Category: News

A Pilgrimage to Something New

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 …

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 …

Equality for LGBTQ+ Congregants Is Still a Struggle in Some Canadian Churches

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 …

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 …

Learning on Purpose – registration deadline

“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 …

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 …

Congratulate our 2019 Grads and Companion

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 …

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 …