Newsletter, February 27th, 2009

"Remember that you are dust -
and to dust you shall return"
That kind of takes the pressure off, don't you think, when you're reminded that you will soon be reduced to dust and ashes?  While we take ourselves so seriously for such a short time, it is good to keep eternity in mind and remember that all our plans, all our opinions, and all the things we accumulate here during our day eventually finds its way back to the earth. Even these bodies of ours.  Really, it's a relief, this insight of Lent and it allows up to perhaps loosen up a little - with ourselves and with each other.  Breathe in the sweet smell of burning palm leaves and bear the sign of the cross on your forehead, emblem of both your death and your newly awakened life.


Interesting Stuff Online:

Obama's Theologian: David Brooks and E.J. Dionne on Reinhold Niebuhr and the American Present.  From American Public Radio: Speaking of Faith
"President Obama has cited Reinhold Niebuhr's teachings as significant in shaping his ideas about politics and governance. In a public conversation, we discuss the great public theologian's legacy and ideas — and what influence they may play in the future of American politics."  Video or audio podcast.  Free.
 

Radical Abundance: A Theology of Sustainability
Free streaming webcasts of the Trinity Institute's 2009 lecture series.

"As we rethink how to grow, build, supply, consume, dispose, and recycle everything in our lives, we often fail at partnering with the marginalized and powerless, and thus adversely affect them. Building sustainable communities goes hand-in-hand with thoughtful building of infrastructures and physical spaces. Is there a theological basis for living abundantly while striving for justice and sustainability?"

Vision 2019
"Now it's your turn. It's your turn to tell the leaders and the planners of the Anglican Church of Canada what you want your church to be.

This is Vision 2019-a church-wide survey, a kind of virtual listening tour where every Canadian Anglican's voice will be heard, and, we promise, listened to and appreciated. You-Canadian Anglicans-are invited to discern, dream, and decide where you think God calls your church to be in 2019. What road must we travel to get there?"

Check out the free, downloadable six session study Five Marks of Mission.
 

In the Diocese of Montreal:

The Revd James B. Pratt will be inducted as the new incumbent of the parish of St Philip, Montreal-West, on Thursday, March 5th at 7:30pm.  Everyone is welcome. Clergy are invited to robe, the liturgical colour will be purple.

Executive Director for Tyndale St. George's Community Center
Applications for this position are being accepted until March 5th, 2009

 

EVENTS in 2009:

Get on Board: Songs and Stories of the Underground Railroad
Friday, February 27th at 7:30 pm at St. George's Anglican Church, Place du Canada.
1101 Stanley, Montreal.  Visit the web page for more details.

In this captivating one man show, the Reverend Robert Bergner plays the Reverend John Newton -- former slave ship captain, former anti-slavery activist, author of the celebrated hymn Amazing Grace -- as Newton recounts the extraordinary stories, sings the extraordinary songs, and brings to life the extraordinary characters of the Underground Railroad, that invisible line which carried slaves from bondage in the southern United States, through the hidden dangers of the northern states, into freedom in the British territory of Canada."

Come learn the coded meanings of well-loved spiritual songs such as Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Deep River. Come hear the stories of Underground Railroad conductors such as Harriet Tubman and Calvin Fairbanks. Hear, also, of the somber, violent, often tragic ways of plantation life. Come rejoice as the Gospel Train rolls inexorably northward towards the promised land of milk and honey and freedom -- Campground, Canaan…Canada!

Brothers and sisters, you really oughta be there!
 

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND FEMALE OFFENDERS: Is it different for women?  

Supported by encouraging scientific observation and positive first-hand experiences, restorative justice (RJ) is increasingly being applied in Canada.  But within that context, what has been the experience of restorative justice and women offenders? Does it work?

Friday, February 27, 2009 16:00 – 18:00
Université de Montréal – Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Room P-310
Light refreshments will be served at 15:45

Open the flyer in English or French.

 

Theatre: Blessed Are They
at St. James United Church, Montreal from February 19th to March 8th.

"There is a theory that one of the roots of theatre is worship. If that is the case, then it is only natural that Infinithéâtre, would take on the question of faith in life.

"A minister, his beliefs riddled with doubt and uncertainty, is confronted by a new member of the congregation whose life has been saved by his rebirth in Christ. Set in a small rural community in contemporary Québec, the two figures, one based upon Apostle Paul, the other on Apostle Peter struggle to define true faith. Does Salvation come from good deeds or by accepting Christ as a personal Saviour?"
 

 

DOXA A Three Part Course in Christian Discipleship Thursday Evenings from Feb. 26th – Oct. 22nd 2009 5:30 p.m. Holy Communion (optional) 6:00 p.m. Dinner    Teaching 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. For registration please call St. James the Apostle Church office at 514-849-7577 Deadline for registration:  February 12th 2009 Download the pdf flyer here. Leaders: The Rev’d. Canon Linda Borden Taylor and The Ven. Peter D. Hannen Sponsored by the Church of St. James the Apostle and the Centre for Lay Education DOXA means GLORY. As a course title this reflects the conviction that the glory of God is encountered in the ordinary experiences of life. DOXA focuses upon the Eucharist because this is at the heart of most Sunday Worship. The Eucharist is where the church gathers and celebrates the Gospel dramatically. It is the ongoing sacramental sign of the grace of God. By engaging with the practices of Eucharistic worship, DOXA focuses on “what we are doing as we worship and what this is doing to us.” DOXA is not about teaching the Liturgy so much as disclosing how the liturgy opens Christians up to God’s transforming grace. Each week focuses on a particular aspect of the Eucharist. Sessions include prayer time, a reflection on liturgical practice, exploration of a Bible passage and a challenge task to work on for the next session.

Join in a Celebration of CELTIC SPIRITUALITY
Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
The Church of St. Columba (Anglican)
4020 Hingston Ave (corner Notre-Dame-de-Grace Ave)
$12.00 for adults (children free)
The Church of St. Columba is Hosting an Evening of Feasting, Story-Telling, Music and Dancing to Inaugurate the Opening Of The 2009 Centre For CELTIC SPIRITUALITY.

Workshops:

March 3rd:    A History of Celtic Christianity with Dr. Pamela Bright
March 10th:  Celtic Art with Sara Terreault
March 17th:  Celtic Paganism with Robyn Stroll
March 24th:  Women and the Celtic Tradition with Sonya Ocampo-Gooding
March 31st:   Celtic Music with Jim McDermott
April 14th:     Celtic Perspectives on Creation with Moira Carley
May 2nd:      Beltane Retreat at Manoir d'Youville with Sara Terreault

Please register by calling (514) 486-1753 or by e-mail at kholmes@montreal.anglican.ca 
Open the brochure for all the details on the workshops.

Christ Church, Beaurepaire: 455 Church Street, Beaconsfield, QC H9W 3S Tel: 514-697-2204 Click here for the brochure outlining all these events. And visit the web site at www.stillpresence.com   Ongoing Meditation Practice Mondays 7:00 - 7:45 pm beginning Jan.12th The format includes a guided meditation, time to discuss our practice, and silent group meditation. Participants are encouraged to discover the form of contemplative prayer that suits them best. Led by: The Rev. Cedric Cobb and the Rev. Michael Johnson. Supporting the Contemplative Life Taking Jesus Seriously, Part 1, Mondays 8:00 - 8:45  am, Jan.12th to Feb.16th Contemplative Practice - Introductory Classes Mondays 6:15 - 6:45 pm, Feb.2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd Contemplative Eucharist 1st Fridays 7:00 - 8:00 pm.  Feb.6th, Mar.6th, Apr.3rd, May1st Each month, we offer a Eucharistic service that is focused on listening to the presence of God within. Half-Day Retreats: The Seasons of the Spirit Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 12 Noon, Mar. 14th, June 20th, Sept. 12th, Dec. 19th Everyone is invited to these events being held at Christ Church, Beaurepaire.

Kidstuff presents:
The Winter Gathering for Christian Education Leaders and Teachers
Topic: How do you set your goals for Children's Ministry?

Saturday, March 7th, from 9:30 am to 2 pm.  Lunch is provided.
at Fulford Hall, 1444 Union Ave. Montreal. Metro McGill.
See the flyer for details.

Please RSVP by March 1st   kidstuff@montreal.anglican.ca 
 

Lay Reader Workshops in 2009
at MDTC, 3475 University, Montreal. 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
The Saturday workshops are open to all interested persons. $10 registration.
For full information, go the the Lay Readers' Website

Saturday, Feb.28th.  "An Anglican Theology: What makes us tick?"  Canon John Simons
Saturday, March 28th. "Genesis: Story or History?"  The Rev. Dr. Patricia Kirkpatrick
April 3rd to 5th.  Lay Readers' Retreat with Bishop Ann Tottenham
Saturday, May 30th. "Pastoral Care by Lay Readers"  The Rev. Michael Johnson
Saturday, Sept. 26th.  "Proclaiming the Good News with a Clear Voice" Carol Hague
Saturday, October 31st.  "Preaching the Good News"  Canon Paul Jennings
Saturday, November 28th.  Study Day and Commissioning. Location TBA.

West Island Women's Retreat
March 6th to 8th, with the Rev. Eileen Steele,
at Villa Marguerite Convent, 9409 Gouin Blvd, Pierrefonds, Quebec.
Beginning on Friday evening after supper (registration commences at 6 pm) and ending at about 2 pm on Sunday.   Cost is $110.  Information and registration, please call Emily Edgley at 514-453-0883.
 

Filthy Lucre: How our Faith Informs out Attitudes to Money
Tuesdays: March 17th, 24th, 31st  from 7-9 pm.
At St. Mark's Church in Dorval,  865 Lakeshore Avenue.

Join us over 3 evenings to discuss the current economic downturn and how we have handled money over the ages.

 

“Women in the Christian Tradition”
Workshop led by Dr. Rowshan Nemazee.  PDF poster with further details.
Friday, March 27; Saturday, March 28;
Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2009

Dr. Nemazee holds a B.A. from Trinity College of Vermont and M.A., Ph.D. from McGill University and is presently a visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. She specializes in women and the Christian Tradition/Feminist Theology.

"This course comprises a survey of women's involvement in the Christian tradition. It traces and critically evaluates the evolution of religious and philosophical thinking about women from biblical times to the present. The development of Christian women’s experiences and expression is explored primarily within a western frame of reference. Topics include feminist interpretation of scripture, ideas of virginity, marriage and motherhood, mysticism, asceticism, European witch hunts, and contemporary women's liberation theories. Discussions will focus on the ways in which formidable women have responded to the gospel message by challenging the church, restructuring socio-religious and familial roles, articulating their subjectivity, negotiating with tradition, and formulating woman-centered theologies and literary aesthetics."

Sponsorship of Refugees:  What does it mean?
How can churches work together to sponsor a refugee?
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009, 7 pm at St. George’s Church, Ste Anne de Bellevue
Open the poster with further details.

An Information Meeting hosted by the Anglican Deanery of Ste. Anne and St.George’s Anglican Church in Ste. Anne de Bellevue.
This is an exploratory session to provide information about refugee sponsorship.

Speaker: The Rev. Glynis Williams, Director of Action Refugies Montréal and Diocesan Coordinator of Refugee Sponsorship
Members of PWRDF will be present to describe a 50th anniversary
sponsorship project.

 

The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus
with guest speaker Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of NT at Vanderbilt University,
Divinity School in Nashville, TN.  Open the brochure in pdf.
April 17th at 7:30 pm and April 18th at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm.
All addresses will be given at Fulford Hall, Anglican Diocese of Montreal,
1444 Union Avenue in Montreal.

"A self-described 'Yankee Jewish feminist who teaches in a predominantly Protestant divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt,' Levine combines historical-critical rigor, literary-critical sensitivity, and a frequent dash of humor with a commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies."

1) “Jesus and Judaism: The Connection Still Matters”
Friday, April 17th, at 7:30 pm
 

2) “Hearing the Parables through Jewish Ears”
Saturday, April 18th, at 9:30 am
 

3) “Misunderstanding Judaism, Misunderstanding Jesus”
”Saturday, April 18th at 1:00 pm

 

All three lectures and discussions will take place at Fulford Hall, 2nd floor of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal offices.

 

Cost: Register early and save!  www.utc.ca   Register through the United Theological College
$60 before April 3rd
$75 after April 3rd

Or $30 per lecture .

"Praying for the People"
Diocesan Workshop on Intercessory Prayer for all who lead the Prayers of the People.

Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 10am-3pm with lunch
Location: St. George’s Anglican Church,
Place du Canada, Montreal.
Workshop Leader: The Venerable Edward Simonton

Overview: What should be in the Prayers and What should not. How to prepare the Prayers of the People (Church, World, Suffering, Dead)
How to use Cycles of Prayer (Anglican Cycle of Prayer, Diocesan, Provincial, Companion Dioceses)
Resources for Sunday Gospel Themed Intercessions
Different Styles of Intercession: BCP & BAS Formal Style, Taize Style, Sung Litanies, the Use of Versicles and Responses.  The Use of Prayers for the Faithful Departed
How to be Creative in ‘branching out’ without being distracting

Please contact Nicki Hronjak or 514 843 6577 to register by April 1, 2009.
A contribution of $10 per person covers lunch and supplies.

 

PWRDF Presents "The Three Cantors"
on Saturday, May 9th, at Christ Church Cathedral, Montreal
(More information later on.)

Ask & Imagine
May 10-21, 2009
This program is for young adults ages 18-26. The program is meant for people currently in College, CEGEP, University, employed, or just taking time off school to figure out the next steps in life!

In the May program, young adults with mentors, aboriginal elders, guest speakers and peer leaders explore their lives and world issues through the eyes of faith. You will further develop your own unique gifts for leadership and ministry, wherever your path is taking you.

Refresh: Continuing Education Conference
May 12-15, 2009 at Wycliffe College
Christ is our peace. And yet, innumerable walls of hostility between us – as people, a nations – persist. Diversity. Justice. Our society’s watchwords point us to the reality that we suffer division if the painful past is not addressed. But how can we do that without a new round of recrimination? These questions lie at the heart of the ministry of the Church – the body of Christ – which is called by God from “every family, language and people.” This year at Refresh, our speakers are those who describe the Church’s ministry of reconciliation from many perspectives:

Archbishop John Sentamu, who addresses questions of racism and injustice in his Episcopal ministry;

William (Paul) Young, author of The Shack, who stresses that our spiritual lives need to ask the hard questions about past wrongs if forgiveness is to be possible;

Bishop Graham Cray, whose work in Fresh Expressions is about new ways of responding to the alienation of the unchurched.

Crosstalk Ministries is celebrating 30 years of Day Camps!!!
We would like to invite you to St. Matthew's Church, for our Service of Praise and Thanksgiving, on Sunday, May 3, 2009, 10:30am, to help us celebrate. Our speaker will be the Reverend Doctor Brett Cane. We pray you can join us!

Poverty Justice Camp 2009 - "Finding Abundance"
Justice Camp 2009 will be hosted August 9-15, 2009 by the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Focused on the topic of poverty, which will be reflected upon in the light of biblical study and prayer, Poverty Justice Camp will be based at the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the opening and closing days of the camp, with immersion experiences taking place throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Trinity Institute 2010
January 27-29, 2010 at Trinity Church, New York
With Rowan Williams, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury,
and Sir Partha Dasgupta and Kathryn Tanner.

With unprecedented economic challenges all around us, what role does theology have in defining a new economy? Surely the market will be shaped by stricter regulation, but beyond those mechanisms, lay and clergy have an opportunity to create an ethical economy that serves humanity and builds community.

At Trinity Institute’s 2010 Conference, we will bring together leading theologians and economists to talk about the relationship between economics and Christian belief and action.
 

---

The Bat - by Jane Kenyon

I was reading about rationalism,
the kind of thing we do up north
in early winter, where the sun
leaves work for the day at 4:15

Maybe the world is intelligible
to the rational mind;
and maybe we light the lamps at dusk
for nothing...

Then I heard the wings overhead.

The cats and I chased the bat
in circles—living room, kitchen,
pantry, kitchen, living room...
At every turn it evaded us

like the identity of the third person
in the Trinity: the one
who spoke through the prophets,
the one who astounded Mary
by suddenly coming near.