Vol IX No.5
****
GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE
Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net
Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com
"Quicklinks" are included with many items
at the beginning of this issue.
To get a more complete picture, however,
scroll down to find your special selection
in the body of the blog.
*****
Dear friends:
As I begin a new time of following my
teaching and writing vocation, I would like
to share a few of my thoughts with you my
treasured readers.
The Special Item this week is entitled:
"A New Season of Learning and Growth"
--
Colleague Contributions:
This week are from -
Lorna Dueck (Toronto) who writes about
the "Burning Man" phenomenon.
http://tinyurl.com/kzjjxby
http://tinyurl.com/loaof9h
Jim Taylor (Okanagan) reflects on some
poignant purchases.
http://tinyurl.com/mxjhzeu
Ron Rolheiser (San Antonio) suggests
how atheists are good for believers.
http://tinyurl.com/mjxy8y5
--
Net Notes:
"Pope Advises Against War in Syria" -
as war clouds gather around the intention
of the USA in Syria, here are two articles
to help us clarify some of the headlines
(The Tablet, UK/National Catholic Reporter)
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/latest-news/5629
http://tinyurl.com/lepj9ze
"World's 50 Most Unusual Churches" - an
interesting collage of architectural beauty
are found in these pictures (Huffington
Post Canada) http://tinyurl.com/lbypv3s
"Tibetans Yearn for Return to Homeland" -
now, after a century of waiting for change
in the land of their ancestors, young
Tibetans in India are growing restless
(The International)
http://tinyurl.com/k87twae
"Remembering Robert Bellah (1927-2003)" -
one of America's leading sociologists of
religion during the past century died recently
(Sightings) http://tinyurl.com/k3lo9ya
"WCC Assembly to Meet in South Korea" -
it is an amazing thing that a nation with
few Christians a century ago can this year
welcome the Tenth Assembly of the WCC
(Anglican Journal)
http://tinyurl.com/md4wc8t
"Martin Luther King - A Christian Prophet" -
as we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary
of his famous "I Have a Dream" speech
this reflection on King is a helpful one
(America Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/krw6zc5
"Old Order Mennonites Love Their Children" -
some question their "spare the rod and spoil
the child" philosophy, but love is the key
to any good punishment, they tell us
(Christian Week)
http://tinyurl.com/lgklfgr
"Survey Finds Pastors at High Depression Risk"
- a not surprising survey reminds us of the
perils of working in ministry (Christian Post)
http://tinyurl.com/mnreh6b
"Evangelicals Urged to Repent Over Gay Views"
- leaders of the evangelical community within the
Church of England are reprimanding their own
(The Telegraph) http://tinyurl.com/oyhoqeu
"Much Healing Still Needed Over Native Schools"
- it is twenty years since the Anglican primate
of Canada apologized to the First Nations
but much work must still be done
(Christian Week)
http://tinyurl.com/mj9frbh
--
Wisdom of the Week:
Thomas a Kempis, John Cassian,
Ignatius of Antioch, Howard Thurman,
Martin Luther King Jr.,Pierre Teilhard de Chardin,
Mother Teresa, and Billy Graham share their
insights with us, courtesy of Sojourners Online
--
On This Day:
From the archives of the New York Times -
200,000 March on Washington for Civil Rights
http://tinyurl.com/lnac6d3
Princess Diana Dies in Paris Car Crash
http://tinyurl.com/l37kpue
WWII Begins as German Invades Poland
http://tinyurl.com/6hbn23
Japan Formally Surrenders, WWII Ends
http://tinyurl.com/mjxy8y5
First Human Space Landing on Mars
http://tinyurl.com/27fw9e7
Munich - Palestinian Terrorists Kill Israelis
http://tinyurl.com/1b56
--
Closing Thought - John Wesley
*****
UPCOMING ACTIVITY AT THE CHURCH -
TURKEY TOUR
REPORT TO THE CONGREGATION
St. David's United Church, Calgary
Sunday, September 8th, 2013
10:00 AM
Members of the tour will present
thoughts on their tour experiences
in April and May of this year. 14
persons will contribute, supported
by a sight and sound presentation
*****
MY AUTUMN PROGRAMS AT
THE CHURCH AND UNIVERSITY
--
FALL MONDAY NIGHT STUDY
ST. DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH
"Immortal Diamond - The Search
for the True Self"" by Richard Rohr
Description of the Book:
http://tinyurl.com/n9ymr59
Mondays, 7:00PM - 9:00PM
September 16th - November 25th, 2013
Team Taught With Jock McTavish
Books on sale at the church --
Registration, Hospitality and Book - $50.00
Book only - $20.
--
MONDAY "BOOKEND" EVENT
To Launch Fall Study Series
September 9th, 7-9 PM
Neeraj Jain and Alka Joshi
Indian Husband-Wife Social Justice Activists
"Gender Inequality in India -
and What's Being Done About It"
All are Welcome! No charge.
--
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Weekly from September 19th - December 5th
10:00 - 11:00AM
Two Six Week Series -
Themes to be Selected by the Class
During its First Meeting, Sept. 19th.
*****
FALL TUESDAY NIGHT UNIVERSITY COURSE
"Heresies and Heretics" -
Encountering the Early Church Controversies
by Bart Ehrman
Tuesday, 7:00PM - 9:00PM
September 24th - December 3rd, 2013
(no class, October 7th)
Description and Registration Info:
http://tinyurl.com/qcs6hx7
Jock McTavish will offer two video sessions
to complement the series
--
FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY CENTRE
FALL STUDY
For Faculty, Staff and Students
Six Week Series
Fridays in October and November
Theme to be Announced Shortly
******
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
Personal Reflection -
A NEW SEASON OF LEARNING AND GROWTH
The beginning of September is always a busy time
here in Canada for those of us in teaching work.
All across the country people of all ages are
entering schools and beginning courses.
But what about those of us who are of retirement
age? (in my case 71 years.) Is this not a good
opportunity to relax a bit and do more of the things
one has always wanted to do?
--
I have always enjoyed teaching. Even as a young
person I was involved in Sunday School activity
at my home church. As I get more involved in
higher education I became engaged with TA
(Teaching Associate) work. When opportunities
presented themselves, I began lecturing at the
university as well.
It was a major change for me to shift my role
in the church from "pastor" (for 20 years) to
"teacher" (now 25 years) but it has been one
of the most rewarding transitions in my life.
Combined with my writing (reviewing, article
creation, blogging) I have discovered that it
was possible to reach much wider audiences
than were available to me in the church itself.
So why do I still get pumped up each year at
this time? Because I am getting ready to
teach for three hours each week at St. David's
United, Calgary and three hours each week
at the University of Calgary.
Teaching keeps me young. I like working with
students of all ages, but this activity keeps
my mind engaged with new frontiers.
Teaching keeps me challenged. I like to
discuss ideas with people, and often it is
when I am challenged that I learn the most.
Teaching keeps my brain stimulated. Many
studies suggest that mental activity can
help to ward off the dangers of dementia
and other senior-scourges.
Teaching keeps me active in my vocation.
Life does not always end up the way we
originally planned. But I have been able
to continue for almost half a century in
a ministry vocation. It did not follow the
course I might have first envisioned. But
it has been true to many of my foundational
commitments - sharing my faith and
helping people.
--
Last year at this time I was not in good
health. Post-cancer surgery had caused
me to experience a colon infection that
in many ways was worse than the cancer
itself. After corrective interventions were
conducted by my surgeon, I vowed to
follow a strict diet, exercise and work
regimen that got me back into a fairly
normal routine at the beginning of
this year. Marlene and I took a wonderful
trip to Turkey in April and May. We have
engaged in many enriching social,
recreational and cultural activities during
the past nine months.
--
Health challenges can actually be of
great value when they are viewed as
helping the patient take an important
assessment of life and come to a
renewed appreciation for it.
Every day is a gift.
Every day has value.
Every day offers a chance to serve.
That's why I am so grateful to be
where I am at the beginning of
this September, compared to
where I was a year ago.
*****
COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS
LORNA DUECK
Toronto, ON
Personal Website
September 5th, 2013
Assessing the Burning Man Phenomenon
"Party on the Playa"
http://tinyurl.com/kzjjxby
The Atlantic Online
September 5th, 2012
33 Pictures of Burning Man 2013
http://tinyurl.com/loaof9h
--
JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC
Personal Web Log
September 4th, 2013
"The Poignant Pleasures of Last Times"
http://tinyurl.com/mxjhzeu
--
RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX
Personal Website
September 1dt, 2013
"The Value of Atheists"
http://tinyurl.com/mjxy8y5
*****
NET NOTES
POPE ADVISES AGAINST WAR IN SYRIA
Calls this Intervention a "Futile Pursuit"
The Tablet, UK
September 5th, 2013
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/latest-news/5629
Syrian Christians Fear Western Attack
American Initiative Could Make Things Worse
National Catholic Reporter
September 4th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/lepj9ze
--
WORLD'S 50 MOST UNUSUAL CHURCHES
A Global Cross-Section of Artistry
Huffington Post Canada
September 2nd, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/lbypv3s
--
TIBETANS YEARN FOR RETURN TO HOMELAND
150,000 Now Living in Northern India (Video)
International
September 2nd, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/k87twae
--
REMEMBERING ROBERT BELLAH (1927-2003)
Famed Sociologist of Religion Dies
Sightings
September 4th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/k3lo9ya
--
WCC ASSEMBLY TO MEET IN SOUTH KOREA
10th International Meeting in Booming Nation
Anglican Journal
September 2nd, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/md4wc8t
--
MARTIN LUTHER KING - A CHRISTIAN PROPHET
He Spoke to His Generation, and to the Future
America Magazine
September 5th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/krw6zc5
--
OLD ORDER MENNONITES LOVE THEIR CHILDREN
The Abuse of Children is a Traditional Concern
Christian Week
August 27th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/lgklfgr
--
SURVEY FINDS PASTORS AT HIGH DEPRESSION RISK
Anxiety and Distress a Major Part of the Problem
Christian Post
August 31st, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/mnreh6b
--
EVANGELICALS URGED TO REPENT OVER GAY VIEWS
Traditional British Attitudes Termed Very Destructive
The Telegraph
August 26th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/oyhoqeu
--
MUCH HEALING STILL NEEDED RE NATIVE SCHOOLS
Decades After Apologies, Deep Pain Still Remains
Christian Week
August 22nd, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/mj9frbh
*****
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
Provided by Sojourners Online
First keep the peace within yourself,
then you can also bring peace to others.
- Thomas A. Kempis
--
It is a bigger miracle to be patient and refrain
from anger than it is to control the demons
which fly through the air.
- John Cassian
--
Take heed, then, to come together often to give
thanks to God, and show God's praise. For when
you come frequently together in the same place,
the power of Satan are destroyed and his fiery
darts of sin fall back, worthless. For your unity
and harmonious faith prove his destruction, and
the torment of his assistants. Nothing is better
than Christ's peace, by which all war, both of
heavenly and earthly spirits, is brought to an end.
- Ignatius of Antioch
--
Too often the price exacted by society for security
and respectability is that the Christian movement
in its formal expression must be on the side of the
strong against the weak. This is a matter of tremendous
significance, for it reveals to what extent a religion that
was born of a people acquainted with persecution and
suffering has become the cornerstone of a civilization
and of nations whose very position in modern life too
often has been secured by a ruthless use of power
applied to defenseless peoples.
- Howard Thurman
--
'Truth crushed to earth will rise again.' How long?
Not long! Because 'no lie can live forever.' …How long?
Not long! 'Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on
the throne. Yet that scaffold sways the future and behind
the dim unknown standeth God within the shadow,
keeping watch over his own.' How long? Not long!
Because the arc of the moral universe is long,
but it bends toward justice.
- Martin Luther King Jr.
--
Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite
naturally impatient in everything to reach the end
without delay. We would like to skip the intermediate
stages. We are impatient of being on the way to
something unknown, something new. And yet, it is
the law of all progress that it is made by passing
through some stages of instability — and that it
may take a very long time. Above all, trust in the
slow work of God, our loving vine-dresser.
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
--
Our vocation is to belong to Jesus so completely
that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
What you and I must do is nothing less than putting
our love for Christ into practice. The important thing
is not how much we accomplish, but how much love
we put into our deeds every day. That is the measure
of our love for God.
- Mother Teresa
--
The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through
hands that heal and bless.
- Billy Graham
*****
ON THIS DAY
Provided from the Archives
of the New York Times
August 25th - September 7th
200,000 MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR RIGHTS
http://tinyurl.com/lnac6d3
DIANA DIES IN PARIS CAR CRASH
http://tinyurl.com/l37kpue
WWII BEGINS AS GERMANY INVADES POLAND
http://tinyurl.com/6hbn23
JAPAN FORMALLY SURRENDERS, WWII ENDS
http://tinyurl.com/mjxy8y5
FIRST HUMAN SPACE LANDING ON MARS
http://tinyurl.com/27fw9e7
MUNICH: PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS KILL ISRAELIS
http://tinyurl.com/1b56
*****
CLOSING THOUGHT - JOHN WESLEY
I believe the merciful God regards the lives and tempers of
men more than their ideas. I believe he respects the
goodness of the heart, rather than the clearness of the head.
- John Wesley
(end)
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