Friday, February 22, 2013

Colleagues List, February 24th, 2013


Vol. VIII No. 21

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****

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

Canadian Anglican Google Groups Web Site:
http://tinyurl.com/a3sbgqt

"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:

This week I introduce the new book:

"Robert McAfee Brown:
 Spiritual and Prophetic Writings"

It is published by Orbis Books and
presents the life and work of a famous
American Protestant theologian whose
influence spanned the later twentieth
and early twenty-first centuries.

http://tinyurl.com/b69u6dg

--

Colleagues and their themes this week:

Lorna Dueck writes "Religious Freedom is
About Rights, Not Politics"
http://tinyurl.com/b3q8j8g

Martin Marty speaks about "Crowds"
http://tinyurl.com/aksgf5t

Doug Shantz holds the Chair of Christian
Thought at the University of Calgary. Next
week he sponsors:

The Swanson Lectures in Christian Spirituality
March, 2013 and the themes are:

"Religious Freedom in Russia Today"
"Studying Russian Religion since
 the Collapse of Communism"

http://www.ucalgary.ca/christchair/events

Jim Taylor reflects on:
"Hidden Codes in My Operating System"
http://tinyurl.com/a23by3t

Ron Rolheiser helps us think about "Anxiety"
http://tinyurl.com/aeatbvz

--

Net Notes:

"VST Back in the Black" - One of Canada's
major western theological schools has been
battling financial viability, but things
are looking up (Anglican Journal)
http://tinyurl.com/bbvxnc3

"The Perils of 'Us Against Them'" - the
theme of religious persecution has been
part of Christianity from the beginning,
but dangers lie in thinking defensively.
(America Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/axpzogu

"Academics Debate Freedom Ambassador" -
the Harper government has this week set
up an office to monitor religious freedom
around the world to mixed reaction
(CBC News) http://tinyurl.com/be3pl6b

"A Religious Canada - Strong and Free" -
Canadian religious conservatives have
generally celebrated the Harper move
(National Post) http://tinyurl.com/a8qccnx

"Rural Canadian Woman Changed America" -
Aimee Semper McPherson, an early Canadian
women evangelist, was famous in America,
but less so in Canada (EFC Web News)
http://tinyurl.com/ambsv3z

"Being Realistic Without Losing Your Soul" -
Cynicism is a natural human response to much
going in the world, but there is a better way
says this article (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/3f7c7fm

"Scandals Weigh on Body Electing Next Pope" -
as the cardinals gather to elect a new pope
the burden of the sexual abuse scandals
weigh heavily upon them (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/b3cfrqt

"Attempt to Establish Christian Law School" -
Trinity Western University in British Columbia
wants to establish a "Christian law school"
but is running into human rights problems
(Christian Week Online)
http://tinyurl.com/be5wf59

"At Least 3,000 Died in Residential Schools" -
for the first time, official statistics
are reporting a grim reality of the schools
(CBC News) http://tinyurl.com/b7qzuo7

"LA Megachurch Loses Millions in Musical Flop" -
an evangelical church that invested heavily in
a musical that tells the story of the founding
of Pentecostalism has run a major deficit.
(Christian Post) http://tinyurl.com/a2jly5y

--

Wisdom of the Week is offered from an
eclectic collection as usual:

Francis Bacon, St. Basil, Brigid of Kildare,
Henri J.M. Nouwen and G. K. Chesterton share
their insights with us.

--

On this Day:

For February 17th - 24th -

Two stories are provided from the archives
of the New York Times -

Nixon Departs on Historic Trip to China
http://tinyurl.com/aw2mpfh

Malcolm X Killed by Assassins
http://tinyurl.com/22uvelg


--

Closing Thought - colleague Isabel Gibson
continues her 'gifts' series.

This time, the gift is 'perspective.'

--

I hope your Lenten journey is meaningful.

Wayne

******

Wayne's Study Programs:

ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES

St. David's and ACTS Ministry -

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

DEADLINE FOR SIGN-UP HAS PAST! -
JANUARY 23RD.

26 people have paid to take 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 STUDY 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 STUDY HAS BEGUN!!

From Monday, January 14th
through 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

"Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs"

Thursday, January 17th - March 28th, 2013

THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!
Drop-ins welcome.

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

---

THIS COURSE BEGINS THIS WEEK!

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 -

ROBERT McAFEE BROWN
Spiritual and Prophetic Writings
Edited With Introduction by Paul Crowley.
Orbis Spiritual Masters Series.
2013. 243 pages. $16.00 CAD.
ISBN #978-1-62698-007-5.
(available February 28th, 2013)

Publisher's Promo:

Robert McAfee Brown (1920-2001), an
American Presbyterian, was a master
theologian, a spiritual guide, and
an engaged activist, whose long career
reflected many of the critical movements
and concerns of the twentieth century.

As an official Protestant observer at
the Second Vatican Council, he was an
influential figure in the ecumenical
movement. But his concerns ranged widely
over the intersection between faith and
the issues of his time: the Holocaust and
Jewish-Christian relations; the Civil Rights
movement and race relations; the emergence
of Latin American liberation theology; the
Vietnam War and the struggle for peace in
Central America; and the changing shape of
global theology. Overall, his work
represented a prophetic style of public
theology in which faith and practice,
prayer and action, words and deeds, and
religion and politics came full circle.

Drawing on previously uncollected material
and with a helpful introduction this volume
presents an essential guide to Brown’s work
and a message that remains as timely and
challenging as ever.

--

From the Preface:

A celebration of the life and work of Robert
McAfee Brown was held at the Graduate
Theological Union in Berkeley, California
on October 6, 2010.

(This event) reinforced in the minds of
the audience the continuing relevance of
Robert Brown... and reflection by the
participants of that celebration has led
to the production of this anthology of
Brown's "spiritual writings."

His collected papers are a treasure trove
of material related to the issues that
dominated the theological conversation
in the last half of the twentieth century
and the first decade of the twenty-first
century.

These papers are an enduring legacy that
will be studied and quoted for years to
come.

Brown was fully engaged with the issues
of his time and for that reason he might
be called "an activist." His was not a
quiet spirituality born of retreat and
contemplation. The times in which he
lived did not allow for that. His times
were tumultuous: loud, excited, emotional
and polarizing. They were characterized
by years of war, political demonstration,
protest (as well as) social, political
and religious upheaval. His spirituality
was molded by the biblical texts and then
pounded on the hard anvil of contrarian
leadership.

His was not easy spirituality, or what
Protestant martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer
called a "cheap grace." Rather, Brown's
spirituality was the result of a lifetime
of sacrificial engagement with the problems
and possibilities of his times.

It is this "active spirituality" that
characterized his life and what now
qualifies Robert McAfee Brown as a
contemporary spiritual master.

- Robert Benedetto
Berkeley, California.

--

My Thoughts:

I first became familiar with the writings of
Robert McAfee Brown through several of his
students from Berkeley who I encountered as
a graduate student in ecumenical studies at
the University of Geneva (Bossey) during the
mid-to-late 60's.

Brown was loved by his students because he
brought a depth of theological understanding
to all his engagements.

This was the era of the Vietnam War, the
race riots and the martyrdoms of the Kennedys
and Martin Luther King.

It was not an easy time for my American
friends and while my conservative Canadianism
found it hard to engage them as I might
I was still affected by the significant
impact of an engagement of faith and politics
that he had taught them.

I also appreciated his ecumenical thought.
The first book of his that I read was
"Observer in Rome: A Protestant Report on
the Vatican Council." (1964) Brown had a
good experience in Rome and invested himself
extensively in the proceedings of that most
important event for the ecumenical church.

I later read his books on Jewish philosopher
Elie Wiesel and Catholic activist Gustavo
Gutierrez which helped me to understand
liberation theology during the 80's and 90's.

His last book "Reflections Over the Long Haul:
A Memoir" which was published after he died
helped me draw the various strands of his
thought and ministry together.

The book I now introduce to you contains
material both by and about Brown, and brings
him into historical perspective for those
who want to gain a deeper awareness of who
we was and the context of his times.

This book clarifies his prophetic, justice,
human rights, peacemaking and interfaith
work. He was a busy man and could not be
called a spiritual "contemplative" in any
sense of the word. Still, a profound inner
thread of spiritual groundedness kept him
from burning out.

The book concludes with a sermon Brown
preached in October of 1968 at Stanford
Memorial Church. It is entitled: "On
Not Knowing Where We Are Going." It
offers a meaningful reflection on
living by faith.

For those who would like to gain a helpful
perspective on an important American
Protestant "spiritual activist" you will
not go wrong by reading this book.

Buy the Book from Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/b69u6dg

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

LORNA DUECK
Toronto. ON

Globe and Mail
February 20th, 2013

"Religious Freedom is
 About Rights, Not Politics"

http://tinyurl.com/b3q8j8g

--

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago. IL

Sightings,
February 18th, 2013

"Crowds"

http://tinyurl.com/aksgf5t

--

DOUG SHANTZ
Calgary, Ab.

Chair of Christian Thought Lectures,
University of Calgary

The Swanson Lectures in Christian Spirituality
March, 2013

Guest: Professor Heather Coleman
Canada Research Chair in Imperial Russian History
Department of History & Classics,
University of Alberta

"Religious Freedom in Russia Today"
 Monday, March 4, 2013 at 7:30pm
 St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cultural Centre
 404 Meredith Rd. N.E. Calgary, AB

"Studying Russian Religion since
 the Collapse of Communism"

 Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 12:00pm
 Bianca Room, MacEwan Student Centre
 University of Calgary

http://www.ucalgary.ca/christchair/events

--

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

Personal Blog
February 20th, 2013

"Hidden Codes in My Operating System"

http://tinyurl.com/a23by3t

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX

Personal Website
February 17th,  2013

"Anxiety"

http://tinyurl.com/aeatbvz

*****

NET NOTES

VST BACK IN THE BLACK
Vancouver Seminary Restructures

Anglican Journal
February 21st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bbvxnc3

--

THE PERILS OF 'US AGAINST THEM'
Myth of Persecution - Reviewed

America Magazine
March 4th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/axpzogu

--

Government Office of Religious Freedom
Launched by Prime Minister Harper this Week -

ACADEMICS DEBATE FREEDOM AMBASSADOR
Canadian Government's New Office

CBC News
Feb. 21st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/be3pl6b

--

A RELIGIOUS CANADA STRONG AND FREE
Conservative Perspective on the News

The National Post
February 20th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a8qccnx

--

RURAL CANADIAN WOMAN CHANGED AMERICA
Evangelist Aimee Semper McPherson

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
February 19th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/ambsv3z

--

BEING REALISTIC WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SOUL
It is Easy to be Cynical. Can We be Hopeful

Uca News
February 21st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/3f7c7fm

--

SCANDALS WEIGH ON BODY ELECTING NEXT POPE
A Major Burden/Responsibility for Church

Uca News
Feb. 20th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b3cfrqt

--

ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH CHRISTIAN LAW SCHOOL
BC Evangelical School Seeks Credentials

Christian Week
February 14th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/be5wf59

--

AT LEAST 3,000 DIED IN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
Government Study Reveals Tragic Evidence

CBC News
Feb. 18th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b7qzuo7

--

LA MEGACHURCH LOSES MILLIONS IN MUSICAL FLOP
Major Investment Lost in Pentecostal Story

Christian Post
Feb. 18th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a2jly5y


*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online:

If we do not maintain justice,
justice will not maintain us.

- Francis Bacon

--

I cannot persuade myself that without
love to others, and without, as far as
rests with me, peaceableness towards all,
I can be called a worthy servant of
Jesus Christ.

- St. Basil

--

I would like the angels of Heaven to be
among us. I would like an abundance of
peace. I would like full vessels of charity.
I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would
like cheerfulness to preside over all. I would
like Jesus to be present.

- Brigid of Kildare, Ireland

--

Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among
people who love poorly. The hard truth is that
all people love poorly. We need to forgive and
be forgiven every day, every hour increasingly.
That is the great work of love among the
fellowship of the weak that is the human family.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen

--

Let your religion be less of a theory and more
of a love affair.

- G.K. Chesterton

**

ON THIS DAY

February 17th - February 24th

From the Archives of the New York Times:

Nixon Departs on Historic Trip to China
http://tinyurl.com/aw2mpfh

Malcolm X Killed by Assassins
http://tinyurl.com/22uvelg

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - Isabel Gibson

The Gift of Perspective

People seem most eager to give us the gift
of perspective right after life has given
us something lousy, when things are going
for fooey.

Nothing matters very much, and few things
matter at all - Lord Balfour

Don’t take life so serious, son.
It ain’t nohow permanent - Pogo

Less common is the counsel of
perspective in both good times and bad:

This too shall pass.
- Various folkloric attributions

Nothing is all good or all bad.
- The Big Guy

Perspective offered up by other people
is ‘more socks than chocolate’: valued
more in the giving than the receiving.
Go figure. May we find ways, then,
to gift ourselves.

http://tinyurl.com/asbmacu

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

(end)



Saturday, February 16, 2013

Colleagues List, February 17th, 2013

Vol. VIII No. 20

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****

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

Canadian Anglicans Google Groups Website:
http://tinyurl.com/bv4osz7

"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:

Religious news this week was dominated by
the announcement that the pope will resign at
the end of February. This issue of Colleagues
List reflects this global story, and I attempt
to bring a Canadian perspective to it.

I acknowledge  the dominantly "Catholic"
nature of this issue, but will return to a more
ecumenical balance next week.

My special item this week is a book notice of

"Genius Born of Anguish - The Life and Legacy
of Henri Nouwen" - which appeared last fall.
http://tinyurl.com/cquu5os

It was co-written by colleague Michael Higgins
with Kevin Burns - both Canadians and appears
with Part III of the CBC Ideas Series on that
famous priest who died more than 15 years ago.
That series was aired a few weeks ago, and I
include links to it.

--

Colleague Contributions: this week are by
U. of Calgary religious studies professor
Irving Hexham who was interviewed by the
Calgary press along with RC bishop Fred Henry
on the announcement of the papal resignation.

http://tinyurl.com/d7q57o9



Jim Taylor adds his special flair to a
"spring-anticipating" article on the return
of the sun to our northern climes.

http://edges.canadahomepage.net/


--

Net Notes:

"The Popes Who Have Quit" - here is a
helpful articles on two other popes who
resigned (America Magazine podcast)
http://tinyurl.com/ctpqjft

"Benedict's Post Papacy Plans" - Benedict
says that he is removing himself from the
limelight (Catholic News Service)
http://tinyurl.com/bkjrvjs

"Benedict's Reflections on Ageing" - the
pope was right hand man to his predecessor
John Paul II and saw him go through the
torment of ageing (The Tablet, UK)
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/blogs/483/18


"Why the Next Pope Should be African" -
there is lots of speculation on from where
the next pope should come (CNN)
http://tinyurl.com/cqhksmu

"Canadian Considered Papal Front Runner" -
Canada is not without an able papal
candidate from Quebec (Ottawa Citizen)
http://tinyurl.com/b7mdcag

"New Pope? I've Given Up Hope" - the
prolific and well-situated writer Gary
Wills says he is not optimistic about
the papacy (New York Times)
http://tinyurl.com/av2cpya

"Solving the Priesthood Shortage" -
Wills has his views on how to resolve
the chronic shortage of priests.
(Huffington Post Canada)
http://tinyurl.com/c9kqdkn

"Why Priests?" by Gary Wills (Review)" -
No doubt the papal resignation provides
a good opportunity for the release of
Gary Wills new book (New York Times)
http://tinyurl.com/a4fo23y

"Scientific Literacy" - the on-going
debate on the relationship between
religion and science is covered here
(The Christian Century)
http://tinyurl.com/clkg3b8

"Welby in Opening Battle With Bishops"
- the new Archbishop of Canterbury is
known for his anti-gay views and he
is taking the initiative early
(The Telegraph, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/cq3neb2

--

Wisdom of the Week is offered from an
eclectic collection as usual:

N.T. Wright, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks and Plato

--

On this Day:

The archives of the New York Times offers the
following stories, written as the happened:

Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin sign
Yalta Agreement during World War II
http://tinyurl.com/bpv3pbh

King Tut's Tomb Opened in Egypt
http://tinyurl.com/y8lg4zy

--

Closing Thought - is again offered by colleague
Isabel Gibson of Ottawa, who continues her series
of twelve start-of-the-year short takes on the
gifts we possess

http://tinyurl.com/ctt63qz

Thanks, Isabel., a good lenten sojourn to all.and

Wayne

******

My Study Programs:

ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES

St. David's and ACTS Ministry -

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

DEADLINE FOR SIGN-UP HAS PAST! -
January 23rd, 2013

26 people have paid to take 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 STUDY PROGRAMS
2013

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 STUDY HAS BEGUN!!

From Monday, January 14th
through 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

"Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs"

Thursday, January 17th - March 28th, 2013

THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!
Drop-ins welcome.

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 -

GENIUS BORN OF ANGUISH
The Life and Legacy of Henri Nouwen
by Michael W. Higgins and Kevin Burns
Novalis, Toronto. $18.95 CAD. 160 pages.
ISBN #978-2-89646-472-2.

Publisher's Promo:

An illustrated biography and companion guide to the
CBC Ideas program about the life of Henri Nouwen.

Marking the anniversary of the death of Henri Nouwen,
this illustrated biography presents his story and
legacy. As a companion volume to CBC Radio’s program
Genius Born of Anguish, this biography will captivate
you with a fascinating exploration of the life of a
deeply spiritual and compassionate man.

Numerous friends and close companions of Nouwen’s
offer insights in this broad overview of his life,
including Sue Mosteller, friend and literary executrix,
his brother Laurent, as well as Robert Ellsberg and
Jean Vanier. Discover his extraordinary life and be
moved by his outstanding commitment to walking with
others on their spiritual journeys.

--

About the Author Michael Higgins:

Michael W. Higgins is the official biographer of
Henri Nouwen and the presenter of the CBC Ideas
radio program Genius Born of Anguish: The Life
and Legacy of Henri Nouwen. Dr. Higgins is a
professor of Religious Studies and the past-president
of St. Jermose’s University (Waterloo) and St. Thomas
University (Fredericton). He has written over a dozen
books, including Suffer the Children Unto Me (Novalis,
2010), and is a contributor to the The Globe and Mail,
The Literary Review of Canada, and Commonweal.

Kevin Burns is the freelance producer of the CBC Ideas
radio series Genius Born of Anguish: The Life and
Legacy of Henri Nouwen.

--

Kevin's Words:

Back in th 1980's when I lived in Western Canada...
I remember seeing posters, year after year, telling
me that Henri would be giving the keynote address at
this or that big conference. All I knew then of
Henri Nouwen was the external public image; a Dutch
priest/psychologist, a charismatic and theatrical
speaker who lived in L'Arche Daybreak, north of
Toronto, and who raced all over the continent giving
talks and retreats. He was (more or less) a Canadian
celebrity who was also a Catholic who increasingly
found audiences beyond the loose perimeters of the
Canadian Catholic world. He was a rare thing at the
time: an influential priest in the media and not in
the cross hairs of controversy.

Naturally, these limited perceptions changed the
moment I began the serious work of preparing for
and assembling a radio documentary about him about
a decade after his death...

As I listened through the hiss and crackle of
archival recordings of his talks and interviews,
I heard his remarkable energy and, at times, his
exhaustion, the more I tried to understand the
heart and mind of this complex and compelling
individual...

No matter who asks the questions in our interviews
of people who knew Henri, our subjects had entered
a place of deep and personal reflection. Henri
seems to do that a lot, with people who knew him
and with those who met him only through his books...

We tell a mostly chronological story, one that
begins in 1932 in the Netherlands, on January 24th.
.. We end with Henri Nouwen's death, alone in a
hospital, on September 21st, 1996,  also in the
Netherlands where this prodigal son had stopped
for a visit en route to Russia, where he was to
make a documentary film on one of his favorite
compatriot artists, Rembrandt. In between these
chronological markers we hear how people
remember Henri...

Listening to Henri surfaced all manner of
complementary and sometimes conflicting ideas
about the paths of spirituality and mental health,
about healing and woundedness, and about the
difference between biography and hagiography...

Listening to Henri I have learned this:

- if I really want to listen, I need to invite
silence so that I can hear what is being said,
not only what I want or expect to hear.

- if I really want to listen, I have to slow
things down and turn things off, metaphorically,
not just literally.

- I've learned over and over that somewhere in
all of this is the conviction that to recognize
a wound is to take a step in the direction of
healing it.

- I've also learned that to listen is another
form of prayer.

--

My Thoughts:

All those interviewed in this helpful retrospective
on the life of Henri Nouwen shared some things in
common - s special moment of human closeness when
he made you feel you counted and were important
to him. From this also came another special moment
- a heightened sense of spiritual awareness.

I can say that I too had such an experience with
Henri when those gifts were given to me.

Only a year or so before his death, I was going
though the difficult experiences of divorce and
job loss. Because I was serving as board president
of L'Arche Calgary, I had the opportunity to
attend a national conference of L'Arche leaders
in Toronto. It was at that event that Henri spoke.

I got up the courage to ask him if I could take
some of his time for reflection and counsel. He
obliged, but it took some doing because he was
probably trying to accommodate a number of
others with the same request.

Several days later at L'Arche Daybreak in
Richmond Hill, my mother Marieta and I
joined Henri for a special half hour.
We discussed my situation, my hurts and my
hopes. We prayed together.

I realize that at that point I was still
rather caught up in what might be called
'Nouwen-mania' - but the eighteen years
since then have proven the substance of
the experience in my life story. Truly,
his gift of himself at that time, and the
letters, books and calls that came to me
in the months following were evidence that
Henri Nouwen was a man of deep humanity
and spiritual awareness.

--

As I read the testimonial interviews and
listen to the CBC Ideas program featuring
Henri Nouwen, I continue to remember my
special time with him, and am so happy
that my mother was able to be present
as well.

I believe that many people could write
variations on this theme - either personally,
or through his speaking and writing. That
is why this book, coupled with a hearing
of "Genius Born of Anguish" on CBC Ideas
would be well worth the investment of your
time.

There is value in engaging all this with
the benefit of retrospect. Anything less
than continuing profound meaning would
suggest I was merely caught up in the
emotion of the time. But that is not
the case. If anything, the experience
is more profound for me, because I
am engaging it with twenty years of
time for maturation.

I believe the same opportunity could
be yours.

CBC Ideas:Link:
http://tinyurl.com/c72afhs

Buy the Book:

From Novalis: http://tinyurl.com/cquu5os
From Amazon.ca: http://tinyurl.com/cskd3fx

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

IRVING HEXHAM
Calgary, AB.

Commentary from Calgary

Bishop Henry Speaks of Technology
While Religious Studies Prof Hexham Says -

"Benedict Noted for Scholarship"

http://tinyurl.com/d7q57o9

--

JIM TAYLOR

Web Log
February 10th, 2013

"Here Comes the Sun"

http://edges.canadahomepage.net/

__

NET NOTES

THE POPES WHO HAVE QUIT
Two Who Resigned

America Magazine Podcast
March 4th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/ctpqjft

--

BENEDICT'S POST-PAPACY PLANS
Wants to Stay Our of Limelight

Catholic News Service
February 13th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bkjrvjs

--

BENEDICT'S REFLECTIONS ON AGEING
Sees Frustrations and Joys There

The Tablet, UK
February 16th, 2013

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/blogs/483/18

--

WHY THE NEXT POPE SHOULD BE AFRICAN

CNN
Feb. 13, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/cqhksmu

--

CANADIAN CONSIDERED FRONT-RUNNER FOR POPE

Ottawa Citizen
February 12th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b7mdcag

--

NEW POPE? I'VE GIVEN UP HOPE
Commentary on Papacy by Wills
Author of "Why Priests?"

The New York Times
February 13th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/av2cpya

--

SOLVING THE PRIEST SHORTAGE
Gary Wills Offers Radical Solution
in New Book "Why Priests?"

Huffington Post Canada
February 12th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/c9kqdkn

--

"WHY PRIESTS?" by Gary Wills
New York Times Review
February 17th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a4fo23y

--

SCIENTIFIC LITERACY
Christian Century Editorial
February 13th, 2013

"Scientific Community, Religious Conservatives
 Equally to Blame for Ignorance of Science"

http://tinyurl.com/clkg3b8

--

WELBY IN OPENING BATTLE WITH BISHOPS
New Archbishop Challenges Gay Roles

The Telegraph
February 10th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/cq3neb2

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online

The work of salvation, in its full sense,
is (1) about whole human beings, not merely
souls; (2) about the present, not simply the
future; and (3) about what God does through
us, not merely what God does in and for us.

- N.T. Wright

--

Being a Christian is less about cautiously
avoiding sin than about courageously and
actively doing God's will.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

--

n matters of truth and justice, there is no
difference between large and small problems,
for issues concerning the treatment of people
are all the same.


- Albert Eintsein

--

People always say that I didn't give up my seat
because I was tired, but that isn't true. No,
the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.

- Rosa Parks

--

Justice in the life and conduct of the State
is possible only as first it resides in the
hearts and souls of the citizens.

- Plato

*****

ON THIS DAY

February 10th - February 17th

From the Archives of the New York Times:

Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin sign
Yalta Agreement during World War II
http://tinyurl.com/bpv3pbh

King Tut's Tomb Opened in Egypt
http://tinyurl.com/y8lg4zy

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - Isabel Gibson

The Gift of Juxtaposition

From Harper’s Index to Small Dead Animals,
juxtaposition offers new ways of looking at
things, and enables us to comment while retaining
the ability to deny having done so.

What could be better?

An insightful yet passive-aggressive gift!

As we make our plans for the coming year, may we
use the gift of juxtaposition less to beak off
with impunity and more to make new connections,
as well as old connections, more vividly.

In this context, here’s one of my favourite
juxtapositions for strategic planning:

On the one hand:

No operation extends with any certainty beyond
the first encounter with the main body of the enemy.
(Huh? Maybe more familiar as its edited version
[what the Field Marshal meant to say....]:

No plan survives contact with the enemy.)
Helmuth von Moltke

And on the other hand:

We have met the enemy and he is us. Pogo

http://tinyurl.com/ctt63qz

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

(end)


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Colleagues List, February 10th, 2013


Vol. VIII No. 19

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****

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

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 Colleagues:

Our special weekend on "Welcoming the Stranger"
with guest Mary Jo Leddy approaches. Three
weeks from now she will be with us.

My Special Item - this week is a book notice
from a subject area with which I was much
involved earlier in my life.

It is from the field of indigenous Canadian
studies and entitled -

"Disinherited Generations:
 Our Struggle to Reclaim Treaty Rights
 for First Nations Women and Their Descendants"

http://tinyurl.com/a2x597a
http://tinyurl.com/b3qhqcc

I am greatly encouraged by this book, and hope
that you might be as well.

--

Colleague Comment - this week comes from
Brian Arthur Brown whose work "Three Testaments -
Torah, Gospel and Quran" was introduced here
two weeks ago. See his comments, below.

--

Colleague Contribution - is provided by
Jim Taylor who is always interesting and
thought-provoking.

Web Log
Feb. 6th, 2013

"Critical Mass for Social Movements"

http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8

--

Net Notes:

"In LA A Victory for Truth" - an RC
perspective on the conflict between two
archbishops in the diocese of Los Angeles
(National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/node/44146

"The Ralph D. Winter Story" - a friend
going back early in my ministry, Ralph
passed away a few years ago. Now, a
biography appears (Books and Culture)
http://tinyurl.com/b4q2l8j

"Boxing Legend Nears His End" - the
famous black sportsman Muhammed Ali
seems to be nearing life's end
(The Mail, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/bfmpwjf

"Sorceress Burned Alive by Mob" -
tribal traditions do not die quickly
and here is an example from New
Guinea (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/az7soe6

"China: Persecution Getting Worse" -
the persecution of Christians in China,
especially in house churches, seems to
be growing (Vatican Insider)
http://tinyurl.com/axa7egz

"Dalits and Priests Bathe Together" -
the breaking of an ancient taboo is
described here from India (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/bzbgd33

"Saudi Preacher Gets Light Sentence" -
here is continuing evidence of family
sexism in the Arab world (Gulf News)
http://tinyurl.com/b2k2yx7

"Anglican Bishops Allow Women into Meetings"
- in a move to ease the way toward women
bishops in the Church of England, the House
of Bishops is allowing a select number of
women to join their discussions
(The Guardian, UK) http://tinyurl.com/avfoy7j

"Religious Ed. Under Fire Across Canada" -
Canada is making it harder for religious
schools to stay afloat says this article
(National Post) http://tinyurl.com/au5ls76

"Ethiopians Sever Ties With US Lutherans" -
A large African church, affiliated with the
Lutheran World Federation, has broken ties
with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America because of its stance on same sex
marriage.

- see full text below as ELCA website is
not fully functioning on this story.

--

Wisdom of the Week:

John Muir, Dorothy Day, Rainer Maria Rilke
and Dom Helder Camara share their insights.

--

On this Day:

George VI Dies: Succeeded by Daughter
Elizabeth II Who Assumes British Throne
http://tinyurl.com/b85jj85

Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart
take first untethered spacewalk
http://tinyurl.com/avcr9pp

Clinton Tables Electronic Media Legislation
Says it Opens Door to Communications Future
http://tinyurl.com/be74csv

--

Closing Thought - Isabel Gibson

Once more, Isabel shares her thoughts
on clear thinking as parting wisdom:

http://tinyurl.com/aq9hmbc

Isabel's 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 PAST! -
JANUARY 23RD.

26 people have paid to take 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
through 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

"Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs"

Thursday, January 17th - March 28th, 2013

THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!
Drop-ins welcome.

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:

DISINHERITED GENERATIONS
Our Struggle to Reclaim Treaty Rights for
First Nations Women and Their Descendants,
by Nellie Carlson and Kathleen Steinhauer
as told to Linda Goyette.
University of Alberta Press, 2013.
172 pages. $24.95 CAD.
ISBN #-13-978-0-88864-642-2.

Publisher's Promo:

This oral autobiography of two remarkable
Cree women tells their life stories against
a backdrop of government discrimination,
First Nations activism, and the resurgence
of First Nations communities. Nellie Carlson
and Kathleen Steinhauer, who helped to organize
the Indian Rights for Indian Women movement in
western Canada in the 1960s, fought the Canadian
government’s interpretation of treaty and
Aboriginal rights, the Indian Act, and the
male power structure in their own communities
in pursuit of equal rights for Aboriginal women
and children. After decades of activism and
court battles, First Nations women succeeded
in changing these oppressive regulations, thus
benefitting thousands of their descendants.
Those interested in human rights, activism,
history, and Native Studies will find that
these personal stories, enriched by detailed
notes and photographs, form a passionate
record of an important, continuing struggle.

--

Tribute by Maria Campbell:

I arrived in Edmonton in 1963, not wanting to go
"home" to Saskatchewan because there was nothing
there on the reserve for me an my children. (Soon)
I became part of a warm, supportive (urban) native
community.

What stands out for me when I think back was that
sense of community we had and although many of us
were from different parts of the country, our
native roots bound us together and the differences
that were important and often hurtful at home,
were things that brought us together in the city...

There were people like Kathleen Steinhauer and
Nellie Carlson who were treaty Indians but who
had lost their status when they married non-status
Indians, Metis (half-bloods) or Whitemen...

These differences were never understood by
outsiders who didn't care anyway...

(My women friends) were all related and came
from the same reserve. All of them had lost
their treaty rights (government and tribal
benefits) when they married...

There women were also the first generation
of (natives) that I knew who had left
residential school and went on to get careers
(like business managers, nurses, and teachers).

(This fact is evidence that residential school
did prove to be liberating for some natives,
but that reality is not commonly understood
or celebrated at this time in history.)

(The native political organizations that
began to emerge during the 60s and 70s tended
to ignore native women's rights. Resulting
government policies helped to perpetuate a
great deal of violence against native women.)

Land claims are important, as are better
housing health and education, but it is
when we end the violence that we will create
real change...

Nothing has ever been written about the
native women who worked for change.
We know nothing about the sacrifices they
made, the humiliation they endured (often
from their own people) and the threats to
their lives and of their families.

Who are these women? (We try to share
the stories of some of them in this book.)

The politics here is not the Ottawa kind,
so admired by patriarchal leadership. This
book is about kitchen work, which in the
end always gets finished.

--

My Thoughts:

Over the years I have taught and worked
alongside a number of native women who
were preparing to be nurses, managers,
teachers, etc. I even helped a Blackfoot
woman earn her PhD, the first granted a
native person at the University of Calgary.

Never did I hear them talk about getting
an education in the "White Man's world"
to better themselves for selfish reasons.
They would always say that they were doing
this "for my people." As persons who were
charged by their culture to preserve the
traditions of their people, many said that
getting an education in the "White way"
was the best way to serve. That did not
mean they got rid of their own cultural
values. They integrated their own best
traditions with the good they found
beyond them.

Here is a book that gives oral tradition
evidence of how that wonderful act of
integration was handled by very clever
and devoted native women.

Where were the men in all this? Too often
they were either drunk or misusing money
that had been given to their bands. Still,
many women were faithful to their men
for the sake of their children and their
communities. They understood that their
men needed time to adjust to a new world
too.

For that generation of native women, oral
tradition was still the best way for them
to communicate their stories. Newer
generations have learned to use written
stories to do the same. But theire is
something noble and deeply meaningful about
hearing these stories as they were first
shared verbally.

This is valuable book, for native and
non-native readers alike. As in the world
beyond the native community, women have
been great contributors to the liberation
of the entire population.

These narratives reveal a less-well-
known story that is important to know.
We should be thankful to the University
of Alberta Press for producing it.

--

Buy the Book -

University of Alberta Press:
http://tinyurl.com/a2x597a

Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/b3qhqcc


*****

COLLEAGUE COMMENT

BRIAN ARTHUR BROWN
Niagara, ON.

Feb. 8th, 2013

Hi Wayne

You do seem to be back on stride, and
we are all thankful to God for that.

Thank you too, very sincerely, for a
thorough introduction/review of "Three
Testaments: Torah, Gospel and Quran..."

What made your review especially distinctive
was the inclusion of a link to Amazon. My book
has had several dozen reviews but few have done
that. That link makes all the difference, and
it's lack is like an interview on TV in which
the name of the book is mentioned perhaps at
the beginning and never again. I've been there,
and also watched such interviews with great
frustration.

Best to you as your work continues.

Brian Arthur Brown

http://www.BrianArthurBrown.com

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMUNICATIONS

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

"Critical Mass for Social Movements"


http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8


*****

NET NOTES

IN LA, A VICTORY FOR TRUTH
Editorial on an Archbishop

National Catholic Reporter
February 2nd, 2013

http://ncronline.org/node/44146

--

THE RALPH D. WINTER STORY
Biography of Evangelical Leader

Books and Culture
February 5th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b4q2l8j

--

BOXING LEGEND NEARS HIS END
Family Feuds Surround Him

The Mail, UK
February 3rd, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bfmpwjf

--

WOMAN BURNED ALIVE BY MOB
Accused as Sorceress in New Guinea

Uca News
February 7th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/az7soe6

--

CHINA: PERSECUTION GETTING WORSE
House Churches are Main Targets

Vatican Insider
February 7th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/axa7egz

--

DALITS AND PRIESTS BATHE TOGETHER
Old Taboo Broken at Hindu Festival

Uca News
February 8th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bzbgd33

--

SAUDI PREACHER GETS LIGHT SENTENCE
He Raped and Killed His Daughter

Gulf News
February 3rd, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b2k2yx7

--

UK BISHOPS ALLOW WOMEN INTO MEETINGS
Compromise Until Women Bishops Approved

The Guardian, UK
February 8th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/avfoy7j

--

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UNDER FIRE ACROSS CANADA
Religious Schools Facing Growing Pressures

The National Post
February 5th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/au5ls76

--

ETHIOPIANS SEVER TIES WITH AMERICAN LUTHERANS
Gay Marriage is the Issue

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

February 7, 2013

Lutheran church in Ethiopia severs relationship
with ELCA

CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Ethiopian Evangelical Church
Mekane Yesus is severing its relationship with the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the
Church of Sweden and "those churches who have openly
accepted,same-sex marriage."

The action for "all Ethiopian Evangelical Church
Mekane Yesus departments and institutions (at every
level) to implement this decision" was ratified at
the denomination's general assembly, which met
Jan. 27th- Feb. 2nd in Addis Ababa. The denomination's
church council took action at its July 2012 meeting
to initially sever these relationships.

"The ELCA is very saddened by this decision," said
the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director
for ELCA Global Mission. "The ELCA and its predecessor
church bodies have been walking with the people of
Ethiopia for more than 50 years, and our sister church,
the Church of Sweden, for more than 150 years. In this
journey, we have learned from one another, we have
deepened and extended the bonds of fellowship and
partnership in the gospel." Malpica Padilla was in
Addis Ababa for meetings with program and ministry
partners of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane
Yesus.

To ensure that the decisions by the Ethiopian
Evangelical ChurchMekane Yesus are implemented,
members of the denomination "will not receive
Holy Communion from the leadership and pastors
of the (ELCA and the Church of Sweden). The
Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus will
not distribute communion to these churches,"as
stated in the minutes of the denomination's July
2012 council meeting. "Representatives of these
churches at national level or leaders at every
level would not be invited to preach or speak
at the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus
congregations or other gatherings. They should not
be invited for any spiritual ministries of this
church."

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop,
said the actions of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church
Mekane Yesus are "deeply troubling." "Our own statement
on human sexuality acknowledges that the position held
by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus is
also held by members of the ELCA. We are not of one
mind, but we are one in Christ, in faith and in
baptism," said Hanson, adding that the relationships
between Lutherans in North America and in Ethiopia
"has been sustained through periods of oppression,
divisions within the Ethiopian church and in times
of turmoil among Lutherans in North America. The
action of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane
Yesus church diminishes our capacity together to
proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to serve our
neighbors and to care for the creation.

"As the ELCA, we are always standing ready to open
the door of conversation for the sake of reconciliation
and our shared commitment to proclamation and service,"
Hanson said. "Reconciliation is not an option. It is
given in Christ, and we stand ready to engage with the
Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus on what this
gift of reconciliation might mean for us now."

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online -

Long, blue, spiky-edged shadows crept out across
the snow-fields, while a rosy glow, at first scarce
discernible, gradually deepened and suffused every
mountain-top, flushing the glaciers and the harsh
crags above them. This was the alpenglow, to me
the most impressive of all the terrestrial
manifestations of God. At the touch of this
divine light, the mountains seemed to kindle
to a rapt, religious consciousness, and stood
hushed like devout worshippers waiting to be
blessed.

- John Muir

--

We want no revolution; we want the brotherhood of men.
We want men to  love one another. We want all men to
have what is sufficient for their  needs. But when we meet
people who deny Christ in His poor, we feel,  'Here are the
atheists.' They turned first from Christ crucified because
He was a poor worker, buffeted and spat upon and beaten.
And now, strange thought, the devil has so maneuvered
that the people turn from Him because those who profess
Him are clothed in soft raiment and sit at  well-spread
tables and deny the poor.

- Dorothy Day

--

If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it;
blame yourself, tell  yourself that you are not
poet enough to call forth its riches.

- Rainer Maria Rilke

--

To walk alone is possible, but the good walker
knows that the great trip is life and it requires
companions.

- Dom Helder Camara

*****

ON THIS DAY

Provided from the archives
of the New York Times:

February 3rd - 9th

George VI Dies: Succeeded by Daughter
Elizabeth II to Assume British Throne

http://tinyurl.com/b85jj85

--

Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart
take first untethered spacewalk

http://tinyurl.com/avcr9pp

--

Clinton Tables Electronic Media Legislation
Says it Opens Door to Future

http://tinyurl.com/be74csv


*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - Isabel Gibson

The Gift of Ambition

Now that we’ve taken a day or two and evolved 
ourselves into perfectly reasonable beings with 
entirely realistic expectations, maybe we’re in 
position to truly enjoy the gift of ambition.  

Ambition deserves a better rap than it sometimes 
gets. Striving for more/better is one of the roots 
of progress, and we can all use a little progress,
I’m thinking. Whether we make formal stop/start 
resolutions, or write down a few things we’d like 
to get done in the coming year, or just let 
ourselves imagine the way things could be, may our 
ambitions reach their potential in the coming year.

http://tinyurl.com/b58nr6r

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

(end)


Saturday, February 2, 2013

Colleagues List, February 3rd, 2013


Vol. VIII No. 18

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****

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

Canadian Anglicans Google Groups Site:
http://tinyurl.com/bdadm5y

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 hope you will enjoy the rich cache of
articles, reflectiosns and opinions I have
found for you this week.

My Special Item:

Book Notice -

"Marrow Turned to Soul" a book of
poetry by colleague Faith Nostbakken

--

Colleague Contributions are from:

Marjorie Gibson of Vancouver
http://tinyurl.com/afk2mdp

Jim Taylor of the Okanagan
http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8 (and)

Ron Rolheiser of San Antonio
http://tinyurl.com/a2cax45

--

Net Notes:

This week we are introduced to the
following stories from the internet -

"Philosophy of Pi" - here is a reflection
on the current movie which I have also
promoted here (Sightings)
http://tinyurl.com/a2gx9v7

"Who is In and Out?" - believe in hell,
and even in heaven, is going through some
major transformation today (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/aekknaa

"Early Christians Were Rich?" - an
interesting article on the economic
status of many early Christians
(America) http://tinyurl.com/a55zers

"Interview With Iris Murdough" - an
English newspaper goes back fifty years
to interview an now-deceased author
(The Guardian) http://tinyurl.com/a738sro

"Tsunami of Anger Rises Globally" - the
violence against women issue we have been
following since December has now become
a global phenomenon (The Guardian, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/a3n7b5g

"Ring the Bell on Domestic Violence" -
coupled with the previous story, a related
concern to stop domestic violence is growing.
Here is a visual from the developing world
(Christian Century) http://tinyurl.com/bzdyzvf

"Christopher Hitchens on 'Mortality'" - the
famous atheist wrote a book on his pending
death from cancer (Englewood Review)
http://tinyurl.com/ayh8dxq

"US Scouts Admit Gays, But Not Atheists"
- a major change in scout admission policy
was announced this week (Washington Post)
http://tinyurl.com/bd8zcb2

"LA Archbishops in Open, Public Conflict"
- the child abuse crisis facing the Roman
Church will not go away and it is causing
some unhappy high-level, internal, but very
public conflict (National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/node/44136

"'Les Mis' Strikes Universal Mission Chord"
- the recently released movie based on the
book by french author Victor Hugo with its
theme of struggles with poverty is gaining
world wide attention (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/aer97fp

--

Wisdom of the Week:

Here are insights from people
both living and dead, provided
by Sojourners online -

Anne Frank, Paulinus of Nola
Madeleine L'Engle and William Law

--

On this Day:

January 27th - February 2nd

Provided from the archives
of the New York Times

Robert Frost Dies in Boston
http://tinyurl.com/bz6cnlg

Gandhi Murdered by Hindu Extremist
http://tinyurl.com/atcwj7u

Black Students Begin Sit In in Greensboro
http://tinyurl.com/bx4v8nu

US congress Abolishes Slavery
http://tinyurl.com/b7clx3l

--

Closing Thought -

Again by colleague Isabel Gibson of Ottawa

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

--

Lent approaches quickly.

Have a good 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 PAST! -
JANUARY 23RD.

26 people have paid to take 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
through 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

"Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs"

Thursday, January 17th - March 28th, 2013

THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!
Drop-ins welcome.

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:

Boon Notice -

MARROW TURNED TO SOUL
Self-published by
Faith Nostbakken, 2012
Edmonton, AB.

Author Bio:

Faith Nostbakken is a spiritual director,
companioning people on their faith journeys
out of the Providence Renewal Centre in
Edmonton, Alberta. She has a PhD in English
Literature and a Master of Theological Studies
degree. She has been challenged by a
debilitating chronic illness since 1990,
an experience that has greatly shaped her
soul and informed her poetry.

Selections from her book:

Storytelling

This is how each story gets told:
You have to be ready in order to receive it;
You have to be still in order to hear it;
You have to hear it in order to say it;
You have to say it in order to believe it;
You have to want it enough in order to accept it;
Then let it transform you from the inside out
like the birth of a mystery that finds its own voice,
suspended in space, sucking in air and singing
the wildest song from the shock of your lungs
because it's the only one you know;
It's your heartbeat touched with breath;
It's the fingerprint of your tongue;
It's your truth to be shared;
It's marrow turned to soul.

--

Unveiling

Once I thought that revelation was
the marvellous unveiling of truth
but now I see it otherwise as
the partial unveiling of mystery:
all answers dissolve into pure questions
as I touch lightly on the pulse of grace
yet draw from it, like electric sparks,
the lifeblood of sustaining eternity.

--

Taste and See

Bitter is the dark taste
in my mouth whose source
cannot quite be named
except to say that losses
accumulate over decades
and rather than let them go
the jaw keeps chewing
on their flavourless absence
as if some nourishment were there.

Why not instead bite
into even that one small
purple berry exactly ripened
for today and let it stain
the tongue vibrant
like a brand new syllable
ready to break into singing
because a single note is always
just the beginning that yearns
to hear the rest of the song.

--

Grieving

There has been more grieving in my bones
than swollen tears would hold
and when I finally felt the marrow
splashing salt over the brim
then I knew that dry bones breed new life
once dead stalks drop their seeds
in the dance that follows the rain.

***

My Comments:

The Nostbakken family is well known in
Western Canadian Lutheranism, especially
Saskatchewan. There have been generations
of church leaders from that family
and I have come to know a number of them.

Faith Nostbakken, however, was new to me
until some weeks ago when a relative
suggested I read her recently self-published
book of poetry. I'm glad I have begun to
come to know her through the forty poems
she has released with this book.

She has a special capacity with words and
the turning of a phrase. One can literally
dance on the spot, or feel deep sorrow
through an encounter with her work. She
must certainly spend much time seeking
the right way to express a thought or
feeling.

I am pleased that she has learned from
the Catholic sisters who have helped her
become a spiritual director and I hope
that her experience will become common
for many others in the Canadian Lutheran
community from which she has emerged.

Thank you, Faith!

Faith has given me permission to share
her contact information. If you find
the few poems I have offered here inviting,
please feel free to approach her.

To connect or to order a copy -

Email: fnostbak@gmail.com
Phone: 780-435-6262
Address: #314 -2620 Millwoods Road E.
         Edmonton, AB. T6L 5K6

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMUNICATIONS

MARJORIE GIBSON
Vancouver, BC

Marjorie Remembers
Blog Site
Feb. 1, 2013

"Still On the Path"

http://tinyurl.com/afk2mdp

--

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

Web Log
Jan. 30, 2013

"Losers Don't Get to Tell Their Stories"

http://tinyurl.com/3m3alz8

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX

Web Site
January 28th, 2013

ECUMENISM - OUR NEGLECTED MANDATE

http://tinyurl.com/a2cax45

*****

NET NOTES

PHILOSOPHY OF PI

Sightings.
January 31st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a2gx9v7

--

WHO IS IN AND OUT?

Views of Heaven/Hell Changing

The Tablet, UK
February 2nd. 2013

http://tinyurl.com/aekknaa

--

EARLY CHRISTIANS WERE RICH?
'Through the Eye of a Needle' Reviewed

America Magazine
February 1st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a55zers

--

INTERVIEW WITH IRIS MURDOUGH
Guardian Talks with Famous Author
Fifty Years Ago

The Guardian, UK
February 1st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a738sro

--

TSUNAMI OF ANGER RISES GLOBALLY
Against Violence Toward Women

The Guardian, UK
January 27th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a3n7b5g


RING THE BELL RE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
International Fight Growing

The Christian Century
February 1st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bzdyzvf

--

CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS ON 'MORTALITY'
Englewood Review of Books

February 2nd 2013

http://tinyurl.com/ayh8dxq

--

US SCOUTS ADMIT GAYS, BUT NOT ATHEISTS

Washington Post
January 29th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bd8zcb2

--

LA ARCHBISHOPS IN OPEN PUBLIC CONFLICT
Current Leader Removes Predecessor

National Catholic Reporter
February 1st, 2012

http://ncronline.org/node/44136

--

'LES MIS' STRIKES GLOBAL CHORD FOR MISSIONS
Film Based in France Speaks Universally

Uca News
Feb. 1, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/aer97fp

***

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online:

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait
a single moment before starting to improve
the world.

- Anne Frank

--

We have no right to our possessions;
they have been entrusted to us for the
good of all. Let us then invest with
the Lord what he has given us, for we
have nothing that does not come from
[God]: we are dependent upon [God] for
our very existence. And we ourselves,
who have a special and a greater debt,
since God not only created us but
purchased us as well; what can we
regard as our own when we do not
possess even ourselves?

- Paulinus of Nola

--

We are all asked to do more than we can do.
Every hero and heroine of the Bible does
more than he or she would have thought it
possible to do, from Gideon to Esther to Mary.
Jacob, one of my favorite characters, certainly
wasn't qualified. He was a liar and a cheat; and
yet he was given the extraordinary vision of
angels and archangels ascending and descending
a ladder which reached from earth to heaven.

- Madeleine L'Engle

--

All that is sweet, delightful, and amiable
in this world, in the serenity of the air,
the fineness of seasons, the joy of light,
the of sounds, the beauty of colors, the
fragrancy of smells, the splendor of
precious stones, is nothing else but Heaven
breaking through the veil of this world.

- William Law

--

ON THIS DAY

January 27th - February 2nd

Provided from the archives
of the New York Times

Robert Frost Dies in Boston
http://tinyurl.com/bz6cnlg

Gandhi Murdered by Hindu Extremist
http://tinyurl.com/atcwj7u

Black Students Begin Sit In in Greensboro
http://tinyurl.com/bx4v8nu

US congress Abolishes Slavery
http://tinyurl.com/b7clx3l

***

CLOSING THOUGHT -

Colleague Isabel Gibson:

Did you hate math class?  OK,
you econometrics, engineering,
IT, math and physics majors reading
this (all five of you!) are excused
from answering this one. You arts,
education and business types—how did
you feel about math class? Endless
hours of tedious, incomprehensible
and purposeless stuff, right?

What a shame. Worse, what a failure of
imagination—if not in individual math
teachers then in curriculum designers.
Mathematical concepts can clarify our
day-to-day thinking in areas as diverse
as public policy discussions and proposal
writing.  Join me in celebrating just
two such…

The 'necessary but not sufficient' construct,
in which we distinguish between conditions
that are surely required, yet not by themselves
enough, to bring about a desired outcome. How
much argumentation about social problems and
solutions could be avoided by adopting this
simple phrase and, by extension, admitting that
complex problems often do not have single
solutions?

The 'disjoint set', in which we carve up the
universe of things into mutually exclusive
categories that cover all instances. Think
of the 'animal, vegetable, mineral' of the
Twenty Questions game we played as kids
(And who knew those categories originated
with Linnaeus?  Thanks again to Wikipedia!).
Simple categorizations help us cover all the
bases, while keeping 'like' with 'like' and
'different' somewhere else!  To see the
quintessential example of a non-disjoint
set (albeit likely an artificial one),
check out this supposed ancient Chinese
taxonomy of animals, and contrast it with
what Linnaeus did.

No matter where we find its tools — even
in math class — may we treasure the gift
of clear thinking.

--

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

(end)