Welcome to Update - December 2023

Working towards a truly just,

healthy and peaceful world.

In this update...

• December Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Read about PWRDF's support for partner DARE in Thailand and Burma
• World of Gifts 2023 is in full swing
• Order your PWRDF Christmas Cards
• Subscribe to Hope in Action – PWRDF's 2023 Advent Resource
• Annual Report now available
• Check out Super Friends 11!

The latest PWRDF News...

• Moving past grief, onto the right road: An Advent message of hope
• "These are people." PWRDF supports refugee coordinators in challenging work
• Introducing PWRDF's new board members
• Protecting the Moorlands with media: A Q&A with Grupo ComunicArte's Andres Ramos

Plus resources and upcoming events

Learn about PWRDF's support for DARE in Thailand and Burma.

Archbishop Linda Nicholls launches our World of Gifts campaign in this video message about the gift of clean water.

World of Gifts is in full swing!

This annual PWRDF gift-giving campaign allows you to support PWRDF partners working to accompany refugees, improve security and livelihoods, provide clean water, empower women and support Indigenous programs in Canada and around the world. We have exciting updates this year, including a newly-designed gift guide, online and in-print.

An anonymous donor matched World of Gift donations this year, up to $110,000. Thanks to you, this match was met by the end of November.

Find the 2023 World of Gifts guide in the December edition of the Anglican Journal, or shop our online gift guide 24/7!

Peace on earth, good will to all

'Tis the season for PWRDF Christmas cards!

In the dark night sky not far from Bethlehem, a multitude of angels deliver God’s message to a group of fearful shepherds. They foretold the birth of a messiah, and a prayer for peace on earth that is as relevant today as it was more than 2,000 years ago. PWRDF’s Christmas cards for 2023 deliver the same message with two visual interpretations. 

Order before December 4 to guarantee that your cards will arrive before Christmas!

Subscribe to ‘Hope in Action,’ PWRDF's 2023 Advent Resource!

Beset with climate-caused disasters, it’s easy to feel helpless. But in actions both big and small, we can find hope. This season of Advent, you are invited to join Karri Munn-Venn – writer, climate activist and wool farmer – as she weaves together reflections, scripture readings and prayer. View a sneak peek video of Karri introducing the resource at this YouTube link.

Annual Report available in English and French

The 2022-2023 Annual Report was included in the September Anglican Journal, and the French Rapport Annuel was included in the December Quebec Gazette and Montreal Anglican. If you would like to order additional Annual Reports in either English or French, please email pwrdf@pwrdf.org.

Super Friends 11! Available now

Super Friends is a long-standing Social Justice resource produced by PWRDF for children, with stories, activities and faith connection. In this newly revised edition, you will find these same elements and more. Super Friends 11! focuses on Right Relationships and Reconciliation. Free to a maximum of 20 copies per parish, per year!

Moving past grief, on to the right road: an Advent message of hope

"This season of Advent we are reminded of how much we want to see peace but also hope, joy and love in our world. PWRDF’s vision of a truly just, healthy and peaceful world is even more compelling and urgent," writes PWRDF Executive Director, Will Postma, in his annual Advent message. Postma calls us to recognize God's presence as a guide, as we collectively respond to the enormity of grief in the world with an enormity of compassion, to help us find and travel a better road to caring for all our neighbours. 

“These are people.” PWRDF supports refugee coordinators in challenging work

In 2022, 847 refugees were welcomed to Canada by Anglicans through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program and the Diocesan Representatives acting as Refugee Coordinators. In November, those diocesan Refugee Coordinators, met in Calgary as the PWRDF Refugee Network for the first time since before the pandemic. They brought with them numbers, but more importantly they brought to the discussion their passion and compassion for refugees because, as one coordinator said, “These are people.”

Introducing PWRDF’s new board members

At PWRDF's Annual General Meeting in September, we welcomed Dr. José Bringas, Coordinator of the Comprehensive Development Program of the Episcopal Church in Cuba, who shared stories and successes of our long-term partnership. We also welcomed six new board members who were nominated to serve, and named three new Honorary Associates for their dedication to PWRDF. We are grateful for their willingness to support our mission to work towards a truly just, healthy and peaceful world.

Top row, from left to right: Duncan Chalmers, the Reverend Canon Donald Butler, the Reverend Elizabeth Huether, Bottom row, from left to right: Chandra Madramootoo, Ian Van Haren, the Very Reverend Peter Wall

Protecting the moorlands with media: A Q&A with Grupo ComunicArte’s Andres Ramos

Andres Ramos is a facilitator with Grupo ComunicArte, with whom PWRDF has partnered on climate-focused initiatives in Colombia, including Voices and Whispers of the Paramos, which was profiled in the June edition of PWRDF's Under the Sun. In October, Ramos participated in a gathering of PWRDF Diocesan Representatives in Toronto. He also presented to the PWRDF Board and Youth Council on Grupo ComunicArte’s work and PWRDF-supported projects. We sat down with Ramos during the national gathering to discuss his work and the importance of protecting Colombia’s moorlands.

EVENTS

December Praying with PWRDF

All are welcome to join our online parish. Hundreds have prayed with us from across Canada.

Join us Thursday, December 7, 1 p.m. ET

The Rev. Canon Dr. Rachel Mash, Environmental Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and Secretary of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network, will be our Reflector.

Book your Mapping Exercise workshop

PWRDF's Mapping the Ground We Stand On is now available as an online or an in-person workshop. Learn more at pwrdf.org/mapping-exercise.

PWRDF coming to a church near you

PWRDF has joined scores of virtual worship services at parishes across the country. Staff can deliver a prerecorded sermon, or join live worship on Zoom or other platforms. To learn more or to book a virtual guest speaker, contact Public Engagement Coordinator, Suzanne Rumsey.

PWRDF wants to hear from you!

Please share your fundraising success stories to inspire others and to spread the word about the good work you have done! Email Jacqueline Tucci and tell us about it. Many thanks to all of our donors.

RESOURCES

a just generation is a series of conversations with allies, educators and folks working to bring about equity and justice. 

Join Duncan Chalmers and Robyn Sulkko in conversation with PWRDF Humanitarian Response Coordinator Naba Gurung as they chat about how PWRDF responds to humanitarian crises and disasters in Canada.

(left) This year's placemat includes children's activities and the Prayer for PWRDF on the reverse; (top right) the offering envelope and (bottom right) bulletin cover reflect the Let's Make a World of Difference theme.

Annual Resources for 2023 now available for ordering

PWRDF’s resources for 2023 focus on the overall work of PWRDF and partners around the world and extend an invitation: “Let's Make a World of Difference.” There are pieces to support a PWRDF Sunday, such as bulletin covers and offering envelopes, as well as our popular in memoriam and in honour cards for use anytime. These beautiful educational and informational resources unite us in prayer and action for the work of PWRDF and partners. Learn more about this year's resources and order for your parishes gatherings and services.