2023 Resources
2022 Resources
Session Decisions and Definitions of Marriage
In 2021, the General Assembly adopted two parallel definitions of marriage. Since it is the Session that is responsible for all policy and procedure matters, subject to presbytery oversight, it is the Session that decides whether the church will host same-sex weddings.
Video Presentation on Residential Schools and The Presbyterian Church in Canada
This half-hour video gives a brief overview of The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s role in colonization and Residential Schools. It is intended as an educational tool to help people understand the ways in which racism and colonial attitudes shaped the church’s mission, with devastating consequences.
Honouring the Children: Reconciliation and Residential Schools Fund Established
The PCC has established a new fund to honour of the children who were lost at residential schools and all people living with the consequences of that legacy.
A Statement Regarding Residential Schools
In response to the devastating confirmation of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools in Canada, a statement was published, in consultation with the National Indigenous Ministry Council, and signed by the current and previous Moderator of General Assembly. It speaks, through repentance and lament and in humility, for the lives of all the children who were lost and makes many commitments for the church to act upon.
A Statement Regarding Residential Schools
The Presbyterian Church in Canada has issued a statement of repentance and commitment to action, aware of our responsibility with regard to the sin of colonialism and operation of Indian Residential Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about the PCC and Residential Schools
The following are answers to some of the questions people [...]
Resources
Sing a New Song: 2023 Advent Devotional
Join us on a five-week Advent journey: open to disruptions, willing to wait in silence, finding God in the ordinary, and understanding that waiting has value as we prepare to sing a new song at Christmas. The devotional can be used in creative ways: in part or whole, each week or just one. You can invite your family, gather with your small group at church or create an Advent study group to discuss and practice it together. This may also be a great opportunity to share it with a neighbour, friend or co-worker as a part of an invitation to Christmas service at your church. The devotional can be tailored as appropriate for families with very young children.
God is in the Manger: 2023 Advent Study
This study guide, part of the Presbyterians Read series, is designed to accompany the reading of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Advent meditations, God is in the Manger. The guide includes suggested spiritual practices and discussion questions to encourage you to engage in Bonhoeffer’s reflections more deeply.
Advent Liturgies (PWS&D)
Celebrate the birth of Christ with Advent 2023 liturgies produced by Presbyterian World Service & Development. Even in the face of poverty, injustice and disaster, hope, love, peace and joy find a way.
This Advent, Create a Giving Tree!
Advent is a time to celebrate God’s great gift of love by sharing gifts with others.
This Advent, begin or continue a Giving Tree tradition. By hanging ornaments on a giving tree you can celebrate the gifts to Gifts of Change that your congregation is sharing at Christmas in a very real way. Be creative and do what works for your congregation!
Journey to Christmas: 2022 Advent Devotional
A Journey to Christmas explores the stories of Zechariah, Mary, Elizabeth, John, Joseph and the shepherds as they are given the good news of Jesus’ coming and as they experience the miracle of his birth. This devotional booklet includes prayers, reflections and activities for each week of Advent to help families and individuals prepare for Christmas.
Bringing Light into the Darkness: Making Advent Candles at Home
The season of Advent invites us to turn our attention to the light of Christ breaking through in even the most difficult situations in our lives and in the world. One way that we can do this is by engaging in faith traditions that create space for Christ’s light to fill hearts and our homes. Evangeline Keeley, a member of Prairie Presbyterian Church, suggests making beeswax Advent candles as a way of practicing a tradition.
Faith Formation Through Advent Calendars
An Advent calendar resource designed to help Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth through biblical reflection, spiritual practices and everyday faith in action.
Advent Worship Service: Songs of Resistance and Hope
An Advent worship service courtesy of the Women’s Missionary Society.
Longest Night Service: Blue Christmas
During Advent, many churches hold a worship service for those who find Christmas a sad, complicated and difficult time. The Blue Christmas/Longest Night service focuses on Christ overcoming the darkness of loss, suffering and loneliness.
Advent Wreath and Liturgies
An introduction to the Advent wreath, along with some liturgies to use when lighting the Advent candles.
How to Make an Advent Wreath
A video produced by Dr. Tori Smit, Regional Minister for Faith Formation for the Synod of Central, Northeastern Ontario and Bermuda, on how to make an Advent wreath for your home.
Getting Ready for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
This resource contains a variety of suggestions to help congregations plan for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.
Travelling Mary and Joseph: An Advent Activity for the Whole Congregation
A resource created by the Rev. Charmila Ireland that provides steps to celebrate “Los Posadas” in congregations and with families.
Ways to Celebrate Advent at Home
In Advent, as the days become shorter and more of our time is spent inside, we are given the opportunity to create traditions that help us experience Christ’s light and love. This resource provides an introduction to Advent traditions that are easy to implement at home and add to the warmth and excitement of the season.
Walk to Bethlehem: An Advent Pilgrimage
Mary and Joseph walked from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in a manger. This Advent activity invites you to join this journey towards Christmas.
Sample Sermons for Advent:
The Light Shines in the Darkness
A worship service for Christmas Eve/Day.
Family-Friendly Christmas Eve Worship
A welcoming and family-friendly worship service meant to accommodate the high energy and joyful excitement of children on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas Story According to The Four Gospels – A Congregational Worship Event
Similar to the format of a traditional Christmas pageant, the congregational worship event outlined in this resource involves a four-scene drama of the Christmas Story, retold through multiple lenses in the gospels.
The Jesse Tree/The Christmas Tree
This resource provides an overview of the Jesse Tree and the Christmas Tree, special trees that give the Advent and Christmas season beauty and meaning.
God’s Great Idea
A Christmas video by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Stittsville, Ontario. (Text by Dr. Laura Alary; Stop-motion animation by Thomas Duncan)
The Twelve Days of Christmas
A theological and historical exploration of the familiar and beloved Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”