2011 Annual Report

The Centre for Christian Studies annual report for 2011 is now available from the CCS website.  This web version does not currently include financial statements or budget for 2012.  These will be added later.

Remembering Betty Langille

We were all saddened to learn of the passing of Betty Langille (Anglican Women’s Training College, 1952) on February 2, 2012 in Hamilton, Ontario. Betty was 88 years of age.

Edith Shore sent along her sentiments to share with the CCS community: “Betty was on the staff while I was a student and she worked very hard to meet her obligations as a staff member. It was a demanding piece of work in many ways — as I am sure it is for staff members now.

For me, it is a testament to the work of many that the Centre still exists and does excellent work with students and with grads. We live in a very demanding world and one that is much faster paced than it was in 1955, when I entered.

Lots of good wishes to all the staff and students.”

Our prayers from the CCS Community-at-large go out to Betty’s family and friends, including her niece, Janet McDowell, who cared for Betty especially in these latter years.

Time Running Out for Kaufmann Scholarship

Applications are invited for the $10,000 Emma Kaufmann Scholarship, but time is running out.

A Course in Leadership Development

Is this course for you?  Do you know someone who might be interested?  Help spread the word by forwarding this.  You can click the title of the post, then click the “share” button at the bottom, or download the poster and send it to any friends, colleagues, or members of your congregation you think might be interested.

How to be an effective and transformative leader in the Church

June 4-16, 2012
New Westminster, BC

August 13-25, 2012
Winnipeg, MB

The Centre for Christian Studies
60 Maryland Street
Winnipeg, MB R3G 1K7

For more information go to www.ccsonline.ca
E-mail Scott at info@ccsonline.ca or
Phone 204-783-4490 (1-866-780-8887 toll free)

A two week program with a hands-on approach for people…
• who are seeking to strengthen their leadership skills in and beyond the Church
• who are considering the Diploma in Diaconal Ministry program at the Centre for Christian Studies
• who value leadership that is collaborative, team-based, participatory, and empowering.

All About You – Mark Laird

Mark is a current student in the Diaconal Ministries program at the Centre for Christian Studies.  Mark writes:

“ I don’t need to tell you that the life of a minister can be busy. When you add on a family life, and full time school to your 3-point charge it becomes quite a workload. But I wouldn’t give it up for another career, well maybe a professional baseball player, but that would be it. Going to CCS we learn the history, the theory, and get to expand our theological knowledge. We get to apply skills in a safe environment, where we can make mistakes and grow into becoming great Diaconal Ministers.

However there is one thing that the school can’t get across to its students. And it is not for a lack of trying, but it is impossible for CCS to get across how privileged we are to be ministers.

I don’t mean privileged in the same way that we learn about that word at school, as in being privileged above someone or something else. I mean it in the honor way, as you would say it is a privilege to meet you Mr. Ripken. This has been the major learning that I have had in this my third theme year, my pastoral care year. It is an honor, to be allowed into someone’s home, and to be able to create a sacred space in his or her living room as you celebrate communion together. It is an honor to stand up there with a couple as they profess their love for one another as they get married. It is an honor when a family at a hospital who you have not met before invites to into the room where their father is dying, it is an honor to be accepted into that sacred love that the family has for their dying father. And it is just as much of an honor to be looked upon to help lead families and friends through the grieving process as we lead a funeral or memorial service. I am sure that there will also be the same honor felt when I baptize a baby for the first time.

These are just some of the experiences that I have had this year that have re-enforced in me how privileged I am to be doing this work. How much of an honor it is for all of us as ministers, as ministry students to be allowed into people’s lives in their most intimate moments. This isn’t why I became a minister but I have come to realize that it is one of the most precious aspects of the job for me. May we all be blessed as we move forward with this special occupation that we share.”

CCS student Mark Laird

CCS Gathering in Victoria

Beth Walker and Barbara Hansen in Victoria are excited! They will be co-hosting the CCS event and are eager to greet you: “You are welcome!”

Yes, Friday, March 9th at 7 PM, Beth and all local Friends of CCS will gather and have a wonderful visit over coffee / tea / cookies with former Acting Principal, Charlotte Caron.

Here is what we need asap if you are planning to attend: RSVP with your name and that of any guest. That’s it! But we need to know sooner, than later.
When you call to confirm, we will pass along Beth’s home address in Victoria.
Email Marc at mdesrosiers@ccsonline.ca

United Church of Canada Diaconal Ministry Survey

Did you receive a Diaconal Ministry Survey in your e-mail inbox from the UCC Permanent Committee for Ministry Employment Policies and Services? The deadline for sending in your responses is February 24, that’s TOMORROW. A Diaconal Ministry Working Group is gathering data from diaconal ministers and others to determine how best to support and encourage diaconal ministry in the church, to report on the practice of diaconal ministry in the UCC, and to make recommendations on the future directions for diaconal ministry in the United Church. If you haven’t received a survey link, send an e-mail to AMusonza@united-church.ca.

Attracting New Students, Growing our Program

Principal Maylanne Maybee writes:

So far, just enough people have registered for next week’s Annual General Meeting of Friends of CCS to meet our quorum (15 voting Friends, at least five Anglican and five United Church), but more is better. What if there’s a snowstorm or someone falls on the ice? Every Friend counts, every pre-registration makes us happy!

Scott Douglas has done an amazing job collecting reports and laying them out in the Annual Report .  You will find it a fascinating account– in words, pictures, and numbers–of another year in the life of CCS.

Following the business part of the meeting and special items of business, the Student Recruitment and Tuition Task Group will be giving a progress report on their research and ideas. The members of the Task Group are Dr. Walter Deller, DM Keith Simmonds, and Alice Watson. They will be asking for your thoughts on these three sets of questions:

1. If you are or were a student, what brought you to CCS, and what kept you here? If you weren’t a student, what draws you and keeps you connected? How would you use that experience to encourage other students to enroll at CCS?
2. What are your hopes and fears for the future of diaconal ministry (Anglican or United)? How should CCS promote or adapt its program if our status as a testamur granting institution in Diaconal Ministry for the United Church were to change?
3. What are the unique strengths and gifts that CCS possesses? What steps should we take now to make them known and used by the wider community?

Your experience, ideas, and opinions matter! If we want to attract new students and grow our program, we need to understand what made CCS work for you – why you studied here, why you chose to be a Friend, why you stay connected.

The other stuff matters too – what we do with our money, where it comes from, how we manage it, ongoing matters of governance, a year in review about where we’ve come from and where we’re going. I look forward to hearing your voice and hearing your ideas about how to continue to offer our exceptional resources and experiences to God’s people in the Church and the wider world. Talk to you soon!

SMART Art

A little while ago, we called out to the many creative CCS Friends who might love to create a cover for our SMART boards, to prevent the accidental use of permanent markers on them. (They look like white boards, but their electronic.)

Jo-Anne Muldrew from the Trinity United Church in Winnipeg dropped by CCS this week and presented us with her creation: lovely “inter-woven” art! (and it’s reversible too!) We have heard from two other dear souls who are undertaking the challenge: Laura Richardson and Kimberly Roy. Yeah!! We are eagerly awaiting all creations here at Woodsworth House.

Marc will be awarding prizes (donated) for the best two (2) entries – as determined by a talented “SMART” panel of “experts”!

Deadline for Kaufmann scholarship extended

Applications for $10,000 Scholarship are invited. The Emma Kaufman Scholarship for study outside Canada and US is awarded every 5 years

The Kaufman Scholarship was established in 1945 by Emma R. Kaufman as an expression of her very deep concern that women have the opportunity of experiencing a different culture and come to know what it meant to be a world citizen. Miss Kaufman spent much of her career in Japan, and was a founder of the Japanese Y.W.C.A. For many years she was an active Executive of the World’s Y.W.C.A. These global experiences cemented in her mind the importance for Canadians, and especially for Canadian women, to have international experience.

Initially the scholarship was only available to university graduates, but in 1970, the terms were broadened to include non-university graduates as well. At the same time, Miss Kaufman expressed her desire that a strong preference be given to women applicants, allowing however, that if there were no suitable women, it could be awarded to a man. Miss Kaufman also indicated her preference that the award be given to a Christian and to someone with a commitment to a theology of social justice.

In determining the recipient of the award, the committee will be using the following criteria:

• the study or learning experience is for an extended period of time (minimum 6 months);
•  for study or an experience outside of Canada or the US;
• commencing between January 2002 and September 2003;
• university degree or demonstrated equivalency in experience

Applicant demonstrates:

• a commitment to a theology of social justice based on choice of work, vocation or volunteer experience;
• that the study or experience will broaden their understanding of social justice, Christian theology or cultural awareness;
• plans for sharing/integrating the learning when returning to Canada.

Preference will be given to:

• a woman candidate;
• a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;
• an applicant who intends to study/experience in a third world country or who has experience of a third world context;
• an applicant for whom, without this scholarship, the study/experience would not be possible financially.

Deadline for application: February 29, 2012

Contact – The Awards Committee at CCS
204.783.4490
info@ccsonline.ca