Newsletter, February 9th, 2010

airplane

Fly Anglican Airways with your captain Ted Friltz
(An mp3 audio file at 3 min. 14 seconds)

Haitian boys

For Updates on Relief Work in Haiti
you can visit the website of the Episcopal Church

To donate money to relief and reconstruction,
you may do so through PWRDF
the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund

Stephen Harper doesn't care

What's Mr. Harper doing these days?

He's hoping you forget the proroguing of Parliament and think of him more kindly as he donates your tax dollars to much needed Haitian relief. He's hoping you'll think better of him when he shows his smiling face at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

But little by little, his government policies and directions seem to be eroding the country that I have been proud of. To mention a few worrisome trends:

Cutting off funding to KAIROS, an ecumenical coalition of Canadian churches promoting human rights around the world. Originally charged as being an anti-Semitic organization, that charge was later withdrawn and replaced with charges that we didn't measure up to CIDA's guidelines.
Charges of being anti-Israeli leading to uncertainty of public funding for Alternatives, a Canadian NGO focusing on human rights.
The Conservative Government's strong arm tactics in suspending and replacing members of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development. Again, charges of being too pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli are a part of this story. (Read the Gazette's Hubert Bauch article from Feb. 3rd.)

Doesn't it seem odd to you that while the government wants want us to believe they care about human rights around the world, here at home the Harper government is quietly cutting off money and strangling those very organizations that seek to work with and uplift the downtrodden of the earth? But then again, maybe Harper is just hoping you either don't notice or don't care. Do you?

Diocese of Montreal:

Children's Spirituality - A Discussion Series
at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 95 Lorne, St. Lambert
Sundays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Feel free to sign up for the whole series or one at a time. Animated by Rhonda Waters and the Rev. Jen Bourque.
See the poster.

Sunday, March 7
Sunday, March 14
Sunday, March 21

Theological Student Robert Camara prepares for his summer internship in Brazil.
Follow him on his blog.

The Montreal Anglican Newspaper, February 2010

In The Footsteps of St. Paul hosted by Bishop Barry Clarke
November 2nd to 13th, 2010 Journeying through Turkey and Greece.
Brochure and Registration available here.

Ministry Matters Magazine Winter 2010 is now online and is featuring a video of Montreal's Mile End Mission!

Judy Oatway is off to Kenya!
She will be going to Kisumu, Kenya for one semester to teach two courses in theology at Bishop Okullu Theological College at Great Lakes University, Kisumu.

Even small donations to the Bishop Okullu Scholarship Fund, payable to the "Diocese of Montreal" will go far to meeting costs of education for theological students in Kenya. All donations/cheques marked: Bishop Okullu Scholarship Fund received by the Diocese will be issued tax receipts... another good way to celebrate Theological Sunday!

Kisumu is in the Diocese of Bondo, approximately 15 km from Lake Victoria.

Bishop Clarke will collate Archdeacon Michael Robson on February 14 at 4 o'clock Evening Prayer at St. Margaret's, St. Hubert.

MDTC Tuesday Evening Course

The Christian Mystics: Finding our way to God
April 6th to May 11th, 2010
Six Tuesday Evenings at
Montreal Diocesan Theological College
with guest lecturer, Donald Boisvert

Registration: $60   Course Book: $20

April 6th: Studying Mystics and Mysticism
April 13th: Mysticism in the Early Church
April 20th: The Glories of Medieval Mysticism
April 27th: Mystics of the Reformation
May 4th:    Orthodox and Early Mysticism
May 11th:   Mystics of the Modern Era

Come and enjoy six mystical evenings together!
Contact Tim Smart to register.
See the flyer outlining the course.

Events in 2010

Support Mile End Community Mission
by ordering your singing Valentine for February 14th.
Surprise someone you love and make a contribution to the Mission.
It's all in the poster.

Brother Emile from Taizé invites you to a time of prayer in Montreal
Saturday, February 20th, 2010 Prayer at 7.00 pm.

Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church
80 de Castelnau St., Montréal, H2R 1P2 Métro : Castelnau.
Contact : Suzanne Lavigueur
tel. 514-336-3018

Fund-Raising Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction
in Support of our Refugee Family
Saturday, February 20th, at 5 pm at St. Mary's Church, 75 Kirkland Blvd, Kirkland.
spaghetti supper
Tickets: $10 for Adults; Children under 10 years, no charge
The Rev. Glynis Williams will be speaking about the joys of sponsorship. Marie Landry and Miriam Hartropp will provide entertainment on piano and flute.

A joint project of St. Mary's in Kirkland and St. George's in Ste. Anne de Bellevue.
More information at 514-694- 4297 or 514-426-0036.

The Rights and Needs of Children
with the Rev. Jean Willcocks
Saturday, February 20th, 9:30 am to 2 pm. Lunch is included
At St. Clement's Church, 4322 Ouimet, in Verdun.

Jean is an Anglican Deacon who owns and operates CPE Riverview Daycare in Verdun. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of children's care and their rights and needs in a Quebec culture.

RSVP to Kidstuff or phone 514-363-6712

Understanding Islam: Conversations with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters
Three Tuesday evenings in Lent at St. Mark's Church, 865 Lakeshore, Dorval, Quebec.
On February 23rd, March 2nd and 9th, at 7:30 pm. All are welcome.

See the bulletin insert. (5 MB, word format)

Briser l’indifférence
Par les artistes du centre de jour St-James
Du 1er au 28 février 2010 1212, rue Panet - Montréal Leclerc

Situé au cœur du quartier Ville-Marie et locataire de l’Église Unie St-James, le centre de jour St-James intervient auprès d'hommes et de femmes adultes, éprouvants des difficultés en situations de vie quotidienne.

Le centre de jour St-James est un organisme à but non lucratif et grâce à des subventions et des dons le centre est en mesure d’offrir un bel espace atelier adapté à leurs besoins, du matériel et des outils adéquats.

L’art en soit est thérapeutique et en s’exprimant par le biais de l’art, les artistes- membres du Centre regagnent de la confiance et surtout de l’estime et nous sommes conscients de cet impact dans leur vie.

Les ventes sont des gestes d'encouragement puisque 50% de celles-ci sont remises à l’artiste et l'autre part sert pour tous autres besoins essentiels pour le Centre.

Pour toute information contacter Anne-Marie Beaulieu,
Coordonnatrice de l’atelier au 514.288.0039 / info@stjamescentre.ca
1440, rue St-Alexandre / Ste-Catherine (entrée des artistes / visiteurs), Montréal
Visitez notre site au www.stjamescentre.ca

Centre St-Pierre 1212, rue Panet
Montréal, QC - H2L 2Y7 -
Tél: 514 524-3561 csp@centrestpierre.org

Réseau Oecuménique du Québec
Annual Meeting, Wednesday, March 17th.
Theme: Église Vert/Green Church (Click here for The brochure)

What better day than Saint Patrick’s Day to discuss Christian concerns regarding the environment?

Throughout time Christians have considered themselves Stewards of God’s creation. Only recently is this responsibility being taken seriously and with an increasing sense of urgency. More so than secularists, Christians can provide a unique holistic and well-rounded approach drawing from their theology, spirituality, morality, music, as exemplified by the Church Fathers.

Participants in this year’s interactive conference will be presented with concrete illustrations, and will leave with an implementation kit in hand that can put into immediate practice in their churches. Spiritual and financial gains are imminent.

PWRDF in Montreal (read their recent newsletter)

February 11th, 2010, at 12 noon. Fulford Hall, 1444 Union Ave.
The Refugee Sponsorship Project with the parishes of St. Georges and St. Mary's.
A presentation on raising awareness and funds for sponsoring a refugee family by the St. Mary's Youth Group.

April 2010
Walking with our Canadian Indigenous Partners, PWRDF Diocesan Anniversary Project
The journey continues with a visit to the Language and Cultural Centre at Kahnawake. Representatives and frriends will have the opportunity to see first hand some of th work described by Dr. Donna Goodleaf during her presentation last March. (Date still to be announced.) PWRDF 50th

May 3rd, 2010, at 5:30 pm at Fulford Hall, 1444 Union Ave
Annual General meeting of Montreal PWRDF and Dinner.
Speaker: Zaida Bastos, PWRDF Coordinator for Africa

June 10th, 2010 Renew, Review, and Look Ahead
Join the Bishop for lunch and Eucharist and the sharing of stories.

Your parish is also invited to join with the parishes of
St. George's Ste. Anne de Bellevue and St. Mary's in Kirkland
in the sponsoring of a refugee family.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of PWRDF, these parishes are inviting others to assist in this project.
Contact Sue Winn or the Rev. Lorne Tardy by September 30th to find out how you and your parish can participate.

The Still Presence at Christ Church, Beaurepaire and Verdun
455 Church Street, Beaconsfield, QC
4322 Wellington in Verdun, QC.
Click here for the January 2010 newsletter.
Events and ongoing meditation practice at Christ Church in Beaurepaire
and at St. Clement's in Verdun.
And visit the web site at www.stillpresence.com

Marriage Preparation Courses 2010
Courses given each month for those preparing for marriage. Enjoy and Friday evening and all-day Saturday together with other couples and two experienced facilitators as you explore the dynamics of marriage and relationships.

Lay Reader Workshops in 2010
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, see the flyer.

Presbyterian College - Continuing Education Week
February 15th to 19th in Montreal.
Join Dr. Anthony B. Robinson, Dr. Jonathan J. Bonk, The Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery, Dr. Ian H. Henderson, and Dr. Ellen Bradshaw Aitken for our annual Continuing Theological Education week in February of 2010 at the Presbyterian College. Register now!

WEST ISLAND WOMEN’S RETREATS
will be held for the year 2010 on the following dates:

February 12-14, 2010 Spiritual Director: Rev. Karla Holmes (Associate Priest at Christ Church Cathedral)

March 12-14, 2010 Spiritual Director: The Rev. Canon Dr. Lettie James
"Encountering God in the Rhythms of the Eucharist"

These Retreats will be held at the Villa Marguerite Convent 9409 Gouin Blvd. West, Pierrefonds, PQ. To register please call: Liz Glasgow 514-453-0883 or Emily Edgley 514-453-7985. Here is the registration form.

A Lenten Prayer Service: Afro-Spiritual Worship
Offered by Phoenix Community Ministries. On Sunday, Feb. 28th, we start with fellowship at 4:30pm, followed by the service at 5:00pm. We are located at 4322 Wellington, Verdun (the large church just west of De L’Eglise metro). Metro De l'Eglise. See the poster.

Cherishing our Love
March 19th and 20th at Fulford Hall, 1444 Union Avenue
"Exploring our Relationship to deepen our Love" For Gay and Lesbian CouplesSponsored by the Centre for Lay Education. Visit the this page for more information.
Registration is $130 per couple.

A Contemporary Way of the Cross - 2010 Sabeel Spring Wellness Visit
April 8th to 17th in Jerusalem, Bethelem and Nazareth.
Sponsored by Sabeel, Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, Jerusalem.
Worship with Palestinian Christians. Reflect with Paletinians Christians and Muslims and Jewish Israelis. Experience the reality of the Palestinian community living under Israeli occupation. Registration deadline, February 25th.

National Episcopal Preaching Conference - "Preaching Jesus"
April 19th to 22nd, 2010. At the Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville, NC.

Guest speakers include: Katherine Jefferts Schori, William Willimon, Thomas Long, Martin Smith, and Lauren Winner.

Community Justice Camp
Live the Change You want to see
May 9th to 14th, 2010

Based at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario (Diocese of Niagara), are well underway. Plenary sessions will be led by Karri Munn-Venn, Socio-Economic Policy Analyst with Citizens for Public Justice; The Rev’d Canon Maylanne Maybee, Deacon, Coordinator for Justice Education and Networks, Partnerships Department, Anglican Church of Canada;
and Mike Balkwill, a community organizer with thirty years, currently engaged in environmental and social justice projects. Read the brochure in pdf.

The Bishop's Golf Tournament
Monday, June 21st, at the Knowlton Golf Club, Knowlton, Quebec
$200 per person, includes brunch, refreshments, cocktails and dinner.
All proceeds benefit the mission work of the diocese.
For further information, please contact Adrienne Clements.

The 2010 National Worship Conference July 4-7, Vancouver
Sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
and the Anglican Church of Canada.

"Taking Care of the Neighbourhood: Worship as Public Work for the Common Good,"
It will be held July 4-7 at the Vancouver School of Theology, on the UBC campus. Speakers include Distinguished Theologian in Residence Dr. Sallie McFague of VST, and award-winning religion columnist Douglas Todd. The event will also feature insightful workshops and inspiring worship. Deadline for early-bird registration is March 15. For more information and registration procedure, please visit the website. See the flyer

Inclusive and Exclusive? Creative Approaches to Reading the Bible Today
July 5th to 16th. Summer School in Biblical Studies. Ripon College, Cuddesdon. bible

With the Bible as the core of so many theological debates in contemporary Christianity, our 2010 Summer School takes a broad look at the complexities of using the Bible today. How do we encounter texts that seem to exclude as well as include? Do we simply learn to live with the tensions, or are there paths that may be negotiated through the texts? What do the texts say and what do they not say? Together we will explore and engage with each other, ask plenty of questions and consider what the answers may be. Visit www.rcc.ac.uk

This Year's Valentine by Philip Appleman

They could
   pump frenzy into air ducts
     and rage into reservoirs,
   dynamite dams
     and drown cities,
   cry fire in theaters
     as the victims are burning,
but
I will find my way through blackened streets
   and kneel down at your side.

They could
   jump the median, head-on,
     and obliterate the future,
   fit .45's to the hands of kids
     and skate them off to school,
   flip live butts into tinderbox forests
     and hellfire half the heavens,
but
in the rubble of smoking cottages
   I will hold you in my arms.

They could
   send kidnappers to kindergartens
     and pedophiles to playgrounds,
   wrap themselves in Old Glory
     and gut the Bill of Rights,
   pound the door with holy screed
     and put an end to reason,
but
I will cut through their curtains of cunning
   and find you somewhere in the moonlight.

Whatever they do with their anthrax or chainsaws,
however they strip-search or brainwash or blackmail,
they cannot prevent me from sending you robins,
all of them singing: I'll be there.

MDTC

Montreal Diocesan Theological College
3475 University
Montreal, Quebec
H3A-2A8

Tim Smart
tel: 514-849-4437

Newsletters

January 6th, 2010

-Advertise your educational event in the next newsletter. Send me your information.

Links

Boken Report
2010 Report for the Diocese of Montreal by Merlyne Boken

Howard Zinn
"Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society."

Half the Sky:
Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

Multimedia Study
Series on Gender Violence
will be available through the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland

Palestine Isreal Ecumenical Forum
The "Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum" (PIEF) is a platform that rallies churches together enabling them to coordinate their efforts and initiatives for a just peace in Palestine-Israel.

Lent and Easter Resources Online
various links compiled at Anglicans Online.

SSJD Toronto
Check out what's happening at the Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine convent.

Education for Ministry
Equipping lay people
for the real world

2009- Centre for Lay Education, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.