News from CCS and the CCS community
It’s always a joy to gather with friends, to share delights of the season and sing in community. As one person who missed this year’s gathering commented, “ I love coming to Cookies and Carols because we sing the less familiar carols.” This year was no exception. In fact, as people came and went, sometimes…
If we were to glance around the table of the new Denominational Executive appointed at the 43rd General Council of the United Church of Canada, we would note, perhaps, the diversity that was there. With intention, this executive draws from people who bring different backgrounds and complexity in ethnicity, ministry in the church (paid accountability,…
In 1977, Deb Hinksman was a young theology student and candidate for ordination when she met CCS principal Marion Niven at a conference. When Marion asked Deb what she planned to do after graduation, Deb described to her a ministry of working with people (children, family, youth work), programming and education and learning. She remembers…
We are pleased to announce that the 2019 Companion of the Centre recipient will be Rev. Canon Nancy Ford.
Hark! The herald angels, aka those of us gathered, sing! This includes you. If you are in or around Winnipeg, join us at Woodsworth House on Friday, December 14 for our annual open house carol sing. There will be hot beverages and tasty snacks and a chance to hang out and sing some of your favourite…
It was a gorgeous fall afternoon in October. My partner and I wanted to celebrate the day, find a wonderful place to be outside. We remembered an area of woods in Winnipeg, inside the city but what seems like miles away, the Bois des Esprits. The Seine River runs through it and it’s watched over…
Tea parties are not a thing of the past at the Centre for Christian Studies. It’s always fun to gather in celebration with people who love this place. A tea was held at the Centre for Christian Studies on Friday, November 16. Approximately 30 people — friends, graduates, and volunteers — attended as guests.
Each day began with a sermon. It`s customary to start the morning with worship at a CCS learning circle. Usually this involves singing a hymn or two, a prayer, maybe a scripture reading and a reflection question or activity. Seldom does morning worship include a sermon. But for last month`s theme learning circle on Worship,…
The Centre for Christian Studies has been in Winnipeg for 20 years! On November 16 CCS will host an Anniversary Tea Party, physically for friends who are near enough to drop by and virtually for those who are farther away. Enjoy tea and cupcakes at Woodsworth House if you’re in Winnipeg. Join us virtually if you’re not….
The traditional “back to school” time means that students have been gathering this fall at Woodsworth House to explore, challenge and be challenged, laugh and cry and wonder together.
This time of year is both exhilarating and nerve-racking for our Integration Year students as these four prepare for their United Church final Candidacy interviews. One of the tools that helps them prepare is the Credo assignment, which asks them to write a one-page personal faith statement and a 10 page explanatory paper on what informs…
When men from the local correctional facility started volunteering at St. Andrews United in Yorkton, it tranformed everyone. Diaconal minister Jen Dresser shares this story. Three summers ago, the church people had gone to the lake and no one could mow the lawn. That’s when it started. Whitespruce Training Centre—a pilot project at a new…
Community, Grief, and Learning: An Interview with Brenda Curtis and Keith Hall On April 6, 2018, the bus of the Humbolt Broncos hockey team collided with a semi truck. Sixteen people died, including team statistician Brody Hinz. CCS graduate Brenda Curtis and Integration Year student Keith Hall conducted Brody’s memorial service. Janet Ross spoke to Brenda…
Diane Trollope is a retired diaconal minister in Ontario. The warmth is releasing us very slowly into the era of cool air and colour. It has been very hot! Many are facing challenges not asked for after the horror of fires, floods and loss of life. We need to love! We can pray and alter…
Alana Martin is a current student at CCS. Her mother, Martha Martin, a diaconal minister, graduated from the Centre in 1998. Courageous Risking, the 2018 gathering of DUCC (Diakonia of the United Church of Canada) happened in Winnipeg this past April. Taking part in several nights of the DUCC Conference was so beneficial. First, spending time…