Plan to be at Gloria Dei this Sunday, Dec. 14, because your won't want to miss the Fair Trade Craft table with handmade items from Bethlehem, Hebron and Nablus in Palestine (thanks to Lin,  LaDonna and Katryn Harris from Faith Lutheran in Sechelt). 

Items can be purchased with cash or by cheque. No Point of Sale  terminal available. 

Katryn Harris travelled to the West Bank in October 2024, where she heard many stories of how the people in the West Bank are suffering, especially since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. Bethlehem's economy is normally fueled by tourism ( 70% of their income) The number of visitors plunged from 2 million in 2019 to fewer than 100, 000 in 2024. There are no customers visiting the  shops to buy handmade crafts and souvenirs. 

Unemployment is hovering at 50%. The tens of thousands of Palestinians who used to work in Israel have had their work permits cancelled (150, 000 across the West Bank).

Many of those who sold online have had their bank accounts frozen, as companies outside of Israel reduce "risk." So even those with online sales platforms have had to shut them down. 

You can help by buying directly from artists and artisans from the West Bank. All monies other than shipping costs and duties/taxes go to the individuals who made the items. 

Image: Manger Square, Bethlehem,West Bank ; Jan Helebrant on Flickr, CCO Public Domain Dedication

Step away from the noise of ads and screens. 

Enter a darkened sanctuary,

light a candle,

and join your voice to the song of the angels.

Experience the mystery and wonder of this Holy Night.

The service will also be livestreamed. 

Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with ELCA Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From November 30th to December 24th, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection. You can subscribe to receive a daily email link at LSMacademy.org/acal . Or visit our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages 

BC Synod is hosting a youth camp in 2026, “Growing in Faith, Friendship and Justice”. The camp will be August 10-14 at Loon Lake in Maple Ridge. It is open to all youth aged 11 to 18.

We are looking for camp leaders (lay and rostered adults of all ages) to join our team. If you are interested, or know someone who might be a great camp leader, please get in touch with the synod office.

More details will follow early next year.