[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs press release] The liturgical season of Advent began on Sunday November 29, and the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society is offering a myriad of opportunities to observe the season in spiritual, faithful avenues. The resources are ideal for personal, congregational and community planning and scheduling of Advent observances.

Advent is the liturgical season that occurs four weeks prior to Christmas, beginning on Sunday, November 29.  Advent is a time of reflection and preparation.

Throughout Advent, the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society website and social media venues of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will be based on daily themes highlighting cultural practices and traditions of the season. Each day, beginning on the First Sunday of Advent (November 29) through Christmas Day (December  25), history/information, recipes, prayers and other resources that focus on the day’s particular theme will be offered on www.episcopalchurch.org and throughout our social media outlets.

Among the varied daily themes for Advent are: Hope and Expectation;  John the Baptist; Stir-Up/traditional holiday food; “Simbang Gabi” (Night Prayer)/Filipino; Prophets; St. Nicholas; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Lessons & Carols; Love; Joy; Posada/hospitality; Light in the Darkness; The Holy Family; and Peace.

Reflections for the Advent season are available here.

Episcopal Migration Ministries webinars
Episcopal Migration Ministries will sponsor weekly seminars, Advent Advocacy Update: #RefugeesWelcome, to examine the current crisis surrounding refugee resettlement in the United States. Each webinar will explore the latest developments and how Episcopalians can be involved in supporting this important work.

The webinars will be held

Tuesday, December 1: 2 pm – 3 pm Eastern
Tuesday, December 8: 2 pm – 3 pm Eastern
Tuesday,, December 15: 2 pm – 3 pm Eastern

Pre-registration requested; register here.

United Thank Offering challenge
The Board of the United Thank Offering has presented a challenge to The Episcopal Church to benefit a special grant of $30,000 for Episcopal Migration Ministries.

Deemed Advent: Journey from Gratitude to Hope, the United Thank Offering board is challenging Episcopalians to support refugee welcome in the United States through its 2015 Ingathering Challenge.

Checks or online donations should have UTO-EMM in the memo line/comments section.

Donations are also accepted online here just select UTO for EMM Challenge from the drop down menu and then put Episcopal Migration Ministries in the comments.

Litany of prayers
The Executive Council’s Advocacy and Networking for Mission committee approved a resolution at its November meeting expressing sorrow and grief for those who died, those injured, and those for whom peace has been shattered by the recent acts of terrorism in Paris and Beirut.  The committee recommended for prayers throughout Advent the litany of peace from the diocese of Jerusalem, located here.

Services on demand
Beloved and traditional Advent services presented by the Office of Communication of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society will be available on-demand for viewing when best for individuals, congregations, families, youth groups, adult forums, etc.

The webcasts can be accessed here.

Other resources
Sunday Bulletin insert here.

Society of St. John the Evangelist #AdventWord2015

Episcopal Relief & Development Advent Toolkit.

d365.org Following the Star