Christmas Bowl Toolkit 2021 - Stories, worship resources and ideas to help you share God's love this Christmas - imgix
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Christmas Bowl
Toolkit 2021
Martha Tadesse/Act for Peace
Stories, worship resources and ideas to
help you share God’s love this Christmas.
Sharing God’s love through the Christmas Bowl.
The Christmas Bowl is the Christmas appeal of Act for Peace, the international aid
agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. ABN 86 619 970 188
Ben Littlejohn/Act for Peace
Contents
Getting started
How to use this toolkit 4
Sharing God’s love through the Christmas Bowl 5
Worship resources
Dedication of the Christmas Bowl 6
Christmas Bowl Representative Commissioning 7
Christ the King Sunday 8
First Sunday of Advent – Hope 10
Second Sunday of Advent – Peace 12
Third Sunday of Advent – Joy 14
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Love 16
Christmas Day – The light of the world 18
First Sunday after Christmas 20
Useful information
The Christmas Bowl online 22
Other ways to get involved 23
About Act for Peace 24
How we’re making it happen 25
How to return your gifts 26
FAQs 27
Acknowledgements 27
A COVID-safe Christmas Bowl
We recognise that the coronavirus pandemic has stopped many churches from being able to
meet in person. We are hopeful that your church will be able to come together as a congregation
in the lead up to Christmas, and we have been working hard to give you all the resources you
need to safely take part in the Christmas Bowl, whether it is in person or online.
Unique donation Online Connect
page & QR code resources via Facebook
We have set up a unique You can access all the The Christmas Bowl
donation page for your resources found in this website and Facebook page
church which you can share toolkit on the Christmas will keep you up to date,
Nuuriya* and her granddaughter Yasmiin* fled to Ethiopia from Somalia when
Yasmiin was twelve. Yasmiin has severe cardiac and gastrointestinal problems with your congregation Bowl website, along with help you connect with
and infections in both her kidneys and requires dialysis three times per and we have also included information you can fellow churches around
week. Through the Christmas Bowl and thanks to people like you, our partner a unique QR code on the include in your online Australia and show how
organisation DICAC can help ensure Yasmiin receives this treatment by poster for an easy and safe pew sheets and church your gifts are making a
supporting her transportation to and from the hospital.
way to give online. email updates. difference. Thank you.
*Names changed for safety reasons.
2 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 3
GETTING STARTED
Sharing God’s
love through the
Christmas Bowl
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Thank you for joining once again with
churches across Australia to share God’s
love through the Christmas Bowl.
Like 2020 before it, 2021 was a year
of turbulence and disruption. The
coronavirus pandemic continued to
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impact us all, with congregations again
having to connect virtually, and many
community members suffering.
And as is often the case, the impact was
not felt evenly, with the poorest among
us hit hardest, especially the 82 million
people around the world uprooted from
the stability of their homes by conflict or
disaster, and the people caught up in the
humanitarian crises caused by this year’s
conflicts in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Gaza and
the fall of Afghanistan.
In the midst of this division and chaos,
How to use this toolkit the Christmas Bowl is a vital channel
for expressing our unity in Christ. And
it provides a powerful mechanism for
This toolkit is designed to be used by ministers and church leaders. It contains weekly worship
sharing God’s love, with those who need
resources which can be used to guide your services. The Christmas Bowl starts on November 21, Christ
the King Sunday and runs for seven services through to Sunday December 26. We encourage you to look it, through practical Christian action.
through this toolkit ahead of time as it will assist you in planning each of your Christmas services.
Thank you for being part of this
Each week of the Christmas Bowl has resources which will help you plan your service including: important tradition, and helping to
• Liturgy • The liturgy, including the lighting of the Advent Candle, create a world where uprooted people
• Sermon starters
contains a thematic link to the Advent theme of ‘hope,’ have a safe place to belong.
‘peace,’ ‘love,’ and ‘joy.’
• A story from the field – a brief overview of
• On page 26 you will find instructions on how to return
the story from overseas. The full story is
your gifts. This page is designed for your treasurer or
provided online and can be downloaded
designated volunteer.
from the Christmas Bowl website:
www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl. • You can collect gifts for the Christmas Bowl at any time
After fleeing conflict in South
during the Advent season – it doesn’t have to be only
• Each service, we would encourage you to Sudan, Amer* and her children
Christmas Day.
share the weekly PowerPoint presentation now live in a safe house in
Ethiopia. Thanks to the support of
with your congregation so they can see the
Ben Littlejohn/Act for Peace
impact of their kind support. Supporting You can now use the new and improved online remittance congregations like yours, and the
work of our partner DICAC, Amer and
videos are also available online. form to return your gifts, please visit
her family are now receiving food,
www.christmasbowl.actforpeace.org.au/remittanceform shelter and medical care.
*Names changed for safety reasons.
4 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 5
GETTING STARTED
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Blessing of the
Ben Littlejohn/Act for Peace
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Christmas Bowls
ceremony, bringing
Dedication of
churches together in
ecumenical celebration, Gifts through the Christmas Bowl are
Act for Peace
at St James Church in supporting communities affected by
the Christmas Bowl
Sydney. conflict and disaster around the world.
Christmas Bowl Representative Commissioning
Today’s bowl is not so different to the first Bowl of Remembrance that
Rev. Frank Byatt passed around his Christmas dinner table in 1949. A number of churches choose to select a Christmas Bowl (Name), are you willing to be a Christmas Bowl
Representative for their congregation. This person is the Representative? I am
Before the dedication: An empty bowl is brought from the body of the main point of contact between Act for Peace and your
Will you seek to spread the word about how churches
congregation and placed in a position visible to all. church. They may also help to distribute resources and
are working together to act for peace in conflict and
share updates on the difference you have made through
disaster affected regions of our world? With God’s
the Christmas Bowl. Here is a commissioning service for
Dedication
help, I will.
Christmas Bowl Representatives.
The congregation stands as the minister says
Australian Churches, through the Christmas Bowl, Will you accept (Name) as a Christmas Bowl
have acted together to bring peace and hope into the world. Commissioning Representative in this congregation? We will.
Help us continue to act for peace. Will you encourage him/her in love and support him/
To help create meaningful connections between our her in this ministry, serving with him/her the one
As children of God we will share this year’s bowl congregation and people in conflict and disaster around Lord Jesus Christ? With God’s help, we will.
with people who are displaced, oppressed or living in poverty the world, this congregation has a Christmas Bowl
Representative(s). Today we commission (Name) for this
May their lives be filled with hope and peace.
ministry with us. Prayer
Gracious and ever-loving God, (Name), as a Christmas Bowl Representative you:
Open our hearts so we may courageously • Will hold before us stories of lives and communities
(Name) has responded to your gentle call to be a
Christmas Bowl Representative.
act for peace in the world. that are being transformed
Open our hands to share what we have with those who have little. • May distribute materials to keep us informed about
May your blessing be upon him/her as he/she brings
to our attention the needs of people suffering as a
As we dedicate this bowl the programs and activities we are supporting
result of conflict and disaster.
May it be filled with the fruits of hope, peace, joy and love • May offer prayer points to help our intercessions
So all people may know your goodness and receive your grace. Amen. Also please guide him/her in ways that will open our
• May encourage us to stand humbly with others
hearts to act for peace in our world today through
• May help us discover new ways to act for peace Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
6 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 7
Karen McGrath/Act for Peace
Week 1: 21 November 2021
Sermon Starter
GETTING STARTED
The readings for Christ the King Sunday begin with a king’s last
words. David, who we first met as a shepherd boy, is now dying.
Like Moses and Jacob before him, he offers ‘famous last words’.
Unusually for a King, he delivers an oracle. This is normally the work
of a prophet, but in David’s dying moments we get a glimpse of the
‘prophet, priest and king’ whom we will meet in his descendant, Jesus.
David leaves behind some wisdom for rulers of every age. ‘One who
WORSHIP RESOURCES
rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of
morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from
the rain on the grassy land’. It is an evocative set of images, but the
irony is rich. King David has hardly been a model of righteousness
and justice. But David is not looking retrospectively over his reign,
but in anticipation of God’s future. The dying king could not have
known that one day, in David’s town, would be born a saviour
whose kingdom is ‘not of this world’. But when he speaks with
God’s voice, he foreshadows a future in which his descendants are a
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blessing for the whole world.
Christ the King As we end the current liturgical year and begin a new Advent, we
yearn for a world in which rulers use their authority for justice.
Sunday
Coffs Harbour Council of Through the Christmas Bowl, we can use our power to help others
Churches supporting the see the sun rising on a cloudless morning.
Christmas Bowl.
the faithful witness to God’s love Dedication of the Offering:
Liturgy and the ruler of all kings.
God of love, Alpha and Omega,
Grace to you and peace from the who was and is and is to come, God’s Love in Action
Holy Spirit, all that we have belongs to you.
Bible readings We offer you our gifts of money
who calls us to worship God
2 Samuel 23:1-7 as a sign that we loosen our hold
It’s been more than 70 years since Rev. When Frank sat down to his
this day!
King David on his deathbed on what we think belongs to us. Frank Byatt started the Christmas Bowl. Christmas dinner in 1949, he knew
affirms both the sovereignty Take what we offer and make millions of people were starving in
Prayers of Intercession: He put a Bowl of Remembrance on his
and authority of God, and God’s it abundant war-ravaged Europe. And he was
Jesus said to Pilate, Christmas dinner table and asked his
blessing of David’s royal house. for the work of your kingdom compelled to offer help.
which is not of this world.
loved ones to place a gift in it to ‘share
Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) “For this I was born, and for this I
Amen. your good dinner with hungry children in As we break bread with our loved
A song of blessing on the house came into the world,
other lands.’ ones this Christmas, our thoughts will
of David. to testify to the truth.
Sending Out: be for our sisters and brothers who
Revelation 1:4b-8 Frank couldn’t have foreseen how his
Everyone who belongs to the truth have been forced from their homes,
Christ is affirmed as the ‘faithful Let us go from here as servants of simple act of compassion that evening
listens to my voice.” and loved ones, by conf lict or disaster.
witness’, ‘first born of the dead’ Christ, would grow into the powerful Christmas
and ‘ruler of all kings.’ Bringer of truth, the ruler of all kings, Bowl tradition we now know is celebrated Please join with us again this
we pray for courage to search for to live and work towards Christ’s reign
John 18:33-37
in thousands of churches across Christmas Bowl, as together we share
truth in suffering that is hidden, of justice and peace and truth in
Jesus describes his kingdom to Australia. And he couldn’t have known God's love, helping create a world
our world.
Pilate as ‘not of this world.’ to speak the truth of struggle that how much it would be needed in our where uprooted people have a safe
And the blessing of God…
is silenced world today. place to belong.
and to act for truth wherever
Call to Worship
justice is needed.
From Revelation 1
Open our eyes to the reality of
Grace to you and peace from God, your kingdom; This is a great opportunity to share the first of the PowerPoint
who was and is and is to come. open our ears to your voice of truth; presentations with your congregation. It can be found on your USB stick
open our hands to the work to or online at www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
Grace to you and peace from which you call us in this season.
Jesus Christ, Amen
8 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 9
Week 2: 28 November 2021 Indah’s* home was hit by a devastating
landslide, breaking her arm and killing
three of her family members. With support
GETTING STARTED
from the Christmas Bowl, Indah and her
family participated in a disaster and
hygiene program that helped them prepare
for future disasters and stay safe.
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Shinara Armitage/Act for Peace
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Megie Anggita/CWS
First Sunday of Advent:
Gifts through the Christmas Bowl have
helped people like Faizah* learn how to
make her own fertiliser using food scraps
from her kitchen bin, to feed and nurture
Hope the crops in her yard.
Liturgy
and who we are may we,
with Jesus, Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
Prayers of Intercession: bring hope to the earth.
Jesus said, Amen When we read these few words of Jeremiah today, it is Faizah* and her family live in a remote village
Bible readings “There will be signs in the sun, Sending out: good to be reminded that he is in the lock-up when he in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, which was hard
Jeremiah 33:14-16 the moon, and the stars, says them. Jeremiah has declared that Jerusalem will hit by a huge earthquake and tsunami in 2018.
and on the earth nations will be Stand up, says Jesus and raise fall to the Babylonians, but some people don’t want to Since then, their farm which they rely on for food,
Through the prophet Jeremiah God
in distress, your heads, hear the difficult truth. He’s allowed to preach and do has been affected by floods, drought, and the
promises a ‘righteous branch’ to
anxious over the roaring of the for your redemption is drawing near.
spring up for David. business, but he is held in prison under the watchful eyes COVID-19 pandemic.
sea and the surging waves.” Let us go from here with courage to
of the king’s guards. It takes some guts to proclaim a new Thankfully, compassionate people like you are
Psalm 25:1-10 face the struggles of our world,
Jesus, the One coming on the king while the current king is holding you hostage! supporting our partner, Church World Service
A celebration of God’s paths of knowing that Jesus is coming to make
steadfast love and faithfulness. clouds with great power and all things new. Faizah needed guts too. She took a risk on a new way in Indonesia. They are working with local
great glory, Let us go to prepare the way of Christ. of fertilising crops. She learned how to share her communities to help them adapt to the changing
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 we pray for all those people And the blessing of God… experience with others. Faizah and her village are climate and be more resilient to disasters.
The blessing of abundance: of around the world responding to the climate crisis, even though there are Faizah, along with other women in her
thanksgiving, love and holiness. who are suffering from the Lighting of the Advent still many people who don’t want to hear the difficult community, are learning to make organic fertiliser
Luke 21:25-36 effects of natural disasters Candle (Hope): truth. Faizah’s village might not be as brazen as
and climate change. and pesticides to help them grow their own
Jesus predicts his return and tells To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. Jeremiah, but they are just as brave.
We pray especially today for food. Now Faizah is turning her food scraps into
the parable of the fig tree. Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
the people of the Indonesia When we name the truth of our current times and fertiliser, so she can grow more vegetables to feed
Call to Worship: as their livelihoods continue
for you are the God of my salvation; express our hope for God’s kingdom to come, it might her family. And Faizah is teaching more women to
for you I wait all day long. (Psalm 25) mean powerful people dismiss us. We might not end up do the same so they can also save money.
From Psalm 25 to be uprooted by climate
Lead us in your truth, O God, disasters and the pandemic. We light the first candle of Advent, the in the lock-up, but we may well end up in the doghouse. It Through the Christmas Bowl, you are helping
for you are the God of our salvation; candle of hope. is good to be reminded that there is often a price for being communities like Faizah’s adapt to climate
Bring hope and courage to all
in you we have trusted all day long. a hopeful people. Nevertheless, we stand up and raise our change and withstand financial hardship when
who suffer, Jesus, light of our world,
Teach us your way O God: heads, because our redemption is drawing near. natural disasters strike.
to all who support them we hope for change in our own lives
all your paths are steadfast love and to all who work for the and in your world. *Names changed for safety reasons.
and faithfulness. healing of the earth. We watch and work and wait together
Remember, O God, your compassion in hope. Amen.
and love, Dedication of the Offering:
Share this week’s PowerPoint presentation with your congregation found on your USB stick.
for they are from everlasting. The love of God is revealed in the You can also download a dedicated PowerPoint for every week of the Christmas Bowl at
Let us worship God! gift of Jesus, www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
bringer of hope.
In our giving of what we have
10 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 11
Week 3: 5 December 2021
GETTING STARTED
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Aisha’s* daughter Hana* (4) was diagnosed with
anaemia, which can have devastating life-long
consequences if left untreated. Act for Peace’s
local partner, NECC, are helping provide iron
supplements to children like her, so they can
recover and fulfill their potential.
Richard Wainwright/Act for Peace
Ben Littlejohn/Act for Peace
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Budour*, a psychologist who runs the
NECC Psychosocial Program in Gaza City
Second Sunday of Advent:
encourages Tarek* to draw pictures
during one of the psychosocial sessions
that have helped him cope with the
Peace
trauma he's experienced.
and in the shadow of death; Dedication of the Offering:
Liturgy to guide our feet into the way
The love of God is revealed in the Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
of peace.
gift of Jesus,
Let us worship God!
Bible readings bringer of peace. Malachi concludes a long diatribe against the people The recent bombing of Gaza and the escalation of
Prayers of Intercession: In our giving of what we have of Judah, singling out the temple elites for particular tensions between Israel and Palestine can make
Malachi 3: 1-4 and who we are may we, with Jesus, scorn. The Lord is coming, says Malachi, preceded by peace feel more distant than ever, especially for
The messenger of the covenant John the Baptist proclaimed bring peace to the earth. a messenger - and there will be a great cleansing and children affected by the conflict.
will be a refiner’s fire. with Isaiah: Amen judgement. In Luke 7, John the Baptist is explicitly
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his Dr Lubna works for Act for Peace’s partner, the
Luke 1: 68-79 paths straight. Sending out: identified as the ‘messenger’ that Malachi describes, so
Near East Council of Churches (NECC). They are
The Song of Zechariah about the we can read today’s appointed reading from Luke with
Every valley shall be filled, The word of God came to John, providing vital mental and other health care to
that connection in mind.
infant John the Baptist, promising and every mountain and hill shall be son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. children, women, and young people across Gaza.
that John would grow up to made low, The word of God has come to us, here The appointed reading from Malachi ends just before it
After the recent bombings, Dr Lubna says
prepare the way of the Lord. and the crooked shall be made straight, in this place. gets juicy. But we need to read on about a God who will
children are in greater need of mental
and the rough ways made smooth; Let us go from here to prepare the not stand for lies and deception, and who is enraged
Philippians 1: 3-11 health support to deal with trauma they’ve
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ way of Christ. by those who take advantage of widows and orphans.
A prayer for overflowing love, in experienced: “They are suffering from anxiety,
And the blessing of God… God will not stand for wage theft, nor marginalisation
preparation for the day of Christ. Jesus, Dayspring of God, nightmares and insomnia.”
of those who are different. God sees the evil in the
shine your morning light into Lighting of the Advent world and will respond. Through the Christmas Bowl, you are helping Dr
Luke 3: 1-6 places of injustice Candle (Peace): Lubna and her colleagues run three health clinics
John the Baptist prepares the and entrenched conflict around Disturbed by the suffering in Gaza, it may be tempting
way of the Lord, proclaiming a By the tender mercy of our God, that provide medical care and psychosocial
the world. to view this text as an indictment on the warring parties
the dawn from on high will break upon us, support across Gaza. This includes one-on-one
baptism of repentance for the We pray especially for the people there. But it might just as easily be a message for us, as we
to give light to those who sit in darkness counselling, group therapy sessions, and a place
forgiveness of sins. of Gaza fail to protect the most vulnerable in our world. Through
and in the shadow of death, where children can play and feel safe.
as they live under ongoing the Christmas Bowl, we play our part in inverting the
Call to Worship: occupation to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Through the Christmas Bowl, you are helping
usual power structures. Through us, God makes the
(Luke 1)
From Luke 1 and as they work towards a more crooked paths straight and the rough ways smooth. children in Gaza recover from trauma and giving
peaceful future. We light the second candle of Advent, them a chance at the childhood they deserve.
Blessed be God who has redeemed the candle of peace.
Give strength and hope to all *Names changed for safety reasons.
God’s people:
by the tender mercy of our God, who suffer,
Jesus, light of our world,
to all who work for change in Gaza The safest way to distribute your giving envelopes is to place them on chairs before the
the dawn from on high will break we hope for change in our own lives
and to all who work for a new service. This makes a significant difference to the success of the Christmas Bowl and will
upon us, and in your world.
dawn of peace in the world. Amen make it easier for your congregation to access the envelopes.
to give light to those who sit We watch and work and wait
together for peace. Amen. If you are meeting virtually you can share the link to your church’s unique donation page so
in darkness members of your congregation can make their gift securely online.
12 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 13
Week 4: 12 December 2021
Sermon Starter
GETTING STARTED
Don’t be fooled by today’s text from Zephaniah! It looks positive
(because it is) but it is the hopeful epilogue to a remarkable
prophetic rant. Zephaniah is calling out his home city of Jerusalem
during the time of King Josiah. They have departed from the
covenant, and they are set on the path to destruction.
A quick read of Zephaniah makes John the Baptist look much less
aggressive. But Zephaniah and John are in the same league. They
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bring a warning to a people who have lost their way.
Just prior to today’s reading from Zephaniah, God promises to
abolish haughtiness and leave only a people humble and lowly.
Daniyel* fled Sri Lanka when
These people will do no wrong and they will not lie, and no one will
he was 20 years old and lived make them afraid. We are still waiting for that promised day, even
in a refugee camp in India though in Christ we have a foretaste of its powerful beauty.
Richard Wainwright/Act for Peace
for 12 years. Thanks to people
like you and Act for Peace’s Perhaps we also catch a glimpse of God’s coming kingdom when
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partner OfERR, Daniyel was
able to return home to Sri children learn in peace and safety and exiles return home? Through
the work of Act for Peace and OfERR, and the perseverance of
Third Sunday of Advent:
Lanka with his wife Rani* and
young family. Today, he works people like Daniyel, we get a sneak peek at God’s kingdom and a
as a fisherman and is able to
hint of good news. Let’s continue to dream of a world where no one
Joy
earn his own income.
needs to be afraid.
Let us worship God! Sending out:
Liturgy Prayers of Intercession: The crowds asked John, what then
Paul wrote to the Philippians:
should we do? John replied: God’s Love in Action
“Whoever has two coats must share
Bible readings Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will with anyone who has none;
Zephaniah 3: 14-20 say, Rejoice. and whoever has food must do For 35 years, Sri Lankan refugees in India Sadly, the COVID-19 crisis has meant that
God delights in the people and Do not worry about anything, likewise.” have dreamt of returning home. But now the many families like Daniyel’s are currently
promises to bring them home. but in everything by prayer and Let us go from here to live with COVID-19 crisis has put another barrier in unable to travel back to Sri Lanka due to
supplication with thanksgiving generous hearts.
Isaiah 12: 2-6 their way. border closures and are forced to remain
let your requests be made known to God. Let us go to prepare the way
‘With joy you will draw water from
of Christ.
living in the crowded refugee camps in India.
the well of salvation.’ After twelve long years living in a refugee
Jesus, joy of the world,
we pray for all those whose courage And the blessing of God… camp in India, Daniyel* wanted to take his Through the Christmas Bowl you are helping
Philippians 4: 4-7
forges new paths of hope, justice family home to Sri Lanka, now that the OfERR keep refugees safe from COVID-19 by
Rejoicing and resting in God’s love Lighting of the Advent
and peace. civil war is over. providing medicine and food for refugees at
and faithfulness. Candle (Joy):
We especially pray for Sri Lankan risk of COVID-19 and protective clothing and
Luke 3: 1-6 refugees in India as they seek to “Surely God is my salvation; Our local partner, the Organisation for
John the Baptist speaks of one who
equipment for OfERR health workers. Once the
return home, I will trust and not be afraid. Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OfERR),
will baptise with the Holy Spirit emergency is over, they will continue helping
and for all others around the world The Lord is my strength and my song; helped Daniyel’s family obtain the correct
and with fire. who find themselves displaced. God has become my salvation.” families experience the joy of being able to
documentation such as birth certificates
With joy you will draw water return to their homeland in Sri Lanka.
Call to Worship: Bless all those who work to support for their children and make citizenship
from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12)
From Isaiah 12 people who flee from conflict. applications. On returning to Sri Lanka OfERR *Names changed for safety reasons.
Surely God is my salvation; May they hold onto the vision of We light the third candle of Advent,
helped them to access government services
I will trust, and will not be afraid, reunited families and communities. the candle of joy.
such as health care.
for God is my strength and my might. Dedication of the Offering: Jesus, light of our world, we hope
With joy we come to draw water for change
from the wells of salvation. The love of God is revealed in the
in our own lives and in your world.
gift of Jesus, bringer of joy.
Sing praises to God, who has done We watch and work and wait
In our giving of what we have
magnificent things; together for joy. Amen.
and who we are may we, with See the impact that your gifts through the Christmas Bowl are
let this be known in all the earth. Jesus, bring joy to the earth. making by watching the videos found on your USB stick or online
We shout aloud and sing for joy, Amen at www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
for great in our midst is the
Holy One.
14 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 15
Week 5: 19 December 2021 Heba* and her daughter
unpacking a box of rations
that they received from Act
GETTING STARTED
for Peace’s local partner,
DSPR Jordan.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Arthur Tainturier/Act for Peace
Arthur Tainturier/Act for Peace
USEFUL INFORMATION
Fourth Sunday of Advent:
The Syrian conflict, now in its 10th
year, is one of the worst humanitarian
crises of our time. And it’s civilians
just like Lilia* and her young family
Love who are suffering the most.
God has filled the hungry with good Sending out:
Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
Liturgy things,
Mary sang as if God had already
and sent the rich away empty.
completed the change for which
Let us worship God! Have you ever yearned for peace and security like Heba? It’s been ten years since the civil war broke
Bible readings she hoped.
Perhaps you’ve been down on your luck, temporarily out in Syria with thousands of families still
Let us go from here to live with such
Micah 5:2-5a Prayers of Intercession: homeless, mired in debt or unable to access medical living in neighbouring countries like Jordan.
hope and love
God promises one who would come Mary sang: treatment? For a refugee living outside their homeland, For refugees like Heba* the challenges they
that our eyes are opened to God’s
out of Bethlehem to feed his flock. [The Lord] has brought down the the risks are numerous and complex. But the aspiration of face no longer make front page news. And now
transforming presence in our world.
powerful from their thrones, a safe, sheltered home is universal. COVID-19 has made life even harder.
Luke 1:46b-55 Let us go to prepare the way of Christ.
Mary sings of God’s transformation and lifted up the lowly; Micah is yet another prophet who admonishes his own
And the blessing of God… Since Heba’s husband lost his job because of
of the world. he has filled the hungry with good things, people for their wickedness. Micah declares Jerusalem the pandemic, her family has been dependent
and sent the rich away empty. a ‘high place’ – a site for corrupted worship. He directs
Psalm 80:1-7 Lighting of the Advent on food rations to survive. She can’t afford
Bringer of all love, Candle (Love): the people instead to Bethlehem, the birthplace of medicine for her children, or to visit the doctor
Crying out for the Good Shepherd to
your love has the power to turn the David, as the location from which God will restore regularly about her pregnancy.
come and restore the people. And he shall stand and feed his flock in
world the right way up. the purity of the nation. Christians naturally see this
Hebrews 10:5-10 the strength of God… Through the Christmas Bowl, our local partner,
We especially pray today for text as a reference to Jesus. Yet we can also appreciate
We have been made holy by the for now he shall be great to the ends of the Near East Council of Churches' Department
Syrian refugees that Micah is praising Bethlehem as a way of rebuking
offering of Jesus’ body. the earth; of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), is
as they change their world through Jerusalem. In Micah’s prophecy, the rulers in Jerusalem
and he shall be the one of peace. providing support for families like Heba’s. This
Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) skills and education. tear the skin and flesh off God’s people and ‘chop them
We pray for those who are We light the fourth candle of Advent, up like meat in a kettle’. We don’t need to look far today includes food rations and hygiene kits, along with
Mary visits Elizabeth and the two
pregnant women rejoice together. supporting them, the candle of love. to see people who are trampled by powerful agendas. psychosocial care. DSPR are also helping families
caring for them and working Misuse of power is universal. like hers access livelihood training so they can
Jesus, light of our world,
Call to Worship: for change.
we hope for change in our own lives But for us, there is also a universal hope. Mary’s song
earn an income and build savings for the future.
Show us what changes we can
From Luke 1 and in your world. proclaims a God who scatters the proud, brings down Your gifts through the Christmas Bowl will
make to fill the hungry with
My soul magnifies the Lord, We watch and work and wait the powerful and sends the rich away empty. The lowly share God’s love with families like Heba’s and
good things.
and my spirit rejoices in God my together for love. Amen. are lifted up, and the hungry are fed. That is the hope of show them they’re not forgotten.
Saviour, Christmas, and the hope of The Christmas Bowl.
Dedication of the Offering: *Names changed for safety reasons.
for the Mighty One has done great
things for me, The love of God is revealed in the
and holy is his name. gift of Jesus,
Watch the Christmas Bowl videos to hear how your gifts are sharing God’s
God has brought down the powerful bringer of love.
In our giving of what we have love with families like Heba’s in Jordan. The video can be accessed through
from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly; and who we are, may we, with the Christmas Bowl website.
Jesus, bring love to the earth.
Amen
16 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 17
Week 6: 25 December 2021 Esther* and her family fled to
Ethiopia after conflict broke out in
their home country. Today, Act for
GETTING STARTED
Peace’s partner DICAC are helping
families just like hers with urgent
food, shelter, medical assistance and
psychosocial support.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Richard Wainwright/Act for Peace
Martha Tadesse/Act for Peace
USEFUL INFORMATION
“Together, we are helping people. We are
Your gifts through the Christmas
Christmas Day:
serving human beings. We are helping the most
Bowl are helping refugees living in
vulnerable. We are saving lives. Thank you and
Ethiopia with urgently needed medical
God bless you for supporting this program.”
care, emergency transportation and
Light of the World
Fred, Duty Facilitator
psychosocial support. for DICAC, our local
partner in Ethiopia.
Liturgy
Prayers of Intercession: Sending out:
Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
John wrote: Jesus, the light of the world is born! Jesus,
And the Word became flesh and lived the Word made flesh, is born! Today’s words from Isaiah are set during the homeward Esther* and her children are just some of the
Bible readings among us, Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us is born, journey of the Israelites after their long exile in Babylon. thousands of refugees arriving in Ethiopia’s
Isaiah 52:7-10 and we have seen his glory, this day. The prophet paints a picture of messengers readying the capital Addis Ababa in urgent need.
A messenger comes from God with the glory as of a father’s only son, Let us go from here as people who carry city for the arrival of a triumphant king. Immediately Esther bravely walked three days and nights
good news. full of grace and truth. the light and the promise of God after this text, Isaiah speaks of the restoration of worship without sleep to reach safety in Ethiopia after
Jesus, Word of God made flesh, into the world God loves. at the Temple – worship which had been disrupted for
Psalm 98 fleeing conflict in her home country. But when
make abundant the love which is decades. It’s exciting! They had lost everything, but now it
The people and the creation sing And the blessing of God… she reached the safety of the refugee camp,
expressed in care and compassion. is being restored!
together for joy. conditions were dire, and her daughter became
We especially pray for refugees Lighting of the Advent
For refugees in Ethiopia, the hope of returning home too sick to eat or move.
Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12) living in Ethiopia Candle (Light):
must seem very distant. In many cases, there is not Because of their circumstances, Esther and her
Jesus comes in fulfilment of God’s and for those working there for
How beautiful upon the mountains even a desire to return home because they have suffered family were moved to Addis Ababa.
promises of old. healing and hope.
are the feet of the messenger who so much. Making a new home is difficult too – racked
Open our hearts to people in need Our local partner, The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
John 1:1-14 announces peace, with uncertainty and limitations. As we share in the
this Christmas, Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission
Jesus the Word, the light, was, in who brings good news, who announces salvation, excitement of ancient Israelites, we acknowledge the
even when we cannot imagine their (DICAC), supports the most marginalised refugees
the beginning, with God. who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” ongoing danger for today’s exiles.
suffering and struggle. in Addis Ababa. They are providing care for
(Isaiah 52) When the Word became flesh and lived among us, he lived
Call to Worship: Shine the light of your love on us women and girls who have survived gender-
and on them We light the Christ candle, the candle in solidarity with the poor and marginalised. The abstract based violence, people living with chronic illness
From John 1 of our Saviour. language of John’s gospel should not obscure the gritty,
that together we may be or disability, and those who need specialised
In the beginning was the Word, grounded work of Jesus Christ. His priority was people
messengers of grace and truth in medical care.
and the Word was with God, Jesus, light of the world, who were sick and suffering, those who were excluded
the world. With your support, DICAC will continue to
and the Word was God. today we live in hope, and mistreated, and those who were exploited by the dual
Dedication of the Offering: support people like Esther to overcome their
In him was life, we pray for peace, corruption of Empire and Temple. The beauty of Christmas,
challenges and the trauma they have been
and the life was the light of we share your love, with candles and cradles and carols, does not contradict
Jesus, light of the world, you bring through and live life in safety and dignity.
all people. as we are filled with your joy. the tragic reality of Jesus’ world or ours. It helps us to
hope, peace, joy and love. *Names changed for safety reasons.
The light shines in the darkness, Help us bring hope, peace, joy and love to testify to the light in a world with too much darkness.
Bless these gifts and make your
and the darkness does not the world. Amen.
light shine
overcome it.
into the darkness of suffering and
And the Word became flesh and Merry Christmas from Act for Peace and the Christmas Bowl! If you are meeting in person, please take
struggle. Amen
lived among us, a few moments to encourage your congregation to fill in the giving envelope. If you are meeting online,
and we have seen his glory. your congregation can give using your church donation page. Thank you for joining with churches
Let us worship God! across Australia as together we share God’s love through practical Christian action this Christmas.
18 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 19Week 7: 26 December 2021
GETTING STARTED
Peace
e ac
n/Ac t for Pe
wright/Act for
Ben Li ttlejoh
Richard Wain
WORSHIP RESOURCES
e
ight/Act for Peac
Richard Wainwr
Peace
Mitchel Loveday/Act for
t for Peace
USEFUL INFORMATION
Richard Wainwright/Ac
Christmas:
First Sunday after Christmas:
Thankyou
Thank you
LORD whose glory is above earth Dedication of the Offering:
Liturgy and heaven. Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
Let us worship God! Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us,
we have received so much and now
Bible readings Prayer of Intercession: it is our joy to give. What a journey this has been! Angry prophets, hopeful In a world that often feels divided,
Take and bless our gifts today. prophets, and signs of a hope in a broken world. Putting you’ve come together with churches
In Colossians we read:
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 May they be part of the revealing cash into a bowl (or entering your credit card details across Australia to stand alongside those
whatever you do, in word or deed,
Hannah and Elkanah care for of your presence in the world on a website) may seem too small a response to the uprooted by conflict and disaster.
do everything in the name
their boy, Samuel, who lives that you love. Amen widespread pain in our world. But it’s a good first step,
of the Lord Jesus, Thank you for standing with Act for
in the temple with Eli. and a step that makes a genuine difference. Thank you!
giving thanks to God the Sending out: Peace’s local partners to bring practical
Psalm 148 Father through him.
Whatever you do, in word or deed, Isaiah proclaims God’s vision for the Israelite people care – as well as hope, peace, joy, love, and
A joyful summons to the creation
Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us, we do everything in the name of the returning from exile, but Christians hear God’s vision light – to people in urgent need around
and the people to praise God.
pray for all those whom we have Lord Jesus, for the whole world. In Christ, we believe that the ‘oil of the world.
Colossians 3:12-17 met through the stories of the giving thanks to God through him. gladness instead of mourning’ is for all God’s children,
Being clothed with love, revealing Christmas Bowl. and that ‘a garland instead of ashes’ is God’s dream for the From Indonesia to India, Gaza to Jordan
Let us go from here to speak and act
God’s character and giving thanks. We offer you our words and whole world. We long to see the ancient ruins rebuilt as a and Ethiopia, you are helping families
as people who are clothed in love,
deeds, our money and our hope safe home for everyone. We want to bring good news to all heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.
Luke 2:41-52 that God’s love in Jesus Christ may
as we offer our thanks for these the oppressed of the world, and liberty for all captives. You are giving people the chance to
Mary and Joseph search for be revealed to the world God loves.
opportunities to learn and to give. overcome their difficulties and create
their boy, Jesus, who remains And the blessing of God…
Bless the work of Act for Peace and We conclude our Christmas Bowl journey with the story of stronger futures for themselves and
at the temple after a festival.
all its partners in places of need, two worried parents in desperate search for their missing their communities.
Call to Worship: that your vision of a son who is eventually found teaching in the temple.
Through the young boy’s understanding and answers, By joining together through the Christmas
From Psalm 148 renewed world of peace and
they see hope, salvation and redemption for their people. Bowl, you are helping build a world where
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD justice may be fulfilled.
As we wander through this year, may we search for this all people have a safe place to belong.
from the heavens; praise God in Thank you.
wisdom and love. May we, like these wise elders, and his
the heights!
parents, see in him liberation and light for all humanity.
Praise God, sun and moon;
praise God, all you shining stars! Use the NEW online remittance
Young men and women alike, form to return your gifts
old and young together!
To make your life easier in these challenging times, you Please remember to share the final Christmas Bowl video with your congregation.
Let us praise the name of the
can now use the improved online remittance form under Thank you for joining us. If you’d like more information on how your Christmas Bowl
the link below to return your gifts. Please visit: gifts are making a difference, visit www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
www.christmasbowl.actforpeace.org.au/remittanceform
20 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 21Other ways to get involved
GETTING STARTED
The Christmas Bowl
Online Join with other churches
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Many churches like yours will gather online this
year to take part in the Christmas Bowl. Some
choose to host a special carol service and invite
Act for Peace
nearby churches and the community to watch
and sing along from home or host an online
The Christmas Bowl website has all the ecumenical prayer gathering. While keeping
USEFUL INFORMATION
resources in this kit and more. Be sure to visit safe can make it harder to stay connected, it also Kew East and Habitat Uniting Churches
came together for a special Christmas Bowl
presents opportunities to open our doors (virtual)
www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl service. Here, Reverend Bronwyn Daniels
to others this Christmas. and Reverend Joan Wright Howie spoke
for all you’ll need, including: of the many development programs and
emergency appeals that their congregations
• PowerPoints: You can easily download have supported over so many years.
PowerPoint presentations to use during
your Christmas service and for every
week of the Christmas season.
• Videos: Through the Christmas Bowl
Celebrate the Christmas Bowl as a family
Peace
videos, you can hear how your gifts will
Karen McGrath/Act for
help support Act for Peace’s work with
communities around the world affected On Christmas Day 1949, an Australian Reverend named Frank
by conflict and disaster. Byatt placed an empty bowl of remembrance on the table before
him. Frank urged his guests to reflect on their good fortunes and
• Clipart for your pew sheets/bulletin
encouraged them to do something selfless for people around the
and email notices: You can download
world who were suffering as a result of World War II.
the weekly clipart inserts from the
Christmas Bowl website and drop them This Christmas, we invite you to place a bowl on your table as
a sign of remembrance of our brothers and sisters around the
directly into your pew sheets/bulletin
Keep
Coffs Harbour Council of Churches world in urgent need.
and email notices. decorated their own Christmas Bowl
.
• Weekly stories from the field: The full
versions of each weekly story included
in this toolkit are available to download up -to-date
on the website. Please feel free to share
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from
these with your congregation each week.
Act for Peace and the Christmas Bowl. Our Other fund raising ideas
ce
• Children’s Activities: colouring in sheets. Facebook page will keep you informed on how
Helen Beeby/Act for Pea
other churches are celebrating the Christmas
You can also visit the website to learn more If you are feeling creative this Christmas, there are plenty of other
Bowl, how your gifts are making a difference
about the Christmas Bowl. Members of your ways that you can raise much needed funds to support people
and any upcoming events. around the world. We have included a few suggestions below but
congregation can give their Christmas Bowl
Like the Christmas Bowl on Facebook at the possibilities are limited only to your creativity and imagination!
gift safely online and include the name of your
church. They will receive a receipt directly to www.facebook.com/christmasbowl and • Share our Facebook posts and encourage friends and
encourage your congregation to do the same.
their email address. family to support.
• Host a virtual morning tea in support of the Christmas Bowl
on Zoom after your service.
In Victoria,
Ro
• Make and sell your own Christmas cards. Kerry hold a ss and
cake stall
fundraiser.
• Gather together online to sing your favourite Christmas Carols
and share the link to your church's unique fundraising page
during the gathering.
22 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 23How we’re making it happen
About Act for Peace
GETTING STARTED
(Our change strategy)
For more than 70 years, Act for Peace – the international Since these humble beginnings, our work has At the heart of our work is a powerful conviction: to create a just and peaceful society, we
aid agency of the National Council of Churches - has expanded in both reach and impact through have to work together. It’s both the right thing to do, and the only thing that will work.
brought people together to create a more just and programming with local partners, and advocacy with
peaceful world. As an expression of the life of churches governments and others with power. In 2008, our
in Australia we draw our inspiration from Jesus name changed to Act for Peace, and today we work to
who demonstrated solidarity with those who were reduce forced displacement across Africa, the Middle
WORSHIP RESOURCES
marginalised and oppressed. East, Asia and the Pacific.
We were founded in 1948, by the then Australian Working with others remains core to our DNA. We act BACKING BUILDING UNITY TRANSFORMING
Council for the World Council of Churches, to provide to support uprooted people in their role as leaders, work DISPLACED PEOPLE We’re tackling the underlying THE SYSTEM
urgently needed aid to refugees and others suffering in in solidarity with long-term local partners, and leverage drivers of inequality and
We’re working in solidarity We’re advocating for a radically
Europe from the horrors of the Second World War. the strengths and reach of the global network of local with local partners; building displacement by reducing different response to the
ecumenical agencies of which we are a part. We’re partnerships that mobilise the division and polarisation displacement crisis. We’re learning
Leading this work was a Methodist minister from
joined by thousands of churches and tens of thousands knowledge, determination, and and building empathy in from displaced people, forming
Victoria, Rev. Frank Byatt. His mission was to unify
of other members of the public in Australia who share skills of displaced people to society. And we’re creating broad networks, and standing
Australian Christians of all traditions to work together
our values. And we work collaboratively as a member create change; and resourcing opportunities for people to together to collectively influence
USEFUL INFORMATION
to put the word of the Gospel into action; and in 1949 he positively influence those
of local, regional and global networks and alliances, locally-led initiatives that regional, national and global
founded the visionary Christmas Bowl appeal which is reduce displacement and around them, so they act in authorities to share responsibility,
including the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network, the
now supported each year by tens of thousands of people create safety, dignity and support of people who have resources and power equitably; and
ACT Alliance, the Australian Council for International
from a wide range of denominations. belonging for uprooted people. been forcibly displaced. act on climate and conflicts.
Development, the Australian Church Agency Network,
“The evangel is complete only when the action of the Gospel Micah Australia and the Emergency Action Alliance, all
matches the message of the gospel.” working together to combine resources, share expertise Thank you for being a part of this important work.
Rev. Frank Byatt, 1954. and achieve greater impact.
Why we’re needed Creating, together, a world where everyone belongs
(The problem we’re solving)
Lebanon: Afghanistan: Pakistan:
Right now, we’re living in a world of ‘us’ versus ‘them’. Divisions are deepening, conflicts are Providing emergency support to Providing urgent food, shelter and Preventative and
help those recovering from the vital health supplies for families curative healthcare
escalating, and climate inaction is placing lives in peril. It means every day, more of us around devastating blast in Beirut. displaced by the ongoing crisis. for rural families, Myanmar:
especially mothers
the world are forced from our homes by conflict and disaster. and children.
Capacity building
and training for
Improving access to
Gaza: quality education.
communities to
Healthcare for West Bank: Jordan: help prevent human
rights abuses. The Philippines:
What we’re working towards
vulnerable women Non-violent Providing urgently
and children and protective presence needed support for Disaster risk reduction
vocational training to vulnerable Syrian refugees India: and preparedness.
for young people. Action and advocacy
(Our goals) communities living including food Healthcare, livelihoods
to support vulnerable
under occupation. rations, healthcare, and empowerment
education, livelihoods and disadvantaged
programs for
Together, we’re working towards three goals to create a world where people uprooted
and counselling. Sri Lankan refugees. Thailand: communities, including
indigenous people, to
Support for encamped
access their human rights.
by conflict and disaster have a safe place to belong. Acting, together, for peace. Karenni refugees.
Ethiopia: Sri Lanka:
Emergency healthcare for
Livelihoods and
critically ill or injured refugees,
as well as counselling and
support services to
Bangladesh: Vanuatu:
help newly returned Support for vulnerable
vocational training. Providing life-saving
refugees reintegrate. communities to prepare,
assistance including
respond and recover
access to sanitation
from the impacts of
facilities, COVID-19
natural disasters.
SAFETY IN EXILE A PLACE TO BELONG REDUCED DISPLACEMENT Kenya: preventative hygiene
kits, and medical care
Helping vulnerable urban
to Rohingya refugees.
We’re working to ensure people We’re helping uprooted We’re taking action so fewer people Zimbabwe: refugees in Nairobi with food,
case work, and other support. Tonga:
can live in safety, with dignity, people find a permanent are forced to flee their homes; through Supporting famers to
Improving safety and inclusion
be more resilient to
while displaced. This means they place to belong; supporting community-led initiatives such as climate change through Indonesia: for people living with disability
in Disaster Risk Management.
can access critical physical and them to lead initiatives drought resistant farming and cyclone conservation farming and Disaster
supporting peace building preparedness and
emotional support (food, water, that help build a safe, preparedness training, to reduce initiatives through This year, you helped risk reduction
medicine, psychological support); permanent future, and the impact of disasters and other national dialogues. activities to help
to fund 28 projects in communities stay Australia:
lead activities and advocate for holding countries to account displacement drivers. And we’re safe during disasters. Advocacy and campaigning
change; and ultimately have so they share responsibility encouraging governments and the 19 countries, improving for refugee rights.
control over their lives, ensuring for supporting survivors public to take action to reduce conflict
the lives of thousands of
their safety, dignity and rights. of displacement. and climate-driven displacement.
people. Thank you.
24 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 25How to FAQs
GETTING STARTED
return I need more resources, such as How long do I have to send in the
your gifts
posters and giving envelopes. money raised?
Can I receive extras? Please send through the gifts you and your community
WORSHIP RESOURCES
collect for the Christmas Bowl with the completed
If you’d like any extra resources, simply call
remittance form by Friday 18 February 2022.
1800 025 101 or email info@actforpeace.org.au
and we will send them to you as soon as possible.
How much of the money raised goes
4. Online transfer
The easiest way to take part is to hand out giving envelopes What is the Christmas Bowl? to the programs?
Transfer the money online to our account:
and ask members of your congregation to post them back to Account Name: Act for Peace Ltd The Christmas Bowl is the longest-running In the financial year 2020, 72% of Act for Peace’s
us directly (with a cheque or credit card details). BSB: 012 332 ecumenical appeal in Australia. Started in 1949 expenditure was used on our programs, advocacy,
Account Number: 2323 75215 by Rev. Frank Byatt of Victoria to help refugees and community education work. 13% was spent on
USEFUL INFORMATION
If you have collected gifts as a church, this is how
Please include the reference number: CB (Supporter ID) from World War II, it is our way of forging a loving accountability and administration to ensure our programs
you can forward them to Act for Peace:
as the message in the transaction. connection between Christian communities here and funds are used as effectively as possible. 14% was
spent on fundraising. Every $1 spent on fundraising
Step 1: Sort your gifts Please ensure you quote your reference number (as in Australia and people around the world who have
printed on your cover letter) so we can acknowledge and been forced from their homes by conflict or disaster. returned $4.5 for our work. This means that Act for Peace
For giving envelopes that have been returned to you is contributing even more funds to the work on the ground
receipt your deposit.
with a cheque or credit card details, please send these to ensure the best possible impact. Please see our Annual
back to us intact in the envelope provided, so we can I am organising an event for the
Step 3: Complete the remittance form Report on the Act for Peace website for more details.
record the details and provide a tax receipt to each Christmas Bowl, should I let you know?
person for their gift. Please complete the remittance form online. Visit Yes please!
www.christmasbowl.actforpeace.org.au/remittanceform. Keeping it safe and legal.
We would love to hear about your event so please tell
For giving envelopes that have been returned to you that Please ensure all fundraisers, participants and volunteers
We will email you the completed form to print out. us when and where it is going to happen. You can let
contain cash, and any other cash donations collected abide by and comply with all relevant legislation,
Alternatively use the remittance form enclosed. us know via the Christmas Bowl Facebook page, via
through an open plate collection, you can deposit the regulations and best practice guidelines (as appropriate)
email at info@actforpeace.org.au or call us on
cash directly into our account at any ANZ branch. Print the email confirmation, or include the form together in each State and Territory of Australia. Any fundraising
1800 025 101. Please send through photos of your event
Alternatively you can deposit the cash into your account with all envelopes (including for cash gifts) and cheques event you organise must comply with the relevant
as we’d like to share them with other churches and
and then make a payment to us online or by cheque. and post to us at: Commonwealth, State and Territory legislation and local
with the Christmas Bowl community.
government regulations.
Christmas Bowl
Step 2: Transfer any cash Act for Peace – NCCA How can people give online?
Transfer the cash amount to Act for Peace using one Reply Paid 66886
Each church has been given its own unique donation
of these four options: Queen Victoria Building NSW 1229 Any questions or comments? Contact us!
page which you can share with your congregation
Please complete and return your forms, envelopes members so they can give directly through your church. Call 1800 025 101, email info@actforpeace.org.au or
1. Credit Card
and gifts by Friday 18 February 2022. Alternatively, donations can be made on the Christmas send us a letter at Act for Peace, Locked Bag Q199,
Visit www.christmasbowl.actforpeace.org.au/
Bowl website with the option of including your church Queen Victoria Building, NSW 1230.
remittanceform; or Your gifts will help support Act for Peace’s work with
communities around the world affected by conflict details. Visit www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
2. Cheque and disaster.
Pay the cash into your church account and then write
a cheque, payable to ‘Act for Peace Ltd.’ Place this into If you require a new remittance form, contact
the reply paid envelope provided; or the Christmas Bowl team on 1800 025 101 or
Acknowledgements
Printed on 100% recycled paper
info@actforpeace.org.au.
3. Bank deposit The Christmas Bowl team at Act for Peace would like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters and churches that
Deposit the cash into our account at your help to continue the tradition of the Christmas Bowl. Last year, thanks to your support, almost $2 million was raised
local ANZ branch.
Account Name: Act for Peace Ltd
Use the NEW online by more than 1,000 churches from many denominations across Australia, which helped support people uprooted by
conflict and disaster around the world.
BSB: 012 332 remittance form Act for Peace and its local partners would like to especially thank the church congregations and member churches
Account Number: 2323 75215
Please include the reference number: to return your gifts of the National Council of Churches in Australia, the State and Territory Ecumenical Councils and all the volunteers
who contribute to the Christmas Bowl appeal.
CB (Supporter ID) as the message in Act for Peace gratefully
To make your life easier in these challenging times, you can We would also like to give a very special thank you
the transaction. acknowledges the support of
now use the improved online remittance form using the link to Rev Chris Bedding for writing the sermon starters the Australian Government
Please bring the completed remittance through the Australian NGO
below to return your gifts, or simply scan the QR code above. and Rev Rachel Kronberger for composing the liturgy. Cooperation Program (ANCP).
form to be stamped by the bank teller; or
www.christmasbowl.actforpeace.org.au/remittanceform
26 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 202 1 27You can also read
