What Are We Waiting For?
Advent Reflections with the Leaders of the Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran, Presbyterian and United Churches
The Rev. Dr. Bob Faris, Moderator of the 2022 General Assembly, has worked with other church leaders to prepare an ecumenical Advent program of devotions and conversations.
Every Monday during Advent, the national church leaders of The Anglican Church of Canada, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada and The United Church of Canada will release an ecumenical Advent meditation and conversations reflecting the four Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love, and addressing challenges facing the Canadian churches.
Every Thursday during Advent, listeners are invited to join in a live discussion, via Zoom, with one of the leaders on that week’s Advent theme. Attendees to the gathering will be able to ask questions during the online conversation.
Participating Church Leaders:
The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Primate, The Anglican Church of Canada
The Rev. Susan C. Johnson, National Bishop, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
The Rev. Dr. Robert Faris, Moderator, The Presbyterian Church in Canada
The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator, The United Church of Canada
Schedule for the Live Online Discussions via Zoom | Thursdays during Advent at 7 p.m. (Eastern)
December 1: Hope, “Signs of the Times”
In a one-on-one conversation, The Rev. Dr. Bob Faris and the Rev. Susan C. Johnson discussed the signs of the time and answered questions from participants in the live event. They discussed whether we can read the signs of our own times to understand where we are being called to be the church.
December 8: Peace, “Finding the Good Path”
Bob Faris in conversation with Carmen Lansdowne about truth telling and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Three of the churches represented here ran Residential Schools. The recovery of hundreds of unmarked graves in Kamloops and in many other locations has once again shocked all of us into hearing the truth that Indigenous people have been telling for decades.
What is the path forward?
December 15: Joy, “God’s Love Includes Everyone”
Carmen Lansdowne in conversation with Bob Faris about the inclusion of all in the church.
For decades, all churches have been engaged in discussion around the inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ people. All four participating churches have taken steps towards greater inclusion, but the discernment continues.
What does it mean to include everyone?
December 22: Love, “The Cost of Discipleship”
Bob Faris in conversation with Linda Nicholls about the church’s public witness in a rapidly changing social and political context in Canada.
At times, the church is called to take positions that are not in tune with popular opinion or with other church partners.
When should the church take a prophetic stand, and are we willing to pay the price to witness to the gospel?
Click on the button above and fill out the sign-up form to receive the meeting link for each event along with email reminders of each week’s upcoming events.
The Rev. Susan C. Johnson
The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne
The Rev. Dr. Bob Faris
The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls
Advent Meditation Program Bulletin Insert – Print