Welcome to Update - May 2024

Working towards a truly just,

healthy and peaceful world.

In this update...

• May Voices of Hope/Voix d'espoir - Read about PWRDF's support for survivors of gender based violence (GBV) and child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) in Lesotho
• Wild Ride 2024 - starts June 20!
• February Under the Sun - Available now!
• June Under the Sun - Coming Soon!
• Check out Super Friends 11!

The latest PWRDF News...

• Diocese of Jerusalem: Walking the Way of the Cross towards Easter Hope
• This National Volunteer Week, we Give Thanks!



Plus resources and upcoming events

Learn about PWRDF's support for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) in Lesotho

Save the Date!



The PWRDF Wild Ride returns from World Refugee Day, June 20, to Thanksgiving Day, October 14! PWRDF is marking 65 years of supporting refugees and internally displaced people. The Wild Ride is PWRDF’s peer-to-peer fundraising campaign that encourages people to bake, craft, run, walk, or read. You are invited to put your stamp on it by sharing your passion for a good cause. You can do an activity event or a challenge in a group or on your own to raise funds for PWRDF’s partners’ work with refugees and internally displaced people. 

 Join us for the launch event on June 20 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. to learn what is in store for 2024.

Join Under the Sun - Coming Soon!

Keep your eyes peeled for the June edition of Under the Sun, coming soon!



February Under the Sun - Available now!

The February edition of PWRDF's Under the Sun is available to view or download now!

In this edition, read about all the ways PWRDF partners work amid war and conflict. Plus, a Q&A with PWRDF Humanitarian Response Coordinator, Naba Gurung.

Do you subscribe to the Anglican Journal?

Look for your hardcopy of Under the Sun in your February edition of the Anglican Journal.

Annual Report available in English and French

The 2022-2023 Annual Report was included in the September Anglican Journal, and the French Rapport Annuel was included in the December Quebec Gazette and Montreal Anglican. If you would like to order additional Annual Reports in either English or French, please email pwrdf@pwrdf.org.

Super Friends 11! Available now

Super Friends is a long-standing Social Justice resource produced by PWRDF for children, with stories, activities and faith connection. In this newly revised edition, you will find these same elements and more. Super Friends 11! focuses on Right Relationships and Reconciliation. Free to a maximum of 20 copies per parish, per year!

Diocese of Jerusalem: Walking the Way of the Cross towards Easter Hope

Anglican Alliance Executive Director, the Rev. Canon Rachel Carnegie, recently visited the Diocese of Jerusalem, "a journey of solidarity and pilgrimage, to listen to the experiences of the Church and people, to pray together, and to visit some of the Diocesan health and education institutions, learning how they are sustaining care for the most vulnerable in these desperate times." 

This National Volunteer Week, We Give Thanks!

On April 11, PWRDF's online prayer community, Praying with PWRDF, celebrated National Volunteer Week and the fourth anniversary of its inception with a poignant reflection from Kim Umbach, PWRDF Volunteer Coordinator. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Kim emphasized the importance of cherishing life's diverse moments and celebrated the invaluable contributions of volunteers, extending a heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers for their steadfast dedication. The online prayer group, originally a response to the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved into a cherished space for fellowship, reflection, and solidarity. As we navigate the uncertainties of the future, it remains a beacon of support and connection for all involved. 

EVENTS

Programming in Complex Times

Climate Change. Pandemics. Conflict. Inflation. As PWRDF embarks on a new strategic plan the contextual challenges faced by our partners here in Canada and around the world are apparent. But, at the same time, so are the success stories. There are many examples of local organizations finding unique approaches to complex challenges or examples of how flexible funding is allowing quick adaptations and learning. This webinar with introduce the PWRDF strategic plan, highlight the work of our many partners and introduce key initiatives planned for this year. 

Join the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage: Canadian Churches for Just Peace, an initiative organized by KAIROS Canada and its member churches, including PWRDF. It’s part of a global movement walking and rolling in prayerful solidarity with the people of Gaza that was launched in January in the lead up to Lent.

The Pilgrimage continues in Canada. We are organizing Pilgrimages in our communities up until May 13, as well as actions during the Week of Action - May 15 to 22. Everyone is invited to join these local Pilgrimages and show support for and gather, if possible, in Ottawa on May 22 for a final Pilgrimage to Parliament Hill. We will pray and call on Canada for: 

• Enduring and sustained ceasefire. 
• Immediate flow of life saving food, water, aid, fuel and humanitarian assistance.
• Release of all captives.
• Halt further arms exports, alongside export and brokering authorizations, to Israel.
• End of occupation so a just peace can begin. 



This invitation is for everyone: church leaders, people of faith, and companions who yearn for justice and peace! 

May Praying with PWRDF

All are welcome to join our online parish. Hundreds have prayed with us from across Canada.

Join us May 09, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET – Our reflector will be the Rev. Canon Rachel Carnegie, Executive Director of the Anglican Alliance

Sacred Beginnings 2024!

The Second Sacred Beginnings will be taking place in May. Please share this opportunity to connect with peers from across the country with Indigenous youth in your circles ages 15-25. Space is limited to 25 participants, with an even geographical representation from across Canada.

The cost to participate in Sacred Beginnings is covered by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples and funding from the Anglican Foundation, Say Yes to Kids.

Book your Mapping Exercise workshop

PWRDF's Mapping the Ground We Stand On is now available as an online or an in-person workshop. Learn more at pwrdf.org/mapping-exercise.

PWRDF coming to a church near you

PWRDF has joined scores of virtual worship services at parishes across the country. Staff can deliver a prerecorded sermon or join live worship on Zoom or other platforms. To learn more or to book a virtual guest speaker, contact Supporter Relations Program Officer, Abdi Ali.

PWRDF wants to hear from you!

Please share your fundraising success stories to inspire others and to spread the word about the good work you have done! Email PWRDF and tell us about it. Many thanks to all of our donors.

RESOURCES

a just generation is a series of conversations with allies, educators and folks working to bring about equity and justice. 

Join Duncan Chalmers and Robyn Sulkko in conversation with PWRDF Humanitarian Response Coordinator Naba Gurung as they chat about how PWRDF responds to humanitarian crises and disasters in Canada.

PWRDF 2024 Annual Resources

PWRDF's Annual Resources will be available a little later than usual this year. You can expect the 2024 Annual Resources in the fall, along with many exciting updates from PWRDF. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, our 2023 Annual Resources are still available for ordering.

(left) This year's placemat includes children's activities and the Prayer for PWRDF on the reverse; (top right) the offering envelope and (bottom right) bulletin cover reflect the Let's Make a World of Difference theme.

Annual Resources for 2023 still available for ordering

PWRDF’s resources for 2023 focus on the overall work of PWRDF and partners around the world and extend an invitation: “Let's Make a World of Difference.” There are pieces to support a PWRDF Sunday, such as bulletin covers and offering envelopes, as well as our popular in memoriam and in honour cards for use anytime. These beautiful educational and informational resources unite us in prayer and action for the work of PWRDF and partners. Learn more about this year's resources and order for your parishes gatherings and services.