Author: CCS

Language of the land

by Karen Orlandi I spent hours trying to learn to say the name of the place where I was staying in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the people who live there. …

“In a good way”

Learning at Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centreby Kim McNaughton “In a good way” is a phrase Elder Rev. Bernice Saulteaux used during prayer and teaching at the Christology learning circle in April.  I …

Minister for the little people

Where are they now? Lori Crocker ~ CCS Grad ~ 1980 Lori Crocker was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Growing up she was involved in Sunday School, children’s choir, Explorers, …

Book Review: The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

Reviewed by Ray McGinnis “The ideal subject of totalitarianism is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (i.e. the …

Communications in 3 Regions

I have worked with Michelle Owens, Principal, for a number of years, back when we were both at the London Conference of The United Church of Canada. We were the …

A Few Considerations Before Ordering Quail

The International Union for Conservation of Nature counts quail as a “species of least concern.” Kill a quail for Christ. No quandary. Kill the bird known to eat hemlock, before …

Threads

From CCS to the United Church General Council office to Writing Workshops to Thailand and Beyond: Threads of Educational Continuity by Ray McGinnis As the new chairperson of the Communication and Promotion …

Resurrection Day

An excerpt taken from the end of Bob Haverluck’s book “Little Sparrows See God Fall” (and rise). This scene takes place after Mary encounters Jesus in the garden on Easter …

Circles of power, pain and singing

At the Centre for Christian Studies, we try to put life at the centre of theology. This does not mean that God is not central, only that we recognize that …

Jesus loved me first

by Karen Orlandi It was late afternoon, at the end of a circle in the darkening days of October and we had to come up with an art installation depicting …

Under the Bridge

a novel by Anne Bishop When stress causes an old trauma to surface, Lucy, a long–time community organizer, teacher and antipoverty activist, loses control of her life. On probation and …

I am no longer surprised by whom I am learning from. . .

by David Hughes 12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is …

Follow Me: Annual Service of Celebration 2019

At our Annual Service of Celebration graduates of the CCS Diploma in Diaconal Ministries reflected on Jesus’ call to “Follow me.” A full sanctuary of friends, family, and special guests …

She recognized curiosity in me…”

Judy Astley (UCC 1990) came to the Centre for Christian Studies as a spiritual seeker.  She says, “Katherine Edmonstone (UCC 1986), the diaconal minister at my church in Kitchener, recognized …

My Visit to the Methodist Diaconal Order of the UK

While in London I was able to visit with Karen McBride, Warden of the Methodist Diaconal Order of the UK, and Ruth Richey, Vice Warden. Karen invited me to visit …