Welcome to Update - April 2024

Working towards a truly just,

healthy and peaceful world.

In this update...

• April Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Read about PWRDF's support for survivors of sexual and gender based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• PWRDF 2024 Lent Resource - download today!
• February Under the Sun - Available now!
• Annual Report available
• Check out Super Friends 11!

The latest PWRDF News...

• Update on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, Gaza
• An Easter Reflection from Will Postma, PWRDF Executive Director
• PWRDF Supports Vulnerable Households in Afghanistan
• PWRDF Volunteer Information Session 

Plus resources and upcoming events

Learn about PWRDF's support for victims of sexual and gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

PWRDF 2024

Lent Resource

Health and well-being – without one, the other simply isn’t possible. Likewise, the well-being of humans isn’t possible without a healthy planet; something we are discovering every day as we face a growing and global climate crisis.

This theme is at the centre of PWRDF’s 2024 Lent Resource. PWRDF is grateful to Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat for her Lenten meditations on our current climate crisis and the well-being of ALL of creation, human and non-human, that also included lessons on restoration and repair both ancient and modern.



If you missed one or another of the daily emails sent through the season of Lent, or if you would like to revisit the resource in part or in whole, fear not! It is still available as a downloadable PDF.

Journey of Reflection: Lenten Resource Recording!

The recording of the launch of the Lent resource that took place on February 1^st is also still available. In it, Dr. Keesmaat introduces the resource, including the daily reflections and weekly Bible studies.

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February Under the Sun - Available now!

The February edition of PWRDF's Under the Sun is available to view or download now!

In this edition, read about all the ways PWRDF partners work amid war and conflict. Plus, a Q&A with PWRDF Humanitarian Response Coordinator, Naba Gurung.

Do you subscribe to the Anglican Journal?

Look for your hardcopy of Under the Sun in your February edition of the Anglican Journal.

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 [email protected].

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!

Update on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, Gaza

Prayers are requested for the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza after recent distressing news. Unfortunately, the solar panels on the hospital were damaged after being hit by airdropped aid packages. PWRDF continues to work with a multinational alliance of Anglican organizations supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, including the Al Ahli Hospital. Read a statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury here.

An Easter Reflection from Will Postma, PWRDF Executive Director

Will Postma shares a touching reflection on the timeless significance of donkeys and their quiet yet steadfast presence in communities worldwide. As Easter approaches, join Will as he explores themes of resilience, compassion, security, and the pursuit of peace amidst adversity.

PWRDF Supports Vulnerable Households in Afghanistan

In 2021, the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis marked by severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies, alongside an alarming increase in child marriages and desperate measures for survival. Because the criminal code of Canada prohibits the funding of terrorist organizations, any donations made to organizations such as PWRDF could not be forwarded to partners in Afghanistan. In response, PWRDF joined forces with 18 aid agencies under Cooperation Canada, advocating for legislative changes to enable humanitarian support in Afghanistan. In March 2023, the introduction of Bill C-41 marked a crucial milestone, allowing Canadian aid organizations to provide aid without fear of prosecution. This breakthrough meant that funds raised for PWRDF's partners in Afghanistan could finally be utilized. Through implementing partners on the ground, emergency assistance was extended to vulnerable households, internally displaced persons, returnees, and refugees affected by conflict, providing critical relief to those in need.

PWRDF Volunteer Information Session

Join us on April 18th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Eastern for an informative webinar hosted by PWRDF staff. This session offers an insightful introduction to PWRDF's mission, volunteer network, and the resources available to volunteers and parishes. Geared towards new PWRDF Parish Representatives, Diocesan Representatives, or interested friends who want to learn more. It may also be helpful for anyone who would like a refresher. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about how you can make a difference with PWRDF.

EVENTS

April Praying with PWRDF

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

Join us April 11, 2024 at 1 p.m. ET – Our reflector will be Joel Kelling, Anglican Alliance Facilitator for the Middle East and Provincial Administrator (Jerusalem & the Middle East).

Earth Week 2024!

In 2020, faith bodies and organizations in Canada–PWRDF among them–initiated "For the Love of Creation" on Earth Day. This national movement, firmly rooted in faith and Indigenous principles, serves as a rallying cry for climate justice. Now, as Earth Week 2024 approaches, all faith communities are invited to join hands under the banner of "Together for the Love of Creation." From April 21st to 28th, engage in a multitude of climate justice activities. Whether it's hosting prayer services, open houses to showcase environmental efforts, or meetings with elected officials, each action amplifies the collective voice for the planet. Make hope visible across the nation as we stand together in solidarity for the love of creation.

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 Supporter Relations Program Officer, Abdi Ali.

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 PWRDF 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.

PWRDF 2024 Annual Resources

PWRDF's Annual Resources will be available a little later than usual this year. You can expect the 2024 Annual Resources in the fall, along with many exciting updates from PWRDF. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, our 2023 Annual Resources are still available for ordering.

(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 still 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.