Saturday, January 26, 2013

Colleagues List, January 27th, 2013


Vol. VIII No. 17

*****

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/bg3jz53

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:

I have now begun a normal term with six hours
of prep time for classes each week. A few
months ago, my body would not have allowed
it, but thankfully I am returning to health.

This week I introduce to you a new book by
colleague Brian Arthur Brown of St. Catherines,
Ontario.

It is entitled "The Three Testaments" and it
includes - with good introductions from reputable
scholars - the sacred Scriptures of Judaism,
Christianity and Islam so readers can compare
the texts together in one volume. Thanks for
all the work you have put into this, Arthur,
and for sending me a copy to introduce to
all of you.

http://tinyurl.com/b2cttcc

--

Colleague Contributions:

This week we hear from -

Mary Jo Leddy of Toronto
- who writes about torture
http://tinyurl.com/bbljhn5

Marjorie Gibson of Vancouver
- who shares a personal Manifesto
http://www.marjorieremembers.com/

Martin Marty of Chicago
- who discusses the toll of divorce
http://tinyurl.com/b5o47ss

Ron Rolheiser of San Antonio
- who speaks of aging and intelligence
http://tinyurl.com/a9gm4ug  (and)

Jim Taylor of the Okanagan
- who reflects on a home for religious
refugees - his own congregation
http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8

Thanks , friends, for quality work!

--

Net Notes:

"Rich Man, Poor Man" - here is
an interesting reflection on
St. Francis (The New Yorker)
http://tinyurl.com/avwds4t

"Vatican Threatened Irish Priest" -
a humble Irish pastor who favors women
priests and clergy marriage breaks his
silence (National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/node/43366

"Is Honesty Always the Best Policy" -
this week's confession to Oprah about
drug-taking by Lance Armstrong is
assessed in (Relevant Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/aqmkboq

"Gun Lobby No Match for Cross Lobby" -
Some US churches are moving to support
Obama in his efforts at gun control
legislation (Anglican Journal)
http://tinyurl.com/b5xnxaq

"Nouwen- A Spirituality of Homcoming" -
here is an interesting review of a book
on the theme of Nouwen and  returning
(Englewood Review of Books)
http://tinyurl.com/b393xd4

"Publishers Happy With 'Near Death' Surge" -
currently a number of best-selling books
focus on the theme of near death experiences.
Here is an assessment (Religious News Service)
http://tinyurl.com/aaxbf5o

"Has Jason Kenny Found the Right Balancce?" -
Jeffrey Simpson writes supportively of the new
immigrant legislation of Canada's government
(Globe and Mail) http://tinyurl.com/acczave

"Obama Inaugural - Gay Equality Centre Stage"
- the President was sworn in for a second term
this week and here are some of his key goals
http://tinyurl.com/b35kt52
http://tinyurl.com/bz6max8

"Indian Panel Says No Death Penalty for Rape"
- an advisory group to the Indian judicary
who will rule in the famous case nixes the
death penalty (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/b74b7el

"Tyndale Lsunches Indigenous Studies Program"
- this evangelical university, located in
Toronto, has established an important First
Nations study program designed by Native
People themselves (Christian Week Online)
http://tinyurl.com/a8mwrua

--

Wisdom of the Week:

Is provided by Sojurners online and includes
the thought of: Thomas Merton, John Muir,
Mark L. Taylor and Bono. (see below)

--

On this Day:

The following significant stories of
events in history taking place during
the last seven days of January include:

Iran releases 52 Americans held hostage
http://tinyurl.com/ag22bzg

Russian revolutionary Lenin dies at 54
http://tinyurl.com/a7f9ha7

Nixon Announces End of Vietnam War
http://tinyurl.com/4funvav

Winston Churchill Dies in London
http://tinyurl.com/4n4pc2a

India Proclaimed Itself a Republic
http://tinyurl.com/4cxessq

***

Closing Thought -

We continue with a third reflection
by colleague Isabel Gibson of Ottawa.

Her Blog:
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/


--

Blessings on your week!

Wayne

******

ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce -

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

DEADLINE FOR SIGN-UP HAS ARRIVED -
JANUARY 23RD.

26 people have paid for the tour.
April 23rd - May 9th, 2013

Our major tour themes are: Classic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranean 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

---

The tour book will include reflection pages
with the itinerary as well as answers to many
traveller's questions.

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

THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!

From Monday, January 14th
thru Monday, March 26th.
7:00 -9:00 PM TM Room.

Study Book:

"Radical Gratitude" by Mary Jo Leddy

Review of book 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: $20.00

The course and books are now
on sale at the church lobby.

*****

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Thursday, January 17th - March 28th, 2013

THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!
Drop-ins welcome.

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

THIS COURSE HAS BEGUN!!

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 Winter 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 1:00 PM: Cost of the book: $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 ITEM

Book Notice -

THREE TESTAMENTS
Torah, Gospel, and Quran,
by Brian Arthur Brown,
with Six Contributors.
Rowman and Littlefield,
Toronto, ON. 2012.
635 pages. $40.00 CAD.
ISBN #978-1-4422-1492-7.

Publisher's Promo:

From disagreement over an Islamic Center
in New York to clashes between Christians
and Muslims in Egypt, tension between the
three Abrahamic faiths often runs high.
Yet for all their differences, these three
traditions-Judaism, Islam, and Christianity
- share much in common. Three Testaments
brings together for the first time the text
of the Torah, the New Testament, and the
Quran, so that readers can explore for
themselves the connections, as well as
the points of departure, between the three
faiths. Notable religion scholars provide
accessible introductions to each tradition,
and commentary from editor Brian Arthur
Brown explores how the three faiths may
draw similarities from the ancient
Zoroastrian tradition.

This powerful book provides a much-needed
interfaith perspective on key sacred texts.

Author/Editor's Words:

These books are revolutionary. As Torah,
Gospels and Quran presented together,
they invite the reader to examine the
interdependence of the three scriptures
of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim people.

--

This is likely the first Bible to include all
three scriptures, and there are obvious links
between them.

The contributors from the various traditions
have exercised considerable influence on my own
work. As among the most senior editors of their
own traditions they also took the lead in the
selection of the three Jewish, Christian and
Muslim scholars who have contributed substantial
introductions to the three Scriptural texts...

The Three Testaments does articulate the view
that the Torah is basic or fundamental, that
the Gospel is a unique and special revelation,
and that the Quran is final and complete,
confirming both and other revelations as well.
The ways in which these traditions can inform
and assist each other is part of the essence
of this project...

We believe that our work will be helpful to
both liberal and conservative scholars in all
of the traditions even though co-operative
work between Christians and Jews has been
more extensive in the past. Now, the work
has been expanded to include Islam...

Our response in this book is for Christians
and Jews to go beyond mere "tolerance" toward
the Muslim community. This now a key element
in Western society must be recognized and
embraced as family in both religious and
community life. This does not mean that we
agree on everything (what family does) but
nothing less than full embrace can overcome
the sense of trauma and break the impasse that
threatens to permanently divide our cultures.

- edited from a much longer Prologue.

--

Author's Bio - Brian Arthur Brown is an
independent scholar and a United Church
of Canada minister. He is the author of
several books, including Noah's Other Son,
and lives in Niagara Falls, Canada. Amir
Hussain, professor of theological studies
at Loyola Marymount University, presents
the foreword. He is the author of several
books, including Oil and Water: Two Faiths,
One God, and is the editor of the Journal
of the American Academy of Religion.

--

My Thoughts:

Several years ago, the Evangelical Fellowship
of Canada website posted my review of
"Noah's Other Son," the first book I had
encountered from author and colleague Brian
Arthur Brown:

http://tinyurl.com/b3qtkyh

This review had previously appeared in
The Anglican Journal, March, 2009.

The focal point of the book was on
how three traditions have treated
"Noah's Other Son" in their scriptural
traditions.

This was obviously groundbreaking work
and I have continued my interest in it.
Jews and Christians have collaborated
in comparative biblical studies for a
long time, but adding the Islamic dimension
is indeed new to our time.

Since then, I have been following Brian's
work and his extensive efforts to bring
together the work of Jewish, Christian
and Muslim scholars of the Western world
in collaborative scholarly efforts. He
has been most generous in telling me
about his work, and the arrival of
"The Three Testaments" last fall was
both challenging and interesting. I
have finally been able to develop the
courage to take on this significant
volume. It represents considerable
time and energy on Brown's part.

--

Because Jews and Christians share a common
Hebrew Bible set of scriptures, the Islamic
material is new and different. I think
that this is the main challenge to any
who pay lip service to interfaith dialogue
but who may hesitate a bit when it comes
to actually read the material together.

Expanding biblical studies beyond the
Christian groups is still a stretch for
many. This book encourages us to read
the scriptures with Jews and Muslims
as well.

Even though this may be currently
a revolutionary challenge, I suspect
that note too far down the road it
will be a common occurrence.

Would that it will be so, and that
people like Brian Arthur Brown and
his fellow scholars will continue to
provide helpful interfaith substance
like this to enlighten us all!

Buy the book from Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/b2cttcc

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

MARY JO LEDDY
Toronto, ON.

THOU SHALT NOT TORTURE
Comment on "Zero Dark Thirty"

Globe and Mail
January 22nd, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bbljhn5

*****

MARJORIE GIBSON
Vancouver, BC

Marjorie Remembers
Blog

MARJORIE'S MANIFESTO

http://www.marjorieremembers.com/

--

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago, IL

Sightings
Jan. 21st, 2013

DIVORCE'S TOLL

http://tinyurl.com/b5o47ss

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio TX

THE INTELLIGENCE INSIDE
OF THE AGING PROCESS

Personal Blog
Jan. 20th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a9gm4ug

--

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

HOME FOR RELIGIOUS REFUGEES
Church Accepts Diverse Members

Web Log
Jan. 21st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8


***

NET NOTES

RICH MAN, POOR MAN
Radical Visions of St. Francis

The New Yorker
Jan. 14th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/avwds4t

--

VATICAN THREATENED IRISH PRIEST
Claims Teachings are Heretical

National Catholic Reporter
January 23rd, 2013

http://ncronline.org/node/43366

--

IS HONESTY ALWAYS THE BEST POLICY?
What Learning From Lance Armstrong?

Relevant Magazine
January, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/aqmkboq

--

GUN LOBBY NO MATCH FOR CROSS LOBBY
Church Supports Move to Control Guns

Anglican Journal
Janury 25th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b5xnxaq

--

NOUWEN - A SPIRITUALITY OF HOMECOMING
Review of Recent Author's Writing on Theme

Englewood Review of Books
January 25th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b393xd4

---

PUBLISHERS HAPPY WITH NEAR DEATH SURGE
Books on Near Death Experiences Popular

Religious News Service
January 24th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/aaxbf5o

--

HAS KENNY FOUND THE RIGHT BALANCE?
In Theory, New System Looks Better

Jeffrey Simpson
The Globe and Mail
January 20th, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/acczave

--

OBAMA PUTS GAY EQUALITY CENTER STAGE
Second Inaugural Focus on Rights

The Guardian, UK
Jan. 22nd, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b35kt52

(plus)

KEY THEMES IN OBAMA SPEECH

Atlantic Online
January 24th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bz6max8

--

PANEL SAYS NO DEATH SENTENCE FOR RAPE
Judiciary Advised Against Death Penalty

Uca News
Jan. 24th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b74b7el

--

TYNDALE LAUNCHES INDIGENOUS STUDIES PROGRAM
Program Designed by First Nations People

Christian Week Online
January 23rd, 203

http://tinyurl.com/a8mwrua

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online -

We are already one. We
just think we are separate.

- Thomas Merton

--

When you try to select any one
thing out, you find it is hitched
to everything else in the universe.

- John Muir

--

Jesus died the victim of executioners with
imperial power. There is an inescapable
opposition between the life and death of
Jesus, and imperial power. To embrace and
love the executed God is to be in resistance
to empire. To be a follower of the executed
Jesus of Nazareth is to venture down a road
without having a place in the system of
imperial control.

- Mark L. Taylor

--

Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts,
if you like, the consequences of your actions,
which in my case is very good news indeed, because
I've done a lot of stupid stuff.

- Bono

***

ON THIS DAY

Provided by the New York Times

January 20th - 27th

Iran released 52 Americans held hostage for
444 days, minutes after the presidency had
passed from Jimmy Carter to Ronald Reagan.
http://tinyurl.com/ag22bzg

Russian revolutionary Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
died at age 54.
http://tinyurl.com/a7f9ha7

Nixon Announces End of Vietnam War
http://tinyurl.com/4funvav

Winston Churchill Dies in London
http://tinyurl.com/4n4pc2a

India Proclaimed Itself a Republic
http://tinyurl.com/4cxessq

---

CLOSING THOUGHT by Isabel Gibson

The Gift of Wonder

We have some things in common, my next-seat
neighbour and I: we are both female, we are
bored. She, however, is about 7 years old;
I am more like 57. Although she’s perfectly
well behaved,  her slump tells me that she’s
about exhausted the delights of this passport
office waiting room.

I engage gingerly—not every kid is OK talking
to strangers and not every parent is OK with
strangers (even grandmotherly strangers)
talking to their kids—gauging the reaction
at every stage to know when it’s time to
knock it off.  You know the sort of thing.

Hi.

Mumble mumble in response.  
My name’s Isabel.  What’s yours?

Something almost inaudible in response.

Have you been here a long time?

Yes!  OK, that’s clear enough.

And there I stop.  She’s squirming on
her plastic chair — I’m glad to know it’s
not just my aging butt that doesn’t appreciate
them. As ‘240’ comes up on the overhead display,
she looks at the ticket she’s been entrusted
with and says in a discouraged tone, Not yet.

I glance over: her ticket is ‘242’.

That’s an interesting number, I offer.

She looks at her ticket, and then up at me,
Huh? written on her face, if not quite voiced.

Look, I say, it’s the same frontwards as backwards.

Oh yeah — she sees it all right, and perks up a
little bit. In this entertainment wasteland,
it’s no small distinction to be the holder of
an Interesting Number. With uncharacteristic
restraint, I let it lie. There is a processing
pause, and then she speaks. I don’t think I
imagine a slight reticence: after all, if my
answer is negative she does not want me to feel
badly.

Do you have an interesting number, too?

I show her my ticket: 246.

I think so.  Each number is two more than the
one before it: it’s like counting by twos.

As she digests that notion, I try not to grin
too broadly. The meme may have jumped. There
is just the chance that this kidlet will never
look at numbers the same way again.

As the display reaches 242, she and her
accommodating mother move on to the next
stage in this trial by endurance.  We say
goodbye, and I am left to give thanks for
the gift of wonder: there is so much to
marvel at in this world, from interesting
numbers to moments of completely unexpected
connection.

Isabel's Blog:
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/

(end)

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Colleagues List, January 20th, 2013

Vol. VIII No. 16 

*****

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/b7raepl

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:

Welcome to the second issue of Colleagues List
for the New Year!

I begin with a book notice for an author
that I assume is familiar to many of you.

Anne Lamott writes:

"Help Thanks Wow Three Essential Prayers"

I hope you enjoy it.
http://tinyurl.com/aksfcjb

--

Colleague Contributions this week 
are provided by;

Michael Higgins of Fairfield, CT
http://tinyurl.com/bdvz46x
http://tinyurl.com/b6hly4n

Jim Taylor of Okanagan, BC
http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8

Martin Marty of Chicago, IL 
http://tinyurl.com/b552o4w and

Ron Rolheiser of Austin TX
http://tinyurl.com/anfuzul

--

Net Notes:

"Obama's First Four Years" - here is a
beautiful picture story of the president's
first term in office (The Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/aq5qnpw

"Religion Beyond the Pale" - an interesting
article on how American react to the appearance
of new public faiths like Mormonism and Islam
(Sightings) http://tinyurl.com/a29fs2h

"Culture War Over Delhi Rape" - India
continues to be roiled over the tragedy
than will probably change forever the
status of women in that society
(The Guardian) http://tinyurl.com/b9cfrer

"'Idle No More' a Complex Issue" -
this First Nations movement, not the first 
nor likely the last in our history, needs 
some unpacking (Christian Week online) 
http://tinyurl.com/bxtmzcn

"UK Woman Wins Discrimination Case" -
an EU court rules in favor of a woman
who was discriminated against at work
because she wore a cross necklace (BBC)
http://tinyurl.com/d22kkj7

"Quest for Christian Unity Continues" -
every year in January,  for as long as most 
of us can remember, Canadian Christians have 
prayed for church unity (Anglican Journal)
http://tinyurl.com/b4qmrz7

"Petrol Bombs Thrown in Belfast Riots" -
in a throwback to earlier, tragic times
for Ulster, riots are again being raged 
in the capital city (The Guardian)
http://tinyurl.com/bgg76m5

"Why are Women More Religious than Men?" -
an interesting article that takes up the
subject of why women tend to be more loyal
church-attenders than men (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/b5mdwma

"Women Gradually Excluded from Priesthood" -
a study of ministry offices in the early
church which concludes that women rose
to leadership positions quickly but were 
then repressed and removed by male leaders
(National Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/a6h2q3j

--

Wisdom of the Week is offered by:

Augustine, Kelly Kelsey,
Pierre Teilhard De Chardin,
Dorothy Day and Mahatma Gandhi

--

On This Day: 

Provided from the archives 
of the New York Times -

Roosevelt and Churchill opened 
a wartime conference in Casablanca.
http://tinyurl.com/b6cyby9

--

Closing Thought - Isabel Gibson

The second of twelve short articles.

Isabel's Blog "Traditional Iconoclast"
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/

--

Good wishes, for those in the northern climes, 
as you settle into the winter season. 

I feel blessed that all four of my courses 
are running and that I am back to good health
and regular teaching once more.

Wayne

******

ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce -

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

LAST WEEK BEFORE FINAL SIGN-UP!

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 Mediterranean 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

Series has begun!

From Monday, January 14th
thru Monday, March 26th.
7:00 -9:00 PM TM Room.

Study Book:

"Radical Gratitude" by Mary Jo Leddy

Review of book 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: $20.00

The course and books are now
on sale at the church lobby.

*****

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Thursday, January 17th, 2013
and has begun:

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

COURSE BEGINS THIS WEEK!

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 Winter 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 1:00 PM: Cost of the book: $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 ITEM:

Book Notice:

HELP, THANKS, WOW
The Three Essential Prayers
by Anne Lamott
Riverhead Books, 2013
103 pages, $19.00 CAD.
ISBN #978-1-59463-129-0

Publisher's Promo:

Readers of all ages have followed and cherished 
Anne Lamott’s funny and perceptive writing about 
her own faith through decades of trial and error. 
And in her new book, Help, Thanks, Wow, she has 
coalesced everything she knows about prayer to 
these fundamentals.

It is these three prayers – asking for assistance 
from a higher power, appreciating what we have that 
is good, and feeling awe at the world around us – 
that can get us through the day and can show us the 
way forward. In Help, Thanks, Wow, Lamott recounts 
how she came to these insights, explains what they 
mean to her and how they have helped, and explores 
how others have embraced these same ideas.

Insightful and honest as only Anne Lamott can be, 
Help, Thanks, Wow is the everyday faith book that 
new Lamott readers will love and longtime Lamott 
fans will treasure.

---

Author's Words:

I do not know much about God and prayer, 
but I have come to believe, over the past
twenty-five years, that there is something
to be said about keeping prayer simple.

Help. Thanks. Wow.

You may in fact be wondering what I even
mean when I use the term "prayer." Its
certainly not what TV Christians mean. 
It's not for display purposes like plastic
sushi or neon.

Prayer is private, even when we pray with
others. It is communication from the heart
to that which surpasses understanding.

Lt's say is is communication from one's 
heart to God. Or if that is too triggering
or ludicrous a concept for you, to the 
Good, the force that is beyond our 
comprehension, but that in our pain 
or supplication or relief we don't need 
to define or have proof of or any
established contact with.

Let's say it is what the Greeks called 
the Really Real, what lies within us, 
beyond the scrim of our values, positions,
convictions or wounds. Or let us say it
is a cry from deep within  to Life or 
Love, with capital L's...

Let's not get bogged down with whom or 
what we pray to. Let's just say prayer
is communication from our hearts to
the great mystery, or Goodness...

We could call this force Not Me, or Not
Preachers Onstage with a choir of 800.
Or for convenience we could just say "God."

Sometimes the first time we pray, we 
cry out in the deepest desperation 
"God Help Me..." Prayer is taking a
chance that against all odds and past
history, we are loved and chosen.

My three prayers are variations on
Help. Thanks. Wow. That's all I ever 
need, besides the silence, the pain,
and the pause sufficient for me to
stop, close my eyes and turn inward.

- From her Prelude,  Prayer 101,
  or introductory comments.

---

My Thoughts:

For some years Anne Lamott has been 
writing books with titles like 'Some
Assembly Required', 'Grace (Eventually)',
'Plan B,' and 'Travelling Mercies.' As
a penniless single mom, she began writing
to  collect her thoughts and help her sort
out a very confused and conflicted life.
She got the attention of an editor who
risked publishing her street smart and
unorthodox way of writing about faith.
The rest, as they say, is history.

She has written novels with the
unlikely titles of 'Imperfect Birds'
and 'Rosie.'

A woman from California recently wrote 
this letter to the editor of the New
York Times Review of Books:

(Your recent published interview with
Anne Lamott) reminded me that one of 
her books changed my life. I read her
novel "Rosie" the day after the night
before, at the end of a long line
of embarrassing and humiliating drunken
nights. I was shocked to realize that 
if this brilliant woman with whom I
had not much else in common was a drunk
who got sober, then by God I could too.
And I did, and it's lasted 27 years.

I think of her so fondly for unwittingly
being there for me at the perfect moment.

(Andie Reed, Grass Valley CA. Dec. 30/12)

---

Many people began to identify with her 
plucky, stream of consciousness
writing. She has raised a son
and enjoyed caring for a grandchild
mainly with support from the money her
writings have earned her.

Although a past recipient of a
Guggenheim Fellowship and an inductee
into the California Hall of Fame, she
continues to live an ordinary life in
Northern California.

Theological or spiritual purists may
find her theology and spirituality a
bit off the wall. However, many regular
folk enjoy how she tells it like it is
and without any kind of presumption
whatsoever.

"Help. Thanks. Wow" the Three Essential
Prayers - does not exhaust the subject.
Nor does is deal with much about prayer
beyond the personal. But it serves as
a good starting point for many, and
a reminder to people like me that
my theological and spiritual refinements
may often be an escape from facing things
in life that I should be facing.

---

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

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

MICHAEL HIGGINS
Fairfield, CT

CBC Ideas
January 2012

Henri Nouwen

"Genius Born of Anguish" (Part One)

http://tinyurl.com/bdvz46x

--

CBC Ideas
January 2013

Henri Nouwen

"Genius Born of Anguish" (Part Two)

http://tinyurl.com/b6hly4n

***

JIM TAYLOR

Web Log
Jan. 16th, 2013

"Good Pastors Don't Flunk Their Failures"

http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8

--

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago, Il.

Sightings
January 14th, 2013

"Gay Marriage Tidewater"

http://tinyurl.com/b552o4w

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX

Personal Website 
January 13th, 2013

"The Ineffability of God"

http://tinyurl.com/anfuzul

*****

NET NOTES

OBAMA'S FIRST FOUR YEARS
Celebrating First Term

The Atlantic
January 19th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/aq5qnpw

--

RELIGION BEYOND THE PALE
How America Views People 
With 'New' Faiths

Sightings
January 17th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a29fs2h

--

CULTURE WAR OVER DELHI RAPE
New Freedoms Clash With Anti-West Fears

The Guardian, UK
January 15th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b9cfrer

--

'IDLE NO MORE' A COMPLEX ISSUE
Aboriginal Issues Not Easily Resolved 

Christian Week
January 11th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bxtmzcn

--

UK WOMAN WINS DISCRIMINATION CASE
Confronted for Wearing Cross at Work

BBC News
January 15th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d22kkj7

--

QUEST FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY CONTINUES
Week of Prayer an Annual Reminder

Anglican Journal
January 18th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b4qmrz7

--

PETROL BOMBS THROWN IN BELFAST RIOTS
Unionists Challenge Flag Ruling

The Guardian, UK
January 15th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bgg76m5

--

WHY ARE WOMEN MORE RELIGIOUS THAN MEN?

The Tablet, UK
Jan. 19th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b5mdwma

--

WOMEN GRADUALLY EXCLUDED FROM PRIESTHOOD
Early Church Had Women Leaders

National Catholic Reporter
January 16th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a6h2q3j

***

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online:

Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.

- Augustine

--

If we see ourselves as all cells of one 
body, then the health and well-being of 
the whole clearly depends upon each one 
of us contributing our unique gifts to 
the healing of the human family.

- Kelley Kelsey

--

Humanity has learned to harness the power 
of the tides and the sun and the moon. 
Someday in the future, humanity will learn 
to harness the power of love, and for the 
second time in history, we will discover
fire.

- Pierre Teilhard De Chardin

--

As we come to know the seriousness of the 
situation, the war, the racism, the poverty 
in our world, we come to realize that 
things will not be changed simply bywords 
or demonstrations. Rather, it's a question 
of living one's life in a drastically 
different way.

- Dorothy Day

--

He who does not see God in the next person 
he meets need look no further.

- Mahatma Gandhi

*****

ON THIS DAY

Provided by the New York Times

January 14th - 19th

President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister 
Winston Churchill opened a wartime conference 
in Casablanca.

http://tinyurl.com/b6cyby9

---

CLOSING THOUGHT by Isabel Gibson

Short reflections. Gift #2

'The Gift of Realism'

Good, fast, cheap: Pick two.
Who says you can't have it all? Well, 
apparently software developers do, and
good for them. This short injunction 
neatly sums up the real but often
unacknowledged trade-offs in the 
performance/schedule/cost world of 
project management.

Would that more managers understood/admitted it...

Isabel's Blog:
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/

(end)