"My favourite poem is the one that starts 'Thirty days hath September' because it actually tells you something." Groucho Marx

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Common Threads

News and Views from the Centre for Christian Studies

September 26, 2018

Hi <<First Name>> !

As summer passes into autumn, we hold tenderly to what is this September. The fires of summer shifted to tornadoes and we hold prayer for all who have been impacted. And yet there are days when the sun shines, the harvest is gathered and we count our blessings across the country. You are one them.
Kimiko

from the principal's desk. . .

The Crashing Flow of Change

When I found myself with an unscheduled afternoon following a field placement orientation in St Catherine's, one destination leapt to mind: Niagara Falls! I’m not sure I have ever actually planned a trip to Niagara Falls, but my children will attest that I am fond of spontaneous trips there.

One of the benefits of moving more into ‘cloud’ computing is more flexibility for staff to work remotely. So this afternoon I can sit near the edge of the water and work.

I am endlessly enthralled by the movement of water. Shaped by my childhood sailing, with summer days lying on sailboat decks watching the waves, I can watch the water curl over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment for a long time and never tire of it. I am overwhelmed by the thought that the waters of the great lakes all pour over these falls. The cascade of it is powerful and endless. And the water works inexorable change, eroding the rocks.

I watch the water and think about change. About how sometimes it feels like plunging over the edge; sudden and irreversible and instantly transformative – the birth of a child, loss of a job, a pilgrimage experience (or learning circle!) And sometimes the change is slower – deepening spiritual practices, experience in ministry, aging, or restructuring the church!

Whatever change is happening in your life or community this autumn, I hope you find times for wonder. Maybe you’ll find yourself in a crowd, marvelling together. Maybe moments of watchful stillness. Can you hear the roar of the waters? The Spirit is out there, ever flowing, ever changing, ever blessing.

On the CCS Website...

(click a title to read the whole article)

Mother, daughter DUCCs

In April, diaconal ministers gathered from across the country. Student Alana Martin spent time listening and learning and hanging out with the person who most inspires her -- her mother.

Lear ning Twice

Kathy Douglas learns that mentoring enriches both the mentor and the mentee.

Reseed
Rejuvenate
Reconnect

Come learn with us! CCS Continuing Studies provide opportunities for spiritual and theogical deepening, connection and creative inspiration. All theme learning circles are now open to anyone, clergy, lay or questioning and discerning. With a rich blend of readings and experiential engagement, you will leave inspired and renewed. This October's learning circles are Ministry as Community Building and Worship. Apply now. Check out Continuing Studies at CCS today!

Nominate a Companion

While past recipients of Companion of the Centre are diverse, there are 5 traits they all share. As you read these, who comes to mind? Send in your nomination for the 2019 CCS Companion of the Centre.
Nominations close September 30.

Welcome Back to Fall - a poem for the season

Diane Trollope invites us to walk straight into the joys, challenge and changes of fall.

Holding in prayer

Carolynne Bouey Shank (Grad UC 2000) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer
Steve Bush, spouse of student Lisa Byer-de Wever requests prayers for healing

Invest in real people, real needs

When she was young someone invested in Rosemary Draper’s growth:

I spent many happy years in CGIT with generous leaders who helped us to develop our skills in leading. They gave us lots of experience in the need for giving of ourselves, since we had been so freely given to in happy times with others.

It was the Church and our own experience of family life and community that encouraged us to be aware of others in the world around us and gave us a sense of necessary giving.

That is the reason that I found giving to be a natural part of my life.

Rosemary (ACC 1959 graduate) is a monthly donor who supports the Centre for Christian Studies through Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR).

You can do that too, with regular gifts of $30, $25 or $10 given month by month. Your generous investment in students will benefit a new generation.

There are two ways to give with automatic monthly donations:

Download a Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) form HERE, print and send it with a void cheque or credit card information to Centre for Christian Studies, 60 Maryland St, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1K7, attention: Lori Stewart

OR click HERE, then click on “Donate Monthly” to sign up through Canada Helps where deductions come from your credit card.

By making your donations monthly you can support the kind of learning that prepares leaders to meet the needs of real people.

Upcoming Events

Celebrate CCS Sunday, October 14!

Promote theological education. . . on October 14 or a Sunday of your choice. A great way to honour those you know who are students or graduates. Check out the website HERE for stories to share, worship ideas, bulletin inserts and more. Focus your whole service on this theme or choose one piece to highlight. And please share with us what you do!

A Tea Party to celebrate 20 years!
Enjoy a cup of tea wherever you are to celebrate our special anniversary. Mark your calendar!

The Centre for Christian Studies have been in Winnipeg for 20 years! On November 16 CCS will host an Anniversary Tea Party, physically for friends who are near enough to drop by and virtually for those who are farther away. Watch for more information in the next Common Threads.

Ministry Vacancies

Do you feel the winds of God? Is it time for an adventure in a great church family in the Northwest Territories? Yellowknife United Church is a welcoming and affirming congregation who are seeking a full-time ordained or diaconal minister. For their JNAC package and more information please contact ykucministersearch@gmail.com.