Friday, November 23, 2012

Colleagues List, November 24th, 2012


Vol. VIII No. 9

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com

*****

Dear Friends:

This is my last issue of Colleagues
List for the current church year.

Next week I plan to send you an Advent
issue - the first of a new church year.

Special Items this week include a film
notice of "Lincoln" and notes I took
when Bill Blaikie, former New Democratic
Party Member of Parliament from Winnipeg
gave the Lebel Christian Thought Lecture
at the University of Calgary this week.

I found both the movie and the lecture
to be inspiring and thought-provoking
and hope you will too.

--

Colleague Comment this week is from
Gary Nickel whose words I appreciated.

Colleague Contribution comes to us from -
Jim Taylor who is always worth reading.

---

Net Notes:

"Who Is Communion For?" - some
thought-provoking ideas of the
offering of communion to people
of other faith traditions
(The Christian Century)
http://tinyurl.com/a62kn2u

"Peace Hanging by a Thread" - a
good commentary on the current
Near East truce between Jews and
Arabs (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/ax4vnfa

"Best Books 2012" - the bible of
book publishing offers its list
of the ten best this year
(Publisher's Weekly)
http://tinyurl.com/d694vlp

"Bourgeois Dismissed from His Order" -
the Maryknoll priest who publicly
supports women's ordination has been
removed by the Vatican, over the heads,
it would seem, of his own superiors
(National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/node/39661

"Will the Church of England Survive?" -
this week the C of E was thrown into
termoil when lay delegates voted against
women bishops when bishops and clergy
voted in favour (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/b49xwcp

"Tolkien Estate Sues Hobbit Producers" -
the official representatives of Tolkien
have opposed some of the marketing
strategies of the new Hobbit movie
soon to appear (The Guardian, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/aty3o4m

"How US Jews View Near Eastern Conflict" -
it is always interesting to note what
the US Jewish lobby thinks, and their
current attitude is not surprising
(CNN audio) http://tinyurl.com/c2xeaf8

"China is World's Largest Bible Producer" -
as amazing as it may seem, China's trade
with the outside world includes the
publication of many Bibles (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/bk6cppq

"Former Maryknoll Head Rejects Interference"
- evidence that his order was supportive of
Fr. Borgeois (story above) can be found
in the comments of a former superior
(National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/node/39746

"Church Essential to Changing Attitudes
to Women" - we need to remember that
different voices in the global church
speak differently - even conservative
Christian voices (Christian Week)
http://tinyurl.com/a3tkkbx

---

Global Faith Potpourri:

Publication interrupted due to an
unfortunate funding shortfall at
Ecumenical News International,
Geneva.

---

Wisdom of the Week comes to us
via Sojourners Online and this
time we hear from:

Dorothy Day, Woodrow Wilson and
Thomas Huxley

---

On This Day:

Provided from the archives of
the New York Times:

Nuremberg War Trials Begin
http://tinyurl.com/3vlno

JFK Assassinated in Dallas
http://tinyurl.com/2ay2mux

---

Closing Thought - Robert Frost

"My November Guest"

--

I hope your end of year plans
are going well and that we can
all begin the Advent Season in
a hopeful, celebrative way,

Wayne

********************************

St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce:

Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

April 23rd - May 9th, 2013

Tour sale requires a $300 deposit, with
full payment due, and of January, 2013.

Our major tour themes are: Classic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranian coast of SW Turkey.

*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) - long a link
between East and West.

*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.

*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)

*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.

*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna

---

Details such as costs and prep notes have been
edited into a beautiful travel brochure. This
was just sent to all who have thus far expressed
interest. If you are interested, let us know!

The brochure will also be posted to the St.
David's Spiritual Travelers Discussion List Group.
which is your place to express yourself!

To join this unique internet discussion contact:
Deb. Charnusaki - debcharnuski@hotmail.com 

Your tour hosts:

Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com 
403-286-7416

*****

OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 PROGRAMS

With more to be announced -

AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH

"WELCOMING THE STRANGER" WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S

Friday March 1st - Sunday, March 3rd (confirmed)

Special Guest:
Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House, Toronto.

Mary Jo's presentations will take place
at St. David's church.

Other guests are presently being secured for
panels, workshop and as seminar leaders. These
activities will be held on the university
campus.

Watch for new information on this
special weekend focused on Canada's
policy for welcoming new Canadians
and how Christians might respond.

*****

MONDAY NIGHT STUDY

Begins Monday, January 14th thru
Monday, March 18th. 7PM-9PM.

Study Book:

"Radical Gratitude" by Mary Jo Leddy

Review Links:
http://tinyurl.com/bemfdms 
(Western Catholic Reporter)

http://tinyurl.com/awu94eq 
(Gospel and our Culture)

Cost of the course: $50.00
Buy only the book: $25.00

The course and books will be
on sale at the church beginning
Sunday December 9th

*****

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Begins Thursday, January 17th, 2013

Theme:

"'Wisdom' in the Biblical Literature"
A six week series running through
the winter. 10-11 AM

All welcome. No cost.

*****

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Tuesday Night University Study sponsored
by the Faculty of Continuing Education:

HERESIES AND HERETICS - The Real Story of
Early Christianity. Cont Ed Course 198-001

Ten Sessions - Jan. 22nd - Mar. 26th, 2013

Click this link for books, costs and details:
http://tinyurl.com/77xuwnu

---

Faith and Spirituality Centre Fall Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary

TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.

Fridays - March 1st - April 5th
12 noon - 1:00 PM

Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.

12 noon to 1:Cost of the book only: $15.

*****

SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS

Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or) admin@sduc.ca 
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/

Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html 

*****

STUDY ARCHIVES

An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4

This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!

You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.

******************************************

SPECIAL ITEMS

Movie Notice:

LINCOLN

This week I would like to introduce to you
a new movie - "Lincoln" - currently in
theaters. It is directed by Stephen Spielberg.

Here is a Movie Trailer:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/

The film is based on the book "Team of Rivals"
by Doris Kearns Goodwin (Simon & Schuster)
and it appeared in 2005.

Here is a NYT review of the book. It
was published November 6th, 2005 and
entitled:

"Team of Rivals - Friends of Abe"
http://tinyurl.com/ad6mrbk

***

My Thoughts:

I don't recall when I began to read and in
other ways familiarize myself with the life
and thought of Abraham Lincoln.

By the time I was about to complete college,
I had written a history thesis on "The Lincoln-
Douglas Debates of 1858."

Thus, I was not a casual enthusiast of the man.

Those debates provided significant evidence
of the development of Lincoln's political
philosophy.

I have visited the Lincoln Memorial in Washington
a number of times. This May, Marlene and I
spent considerable time there, reflecting on
the beautiful building and the majestic statue
contained inside. Reading the inscribed words,
- taken from a number of his speeches - always
sends shivers down my spine.

It was from from the steps of this memorial
that Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous
"I have a dream speech" and Lincoln has
proven to be a great inspiration for many
human rights leaders around the world.

We also stopped at the famous site in
Pennsylvania where he gave his great
Gettysburg Address in 1863.

To say I continue to be a fan of Lincoln
would therefore be an understatement.
I view him as a man beyond nationality
and is one of universal significance. As
it was said of him at his untimely death -
"He belongs to the ages."

---

The movie did not disappoint us. Of course
there is a certain nationalistic sentimentality
associated with it (see America review, below)
but there are also great scenes and drama.

All this caused me to leave the theatre with a
great lump in my throat.

Major political challenges bring forth great
leaders, and Lincoln is certainly one of these.
Several themes run through the narrative.
The survival of American democacy is one.
Another is the challenge of Emancipation,
and of passing the Thirteenth Amendment -
over against the ending of the Civil War.
Did Lincoln try to prolong the war in order
to get his amendment through congress?

The faith of Lincoln is a third.

We fail to realize that, during 1860's, the
US experiment with democracy was fragile.
Lincoln was deeply committed to the legal
standard of the US Constitution for holding
the nation together, and he approached both
the war and slavery in that light.

That is why, according to his interpretation
of the law, he would never call the South
traitorous - only that they had failed to live
up to their consitutional commitments. Once
they agreed to do so once more, they should
be free to re-enter the union without penalty.
He would not talk moralistically about the
evil of slavery per se. Nor would he talk about
equality with whites as his goal. Rather, he
sought to grant the negro equality before the
law.

While this might strike us as circumlocution,
what Lincoln's approach did was provide a
way for Americans in both North and South
to come to terms with black citizenship.

This was a process, not an instant achievment.
Keep in mind it took America one hundred years
to pass the Civil Rights Act - making discrimation
against blacks a crime. It took America one
hundren and fifty years to elect (and re-elect)
a black president.

It may surprise many to learn that, while Lincoln
never joined a church, his faith was deeply
influenced by a belief in 'the inscrutable
mind and plan of God.'

In other words, the North did not "win" the Civil
War in and of itself. Rather, the North won because
God had wanted it and the North sought to follow
more appropriately the will of God.

This was saying something different than that
the North won the war because it represented
the will of God. Lincoln was too much aware of
human inability to live up to God's will and he
understood it in retrospect.

We tend to question such Calvinistic thinking
today, but it kept Lincoln focused and humble.
Also, it gave him a sense of confidence - while
going through profound uncertainties - as
'prsesident of all the American people' and
not only of the Union.

Another of his firm beliefs was that humans have
a large part to play in their own destinies.
They must work at it, and not leave it all up to
God. How predestination and free will co-existed
for Lincoln was something with which he
continued to struggle.

A compare and contrast of the presidencies of
Lincoln and Obama may be the subject of another
reflection but will take time to comprehend.

Suffice now is to say, Spielberg held back
on the release of this movie until after the
November election because he did not want
the film to prejudice the outcome.

Please read the review below, and then see
this film, if you have not already done so.

Also, I would appreciate your comments.
waholst@telusplanet.net

Movie Review:

America Magazine, Nov. 26th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/be47bc2

---

BILL BLAIKIE

Former MP - New Democratic Party

Lebel Lecturer at University of Calgary,
November 20th, 2012

"The Left Hand of God - Why There
Will Always be a Religious Left
in Canadian Politics"

My Notes:

Religion, as colleague Reg. Bibby
would say, is here to stay. It is not
fading in the way that was once commonly
predicted.

What does this mean - both as promise
and challenge - for the continuing
existence of authentic Christian
politics on the political left?

I was left pondering this question.

At the end of his talk I publicly
commented that what I heard him say
was that great political themes and
movements keep recurring, cyclically
over time. He agreed, but added that
citizens who care about faith and
politics need constantly to be aware
and critical of what religious movements
say and do. We should not follow them
uncritically.

Thus, he challenged Jeffrey Simpson of
the Globe and Mail who has a very dated,
narrow view of religion.

Fr. Raymond de Sousa, writing in the
National Post, on the other hand, predicts
the demise of the 'social gospel tradition'
in our national politics. His views are
also dated according to Blaikie.

Still, he said, it is hard to break out
of old paradigms to discover a more
profound and on-going religious presence
in Canadian politics.

Blaikie spoke of his long engagement with
protest movements (against NAFTA,
the World Trade Organization, and many
global multi-nationals, for example.)

He declared that he was also against the
the "amoral" approach to capitalism with
which he labels the current Christian Right.

Blaikie objects to the immoral 'marketization'
that drives our economies.

He quotes Miroslav Volf who challenges
all Christians to ask what, in essence,
is the good life? Certainly not the idolatry
and injustice that much Christian thinking
today tacitly supports.

Concerning the contemporary evangelical
community (as opposed to the classic tradition
of evangelicalism in Canada) he hopes for
the emergence of a new Christian left that
people across the religious spectrum could
support.

Blaikie quotes colleague Martin Marty, who
in his post-election (2012) "Sightings"
column sees a growing challenge to the
Christian Right in the USA as well. White
middle-class Protestant males are on the way
out, Marty claimed, and so is their religion.

The future is open, claims Marty, and it
will affect both left and right.

A fundamental shift in faith and economics
is taking place. This is a global, and not
simply a national, phenomenon.

Why is the political left not about to disappear?
Because there will always be a lot of people
remaining "where their faith points them"
on the political left

Any new social gospel politics must find itself
speaking meaningfully to post-Christian, secular
people. But this will not be a "post-religious"
phenomenon. It simply means that people of
faith need to live creatively in new secular
times.

God has survived both Christendom and
Secularism, said Blaikie. We now need to
develop a positive moral language with
a new tone.

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMENT

GARY NICKEL
Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Nov. 17th, 2012

Hi Wayne,

I was away visiting and am catching up now,
and saw about your latest health problem.

Sorry to hear about the infection, but glad
that you are improving.

Blessings,

Gary

*****

COLLEAGUES CONTRIBUTIONS

JIM TAYLOR
Web Log
November 19th, 2012

"Distorted Notions of Justice"

http://tinyurl.com/bcs8h6b

*****

NET NOTES

WHO IS COMMUNION FOR?
Is it for the Unbaptized?

The Christian Century
November 19th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/a62kn2u

*****

PEACE HANGING BY A THREAD
Mid-East Truce

The Tablet, UK
November 24th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/ax4vnfa

*****

BEST BOOKS OF 2012

Publisher's Weekly
November 23rd, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/d694vlp

*****

BORGEOIS DISMISSED FROM HIS ORDER
a Maryknoll Priest for 45 Years

National Catholic Reporter
November 19th, 2012

http://ncronline.org/node/39661

*****

WILL THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SURVIVE?
Failure to Approve Women Bishops -
A British Catholic Perspective

The Tablet, UK
November 24th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/b49xwcp

*****

TOLKIEN ESTATE SUES HOBBIT PRODUCERS
Irreparable Harm to His Name is Claimed

The Guardian
November 20th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/aty3o4m

*****

HOW US JEWS VIEW NEAR-EAST CONFLICT
Solidly Behind Israel

CNN News
Nov. 21st, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/c2xeaf8

*****

CHINA IS WORLD'S BIGGEST BIBLE PRINTER

Uca News
November 20th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bk6cppq

*****

FORMER MARYKNOLL HEAD REJECTS INTERFERENCE
Considers Vatican Action Inappropriate

National Catholic Reporter
November 20th, 2012

http://ncronline.org/node/39746

*****

CHURCH ESSENTIAL TO CHANGING
ATTITUDES TO WOMEN
Royal Couple in the South Pacific

Christian Week
November 15th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/a3tkkbx

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

The only answer in this life, to the
loneliness we are all bound to feel,
is community. The living together,
working together, sharing together,
loving God and loving our [neighbor],
and living close to [God] in community
so we can show our love for [God].

- Dorothy Day

--

Only a peace between equals can last.
Only a peace the very principle  of which
is equality and a common participation
in a common benefit.

- Woodrow Wilson

--

It is not who is right, but what is right,
that is of importance.

- Thomas Huxley

*****

ON THIS DAY

From the archives of the New York Times:

NUREMBERG WAR TRIALS BEGIN
http://tinyurl.com/3vlno

JOHN F KENNEDY ASSASSINATED IN DALLAS
http://tinyurl.com/2ay2mux

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - ROBERT FROST

"My November Guest"

My Sorrow, when she’s here with me,
Thinks these dark days of autumn rain
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
She walks the sodden pasture lane.

Her pleasure will not let me stay.
She talks and I am fain to list:
She’s glad the birds are gone away,
She’s glad her simple worsted grey
Is silver now with clinging mist.

The desolate, deserted trees,
The faded earth, the heavy sky,
The beauties she so truly sees,
She thinks I have no eye for these,
And vexes me for reason why.

Not yesterday I learned to know
The love of bare November days
Before the coming of the snow,
But it were vain to tell her so,
And they are better for her praise

(end)

Friday, November 16, 2012

Colleagues List, November 17th, 2012


Vol. VIII No. 8

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****


Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com

Canadian Anglicans Google Groups:
http://tinyurl.com/d44wbyc


Now "Quicklinks" are included
with many items. Otherwise, scroll
down to find your selection in the
body of the blog, as in the past.

*****

Dear Friends:

Colleagues List does not carry a
large amount of United Church of
Canada material, although Marlene
and I are members of St. David's
United, Calgary.

In this issue, however, I want to
introduce to you a book that I hope
reflects renewal in the UCC, even
as it evidences values traditionally
valued by that church.

I hope you enjoy my presentation of:

"Intercultural Visions: Called to be
 the Church" edited by Rob Fennell
 of Atlantic School of Theology,
 Halifax, NS.

--

Colleague Contributions:
this week come to us from -

Marty Marty (Chicago)
http://tinyurl.com/bjdxd4h

Lamin Sanneh (New Haven)
http://tinyurl.com/b8ll2vf

Ryan Slifka (Vancouver)
http://tinyurl.com/cngv6c9

Ron Rolheiser (San Antonio)
http://tinyurl.com/d79ar83

---

Net Notes:

"Stem Cell Research" - is it possible
to do stem cell research without using
human life to do so? (Christian Week)
http://tinyurl.com/ck3tyxc

"Religion and Separatism" - when the
Canadian PM Stephen Harper visited
India this past week, he talked with
his audiences about Canada's way of
trying to practice interfaith integrity.
This piece was written by a University
of Calgary graduate student (Sightings)
http://tinyurl.com/cz59t5v

"The Future of the Church" - once more
we listen to wisdom from Joan Chittister
who ranks as one of our best religion
writers (National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/node/39421/

"I was the First Woman Priest" - an
Church of England priest, the first
woman to fill this role, expresses
her desire to see a woman bishop
(The Guardian, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/bczd3nt

"Atheists Target Children in US" -
more news on the agressive efforts
of American atheists (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/c92dffb

"Historic Reformation Declaration" -
Catholic and Lutherans hope to build
on their mutual statement on the
doctrine of Justification by issuing
a joint, healing 500th anniversary
statement when Reformation Sunday
celebrated in October, 2017
(The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/ax46yox

"Self-Immolation as a Sacred Duty" -
is suicide ever a good thing? Can the
cause ever be just? Read this piece
on the demonstration of Tibetan monks
and nuns (Huffington Post, Canada)
http://tinyurl.com/a9wqkzq

"New Experiments in Clergy Training" -
changing society/changing churches -
here is an update on theological
education in light of these changes
(The Alban Weekly)
http://tinyurl.com/bjpwve9


"Keeping Your Balance in the Church" -
a Goan (Indian) theologian writes from
his Christian/Asian perspective on
change in the church (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/d526m4p


"Canadian Lutheran Seminary in Trouble" -
a 100 year old institution is facing
serious survival problems and is taking
steps to prevent demise. We wish them well
(news release from Lutheran Theological
Seminary, Saskatoon)
(see full text, below)

---

Global Faith Potpourri:

Publication interrupted due to an
unfortunate funding shortfall at
Ecumenical News International,
Geneva.

---

Wisdom of the Week comes to us
via Sojourners Online and this
time we hear from:

Meister Eckhart, John Scotus Eriugena,
Willa Cather, Benedict De Spinoza and
George Bernard Shaw

---

On This Day:

The New York Times offers these
stories, among others, to help
us recall what happened during
these days, though some time ago:

"Armistice Ends WWI"
 http://tinyurl.com/a5yga6t

"Anti-Viet War Demonstrations Begin"
 http://tinyurl.com/9kwo4

---

Closing Thought - is
provided by the medieval woman
mystic Hildegard of Bingen with
commentary by Matthew Fox

--

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Wayne

********************************

St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce:

Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

April 23rd - May 9th, 2013

Tour sale requires a $300 deposit, with
full payment due, and of January, 2013.

Our major tour themss are: Clsssic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranian coast of SW Turkey.

*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) - long a link
between East and West.

*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.

*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)

*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.

*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna

---

Details such as costs and prep notes have been
edited into a beautiful travel brochure. This
was just sent to all who have thus far expressed
interest. If you are interested, let us know!

The brochure will also be posted to the St.
David's Spiritual Travelers Discussion List Group.
which is your place to express yourself!

To join this unique internet discussion contact:
Deb. Charnusaki - debcharnuski@hotmail.com

Your tour hosts:

Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com
403-286-7416

*****

OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 PROGRAMS

With more to be announced -

AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH

'WELCOMING THE STRANGER' WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S

Postponed until March or April, 2013
More information to come shortly.

Special Guest:
Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House, Toronto.

Guests are presently being secured for
panels, workshop and seminar leaders.

Watch for new information on this
special weekend focused on Canada's
policy for welcoming new Canadians
as information becomes available.

*****

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Postponed until January, 2013
Dates to be announced soon

"'Wisdom' in the Biblical Literature"
A Six week series running through
fall and winter. 10-11 AM

All welcome. No cost.

*****

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Tuesday Night University Study sponsored
by the Faculty of Continuing Education:

HERESIES AND HERETICS - The Real Story of
Early Christianity. Cont Ed Course 198-001

Ten Sessions - Jan. 22nd - Mar. 26th, 2013

Click this link for books, costs and details:
http://tinyurl.com/77xuwnu

---

Faith and Spirituality Centre Fall Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary

TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.

Postponed until Lent, 2013

Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.

Cost of the book only: $15.

More details to be announced in the new year.

*****

SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS

Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or)admin@sduc.ca
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/

Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html

*****

STUDY ARCHIVES

An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4

This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!

You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.

******************************************

SPECIAL ITEM

Book Notice:

INTERCULTURAL VISIONS
Called to be the Church
Edited by Rob Fennell
United Church Publishing House,
Toronto, ON. 2012. $14.95 CAD
ISBN # 978-1-55134-202-3

Publisher's Promo:

What new visions of church are emerging
in the United Church today? Diverse voices,
each taking a line from A New Creed, explore
the interplay between our call to be the
church and our commitment to become
intercultural.

As Rob Fennell writes in the Preface,
"Sometimes these voices challenge us all
to see with new eyes and to love with new
hearts. Sometimes they push against our
comfort zones. Sometimes these voices
inspire deep hope and great excitement.
In every case, each writers unique
theological and spiritual understandings
come through." Includes a study guide for
individuals or small groups.

Also available as an e-book.

---

Editor's Words:

Read the Preface by Rob Fennell
http://tinyurl.com/d67ymza

The reflections gathered in this book
find their keynotes in lines from
"A New Creed" that speak of our shared
calling to be the church in our time:

We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
   our judge and our hope

--

What an amazing, diverse, blessed
denomination we are in the United
Church of Canada!...

This book holds together an amazing
range of visions, needs,and hopes
from within the emerging conversation
in the United Church about becoming
an intercultural church...

New voices are coming to the fore,
and we are learning in new ways how
amazing, diverse and blessed we
truly are...

Some voices are missing, but you will
find ideas, memories and visions here
that reflect the power and the
possibility of an intercultural church.

This is a time for renewal and vision
in our United Church.

---

My Thoughts:

I keep looking for signs that the old
mainline Protestant denominations of
Canada are seeing the hand-writing on
the wall and are attempting to do
something about it.

The appearance of this book may be an
important signal that the United Church
of Canada - once the country's leading
denomination - is facing up to reality.

Coming into the United Church as I have,
it is possible to see things that lifelong
members do not. For one thing, I was never
part of a church that had national and
regional leaders among its membership.
To be Anglo-Saxon-Irish-Scottish as
most United Church members were, meant a
certain social privilege and responsibility.
Those times have passed.

But the UCC has always valued inclusivity -
both culturally and theologically. Those
traditional values may now serve this
church well as we enter a new Canadian era.

The contributors to this book represent a
wide range of backgrounds - much more
extensive than in the past. There are
persons of African, Asian, Latin American
and Aboriginal cultures represented here.
Each one is committed to the UCC but in
very different ways. Many would like to
contribute to the rich mix that is now
part of UCC communities from coast to
coast - a reflection of the changing
nature of Canada.

The European religious traditions that
so richly endowed this church in the
past are now discovering new riches
as new people join the community.

I think this is a good thing, and it
it is a phenomenon shared by a number
of other churches of the mainline
Protestant tradition.

Whatever your tradition, this book
will give you a sense of what is
happening in one denomination that
is seeking to reclaim the best of
it heritage, and to move forward
in new and important ways.

---

Purchase this book from UCPH Website:
http://tinyurl.com/bwd7eyv


*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

MARTIN MARTY

Sightings
November 12th, 2012

The Religious Right After US Election
http://tinyurl.com/bjdxd4h

---

LAMIN SANNEH

America Magazine
Catholic Book Club
October, 2012

"Summoned from the Margin"

http://tinyurl.com/b8ll2vf

--

RYAN SLIFKA

November 13th, 2012

Wayne:

I thought this lead would be
worth sharing.

Ryan

CBC Radio Series -
Myth of Secularity - Part I
Rethinking Secularism

http://tinyurl.com/cngv6c9

---

RON ROLHEISER

Personal Website
November 11th, 2012

SEXUALITY - ITS POWER AND PURPOSE

http://tinyurl.com/d79ar83

*****

NET NOTES

STEM CELL RESEARCH
Embryos Not Needed

Christian Week
November 9th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/ck3tyxc

---

RELIGION AND SEPARATISM
Canadian PM Speaks in India

Sightings
November 15th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/cz59t5v

---

THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH
Discernment or Intimidation?

Joan Chittister,
National Catholic Reporter
November 16th, 2012

http://ncronline.org/node/39421/

*****

I WAS THE FIRST WOMAN PRIEST
She Wants Female Bishops

The Guardian, UK
November 7th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bczd3nt

---

ATHEISTS TARGET CHILDREN IN US
Young People Seen as Vulnerable

Uca News and Christian Post
November 14th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/c92dffb

---

HISTORIC REFORMATION DECLARATION
Catholics, Lutherans to Make History

The Tablet, UK
November 9th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/ax46yox

---

SELF-IMMOLATION AS SACRED DUTY
Tibetans Get World Attention

Huffington Post Canada
November 10th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/a9wqkzq

---

NEW EXPERIMENTS IN TRAINING CLERGY
Some Seminaries See Changes Coming

Alban Weekly
November 12th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bjpwve9

---

KEEPING YOUR BALANCE IN THE CHURCH
Theologian from Goa Shares His View

Uca News
November 13th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/d526m4p

---

CANADIAN LUTHERAN SEMINARY IN TROUBLE
Financial Problems force Termination
of Tenure Track Professors

For Immediate Release:
Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon
November 13, 2012

LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY SASKATOON
DECLARES FINANCIAL EXIGENCY

The Board of Governors of Lutheran Theological
Seminary Saskatoon, meeting in Saskatoon from
November 3 - 5, directed the Seminary to declare
a state of financial exigency. The Board recognized
this step as a regretful but necessary measure to
ensure the long term viability of the Seminary,
which has been preparing men and women for ministry
in Western Canada for nearly 100 years.

Financial exigency is not bankruptcy or insolvency.
It is a mechanism by which academic institutions
can acknowledge the necessity of making serious
financial cuts in order to enable the school to
regain its financial health. The Seminary’s
accrediting body, the Association of Theological
Schools, encourages seminaries to be proactive
in making “difficult yet necessary changes” that
“may prevent them from reaching severe financial
crises.” Financial exigency is declared “when an
institution needs to take extraordinary action to
reduce expenditures and preserve resources.”

The success of the Seminary’s “Faithful for the
Future” capital campaign affirms the deep support
LTS has among laypeople, clergy, alumni/ae, and
others in the four western synods of the ELCIC;
over $2 million has been raised so far in cash
and pledges to support the campaign’s goals of
renovations (new chair lift and boiler), student
recruitment, and a new Parish Ministry and
Leadership professor. However, the Seminary’s
fundraising efforts for the Annual Fund that
supports general operations have not been able
to redress the financial shortfalls brought
about by a convergence of social and church
events: reduced endowment interest in the wake
of the financial downturn that began in 2007,
reduced funding from three of the four
supporting synods, reduced rental income,
and reduced enrollment in recent years.

The exigency mandates severe cuts to the
Seminary’s budget. These cuts are shared
across all departments. Effective January 1,
2013, the Board has directed President Kevin
Ogilvie to lay off two of the five tenure-
track professors. The Board trusted the
seminary administration to consider curricular
and other needs in making this decision.

The professors who have been laid off by the
administration are the Rev. Dr. Jann Boyd,
Professor of Worship and Homiletics since
1994; and Dr. Christian Eberhart, Professor
of New Testament Studies since 2004. The
Board deeply regrets having had to take
this necessary action and all wish Professors
Boyd and Eberhart well in new endeavours.
Other costs savings have or will be realized
through a reduction in administrative and
professional development travel, the closing
of the kitchen, a restructuring of the
Finance Office, and a reduction in hospitality
and public relations.

Despite this severe pruning, positive
things are happening at LTS. The Faculty
has implemented a new curriculum that
makes it possible for more students to
begin studies, both on-campus and at a
distance. Most classes will be offered
in a modular, intensive format. The
distance program will be launched this
winter. By the fall of 2013, LTS’s goal
is to offer most classes online as well
as on-site. The design of this new
curriculum also makes it possible for
a smaller, diversified faculty to
deliver the program without
compromising quality.

Exigent cuts, fully implementing the
new curriculum, and a stronger emphasis
on student recruitment will renew the
Seminary’s financial health in the next
several years.

---

The Rev. Dr. Kevin A. Ogilvie, President
Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon
114 Seminary Cres
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X3
Tel: 306.966.7863 Fax: 306.966.7852

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK
Provided by Sojourners Online

Do not think that saintliness comes from
occupation; it depends rather on what one is.
The kind of work we do does not make us holy,
but we may make it holy.

- Meister Eckhart

--

Christ wears 'two shoes' in the world:
Scripture and nature. Both are necessary
to understand the Lord, and at no stage
can creation be seen as a separation of
things from God.

- John Scotus Eriugena

--

Where there is great love
there are always miracles.

- Willa Cather

--

Peace is not an absence of war;
it is a virtue, a state of mind,
a disposition for benevolence,
confidence, justice.

- Benedict De Spinoza in
  "Theological-Political Treatise"

--

The worst sin towards our fellow
creatures is not to hate them, but
to be indifferent to them: that's
the essence of inhumanity.

- George Bernard Shaw
  from "The Devil's Disciple"



*****

ON THIS DAY

From the New York Times Archives:

November 11th - 17th

ARMISTICE ENDS WORLD WAR ONE
Documents Signed in France

http://tinyurl.com/a5yga6t

--

ANTI-VIETNAM WAR DEMONSTRATIONS BEGIN
Washington hosts 200,000 protesters

http://tinyurl.com/9kwo4

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT

Hildegard of Bingen

"Holy Spirit, you are the mighty way
in which everything that is in the
heavens, on the earth, and under the
earth is penetrated with connectedness,
and relatedness.

Matthew Fox Comments:

Interdependence and interrelationship
are deep ways of seeing the world that
our premodern ancestors celebrated.
The modern age thought in terms of
subjects and objects. But today, and
in Hildegard's day, the key to
understanding self and others is
connection.

Ask yourself, am I attuned to my
connection with everything that is
in the heavens, on the earth and
under the earth? With all my relations?
For Hildegard, this is the Spirit's
work: Holy Spirit is the "mighty way"
of connection and relatedness.

(end)

Friday, November 9, 2012

Colleagues List, November 10th, 2012

Vol. VIII No. 7

*****

Colleagues List Blog:
http://colleagueslist.com/

Canadian Anglican Google Groups
http://tinyurl.com/bk7maep

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

Now "Quicklinks" are included
with many items. Otherwise, scroll
down to find your selection in the
body of the blog, as in the past.

*****

Dear Friends:

With the American election history
I hope we can begin thinking of other
things, even though I rest more content
that Obama remains president.

This week I want to introduce you to
a new "book-in-the-making" from a
colleague who is a Texan. (I think he
agrees with me about Obama.)

In this issue I provide an entre to
a book entitled:

"An Old Pastor Shares His New Faith"

and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

---

Colleague Contributions:

This week we hear from:

Reginald Bibby, Harry Winter, Jim Taylor,
Martin Marty, Ron Rolheiser, Jock McTavish.
They provide a rich selection of thought.
See links, below.

---

Net Notes:

"Copts Elect New Pope" - the Coptic Church
of Egypt has selected a new leader who wants
to stay out of politics - but can he afford
to do that? (New York Times)
http://tinyurl.com/axn2vnk

"The Testament of Mary" - an interesting new
book, which I recently received from colleague
Shona Cook at Random House Canada. Poetic in
nature, it portrays Mary in a different light
than we often encounter in the tradition
(New York Times Review of Books) 
http://tinyurl.com/aff7vo7

"American Metamorphosis" - the American
election was important to the world, not
only to America. Here is a good editorial
that appeared today (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/avdrm6x

"Church Bookstore Closings" - more signs
that publication is changing. A number
of major church bookstores are closing
in Canada and the United States
(Anglican Journal, Publisher's Weekly)
http://tinyurl.com/aytpfdg
http://tinyurl.com/akjhkup

"Pope's Touching Act of Forgiveness" -
this is a happy story (for a change)
from Rome (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/bxx3rem

"Woman Vicar in UK Banned from Driving" -
this story is a reminder that ministry
can be very stressful (The Telegraph UK)
http://tinyurl.com/bfuhnnm

"New Archbishop of Canterbury Announced" -
the Queen has endorsed him and Lambeth
officially announced this week that a
new head of the Church of England has
been appointed (The Guardian, UK and
the Anglican Journal, Toronto)
http://tinyurl.com/c8lqxcu
http://tinyurl.com/bkv2upm

"Rowan Williams' Advice to His Successor"
- not one to interfere with the selection
process, the former C of E head had a
bit of advice to offer (Anglican Journal)
http://tinyurl.com/avj7k6g

"Obama Presidential Victory Good for Canada"
- most Canadians rest easier now that there
is no change in presidents. I include
comment from the US that suggests there
is no reason for unhappy Americans to
migrate to Canada! (The Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/b3ju248
http://tinyurl.com/algxbwj

"Persecution of Asian Christians is on Rise"
- we continue to be reminded that parts of
the world are not safe places for persons
of Christian faith (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/atgrb79

---

Global Faith Potpourri:

Publication interrupted due to an
unfortunate funding shortfall at
Ecumenical News International,
Geneva.

---

Wisdom of the Week:

Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln,
Jim Wallis, G.K. Chesterton and
Simone Weil share timely comments.

---

On This Day:

The New York Times offers these
stories, among others, to help
us recall what happened during
these days, though some time ago:

Abraham Lincoln Elected President
http://tinyurl.com/ajyw9qc

Russian Revolution Begins in St. Petersburg
http://tinyurl.com/akvw7gp

---

Closing Thought -

This week, John, author of the Epistle of
John ends our newsletter, with added
comment by Matthew Fox.

--

Blessings to you as we draw closer
to the end of the Christian year.

Wayne

********************************

St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce:

Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

April 23rd - May 9th, 2013

Tour sale requires a $300 deposit, with
full payment due, and of January, 2013.

Our major tour themss are: Clsssic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranian coast of SW Turkey.

*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) - long a link
between East and West.

*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.

*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)

*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.

*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna

---

Details such as costs and prep notes have been
edited into a beautiful travel brochure. This
was just sent to all who have thus far expressed
interest. If you are interested, let us know!

The brochure will also be posted to the St.
David's Spiritual Travelers Discussion List Group.
which is your place to express yourself!

To join this unique internet discussion contact:
Deb. Charnusaki - debcharnuski@hotmail.com

Your tour hosts:

Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com
403-286-7416

*****

OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 PROGRAMS

With more to be announced -

AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH

'WELCOMING THE STRANGER' WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S

Postponed until March or April, 2013
More information to come shortly.

Special Guest:
Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House, Toronto.

Guests are presently being secured for
panels, workshop and seminar leaders.

Watch for new information on this
special weekend focused on Canada's
policy for welcoming new Canadians
as information becomes available.

*****

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Postponed until January, 2013
Dates to be announced soon

"'Wisdom' in the Biblical Literature"
A Six week series running through
fall and winter. 10-11 AM

All welcome. No cost.

*****

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Tuesday Night University Study sponsored
by the Faculty of Continuing Education:

HERESIES AND HERETICS - The Real Story of
Early Christianity. Cont Ed Course 198-001

Ten Sessions - Jan. 22nd - Mar. 26th, 2013

Click this link for books, costs and details:
http://tinyurl.com/77xuwnu

---

Faith and Spirituality Centre Fall Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary

TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.

Postponed until Lent, 2013

Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.

Cost of the book only: $15.

More details to be announced in the new year.

*****

SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS

Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or)admin@sduc.ca
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/

Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html

*****

STUDY ARCHIVES

An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4

This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!

You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.

******************************************

SPECIAL ITEM

Review of Colleague Keith Wright's book:

AN OLD PASTOR SHARES HIS NEW FAITH
With His Children, Grandchildren and You

Self Published
but Seeking a Publisher.
Author resides in Austin, Texas

Keith Wright Bio:

Wright has served as a pastor for 56 years
in the Presbyterian Church USA. He received
his Doctor of Ministry degree and the
Distinguished Alumni Reward (1992) from
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Since his retirement in in 1993, Dr. Wright
has served as an interim associate pastor
at Westminster, Covenant and University
Presbyterian churches in Austin, Texas.

This book is currently self-published and
the author is looking for a publisher.

Contact him, if you can help. See below.

---

Description of the Book:

This book is for those who have never
figured out what they believe and for
those who want to dig deeper into belief
systems they have professed but rarely
questioned or explored fully.

For some, the book will be upsetting, but
for others, it will be liberating.

It's purpose is to share Wright's own
spiritual journey which has brought him
far from his childhood faith through much
study, many questions, and long talks
with others who seek a deeper faith.

This book can be used as a teaching device
in congregations where the focus is not
on 'right answers' but stimulating questions.

The book can also be used as a guide for
those who have often thought of writing
about their own spiritual journeys but
have never decided where to begin and how
to proceed along the way. This book would
also serve as good reading for church
officers and confirmation as well as
adult discussion groups.

The front cover reproduces a picture
taken by the author's grand-daughter
Joanna, as she and other grandchildren
walked a trail of the Grand Canyon.
Like the book, the trail they took was
an adventure revealing the love and care
of God, as displayed in nature and in
family life as well as through study
of the Bible and related interpretations.

---

My Thoughts:

This book was written by an 83 year-old
and it's main message for me was that
one is never too old to continue growing
in faith and understanding the meaning
of life. A good way to do this is by
sharing what you continue to learn
through your words and deeds.

Wright is a person of integrity and I
know him better than many of the authors
whose books I review.

I have assessed two previous books by this
author* and our friendship goes back almost
fifteen years. Ten years ago I visited him
and can appreciate why his family, church
and university connections keep him alert
to many new developments in Christian
thought.

Wright is a native Texan and has spent
all of his life living among conservative
Christians. This seems to have been a
benefit to him because it kept him
constantly challenging his more liberal
leanings and personal beliefs.

Reading this book reflects a lifetime
of spiritual growth. It is written
with an easy confidence that suggests
a lifetime of struggle with difficult
issues - like the nature of Christ, the
meaning (or lack thereof) of the atonement,
or ethical issues relating to gender and
sexuality.

Wright makes moderate to liberal
Christian thinking something to admire
and many of us need that kind of role
model. You can disagree with him, and
still keep reading!

You can't deny that the author is both
progressive and biblical.

"I grow discouraged" says Wright in his
conclusion, "when I encounter churches
that are reluctant to challenge ways of
thinking about God and our relationship
to the creator, that scholars and
thinkers have shown do not adequately
reflect the Biblical message as a whole.
But I know that there are churches where
new ideas are explored eagerly and new
answers to old questions are welcome,
and I commend them to you."

Keith Wright is living proof that one
can be both pastoral and intellectual
at the same time. He is a good example
for people like me as I continue to grow
older. I believe the same will hold true
for many of you my readers - lay and
clergy alike.

If you would like to contact the author
for a copy of this book, to ask questions,
or to help him find a publisher in today's
difficult market, here are some particulars:

Keith Wright
1100B Penion Dr.
Austin, Texas 78748

512-892-2401
kwright2@austin.rr.com

---

*Previous Publications in Canada
by Wood Lake/Northstone Publishers
Kelowna, BC.

"Religious Abuse"
http://tinyurl.com/b775wuh

"The Hell Jesus Never Intended"
http://tinyurl.com/a7v9hmd

(complete books, digital editions)

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMENT/CONTRIBUTIONS

REGINALD BIBBY

November 7th, 2012

Hi Wayne!

It was good to get your note in late October,
updating us on your health. Having not heard
from you since August, I - like many, I'm sure
- obviously wondered how you were.

Strange that in this age of information, many
of us can have such significant physical blips
that remove us from view, without most people
having any awareness of what is happening,
until we resurface - or the word gets out
that we won't be reappearing.

A stark cause for pause....

Happy you "are still with us!"

Warm wishes, Reg

--

This week, Reg appeared in:

Alban Weekly
November 5th, 2012

"Welcome to Religious Polarization"

http://tinyurl.com/cafc5vo

-----

HARRY WINTER
St. Paul, MN.

November 4th, 2012

It's great to read your Nov. 3 column, Wayne,
and hear that you're feeling better and that
you and Marlene were able to visit Banff for
your anniversary.

Harry

Wayne says: Many thanks for your good wishes.
I appreciate your links to various stories
on the Oblate site. It is a rich resource.

-----

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

October 28th, 2012

Wayne:

I wondered what had happened to you. I was
afraid it might be health-related, but of
course I never got around to sending you a
note to ask. Now you've come back on line
and saved me from doing it.

Anyway, I hope you're feeling better. As we
get older, unfortunately, each illness seems
to take a little longer to recover from.

Me, I'm fine. Perhaps now that Joan's leukemia
seems to have been beaten into submission
(for a while, at least) I can afford to
get sick too.

Jim Taylor

--

Personal Weblog
November 4th, 2012

"Superstorm Puts Politics
Into Perspective"

http://tinyurl.com/b4xxnbs

November 7th, 2012

--

"Hymns"

http://tinyurl.com/b2zjztc

-----

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago, IL

Sightings
November 5th, 2012

"Church Affiliation Colonial and Now"

http://tinyurl.com/adq7sru

-----

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX

Personal Website

"Purgatory"

http://tinyurl.com/bzmz7mb

-----

JOCK MCTAVISH
Calgary, AB

Youtube Interview with
Dr. Izeldin Abuelaish - "Armed With Love"

http://tinyurl.com/bda4mc5

*****

NET NOTES

COPTS ELECT NEW POPE
He Seeks Non-Political Role

New York Times
November 5th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/axn2vnk

*****

THE TESTAMENT OF MARY
Not a Nostalgic Figure

The New York Times
Review of Books
November 11th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/aff7vo7

*****

AMERICAN METAMORPHSIS
What the Election Means

The Tablet, UK
November 10th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/avdrm6x

*****

CHURCH BOOKSTORE CLOSINGS
in Light Shift to Online Sales

ANGLICAN BOOKSTORE, TORONTO
Iconic Centre Not Profitable

Anglican Journal
Nov. 6th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/aytpfdg

COKESBURY CLOSES MANY US STORES
Methodist Publications�in Transition

Publisher's Weekly
November 5th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/cpzshnz

*****

POPE'S TOUCHING ACT OF FORGIVENESS
Butler Given a New Start

Uca News
November 9th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bxx3rem

*****

WOMAN VICAR BANNED FROM DRIVING
Reportedly Drove 'Like Bat out of Hell'

The Telegraph, UK
November 8th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bfuhnnm

*****

NEW CANTERBURY ARCHBISHOP ANNOUNCED
UK Church-State Process Unfolds

The Guardian, UK
November 7th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/c8lqxcu

--

Anglican Journal, Toronto
November 8th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bkv2upm

*****

WILLIAMS' ADVICE TO SUCCESSOR
Suggests What Will Be Needed

Archbishop of Canterbury Website
November 7th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/avj7k6g

*****

OBAMA VICTORY GOOD FOR CANADA
(and seemingly for America too)

KW Record
November 8th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/b3ju248

--

The Atlantic Online
November 7th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/algxbwj

*****

PERSECUTION OF ASIAN CHRISTIANS ON RISE

Uca News
November 7th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/atgrb79

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online:

I have always believed that hope is that
stubborn thing inside us that insists,
despite all the evidence to the contrary,
that something better awaits us so long
as we have the courage to keep reaching,
to keep working, to keep fighting.

- Barack Obama,
from his speech after re-election

--

Why should there not be a patient confidence
in the ultimate justice of the people?

Is there any better or equal hope in the world?

- Abraham Lincoln
from his First Inaugural Address, 1861

--

On Nov. 6, neither a Republican nor
Democratic victory will bring in
the Kingdom of God.

- Jim Wallis
"Religious Consistency and Hypocrisy:
Election 2012"

--

'My country, right or wrong,' is a thing
that no patriot would think of saying except
a desperate case. It is like saying,
'My mother, drunk or sober.'

- G.K. Chesterton
From "The Defendant"

--

The love of our neighbor in all its
fullness simply means being able to say,
'What are you going through?'

- Simone Weil

*****

ON THIS DAY

Provided from the New York Times:

Nov. 5th-9th, 2012

ABRAHAM LINCOLN ELECTED PRESIDENT
Senator from Illinois Surprizes

http://tinyurl.com/ajyw9qc

---

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION BEGINS
First Shots Fired in St. Petersburg

http://tinyurl.com/akvw7gp

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT

"God is Love"

- John, Author of the Epistle of John

If God is love, then God is encountered
in all that we love and cherish -- from
friends and lovers and children to
sunsets and animals, panda bears and whales,
dogs, cats, and zebras.

If God is love, then the music I love,
the poems I love, the sunshine I love,
the winds I love, the landscapes I love
are all theophanies, epiphanies of the
Godhead.

Do you see life that way?
How can this transform your life?

All love is a taste of the Divine, and
love comes in many flavors and styles
and preferences.

- Matthew Fox

(end)


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Colleagues List, November 3rd, 2012

Vol. VIII No. 6

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

*****

Colleagues List Blog:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com/

Canadian Anglican Google Groups
http://tinyurl.com/9wg59w6

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

Now "Quicklinks" are included
with many items. Otherwise, scroll
down to find your selection in the
body of the blog, as in the past.

*****

Dear Friends:

Colleagues List is back!

I am a bit tardy getting this issue out
to you this weekend, however, because
Marlene and I spent two days in Banff,
celebrating the tenth anniversary since
we met.

We hoped you would not mind.

This week I introduce to you the latest
book by colleague Phyllis Tickle on
"Emergence Christianity."
www.phyllistickle.com

Also, I share the final draft of my
review of "After Imperialism" which should
appear in an upcoming edition of Missiology,
the official journal of the American
Society of Missiology. This review continues
to reflect my interest in the church in China.

---

Colleague Contributions this week
are provided by:

Robert Ellsberg
http://tinyurl.com/aomtrtx

Erich Weingartner
http://tinyurl.com/b34dema

Doug Shantz
http://tinyurl.com/4uwkccz

Jim Taylor
http://tinyurl.com/ah5tgr5

Ron Rolheiser
http://tinyurl.com/aknyq4p

---

Net Notes:

"The Lion's World" - Rowan Williams
writes about Narnia in an article
I saved from last summer (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/9gctbaz

"Weathering the Storm" - an article
on American politics and the terrible
weather there (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/bdqscvk

"Our Mormon Neighbours" - the LDS have
just completed a beautiful new temple
in Calgary. We read daily about a Mormon
presidential candidate. Mormons are in
the news (The Christian Century)
http://tinyurl.com/9npfqqd

"Is Google Making Us Stupid?" - an
interesting article on the cheapening
of doing research (The Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/8jpvknb

"Former Irish VP Blasts Rome" - the
former Irish Vice President is in Rome
studying for a doctorate in canon law.
This does not prevent her from expressing
her views about her hosts, it seems
(Uca News) http://tinyurl.com/apuhxrx

"From Crystal to Catholic Cathedral" -
the original 'big box' church remains
a church, as it has been sold to
the Catholics of Orange County, CA
(America Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/c2pqct3

"Peruvian University Battles Vatican" -
Liberation theology continues to be a
vexing problem for the Roman Church
(The Guardian)
http://tinyurl.com/9u4ob7o


"Hutterites Decry National Geographic Show"
- I held this article from the summer as
evidence of continuing intrustion on people
who have traditionally remained isolated
from mainstream culture - except for
agricultural trade (The Christian Century)
http://tinyurl.com/chpbmqo

"Happy 500th Anniversary to Sistine Chapel!"
- one of the most beautiful sites in Rome
with majestic paintings by Michelangelo
celebrates half a millennium this weekend.
(National Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/bcst82j

"What the Church Offers When Disaster Strikes"
- an Anglican bishop from New Zealand speaks
about what Christians can do when bad times
hit (The Anglican Journal)
http://tinyurl.com/amvcqog

---

Global Faith Potpourri:

Daily reports have been suspended due to
a lack of funding, but hopefully, this is
only temporary.

---

Wisdom of the Week:

Provided by Sojourners Online -

Martin Luther, John Milton, Robin Meyers,
Martin Luther King, Jr., G.K. Chesterton,
Bryan McLaren, and Ralph Waldo Emerson
share this insights with us this week.

---

On This Day:

From the archives of the New York Times:

Indira Gandhi Slain (October 31st, 1984)
http://tinyurl.com/c82lhwh

US Explodes Hydrogen Bomb (November 1st, 1952)
http://tinyurl.com/beynuzc

---

Closing Thought - Saint Paul

The great apostle speaks of mirroring
Christ in our lives, and Matthew Fox
comments.

I hope you enjoy this first issue I've sent
you in some months. My health continues to
improve, and for that I am most grateful.

Wayne

********************************

St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce:

Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

April 22nd - May 8th, 2013

Tour sale begins now with $300 deposit.
Full payment due, January, 2013.

Our major tour themss are: Clsssic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranian coast of SW Turkey.

*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) long a link between
East and West.

*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.

*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)

*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.

*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna

---

Details such as costs and prep notes have been
edited into a beautiful travel brochure. This
was just sent to all who have thus far expressed
interest. If you are interested, let us know!

The brochure will also be posted to the St.
David's Spiritual Travelers Discussion List Group.
which is your place to express yourself!

To join this unique internet discussion contact:
Deb. Charnusaki - debcharnuski@hotmail.com

Your tour hosts:

Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com
403-286-7416

*****

OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 PROGRAMS

With more to be announced -

AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH

'WELCOMING THE STRANGER' WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S

Postponed until April, 2013

Special Guest:
Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House, Toronto.

Guests are presently being secured for
panels, workshop and seminar leaders.

Watch for new information on this
special weekend focused on Canada's
policy for welcoming new Canadians
as information becomes available.

*****

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Postponed until January, 2013
Dates to be announced soon

"'Wisdom' in the Biblical Literature"
A Six week series running through
fall and winter. 10-11 AM

All welcome. No cost.

*****

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Tuesday Night University Study sponsored
by the Faculty of Continuing Education:

HERESIES AND HERETICS - The Real Story of
Early Christianity. Cont Ed Course 198-001

Ten Sessions - Jan. 22nd - Mar. 26th, 2013

Click this link for books, costs and details:
http://tinyurl.com/77xuwnu

---

Faith and Spirituality Centre Fall Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary

TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.

Postponed until Lent, 2013

Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.

Cost of the book only: $15.

More details to be announced in the new year.

*****

SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS

Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or)admin@sduc.ca
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/

Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html

*****

STUDY ARCHIVES

An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4

This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!

You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.

******************************************

SPECIAL ITEMS

New Book by Colleague Phyllis Tickle:

EMERGENCE CHRISTIANITY
Baker Books, 2012. $18 CAD
Released September 2012
ISBN #978-0-8010-1355-3

Publisher's Promo:

Whatever else one might say about Emergence
Christianity, says Phyllis Tickle, one must
agree it is shifting and re-configuring itself
in such a prodigious way as to defy any final
assessments or absolute pronouncements. Yet
the insightful and well-read Tickle offers
us a dispatch from the field to keep us
informed of where Emergence Christianity
now stands, where it may be going, and how
it is aligning itself with other parts of
God's church. Through her careful study and
culture-watching, Tickle invites readers to
join this investigation and conversation as
open-minded explorers rather than fearful
opponents.

As readers join Tickle down the winding
stream of Emergence Christianity, they
will discover fascinating insights into
concerns, organizational patterns, theology,
and most pressing questions. Anyone involved
in an emergence church or a traditional one
will find here a thorough and well-written
account of where things are--and where they
are going.

Author's Words:

This is now the fourth time I have spoken in
book form about what is happening to us as
North American Christians in the twenty-
first century. (There has been a strong desire
to know more about what is happening in
religion, and why.)

My most recent book was "The Great Emergence:
How Christianity is Changing, and Why" (2008)

(Colleagues List presented this book to readers
in November, 2010 at the time that Ms. Tickle
gave presentations in Calgary based on it.)

The time has come to file yet another report -
not a final one in any sense of the word, but
merely an interim one.

Whatever else one may say of Emergence
Christianity, one must also say that it is
growing and shifting and reconfiguring itself
in such a prodigeous way as to still defy any
final assessments and absolute pronouncements.

(We have another opportunity to read a
'dispatch from the field'... and to enter
prayerfully into this new thing that God
is doing.)

As we do this, we need to heed what Rowan
Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury has said:
"We are not to read and study and discuss
Emergence Christianity in order that we
might save the Anglican Church, or any other
such institution. Rather... that we may
discern how best to serve the Kingdom of
God in whatever form God is presenting it.

Pray God that it is so with this book.

If your are interested, check out my
website at: www.phyllistickle.com

---

My Thoughts:

"Emergence Christianity" is a kind of 'update'
to "The Great Emergence" by the same author
which appeared on the subject four years ago.

Writing in my November 13th, 2010 Colleagues
List http://tinyurl.com/d2r2wfz I said:

"This book is a sweeping commentary on
contemporary Christian transformation in
a North American setting.

"The author has a focused capacity to name
and clarify the pivotal factors influencing
the shifts of religion in our time, and to
see this in light of the past as well
as what she perceives to be the future
of faith..."

Now, her new book covers some of the same
territory as the previous one. That should
be helpful to those who have not read her
previous efforts on the subject. But this
book, it seems to me, goes deeper and broader;
and is a more mature take on what is actually
happening today. She does this by combining
her vast knowledge of published material with
visits to 'the front' - that is, to where she
thinks significant things are happening

Tickle reflects four more years of experience
with the movement and this time she writes
with a broader ecumenical and global perspective
as well as a fuller grasp of church history.

I like her helpful summary of how her last
two books have described Emergence:

"... Of the general characteristics that the
Great Emergence and Emergence Christianity
hold in common, these of deinstitutionalisation;
non-hierarchical organization; a comfortable
and informed interface with physical science;
dialogical and contextual habits of thought;
almost universal technological savvy; triple
citizenship with its triple loyalties and
obligations; a deeply embedded commitment to
social justice with an accompanying, though
largely unpremeditated, assumption of all
forms of human diversity as the norm; and
a vocation toward greenness - these are
undoubtedly among the most characterizing."
(page 137.)

I will not attempt to unpack all this, but
that gives me good reason to encourage you
to read he book to learn how it plays out.

---

Tickle revisits such divergent events in
church history such as Vatican II and the
development of Pentecostalism to suggest
what these seemingly very different forces
have in common.

She shows how there is a stretching forward
into the future as well as a stretching
backward into the past. We see how modern
technology and Orthodox liturgical practice,
for example need not be divorced from each
other.

She concluded that the future of the
Emergence movement will continue to reflect
a deep sense of concern for authority.

The primacy of Scripture and of story
continue to be pivotal grounding for many
and that holds true across the spectrum
of Emergence.

"The question then is not where will
authority rest," she writes, "and by whom
it will be effected, as what will animate
the union of those two, and make of them
a sacred authority." (page 206)

---

If you are at all interested in updating
your perspective on past, present and
future Christianity, this book will be
of considerable help to you.

___

Buy the book from Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/comjbz3

*****

Special Item Two -

My review of:

AFTER IMPERIALISM
Christian Identity in China
and the Global Evangelical Movement
Edited by Richard R. Cook/David W. Pao.
Pickwick Publications. Wipf and Stock,
2011. $25.66. ISBN #976-1-60899-336-9.

This collection of essays was developed
with the belief that evangelicalism continues
to possess assets with explanatory power to
address key theological and cultural issues
arising out of the churches of the global south.

In May of 2008 over a dozen evangelical
scholars from the United States, Hong Kong
and Taiwan, met to address issues of Christian
and evangelical concern under the theme "Beyond
Our Past: Bible, Cultural Identity, and the
Global Evangelical Movement."

The conference papers contained in this book
reflect a careful balancing of the social
sciences with thorough biblical inquiry.
They are addressed from the disciplines of
history, biblical studies, systematic theology
and contextualization.

The editors selected papers offering a Chinese
perspective on the historical background to the
introduction of Protestant Christianity into
China during the era of western imperialism
and spell out long term consequences when
missions and imperialism were linked.

The second part of the book focuses on
the Bible and its ramifications for the
churchesof the global south. The third and
final sections include three case studies
of contextual theology co-relating fidelity
to the Bible and an appropriate use of the
social sciences.

One contributor, David Lee, finds help
from Chinese wisdom in avoiding the narrow
understanding of Christ that has typified
western theology. Chinese evangelicals in
the future can help lead the way in showing
how to contextualize the faith without
domesticating and repeating the sins of
past.

The appearance of a quality study such as
this one is an encouraging sign that a
younger generation of evangelical scholars
from east and west are not content to ignore
the world outside their spiritual communities,
but are open to engage and use the tools of
modern scholarship beyond biblical studies to
deal with thorny problems arising from history,
politics and culture.

At the same time, the evangelical gift of
strongly affirming and advocating scripture
to the world is strongly evident.

Most of the scholars whose work is presented
here are 'post-colonial' in terms of their
experience. They can more honestly assess
the realities of imperialism without having
to defend or deny the church's past missionary
activity in China during that era of mixed
blessings. They bring a refreshing honesty
and clarity to the discussion.

A book like this anticipates the emergence
of a new force for the future - Chinese
Christian theology. Most of the contributors
were educated in the west. But - with the
emergence of the indigenous church in China -
we are going to hear from theologians with
strong, eastern philosophical groundings.

For several generations we have seen
parallels in African, Latin American,
as well as other Asian theologies that
have been influencing our thinking in the
west. Now, Chinese theology – influenced
by ancient wisdom and culture – joins
this new "Christian blend."

***

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

ROBERT ELLSBERG
New York, NY

America Magazine
November 5th, 2012

"Las Casas' Discovery"

What the 'Protector of the Indians
Found in America


http://tinyurl.com/aomtrtx


---

ERICH WEINGARTNER
Calendar, ON

CanKor News
October, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/b34dema

---

DOUG SHANTZ
Calgary, AB

Chairholder of Christian Thought
University of Calgary

November Event: Guest MP Bill Blakie

http://tinyurl.com/4uwkccz

*****

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

Jim Taylor's Weblog
October 31st, 2012

"Life is a Live Performance"

http://tinyurl.com/ah5tgr5

---

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX

Personal Website
October 28th, 2012

"Never Grow Weary"

http://tinyurl.com/aknyq4p

*****

NET NOTES

THE LION'S WORLD
Rowan Williams on Narnia

The Tablet, UK
August 9th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/9gctbaz

*****

WEATHERING THE STORM
The Ambivalence of Politics

The Tablet, UK
November 3rd, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bdqscvk

*****

OUR MORMON NEIGHBOURS
The Bible Plus

The Christian Century
August 9th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/9npfqqd

*****

IS GOOGLE MAKING US STUPID?
How Google Makes Us Lazy Students

The Atlantic
(Archives)

http://tinyurl.com/8jpvknb

*****

FORMER IRISH VP LAMBASTS ROME
Woman Condemns Control of Priests

November 1st, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/apuhxrx

*****

FROM CRYSTAL TO CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL
Protestant Church Changes Hands

America Magazine
October 31st, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/c2pqct3

*****

PERUVIAN UNIVERSITY BATTLES VATICAN
Conflict re Liberation Theology

The Guardian, UK
October 28th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/9u4ob7o

*****

HUTTERITES DECRY 'EXPLOITATIVE'
SHOW ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Interference Resented

The Christian Century
June 19th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/chpbmqo

*****

HAPPY 500th ANNIVERSARY
TO THE SISTINE CHAPEL!
Michelangelo's Glory

National Catholic Reporter
October 31st, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/bcst82j

*****

WHAT THE CHURCH OFFERS IN
TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER
New Zealand Bishop Shares
Her Personal Experience

Anglican Journal
November 2nd, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/amvcqog

********

GLOBAL FAITH POTPOURRI

Ecumenical News International
suspends service in October
due to lack of funding - and
we hope it will soon return

http://www.eni.ch/featured/


*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

October 30th - November 3rd

Here I stand. I can do no other.

- Martin Luther

---

Accuse not Nature, she hath done her part;
Do thou but thine.

- John Milton

---

Indeed, a quick glance around this broken
world makes it painfully obvious that we
don't need more arguments on behalf of God;
we need more people who live as if they are
in covenant with Unconditional Love, which
is our best definition of God.

- Robin R. Meyers, from
 "Saving Jesus from the Church"

---

"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst
for freedom by drinking from the cup
of bitterness and hatred."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

---

"I would maintain that thanks are
the highest form of thought, and
that gratitude is happiness doubled
by wonder."

- G.K. Chesterton

---

"We must never underestimate our power
to be wrong when talking about God, when
thinking about God, when imagining God,
whether in prose or in poetry."

- Brian McLaren, from
 "A Generous Orthodoxy"

---

"Peace cannot be achieved through
violence, it can only be attained
through understanding."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

****

ON THIS DAY

October 31st, 1984
Indira Gandhi is slain by her bodyguards
http://tinyurl.com/c82lhwh

November 1st, 1952
US Explodes First Hydrogen Bomb
http://tinyurl.com/beynuzc

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT

Saint Paul:

"It is no longer I who live, but
Christ who lives within me...
And we, with our unveiled faces
reflecting like mirrors the glory
of God, all grow brighter and
brighter as we are turned into
the image that we reflect.

Comment by Matthew Fox:

In surrendering to his experience
of the Christ, Paul believes that
Christ has taken over his person.

Have you had an experience like that?
Has God, or Christ or the Buddha or
another presence taken over your
person so that he or she seems to
be living within you?

We are not just born this way;
we become "brighter and brighter"
as we develop, mature and grow
spiritually into greater God-likeness.

- from "Christian Mystics"

(end)