Our Cup Does Run Over
by The Rev. Dr. Steve H. Shussett
For the last seven weeks I have led a Christian education series at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church using the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s We Believe curriculum. How we “Engage the Gospel” is not just a Reformed concern. Now we have begun a new series that deals with Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Is there a Presbyterian seminarian over the past few decades who hasn’t studied Bonhoeffer to some degree?
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A Christmas Greeting from the World Council of Churches
The miracle of Christmas is illuminated by God’s glory and orchestrated with glad songs of joy. In Matthew’s gospel we read of Magi following a star, learning of biblical prophecy, carrying lavish gifts for a child born to be king. The pilgrimage of the Magi brought them at last to “the place where the child lay”, a peaceful place where they paused in wonder; then, their journey continued along a new and different route as they told their story on the homeward way.
Amid the glory and perfect goodness of this great Good News, the gospel writer reminds us that the image of the Nativity is drawn against the backdrop of the often brutal world we know.
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Formula of Agreement Partners
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The United Church of Christ
The United Church of Christ calls Rev. Traci Blackmon as acting executive for the Justice and Witness Ministries program.
Learn more.
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Reformed Church in America
A mission co-worker with the Reformed Church in America in Hungary wrote a report about her interactions with refugees fleeing conflict to find peace and safety in Europe.
Read more.
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Campus Ministry programs are working to help campus communities address racism. “I think campus ministries are uniquely positioned to create and hold spaces to have hard and important conversations, including confronting racism on our campuses and in our churches,” said the Rev. Kate Reuer Welton, campus pastor, Lutheran Campus Ministry, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.
Learn more about this important program.
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Conciliar Fellowships
Christian Churches Together
Christian Churches Together (CCT) will hold their annual gathering February 17-19, 2016 (invitation only). This will be the tenth anniversary of the fellowship. The Rev. Carlos Malave’s article appears in this issue of the Ecumenical News and it can be accessed above.
National Council of Churches
The National Council of Churches submitted written testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 10 as the Committee considered S.2123, The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015. See more.
World Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches has resources on its website that clarify the position of organization within the ecumenical movement, the theological basis of the ecumenical movement, and understanding its purpose. Explore the resources.
World Communion of Reformed Churches
The 2017 General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches will be held in Leipzeg, Germany. The theme of the gathering taking place in the summer of 2017 is “Living God, renew and transform us.” The council will deal with issues of justice, church unity and world renewal. More than a thousand delegates, observers, members of staff and invited guests from 108 countries will be meeting in Leipzig for the council, which runs 27 June to 7 July. The 2017 General Council will be the largest event organized in Germany by an international church organization during the Reformation Jubilee, celebrating 500 years since the start of the Martin Luther-sparked Reformation.
Learn more.
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Upcoming events
January 18-25, 2016 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. All over the world, Christians participate in worship and prayer services. Now is the time to plan an ecumenical worship service in your community. Download materials at the World Council of Churches’ website: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/week-of-prayer.
April 15-18, 2016 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
The dates and theme of next year’s Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) have been set! Explore the resources and plan on attending this important event, especially in light of the 2016 Presidential Election. Learn more: http://advocacydays.org/2016-lift-every-voice/ |
Resources
Heifer International – Christmas giving idea
Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. The website provides information on Heifer Projects and ideas for giving gifts that make a difference.
To learn more about giving opportunities visit, http://www.heifer.org/.
Ecumenical and Interreligious Service Recognitions
The Ecumenical and Interreligious Service Recognitions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are a public acknowledgement of the significant service to the causes of Christian unity and interreligious relations rendered by presbyteries, congregations, and individuals. Awards are made every other year and are usually presented at a function held in conjunction with the General Assembly.
Learn more (PDF) about selection criteria.
Download the Nomination Form (PDF).
Meet the 2014 recipients. |
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Advent is a reminder that we live between the promise of the reign of God in Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of that reality on earth as it is in heaven. It is the beginning of the liturgical calendar year and yet it comes at the end of the civil calendar year. This cross section of beginnings and endings speaks to the ecumenical calling of the Church.
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