Preaching Guides
Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling
Father Matthew Francis
About the Advent Preaching Seminar
The seasons of the Christian year offer rich opportunities for pastors and congregations to deepen their encounter with the Scriptures, and to hear with greater attentiveness the Living God who speaks through them. Drawing upon the Revised Common Lectionary’s curated Biblical texts for Christmas 2026 and part of Epiphany 2027, this journey will commence with the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ and conclude with the Presentation of the Lord. These texts will inspire us to encounter the power and meaning of the Incarnation.
What is a “Lectionary?”
It’s simply a collection of Biblical readings, organized to be proclaimed in communal Christian worship. Consider it a tool in your Scripture-engagement toolkit.
Whether you are a seasoned Lectionary preacher, or have never used the lectionary as a preaching resource before, you are invited to gather with fellow ministers in this encounter with the Advent Scriptures. Practitioners of preaching from all Christian traditions and denominations are warmly welcome, as well as seminarians and those preparing for preaching ministry.
Immerse yourself in Scripture…
Kindle your love for the poetry and passion of the Bible…
Foster a community spiritual friendship around your ministry of the Word…
Delve deeper into the Advent season – awaiting God’s presence with us…
Connect your preaching ministry to the needs of your community…
After each guided presentation on the Sundays of the Advent season, in small “Midrash” groups – cohorts of fellow practitioners of preaching – we will listen attentively to the Word, together. We will take some time to speak and to indicate what some of our preaching paths might become. How does this particular Word from Scripture prepare us and our congregations to encounter Jesus Christ during this Advent season?
About the Advent Preaching Seminar
The seasons of the Christian year offer rich opportunities for pastors and congregations to deepen their encounter with the Scriptures, and to hear with greater attentiveness the Living God who speaks through them.
Drawing upon the Revised Common Lectionary’s curated Biblical texts for Advent 2025, we will journey through the Sundays of Advent, leading up to the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is a “Lectionary?”
It’s simply a collection of Biblical readings, organized to be proclaimed in communal Christian worship. Consider it a tool in your Scripture-engagement toolkit.
Whether you are a seasoned Lectionary preacher, or have never used the lectionary as a preaching resource before, you are invited to gather with fellow ministers in this encounter with the Advent Scriptures. Practitioners of preaching from all Christian traditions and denominations are warmly welcome, as well as seminarians and those preparing for preaching ministry.
Immerse yourself in Scripture…
Kindle your love for the poetry and passion of the Bible…
Foster a community spiritual friendship around your ministry of the Word…
Delve deeper into the Advent season – awaiting God’s presence with us…
Connect your preaching ministry to the needs of your community…
After each guided presentation on the Sundays of the Advent season, in small “Midrash” groups – cohorts of fellow practitioners of preaching – we will listen attentively to the Word, together. We will take some time to speak and to indicate what some of our preaching paths might become. How does this particular Word from Scripture prepare us and our congregations to encounter Jesus Christ during this Advent season?
Preaching Guides
Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling
Father Matthew Francis
Programme
Day 1 | Friday, Nov 27
6:30 PM Doors Open
7:00 PM Opening Prayer and Welcome
SESSION 1 Nativity of the Lord – Proper III
8:00 PM Reception (Enjoy some light refreshments and take the opportunity to get to know your “Midrash group” cohorts)
8:30 PM Closing Prayer
Day 2 | Saturday, Nov 28
8:30 AM Doors Open | A light continental breakfast will be available
9:30 AM Session 2 – Epiphany of the Lord
10:30 AM Midrash Group Discussion
11:00 AM Session 3 – Baptism of the Lord
12:00 PM Midrash Group Discussion
12:30 PM LUNCH
1:30 PM Session 4 – Presentation of the Lord
2:30 PM Midrash Group Discussion
3:00 PM CBS Presentation and Closing Prayer
Please complete this registration form in order to reserve your spot.
DATE/TIME
- Friday, November 27, 2026;
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM - Saturday, November 28, 2026;
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
LOCATION:
Church in Toronto
671 Sheppard Ave E,
North York, ON M2K 1B6
Parking is free at Church in Toronto.
Bio | Preaching Guides
Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling
CBS Ambassador
Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling is the Canadian Bible Society’s Ambassador, encouraging creative, faithful engagement with the Bible in a wide range of settings across Canada. Andrew served for 23 years as Senior Minister of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto, a vibrant and historic urban congregation. His Doctor of Ministry from Acadia focused on preaching, and he has served as an inspiring mentor to a new generation of ministers. His book The Trinity: An Essential for Faith in Our Time is a refreshing primer for Trinitarian preaching. A renowned preacher in Canada and abroad, author, and professor of homiletics, Andrew brings humour, energy, wisdom, and a seasoned pastoral perspective to Preaching Advent.
Father Matthew Francis
Regional Director | CBS BC & Yukon
Father Matthew Francis is the Canadian Bible Society’s Regional Director for B.C. and Yukon. Matthew also serves as Parish Priest of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Chilliwack. Fr. Matthew completed graduate work in New Testament Studies at the University of Manchester and loves to encourage and support pastors to dig deeper in their personal encounter with the Word and their preaching of the Scriptures.
Contact Info
Majd Alajji
Senior Manager | Diaspora Church Relations
Email: malajji@biblesociety.ca | Phone: (587) 438-6943