Colleagues List, April 21st, 2013

Vol VIII No. 28 **** Wayne A. Holst, Editor My E-Mail Address: waholst@telusplanet.net ***** Colleagues List Web Site: http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com Canadian Anglicans Google Groups Web Site: http://tinyurl.com/ctwa95e "Quicklinks" are included with many items. Otherwise, scroll down to find your selection in the body of the blog. ***** Dear Friends: This will be my last mailing of Colleagues List until Sunday, May 11th, and after our return home from seventeen days in Turkey. I hope to share some initial thoughts about that intriguing country when I return. -- I received a number of fine communications from colleagues this week, and include them below for your interest and edification. Special Items this Week: A word of thanks is due to those of you who write me, and who may not write but who read Colleagues List without comment. I have a few final words to share on my health and preparation for the trip to Turkey which begins Tuesday, April 23rd and continues to May 9th. -- Colleague Comments: I encourage you to read what the following colleagues have to say: Douglas John Hall - writes of his 'last' book stating that, at 85, he is ready for a rest! "What Christianity is Not" will be introduced a few weeks from now on Colleagues List. Dan Haugen - retired Lutheran pastor, shares his thoughts from near Prince Albert SK. I have known Dan for forty years. Thanks, friend. Herb O'Driscoll - returns to Calgary from Victoria for a weekend sponsored by The Wisdom Centre which is located here. Welcome to Calgary, Herb! Isabel Gibson - expresses appreciation for a recent column by Ron Rolheiser appearing here. Isabel has contributed much good here herself. -- Colleague Contributions: Ron Rolheiser offers his thoughts on "Stone Jars and Softer Containers" for which we are grateful. http://tinyurl.com/bn9hsad -- Net Notes: "Immortal Diamond" - Catholic spiritual writer Richard Rohr shares his most recent book, and is reviewed this week in Englewood Review of Books. http://tinyurl.com/cnsybaq "Extreme Parenting" - Andrew Solomon does extensive research on families who have children with disabilities (America Magazine) http://tinyurl.com/cfs36mp "Woman's True Beauty" - only four percent of women think they are beautiful (is it because no one tells them they are?) Here is an important article appearing this week in Time Magazine. http://tinyurl.com/cympph9 "Walter Bruggemann on Preaching" - a short video on what this famous American theologian thinks preaching should be about (Youtube) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAVBFc2q04M "George Beverly Shea Dies at 104" - sad news came this week about the death of the Canadian who stood beside Billy Graham for many years (Assist News) http://tinyurl.com/chgr5mc "Shea Was a Major Source of Inspiration" - his spirit sustained the Graham team as well as the many who heard him sing (Religious News Service) http://tinyurl.com/cvv97ba "Book Portrays Pope as Moderate Realist" - John L. Allen suggests a book that could help many of us discover the real Francis (National Catholic Reporter) http://ncronline.org/node/50091 "Francis to Open File on "Hitler's Pope" - this announcement will enhance the new pope's image as a "moderate realist" who picks up on an issue that concerns many (National Post) http://tinyurl.com/czj2a7b -- Wisdom of the Week: Provided by Sojourners online offer us the insights of these thoughtful people - Bonaventure, Eugene Cho, Ste Therese of Lisieux, an Aboriginal Activist Sister, and William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army) -- Closing Thought - Rob Bell Bell was the evangelical mega church pastor who began asking important questions that some former associates found difficult... *** My best to you. I'll be back soon. Wayne ***** Our New Fall Programs will be posted here shortly, as they develop over the next months. SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or) admin@sduc.ca St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/ Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services - http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html ***** STUDY ARCHIVES An accumulation of thirty-five books studied since 2000 can quickly be found at: http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4 This collection of study resources represents more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at St. David's, plus extra courses too! You are welcome to use our course outlines, class notes and resource pages in your personal and group reflections. ********************* SPECIAL ITEM MY PERSONAL THANKS FOR COLLEAGUES LIKE YOU This week I include comments from four Canadian colleagues. That is a rare number! Normally I receive comments from colleagues around the world, even though I write this weekly letter attempting to be 'international and ecumenical in nature, Canadian in focus.' The wonder of the internet is that its reach is global and the possibilities for building global community - at least electronically - is amazing. I continue to be inspired by the fact that interested people from around the world (I have records of 2,300 'hits' in the past month) who have checked out my site. May the numbers continue to grow! But, that said, I am interested in every reader of Colleagues List, and hope you continue to write me - personally, or for public readership. -- FINAL THOUGHTS BEFORE DEPARTURE FOR TURKEY I was to visit my surgeon this week, six months since the work on the colon abscess that had developed after my cancer operation of almost three years ago. My cancer cure is holding and I have two more years before the medical people call me 'cured.' For that I continue to be grateful. The abscess is receding and my surgeon hopes this will continue until it disappears. He compared his work to bursting a pimple and releasing/disbursing the infection  In the meantime, he is pleased with my regimen of diet and exercise (no medication needed). "I have walked almost 300 kilometers since getting out of hospital last October." I told the doctor. "Now you can turn around and walk back," he replied. I walk several Ks daily rather than taking longer walks periodically. This seems to be the best for me. Marlene makes sure I eat well, and for her constant support I am very grateful too. "You need to remember that you are 70 years old, not 40," he reminded me. "Don't expect to do what you did without thinking, 30 years ago." "You should be the healthiest person on the tour," said my doctor. I am in no competition but it was a compliment. So as I depart for Turkey with a lovely partner - and co-hosts John and Brenda Bailey of Coquitlam, BC I could not be more fortunate. We are off to a good start!! ***** COLLEAGUES COMMENTS DOUGLAS JOUN HALL Montreal, QC April 14th, 2013 Dear Wayne, I must tell you how much I appreciated the thoughtful review of my WAITING FOR GOSPEL. The service you provide for Canadian Christians is remarkable, and it is quite unique. We all thank you!        My last-yes-last book has now been published, again by Wipf and Stock, a splendid publishing house that for several years has served me and other Christian authors very well. The book is called  WHAT CHRISTIANITY IS NOT: AN EXERCISE IN 'NEGATIVE' THEOLOGY. The purpose of 'negative' (or apophatic) theology is, first, to preserve the MYSTERY of ultimate truth by resisting the temptation to attribute ultimacy to the penultimate; and, second, to encourage in believers a spirit of MODESTY, as becomes those who know they do not understand but can only stand under God's living Truth.        The book will be published also by the World Council of Churches publishing house in Geneva.        Having just observed my 85th birthday, I am grateful for the vocation to which I was called sixty-five years ago, and for the extraordinary mentors and companions who have sustained me. Sincerely, Doug. -- DAN HAUGEN, Prince Albert, SK April 14th, 2013 Wayne, I thought I should let you know how much I enjoy exploring the material you provide in your Colleagues List. You do well to produce this on such a regular basis. I appreciate the breadth of resources you present. It would give a wonderful basis for good debate, but I have come to believe that "debate" is quite difficult in the current culture of our time. A seminary professor asked me several years ago why students no longer challenge the professor to enter into any real discussion. I think it was Alan Bloom who suggested that the "virtue" of "tolerance" in the Western World has made it difficult for anyone to enter debate. In this environment he suggested that education becomes rather shallow and ill equipped to deal with reality. I believe it is in the turning and exploring of ideas and issues through discussion and debate that we discover the many sides of issues that do not blur reality but help us understand and see more clearly its wonder and complexity. I think also the simplistic stereo-typing of thought(usually into two camps) has also eliminated debate. It seems it is easier to stereo-type people in orderto avoid having to deal with discussion. The stereo-type is itself used to disqualify anything communicated. With "two sides" it also tends to simply become adversarial and produces even less that is beneficial... and in turn produces more division and alienation that destroys fellowship. These observations are meant to be more descriptive than critical of our time. I guess it suggests also that I have succumbed to despair for meaningful dialogue.But it is so good to at least share in the thoughts and observations of others. I thank you for this wonderful contribution to thoughtthough most of the thought it stimulates in me remains in this small island to which one sometimes feels banished. Such is our time. God is not threatened by our times. Dan Haugen (retired) PS  We bought a small acreage beside a 200 acre naturalpark near Prince Albert. Lots of time for grandchildren, still play hockey (4 times a week) and working on some writing.) Life is good. -- HERB O'DRISCOLL Victoria, BA (Sent by Colleague Wayne Stewart  mwaynestewart@shaw.ca April 9th 2013 Thanks for your Colleagues List mailings, Wayne. Our mutual friend, Herb O'Driscoll, is coming to Calgary for an evening presentation and day long workshop in May. He asked me to send the info to you (and we will appreciate your circulating this to anyone you think would be interested). Hope you can join us. Thanks, Wayne Herb O'Driscoll's Presentations in Calgary Sponsored by The Wisdom Centre Thursday, May 23, 2013 7:30 PM St. Laurence Anglican Church, 5940 Lakeview Drive SW, Calgary “Fashion Me a Church” How do Christians today recover the roots of the faith to discover how it can form their understanding of the contemporary world? How do we build structures for community that will enable and nurture Christian spirituality? == Friday, May 24, 2013 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM St. Laurence Anglican Church “Morning Has Broken - The Re-Enchantment of the Contemporary Christian Quest.” Three presentations by The Rev. Dr. Herb O’Driscoll and a chance for participants to dig into the themes with Herb and with one another. Half a century after four very young men from Liverpool captivated the world with their songs. We are still coming to terms  with the cultural revolution their music heralded. Perhaps the most significant development in Western culture has been the realization that the depths of that revolution are spiritual. Sunday, May 26 10: 00 AM The Rev. Dr. Herb O’Driscoll will preach at the 10 am worship service at St. Laurence Register now at http//:www.wisdomcentre.ca Early-bird registration until May 1 Both Thursday and Friday $60 ($70 after May 1) Thursday only $20 ($25 after May 1) Friday only $50 (no early bird) Bio: Herbert O’Driscoll was educated and ordained in Ireland. He came to Canada in 1954. His last appointment before retiring in 1993 was in Christ Church, Elbow Park in Calgary. Between those two dates he was involved across the Canadian Church in many roles, as parish priest,as Naval Chaplain and as Cathedral Dean. He has beenWarden of the College of the National Cathedral inWashington DC. and a visiting lecturer in St George’s College in Jerusalem. His lecturing continues, having been done widely across the Anglican Communion, in Canada, the United States, Australia, England, Ireland. He is the author of many books, and his hymns are sung across a wide spectrum of Christian traditions. Married to Paula O’Driscoll, they have three daughtersand a son, all married. There are four granddaughters and four grandsons, and one great grandson. The blood is strong! -- ISABEL GIBSON Ottawa, ON. April 14th, 2013 Wayne: Thanks for the link to Rolheiser's article on secularity. I found his closing paragraphs particularly poignant - how we struggle to find something (anything?) that will give us only 'the good'. How we despair at the apparent 'package deal' of amazing personal liberty/ freedom,abortion,pornography, and self- indulgence. "If only we could have the one with out the other(s)!" we cry.  If only we could be something more than human.... Regards, Isabel ***** COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS RON ROLHEISER San Antonio, TX Personal Web Site April 14th, 2013 "Stone Jars and Softer Containers" http://tinyurl.com/bn9hsad ***** NET NOTES IMMORTAL DIAMOND Search for Our True Self New Book by Richard Rohr Englewood Review of Books April 19th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cnsybaq -- EXTREME PARENTING Review of Andrew Solomon Book on Raising Handicapped Children "Far From the Tree" America Magazine April 29th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cfs36mp -- WOMAN'S TRUE BEAUTY Most Women Don't Consider Themselves to be Beautiful Time Magazine Online April 19th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cympph9 -- WALTER BRUGGEMANN ON PREACHING Centrality of the Biblical Text Columbia Theological Seminary Short Youtube Presentation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAVBFc2q04M -- GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA DIES AT 104 Longtime Billy Graham Associate Assist News April 16th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/chgr5mc -- WHAT SHEA MEANT TO GRAHAM'S MINISTRY He Was a Major Source of Inspiration Religious News Service April 17th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cvv97ba -- BOOK PORTRAYS POPE AS MODERATE REALIST Study Based on His Record in Argentina and His Work in the Roman Curia John L. Allan April 18th, 2013 http://ncronline.org/node/50091 -- FRANCIS TO OPEN FILE ON "HITLER'S POPE" Delicate But Important Issue Needs Airing National Post April 19th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/czj2a7b ***** WISDOM OF THE WEEK Provided by Sojourners Online: The outcome or the fruit of reading Holy Scripture is by no means negligible: it is the fullness of eternal happiness. These are the books which tell us of eternal life, which were written, not only that we might believe, but also that we might have everlasting life. The purpose of the Scriptures, which come to us from God, is to lead us to the fullness of the truth. In order to achieve this, we must study holy Scripture carefully, and teachit and listen to it in the same way. - Bonaventure -- I can't explain everything but I know this: In both the joys and pains of life, God is with you. God rejoices and mourns with you. You are not alone. - Eugene Cho -- The only way to make rapid progress along the path of divine love is to remain very little and put all our trust in Almighty God. - Saint Therese of Lisieux -- If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us walk together. - An Aboriginal Activist Sister -- Consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell. - William Booth, at end of the 19th century ***** CLOSING THOUGHT Rob Bell, Author of "Love Wins" May you experience this vast, expansive, infinite, indistructable love that has been yours all along. May you discover that this love is as wide as the sky and as small as the cracks in your heart no one else knows about. And may you know, deep in your bones, that love wins. - Concluding chapter (end)