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Joel Pratley/Act for Peace
Christmas Bowl
Toolkit 2020
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
Contents
Getting started
How to use this toolkit 4
Sharing God’s love
5
through the Christmas Bowl
Worship resources
Dedication of the Christmas Bowl 6
Christmas Bowl
7
Representative Commissioning
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
Who are Act for Peace? 24
Where your gifts to the
25
Christmas Bowl go
Acknowledgements 25
How to return your gifts 26
FAQs 27
COVID-19 Update
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, whether it is in person or online.
We have been working hard to give you all the resources you need to take part in this
year’s Christmas Bowl. We have set up a unique donation page for your church which
you can share with your congregation so they can give safely online. You can access
all the resources found in this toolkit on the Christmas Bowl website, along with
Act for Peace’s local partner, the information you can include in your online pew sheets and church email updates.
Zimbabwe Council of Churches,
The Christmas Bowl website and Facebook page will keep you up to date, help you
ZCC/Act for Peace
delivering lifesaving food
rations to mothers struggling to connect with fellow churches around Australia and show how your gifts are making a
feed their children due to the
difference. Thank you.
coronavirus pandemic.
2 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 3
Children of conservation farmers
dancing in Matara Village in Zaka
Sharing God’s
GETTING STARTED
District, Zimbabwe.
love through the
Christmas Bowl
This year, life has changed for all of us. The
coronavirus has affected us all, but not equally.
For our brothers and sisters in urgent need
WORSHIP RESOURCES
around the world, the effects of this crisis are
catastrophic. Already struggling, vulnerable
communities are now being pushed to the brink
without the support they need to survive.
As the world battles this pandemic, the legacy of Rev. Frank
Byatt, the founder of the Christmas Bowl, has never been
more important. Frank believed we have a responsibility
to share what we have with others who need it. He saw it
USEFUL INFORMATION
as a fundamental part of living out Jesus’ call to love our
neighbours as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
That’s why, in 1949 he called his congregation to “get
a bowl to put on your Christmas dinner table as a Bowl of
Remembrance and see if you can get everybody round the table
to make a generous gift so that you can share your good dinner
with hungry children in other lands.”
That first Christmas Bowl appeal raised £1,808. No small
sum for a congregation at the time. But Frank didn’t stop
How to use this toolkit
there. His mission was to unify all Australian Christians,
of all traditions, to work together to put the word of the
Gospel into action.
This toolkit is designed to be used by ministers and church leaders. It contains weekly worship As Frank wrote in 1958: “The evangel is complete only when
resources which can be used to guide your services. The Christmas Bowl starts on Sunday, November the action of the gospel matches the message of the Gospel.”
22 and runs for seven services through to Sunday December 27. We encourage you to look through this More than 70 years on from the first Christmas Bowl,
toolkit ahead of time as it will assist you in planning each of your Christmas services. we continue to follow Frank’s example, responding as
the Church, together. This year helping to provide food,
Each week of the Christmas Bowl has resources the Advent theme of of ‘hope’, ‘peace’, ‘joy’ medical care and lifesaving support to families in need
which will help you plan your service including: and ‘love’. during COVID-19.
• Liturgy • On page 26 you will find instructions on how
to return your gifts. This page is designed for In Zimbabwe, families who had suffered through
• Sermon Starter
your treasurer or designated volunteer. drought, floods and food shortages have now lost their
• A story from the field – a brief overview livelihoods too. Since the pandemic began, Act for
of the story is included in this toolkit and • You can collect gifts for the Christmas Bowl
Peace’s partner – the Zimbabwe Council of Churches
you will be provided with the full story in a at any time during the Advent season – it
(ZCC) – has been distributing food rations, soap, clean
video, in a PowerPoint presentation, or you doesn’t have to be on Christmas Day. To
water and vital health information. With your kind help,
can find it on the Christmas Bowl website collect gifts in person, simply hand out
they’re now supporting communities to grow their own
actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl. Each the giving envelopes provided to all of the
food so they can get through this crisis – and towards a
week, we would encourage you to share the members of your church. If you are unable to
more secure future.
weekly video or PowerPoint presentation meet in person, you can share your church’s
with your congregation so they can see the fundraising page with members of your For decades, Australian churches across denominations
impact of their support. church so they can make their gift online. have been instrumental in responding to some of the
• The liturgy, including the lighting of the most urgent crises of our time.
Advent Candle, contains a thematic link to
Thank you for joining with us once again, as we
share God’s love through the Christmas Bowl.
Richard Wainwright/Act for Peace
A special note about this year’s resources:
This year’s Lighting of the Advent Candles has been inspired by
Act for Peace
conversations with Gapany Gumbula and Rev Maratja Dhamarrandji
from Elcho Island in NE Arnhem Land, NT.
CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 5
GETTING STARTED
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Blessing of
the Christmas Bowls
Ben Littlejohn/Act for Peace
USEFUL INFORMATION
ceremony, bringing
churches together
Dedication of
in ecumenical
celebration, at St Children hold their own Christmas Bowl
Act for Peace
James Church in at a service at Wesley Uniting Church
the Christmas Bowl
Sydney. in Castle Hill, NSW.
Christmas Bowl Representative Commissioning
Before the dedication: An empty bowl is brought from the body of
the congregation, and placed in a position visible to all. 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
main point of contact between Act for Peace and your
Dedication
Will you seek to spread the word about how churches
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
Australian Churches, through the Christmas Bowl, help, I will.
Christmas Bowl Representatives.
Have acted together to bring peace and hope into the world. The congregation stands as the minister says
Help us continue to act for peace. Will you accept (Name) as a Christmas Bowl
As children of God we will share this year’s bowl with people who Commissioning Representative in this congregation? We will.
Will you encourage him/her in love and support him/
are displaced, oppressed or living in poverty
To help create meaningful connections between our her in this ministry, serving with him/her the one
May their lives be filled with hope and peace. Lord Jesus Christ? We God’s help, we will.
congregation and people in conflict and disaster around
Gracious and ever-loving God, the world, this congregation has a Christmas Bowl
Representative(s). Today we commission (Name) for this
Open our hearts so we may courageously
ministry with us. Prayer
act for peace in the in the world.
(Name), as a Christmas Bowl Representative you:
Open our hands to share what we have with those who have little. (Name) has responded to your gentle call to be a
As we dedicate this bowl • Will hold before us stories of lives and communities
Christmas Bowl Representative.
that are being transformed
May it be filled with the fruits of hope, peace, joy and love. May your blessing be upon him/her as he/she brings
So all people may know your goodness and receive your grace. • May distribute materials to keep us informed about
to our attention the needs of people suffering as a
the programs and activities we are supporting
result of conflict and disaster.
Amen. • May offer prayer points to help our intercessions
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 2020 7
Week 1: November 22 2020 Rev. Ken Day, from St
Stephen’s Uniting Church
speaks at the church’s annual Sermon Starter
GETTING STARTED
Christmas Bowl service.
The celebration of Christ the King affirms that good
leadership - whether at the national, regional, or local level
- is necessarily servant leadership. Our lessons on this
day tell us about servant leadership. In the reading from
Ezekiel, the work of a shepherd is presented as a metaphor
in contrast to selfish national leadership. From Matthew’s
gospel lesson, Jesus’ story of the last judgement, the King of
WORSHIP RESOURCES
the universe pronounces judgement on all people according
to the quality of practical mercy exhibited in their lives.
This day of Christ the King is not an attempt to whitewash
authoritarian leaders and render them more “cuddly”,
such as we find in a Christmas episode of The Vicar of
Andy Corkill/Act for Peace
Dibley, in which David (a local politician) was cast as Herod
in a Nativity play. He wanted to show Herod in a more
favourable light and present his “softer side”. Rather, this
USEFUL INFORMATION
day seeks to promote servant leadership and to challenge
any leadership that does not reflect a servant character.
Our participation in the Christmas Bowl enables us to stand
alongside those communities around the world who seek to
Christ the King Sunday
promote such a servant leadership in their own contexts.
your people, with thanksgiving when I was ill, you came to my
Liturgy we come into your presence.
Your steadfast love and
help,
God’s Love in Action
when in prison, you visited me.
faithfulness is from generation
Bible readings to generation. Good Shepherd, may we follow It’s been more than 70 years since Rev. Frank As we break bread with our loved ones
Ezekiel 34: 11-16; 20-24 you, coming alongside others, Byatt started the Christmas Bowl. this Christmas, our thoughts will be for
Jesus, ushering in God’s
Like a shepherd God gathers the as you come alongside us; our sisters and brothers who are suffering
reign of justice and mercy, He put a Bowl of Remembrance on his
comforting the grieving, offering most during the coronavirus pandemic.
scattered and lost sheep leading calling us to care for the least. Christmas dinner table and asked his loved
friendship to the lonely, reaching
them to good pasture. Revive in us the vision of your ones to place a gift in it to ‘share your good Please join with us again this Christmas
out to those in our community
world in which all are included dinner with hungry children in other lands’. Bowl, so together we can respond with
Psalm 100 and beyond, who are in need of
and cherished. God’s love to one of the greatest crises of
Remembering God’s faithfulness your loving care and protection. Frank couldn’t have foreseen how his simple
our time.
God’s people joyfully offer praise act of compassion that evening would grow
It is your kingdom and your rule May your church protect those
and thanksgiving. into the powerful Christmas Bowl tradition
that is drawing near. who are threatened, welcome we now know is celebrated in thousands of
Ephesians 1:15-23 the lost, heal those who are sick, churches across Australia. And he couldn’t
Reign in us Christ Jesus, now
share with the needy and love have known how much it would be needed in
A prayer and proclamation of the and forever. Amen.
as you have loved us, knowing our world today.
Lordship of Christ whose name is
that all are precious in your
above all other names.
Prayers of Intercession: sight. Amen When Frank sat down to his Christmas dinner
in 1949, he knew millions of people were
Matthew 25:31-46 When I was hungry you gave me
starving in war-ravaged Europe. And he was
A vivid description of the final food;
compelled to offer help.
judgement fulfilling the promise
of the Beatitudes that it is the when I was thirsty, you gave me
merciful who are blessed. something to drink;
when I was a stranger and alone
Call to Worship you welcomed me, This is a great opportunity to share the first of the weekly videos with
your congregation. It can be found on your USB stick or online at
King of the Universe, Shepherd of when I was naked, you clothed me,
www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
8 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 9
In Nangarhar province a group of girls
Week 2: 29 November 2020 who are studying with the support of
Act for Peace’s local partner, CWSA,
show thanks to the Christmas Bowl.
GETTING STARTED
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Tamim Noori/Act for Peace
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Tamin Noori/Act for Peace
First Sunday of Advent: Thanks to your support, girls
in Afghanistan like 10 year old
Hope
Jaleela, are able to attend school
and receive an education.
Liturgy
Just when we thought it was all
in vain,
actions, in our giving and our daily
living, may your seeds of hope be Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
Your words of promise revive us planted and grow. Amen.
When we remember your kindness
Bible readings Sending out: In our lesson from the first letter to the church at COVID-19 is dashing the hopes of Afghani girls to
and compassion Corinth, Paul writes of the way in which God has go to school and escape the oppression they were
Isaiah 64:1-9 Go in the strength, knowledge, grace
Our hearts are glad enriched and strengthened the members of the born into.
A communal lament and plea and power of God who is Father, Son
that in God’s hands Israel may be congregation at Corinth, thus enabling them to
Prayers of Intercession: and Holy Spirit Ten-year-old Jaleela had to overcome resistance
reformed and renewed. similarly enrich and strengthen others.
In a world often bereft of hope we We will watch and wait, looking for from her community to get to school.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 turn to you. signs of God’s presence in our lives In the classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life,
Now the pandemic is making it even harder for
A prayer urging God to bring Nurture the hope that is God’s gift the somewhat bumbling apprentice angel Harold
Remind us that hope can be found girls like her to learn and realise their dreams.
restoration and salvation. and share that hope with others. assists the suicidal George Bailey (played by James
in the most surprising of places. Schools closed in March, and most children don’t
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Amen. Stewart) to come to the realisation of the positive
Today we particularly pray for the have internet, TV or radio access to learn remotely.
Paul gives thanks for the Corinthian impact his life had on others, and of the many
people of Afghanistan. Comfort
congregation, hopeful and confident Lighting of the Advent other people in his community he was enabled to As families come under greater financial strain,
those whose arms ache to hold
enrich and strengthen. more girls are being forced to work, to care for
that God’s unmistakable presence is loved ones lost through war and Candle (Hope):
with them. their households, or into early marriages.
acts of violence. We particularly In the Top End of Australia the build- In our Christmas Bowl project story for this
Mark 13:24-37 pray for your blessing on efforts to up means we are near the end of the week, we are told of a young girl, Jaleela, in That’s why Act for Peace’s local partner,
A plea to keep awake, watch and enable education and literacy for Dry Season. We wait for refreshing Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is
Afghanistan, whose education was facilitated by
wait for the coming of the Son girls and women. rains to come. When the first rain distributing self-learning packages to children,
your Christmas Bowl giving. Jaleela is committed to
of Man. Renew our hope in a better future hits the ground we call this advocating for girls’ education, and getting schools
learning despite the challenges she faces. Like the
as we join with you in dreaming ‘Ŋurru-djulyuna’ (Gupapuyŋu). It Corinthians, she has enriched and strengthened ready to reopen.
Call to Worship: of a world where all your children is sacred time for Yolŋu people, to her community through education. Through the Your gift to the Christmas Bowl can help girls like
Loving God, this Advent season can have opportunities to learn remember loved ones who are no Christmas Bowl, so have you. Jaleela to keep learning – and restore their hopes
calls us to watch and wait. and grow and be valued and longer with us. Just like the rain that
Help us notice the signs of your cherished. Amen. for the future.
comes to cleanse and renew the land,
presence around us. our tears help wash away our worries
In ancient times you acted to save
Dedication of the Offering:
and fears. We ask God to help us face
Hope-bringing God, we thank you
Come again and restore your life again and give us hope. Share this week’s PowerPoint presentation with your congregation found on your USB stick.
that through the Christmas Bowl
people When your face shines upon us a You can also download a dedicated PowerPoint for every week of the Christmas Bowl at
Appeal we can support those in
Just when we had given up hope candle of hope is lit in our hearts www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
need, bringing hope into difficult
You come to our aid situations. By our words and God of Hope renew our hope. Amen.
10 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 11
Week 3: 6 December 2020
GETTING STARTED
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Fatima smiles outside
her tent in Jamtoli
Rohingya refugee camp
in Cox’s Bazaar.
Richard Wainwright /Act for Peace
Richard Wainwright/Act for Peace
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Dr Mehidi Hassan and his fellow
Second Sunday of Advent:
doctors see between 1200 and 1500
patients a day. Together they treat
people for fever, chest infections and
Peace
mother and child related issues.
God invites us to plunge to the peace-building work of Christ
Liturgy into cleansing waters. as we take our place as co-workers
Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
Returning to God we find with him for the healing of God’s
forgiveness and refreshment. You world. Amen.
Bible readings restore our life. Praise be to God. Our gospel lesson from the beginning of Mark’s gospel What does peace look like for the Rohingya
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sending out: intentionally echoes the words of our lesson from the 40th people? After fleeing violence in Myanmar,
Words of comfort and hope offered
Prayers of Intercession: We go to be part of God’s chapter of the Book of Isaiah. John the Baptist’s mission is they now face the threat of a deadly
There is a voice crying in the reconstruction effort, levelling associated with that of the unnamed messenger in Isaiah: COVID-19 outbreak in Jamtoli refugee camp
to the fearful and despairing
wilderness, “Prepare the way of the mountains of prejudice and lifting being a “voice in the wilderness”, calling his listeners to in Bangladesh.
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Lord, make the paths straight for him.” boulders of fear. prepare a way for our God even in the deepest desert. In
Returning to God leads to Life in the world’s largest refugee camp
Today we especially pray for the Prince of Peace, make us partners neither reading do we find either unrelieved doom and
forgiveness of sins and was already tough. Families live in
Rohingya people who fled violence with you in building peace. gloom or unmixed celebration. Rather, in both readings,
fruitfulness in the land in Myanmar to find safety in cramped conditions, in makeshift tents
May God, Creator, Redeemer, and there is a mixture of judgement and expectation.
2 Peter 3:8-15a Bangladesh. that can get swept away in the monsoon
Life-giving Spirit strengthen and
Strive for peace and live holy lives Come Prince of Peace. In the modern Christmas pop song “Fairytale of New rains. With food, water and soap in short
guide you always,
as you wait for a new heaven and York”, sung by the Pogues and the late Kirsty MacColl, we supply, sickness is rife. Now COVID-19 has
In places darkened by the shadow We go strengthened by Christ to
earth, of hunger find a similar mixture of emotions. An immigrant couple reached the camp. There is widespread
declare God’s reign of peace. Amen.
Mark 1:1-8 wakes up in the police cells on Christmas morning after misinformation about the virus that is
Come Prince of Peace.
John as Messenger announces
In a world of great wealth, where so Lighting of the Advent sleeping off a hangover. They continue to carp at each making it harder for doctors to stop a
God’s coming in Christ and calls Candle (Peace): other’s faults, but are nevertheless able to rejoice that “the catastrophic outbreak. Act for Peace’s local
many go without
people to repentance Yolŋu people speak of right bells are ringing out on Christmas Day”. partner is working with doctors, community
Come Prince of Peace.
relationships between people, workers and Rohingya religious leaders to
Call to Worship: In a world of great knowledge, In many ways, the Christmas Bowl projects we support
dispel myths around the virus and teaching
where many die of ignorance between people and God, and people are a response to the mixed emotions of our lessons. God
Let us come with a sense of people how to stop it from spreading.
and the land as Mägaya Rom. The is active, building peace in the midst of our imperfect
expectation of the new things God Come Prince of Peace.
Law gives meaning to our lives by world. Through the Christmas Bowl, we too can Your gift this Christmas Bowl will help give
can do in our lives. In a world of astonishing beauty, teaching respectfulness in all our
Show us God what we need to do but so much destruction and participate in God’s Peace building. refugees in different parts of the world the
relationships. God sent Jesus into
personally and as a community to disregard for God’s creation long-term support they need to build safe,
the world to bring peace and restore
get ready for your coming. Come Prince of Peace. Amen peaceful futures.
broken relationships. His reign
Come you who are fearful or Dedication of the Offering: brings Mägaya Rom.
despairing. Come those searching May the God of Peace help us honour The safest way to distribute your giving envelopes is to place them on chairs before the
We give thanks for the prophetic service. This makes a significant difference to the success of the Christmas Bowl and will
for peace. Come those needing voice of John the Baptist, and each other and cherish the gifts God
healing and renewal. We come to make it easier for your congregation to access the envelopes.
others whom God, has sent to point gives of the land, sea, sky and water.
God in whom we find life. If you are meeting virtually you can share the link to your church’s unique donation page so
our feet along the path of true May the God of Peace help us live in
members of your congregation can make their gift securely online.
Hear God’s call to repentance. peace. May our giving contribute peace. Amen.
12 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 13
Richard Wainwright /Act for Peace
Week 4: 13 December 2020 Your gifts are bringing joy to
returned refugees like Ramal
by helping them start a new
GETTING STARTED
life in Sri Lanka.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Richard Wainwright /Act for Peace
USEFUL INFORMATION
Pamodi and Rashan
use bore water and a
Third Sunday of Advent:
pump to water crops
in their vegetable
garden next to their
Joy
home in Trincomalee.
Liturgy
Send your joy like a sudden
downpour of refreshing rain
By your Spirit, take what we offer,
small that it is, to bring blessing Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
You make our hearts glad, our feet and joy to others.
to dance and our voices to sing! With these gifts we dedicate our In our lesson from 1st Thessalonians, Paul calls Joy has been hard to find for Sri Lankan
Bible readings lives to you, for your glory. Amen his readers to “rejoice always” and to “give refugees like Rashan and his wife Pamodi.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Prayers of Intercession: thanks in all circumstances”, however difficult After decades of displacement, the coronavirus
Joy for the broken hearted, healing God when joy is depleted, help us Sending out: this may be in practice. lockdown is making it harder for them to start
for the downtrodden, God is not to miss the surprising splashes Go out as God’s joy-filled people to new lives in their homeland.
of brilliant light and colour in the find joy whatever circumstances In Paul Kelly’s Christmas song, “How to Make
transforming the world!
world you have made. of life you face. Know God’s Gravy”, a prisoner rings home a few days before It’s been 30 years since Rashan and Pamodi fled
Psalm 126 Sri Lanka with their young daughter. They lived
favour and share God’s joy with Christmas to apologise to members of his extended
Sorrow is turned into pure joy, God who cares for the broken
those you meet along the way. family for the mess he made of his life and for the in a refugee camp in India, where survival was
rejoice in what God is doing. hearted, shine your light
into places of despair and Father, Son and Holy Spirit we trust way he involved his relations in his personal mess. a daily struggle.
Luke 1:46b-55 in your goodness and believe in
hopelessness. As an act of practical reconciliation, he made a After Sri Lanka’s civil war ended, Rashan and
Mary’s song a joyous proclamation your kindness.
Today we especially pray for Sri point of sharing his noted gravy recipe for the Pamodi returned home. They had to start all
of God’s saving actions
Lankan refugees returning home We go rejoicing in God our Saviour family’s Christmas dinner. over again – without jobs, money or proof of
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 who has does great things! Amen
to rebuild their lives. People living in captivity but thinking of the joy their rights to land.
Rejoice always for God is faithful
and provides a manifesto for living Provide safety and security so of returning home are featured in our Christmas
that fear and suspicion may be
Lighting of the Advent With the help of Act for Peace’s local partner
John 1:6-8, 19-28 Bowl program for this week. Refugees from Sri and caring Christians like you, Rashan and
replaced by trust. Candle (Joy):
John testifies to the light of God Lanka are living in India following their nation’s Pamodi were able to reclaim their land, build a
We look to that day when there is For Yolŋu people, joy or
coming into the world long civil war. With the coming of peace, many home and start a farm. Despite the challenges
understanding and respect across Ŋoy-djulŋithinyamirr is a
deep feeling of happiness and are in the process of returning home. Through our of Sri Lanka’s coronavirus lockdown, they now
Call to Worship: our differences and people of
Christmas Bowl partner, those returning home have a joyful future.
different faiths and ethnicities will contentment that comes from
“The One who is the true light, practicing Mägaya Rom as we care are assisted with education, training, material
who gives light to everyone, was not be misrepresented or vilified. This Christmas Bowl, please help more
for country and walk the path support, and personal encouragement as they
coming into the world.” John 1:9 Help us, like John to testify to returned Sri Lankan refugees build the safe,
that leads to life. God, our Creator seek to rebuild their lives in their homeland.
your light that shines in every joyful lives they deserve.
You sent your prophet John to brings healing, and fruitfulness
prepare the way for the coming of place. Amen
and plentiful gifts to share.
your Son, our Saviour. In knowing you, is our true joy
Dedication of the Offering: See the impact that your gifts through the Christmas Bowl are making for
You gave a song to Mary! In sharing your gifts, we find true families in Sri Lanka by watching this week’s video found on your USB stick or
Thank you God for the hints
May the joy of Christ penetrate our of joy in the midst of life’s contentment. online at www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
lives and the life of your world difficulties and calamities.
14 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 15
Week 5: 20 December 2020 A child wears a mask to
protect against coronavirus
in Idlib, Syria. Many Syrian
GETTING STARTED
families are now seeking
safety in Jordan.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Muhammed Said/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Ben Littlejohn/Act for Peace
USEFUL INFORMATION
Fourth Sunday of Advent:
Fares Swais, the executive
director of our local partner,
DSPR, getting ready to deliver
lifesaving rations to refugees
Love in Jordan.
You strengthen the weak. As we experience the wonder of this
Sermon Starter God’s Love in Action
Liturgy You hear the prayers of the forgotten. season, may we know the beauty of
giving and receiving.
Come, let us give thanks to God!
Let’s sing of God’s love forever! We ask you to bless the work of the In our gospel lesson, we have the account of Mary Life was already tough for the millions of
Bible readings Australian Council of Churches and Act learning that she was pregnant and of the role her Syrian refugees living in Jordan but now they
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Prayers of Intercession: for Peace and all whose lives will be
pregnancy would play in God’s relationship with the are suffering even more due to the coronavirus.
Nathan’s prophetic message challenges Today we particularly pray for peace in touched through giving to the Christmas
David’s plan to build a ‘house for God’. world. We also, through the words of the hymn known
Syria and Syrian refugees who have been Bowl this Christmas. Amen Reem is a Syrian refugee raising her five kids
The presence of God cannot be contained given refuge in Jordan to the Christian church as the Magnificat, hear of
in one of the refugee camps. It’s a crowded
in any one building In a world darkened by war clouds and Sending out: Mary’s celebration with her cousin Elizabeth, who is
urban slum with little sanitation, and Reem
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 the shadow of hunger, come into our Loving God, our hearts echo the ancient also pregnant. The two cousins wanted to share their
cry: knows how quickly coronavirus would spread
Give thanks for God’s steadfast love, world, as into Mary’s womb experience of pregnancy with each other.
God is faithful to the covenant promises Come, O come Emmanuel! if it were to hit here.
Come Lord Jesus
In the film Love Actually, one of my favourite of the
to David Into the forgotten places and places Go with God’s love shining in your hearts. But refugees like her can’t afford face masks,
interwoven plotlines concerned an aging popstar, played
Luke 1:46b-55 where human hope and expectation has Look with eyes of compassion, be alert to and the initial lockdown measures have
by Bill Nighy, who was experiencing some recent (and
Mary’s song proclaims God’s reversals dried up the promptings of God’s Spirit.
unexpected) success in a career that had been in the affected the little income they had. So Reem
and the vision of a transformed world Come Lord Jesus, Be ready to share God’s love with all
doldrums for some time. At a party on Christmas Eve, and a team of volunteers, with help from Act
Romans 16:25-27 Into the lives of the poor, bringing hope whom you meet,
he nevertheless came to the conclusion that he would for Peace’s local partner, decided to sew cloth
A benediction that celebrates the divine Be alert to the unfolding purposes of
Come Lord Jesus face masks for their community.
salvation plan God in your life and the lives of those prefer to celebrate the holiday at home watching TV
Into the lives of the sad and despairing
Luke 1:26-38 around you. with a friend rather than partying with a group of A-list This Christmas Bowl, your kindness will
Come Lord Jesus
The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary Amen. Come, O come Emmanuel! celebrities who would further help his struggling career. empower refugees like Reem to keep their
Into the lives of the weary and
the coming miraculous birth
homeless bringing rest and comfort As with last week’s Christmas Bowl program, refugees families safe through this devastating
Lighting of the Advent
Call to Worship: Come Lord Jesus. feature prominently in this week’s information. Syrian pandemic. Your love will translate to
Candle (Love):
“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as refugees in Jordan are assisted with emergency supplies lifesaving food ration packs and medical
You have said.”
Dedication of the Offering: For Yolŋu people, Märr-ŋamathinyamirr is
care, jobs training and psychological support.
the deep love and affection we first learn
of food, clothing, soap, and other material essentials, as
Loving God, this Advent time we
A young woman named Mary opened her
in our families and kinship relationships well as with programs of counselling, job training, and You’ll help women like Reem earn a living,
remember your gifts of hope, peace, joy
heart to your song. childcare. They are now also sewing face masks to help and bring much-needed psychological care to
and love. You call us to give generously that extends outwards to include God’s
She heard the promise that she would and love extravagantly in response to all creation. As Christmas draws near, we keep their communities safe and provide work. refugee communities.
give birth to a son you have given us. give thanks for God’s great love. God
who would break the bonds of We give back to you all that we are, all sends Jesus not to condemn the world but
oppression and transform the world that we have and all that we will be, to save it. He unites us into one family. Watch this week’s Christmas Bowl video to hear how your gifts are sharing God’s
And she believed. through your love freely given to us. God loved the world so much that he sent
love with families like Reem’s in Jordan. The video can be accessed through
You are a God who acts to save May we share your love with our his Son, that believing in him, we should not
You are a God who does marvellous families, friends, neighbours and perish but have everlasting life. Facebook, the Christmas Bowl website or on your USB.
things! strangers, those nearby and far away. Thanks be to God.
16 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 17
Joel Pratley/Act for Peace
Week 6: 25 December 2020 Martha and Hannah, from Act
Sermon Starter
for Peace. Martha is part
of the conservation farming
GETTING STARTED
programme, which is helping
her grow her own food.
Today, on Christmas Day, there is a strong note of universality in the
lessons from scripture.
When we hear the proclamation, known to many of us in the way it was set
to music in Handel’s Messiah, that “a child has been born to us”, we know
that the “us” in the lesson is as wide and as broad an “us” as is possible.
When the angels tell the shepherds about “good news of great joy for
all people”, the “all” is particularly significant. The “good news of great
WORSHIP RESOURCES
joy” is not confined to particularly religious people, or particularly moral
/Ac t for Peace
people, or particularly intelligent people, or people of your own cultural
group … but to all people. God’s compassion is universal.
In the famous “Christmas dinner” episode of The Vicar of Dibley,
Takund a Mandondo
Geraldine managed to accept four dinner invitations on Christmas
Day out of her desire to express compassion to a number of different
friends who would be otherwise dining alone. In this case, practical and
universal compassion equalled serious indigestion.
USEFUL INFORMATION
The abundance found in most western nations – both at this season and
throughout the year – is not the experience of most of humanity. For
Christmas Day: A family in Furamera, Zimbabwe
their urgently needed food
, packing
rati ons
the people of Zimbabwe, living through successive waves of drought,
crop failures, economic collapse, and now COVID-19, the reality is one
Light of the World
.
before making the journey home of scarcity. Through the Christmas Bowl, we can stand alongside the
people of Zimbabwe as they seek to meet each other’s basic needs.
Beloved child of God we celebrate Dedication of the Offering: the world with a great and
Liturgy your birth this day.
Unpredictable God, You come in
guiding light
God’s Love in Action
The Wisdom of the Wonderful surprising ways. May the blessing of Christmas
Counsellor, the Strength of the Mighty enable us to be a blessing to
Bible readings In actions so unexpected.
God and Everlasting Father, and the others. In Zimbabwe, the coronavirus has left people already devastated by
Isaiah 9:2-7 peace of the Prince of Peace be with Who would have thought that the King
We go from here with the light drought, disaster and inflation unable to feed their children.
Anticipating the light which shines in you! And also with you! of the Universe would make His home
of Christ shining in our hearts.
the darkness and the birth of the one among us? When crippling drought in 2008 wiped out Martha’s crops, she and her
Amen
who will establish justice and bring Prayers of Intercession: Yet it is so! three children went hungry. There was no food – and not enough money
peace for school fees.
Child of Bethlehem, Who would have guessed that God would Lighting of the Advent
Psalm 96 come as a tiny babe into our world?
All peoples of the earth and all of
You chose to lay aside your glory Candle (Light): People like Martha were already in a desperate situation. Now the
born among us in simplicity and Yet it is so! The light of Christ has come pandemic threatens them with catastrophe. Zimbabwe’s lockdown helped
creation join in praise to God: looking in
expectation to the coming of the King poverty, lowliness and humility. And the world has never been the same into the world. Badayala Djesu- slow the spread of the virus but also closed local markets, disrupted food
who judges the nations of the world We kneel at the manger and put our since your coming. Christkuny bilin bunan dhiyal aid and forced millions out of work. Worryingly, most families don’t even
with equity faith in you. For this gift of our Saviour we would give munatha’ŋur. have the clean water they need to stop the spread of the virus.
Titus 2:11-14 Where peace is difficult to achieve, you the wonder of our minds and the ‘Aboriginal people carry sacred
gratitude of our hearts. stories that tell of the coming Through your gift this Christmas Bowl, our local partner will help families
God’s grace and gift of salvation calls when hopes are dashed,
Be born not only in a stable long ago but of light into the world. Today like Martha’s to grow their own food, earn their own income and be more
us to grace-filled lives as we wait for when joy is stolen, or love withheld,
Christ’s glorious appearing. in our hearts today. we give thanks that Christ is secure. Families will learn conservation farming and to care for their own
may your abiding presence bring light born into our world.’ - Maratja
Thank you God for this opportunity to animal livestock so they are more resilient.
Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) in the darkness. Dhamarrandji
God’s chosen One laid in a manger as support the Christmas Bowl Appeal. Thanks to caring supporters like you, Martha is now a conservation
Child of Bethlehem, we pray for all God overcomes our darkness.
shepherds hear angels announcing children especially those born in Use the gifts we offer to bring your farmer. She can feed her family and is less susceptible to the impact of
news of great joy liberating love to the lives of many. Thank you God, for the gift of
poverty and vulnerability. drought. Martha has faith that with your light and love, her family will
Amen. light!
We particularly remember the people be able survive through the pandemic.
Call to Worship: Loving God, guide our feet
of Zimbabwe for whom the road to
We gather in the name of the One recovery is long and hard.
Sending Out: to the stable that in faith we
called Emmanuel, God with us! Bethlehem is the beginning not the end would kneel at the manger in
Strengthen those facing illness and Merry Christmas from Act for Peace and the
of our journey with Christ! Bethlehem.
We praise you Jesus, Son of God - yet those who have lost loved ones Christmas Bowl! If you are meeting in person,
born of Mary. As you leave this place may we take with Thank you for the gifts of Hope,
because of Aids and COVID-19 please take a few moments to encourage your
us the joy of Mary, the dreams of Joseph, Peace, Joy and Love that are
Eternal Word - yet a child without Be with those living on the margins congregation to fill in the giving envelope. If you are
ours this day. Amen
speech. because of poverty or exclusion, the wonder of the shepherds, and the meeting online your congregation can give using
Clothed in glory - yet wrapped in comfort families facing uncertainty song of the angels. your church donation page. Together we can share
swaddling bands. and those seeking safety. To God be glory and praise now and God’s love through practical Christian action.
Lord of heaven and earth - yet laid in Grant your light to shine on your forever!
a manger. people of Zimbabwe. Amen. In the birth of Jesus God has provided
18 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 19Tamin Noori/Act for Peace
Karen McGrath/Act for Peace
Week 7: 27 December 2020
Sermon Starter
GETTING STARTED
During this week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day,
Richard Wainwright/Act for Peace
there is a sense of simultaneously reviewing the past year and
anticipating the coming year. We find this sense of having an eye on
both the past and the future in our gospel lesson.
When Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple for the liturgies
surrounding the birth of a baby, among those present are two elderly
Karen McGrath/Act for Peace
people, Simeon and Anna. Both were able to look back on long lives
WORSHIP RESOURCES
of integrity and faith. Both looked forward to the future redemption
both of their nation and of the world. Both celebrated the birth of
the child Jesus, and his significance for the life of faith.
Richard Wainwright/Act for Peace
On New Year’s Eve, many of us will enjoy the brief comic film Dinner
for One on television. In recent years, it’s become a New Year’s
tradition in Australia, as it has been for decades in many areas of
Act for Peace
Europe. James the butler assisted his employer, the elderly Miss
Sophie, in looking back over her life by assuming the characters
of four of her deceased friends at her 90th birthday dinner. James
USEFUL INFORMATION
created an alternate reality for Miss Sophie. But this is a time of
First Sunday after Christmas:
year when we’re all encouraged to consider alternate realities.
Through the Christmas Bowl, we’ve been privileged to assist our
Thank you
global partners to create alternate realities for their lives: alternate
realities of peace and justice, of compassion and mercy. Let us
celebrate this great privilege.
Liturgy
flying birds praise God. into places of brokenness, into Sending out:
hospital rooms, and amongst
God’s Love in Action
Let all rulers and those in The light that enlightens
authority praise God. those feeling isolated and alone. all people has come
Bible readings Where we find neglect and poverty, into the world!
Let the sun and moon, shining
Isaiah 61:10-62:3 enlarge the scope of our care. As we enter a new year In Afghanistan, your gifts will help girls like Jaleela to keep learning
stars, and sparkling seas and
Zion will be restored, new shoots may the glory of Bethlehem
all of creation praise God! Where there is prejudice strengthen through the COVID-19 lockdown – and restore their hopes for the future.
spring from the ground, and not fade from our focus.
Let all people young and those working for equality and In the world’s second largest refugee camp in Bangladesh, Rohingya
God’s people will be clothed
old, men and women and a just sharing of resources. As we leave this place refugees are learning how to stop the spread of COVID-19 and live with
in garments of salvation and
robes of righteousness children say ‘Praise God!’ When life is a struggle, help us may we take the joy of peace and safety.
offer encouragement knowing Simeon and Anna.
Psalm 148 The whole universe echoes For Sri Lankan refugees returning home, your generosity means the
with songs of praise. that you are a God who lifts up the Cradle in your arms the
A psalm of exuberant praise chance to start joyful new lives after years of war, displacement, and
downtrodden, who is ever renewing hope of the world.
as all of creation joins in Praise God! now a pandemic.
giving glory to God the world by your love. Amen Cradle his peace within
you, that will help you In Jordan, you are helping Syrian refugees harness their love and
Galatians 4:4-7 Prayer of Intercession:
Dedication of the Offering: face troubles with trust, determination to keep their community safe from COVID-19.
Jesus sets us free from slavery and God who sent Jesus into the world,
Jesus, Holy child, we are patience and wisdom. And in Zimbabwe, you are shining God’s divine light on devastated
make us children and heirs of God
we live in times of easy called to love, protect, and Cradle his joy in your family, people like Martha. You are helping them stay resilient through drought,
Luke 2:22-40 communication when words and make room for you. making us more attentive to disaster, inflation and now the catastrophic fall-out of this virus.
Mary and Joseph present information leaps continents
You give us a vision of fullness others and easier to live with.
Jesus at the temple and hope- Thank you for sharing your blessings this Christmas Bowl, so together
yet we often fail to understand
filled Simeon and Anna have of life for all your children. Cradle his love in the people we can care for people who are hurting and build a better world for all.
those close to us.
their dreams realised you meet, friends and strangers,
May the wonder of your birth
We become preoccupied work mates and neighbours.
live in our hearts every day.
Call to Worship: with ourselves and fail to And know God’s everlasting
Based on Psalm 148 hear the angels sing. May we, with Simeon and Anna
arms cradles you. Please remember to share the final Christmas
Let all of Creation praise God. greet your coming with joy
Guide our feet to your God our Creator, Christ Jesus Bowl video with your congregation.
Let the mountains and hills, fruit humble stable. and experience the mystery the Incarnate Word, and the Thank you for joining us. If you’d like more
trees, and all cedars praise God. of your renewing grace.
Open our ears to hear the cries Life-giving Holy Spirit who information on how your Christmas Bowl gifts
Let the wild animals and of those longing for healing We dedicate ourselves and the makes all things new, be with are making a difference, visit
cattle, creeping things and and justice. Go before us gifts we bring to you. Amen you now and always. www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl
20 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 21Other ways to get involved
GETTING STARTED
The Christmas Bowl
Online Join with other churches
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Helen Beeby/Ac t for Peace
Many churches like yours this year will gather
online to celebrate the Christmas Bowl. Some
choose to host a special carol service and invite
the community to watch and sing along from
home or host an online ecumenical prayer
The Christmas Bowl website has all the gathering. To keep everyone safe, we are facing
USEFUL INFORMATION
resources in this kit and more. Be sure to visit challenges but also opportunities to open our Volunteers from St Thomas More Catholic Church
doors to others this Christmas. and Mount Eliza Anglican Church join together
www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl to run a street collection in their local
for all you’ll need, including: community every year for the Christmas Bowl.
• PowerPoints: You can easily download
PowerPoint presentations to use during
your Christmas services online or
in person and for every week of the Celebrate the Christmas Bowl as a family
Christmas season.
• Videos: This year, the Christmas Bowl On Christmas Day 1949, an Australian Reverend named Frank Byatt
placed an empty bowl of remembrance on the table before him. Frank
will take your church on a weekly
urged his guests to reflect on their good fortunes and encouraged
journey around the world. Through the
Peace
them to do something selfless for people around the world who were
videos, you will hear first-hand how suffering as a result of World War II.
Andy Corkill /Ac t for
your gifts to the Christmas Bowl are
This Christmas, we invite you to place a bowl on your table as a sign of
directly impacting the lives of the people
remembrance of our brothers and sisters around the world in urgent
who need it most.
need. If anyone in your congregation would like to order their own
• Clipart for your pew sheets/bulletin cardboard bowl and giving envelopes to share with their family and
and email notices: You can download friends, please phone 1800 025 101 or email info@actforpeace.org.au.
Keep
Church
In NSW, members of Epping Uniting Each bowl is printed with the Christmas Bowl logo and has plenty of
the weekly clipart inserts from the decorated their own Bowl of Reme
mbrance.
space for children, grandchildren or the whole family to colour in and
Christmas Bowl website and drop them
make it their own.
up -to-date
directly into your pew sheets/bulletin
and email notices.
• Weekly stories from the field: The full
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from Act
versions of each weekly story included
in this toolkit are available to download
for Peace and the Christmas Bowl. Our website Other fund raising ideas
ce
and social media pages will keep you informed
Helen Beeby/Act for Pea
on the website. Please feel free to share on how other churches are celebrating the
these with your congregation each week. If you are feeling creative this Christmas, there are plenty
Christmas Bowl, how your gifts are making a
of other ways that you can raise much needed funds for the
• Children’s Activities: colouring in sheets. difference and any upcoming events. Christmas Bowl to support people in need around the world. We
Like the Christmas Bowl on Facebook at have included a few suggestions below but the possibilities are
You can also visit the website to learn more
facebook.com/christmasbowl and encourage limited only to your creativity and imagination!
about the Christmas Bowl. Members of your
your congregation to do the same. •
congregation can give their Christmas Bowl Share our Facebook posts and encourage friends and family
gift safely online and include the name of to understand the plight that the most vulnerable face
your church. They will receive a receipt during COVID-19.
In Victoria,
directly to their email. • Host a virtual morning tea on Zoom meeting after your service. Ro
Kerry held a ss and
cake stall
fundraiser.
• Make your own Christmas cards.
• Gather together online to sing your favourite Christmas Carols.
22 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 23Where your gifts to the Christmas Bowl go
GETTING STARTED
Your gifts support vulnerable communities threatened the work that you make possible on the map below.
Who are Act for Peace? by conflict and disaster all around the world. Your
kindness helps to provide urgent survival basics as well
as fund long-term development programs that help
In the past financial year, 69% of Act for Peace’s
expenditure was used on our programs, advocacy,
and community education work. 12% was spent on
people gain independence. Through your support of the our accountability and administration to ensure
Christmas Bowl, you also help communities plan and our programs and funds are used as effectively as
prepare for disasters, provide essential healthcare to possible. Every $1 spent on fundraising returned
Act for Peace is the international aid agency of the This year, our partners in every country we work in
people in need, protect human rights in marginalised almost $3 for programs. This means that Act for Peace
National Council of Churches in Australia and a member are working to help keep people safe during COVID-19.
communities and care for refugees. is contributing even more funds to the work on the
WORSHIP RESOURCES
of the global ACT alliance, which helps communities
Act for Peace supports partners on the ground to As part of the Act Alliance, Act for Peace works with local ground to ensure the best possible impact. (2019 Act
affected by conflict and disaster in more than 130
respond to emergencies and implement long-term organisations around the world, saving lives when disaster for Peace Annual Report)
countries. Act for Peace’s work began in 1948 with the
humanitarian and development programs, as well strikes and helping to build long-term change. You can see
sending of food and other provisions to help refugees
as advocacy initiatives responding to the needs
who had suffered during World War II. This important
of communities in protracted conflicts or disaster
work was carried on when, on Christmas Day in 1949,
Acknowledgements
affected regions.
the Rev. Frank Byatt of Victoria placed an empty bowl on
the dinner table and asked all present to give what they Together, we will continue the tradition of the
considered to be the value of the meal. Christmas Bowl to build the foundations for real The Christmas Bowl team at Act for Peace would member churches of the National Council of
USEFUL INFORMATION
and lasting peace, and make a growing difference to like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters Churches in Australia, the State and Territory
Since the first Christmas Bowl began in 1949, and churches that help to continue the tradition of Ecumenical Councils and all the volunteers who
communities where it’s needed most.
Australian churches, across denominations, have the Christmas Bowl each and every year. Thanks to contribute to the Christmas Bowl appeal.
come together to follow in Rev. Byatt’s footsteps your support, last year over $2.1million was raised We would also like to give a very special thank you to
and have helped to provide food, shelter, education, from churches across 12 denominations to provide Rev Dr Peter Hobson for writing the sermon starters
healthcare and training to some of the world’s most urgent food, water, healthcare, shelter and training and Rev. Dr. Helen Richmond for composing the
vulnerable people, giving them the ability to prepare for people threatened by conf lict and disaster liturgy. This year’s Lighting of the Advent Candles
for, cope with and recover from conflict and disaster. around the world. has been inspired by conversations with Gapany
Act for Peace and its local partners would like to Gumbula and Rev Maratja Dhamarrandji from Elcho
especially thank the church congregations and Island in NE Arnhem Land, NT.
How we achieve change on the ground Partnering for justice Bangladesh:
Afghanistan: Pakistan: Providing lifesaving
around the world Giving girls a brighter
future through
Preventative and
curative healthcare
assistance including
shelter, medical care
improved access to for rural families, Myanmar: and water for Rohingya
families who fled violence.
quality education. especially mothers Capacity
and children. building and
Humanitarian assistance Long-term development Gaza: Improving access to
quality education.
training for
Healthcare for West Bank: Jordan: communities
Our partners are on the ground before, during, Lasting change needs to come from the ground up. vulnerable women Non-violent Providing urgently
to help prevent The Philippines:
human rights
and after emergencies, working to reach the most We start by listening to what communities need and and children and protective presence needed support for India: abuses.
Disaster risk reduction
vocational training to vulnerable Syrian refugees and preparedness.
vulnerable with what they need to survive – whether work with them to find practical, sustainable ways to for young people. communities living including food
Healthcare,
Action and advocacy
livelihoods and
under occupation. to support vulnerable
it’s food, shelter, medical care or other essential help people thrive – whether that is supporting girls’ rations, healthcare,
empowerment
and disadvantaged
education, livelihoods
items. We also work with communities to build their education, providing small business training to refugees and counselling.
programs for
Thailand: communities, including
Sri Lankan refugees.
Support for indigenous people, to
resilience, so they can be better prepared to survive or equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills they encamped access their human rights.
and recover from crises and disasters. need to grow crops in fast changing climate conditions. South Sudan: Ethiopia:
Karenni refugees
Sri Lanka: including those
Helping families Emergency healthcare for refugees looking
Livelihoods and support
affected by flooding critically ill or injured refugees,
to access shelter, as well as counselling and
services to help newly to return home.
Vanuatu:
returned refugees reintegrate.
sanitation and safe vocational training. Support for vulnerable
drinking water. . communities to prepare,
Advocacy and campaigns Working with partners Indonesia:
respond and recover
from the impacts of
We are committed to tackling the root causes of injustice, Local people are best placed to identify the problems Kenya: Disaster preparedness and risk reduction
natural disasters.
Helping activities to help communities stay safe
not just the symptoms. We influence decision-makers faced by their communities and create solutions vulnerable urban during disasters.
and power holders to live up to their responsibilities to that work. We partner with local organisations who Zimbabwe:
Supporting famers to
refugees in
Tonga:
Nairobi with food,
protect and serve the world’s most vulnerable people. We understand the context and who can work effectively be more resilient to case work, and
Improving safety and inclusion
for people living with disability
climate change through other support.
amplify the voices of people who aren’t currently being with their local communities. Our approach to conservation farming, This year, you helped to fund 39 programs in Disaster Risk Management.
listened to, so they can engage with those in power and partnership is to honour and support their work in responding to food in 16 countries. By supporting emergency
insecurity with urgently response, sustainable development and
exercise their own rights. Without change in national, protecting and rebuilding their communities, build a needed food rations, and advocacy programs around the world, your
supporting peace building generosity brought increased safety, justice Australia:
regional and global policies and systems, grassroots genuine two-way relationship and work with them to Advocacy and campaigning
initiatives through and dignity to the lives of hundreds of
change is less sustainable. strengthen the quality and impact of their programs. national dialogues.
thousands of people. Thank you. for refugee rights.
24 TOOLKIT CHR ISTM A S BOW L 2020 25You can also read
