News

Read the latest issue of Tapestry, CCS's newsletter.

Updates

May 7, 2010
You may have heard that Melanie Borondia has been hired to work at the Centre for Christian Studies as our administrative assistant.  Melanie worked at our centre during the spring and summer of 2009.  We are so grateful that she was easily lured back.
Sherri has now left CCS and is on vacation before she begins her new work at the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre.  The staff and board together had a send off for Sherri at which Paul Hagerman (HR committee member) brought a Fudge Torte.  Now I’m not one who usually shares recipes, especially in a news update, but this recipe is truly news worthy. So, I have sent it as an attachment , open it at your own rick.  Back to Sherri – we will miss you!
Ann and Ted were both off participating at a conference entitled “Doing Theology in a Fair Country” sponsored by Church Council on Theological Education in Canada.  This was the first time that this conference has taken place and it may possibly continue annually or biannually.
Scott – is preparing for the students attending the Leadership Development Module that takes place here in Winnipeg in early June.  At this time 8 students have signed up.  We have extended the deadline and would welcome more students if you know of anyone who may be interested.  The Calgary LDM will be happening in August and there are still opening s as well.  Pass on the word.
And  Charlotte, well, she is hidden under a pile of paper work in her office most times and her other times in the day are spent in meetings.  With her part-time hours it is difficult to know how she is managing because she seldom swims up for air. It is wonderful to have her on board as a committed experienced principal for CCS. 

And as for me (Glenda)?  I am doing the Community Relations part of my job with you folks right now.  I have recently begun a course on the “Essentials of Fundraising”.  It is a 6 week course on Tuesday mornings.  I’m hoping to come away with lots of networking opportunities and fabulous ideas on raising the profile and income for CCS.  I am also preparing to represent CCS at the conference in Saskatchewan at the end of this month. Hope to see some of you there.

April 12, 2010
We had wonderful celebration this year with our graduating students on Mar 20th and 21st.  We commemorated the occasion with our banquet on Saturday and then the Service on Sunday. 
We are so grateful that CCS has a committed community of family and friends who care and value  the work that is done here. Learn more about the 2010 grads.

April 12, 2010
We still have openings for our June LDM in Winnipeg and August LDM in Calgary.  If you are interested please cal the centre at 204.783.4490 or visit our website.

April 12, 2010
Sherri McConnell will be leaving CCS on April 28th and moving into a new position in Winnipeg at the Fort Garry’s Women Resource Centre where she will be working with women and children whose lives have been affected by violence and abuse. 
Sherri has become a valued staff member, teacher and leader in the CCS community.  She will be missed by us all and we wish her well as she begins this passage.  Sherri continues to do important work that seeks justice for the many whose lives are oppressed.

March 24, 2010
The application deadline for the Leadership Development Module being held in June in Winnipeg is fast approaching. (The deadline for the August LDM is June 15.) If you know anyone who might be interested in the Leadership Development module, please download and send them a copy of the brochure.

March 18, 2010
The Annual Service of Celebration is this Sunday, March 21st, 2010 at 3:00 pm (CDT) at St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Winnipeg. The 2010 grads and Companions of the Centre will be honoured. Download a copy of the bulletin for the service. Friends, family, and supporters from all across the country can listen to the service by telephone.

March 12, 2010
CCS is now on Facebook. Come visit us. If you're a Facebook member you can become a fan and leave a message, and even if you're not a member you can drop by and see what's new.

March 8, 2010
A ministry position is being advertised at Riverbend United Church. Also, Providence Care in Kingston in seeking a Director of Spiritual Care, Mission, and Ethics.

March 1, 2010
Position Vacancy - The Centre for Christian Studies is advertising for a new Administrative assistant. Contact CCS for more details.

February 23, 2010
Changes happen quickly at CCS.  The Annual Meeting brought several announcements.  We received with regret the resignation of Sherri McConnell effective May 16, 2010.  Sherri has served on the Program Staff for the past three years.  Her skills as an educator, her knowledge of diaconal ministry, her participation in committees and with the students will be greatly missed.  Fortunately she will be co-leading the Learning Circle before her departure and there will be opportunities to say farewell as the time approaches.   Our deep gratitude and warm wishes go with Sherri to her new position.

Another staff shift has happened.  Maria Dizon is no longer working in the office.  We are grateful that Melanie Borondia (who filled in the office once before) has joined us until a more permanent person can be hired.  So when you call, it will likely be Melanie who answers your call.  Ryan Rawluk will be giving some financial assistance from his office over the next while.
We are grateful for your prayers as we face more transitions. 

February 19, 2010
And just when she thought she sneak away for a short break from CCS...
CHARLOTTE CARON STEPS IN AS ACTING PRINCIPAL!
Principal Megan McKenzie is currently on sick leave.  While she is away, Charlotte Caron has been appointed part time Acting Principal. Charlotte was on CCS Central Council from February 2004 until November 2009 so is current on the issues facing CCS.  Having graduated from CCS in 1972, she has spent much of her career working in theological education.  In 2003 she retired from St. Andrew’s Theological College in Saskatoon and has subsequently been involve with the United Church Lay Pastoral Minister in Training programs operating out of Untied Theological college in Montreal.  She has been on the Future Planning, Re-Imagining and several Search Committees for CCS in the past few years.  From November to January, she had a contract with CCS to bring policies up to date and work on governance patterns.  She is a diaconal minister of the United Church.  Charlotte looks forward to her work with the staff, alumni/ae and the many volunteers, and friends of CCS over the next few months.  All of the other staff are picking up extra duties during this leave so your prayers are needed for all.

February 19, 2010
The Annual Service of Celebrations is asking for GREETINGS TO GRADUATES AND COMPANIONS OF THE CENTRE

On March, 20, 2010 the CCS Community will be celebrating with our integrating year class and this year’s Companions of the Centre.

It would be wonderful to have you join in this celebration in person by attending events in Winnipeg or by being on the phone as a participant at the Annual Service of Celebration (ASC).
Another way you can participate is to send greetings that will be shared during the banquet.

The Final Year students are:

• Maureen Anderson
• Catherine Gutjahr
• Rob Reed
• Terrie Chedore
• Helen Reed and
• Jody Maltby

and  this year’s Companions are:

• Cathy Campbell
• Nancy Ruth
• Kathryn Toivanen

Please send your greetings prior to March 18th 2010 to Scott Douglas at sdouglas@ccsonline.ca

February 19, 2010
Details on the Dinner and the ANNUAL SERVICE OF CELEBRATION

A Festive Dinner to Honour the 6 Graduates
and, 3  Companions of the Centre

Saturday March, 20
Gathering at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm
Assembly Hall (in the basement)
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church
St. Matthew's Avenue at Maryland Street
(entrance off McGee)

Tickets are $30.00 for adults, $12.00 for children (10 and under)

Vegetarian option is available ‑ please let us know at least 2 weeks before if you require this option.  Please let us know of any allergies at least 2 weeks in advance (no nuts or shellfish will be served at the dinner).
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Glenda @ 783 4490 ext 22.

Annual Service of Celebration
Sunday, March 21, 2010
3:00 pm CST
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, corner of St. Matthew’s and Maryland
or by telephone
Contact
For more information about telephone participation please call
Scott Douglas @ 783-4490

February 19, 2010
Reminder to all friends of CCS - THE LEADERSHIPS DEVELOPMENT MODULE (LDM)WILL BE HAPPENING TWICE THIS SUMMER
Every year, in June, the Leadership Development Module is offered in Winnipeg.  Due to many requests, this year, in Aug we will be holding an additional LDM in Calgary.
Winnipeg            Centre for Christian Studies                       May 31 – June 12
Calgary                 Parkdale United Church                               Aug 9 – 21

Perhaps this is a tap on the shoulder for you or possibly you know of someone who has the extraordinary gift for ministry and is committed to justice, liberation and compassion for all.

February 18, 2010
The CCS Annual General Meeting was held Thursday, March 18, 2010.
CCS's 2009 ANNUAL REPORT is available for download here.
The updated statement REVENUE and EXPENSES for 2009 is also available for download. Please download this along with your annual report.

2010 Companions of the Centre. CCS is excited to announce that this year we will be naming three exceptional, remarkable, marvelous, incredible, spiritual, wise, generous, justice-seeking, kind-hearted women as Companions of the Centre. The awardees are Rev. Dr. Cathy Campell, Nancy Ruth, and Kathy Toivanen. We are proud to have them as "Companions of the Centre".

Weaving a Changing Tapestry - the story of the Centre for Christian Studies and its Predecessors by Gwyn Griffith is now available. Contact Glenda Knoll at the Centre to order your copy.

Upcoming events

Central Council Face-to-Face meeting - March 19 & 20 in Winnipeg.

Annual Service of Celebration - 3:00 pm, March 21st at St. Matthew's-Maryland Anglican Church.

Leadership Development Module 2010 - The LDM is a two-week intensive course offered every June. The next LDM will be offered on May 31-June 12 in Winnipeg. There will also be a second LDM offered on August 9-21 at Calgary. Application deadline is April 1 for the June LDM and June 15 for the August LDM. Space is limited. Late applications may be considered if space is available

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