Welcome to Update - November 2023

Working towards a truly just,

healthy and peaceful world.

In this update...

• November Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Read about PWRDF's support for partner ARUWE in central Uganda
• World of Gifts 2023 is in full swing – every gift matched!
• Order your PWRDF Christmas Cards
• Annual Report now available
• Check out Super Friends 11!

The latest PWRDF News...

• PWRDF supports Gaza hospital as needs mount; joins government-matched Humanitarian Coalition emergency appeal
• Humanitarian specialist joins PWRDF as Director of Programs and Partnerships
• Nurturing community in Crisis: Renaud Thomas has hope for Haiti
• Planning today for a better tomorrow: A PWRDF monthly donor reflects

Plus resources and upcoming events

Learn about PWRDF's support for ARUWE in Central Uganda.

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.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, every gift will be matched up to $110,000!

Watch for the 2023 World of Gifts guide in the November and December editions 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. 

Annual Report now available

The 2022-2023 Annual Report was included in the September Anglican Journal. If you would like to order additional Annual Reports, please email pwrdf@pwrdf.org. A French version will be available soon.

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!

Photo courtesy: Islamic Relief Canada

PWRDF supports Gaza hospital; joins government-matched Humanitarian Coalition appeal

In Gaza, PWRDF is supporting long-standing partner, the al-Ahli Arab Hospital, run by the Episcopal (Anglican) Diocese of Jerusalem, as escalating violence continues in the region. Through our membership in the Canadian Food Grains Banks, PWRDF has joined the Humanitarian Coalition in an emergency appeal to respond to mounting needs. The Government of Canada will match donations to this appeal (made between October 7 and November 12) up to $10 million.

Humanitarian specialist joins PWRDF as Director of Programs and Partnerships

PWRDF is pleased to announce Jackie Koster as our new Director of Programs and Partnerships. Koster brings 16 years of experience to the role through an impressive career in humanitarian relief with World Renew, the development and relief agency of the Christian Reformed Church. Welcome Jackie!

Left to right: PWRDF Public Engagement Coordinator, Suzanne Rumsey; PWRDF Executive Director, Will Postma; Rayjon Share Care Director, Renaud Thomas; PWRDF Development Program Coordinator, Jeannethe Lara; Rayjon Share Care Communications Officer, Piera Spinelli Barrile; Rayjon Share Care Program Director, Debbie Austin

Nurturing community in Crisis: Renaud Thomas has hope for Haiti

“The resource we have during crisis is community, and what we can do together,” said Renaud Thomas, Director of Rayjon Share Care in Haiti. Thomas visited Canada in September and during his trip, PWRDF welcomed him to the office in Toronto. The assassination of Haiti’s then-President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 plunged parts of the country into an ongoing crisis, but local development workers like Thomas know that there is hope. Rayjon and their partners in Haiti have continued their important work despite challenges. “We find value in what [people] have,” said Thomas. “If they can have income with what they have in their gardens, they’re going to stay in their communities.”

Planning today for a better tomorrow: A PWRDF monthly donor reflects

In 2002, Western Canada experienced a terrible drought and PWRDF monthly donor, Terry Francis, was facing the start of winter with no feed for over 300 head of livestock. At the same time, Terry's son was returning from a research project in Africa. His son explained that the area he had been working in was experiencing a similar drought. “The difference between what he saw [in Africa] and what we saw here was that in Africa, all their livestock was dead and all the very young and very old were dying. For us it was economic, for them it was life and death.”

EVENTS

November Praying with PWRDF

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

Join us Thursday, November 9, 1 p.m. ET

The Rev. Andreas Thiel, Rector of St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Windsor, Ont., will be our reflector.

Thursday, November 2, 1 p.m. ET

Women Leaders of Climate Action webinar

Join us for the third and final learning module for Year Two of PWRDF's Creation Care: Climate Action Learning Focus. In year two we have been exploring Climate Change and Gender and in this module we focus on women leaders and the leadership roles they are playing locally and globally to address climate change and to care for creation. 

Subscribers to this free resource will receive an email each day that also includes a PWRDF story or video. Learn more and subscribe.

Thursday, November 23 1 p.m. ET

Hope in Action - Reflections on Farming, Family and Faith in the midst of the Climate Crisis

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. Formerly with Citizens for Public Justice, Munn-Venn brings a wealth of compassion and experience to this series of reflections. 

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 Officer Christine Hills.

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 Christine Hills 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.