There is a challenge before us and our denomination's newly renamed Committee on Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations. How can we understand, live with and appreciate people of other faiths while maintaining our Christian convictions? Is religion being manipulated to make this a more violent world, and does this cause strife between our neighbours and us? These questions lie at the core of interfaith dialogue.
Forbes Presbyterian, Grande Prairie, Alta., was robbed five times last summer, with a vast array of items stolen. There have been no leads and nothing has been returned.
Child poverty is "a real scandal" says Moderator Richard Fee of the federal government's failure to fulfill a 15-year-old promise.
"What makes your 'call' as a ruling elder or clergy different from a job in the secular market place or a volunteer position in a social agency?" The question opened a workshop led by the Elders' Institute, a program of St. Andrew's Hall in Vancouver, in the Maritimes last October.
"Can I help?" I asked tentatively.
The football playoffs are on, but I don't know the scores. Two weeks ago, you see, we unplugged our television.
A proposal for a Native healing centre was presented to assembly council in November. The proposal was among 14 others drafted by the healing and reconciliation design team.
God wants "love, compassion and justice," said Baptist minister Ramon Ramirez. A native of El Salvador, Ramirez has devoted his life to ministering on the streets. He said God did not call the church to a "false religiosity" of empty liturgy, sacrifice, and ignoring the commandments, but a rich faith based on caring for the poor and fighting for social justice. Saying God hates religion, he pointed to the books of Amos, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, Micah and Isaiah to stress this belief. "It is a very dangerous thing when one reaches a comfort level and strays from God's commandments," he said during an interview at church offices, speaking through Rev. Jim Patterson, a Presbyterian missionary and friend.
The Presbyterian Church USA has come under fire for what some are calling "anti-Israel and anti-Jewish" attitudes. A letter addressed to PCUSA promised violence against Presbyterian churches, saying "they will go up in flames." The letter set a Nov. 15 deadline for the Church to reverse its Middle East policies. No attacks have been reported.
It is the end of an era.
Why do the letter writers protesting your paid advertising for World Vision not see such agencies as partners rather than competitors? How much does the church denominational identity of the givers and deliverers of relief matter to the recipients? Are we motivated to give to world relief and development by compassion for those in need or denominational pride?
As a long term elder at Graceview Presbyterian, Etobicoke, I have been concerned with the shrinkage in membership of our national church. The Record over the past year has not only provided information on the decline but has reported success stories such as Oro Community Presbyterian in the Orillia area, Grace Calgary, and Central Vancouver, to name a few.
The finance department at 50 Wynford Drive is pleased to welcome Margaret Bucknole as the new senior clerk, accounts receivable. Born in Fraserborough, Scotland, she emigrated to Canada with her parents, Mary and Bill Noble, in the 1950's. Margaret lives in Pickering with her husband Chris and their three sons David, Andrew and Matthew. They are members at St. Andrew's, Ajax, Ont.
It was with disappointment when I could not find Peter Plymley's column in the September and October issue. I wondered what had happened to him. Then I read the announcement of his retirement in the November Record.
Brian Stewart's message, Christians Are On The Front Lines Everywhere, is one of the finest, most soul-stirring I have read in many a day. Coming from a press source, so often refractory of the Christian faith, it truly zings a new song unto the Lord and lifts our hesitant hearts.
I read the Moderator's November article, Ecumenism – A Canadian Product, with pleasure and pride in my country. I have the good fortune to live in an ecumenical community. I concur that Canada's gift to the world is acceptance, collaboration and mutual up-building. The CBC's Greatest Canadian contest recently reminded us of prime minister Pearson's role in that respect. Canada is definitely at the forefront in professing and acting upon Jesus' second great commandment.
Regarding the last paragraph of David Harris' November editorial: “people on your list who already have everything they need.would be thrilled if you made a donation on their behalf to PWS&D.” What a brilliant suggestion! The idea prompted me to call my sister with whom I normally exchange Christmas gifts. However, I simplified it a bit, and suggested that she make her donation to a charity of her choice in her own church (she is Anglican), and I will make mine to PWS&D in my church. We are both happy knowing the gifts are so worthwhile.as well as.no stress.no gift-wrapping.no delivering. and, you are right, additional income tax deductions.
Your October issue emphasizes the need for church growth but, pays insufficient attention to the blessing and power of prayer! Over the span of my 80 plus years I have been very involved with two churches, both of which started with a very small group of dedicated praying people, who have rejoiced to see remarkable growth – spiritually and numerically.
Guest speaker Rev. Darren May and Rev. Duncan Kennedy celebrate the 109th anniversary of St. Paul’s, Winchester, Ont.
Fred Duggleby was honoured with a presentation of books and an appreciation luncheon for 23 years of faithful service as treasurer at St. Mark’s, Malton, […]