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 Common Threads
News and Views from the Centre for Christian Studies
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 Hi <<First Name>> !
The CCS Communications Committee has taken on the story-telling this month while Kimiko is in Japan. There are stories from students, grads and friends of CCS, a poem, a book review that contrasts totalitarianism with CCS's model of collaborative learning (yes, really!), a reflection on the Winnipeg General Strike, and more. It delights me, always, how deep and wide our threads and connections run. Pour a cup of tea and read on.
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from the principal's desk. . .
On the long weekend I got back on the bike – literally! Pumped air into my tires, readjusted my helmet straps and biked up to Assiniboine Park and back.
Like many other years’ first ride, I found I was sore afterwards! Restarting habits, hobbies and practices can be like that; the joy of rediscovery co-mingled with the ache of discovering that it is going to take some time and effort to recover our skill and re-establish routine. Re-starting involves the practice of acceptance – This is how it is right now, how I am. It also involves cracking open routine and mindset to start anew. Times of transition can disrupt habits (eg. moving away from a yoga studio or cherished congregation) or create space for new ones (eg. walking to work or morning devotions).
It helps to have the resources and structures to support restarting! Having a bike in good condition certainly helped me. Also, in Winnipeg there are streets that have motorized traffic restricted to one block on Sundays and holidays, creating corridors for cyclists, runners and walkers. Apart from “Back to Church” events in September, I wonder about how else congregations can open their doors to people who might want to restart the habit of Sunday worship?
I also wonder how we can support one another in restarting habits of spiritual practice. What is the equivalent of a sunny day and protected bike lane? How do I ‘pump air’ into the tires of my practices? And how willing am I to persevere with the soul’s equivalent of muscles sore from disuse?
I have a favourite passage from Paul’s letters that I often rely on for encouragement:
I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of hands; for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. (2 Tim1:6-7)
Restarting is the work of rekindling a gift. And the gift of the Spirit calls us to be bold, to love ourselves and have the discipline to follow through with our intentions.
As we prepare for the arrival in June of a new cohort of Learning on Purpose students, I think about how many of them are restarting. One of the joys of adult education is watching students re-engage with learning, and discovering and developing skills.
Beginning can be daunting! Hopefully the learning journey has some of the characteristics of a great cycling ride – some unexpected adventure, muscles engaged and ready to be sore, solid infrastructure for support – air in the tires and ready for a ride!
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On the CCS Website...
(click a title to read the whole article)
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Kaitlin Bardswich discusses the importance for her and her partner of being married in a church, and the pain of knowing that some congregations still won't bless their union.
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No longer having an opportunity to cycle to work is only one of the challenges Pretima Kukadia has found in taking on communications for 3 of the new United Church regions.
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From secret agent for Jesus to supporting women ministers in South Korea, Lori Crocker's ministry has spanned many roles and many places.
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Rebecca Pike reflects on her social ministry placement at Stella's Circle in St. John's, NL, creating spaces for people to connect as they strive for real homes, real help, and real work.
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Fairfield United Church is re-thinking its relationship to building, community, and ministry. Beth Walker reflects on development and the journey to new possibilities.
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Ray McGinnis reflects on the CCS threads that have run through his storied careers.
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A poem by Ray McGinnis.
"The International Union for / Conservation of Nature counts quail / as a 'species of least concern'." ...
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Ray McGinnis contrasts this classic text about the conditions necessary for totalitarianism to thrive, with the ethos and model of learning experienced at CCS. *Spoiler alert - he thinks our way is better.
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David Lappano considers the impact of J. S. Woodsworth on the Winnipeg General Strike and social justice in Canada with an appreciative and a critical eye.
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DOUBLE THE JOY!
This is the last week to have your donation matched dollar for dollar.
Would you consider making a gift to support online learning circles for students no matter how remote or far from Winnipeg? Online circles cost less, are environmentally friendly, and are available anywhere in Canada.
That’s living theology as close as a computer screen! It's a great time to give because you can double your donation!
Because of a matching gift from a generous donor, when you give $10 it becomes $20. A gift of $25 becomes $50. $50 becomes $100. It costs $20,000 in staff time and resources to produce and host each new online circle. Will you help make it happen?
Our students come to CCS having encountered a living, loving God. Online circles help them learn where they live so they can share that joy of new life in places of despair and death. Now, with this match, your gift will make a bigger difference.
To donate today, click here or on the box below.
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 Commissionings
Congratulations to CCS grads who are being commissioned to diaconal ministry at UCC regional meetings this spring: Tammy Bleue, Terrie Chedore, Keith Hall, Melanie Ihmels, Marion Martin, and Lynn McGrath.
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 Margarete Emminghaus
Margarete Emminghaus graduated from the United Church Training School in 1952. After years of ministry and Christian Education work in the United Church she returned to the Centre for Christian Studies as a staff person through the 1970s and 80s responsible for administration, bookkeeping, residence, and bursaries. Margerete died on April 13, 2019 in Orillia, ON.
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 Learn with CCS in 2019-2020
Do you want to deepen your skills or explore your call to ministry? Do you know someone who would benefit from learning in community at the Centre for Christian Studies? Has it been a long time since you were part of a learning circle? Check out what we're offering this year.
We won't be sending out displays to regional gatherings this year because you, our CCS community, are our best display. Talk us up to your friends. Tap some shoulders. If you need promotional materials, let us know. If you're interested for yourself, give us a call.
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DIAKONIA of the Americas and Caribbean. We will be invited to listen to perspectives from diverse cultural voices and social locations. During the conference, we will be challenged to engage in thoughtful reflection, intellectural stimulation, spiritual depth and prophetic witness through: worship, Bible study, workshops, site visits, small group conversation and exploration of the local area. Children's Program available. Information and registration here.
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 The Saskatoon Theological Union is looking for a Library Director
The STU is made up of St. Andrew`s College, Emmanuel & St. Chad and Luther Theological Seminary in Saskatoon. The application deadline was May 15, so I`m not sure if they`re still open to applications, but the Library Director job description is here.
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Register today!
