One wouldn’t necessarily think that there was a parallel between the historical lives of diaconal ministers and those of artists. Yet Terrie Chedore found one, which she explores in her latest solo exhibit, Whispers in the Sand: a brief history of diaconal ministry, currently on display at Galerie du Séminaire at The United Theological College…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
The essayist Joseph Joubert wrote “To teach is to learn twice.” The same could be said for the role of a mentor, one who facilitates learning through accompaniment and encouragement. CCS graduate Kathy Douglas had this experience as she mentored two diaconal ministry students this past year. “It is always wonderful to find work in…
During General Council 43, various people will be reporting on what’s happening, sharing moments and offering their reflections. Marlene Britton-Walfall gathers with DUCCs and annoints while the Jenga towers fall. Greetings from Marlene. Lunchtime on Tuesday was filled with laughter and animated discussion as the DUCCs at GC43 gathered. It was a wonderful…
During General Council 43, various people will be reporting on what’s happening, sharing moments and offering their reflections. Deborah Laforet and Marlene Britton-Walfall found connection at GC43. General Council is a place to reconnect. As someone who was a candidate in one conference, a student in another, settled into a third, and am now in…
This year, the Centre for Christian Studies held its 2-week signature program, Learning on Purpose, in beautiful Victoria, BC. Christ Church Cathedral provided a dramatic stained glass backdrop and awesome organ music. Students gathered from June 11 – 23 to learn what it means for them to be faith leaders that uplifts others, are analytical…
This past May and June, Conferences across the country gathered for what may be the last time as the United Church moves towards collapsing our 4-court model to 3 and replacing Presbyteries and Conferences with Regions. In the face of change we continued to hold the ancient rituals of our gatherings, marking beginning, endings and…
Theme learning circles for the Centre for Christian Studies’ 2018-2019 school year.
The Oxford Coalition for Social Justice is a small volunteer run group dedicated to addressing multiple issues that negatively impact the life and health of residents in Oxford County, Ontario. It’s not easy taking on large gravel companies who want to carve up the landscape, or challenging a plan to dump garbage in a new…
When I reach Don Evans he’s in a hotel room in Portugal. He’s just woken up from a nap after spending the day touring therapeutic communities for people addicted to drugs and meeting with politicians. Don is the executive director of Our Place in Victoria, BC, and a CCS student. Our Place is a church-supported…
The Centre for Christian Studies is about preparing women and men for ministry. You may be curious where students end up after they graduate. In the last decade over seventy CCS grads have entered into a variety of forms of diaconal ministry. Many serve in rural congregations (34). A number minister in urban teams (16). Some…