Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

As this difficult year comes to a close, we invite you to take the time to celebrate Advent. A season of anticipation and waiting, Advent can be a wonderful time to pause and reflect not just on what has happened, but what is to come. To help you celebrate this season, we’ve gathered ten resources for Advent. From all of us at ECF, we pray that your Advent is filled with health and hopeful anticipation.

1. 5 Ways to Prepare Ye is a short and practical article to help Episcopalians recognize and observe the differences between Advent and Christmas.

2. Journeying the Way of Love Advent Curriculum: The Episcopal Church has produced this four-week curriculum that moves through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. It’s perfect for use during your Christian Formation hour before or after church and can be used by small or large groups.

3. Our faith is not just something we check in with on Sundays. Faith-at-Home is a way for families to engage in conversation…outside of church. It’s a fantastic resource for parents who need help talking to their kids about Jesus.

4. #AdventWord is a popular hashtag among Episcopalians during Advent. Join an international community of prayer this Advent season. Virginia Theological Seminary invites participants to post a word every day, associated with a devotion of the day and share with their friends online. It’s a great way to engage in Advent and prepare for Christmas, all while providing an opportunity for evangelism.

5. Find Advent and Christmas resources from The Episcopal Church here, including Preparing to Become the Beloved Community Advent curriculum; Way of Love Digital Invitation Kit; an updated Journeying the Way of Love Advent calendar and curriculum; AdventWord 2020; and the Episcopal Migration Ministries Refugee Prayer Vigil.

6. Praying in Color Advent Calendar Templates by Sybil MacBeth are a way for free-spirited individuals to pray for their friends and loved ones. It’s also a fun way to engage children in creating meaningful prayers throughout Advent.

7 Advent in a Box by Building Faith, a ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary, was originally written to help churches build Advent in a Box kits to distribute to their youth. It can easily be adapted by individual families looking for more faith at home resources during a socially distanced holiday season.

8. The 1,000 Days of Love Advent Toolkit by Episcopal Relief and Development will help inspire you with great ideas to give back and make a difference around the world. In this season of hope and joy, consider ways of sharing that with others.

9. Illustrated Children’s Ministry has some wonderful resources for families. Take a look at their various Advent activities, coloring pages, Advent paper wreaths kits and more. These aren’t just your average coloring pages, and they’re for all ages!

10. Living Well Through Advent 2020 is a seasonal guide from Living Compass to help your heart, mind, strength, and soul. Want to live more holistically? This could be an excellent resource for you!
Wishing you a blessed Advent season!