Fairfield United Church is a place that offers a way forward when everything you believe is coming apart. Here you will find companions on a journey – church burnouts, spiritual refugees, and freedom seekers. Whoever you are, wherever you’re at on your journey of faith, you are welcome here. – Beth Walker My congregation, Fairfield…
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 cyclists who would bike into the office on warm summer days, arriving sweaty and a little musty. But the bike rides home were always the…
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 it kills you. Consider the children of Israel, craving cucumbers, garlic, leeks, complaining of manna. And God, exceeding expectations said: “Thou shalt eat quail for…
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 Committee I was asked to write a few words about what I’ve done since graduating from CCS in 1980. Back then I opted to remain…
by Kaitlin Bardswich I like to describe my spiritual identity as a bit of an “ecumenical mutt.” I was raised Roman Catholic, had all the childhood sacraments, and attended Catholic school in southern Ontario. In university, I struggled with my faith and turned to The United Church of Canada for refuge. I found a home…
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 morning. Running and skipping back into the city, Mary’s mind was running too. “What a good mistake, thinking he was the gardener. He is the…
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 ministry happens out in the world. Over and over we ask, Who is God? Who are we? What is our task? And so it is…
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 Christ in Culture. My partner Alana and I were drying up when it came to creativity… till we thought of puppets! Quickly, with the last…
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 living on the streets of Halifax’s North End, all she has left is friends. Faithful friends like Judith, her lawyer, who is helping her take…
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 your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will…
“Learning on Purpose is a crash course in life!” – LoP participant The registration deadline for the Centre’s 2-week introduction to leadership, theology, social justice, spiritual care, and learning-in-community is fast approaching. We still have room for a few more participants, so we’re extending the registration deadline to May 15, 2019. This year Learning on…
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 at St. Mary’s Road United Church in Winnipeg honoured graduates Keith Hall, Tammy Bleue, Lynn McGrath and Marion Martin, along with the 2019 Companion of…
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 that curiosity in me and suggested I check out CCS. I decided to study for my own interest, with no particular end in mind.” It…
On the weekend of March 24 and 25 we will be celebrating the graduation of four students from our Diploma in Diaconal Ministries program, as well as honouring the recipient of the 2019 Companion of the Centre Award, Nancy Ford. You are invited to join us for the CCS banquet on Saturday night (tickets are…
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 her and Ruth at their office in central London. The Methodist Church House occupies a large, old, brown brick office building but the diaconal order…