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Events in December 2023

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27/11/2023
28/11/2023
29/11/2023(1 event)

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People


29/11/2023

This day was established way back in 1977 when the UN declared that Israel's occupation of Arab territories was illegal and that peace could only come about in the region if Israel withdrew from these places.   No such withdrawal has taken place.

In 2018, Maria Fernanda Espinosa (the President of the General Assembly of the UN) reported that:

  • 43% of the Palestinian population were refugees - and half of them were below the age of 18
  • 47% of the population of the Gaza strip were living with food insecurity
  • the average water consumption of the Palestinian populations in Gaza was 66 litres per day - well below the recommended ration of 100 litres per day.

 

The Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, said on this day in 2018:

"Today, in particular, our hearts are heavy with the suffering of the people in Gaza.

Approximately two million Palestinians remain blocked in increasing poverty and unemployment, with limited access to adequate health, education, water and electricity.

Young people see little prospect of a better future.

I urge Israel to lift restrictions on the movement of people and goods, which also hamper the efforts of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies, without jeopardizing legitimate security concerns.

I call on Hamas and other militant groups to halt their military build-up in Gaza, including the indiscriminate launching of rockets and incendiary devices directed at Israel. "

 

There seems to be little progress and, all the while, people suffer!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

O Lord, You are the peace and peace emanates from You.

O God of Glory and Majesty grant us security and safety,

and alleviate the suffering of your people.

O Lord, bring comprehensive and just peace to our country and region

so that our people and the peoples of the Middle East and the whole world

would enjoy the fruit of peace, stability and coexistence.

We want peace for us and for our neighbours.

We seek prosperity and peace of mind for ourselves and for others alike.

O Lord, answer our prayers and make successful our endeavors

for you are most just, most merciful, Lord of the Worlds.

This prayer was offered by the Muslim President Abbas of Palestine in Rome when he met Pope Francis and Shimon Peres, the Israeli President in June 2014.

 

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
30/11/2023(1 event)

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare


30/11/2023

Chemical weapons have been used for centuries.  In the 17th century, France and Germany signed an agreement NOT to use poison bullets!   In 1899, countries at the Hague Peace Conference declared they would not use projectiles which contained "asphyxiating or deleterious gases".

However, during the First World War, over 100,000 humans died and more than 1 million were wounded by the use of gas.

In the Second World War, gas was not used in combat but was used in the Holocaust Concentration Camps.

In 1997, the Chemical Weapons Convention (proposed in 1993) came into force on 29 April.  Its purpose was, “for the sake of all mankind, to exclude completely the possibility of the use of chemical weapons.”

And so, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was set up to monitor this happening.  There have undoubtedly been huge successes and OPCW Member States represent about 98% of the global population and landmass, as well as 98% of the worldwide chemical industry.   The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for what it has done to eliminate chemical weapons.  OPCW claim to have eliminated 97% of all chemical weapons.

However, throughout the Syrian Civil War (which started in 2011) - and as recently as 2017 - chemical weapons have been used.

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY (available as a 1 minute video by clicking HERE)

Loving God,

we give thanks for the progress made in eliminating chemical weapons.

We pray for those who have suffered death or injury because of them.

We pray for those who order their use

that their hearts might be transformed

to seek ways of peace.

 

We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. AMEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
01/12/2023(1 event)

World AIDS Day


01/12/2023

Here's a 2 minute video of useful information!

 

A PRAYER FOR THIS DAY  (available HERE as 1 minute video)

Loving God,

we are mindful this day of our sisters and brothers living with HIV and AIDS.

We ask for your healing presence on them especially the children around the world who have been left vulnerable.

We stand with those who have been rejected, abandoned or stigmatised by their condition.

And we pray for a just distribution of resources in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

 

We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

 

 

 

World AIDS Day
02/12/2023(2 events)

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery


02/12/2023

"Slavery - that finished ages ago, didn't it?"

Well, actually no!

DID YOU KNOW?

  • An estimated 40.3 million people are in modern slavery, including 24.9 in forced labour and 15.4 million in forced marriage.
  • There are 5.4 victims of modern slavery for every 1,000 people in the world.
  • 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children.
  • Out of the 24.9 million people trapped in forced labour, 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as domestic work, construction or agriculture; 4.8 million people in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million people in forced labour imposed by state authorities.
  • Women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry, and 58% in other sectors.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Loving God,

who sees the unseen and notices the unnoticed,

help each of us to hear the Hidden Voices of those

who pray for release from slavery.

We pray for those who work to end exploitation and trafficking

that they (and we) be strengthened in resolve to free your people.

We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

 

(Adapted from prayer by The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Chair of The Clewer Initiative.)

National Grief Awareness Week


02/12/2023 – 08/12/2023

Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to.

If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust.
If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

 

This is a video which you might find helpful:

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. AMEN

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING

Jesus, healer and teacher,  

you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus.

Help me make sense of what is happening,

because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost,

some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all.

Send me comfort and people to walk with me.

 

Help me through this pain,

and let treasured memories sustain me.

Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you,

free from pain and worry.

 

Help others who are grieving this same loss.

 

I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

 
03/12/2023(2 events)

National Grief Awareness Week


02/12/2023 – 08/12/2023

Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to.

If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust.
If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

 

This is a video which you might find helpful:

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. AMEN

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING

Jesus, healer and teacher,  

you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus.

Help me make sense of what is happening,

because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost,

some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all.

Send me comfort and people to walk with me.

 

Help me through this pain,

and let treasured memories sustain me.

Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you,

free from pain and worry.

 

Help others who are grieving this same loss.

 

I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities


03/12/2023

A 3 minute video celebrating different abilities!

Loving God,

We pray that throughout the world, people with disabilities may be seen as people with different abilities.

May all experience dignity, acceptance of equality and self-sufficiency in their lives.

We ask that all be empowered to live free from prejudice, persecution or discrimination of any kind.

Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, may we work together to do whatever we can to achieve this.

AMEN
04/12/2023(1 event)

National Grief Awareness Week


02/12/2023 – 08/12/2023

Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to.

If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust.
If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

 

This is a video which you might find helpful:

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. AMEN

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING

Jesus, healer and teacher,  

you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus.

Help me make sense of what is happening,

because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost,

some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all.

Send me comfort and people to walk with me.

 

Help me through this pain,

and let treasured memories sustain me.

Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you,

free from pain and worry.

 

Help others who are grieving this same loss.

 

I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

 
05/12/2023(3 events)

National Grief Awareness Week


02/12/2023 – 08/12/2023

Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to.

If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust.
If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

 

This is a video which you might find helpful:

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. AMEN

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING

Jesus, healer and teacher,  

you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus.

Help me make sense of what is happening,

because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost,

some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all.

Send me comfort and people to walk with me.

 

Help me through this pain,

and let treasured memories sustain me.

Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you,

free from pain and worry.

 

Help others who are grieving this same loss.

 

I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

 

World Soil Day


05/12/2023

 

Soil erosion - what's so important about that?     Find some answers by watching this 2:11 video!

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Creator God,

we thank You for soil,

one of creation's wonders that we simply take for granted.

Be with those who labour on the land,

help us all to make decisions which contribute towards nurturing and preserving it

so that the soil will continue to bear fruit

that all your children might be fed!

We pray this in your holy name. AMEN

 

 

 

World Soil Day 
06/12/2023(1 event)

National Grief Awareness Week


02/12/2023 – 08/12/2023

Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to.

If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust.
If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

 

This is a video which you might find helpful:

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. AMEN

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING

Jesus, healer and teacher,  

you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus.

Help me make sense of what is happening,

because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost,

some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all.

Send me comfort and people to walk with me.

 

Help me through this pain,

and let treasured memories sustain me.

Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you,

free from pain and worry.

 

Help others who are grieving this same loss.

 

I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

 
07/12/2023(2 events)

National Grief Awareness Week


02/12/2023 – 08/12/2023

Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to.

If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust.
If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

 

This is a video which you might find helpful:

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. AMEN

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING

Jesus, healer and teacher,  

you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus.

Help me make sense of what is happening,

because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost,

some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all.

Send me comfort and people to walk with me.

 

Help me through this pain,

and let treasured memories sustain me.

Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you,

free from pain and worry.

 

Help others who are grieving this same loss.

 

I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

 
08/12/2023(1 event)

National Grief Awareness Week


02/12/2023 – 08/12/2023

Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to.

If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust.
If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

 

This is a video which you might find helpful:

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. AMEN

 

 

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING

Jesus, healer and teacher,  

you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus.

Help me make sense of what is happening,

because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost,

some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all.

Send me comfort and people to walk with me.

 

Help me through this pain,

and let treasured memories sustain me.

Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you,

free from pain and worry.

 

Help others who are grieving this same loss.

 

I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

 
09/12/2023(2 events)
10/12/2023(1 event)

Human Rights Day


10/12/2023

Human Rights Day 

Here's a special message for Human Rights Day 2020 - a year like no other (2:09).

So what are Human Rights (2:08)?

A PRAYER

We pray this day for all who are denied human rights.

We pray for individuals and organisations campaigning for the oppressed.

We pray for oppressors that their hearts be transformed.

 

Loving God, help us to be beacons of hope,

willing to speak and campaign,

to support and encourage,

to show compassion and resilience,

so that your kingdom of peace and justice be established

in this place, at this time.

 

Give us wisdom and courage to make the first seemingly small steps and declarations

required to make giant leaps and proclamations.

 

We ask this in your holy name. AMEN
11/12/2023(1 event)

International Mountain Day


11/12/2023

Did you know?

 

So you can see that mountains are incredibly important!   However, there are problems our mountains are facing because of climate change:

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY (available here as a 1 minute video.)

Creator God,

we pray for those who live on, and rely on, mountains for their livelihood.

We pray for courageous leaders who will tackle climate change at their national level.

We pledge ourselves to tackle climate change on an individual level by every day decisions that impact the world we share.

 

We give thanks for those who support us as we climb the mountains in our lives.

Help us to find and stay on the right path

and give us strength to keep going when the going gets tough.

 

We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

 

 

International Mountain Day 
12/12/2023(2 events)
13/12/2023
14/12/2023
15/12/2023
16/12/2023
17/12/2023
18/12/2023(2 events)

Arabic Language Day


18/12/2023

It's World Arabic Language Day when the international community takes a moment to appreciate Arabic and its contributions to humanity.  It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 290 million people.

World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization.  Maybe you could work out the other 5!  (Answers below)

The Arabic language has given rise to developments in architecture, poetry, philosophy and song.  It gives access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages.  Arabic has played an important role in passing on the knowledge of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe.  Arabic numerals form the basis of  mathematics

Classical Arabic is the liturgical (prayer) language of 1.8 BILLION followers of Islam!

Here are some English words which have come to us from Arabic:

  • in the abode of animals and birds: albatross (al-qadus), camel (jamal), gazelle (ghazal), giraffe (zarafah), jerboa (yarbu), monkey (maymum), nacre (naqqarah), popinjay (babbagha’), and tuna (tun);
  • in the area of food and drink: alcohol (al-kuhl), apricot (al-barquq), banana (banan), caramel (qanah), cafe (qahwah),  jasmine (yasmin), lemon, lemonade and lime (laymun), mocha (mukha – port city in Yemen), orange (naranj) sugar (sukkar – borrowed by nearly every language in Europe)  and tuna (tun);
  • In the sphere of geography and navigation: admiral (amir al-bahr), canal (qanah), monsoon (mawsim), safari (safarah)
  • in home and daily life:  cable (habl), genius (jinn), hazard (al-zahr), jar (jarrah) and sofa (suffah);
  • in music and song:  guitar (qitar) and troubadour (tarab al-dar);
  • in crime (magbarah): assassin (hashashin), mafia (mu’afi) and massacre (maslakh);
  • in personal adornment: amber (‘anbar), cameo (chumahan), henna (hinna’), mask and mascara (maskharah) and sequin (sikkah);
  • in science and mathematics: almanac (al-manakh), alchemy (al-kimiya’), algebra (al-jabr),  average (‘awar), calibre (qalib), carat (qirat), chemistry (al-kimiya’) and both cipher and zero (sifr);
  • in the arena of sports: racket (rah) and tennis (tinnis);
  • in trade and commerce: cafe (qahwah), cheque (sakk),  magazine (makhzan), ream (rizmah), traffic (tafriq) and tariff (ta’rifah).

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Loving God,

we give thanks for Arabic language and culture.

Help us to use their richness to inspire us

to communicate ideas and develop understanding,

building bridges between people.

AMEN

So, the other official languages of the UN are: French, English, Russian Chinese and Spanish

Arabic Language Day 

 

 

International Migrants Day


18/12/2023

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, born into a migrant family, help us:
to embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister,
to welcome migrants and refugees with joy and openness,
to respond to their needs with generosity,
to give witness to your love for all people as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.
AMEN

International Migrants Day
19/12/2023
20/12/2023(1 event)

International Human Solidarity Day


20/12/2023

Solidarity is one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, whereby those who either suffer or benefit least - deserve help from those who benefit most.

Therefore, the UN General Assembly, convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important for combating poverty, proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day. It is:

  • A day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
  • A day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
  • A day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
  • A day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication;
  • A day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Loving  God,

give us, your one human family,

the willingness to join hands not raise fists;

and a spirit of adventure as we journey together

on the earth we all share.

Send us your spirit of hope and determination

so that we will work to alleviate human suffering

and foster kindness and justice for all.

AMEN

 

International Human Solidarity Day 
21/12/2023
22/12/2023
23/12/2023
24/12/2023
25/12/2023
26/12/2023
27/12/2023
28/12/2023
29/12/2023
30/12/2023
31/12/2023