Check out the new brochure! Contact Marc at mdesrosiers@ccsonline.ca if you want to order some copies.
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The new edition of Tapestry – the Centre for Christian Studies’ newsletter is out. If you receive it by mail, it’s on its way. You can find it in glorious colour pdf here.
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Are there any deaconess uniforms out there? Any graduation certificates?
CCS is looking for material to add to its history files and archival collection. The 120th Anniversary celebrations provide an opportunity for this to happen. We encourage you to check your storage room, your basement, your attic for:
At the anniversary celebrations in October we will be glad either to receive these items as donations, or to make copies of them with you retaining the originals. We will have displays of some of CCS’s archival holdings, and there will be an opportunity for alumnae/alumni and friends to identify photographs. And if you can’t make the October gathering but have items to donate, please get in touch with us.
If you know if any other graduates or former students, particularly older grads, who might have things to share, please ask them or let us know so that we can be in touch with them: please contact Marc at mdesrosiers@ccsonline.ca
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Our Development and Community Relations staffperson, Marc Desrosiers, was on sick leave for a few weeks in early May, which meant no regular “Common Threads” update emailed out to our community (and no re-posting of some of those articles here on the CCS blog). Marc is back in our midst and we are happy to have him. Welcome back, Marc.
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At the beginning of this year we installed two SMART boards at CCS. (If you’ve never seen one, a SMART board is like a large touch-sensitive computer monitor that you can use like a whiteboard to write notes, show slideshow presentations, etc.) They’re a lot of fun and they’re inspiring us to think about how we can get the most educational mileage out of them. … But when they’re not in use they’re kind of big and white and blah.
So we put the word out to our community, inviting anyone who felt so moved to create a quilt or “smartboard cosy” for us. Here are some of the fine creations.
Kimberly Roy's colourful cover
Kimberly Roy says: “The colorful abstract cover was birthed out of a journey I am currently on. It was to have a border, but with the changes to the size and dimensions, its identity changed a bit. Enjoy!”
Kimberly Roy's diaconal identity cover
Kim says: “I created two covers. With the history we have been covering this past academic year I felt called to display bits and pieces of what I see as my diaconal identity. It is more plain and not “completed” but that is what I also see as part of my identity – further learning, and added experiences to life’s journey”
Laura Richardson's provincial flowers cover
Laura Richardson says: For the past twenty-seven years, my husband Jim and I have been part of the Glebe-St. James United Church congregation in Ottawa. In the early nineties, I was honored with the title of Minister in Association (precursor of ‘Volunteer Associate Minister’) there. In my response to receiving that, I told the story of how I was named the ‘official paper cutter’ when I was working at Wesley Memorial UC in Moncton in the late sixties. (The title stemmed partly from making friendship chains of paper people.) I went on to say that my interests were music, sewing and other related crafts, and people, and that it was not just cutting paper but the important element was to share in the fabric of people’s lives.
More recently, I have been involved in quilting and embroidery and, having these embroidery blocks already done, I was happy for an opportunity to share my passion for the Provincial and Territorial flowers which I felt would represent the Centre’s national identity. We have strong quilting and craft groups at Glebe-St. James whose members help each other with various projects. I would particularly like to mention Judy Wolanski who also supplied me with the light blue and dark blue fabrics for the quilt.
So enjoy! I hope this can be tangible evidence of the strengthening of the bonds of CCS grads who have come from all parts of the country over the 120 years of the Centre’s existence.”
Jo-Anne Muldrew's weaving cover
Jo-Anne Muldrew says, ““the pattern for this quilt is called ‘Weave It To Me’ and was designed by Judy Dohrman and published by Black Cat Creations. I must confess that no deep thought went into the choosing of the pattern. It was one I have had for some time, but never had the occasion to use, although I liked it and wanted to make it. The fabrics I used were also just ones that I had in my cupboard. Blue and yellow always seems a cheerful and hopeful color combination to me and as I had an idea of where the quilt was going to go I thought they would suit the room. Making a quilts is often a solitary activity and this allows lots of time to think as I work and sometimes my mind goes on a journey of its own..The colors began to represent the many different groups of people that are connected to the centre as well and how through time the individual pieces can work as one unit. It was as I worked on the quilt that the symbolism of the weaving of the fabrics seemed to be similar to what happens at the Centre for Christian Studies with the many different groups, lives, and activities that are interconnected in the building. Making mistakes and having to correct them ( I had trouble getting the size right) also seemed symbolic of troubles that individuals and groups that use the centre might have and how with persistence and patience a whole cloth, a strong group or a better life can be the result.”
Finally, another one from Kim Roy. This one’s not a Smart board cover, but a banner she made as a gift to CCS.
Kim and Clement Roy's colourful banner
Kim says, The banner is a special gift from my partner and me. It is made up of some of the same materials as the one cover…It however, has its own journey of growing, stretching and faith for both my partner and me. The dowelling the banner hangs from was hand made by my partner out of an old willow bush not far from home. He set out to find that special piece of God’s world to be a part of this creation. He arrived home with this perfect piece of wood and went to work on the lathe, knowing that his caring nature and love went into this piece of art… These special pieces of art and the time they afforded me to deeply reflect upon my personal theology and growing edges. Who would have thought that making SMART board covers could come to mean so much to one’s faith journey.”
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Expecting to be in Winnipeg on Saturday, May 12th? Feel free to join us at Woodsworth House for a work bee.
Fresh air! Lending a hand sprucing up the exterior of CCS! Meeting wonderful co-workers.
We are looking for a group of committed volunteers to gather at CCS on Saturday, May 12 (rain date May 26). Join us in pruning branches, painting our front metal fence and other repairs. Lunch and refreshments will be served.
In order to plan for supplies and tools, please send your intentions to Liz at 204-783-4490 (lbachmann@ccsonline.ca)
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Irene Rainey is a diaconal minister, she has been on the CCS Central Council, and was a guest at the recent Pastoral Care Learning Circle. Irene says…
“ I recently had the privilege of joining the Pastoral Care Theme Year Learning Circle this Spring for 3 days as a “seasoned” diaconal minister. At the end of our time together I shared that in the midst of a period of significant disillusionment about the state of the church and the future of our world this experience had restored my hope. The many gifts and skills, the deep faith and commitment and the amazing creativity and vision that I saw being developed and nurtured in the Circle and offered as leadership to the institutional church and the world beyond sparked afresh my own passion for justice and faith in a God who asks only for our companionship in building that “kindom” where all are included and loved.
I was commissioned as a Diaconal Minister in 1998, after 15 years of paid ministry in the United Church as a Staff Associate and 5 years of intensive study, learning and growing through the Western Field-based Training Program in Diaconal Ministry. I then had the amazing good fortune to be settled with a diaconal teammate into outreach ministry in inner city Winnipeg. For 10 years we had the privilege of shared ministry, walking with folks who live on the margins. We learned again and again that the poor and disenfranchised have much to teach us, We learned that speaking truth to power is difficult and discouraging. We learned that an ongoing community of support and accountability is essential to maintaining commitment to the possibility and vision of an inclusive community where all have a place. CCS and the diaconal community became central components of that support for me.
When, in 2006, I was asked to join CCS’s Central Council as a United Church rep I was excited to be involved in a new way with the Centre and their visionary model of participatory theological education and ministry training. It was a challenging 6 years of discovering how difficult it is to actually live out a theological vision of justice, compassion and mutuality and how painful it is to fail. A time of transition turned into a period of chaos, certainly not the first to be lived through by the organization and likely not the last, but nonetheless one in which people were deeply hurt and faith was sorely tested. Yet the vision prevailed. It has been inspirational to me to see and experience the commitment of staff and volunteers that has brought us back to a place where hope is tangible once again.
Micah 6:8, “What does God require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” has been my challenge and my inspiration throughout my adult life. My head knows that the way of justice seeking will never be a smooth or easy road but when my heart grows weary and my energy falters, I give thanks for companions like those at CCS who have the grace to call me back onto the path. My 6 years on the Central Council are finished but my belief in the training that CCS offers to ministry students and in the lifelong learning opportunities that we are all invited to embrace is strong. I am deeply grateful for the ongoing witness of the Centre for Christian Studies in seeking ways to live a theology of justice and am honored to be counted as one of CCS’s friends.” – Irene Rainey
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Christ is risen! Alleluia!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
As a student in England in the mid seventies, I lived in an ecumenical Christian community run by the Russian Orthodox chaplaincy. It gave me the opportunity to attend the Divine Liturgy on Sundays, to sing occasionally in the choir (alternating services in Slavonic, Greek, and English) and to participate in ecumenical dialogue with other Orthodox and Anglican students.
From those two years of sharing worship, song and prayer with that community, I took away a couple of strong images that have stayed with me ever since – of the deacon as a vital figure in the liturgy and ministry of the Church, and of the solemn joy of the resurrection, proclaimed weekly in the Divine Liturgy and with special exuberance at Easter. Christos voskresye! Voisimos voskresye! (don’t know how to transcribe in English!)
It was therefore doubly delightful to have CCS host a retreat last Friday on these two favourite themes: diakonia and Resurrection (see below). More than 30 people came to Woodsworth House to share in worship, music, fellowship, quiet reflection and learning. With dedication and creativity, our staff designed and set up stations throughout the house, prepared and served lunch and refreshments, and ensured that all the parts were running smoothly.
The day was a high point for me since taking on the office of Principal (which was, in fact, offered to me a year ago on April 13!) It was a moment of opening the doors of this school to the community, of sharing the treasures we have learned about Jesus’ understanding of leading, teaching, and serving, and of simple celebration of faith, hope, and hospitality.
The Centre for Christian Studies is a wonderful place to work, to learn, and to be. I am proud and grateful to be part of it.
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While we’re in updating mode, here’s a summary of how the “Strengthening Aboriginal Relationship Project” went. The project made up the first part of the spring Pastoral Care Year learning circle, and was held at the North End Stella Community Ministry in Winnipeg. Here’s Ted’s wrap-up:
The spring 2012 learning circle, March 14-29, of the Centre for Christian Studies (CCS) involved fifteen students for diaconal ministry and CCS program staff in an exploration of pastoral care themes. Three days of this educational time were devoted to intentional connection with the First Nations community as we explored topics in pastoral care accompanied by two indigenous elders, five students and staff from the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, four members of the North End (Stella) Community, and four aboriginal workshop leaders. From March 15-17, 2012, a series of workshops/teachings, were facilitated by aboriginal leaders, at the North End (Stella) Community Ministry, and the offices of the All Native Circle Conference, in Winnipeg.
We consider that our purpose - to strengthen diaconal students’ understanding and appreciation for aboriginal culture and worldview, their awareness and sensitivity toward the history of colonialism and church mission, and their compassion and ability to respond in specific areas of pastoral concern – was met in ways that touched the students deeply and contributed to their hope and vision for meaningful, respectful, and authentic intercultural dialogue. One CCS student commented in her evaluation, “I will take these teachings into my life and ministry…It was a feast that I will digest for a long time.”
The three days of workshops integrated community building, and teachings and ceremonies from traditional aboriginal spirituality. As well, small group outings in the neighbourhood included opportunities to visit First Nations services and community development projects. Throughout the project First Nations elders were present sharing their wisdom and guidance formally in the learning circle and informally over meals and breaks. We addressed issues related to addictions, mental health, suicide and corrections/ institutionalization — concerns faced in these communities as a result of colonialism and residential schools — while upholding the rich spirituality and insights of indigenous culture.
Barbara Shoomski and Joe McLellan
We were blessed by amazing leadership. An exploration of the seven sacred teachings — love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, truth – and their connections to pastoral care was led by our elders, Stan McKay and Barbara Shoomski. The National Indigenous Anglican Bishop, Mark MacDonald, offered reflection on the legacy of colonialism and residential schools from a thought-provoking and courageous perspective. Roman Catholic deacon, story-teller, and successful author of several books about Nanabosho, Joe McLellan, artfully and playfully led us through some of the teachings of the trickster. Nanette McKay, a United Church minister working in Child and Family Services, raised challenging questions about the systems and structures built around the care and treatment of aboriginal young people in Canadian society. Melody McKellar, aboriginal elder at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, shared teaching about the four-legged, feathered and finned creatures in relation to pastoral identity and work in mental health. To close, participants shared their thoughts and learnings in a talking circle, revealing a strong sense of solidarity with one another and powerful integration of learning.
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I’ve added some photos of the diaconal retreat day reflection centres to Ted’s earlier post about the “Images of Diakonia” event held last Friday, where thirty-some people spent the day at CCS reflecting on diakonia in light of the Easter story. If anyone wants to play along at home, here is the worship booklet that participants were given.
Our Retreat Day and OPEN HOUSE on Friday the 13th was a wonderful success with more than 30 guests participating. Among them were Don Phillips, Bishop of the diocese of Rupert’s Land, Rev. Bev Simpson, President of Manitoba North Western Ontario Conference, Michele Barr, a Diaconal Minister from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and two visitors from the diocese of Keewatin. We also welcomed Bishop Elaine Sauer of Manitoba North Western Ontario Lutheran Synod to the Open House, as well as Paul Sodtke and Marion Jenkins, co-principals of the Henry Budd School in The Pas.
Peter Flynn contemplates the "empy nets" station
Helen Hunter, Irene Rainey, Penny Cummine at the "Road to Emmaus" station.
Retreatants wandered from room to room and station to station – to reflect on the washing of feet and what “servanthood” might mean, on Simon of Cyrene accompanying Jesus on his way to the cross, on the empty nets and gifts of abundance that hide where we least expect them, on the road to Emmaus and how Christ appears to us in the stranger on the way, on rolling away the stone and how obstacles move with faith rather than muscle, and on the wedding at Cana, a resurrection story of transformation where diakonoi (deacons or diaconal ministers) are the ones who know the true source of the good wine.
We may not repeat this event on the Friday after Easter every year, but who knows? Perhaps we’ll be back by popular demand!
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