The Resources for Mission department of the Anglican Church of Canada announced September 22nd, 2011 the second installation of its gift guide, Gifts for Mission. The gift guide was launched in 2010 as Acts of Faith and brings together all of the ministries of the Anglican Church of Canada and as well as its partners the Anglican Foundation of Canada and the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF).
“We felt the change in title to Gifts for Mission was essential” said Vianney (Sam) Carrière, director of Resources for Mission and Communications and Information Resources for the Anglican Church of Canada. “It reflects the shift towards mission that we are detecting and encouraging across the whole church. We are guided by the Marks of Mission and by the knowledge that everything we do is and must be in loving service of God’s mission.”
Michelle Hauser, manager of annual giving who oversees the gift guide for the national office, said “We received a lot of excellent feedback from our donors last Christmas and wanted this year’s gift guide to truly respond to their suggestions.” Many donors asked for the inclusion of more child-friendly items, Hauser said. “You would be surprised by all the grandparents who are looking for new ways to give to their grandchildren at Christmas.”
Hauser also reported that many donors who had traditionally given gifts through World Vision’s gift guide made the switch to Gifts for Mission as a way of supporting world relief and development through PWRDF, whose presence in this second edition has been substantially enhanced.
Gifts for Mission was inserted into the September issue of the Anglican Journal and print copies can be ordered free of charge online at giftsformission.anglican.ca. “Last year we had a number of parishes order the guide to distribute to their parishioners and we hope to grow that support base this year” said Hauser. In addition to the print guide, donors and supporters are also invited to visit—and share with their friends and family— an interactive, online version of Gifts for Mission: giftsformission.anglican.ca. People can purchase their gifts online, send e-cards, print PDF cards or, for a more personal touch, request actual cards they can sign and send to their loved ones. For more information about Gifts for Mission or to order copies for your group or parish, you can contact:
Michelle Hauser
Manager, Annual Giving
Resources for Mission Department
Phone: 416-924-9199 x 32
Toll-Free: 1-866-924-9192 x 326