years a deacon

Clergy anniversaries are recognized at 10 and 25 years and subsequent 5 year intervals.

Our churches have been facing uncertain times like never before as we continue to journey through this pandemic. As Christians, we are called to be people of hope and Good News. Join the conversation with Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada as we explore being the Church in the midst of a pandemic.

Our Advent Retreat this year will be slightly different. The retreat will be online and will include times of live teaching, group prayer and individual guided reflection. Our retreat leader is Archbishop David.

As you prepare and consider participating in the retreat, we offer these thoughts:

• find a space that you can set apart for the duration of the retreat - make it comfortable.
• let those around you know you are on retreat and ask that they respect the time;
• plan ahead and prepare meals and snacks;
• remove as much "media" distraction as possible;
• avoid errands and chores until after the retreat ends;
• consider joining with others in your bubble - perhaps an agreed location (home, church, etc..). Just make sure you have the equipment and a strong internet connection.

Retreat materials and schedule will be sent to registrants on/by Tuesday, December 8.

With Bishop Bill Hockin, the Rev. Dr. Barry Craig, and Canon Albert Snelgrove.

Video recordings of talks will be released on YouTube as follows:

Monday, November 30, noon (AST):
Finding The Stable in the Storm

Monday, December 7, noon:
Bethlehem Bubble

Monday, December 14, noon:
Finding Faith in a Covid Christmas

Monday, December 21, noon:
Add a Little Luke to a Christmas Cart

Link to videos and poster for download here.

What do you buy for the person who has everything? How about giving a gift in their name? There is no better cause this Christmas that the Diocese of Ho mobile medical clinic. People, parishes and groups are also encouraged to consider a Christmas gift to this worthy cause. Thank you for your generosity!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/13778

There is a long list of great options for donations in a loved one's name this Christmas!

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/13778

Financial applications are available here.

Anglican Church of Canada 1

PWRDF  

Anglican Church of Canada 2

Christ Church Cathedral

Diocese of Fredericton

With Abp. David's concurrence, the Council Spiritual Development Team is recommending the book Hide This In Your Heart (Memorizing Scripture for Kingdom Impact) as our diocesan Lenten study book for 2021. The book, by Michael Frost and Graham Joseph Hill, includes five chapters which present a rationale for how memorizing key Scripture verses empowers discipleship and mission, and presents a system for memorizing 40 kingdom theme verses over a 20-week period. The book is a good follow-up to Michael Frost's Surprise the World. We are able to purchase this book in bulk for $12 (including tax). If you are interested in using this for Lent, please call Cheryl Jacobs (506-459-1801, ext 1001) with an approximate number of books you'll need. Please order by early January to enable distribution in time for Lent.

www.trinitytour.org

The Winter issue of "Taste and See..." is available on the ARM (Anglican Renewal Ministries) website. Click here for a complimentary copy.