Gearing Up and Moving Forward

The new school year is about to start. CCS program staff have been selecting readings and updating session plans for learning circles. The CCS website has had a bit of a refresh. We’ve got a new database to help us keep connected to our students, alumni, volunteers, supporters, and community. We had a few days of intensive staff community-building and planning to help us work together effectively. And we have a new Principal starting in a few months! …Don’t quote me on this, but I think we’re ready to go!

Strategic Planning Implementation Updates

Continuing to be guided by the wisdom of our fall 2024 Strategic Plan, CCS is living into…

• the changes of governance and by-laws passed at the last AGM, such as a decrease in number of committees and increased role of Central Council 
• changes in our staffing structure, such as increased staff hours for recruitment and marketing, increased internal financial management, and the reconfiguration of non-program staff positions.
• discerning deeper partnerships with other theological schools for collaborative thriving, sustainability, and hopefully accreditation as a path to student equity and grants. 

In both the Anglican and United Churches, there are real-time changes in the roles of the diaconate and in the landscape of theological education. CCS is ‘at the table’ for these timely denominational conversations, as much as possible, bringing our collaborative creativity, critical analysis, and distinctive diaconal perspectives. We truly value the wisdom, support, and input of all of CCS’s community – alum, volunteers, donors, students, staff, and enthusiasts of every kind. We promise to be transparent and consultative about changes, challenges, and opportunities, as we seek to build a sustainable and vibrant future for CCS’s transformative theological education grounded in diakonia.  Please keep CCS in your prayers, and watch here for more news or ways to engage.

Who’s Who on Staff these Days

We thought you might like a refresher, with all the changes afoot…

• Robyn Cruz – Finance and Administration Coordinator (full-time)
• Scott Douglas – Program coordinator, registrar, library coordinator, marketing and recruitment (full-time)
• Alcris Limongi and Janet Ross – program staff (full-time)
• Gwen McAllister – interim Development Coordinator until October 31^st (half-time)
• Marcie Gibson – interim Principal until October 31^st, and continuing as program staff, primarily working with the Integration Year cohort (half-time)
• And soon to be…. Marlene Britton – Principal for Leadership and Development, starting November 2025 (full-time)