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Hi <<First Name>> !
Thanks to everyone who noticed that your monthly Common Threads didn't show up in your inbox on Wednesday. Yes, normally I try to get it out on the 26th each month. But there was so much going on this month, right up to the 26th, that I thought you'd prefer to wait a couple of days to get all the news. Enjoy! -- Scott
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From the Principal's Desk
 The week of ‘everything everywhere all at once’ has come and gone! That was the week when we crammed a three in-person learning circles, a Central Council in-person meeting, presentations by the Integration Year students’ (soon to be graduates), and the Annual Service of Celebration - all together in a week. Ever since my arrival to CCS last autumn, I have been hearing a lot about it. Now it is done, let me share a few thoughts with you.
Just like any other big event, preparation is the hardest part. It took months of conversation, planning, and working out details even up to the days people were here. When Plan A and B doesn’t work, the last-minute Plan C needs to come in place in a matter of seconds. Literally! Not a joke! I was very grateful to see creative folks who were skilful and committed to making this occasion as smooth and meaningful as possible.
CCS does many things online; online Learning Circles, Central Council meetings, various committees, and even the AGM are conducted online. That’s why there is such a joy when I see students, Council members, staff, and friends converged in our humble space where they share, talk, and laugh. For those who were here, these few days of gathering were crucial to feel the energy of this school, and to gain a pulse of CCS.
I was overjoyed when I read the citation for this year’s Companion of the Centre, the Rev. Dr. Wenh-In Ng. My body and mind were filled with gratitude at the knowledge that this tiny, unassuming elder and scholar has spent her life educating people for ministry of all kinds. She educates toward justice, anti-racism, and equity; and she is still actively contributing to book chapter writings. And because of her contributions, the United Church of Canada is now blessed to have reached this current stage where we are actively pursuing anti-racism, not just in the society at large but within the four walls of the church. I give thanks to God for what she has done, as she continues to challenge us all to relate to one another through the lens of equity. Her current goal is inspiring too: Learning how to be a worthy elder and, eventually, to become a good ancestor!
Having the Moderator Carmen Lansdowne with us had made this occasion even more joyous. I can’t wait to plan next year’s celebration. Don’t second guess my sincerity; I meant it 100%!
Alan Lai, Principal
Centre for Christian Studies
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On the Web...
(click a title to read the whole article)
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Graduations, Companions, banquets, learning. We had it all!
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Listen to Wenh-In's reflections in response to being named a Companion of the Centre.
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Theologian and liturgist, Cláudio Carvalhaes, challenged us to engage humour and play in worship.
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There were hard truths and lots of laughter as CCS students wrestled with reconciliation. Our special guest was UCC Moderator Carmen Lansdowne.
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Students explores liturgy, sacraments, preaching, and foolishness.
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An Easter reflection courtesy of Wenh-In Ng.
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On Friday, March 31, our special guest was Ed Treat from the Centre of Addiction and Faith.
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We’re very excited to be bringing Learning on Purpose: Changing Leadership for a Changing World , our 2-week leadership development/intro to CCS/masterclass on learning-in-community back to Winnipeg this year, June 19-30, 2023.
The registration deadline is May 19th.
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Other Events and Learning Opportunities
- 2023 DOTAC Assembly: "Gather at the River": Connect. Heal. Engage. The Diakonia of the Americas and Caribbean gather August 14-18, 2023 in Minneapolis, MN. Register now.
- Renison Institute of Ministry is offering a free online workshop on "Singing the Liturgies of the BCP and BAS" on Saturday, May 6, 10am - 1pm (Toronto time). Led by The Rev'd Dr. Stephen McClatchie of Huron University College
- Not really a learning opportunity, but you might want to know that Wood Lake Books is closing down and they're having a Blowout Sale to clear their stock. (For example, you can get Scott Douglas' book of plays Strange Angels for $5! Anybody else got books going cheap?)
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Prayers
- Congratulations to Patricia Lisson who will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Montreal Diocesan Theological College & United Church Studies at Dio next month.
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YOUR GIFT DOUBLES TODAY!
There are THREE days left to take advantage of a match for every dollar you donate to the Endowment Fund at the Centre for Christian Studies. Every gift given by April 30 will be doubled! The pandemic has shown all of us the need for being prepared for the unexpected. The Endowment provides funds in reserve for a shortfall in our budget and helps sustain the ministry as grants from partners decrease.
Your support is vital to erasing the shortfall and keeping funds available in the Endowment Fund to provide diaconal ministry and leadership education for decades to come. Your gift of $1.00 becomes $2.00, $25.00 becomes $50.00, $100 becomes $200, and $500 becomes $1,000.
Every amount helps and is an investment in the future leaders God’s world needs. And it will DOUBLE with a match!
Give now. Give generously. Do it for the leaders, deacons, and diaconal ministers, now and in the future. Because the world needs leaders who share God’s justice and compassion, and so do you!
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Common Threads
