We changed the process of the Rayner Award this year. In past years, I have chosen a theme on which the participants have to write. This year, we asked the participants to convert one of their academic essays into an article.
There is a trick in there, of course. A sermon is not an essay; in the same way, an essay is not a magazine article. The tones and the structure are different.
The Rayner Award is open to all students at the Presbyterian Church’s three theological colleges. It is named for the legendary Rev. DeCourcy Rayner, editor of this publication during the raucous 1960s. The mission-minded Armour Heights, Toronto, sponsors the award and offers cash awards.
We received five submissions this year. Amanda Henderson’s (Presbyterian College) winning submission echoes themes arising from Canada Youth 2012. This is fortuitous from the perspective of an editor, of course, but it’s not the reason for her citation.
You’ll note how difficult it was to choose amongst them; we had to choose one. Joel Coppieters tells the story of William Proudfoot and the birth of both Knox and Presbyterian Colleges. Dale Henry meditates on Paul’s illness. Lisa Wittman explores Calvin’s spirituality for ordinary life. And Reuben St. Louis takes on sex and polity.
All are well written, interesting and smart. They are a snapshot of the depth of talent in our significant if small denomination. Mostly though they are testimony to this award in Rayner’s name, encouraged by Armour Heights and the Record, to build a culture of communication in our church.
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