Friday, January 28, 2022

Colleagues List, January 30th, 2022

 Vol XVII. No. 21

Archive - Dec 2009 - Oct 2019                  
Current archives listed on this page

GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE 
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE

Wayne A. Holst, Editor 
My E-Mail Address: waholst@telus.net 

This email is sent only to a voluntary subscriber list. 
If you no longer wish to receive these weekly columns, 
write to me personally at - waholst@telus.net

*****

Dear Friends:

I hope you will enjoy my comments, below, on teaching
bible study as part of my ministry at St. David's.

The rest of this letter contains the usual up-to-date items
that constitute a regular Colleagues List mailing.

PLEASE NOTE -  If a link below, seems to be dead, cut and 
paste it into the address bar at the top of your web page 
and it should work.

Wayne

*****

SPECIAL ITEM

ADULT BIBLE STUDY CAN BE EXCITING

I share these reflections after spending the morning with
a group of 15 Zoom members as we begin a ten-week study
series on the New Testament book of First Corinthians -
and I am feeling quite elated as I really enjoy this class!

In the paragraphs below I would like to suggest some
reasons why teaching a weekly gathering like this (total
group of about 18 if all were present) is so invigorating
for me. Perhaps I might add that I have been teaching
a bible study series of ten classes for eighteen years -
twice a year. That's 350 classes. Members come and go
but the more recent groups have increased in size and
in stability. Perhaps the virus has a good side to it!

God Does Not Change But We Do

One of the discoveries we make again and again is that
while we may be studying the Hebrew prophets or the
early Christian church, the basic issues people have to
deal with are much the same today. This is true, even
though thousands of years and great distances might
separate us from the story we happen to be studying.

We need to be wise in making the connections, and - when
we do - we discover that the challenges faced by Isaiah
are often little different from what we face now. Some
of his solutions can be our solutions too.

God remains faithful to God's people, in spite of the fact
that we may fail God time after time.

We do not know the answers to many of our questions,
but trust that a changeless God - described in holy writ -
will see us through.

--

Truth Evolves for Serious Seekers

Some people may find it hard to believe that the truth
about life develops over time and as we are able to
understand it.

God does not change. It is we who can grow in understanding
over time.

It is hard for some to come to terms with how the scriptures
deal with an issue like, say, slavery. There is no doubt
that - in some places - the Bible seems to condone slavery.
As we develop our understanding however, many humans
have come to see slavery in modernity as profoundly wrong.

If we study the Bible today, we may well discover that
planted in the heart of scripture more mature insights 
can be found. That does not mean God, or the Bible has
changed. Rather, it is we who have come to understand
truth in a new way. I'm glad to have a God that "grows"
with me.

The same could be said about the relationship between
male and female, the gay issue, or you name it.

Some people are locked into a traditional rendering of 
scripture, but others discover, with much struggle, that
truth in scripture evolves.

--

Churches Need Groups Like Our's

More conservative churches may tend to be more biblically
centered than do liberal ones. I find it quite sad that
many of our congregations do not have a bible study class
in their program. This is most unfortunate and needs to 
change. 

Many of the members of my bible study groups are eager
to learn but, in the past, they have not been fed with the 
scriptures as they should. It may also be that the opportunity
has not been taken until now.

I find that a number of our people might well join a group
like our's but they may be afraid that they don't know enough
and feel embarrassed. Those who venture into these
biblical studies usually seem to find that their attempts are
well worth the effort.

--

Finally, I re-iterate the enthusiasm I feel about our bible
studies at St. David's. I can't think of a more satisfying
activity with which to be engaged at this time in my life.

Wayne

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

Mark Whittall,
Ottawa, ON.

Sermons and Blog
January 22nd, 2022

"Thin Places"

--

Jim Taylor,
Okanagan, BC

Personal Web Log,
January 20th, 2022

"A Constant Process of Renewal"

 

--

Isabel Gibson,
Ottawa, ON.

Traditional Iconoclast
January 23rd, 2022

"G -- is for"
  

--

Ron Rolheiser,
San Antonio, TX

Personal Web Site
January 24th, 2022

"Making Love With the Divine"

*****

NET NOTES

WHO BETRAYED ANNE FRANK?
The Debate Continues

Religion News Service,
January 17th, 2022


***

THE WITNESS OF TREES
IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Trees Can Tell Us Things

Christian Century,
January 18th, 2022


***

THE COLONIZATION OF SPACE
IS PROBABLY INEVITABLE
Exploring the Universe Ethically

Sojourners,
February 2022


***

GROWING OLD 
WITH GRACE AND KINDNESS -
THE LIFE AND LIVES OF
SIDNEY POITIER
He Changed the Film World
and the Larger World

Religion News Service,
January 11th, 2022


***

LUTHERAN CHURCH IN FINLAND
TO APOLOGIZE TO THE SAMI PEOPLE
Historic Apology to Indigenous People

La Croix International
January 20th, 2022


***

POPE FRANCIS DECLARES ST. IRENAEUS
A DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Catholic News Service
January 21st, 2022


***

CHRISTIANS ARE GOING BACK TO CHURCH
BUT MAYBE NOT THE SAME ONE
Many Congregations Experience Turnover

Christianity Today
January 18th, 2022


***

THE CHURCH MAY NEVER REGAIN
THE POWER IT ONCE HAD
But That May Be a Good Thing

CBC.ca
January  16th, 2022


***

FOR AMERICA, WE HOPE THE CHOICE
IS GOOD OVER EVIL
Editorial

Catholic Register,
January 12th, 2022


***

THICH NHAT HANH ZEN MASTER
PREACHER OF COMPASSION, DIES

Religion News Service,
January 21st, 2022


*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners and the Bruderhof online:

Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.

- Pema Chödrön

--

Grace shows up in all of us asking the hard questions to break new ground. Grace is generous and, when we lean into it, we can’t help but extend it to others.

- Candice Marie Benbow

--

Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.

- Teilhard de Chardin

--

Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important, wonderful. If you want to be recognized, wonderful. If you want to be great, wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s your new definition of greatness. And this morning, the thing that I like about it, by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great. Because everybody can serve.

Martin Luther King Jr.

--

Humanly speaking, we could understand and interpret the Sermon on the Mount in a thousand different ways. Jesus knows only one possibility: simple surrender and obedience, not interpreting it or applying it, but doing and obeying it. That is the only way to hear his word. He does not mean that it is to be discussed as an ideal; he really means us to get on with it.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

--

If the world has not approached its end, it has reached a major watershed in history, equal in importance to the turn from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. It will demand from us a spiritual blaze; we shall have to rise to a new height of vision, to a new level of life where our physical nature will not be cursed as in the Middle Ages, but even more importantly, our spiritual being will not be trampled upon as in the Modern Era.

- Alexander Solzhenitsyn

--

The earliest community that formed in Jerusalem after Jesus’ execution was composed of the original disciples and pilgrims who had traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the holy days. United by the conviction that Jesus’ resurrection was a sign of covenant renewal and the new creation, these Jews marched through the Red Sea of baptism into a radically new way of life, one in which all possessions were held in common, there were no needy persons, and all members were “of one heart and mind.”

- Alden Bass

--

In life there are moments of darkness. There are periods of discouragement. There are times when we lose sight of the beauty of the sky for all the clouds. You may have to bear severe sickness, or deal with tremendous pain, or you may be disappointed in this or that. But remember, whatever difficulty you have to face, it will not last. It is only a cloud. For God has made each of us with a purpose.

We are made for joy.

- Alice von Hildebrand

--

God does not come to us by way of anything less than love for our enemy. God does not ask about good and evil, because even my good is not good before him. God’s love seeks the enemy and is perfected in the enemy. If it were not for this, none of us could talk about God’s love at all. Apart from this, none of us becomes the child of this God. This is the way Jesus, in his life and death, brought God to us. God’s children are enemies who have been overcome.

- Jergen  Moltmann

(end)

*****

For Those Interested -

ACTS MINISTRY WINTER STUDIES AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED:

Monday Night Book Study - Jan. 17th - Mar. 28th 7-8:30 PM                Zoom (10 weeks)

Book Theme: "On the Brink of Everything" by Parker Palmer

**

Thursday Morning Bible Study - Jan. 20th - Mar. 31st 10-11 AM 
 Zoom (10 weeks)

Bible Theme - Biblical book(s) to be studied this term will be
selected at the first gathering of the class, January 20th.

If you have questions, contact me at waholst@telus.net

******




Friday, January 14, 2022

Colleagues List, January 16th, 2021

Vol XVII. No. 20

Archive - Dec 2009 - Oct 2019                  
Current archives listed on this page


GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE 
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE

Wayne A. Holst, Editor 
My E-Mail Address: waholst@telus.net 

This email is sent only to a voluntary subscriber list. 
If you no longer wish to receive these weekly columns, 
write to me personally at - waholst@telus.net

*****

Dear Friends: 

My Special Item for this issue of Colleague List focuses on pastoral changes and transition in our local communities. I share a few thoughts from my own experience and continue to learn.

I hope you find other items selected for this week to be of interest.

PLEASE NOTE -  If a link below, seems to be dead, cut and 
paste it into the address bar at the top of your web page 
and it should work.

Wayne

*****

SPECIAL ITEM

PASTORAL TRANSITION
Thoughts Based on Experience

My home congregation, St. David's United Church Calgary, has been going through the pastoral transition of two staff members recently and it has set me thinking about the transitions of my own ministry over the past fifty years. After some reflection, I share several pointed principles with you, my readers, of what I did or did not do for the benefit of my growth in ministry and the witness of the Christian community.

Know When to Leave

No matter how much a pastor may have accomplished; or no matter how well-loved or appreciated - there is always a time to say goodbye. Pastors may have a sense when this time has come, but often it is good to have the advice of wise, supportive friends outside the congregation or ministry being served. Many good ministries have terminated on a negative or questionable note because the pastor did not seem to know when it was time to hand in that resignation.

Depart With Grace if Possible

There are good congregations and organizations and not-so good ones. Mature people in all kinds of congregations and other ministry situations can help with the transition. There may be negatives to contend with, but clergy and other congregational leaders can do a lot to smooth over the bumps of any transition by being graceful about it. Sometimes we clergy can be quite lacking in grace during upsetting times of change for us. I have, on some occasions, been helped by both fellow-clergy and lay colleagues to work through transition with positive words and deeds.

Become Scarce

Once the termination date has been announced, the pastor needs to work toward a distinct break to help renewal under new leadership to take place. Many church organizations set specific time limits on departed clergy for any reconnection whatsoever. In most cases I think this is wise. When such constraints do not exist, it is the responsibility of the departing pastor to establish them personally.  Severing those tries can be very painful, but attempts to retain connections at this transitional time can end up being much worse.

Forgiveness and Healing
Can Come Through Christ

The Christian community exists for the sake of witness to Christ and the good news of the gospel. Even when bad things happen and deep hurts result, we have in our possession the priceless gifts of forgiveness and healing.

As I move through the senior years of my ministry I have learned a few things through experience. The most important discoveries are those I could have not imagined possible and certainly have not earned.

Wayne

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

Elfrieda Schroeder
Winnipeg, MB

In Transit Blog
January 4th, 2022

"We Are What We Choose to Remember"

--

Ron Rolheiser,
San Antonio, TX
Personal Web Site
January 10th, 2022

"What We Do in Private"
 
 --

Jim Taylor,
Okanagan, BC

Personal Web Log
January 9th, 2022

"The People We Rendered Invisible"

--

Mark Whittall,
Ottawa, ON.

Sermons and Blog
January 7th, 2022

"Baptism"

*****

NET NOTES

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL
FOR OUR SAKES 
by Joan Chittister

National Catholic Reporter
January 6th, 2022


--

A WORSHIP PRACTICE
ZOOM CAN'T REPLICATE
Silence as a Discipline

The Christian Century,
January 5th, 2022


--

DESMOND TUTU -
POLITICIAN OR SAINT?
He Was Both

Religion News Service,
January 10th, 2022


--

UNITED CHURCH MINISTERS
ARE BURNING OUT

Broadview,
December 19th, 2022


--

WAS MARY MAGDALENE 
REALLY FROM MAGDALA?
Scholars Discuss Her Origins

National Catholic Reporter,
January 11th, 2022


--

A SURGE OF EVANGELICALS IN SPAIN
IS FUELED BY LATIN AMERICANS
A Big Impact on Spain's Migrant Population

Religious News Service
January 4th, 2022


--

THE CAPITOL ATTACK HELD UP
A MIRROR TO THE NATION
We Must Reckon with
What America has Become

Sojourners, 
February 2022


--

MOTHER TERESA'S CHARITY 
IS NO LONGER BANNED IN INDIA
Others are Still Without this Freedom

The Christian Post
January 9th, 2022


--

INDIGENOUS MORMONS STRUGGLE
TO BALANCE PRIDE IN THE FAITH
WITH LDS HISTORY

Religion News Service,
January 11th, 2022


--

AS RUSSIA AMASSES TROOPS 
AT BORDER DEEP ANXIETY HANGS 
OVER UKRAINE'S CATHOLICS

National Catholic Reporter,
January 12th, 2022


*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners and the Bruderhof online:

Be courageous. Be kind. Be hopeful about your ability to bring about a better world.

- Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss

--

The whole cosmos is a Self-giving of God. And we will find our place in the great dance only to the extent that we love.

- J. Philip Newell

--

We are all capable of good and evil. We are not born bad; everybody has something good inside. Some hide it, some neglect it, but it is there. God created us to love and to be loved, so it is our test from God to choose one path or the other.

-  Mother Teresa

--

Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says, “I cannot stand anymore.” God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God’s hands.

- Oswald Chambers

--

Jesus calls us to recognize that gladness and sadness are never separate, that joy and sorrow really belong together, and that mourning and dancing are part of the same movement. That is why Jesus calls us to be grateful for every moment that we have lived, and to claim our unique journey as God’s way to mold our hearts to greater conformity with God’s own. The cross is the main symbol of our faith, and it invites us to find hope where we see pain, and to reaffirm the resurrection where we see death. The call to be grateful is a call to trust that every moment of our life can be claimed as the way of the cross that leads us to new life.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen

--

To think of ourselves as related means to recognize that we stand in a network of mutual obligation and care with each person with whom we come into contact. As we know, the US government and American settlers more often treated native peoples with suspicion, violence, and unfaithfulness than with such concern. This fact continues to show its ill effects today. Still, this truth is our only hope for addressing and setting right this ongoing history: you are my relative, and I am yours. Believing and acting this way is the work of peace, for all of us of every heritage, and it is the road we must take if we are to reconcile past hurts and to share this country in friendship.

- Nathan Beacon

--

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.


You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.


The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
And He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also
The bow that is stable.   

Kahlil Gibran

--

CLOSING THOUGHT - Richard Rohr

There is no path to peace, but peace itself is the path.

(end)

*****

For Those Interested -

ACTS MINISTRY WINTER STUDIES AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED:

Monday Night Book Study - Jan. 17th - Mar. 28th 7-8:30 PM                Zoom (10 weeks)

Book Theme: "On the Brink of Everything" by Parker Palmer

**

Thursday Morning Bible Study - Jan. 20th - Mar. 31st 10-11 AM 
 Zoom (10 weeks)

Bible Theme - Biblical book(s) to be studied this term will be
selected at the first gathering of the class, January 20th.

If you have questions, contact me at waholst@telus.net

******




Friday, January 7, 2022

Colleagues List, January 9th, 2022

Vol XVII. No. 19

Archive - Dec 2009 - Oct 2019                  

GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE 
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE

Wayne A. Holst, Editor 
My E-Mail Address: waholst@telus.net 

This email is sent only to a voluntary subscriber list. 
If you no longer wish to receive these weekly columns, 
write to me personally at - waholst@telus.net

*****

Dear Friends:

Welcome to the first issue of Colleagues List for 2022!!

In this issue I introduce an unusual book. 

Alphabet of Faith is a primer of good theology written by a person not theologically trained in a formal sense. The church needs more people like author Sara Jewell.

--

Some weeks ago I began writing a reflection of my growth in faith during my senior years. I introduced a number of guides to help me unpack the meaning of "second naivete from a theological and spiritual perspective."

As I begin the new year I need to inform readers that "my second naivete thoughts are postponed" but will appear in subsequent issues of CL 

I hope you enjoy this issue and will discover good insights here.

Wayne 

PLEASE NOTE - If a link below, seems to be dead, cut and 
paste it into the address bar at the top of your web page 
and it should work. 

******

SPECIAL ITEM

Book Notice-

ALPHABET OF FAITH
26 Words about Faith,
Ethics and Spirituality
by Sarah Jewel

Woodlake Publishing,
Kelowna, BC. 2021.
$19.95 Paper; $9.98 Kindle
ISBN #978-1-77343-517-6

Publishers Promo:

Alphabet of Faith explores what it means to live a life of faith and spirit in the 21st century in the context of Jesus’ commandment to love one another.

Weaving together faith and culture, this breathtaking book explores what it means to live a life of faith and spirit in the 21st century. It brings together 26 “words” – such as energy, justice, liminal space, and X marks the spot – that reflect the challenges and joys of living in our beautiful but broken and often brutal world.

It is unwaveringly contemporary, progressive, and thought-provoking. The pieces are written for those who say they are spiritual but not religious, for people who are or may be familiar with church but perhaps don’t attend anymore, for those who know Jesus and his teachings and are familiar with the Bible, even if they haven’t opened it in a while.

Ultimately, these 26 “words” are for questioners and doubters who believe in kindness, mercy, and justice, as well as in science, and who seek a spiritual path that is inclusive and welcoming of conversation and transformation.

--

Author's Words:

Holding my breath, I Googled "alphabet of faith" but found little mention of a sermon series based on the 26 letters of the alphabet, and not one book came up.

It was mine, all mine!. Alphabet of Faith was born. (I found words for each letter of the alphabet, and my idea was to put a fresh spin on each word I selected.)

I approach my church work as a journalist, a teacher, and a writer. I trust my instincts and write from the heart. I read widely but have not been trained by a theological college. I believe the world needs more Jesus.

I grew up in the United Church and know how to put a service together.
My work as a lay leader and preacher has just "rolled out" for me. I trust my instincts and my creative skills.

For the series contained in this book I selected words, scriptures and hymns with the understanding that they could change at the last minute.

The chosen word of the week informed my choice of scripture and the theme of my message. My creative process rose to the occasion, thereby proving why faith is important: it gives our lives meaning, it connects us to each other, it helps us make sense of the chaos, mayhem and evil that confronts us and wears us down.

I'm all about the Christian scriptures and how they apply to life in the 21st century. I seek the wellspring of hope that is Jesus, the wisdom of his words and actions as recorded in the gospels. He is the source of our faith.

Doing a sermon series like this Alphabet of Faith was a gift. Doing it through the worst of 2020 was a rare gift. It was a real challenge to create and I am happy to share the results with you.

- based on the author's Introduction.

--

Author's Bio:

Sara Jewell’s spiritual writing is built on the foundation of her belief that “the world needs more Jesus.” Drawing from personal experience, extensive reading of contemporary Christian authors, and the critical issues and transformative events covered by the news, she strives to  find the extraordinary in the ordinary, the sacred in the simple, and the wonder in every word.

A long-time columnist, essayist, and freelance writer with newspapers and magazines across Canada, Sara started her writing career at the United Church Observer and continues to write for Broadview. She also writes for Saltscapes magazine. Her magazine writing has been recognized by the Associated Church Press, the Canadian Church Press, the Atlantic Journalism Awards, the Atlantic Community Newspaper Awards, the International Regional Magazine Awards, and the Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest.

Sara is the author of the collection of essays, "Field Notes: A City Girl’s Search for Heart and Home in Rural Nova Scotia."

Born and raised in Ontario, Sara graduated from Queen’s University with English and Education degrees. She worked as a radio newscaster in Ontario and Vancouver, and now works as a substitute teacher and lay worship leader for the United Church. She is currently enrolled in a certificate program for Thanatology, the study of death and bereavement. Sara lives on the north shore of Nova Scotia with her husband, mother, a few pets, and a flock of chickens. Connect with her online at www.sarajewell.ca

--

My Thoughts:

One of the special benefits of the virus has been the emergence of many worship leaders in my congregation. It has not been easy for many of these gifted people because, as Sara Jewell tells us, she has not been theologically trained. I have experienced decades of formal theological education and must admit that inviting members of the "laity" to do what was "clergy" work was something with which I had to adjust.

One important thing I have learned is that many without formal theological training can have marvellous spiritual and practical insights to share. When a skilled person takes the task of worship leadership seriously she or he frequently sees the need for their own theological education and can pursue that, with good guidance, to enhance what they have to offer. Local congregations can be wonderful places for theological education. Not everyone needs to be trained at a credentialed theological college if the local church has a good education program.

I am grateful for the special insights I have gained from friends and colleagues at church who have not been formally trained as clergy. Again and again I have come to realize that the Holy Spirit works in wonderful ways.

My father would often tell me - "It's an ill wind that doesn't do some people some good." I have always respected my father's spiritual life    and his ability to share it. In his case, and in the case of many I have worked with since, that statement certainly applies. The virus brought us benefits.

--

Buy the book from:

Woodlake Books 

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

Mark Whittall,
Ottawa, ON.

Sermons and Blog
December 24th, 2021

"Where You Put Your Body"
 
--

Philip Yancey,
Colorado

Philipyancey.com
December 23rd, 2021

"The Hopes and Fears"

--

Jim Taylor,
Okanagan, BC

Personal Web Log,
December 30th, 2021

"Lost Causes"

--

Ron Rolheiser,
San Antonio, TX

Personal Web Site
January 3rd, 202

"The Origins of the Universe -
  Jesus and the Big Bang"

*****

NET NOTES

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN CANADA
WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT, 
BUT IT TAUGHT ME MUCH
A Message from a Pakistani Migrant

Broadview,
December 10th, 2021


--

THE REVOLUTIONARY JOY
OF DESMOND TUTU
Jovial Man and Firebrand

The Christian Century,
January 6th, 2022


--

TUTU'S STAND FOR GAY RIGHTS
DID NOT SWAY MOST OF AFRICA
He Didn't Fully Convince His Own Communion

Religion News Service
December 29th, 2021


--

EAST GERMAN PASTORS 
PUSH VACCINATION SHOTS
Saxony Badly Hit by Coved 

Religion News Service
December 26th, 2021


--

BOOK OF EXODUS DESCRIBES
REPARATIONS FOR SLAVERY
We're the Egyptians Not the Israelites

The Christian Century,
December 27th, 2021


--

A CHURCH IN CRISIS CONFRONTS ITS SINS
Canadian Catholic Community Faces Major Problems

Catholic Register, Toronto
December 22nd, 2021


--

THE TRUMPIST REFORMATION IS UPON US
To Understand Post-Trump Politics, 
Consider Martin Luther

Religion News Service,
December 29th, 2021


--

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES IN HAITI
MAKE DARING ESCAPE FROM CAPTORS
All are Now Rescued

Christian Week,
December 20th, 2021


--

GALLOP TRACKS STEEP DECLINE
IN AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY
DURING PAST TWENTY YEARS
Discoveries are not Surprizing

Get Religion,
December 15th, 2021


--

'MERRY CHRISTMAS' RATHER THAN
'HAPPY HOLIDAYS' IS PREFERRED
BY MOST AMERICANS

Religion News Service
December 17th, 2021


--

CHURCH'S MINISTRY TO THOSE 
HURT BY PANDEMIC SHOWS
MONUMENTAL GROWTH
Church Members Pay the Price

Religion News Service,
December 21st, 2021


*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

- Charles Dickens

--

Now that Christmas is past, we enter a new advent season – a time of holy expectation of a second Christmas, the birth of the Son of God in us, the birth of the kingdom of God for the whole world. We await the arrival of a new day, the beginning of a new age, a new time for humankind.

- Dwight Blough

--

There are moments in history when people of faith must ask what their faith instructs them to do.

- Anne Nelson

--

Hope just means another world might be possible, not promised, not guaranteed. Hope calls for action; action is impossible without hope.

- Rebecca Solnit

--

Now that Christmas is past, we enter a new advent season – a time of holy expectation of a second Christmas, the birth of the Son of God in us, the birth of the kingdom of God for the whole world. We await the arrival of a new day, the beginning of a new age, a new time for humankind.

- Dwight Blough

--

Remember — the root word of humble and human is the same: humus: earth. We are dust. We are created; it is God who made us and not we ourselves. But we were made to be co-creators with our maker.

- Madeline L’Engle

--

I am glad, brothers and sisters, that our church is persecuted precisely for its preferential option for the poor and for trying to become incarnate in the interest of the poor and for saying to all the people, to rulers, to the rich and powerful: unless you become poor, unless you have a concern for the poverty of our people as though they were your own family, you will not be able to save society.

- Oscar Romero

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The great vision of the New Jerusalem at the end of the Book of Revelation is a vision of ultimate beauty (Rev. 21–22). The word beauty doesn’t occur much in the Bible, but the celebration of creation all the way from Genesis, through the Psalms and prophets, on into the Gospels, and here in Revelation, should alert us to the fact that, though the ancient Jewish people did not theorize about beauty like the Greeks did, they knew a great deal about it and poured their rich aesthetic sensibility not only into poetry but also into one building in particular: the temple in Jerusalem, whose legendary beauty inspired poets, musicians, and dancers alike.

- N. T. Wright

I believe that God really has dived down into the bottom of creation, and has come up bringing the whole redeemed nature on His shoulders. The miracles that have already happened are, of course, as Scripture so often says, the first fruits of that cosmic summer which is presently coming on. Christ has risen, and so we shall rise. Saint Peter for a few seconds walks on the water; and the day will come when there will be a re-made universe, infinitely obedient to the will of glorified and obedient men, when we can do all things, when we shall be those gods that we are described as being in Scripture. 

C.S. Lewis

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CLOSING THOUGHT - T.S. Eliot

What we call the beginning is often the end / And to make an end is to make a beginning.

(end)

*****

For Those Interested -

ACTS MINISTRY WINTER STUDIES AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED:

Monday Night Book Study - Jan. 17th - Mar. 28th 7-8:30 PM              Zoom (10 weeks)

Book Theme: "On the Brink of Everything" by Parker Palmer

**

Thursday Morning Bible Study - Jan. 20th - Mar. 31st 10-11 AM 
    Zoom (10 weeks)

Bible Theme - Biblical book(s) to be studied this term will be
selected at the first gathering of the class, January 20th.

If you have questions, contact me at waholst@telus.net

******


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Colleagues List, July 24th, 2022

  Vol. XVIII. No. 1 Archive - Dec 2009 - Oct 2019                                            http://colleagueslist.blogspot / .ca           ...