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Advent: A Season for All Generations
This new, two-part Advent program, which we also featured in last month's newsletter, helps you explore various Advent customs and the biblical figures of the season, such as Zechariah and Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna, and Joseph and Mary. Use it with your regular study group or as a special Advent Bible study.
Trusting as we wait: An offering devotion for Advent
As the Christmas party invitations begin to arrive, don’t forget that in this season of waiting, one of the most important invitations to accept is that of trust: We are waiting for, and are invited to trust in, the birth of Christ and what that means for us.
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Care for God's creation this Christmas
 We all want to give gifts, but between the sour economy and our growing need to be good to God’s creation, perhaps this season we can remember Mary and Joseph as a poor young couple and find ways to honor their humble story. Do you give a good manicure? Are you a great gardener? Is your mac-and-cheese a favorite at all the church potlucks? For these and other ideas on giving "green" and giving simple gifts, read this article, which also appears in the November issue of our leadership newsletter, Interchange.
Give thanks with a gift
 Your gifts to our general fund support the mission and ministries of Women of the ELCA in so many ways. You make it possible for us to provide free online and print resources, like this e-newsletter, the Interchange newsletter for leaders, and Café, our online publication for young women. Your offerings sustain important programs and ministries like anti-racism training, cross-cultural immersions, and global education.
With your gifts, we change lives, promote healing and wholeness, support ministry, and help women grow in faith. Be our partner in ministry this Thanksgiving with a gift to our general fund. You can give online, or send a check to Women of the ELCA, PO Box 71256, Chicago, IL 60694-1256 (please write BoldConnections10 in the memo line).
The Colors of Christmas: A Reflection on Preparing for Christmas
 Ah, tradition. Our celebrations are often sprinkled with seasonal traditions that bring us joy and remind us of times gone by or people who have graced our lives. These traditions often add an element of comfort as well as enrichment to our special moments. But do you know where or when your traditions began? Do you know the meaning behind the traditions you hold so dear? This resource takes a look at the some of the customs around one of our favorite celebrations—Christmas.
World AIDS Day is December 1
On the weekend before or after World AIDS Day, members of the ELCA are invited to participate in a worship service, event or advocacy activity, and to remember and demonstrate support for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. A World AIDS Day liturgy and information about ELCA ministries related to HIV and AIDS can be found here, on the ELCA Web site.
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