Newsletter, January 26th, 2009

"There's Probably No God - Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
That bus campaign launched by the young British women pictured here offended some.  I think it's cute. But the slogan assumes a kind of God many Christians have already done away with - the wrathful God who only wants to get in your way, cause you trouble and stop you from having fun.  But I have met lots of Christians who believe Jesus came to bring us into abundant living.  We may not yet be the most fun people to be around, but I think we are pointed in the right direction.  Maybe the doubledecker ad is worth contemplating though.  Does our belief in God and the way we practice our faith get in the way of abundant life or does it open the door to healthier, happier and more fulfilled living for all?

Check out this Quicktime movie which explains the motivation behind this ad campaign.

And if you thought the Brits were too bold, consider the Italians of Genoa who imagined posting a more strident message on their public transit. "The bad news is that God does not exist. The good news is that we do not need him."  However, local politicians and RC clergy managed to quash that initiative before it even saw the light of day.  It's always heartening to see the Church and State cooperating, isn't it?
 

St. Timothy's Anglican Bible Church

Well, it's about time the Anglican Diocese of Montreal got its very own breakaway church.  I was beginning to feel that we would be left out of the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC).  Now there is a safe place to go for those of us who strongly disagree with the church blessing two people who are in love.

While there is a lot of hand wringing on both sides of this equation, I wonder, what's the big deal?  If some of the parishioners from St. Augustine's in Pointe Claire and other West Island Anglican parishes really feel that strongly about the issue - that same-sex blessings are wrong - then it makes sense for them to form a new parish on the basis of that belief.  After all, this is what we have done for thousands of years, break communion with each other over matters of doctrine and practice. 

Of course it's a shame that we couldn't continue to live together even in our disagreement.  That we couldn't have continued on a path of discernment and respect even in our discomfort. But hey, sometimes you just gotta make your stand, and that's what some folks have chosen to do.

But why break apart over this issue?  Do you really want to be a part of church that is borne out of its objection to the love professed by two men or two women for each other? Doesn't that give the world the wrong message, that we are against love?

The poet Elizabeth Alexander, who read her poem Praise Song for the Day, at the Presidential Inauguration, asked, "What if the mightiest word is love?" 

Who are we to object, who are we to withhold our blessing from those who claim to love one another?  And in the same spirit, who are we to object, who are we to withhold our blessing from those, who in good conscience, decide that they must leave this Anglican communion?  And what if in all of this, we practised the mightiest word of all, love?

"And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance..."  (The Rev. Joseph Lowery, from the benediction at the Presidential Inauguration)

An Inner Life with New Meaning
-- Krista Tippett

"As the indicators by which we've measured our collective well-being in recent years continue to plummet, I found a conversation with Parker Palmer echoing in my head.  He and I spoke years ago on the radio program Speaking of Faith about his mid-life experience of clinical depression, about which he has written searchingly and made rich sense in later life.  He told me about a psychiatrist who helped him move to a new level of healing by asking him, "Could you begin to imagine your depression not as an enemy that is crushing you — but as a friend pressing you down to ground on which it is safe to stand?"  His description of the unrealistically elevated heights of ego and freneticism that preceded his psychological depression — an unsustainable, inflated sense of what is normal — was startlingly analogous with our economic present..."
(click on link for the complete column)

Seeds Scattered and Sown: Studies in the History of Canadian Anglicanism.
Knowles, Norman, ed.
Read a review of the book by Linden Rogers.

Singing Valentine
Once again, Mile End Community Mission is fund-raising while giving joy to many people. On Valentine's Day, we will sing, by telephone, a valentine of your choice to someone special in your life. We are willing to call long-distance.

All you need to do is :
1. Choose a song from the attached poster.
2. Send us the name(s) of the person(s) to whom you would like us to sing
3) their telephone number, and
4) suggested time(s) to call - between 2 and 8pm Saturday, February 14th.
Send us a cheque for $20.00 for each singing valentine.

Reservations can be made by phone (514) 274-3401 or by e-mail at general@mileendmission.org 

 

EVENTS in 2009:

Femmes et ministères ordonnés: Des pratiques qui interpellent
Dimanche le 15 février 2009, de 10 h à 15 h 30 Christ Church Cathedral 1444, Avenue Union, Montréal — McGill Coût : 15 $ incluant le repas

Participation à la célébration eucharistique avec la communauté anglicane.
Présidée par Rev. Joyce Sanchez Chanoine de la cathédrale anglicane Christ Church.
La célébration se déroule en anglais avec la possibilité d’avoir un texte bilingue.
— Dîner Un repas léger sera partagé.
— Panel : partage d’expériences et d’échanges
Joyce Sanchez, chanoine de la cathédrale anglicane Christ Church et membre du International Anglican Women’s Network; Marie Bouclin, ordonnée dans le mouvement du Danube et pasteure associée de la communauté catholique Christ the Servant.
Marie-Andrée Roy, membre de la collective L’Autre Parole et professeure au département de sciences religieuses de l’UQAM.
Jocelyne Hudon, Centre de ressourcement spirituel Versant-La-Noël et animatrice au diocèse de Chicoutimi de 1991 à 2007.

Inscription nécessaire avant le 6 février 2009
514 • 524 • 3561 poste 600 ou formation@centrestpierre.org

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.

There will be an opportunity at this time to register for the various free lectures and workshops planned, including subjects such as Celtic Art, the History of Celtic Christianity, Women in the Celtic World, and others.  View the pdf poster.
Please register by calling (514) 486-1753 or by e-mail at kholmes@montreal.anglican.ca 
 

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.

 

Lay Reader Workshops in 2009
at MDTC, 3475 University, Montreal
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.

The Soul of All Great Design
a novel by Neil Bissoondath.  Book Discussion and encounter with the author.
3 Tuesday Evenings and 1 Saturday afternoon. Registration: $50

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 from 6 pm to 8 pm
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009, from 6 pm to 8 p
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009, from 6 pm to 8 pm
Saturday, February 7th, 2009 from 1 pm to 3 pm.

All sessions take place at the Montreal Diocesan Theological College, 3475 University, Montreal.
(On University, below Milton.)
On our 3 Tuesday evenings, we will explore the world of the novel as it impacts us as readers. How has the creative imagination of the author sparked our own creative thoughts and imaginations?

On the Saturday session we welcome an encounter with the author himself,
Neil Bissoondath.  Our 4 sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Norman F. Cornett.

Vital Church Planting Conference February 17-19th, 2009
The Vital Church Planting conference, now approaching its third year, it is becoming  venue where some of the most creative and entrepreneurial leaders of our church—bishops, clergy and lay leaders from across the country—are gathering to learn, to discuss, to pray, and to strategize for a new future.

The Rev. Paul Bayes is the National Mission and Evangelism Adviser to the Archbishops' Council. Paul has extensive experience of parish life, evangelism, church planting and developing different forms of new congregations.
 

The Rev. Canon Phil Potter is Director of Pioneer Ministry for the Diocese of Liverpool. Phil has been a leading figure developing Cell Church nationally, and the church he led for twenty years has developed several exciting pioneer projects, including the very successful Kings Table café. He is author of two books, "The Challenge of Cell Church" and "The Challenge of Change--Shaping Change and Changing the Shape of Church."

Come join us at St. Paul’s Bloor Street Toronto, February 17-19 2009.
Help shape the future.

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.
 

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.
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."

See the book, The Misunderstood Jew at Amazon 


"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.

---

Praise Song for the Day
by Elizabeth Alexander

(A Poem for Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration)

Each day we go about our business,
walking past each other, catching each other's
eyes or not, about to speak or speaking.

All about us is noise. All about us is
noise and bramble, thorn and din, each
one of our ancestors on our tongues.

Someone is stitching up a hem, darning
a hole in a uniform, patching a tire,
repairing the things in need of repair.

Someone is trying to make music somewhere,
with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum,
with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.

A woman and her son wait for the bus.
A farmer considers the changing sky.
A teacher says, Take out your pencils. Begin.

We encounter each other in words, words
spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed,
words to consider, reconsider.

We cross dirt roads and highways that mark
the will of some one and then others, who said
I need to see what's on the other side.

I know there's something better down the road.
We need to find a place where we are safe.
We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

Say it plain: that many have died for this day.
Sing the names of the dead who brought us here,
who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges,

picked the cotton and the lettuce, built
brick by brick the glittering edifices
they would then keep clean and work inside of.

Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day.
Praise song for every hand-lettered sign,
the figuring-it-out at kitchen tables.

Some live by love thy neighbor as thyself,
others by first do no harm or take no more
than you need. What if the mightiest word is love?

Love beyond marital, filial, national,
love that casts a widening pool of light,
love with no need to pre-empt grievance.

In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air,
any thing can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp,

praise song for walking forward in that light.