Thoughts, prayers, anecdotes, opinions, and personal reflections of CCS staff
This week we feature CCS grad and Companion of the Centre, Elizabeth Brain. Elizabeth writes: “Has God ever opened doors for me! In 1987 my life was in transition. There were so many questions and doubts. I was a cradle Anglican, a regular and engaged church member. I had been a physician in England where…
Principal Maylanne Maybee writes: I’m writing this on the eve of Canada Day weekend, poised to take the first two weeks of my vacation–with a long list of things to be done before I leave. After almost one full year in my role as Principal of CCS, I think I need a rest, but there’s…
CCS student Beth Walker reflects on the recent BC Conference, and Day 2, ‘Artist in Residence’: “It was day two of the British Columbia Conference and time for the incoming ordinates to give a small presentation to the court. My heart raced on their behalf; keenly aware that I would be addressing a similar group…
From Principal Maylanne Maybee: Conferences and Meetings!! June is the month of conferences, meetings, and gatherings. And I’ve been going to my fair share of them… Two weekends ago I had breakfast with DUCC members and made a presentation about CCS at the Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Conference Annual Meeting in Winnipeg – using Scott Douglas’…
In 2009/10 Peggy Edwards studied the Canadian Grandmothers To Grandmothers Campaign to find answers to the question: “How do we engage, nurture and sustain older women advocates in civil society?” Her work is captured in the inspiring 12-minute video “Voices of Advocacy: Older Women Speak Out”, which won top prize in documentary films at the…
As part of our ongoing “About You” series, in which members of the CCS community talk about their lives, their ministry, and their connection to the Centre in their own words, we bring you 2010 CCS grad Helen Reed. Helen is a member of the CCS Central Council, chairs the Communications and Promotions Committee, and…
Principal Maylanne Maybee writes:The threshold of the years. My mother sent me a note on the anniversary of my ordination to the diaconate – May 28, 1978. She’s the only one who remembers! I was ordained in the seventies, when most deacons were young men fresh out of theological school, preparing for a “career” as…
Alice Hanson is 2012 graduate of the Centre for Christian Studies. In Alice’s words: “My roots were deeply embedded in the Lutheran tradition, growing up in a clergy family and then offering my music gifts in worship leadership in my adult years. A two-year volunteer program with Lutheran Missions overseas as a teacher in Papua…
Principal Maylanne Maybee writes: Once every three or four months, the CCS staff team holds a longer than usual meeting that includes lunch, and allows us to delve more deeply into issues we want to address in common. We did just that last week. Our purpose was to reflect on the realities of being a…
Things are quiet once again at CCS. The Pastoral Care Year spring learning circle ended last Thursday. The following poem by Ted Dodd was used as part of a session on advocacy in pastoral care. (If you want more thought-provoking words, here are some other poems and quotations from that session.) STRATEGIES/START-EGIES FOR MAKING THE VISION…
CCS Principal Maylanne Maybee writes: Springing forward from a successful Annual General Meeting and year. Last week was a good week! On a personal level, the Human Resources Committee conducted my probation review and will be recommending that I be made “permanent”. The process was gracious, carefully done, and clear. I am grateful not only…
Mark is a current student in the Diaconal Ministries program at the Centre for Christian Studies. Mark writes: “ I don’t need to tell you that the life of a minister can be busy. When you add on a family life, and full time school to your 3-point charge it becomes quite a workload. But…
Principal Maylanne Maybee writes: So far, just enough people have registered for next week’s Annual General Meeting of Friends of CCS to meet our quorum (15 voting Friends, at least five Anglican and five United Church), but more is better. What if there’s a snowstorm or someone falls on the ice? Every Friend counts, every…
Principal Maylanne Maybee writes: In the last two weeks I have participated in or thought about circles in a number of ways. Top of the list are the circles we encourage you to create in your home communities to participate in the Annual Meeting on the theme of Celebrations and Challenges, on Wednesday, February 29…
Dave Robinson is a former CCS student and a member of the CCS Communications and Promotions Committee. He currently lives in Toronto with his spouse and daughter, working as Director of Congregational Development for the Diocese of Toronto. In Dave’s Words: “In September of 1985 I walked in the doors of the old CCS on…