A Touchstone Update and Advent Prayer Card

Late Fall Greetings,

I wrote to you last year as a long-time friend and supporter of both Norm Allen and Touchstone Ministries knowing we have benefited from the ministry over many decades. We share a respect for this work, are grateful that it is continuing in healthy and rich ways, and I hope you share my desire that it receives the support necessary to finish 2023 well.

2023 has been a fruitful year for Touchstone. Norm continues regular in person conversations with scores of friends and Zoom still complements this personal work. They are about the stuff of life - health or grief, aging and identity, spiritual formation, vocational dislocation, fear – and connecting as friends with Jesus in prayer and meditation.

The group work also continues under the leadership of men and women who have emerged to essentially pastor their groups with Norm’s assistance. This year Norm led 5 groups in retreat settings.

Norm’s writing of his weekly thoughts, occasional letters, retreat guides and discussion group outlines is creative and helpful to hundreds in our circles of virtual friendship. Our seasonal prayer cards have received good response and our Advent Card 2023 can be accessed here.

I’m excited to let you know that Norm is writing a series of blog/podcasts for the new year reflecting on Touchstone’s 40 years of friendship in Christ. They will come out over the first few months  of 2024 and become an eBook with a small print edition. This will be a terrific encouragement to us all.

As we approach year end, we are wanting to finish strong. Personally, I continue to financially support Touchstone, as I have for the last 20 years. I’m asking you to join me in giving support to a ministry that has benefited us both by giving generously to help us complete this year’s operation.

Please consider a gift of $100, $250, $500, a $1,000 or other, over the next few weeks and prior to the end the of year.

There are several ways you can contribute - cheque, online, direct deposit or securities. This link will connect you to Touchstone’s Donations page on our website.

https://www.touchstone.ca/donations

We are grateful for your support in the past. You may even have already given this year so thank you. Looking forward to finishing 2023 strong in service to our Lord and the work of spiritual friendship. 

From one friend of Touchstone to another,

S. Scott Cameron, Board Chair