*****
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER EDITION
GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE
Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telus.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:
Happy Easter! Please read the items noted below
with a sense of the significance of the season.
My Special Item this week is a personal reflection
entitled:
"Spiritual Travel -
Anticipating Our Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
and the Land of Three Great Faiths"
As 30 members of our congregation, including
a few others, prepare for a 17-day pilgrimage
to the Holy Land this October, I have taken
another look at what I have written about
spiritual travel in anticipation of our tours of
the Celtic Lands (2011) and Turkey (2013)
and have adapted thought and experience to
this third special tour.
Since most of you are not going to be on this trip
I hope you might adapt what you read to the
trip to Jerusalem you have taken or plan to take.
Please scroll down to read my thoughts.
***
Colleague Comment:
Isabel Gibson responds to what caught her
attention in last week's Colleagues List
(March 29th issue).
To read her letter, scroll down.
http://tinyurl.com/nuunywb
http://tinyurl.com/pejn9yr
***
Colleague Communications:
Lorna Dueck (Toronto) writes in the
Globe and Mail this week:
"Dare to Believe:
The Resurrection on TV"
Canadians do Differ from Americans
http://tinyurl.com/l2g4sgv
---
John G. Stackhouse (Vancouver) blogs
a tongue-in-cheek piece:
"Franklin Graham Converts to Islam"
http://tinyurl.com/mmngzpo
---
Martin Marty (Chicago) distinguishes between:
"Caring and Curing"
http://tinyurl.com/noh443b
---
Ron Rolheiser (San Antonio) shares
a seasonal meditation:
"The Passion of Jesus"
http://tinyurl.com/o5saktq
---
Jim Taylor (Okanagan) reflects on:
"Sacrifice - Praising an Outdated Practice"
http://tinyurl.com/pvjlzsx
***
Net Notes:
"Easter Greeting" - this year comes to us from
Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of
Canada (ACC website)
http://tinyurl.com/npcnwxr
--
"Robert Schuller Dies" - one of the pioneers
of the American megachurch movement passed
away this week. Read about him and the cathedral
he built, then lost (New York Times, Religion News
Service, Colleagues List June 15th, 2014)
http://tinyurl.com/mko2m2q
http://tinyurl.com/q6l95a9
http://tinyurl.com/p6vlt4z
--
"Richard John Neuhaus" - a Lutheran pastor
turned leading Roman Catholic theologian has
an interesting story. Read about the biography.
(New York Times Review of Books)
http://tinyurl.com/p33lwdd
--
"Historic Nigerian Election" - history was made
in Nigeria this week as power was transferred
peacefully from a Christian to a Muslim leader
(The Christian Post)
http://tinyurl.com/k9vobtz
--
"The Priceless Legacy of MLK" - on the anniversary
of his assassination (see "On This Day") - a tribute
(The Christian Post) http://tinyurl.com/kdklxko
--
"Souls in Emergency Situations" - the tragic
plane crash in rural France this week prompts
interesting stories about faith and depression
(The Tablet, the Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/njjlqjn
http://tinyurl.com/qgag3zt
--
"For a More Creative Brain, Travel" - an
intriguing article on how living abroad can
be good for your mind (The Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/qakncwr
--
"Dueck - Choosing Life Over Death" - a
member of Lorna Dueck's family in Manitoba
testifies personally against euthanasia
(Christian Week Online)
http://tinyurl.com/n4a69k6
--
"Overpopulation Overconsumption" - this is
a sad depiction of a world out of control
(Guardian, UK) http://tinyurl.com/p7ehesd
--
"Why I Won't Wear White on My Wedding Day" -
this writer explains why "white" proclaims a
marital message she does not want to convey
(Converge) http://tinyurl.com/qgag3zt
--
"Water - Economic Commodity or Human Right?" -
California declared water rationing for the first
time in history this week. This story takes off
from that development (Sightings)
http://tinyurl.com/qzfqq7w
--
"Christian Students Targeted at Kenyan University" -
another horrible tragedy showing how helpless
against terror many countries are right now
(The Tablet, UK) http://tinyurl.com/omzoapr
***
Wisdom of the Week:
E.E. Cummings, David Foster Wallace,
J. Heinrich Arnold, Thomas Merton,
C.S. Lewis and Frederick Buechner
- share their insights with us courtesy
of Sojourners and the Bruderhof online.
To read them, please scroll down.
***
On This Day:
From the archives of the New York Times -
"Last US Forces Leave Vietnam"
http://tinyurl.com/7pgd6y6
"MLK Shot to Death in Memphis"
http://tinyurl.com/3zl4yc7
--
Closing Thought - John of the Cross
Please scroll down to the end of the blog.
(end)
Most of our programs have been completed
but you may still be interested in reading
about them. Please scroll to the end.
Winter/Spring 2015 Adult Spiritual Development
ACTS Ministry Programs at St. David's
and at the University of Calgary
*****
SPECIAL ITEM
SPIRITUAL TRAVEL
Anticipating Our Sojourn to Jerusalem
and the Land of Three Great Faiths
A Personal Reflection
Spiritual tourism is more than merely visiting classic
religious sites, as we will do when traveling to the
Holy Land. Spiritual tourism provides intelligent and
discriminating participants with the opportunity to
grow in faith and life understanding as a result of
meaningful encounters with people and places that
may not always have ‘religion’ associated with it.
We might discover sacred sites in a wide variety of
our experience personally and with our group.
All meaningful travel involves planning, engagement
and retrospective attention. We prepare, experience
and reflect back on what has happened.
We are committed to a quality experience, grounded
in our accumulated Christian awareness but open to
new understanding as a result of our encounter with
Jewish and Islamic faith traditions in the Holy Land.
The Holy Land is “holy” or “sacred” because of the
awareness we bring to and the experience we take
from our visit there, not because of the tragedy and
violence of its long history and current reality.
A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY
Most spiritual travelers are hard-working people who
have invested in their lives and now seek to venture
into new areas not previously encountered. For many
of us the time has come when accumulating more
gives way to wanting to enhance the quality of
our lives. A trip like this can be a life-enhancing
opportunity.
Spiritual travel helps people discover things,
integrate them and build a new dimension of what
is really important. That can certainly happen for
those with the needed inclination, enthusiasm and
financial resources.
While having a good time is certainly a realistic
expectation, many will want more than that. Thinking
about all we really want to gain from the experience
is worth some discerning reflection before and during
the trip. A venture of this kind is a special award we
give to ourselves and each other. It is more than a
holiday and should provide “aha” moments that can
forever change and enrich us.
SELECTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO HELP US
A trip of high quality requires the teamwork of a
professional travel company like Rostad Tours and
its partners abroad. We can expect competent tour
guides (general and local) as well as transportation
associates who know the diverse and complex regions
we will visit. Your tour hosts have one primary task –
that is to help you in every way to make your
experience memorable.
Even the best destinations can be disappointing if
good preparation, attention to people’s feelings and
other details are not tended to. We also know from
experience that it pays to select quality in terms of
accommodation, food and transportation from the
time of departure until our return home. We cannot
always predict what might happen along the way
(e.g. health, political, relational and mechanical
issues) but working with a lot of professional tour
support is most important if any problem develops.
Of course we don’t expect any, but it is best to
travel prepared.
Not everyone who wants to travel to the Holy Land
can do so. Health, frame of mind, financial viability –
these and other factors are variables we need to
recognize. It’s good to know, however, that you have
decided to venture with us boldly and hopefully at
this point in time.
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Our generation of Canadians is the most privileged
and sophisticated in our nation’s history. University
students, and others also, now consider it normal to
take at least some time out to visit abroad and in
circumstances quite different from home. Expanding
our worldviews is no longer a luxury in our time.
It is a necessity.
We encounter people of other races, cultures, faith
traditions and politics that are different from what
is most familiar to us.
Spiritual travel offers new perspectives and ways
of living for those with eyes to see and a heart of
gratitude for the opportunity. We learn that, as at
home, good people (as well as their opposites) can
be found in these different settings. We can discover
our common humanity and this helps us refine our
own basic values and come to better recognize the
causes of so many human misunderstandings.
Some people like to travel alone, or in couples.
Others prefer to travel in groups. There are
advantages and disadvantages to travel in groups
and we will talk about that further. A good thing
about our group is that most of us already know
one another. The newcomers will find that they
will soon meet many new friends.
A TIMELY OCCASION
There has probably never been a better time to
visit Jerusalem and the land of three of the world’s
great faiths. Jerusalem is the centre of global tension
and controversy. It is also at the heart of at least half
of humanity’s spirituality.
What a wonderful opportunity we have to visit at
such a significant place on earth! Better inter-cultural
and interfaith understanding is the beginning-point if
we want to work for peace in the world.
April 2015 Wayne A. Holst
*****
COLLEAGUE COMMENT
Isabel Gibson
Ottawa ON
March 9th, 2015
Dear Wayne,
I'm honoured to be on the same
page,
sort of, as Ron Rolheiser. Thanks for
As for Rolheiser's article on euthanasia,
he never disappoints. He puts his case
clearly and one doesn't need to accept
all his faith premises to be touched by
his conclusions.
http://tinyurl.com/pejn9yr
Maybe the agony so many feel at
not
being able to relieve the final suffering
of a loved one is enough to
justify
euthanasia. Maybe it's just one of
the costs of love.
Paradoxically,
love can mean choosing pain.
Regards,
Isabel
Links from:
Colleagues List,
March 29th, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/nzsjgb3
*****
COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS
Lorna Dueck
Toronto, ON
Globe and Mail
April 3rd, 2015
"Dare to Believe:
The Resurrection on TV"
Canadians do Differ from Americans
http://tinyurl.com/l2g4sgv
--
John G. Stackhouse
Vancouver BC
Blog Site
April 1st, 2015
"Franklin Graham Converts to Islam"
http://tinyurl.com/mmngzpo
April Fool.
--
Martin Marty
Chicago IL
Sightings
March 30th, 2015
"Caring and Curing"
http://tinyurl.com/noh443b
--
Ron Rolheiser
San Antonio TX
Personal Web Site
March 30th, 2015
"The Passion of Jesus"
http://tinyurl.com/o5saktq
--
Jim Taylor
Okanagan BC
Personal Web Log
April 1st, 2015
"Sacrifice - Praising an Outdated Practice"
http://tinyurl.com/pvjlzsx
*****
NET NOTES
EASTER GREETING
Fred Hiltz, Primate
Anglican Church of Canada
http://tinyurl.com/npcnwxr
--
ROBERT SCHULLER IS DEAD
Crystal Cathedral Founder
New York Times Obituary
April 2nd, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/mko2m2q
Religion News Service
April 2nd, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/q6l95a9
Crystal Cathedral Reflection -
"From Crystal to Christ Cathedral"
Colleagues List
Special Item
June 14th, 2014
After Our Visit There, May 2014
http://tinyurl.com/p6vlt4z
--
RICHARD JOHN NEUHAUS
A Life in the Public Square
New York Times
Review of Books
March 29th, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/p33lwdd
--
HISTORIC NIGERIAN ELECTION
Christian Concedes Peacefully
The Christian Post
April 1st, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/k9vobtz
--
THE PRICELESS LEGACY OF MLK
Remembering at His Martyrdom
The Christian Post
April 3rd, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/kdklxko
--
SOULS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
German, French Towns and Air Disaster
The Tablet
April 2nd, 0215
http://tinyurl.com/njjlqjn
"Depressed Doesn't Mean Dangerous"
Little Violence Among Mentally Ill
The Atlantic Online
March 27th, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/qgag3zt
--
FOR A MORE CREATIVE BRAIN, TRAVEL
The Value of Expanding Life Experience
The Atlantic Online
March 31st, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/qakncwr
--
DUECK - CHOOSING LIFE OVER DEATH
Differing With Court Euthanasia Ruling
Christian Week
April 2015
http://tinyurl.com/n4a69k6
--
OVERPOPULATION OVERCONSUMPTION
Global Reality in Pictures and Text
The Guardian UK
April 1st, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/p7ehesd
--
WHY I WON'T WEAR WHITE
ON MY WEDDING DAY
More than Pleasing a Man
Converge
March 31st, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/qgag3zt
--
WATER - ECONOMIC COMMMODITY
OR HUMAN RIGHT?
Religion and the Right to Water
Sightings
April 2nd, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/qzfqq7w
--
CHRISTIAN STUDENTS TARGETED
AT KENYAN UNIVERSITY
Islamists Claim Responsibility
The Tablet
April 3rd, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/omzoapr
*****
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
Provided by Sojourners
and Bruderhof online:
It takes courage to grow up
and become who you really are.
- E.E. Cummings
--
The truth will set you free.
But not until it is finished with you.
- David Foster Wallace
--
| When Jesus sent two disciples to fetch a donkey’s colt on Palm Sunday, they had no other task in the whole world more important than fetching it. If someone had said to them, “You are called to greater things; anyone can fetch a donkey,” and they had not done it, they would have been disobedient. But there was nothing greater for them at that moment than to fetch the donkey for Christ. I wish that we all might do every task, great or small, in this obedience. There is nothing greater than obedience to Christ. - J. Heinrich Arnold --
|
*****
ON THIS DAY
From the archives of
the New York Times
"Last US Forces Leave Vietnam"
http://tinyurl.com/7pgd6y6
"MLK Shot kto Death in Memphis"
http://tinyurl.com/3zl4yc7
*****
CLOSING THOUGHT - John of the Cross
In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on
our earthly possessions and human successes,
but on how well we have loved.
(end)
*****
Winter 2015 Adult Spiritual Development
ACTS Ministry Programs at St. David's
and at the University of Calgary:
MONDAY NIGHT STUDY - WINTER SERIES
January 12nd – March 23rd, 2015
7-00-9:00PM TM Room. Ten Weeks.
(Family Day Monday exempted)
“Fields of Blood: Religion and
the History of Violence”
by Karen Armstrong
Led by Jock McTavish and Wayne Holst
Registration $60.00. Book only $25.00
This study has ended.
Forty books sold.
Study design and class links
http://tinyurl.com/k5ppruz
---
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDYJanuary 22nd - April 16th, 2015. Ten Weeks.
10:00-11:00AM TM Room
Part Two -
"Romans and James -
Foundations for Christian
Thought and Living"
Study Leader: Wayne Holst
No charge.
Study resource -
The DK Complete Bible Handbook
http://tinyurl.com/odxlv7q
This study continues.
---
ST. DAVID'S SPIRITUAL TRAVELERS'
SPECIAL 2015 SIXTEEN DAY TOUR
"Jerusalem and the Land of Three Great Faiths"
October 16th - 31st, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/plg4sgo
Hardcopy tour details brochure
is available in the church lobby.
Tour Company: Rostad Tours Calgary
Tour Hosts: Wayne and Marlene Holst
Sponsored by: St. David's ACTS Ministry
Endorsed by: St. David's Church Council
Talk with or write to Marlene and Wayne
(403-286-7416)
waholst@telus.net
marleneaholst@gmail.com
Save $300. if deposit paid by March 31st.
This tour is filled up with 30 registrants.
Waiting List is open.
---
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY CENTRE
Interfaith Chaplains' Book Studies
for faculty, students, staff, and
campus guests - Winter, 2015
"Simply Good News" by N.T. Wright
http://tinyurl.com/kwte3os
Book Study Co-Sponsored by:
The Faith and Spirituality Centre,
University of Calgary and
The ACTS Ministry,
St. David's United Church, Calgary
Native Centre Board Room
McEwan Student Centre
Fridays, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Five sessions.
Feb. 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th.
Participants are encouraged to attend
all five sessions. However, you may attend
one or more sessions on a drop-in basis.
SPECIAL 2015 SIXTEEN DAY TOUR
"Jerusalem and the Land of Three Great Faiths"
October 16th - 31st, 2015
http://tinyurl.com/plg4sgo
Hardcopy tour details brochure
is available in the church lobby.
Tour Company: Rostad Tours Calgary
Tour Hosts: Wayne and Marlene Holst
Sponsored by: St. David's ACTS Ministry
Endorsed by: St. David's Church Council
Talk with or write to Marlene and Wayne
(403-286-7416)
waholst@telus.net
marleneaholst@gmail.com
Save $300. if deposit paid by March 31st.
This tour is filled up with 30 registrants.
Waiting List is open.
---
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY CENTRE
Interfaith Chaplains' Book Studies
for faculty, students, staff, and
campus guests - Winter, 2015
"Simply Good News" by N.T. Wright
http://tinyurl.com/kwte3os
Book Study Co-Sponsored by:
The Faith and Spirituality Centre,
University of Calgary and
The ACTS Ministry,
St. David's United Church, Calgary
Native Centre Board Room
McEwan Student Centre
Fridays, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Five sessions.
Feb. 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th.
Participants are encouraged to attend
all five sessions. However, you may attend
one or more sessions on a drop-in basis.
This study has ended.
Study Leader: Dr. Wayne A. Holst
Book cost $20.00
*****
No comments:
Post a Comment