Vol. VIII No. 7
*****
Colleagues List Blog:
http://colleagueslist.com/
Canadian Anglican Google Groups
http://tinyurl.com/bk7maep
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net
Now "Quicklinks" are included
with many items. Otherwise, scroll
down to find your selection in the
body of the blog, as in the past.
*****
Dear Friends:
With the American election history
I hope we can begin thinking of other
things, even though I rest more content
that Obama remains president.
This week I want to introduce you to
a new "book-in-the-making" from a
colleague who is a Texan. (I think he
agrees with me about Obama.)
In this issue I provide an entre to
a book entitled:
"An Old Pastor Shares His New Faith"
and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
---
Colleague Contributions:
This week we hear from:
Reginald Bibby, Harry Winter, Jim Taylor,
Martin Marty, Ron Rolheiser, Jock McTavish.
They provide a rich selection of thought.
See links, below.
---
Net Notes:
"Copts Elect New Pope" - the Coptic Church
of Egypt has selected a new leader who wants
to stay out of politics - but can he afford
to do that? (New York Times)
http://tinyurl.com/axn2vnk
"The Testament of Mary" - an interesting new
book, which I recently received from colleague
Shona Cook at Random House Canada. Poetic in
nature, it portrays Mary in a different light
than we often encounter in the tradition
(New York Times Review of Books)
http://tinyurl.com/aff7vo7
"American Metamorphosis" - the American
election was important to the world, not
only to America. Here is a good editorial
that appeared today (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/avdrm6x
"Church Bookstore Closings" - more signs
that publication is changing. A number
of major church bookstores are closing
in Canada and the United States
(Anglican Journal, Publisher's Weekly)
http://tinyurl.com/aytpfdg
http://tinyurl.com/akjhkup
"Pope's Touching Act of Forgiveness" -
this is a happy story (for a change)
from Rome (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/bxx3rem
"Woman Vicar in UK Banned from Driving" -
this story is a reminder that ministry
can be very stressful (The Telegraph UK)
http://tinyurl.com/bfuhnnm
"New Archbishop of Canterbury Announced" -
the Queen has endorsed him and Lambeth
officially announced this week that a
new head of the Church of England has
been appointed (The Guardian, UK and
the Anglican Journal, Toronto)
http://tinyurl.com/c8lqxcu
http://tinyurl.com/bkv2upm
"Rowan Williams' Advice to His Successor"
- not one to interfere with the selection
process, the former C of E head had a
bit of advice to offer (Anglican Journal)
http://tinyurl.com/avj7k6g
"Obama Presidential Victory Good for Canada"
- most Canadians rest easier now that there
is no change in presidents. I include
comment from the US that suggests there
is no reason for unhappy Americans to
migrate to Canada! (The Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/b3ju248
http://tinyurl.com/algxbwj
"Persecution of Asian Christians is on Rise"
- we continue to be reminded that parts of
the world are not safe places for persons
of Christian faith (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/atgrb79
---
Global Faith Potpourri:
Publication interrupted due to an
unfortunate funding shortfall at
Ecumenical News International,
Geneva.
---
Wisdom of the Week:
Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln,
Jim Wallis, G.K. Chesterton and
Simone Weil share timely comments.
---
On This Day:
The New York Times offers these
stories, among others, to help
us recall what happened during
these days, though some time ago:
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
http://tinyurl.com/ajyw9qc
Russian Revolution Begins in St. Petersburg
http://tinyurl.com/akvw7gp
---
Closing Thought -
This week, John, author of the Epistle of
John ends our newsletter, with added
comment by Matthew Fox.
--
Blessings to you as we draw closer
to the end of the Christian year.
Wayne
********************************
St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce:
Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
April 23rd - May 9th, 2013
Tour sale requires a $300 deposit, with
full payment due, and of January, 2013.
Our major tour themss are: Clsssic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranian coast of SW Turkey.
*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) - long a link
between East and West.
*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.
*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)
*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.
*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna
---
Details such as costs and prep notes have been
edited into a beautiful travel brochure. This
was just sent to all who have thus far expressed
interest. If you are interested, let us know!
The brochure will also be posted to the St.
David's Spiritual Travelers Discussion List Group.
which is your place to express yourself!
To join this unique internet discussion contact:
Deb. Charnusaki - debcharnuski@hotmail.com
Your tour hosts:
Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com
403-286-7416
*****
OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 PROGRAMS
With more to be announced -
AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH
'WELCOMING THE STRANGER' WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S
Postponed until March or April, 2013
More information to come shortly.
Special Guest:
Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House, Toronto.
Guests are presently being secured for
panels, workshop and seminar leaders.
Watch for new information on this
special weekend focused on Canada's
policy for welcoming new Canadians
as information becomes available.
*****
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Postponed until January, 2013
Dates to be announced soon
"'Wisdom' in the Biblical Literature"
A Six week series running through
fall and winter. 10-11 AM
All welcome. No cost.
*****
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Tuesday Night University Study sponsored
by the Faculty of Continuing Education:
HERESIES AND HERETICS - The Real Story of
Early Christianity. Cont Ed Course 198-001
Ten Sessions - Jan. 22nd - Mar. 26th, 2013
Click this link for books, costs and details:
http://tinyurl.com/77xuwnu
---
Faith and Spirituality Centre Fall Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary
TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.
Postponed until Lent, 2013
Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.
Cost of the book only: $15.
More details to be announced in the new year.
*****
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
Review of Colleague Keith Wright's book:
AN OLD PASTOR SHARES HIS NEW FAITH
With His Children, Grandchildren and You
Self Published
but Seeking a Publisher.
Author resides in Austin, Texas
Keith Wright Bio:
Wright has served as a pastor for 56 years
in the Presbyterian Church USA. He received
his Doctor of Ministry degree and the
Distinguished Alumni Reward (1992) from
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Since his retirement in in 1993, Dr. Wright
has served as an interim associate pastor
at Westminster, Covenant and University
Presbyterian churches in Austin, Texas.
This book is currently self-published and
the author is looking for a publisher.
Contact him, if you can help. See below.
---
Description of the Book:
This book is for those who have never
figured out what they believe and for
those who want to dig deeper into belief
systems they have professed but rarely
questioned or explored fully.
For some, the book will be upsetting, but
for others, it will be liberating.
It's purpose is to share Wright's own
spiritual journey which has brought him
far from his childhood faith through much
study, many questions, and long talks
with others who seek a deeper faith.
This book can be used as a teaching device
in congregations where the focus is not
on 'right answers' but stimulating questions.
The book can also be used as a guide for
those who have often thought of writing
about their own spiritual journeys but
have never decided where to begin and how
to proceed along the way. This book would
also serve as good reading for church
officers and confirmation as well as
adult discussion groups.
The front cover reproduces a picture
taken by the author's grand-daughter
Joanna, as she and other grandchildren
walked a trail of the Grand Canyon.
Like the book, the trail they took was
an adventure revealing the love and care
of God, as displayed in nature and in
family life as well as through study
of the Bible and related interpretations.
---
My Thoughts:
This book was written by an 83 year-old
and it's main message for me was that
one is never too old to continue growing
in faith and understanding the meaning
of life. A good way to do this is by
sharing what you continue to learn
through your words and deeds.
Wright is a person of integrity and I
know him better than many of the authors
whose books I review.
I have assessed two previous books by this
author* and our friendship goes back almost
fifteen years. Ten years ago I visited him
and can appreciate why his family, church
and university connections keep him alert
to many new developments in Christian
thought.
Wright is a native Texan and has spent
all of his life living among conservative
Christians. This seems to have been a
benefit to him because it kept him
constantly challenging his more liberal
leanings and personal beliefs.
Reading this book reflects a lifetime
of spiritual growth. It is written
with an easy confidence that suggests
a lifetime of struggle with difficult
issues - like the nature of Christ, the
meaning (or lack thereof) of the atonement,
or ethical issues relating to gender and
sexuality.
Wright makes moderate to liberal
Christian thinking something to admire
and many of us need that kind of role
model. You can disagree with him, and
still keep reading!
You can't deny that the author is both
progressive and biblical.
"I grow discouraged" says Wright in his
conclusion, "when I encounter churches
that are reluctant to challenge ways of
thinking about God and our relationship
to the creator, that scholars and
thinkers have shown do not adequately
reflect the Biblical message as a whole.
But I know that there are churches where
new ideas are explored eagerly and new
answers to old questions are welcome,
and I commend them to you."
Keith Wright is living proof that one
can be both pastoral and intellectual
at the same time. He is a good example
for people like me as I continue to grow
older. I believe the same will hold true
for many of you my readers - lay and
clergy alike.
If you would like to contact the author
for a copy of this book, to ask questions,
or to help him find a publisher in today's
difficult market, here are some particulars:
Keith Wright
1100B Penion Dr.
Austin, Texas 78748
512-892-2401
kwright2@austin.rr.com
---
*Previous Publications in Canada
by Wood Lake/Northstone Publishers
Kelowna, BC.
"Religious Abuse"
http://tinyurl.com/b775wuh
"The Hell Jesus Never Intended"
http://tinyurl.com/a7v9hmd
(complete books, digital editions)
*****
COLLEAGUE COMMENT/CONTRIBUTIONS
REGINALD BIBBY
November 7th, 2012
Hi Wayne!
It was good to get your note in late October,
updating us on your health. Having not heard
from you since August, I - like many, I'm sure
- obviously wondered how you were.
Strange that in this age of information, many
of us can have such significant physical blips
that remove us from view, without most people
having any awareness of what is happening,
until we resurface - or the word gets out
that we won't be reappearing.
A stark cause for pause....
Happy you "are still with us!"
Warm wishes, Reg
--
This week, Reg appeared in:
Alban Weekly
November 5th, 2012
"Welcome to Religious Polarization"
http://tinyurl.com/cafc5vo
-----
HARRY WINTER
St. Paul, MN.
November 4th, 2012
It's great to read your Nov. 3 column, Wayne,
and hear that you're feeling better and that
you and Marlene were able to visit Banff for
your anniversary.
Harry
Wayne says: Many thanks for your good wishes.
I appreciate your links to various stories
on the Oblate site. It is a rich resource.
-----
JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC
October 28th, 2012
Wayne:
I wondered what had happened to you. I was
afraid it might be health-related, but of
course I never got around to sending you a
note to ask. Now you've come back on line
and saved me from doing it.
Anyway, I hope you're feeling better. As we
get older, unfortunately, each illness seems
to take a little longer to recover from.
Me, I'm fine. Perhaps now that Joan's leukemia
seems to have been beaten into submission
(for a while, at least) I can afford to
get sick too.
Jim Taylor
--
Personal Weblog
November 4th, 2012
"Superstorm Puts Politics
Into Perspective"
http://tinyurl.com/b4xxnbs
November 7th, 2012
--
"Hymns"
http://tinyurl.com/b2zjztc
-----
MARTIN MARTY
Chicago, IL
Sightings
November 5th, 2012
"Church Affiliation Colonial and Now"
http://tinyurl.com/adq7sru
-----
RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX
Personal Website
"Purgatory"
http://tinyurl.com/bzmz7mb
-----
JOCK MCTAVISH
Calgary, AB
Youtube Interview with
Dr. Izeldin Abuelaish - "Armed With Love"
http://tinyurl.com/bda4mc5
*****
NET NOTES
COPTS ELECT NEW POPE
He Seeks Non-Political Role
New York Times
November 5th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/axn2vnk
*****
THE TESTAMENT OF MARY
Not a Nostalgic Figure
The New York Times
Review of Books
November 11th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/aff7vo7
*****
AMERICAN METAMORPHSIS
What the Election Means
The Tablet, UK
November 10th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/avdrm6x
*****
CHURCH BOOKSTORE CLOSINGS
in Light Shift to Online Sales
ANGLICAN BOOKSTORE, TORONTO
Iconic Centre Not Profitable
Anglican Journal
Nov. 6th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/aytpfdg
COKESBURY CLOSES MANY US STORES
Methodist Publications�in Transition
Publisher's Weekly
November 5th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/cpzshnz
*****
POPE'S TOUCHING ACT OF FORGIVENESS
Butler Given a New Start
Uca News
November 9th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/bxx3rem
*****
WOMAN VICAR BANNED FROM DRIVING
Reportedly Drove 'Like Bat out of Hell'
The Telegraph, UK
November 8th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/bfuhnnm
*****
NEW CANTERBURY ARCHBISHOP ANNOUNCED
UK Church-State Process Unfolds
The Guardian, UK
November 7th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/c8lqxcu
--
Anglican Journal, Toronto
November 8th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/bkv2upm
*****
WILLIAMS' ADVICE TO SUCCESSOR
Suggests What Will Be Needed
Archbishop of Canterbury Website
November 7th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/avj7k6g
*****
OBAMA VICTORY GOOD FOR CANADA
(and seemingly for America too)
KW Record
November 8th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/b3ju248
--
The Atlantic Online
November 7th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/algxbwj
*****
PERSECUTION OF ASIAN CHRISTIANS ON RISE
Uca News
November 7th, 2012
http://tinyurl.com/atgrb79
*****
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
Provided by Sojourners Online:
I have always believed that hope is that
stubborn thing inside us that insists,
despite all the evidence to the contrary,
that something better awaits us so long
as we have the courage to keep reaching,
to keep working, to keep fighting.
- Barack Obama,
from his speech after re-election
--
Why should there not be a patient confidence
in the ultimate justice of the people?
Is there any better or equal hope in the world?
- Abraham Lincoln
from his First Inaugural Address, 1861
--
On Nov. 6, neither a Republican nor
Democratic victory will bring in
the Kingdom of God.
- Jim Wallis
"Religious Consistency and Hypocrisy:
Election 2012"
--
'My country, right or wrong,' is a thing
that no patriot would think of saying except
a desperate case. It is like saying,
'My mother, drunk or sober.'
- G.K. Chesterton
From "The Defendant"
--
The love of our neighbor in all its
fullness simply means being able to say,
'What are you going through?'
- Simone Weil
*****
ON THIS DAY
Provided from the New York Times:
Nov. 5th-9th, 2012
ABRAHAM LINCOLN ELECTED PRESIDENT
Senator from Illinois Surprizes
http://tinyurl.com/ajyw9qc
---
RUSSIAN REVOLUTION BEGINS
First Shots Fired in St. Petersburg
http://tinyurl.com/akvw7gp
*****
CLOSING THOUGHT
"God is Love"
- John, Author of the Epistle of John
If God is love, then God is encountered
in all that we love and cherish -- from
friends and lovers and children to
sunsets and animals, panda bears and whales,
dogs, cats, and zebras.
If God is love, then the music I love,
the poems I love, the sunshine I love,
the winds I love, the landscapes I love
are all theophanies, epiphanies of the
Godhead.
Do you see life that way?
How can this transform your life?
All love is a taste of the Divine, and
love comes in many flavors and styles
and preferences.
- Matthew Fox
(end)
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