Has anyone noticed that the days are getting shorter? Is this something we should be worried about? Asking for a friend.

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Common Threads

News and Views from the Centre for Christian Studies

November 26, 2019

Hi <<First Name>> !
It`s a privilege to be rejoining you for a while as editor of Common Threads. Thank you to Kimiko who did so much to lift the stories of the CCS community with style and passion while she was Communications Coordinator.
Speaking of privilege, did you know that we're offering an online social justice course on power and privilege? Wasn't one of your new year's resolution going to be more continuing education?

Scott

from the principal's desk. . .

Advent is one of my favourite church seasons. I wouldn’t say that I love waiting, but I do love the season of waiting – the space to focus on anticipation, reflection and possibility. I love the contrast between the lengthening darkness of the northern season and the expanding candlelight of the Advent wreath. I love the proliferation of Christmas lights sparkling on evening drives.

Theological education is a bit of an Advent season of life – it is a time of preparation and transformation. A time of possibility, hope and even fear. Thinking about Advent and theological education together emphasizes that both are active periods, that waiting is not necessarily passive. They are also both counter-cultural – to focus on spirituality in the midst of frenzied consumer-driven capitalism is to turn intention into action. It’s an act of swimming against the current.

To swim across a river with a current you need to gauge how strong the river is flowing, know where you want to end up, and then pick an angled trajectory upriver. It requires some forethought and adjustment as you go.

This year at the Centre for Christian Studies, we’ve been engaged in visioning and strategic planning – picking our destination on the far riverbank and figuring out how best to get there. It has been an Advent-like season of waiting and imagining possibility and planning and preparing. We are just about ready to jump in!

As Advent arrives – I hope that whatever you are waiting for carries some hope and excitement. May the season bring us anticipation, excitement, and invitations into new ministries. May we shine with curiosity and hope and joy – like lights in the darkness on the journey for those who encounter us. May we learn something new.

I can hardly wait!

On the CCS Website...

(click a title to read the whole article)

Cookies and Carols 2019

If you're in the Winnipeg area on December 10th, why not join us from 4-6 pm for festive singing and holiday treats?

Companion of the Centre 2020

The Centre for Christian Studies is pleased to announce that the 2020 recipient of the Companion of the Centre Award is ... [click for more]

Spiritual Practice 2019

Students spent a week exploring spiritual practice as a tool for pastoral care. Check out some images.

A Room Full of Mentors

Regional gatherings of diaconal ministers provide an opportunity for students to make connections and form identity.

What I Learned at CCS and Why Our News Reading Habits Matter

Ray McGinnis uses the critical analysis skills he gained at CCS to take a closer look at news from Bolivia.

Power and Privilege 2020

On-line learning circles give you access to CCS’s engaged learning from wherever you are. Check out the Power & Privilege on-line circle running Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 14 to February 20. A terrific continuing studies opportunity!

Looking for more continuing education possibilities? Check out what we're offering this year.

CCS Community

Prayers

for all in the community who are in the midst of health issues or recovering from illness.

In Memorium

Fletcher Stewart, friend of CCS

SUPPORT EDUCATION THAT BRINGS THEOLOGY TO LIFE

Today I got a message from a donor saying she was drawn to support the work at the Centre for Christian Studies because of her belief in the value of diaconal ministry and the need for quality training for it. That thought is shared by many of you.

You know that diakonia as embodied by Jesus has a place in the wider world.

One example is the work Elizabeth McAdam does as an Integrated Support Worker at the Main Street Project in Winnipeg. There her confidence in the value of people helps her ask questions so they can seek their own answers. Yoon Ok Shin helps build bridges across cultural and racial divides by promoting intercultural conversations. She is seeking a beloved community that is diverse and enriched because of it.

You can read the stories of these two CCS graduates in the most recent Tapestry.

At the Centre for Christian Studies your financial gift provides education that brings theology to life. Your donation equips Jesus’ community to live its theology. Will you make an end-of-year gift today?

DONATE to CCS

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