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CANADIAN RURAL CHURCH NETWORK CRCN Newsletter # 17 Up-Coming Conferences Letters Received Bits of Country Wisdom RURAL ISSUES
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Rural Church Institute Underway!
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Historic Outreach to Rural and Remote
Canadians RURAL MINISTRY (Life
and Faith)
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Opening Ourselves to Winter WORSHIP AND RESOURCES
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Fresh Buns are Divine
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Listening With Your Heart
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Mary and Elizabeth
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Jesus and Joseph: A Lasting Gift
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While Heaven and Nature Sing VISIONS OF HOPE
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Beacons of Hope
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Don't Let Your Heart be Weary UP-COMING CONFERENCES: Winter Refresher "This Sacred Earth: the ecological challenge to religion"
Feb 10 - 13 / 08 at St. Andrew's (Theological) College,
Theme Speaker
- Dr. Heather Eaton
Dr Eaton is a leading theologian on religion / spirituality,
ecology and women's issues. She is a
professor of theology at
Conference Workshops:
Ecology and Sacred Language; Ecology and Food; Climate
Change and
for details see
www.usask.ca/stu
(look for St. Andrew's College, Winter Refresher) Trans-Tasman Rural Conference "Changing Seasons, Changing Times"
April 7 - 11 / 08 - on the
Since 1984 the inter-denominational Trans-Tasman Rural
Ministry Conference has enabled clergy and lay people to experience enriching
and inspiring events to help them with their work of ministry in the changing
rural scene.
(Conference Themes: '84 Rural Church Perplexed; '88 Bearers
of Hope; '92 Rural Realities: Creation or Chaos; '96 Ecological Vision of the
Rural Church; 2000 Country Conversations; '04 Recapturing Passion for the Local
Church; '08 Changing Seasons, Changing Times) for details see http://rural.nelsonanglican.org.nz/index.htm Letters Received
Dear Joyce,
Blessings, Mike Ward ( BITS OF COUNTRY WISDOM
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Winter Jacket
Design Copied From Eskimo Outer Wear
- Whenever I turn the collar up on my winter
jacket, and zip it to the top, up around my chin, I think of the wisdom of the
Eskimo women who knew how to make parkas that would let the heat of the body
flow up-ward to help heat the wearer's head.
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Loosen That
Cinch - When news
came of the drowning of a young cowboy, and old-timer shook his head. The young man on a cross-country ride, had
decided to swim his horse across the river, as he'd seen in so many cowboy movies.
"No one told him about loosening the cinch strap so the horse could take
air into its belly," the oldster said while sadly shaking his head. "That's why
the man and his horse went under."
(What Bits of Country Wisdom
have you collected? Share them before
they get lost.) RURAL ISSUES RURAL CHURCH INSTITUTE UNDERWAY! For several years, Dr. Cam Harder,
of the Lutheran Seminary in He has been supported in his aims by the administration of
the Theological Union, and by colleagues from the other two schools,
particularly Nettie Wiebe and Walter Hannan. In August of 2007, they invited an ecumenical group from rural
ministries in western
The group had some goals. Such an institute would provide specialized education for those to be ordained to rural ministries, but also would be available to provide training for lay leaders of congregations. Such an institute would be a place with a resource library available for congregations, and teams who would go out to congregations to encourage them. Such an institute would provide mentors and support for those new to rural ministry. Most importantly, it would help rural congregations to network, and be an ecumenical antidote to the urbanizing philosophy prevalent in the land. Since then, a Board has come together to give initial
leadership in the establishment of the Institute - to be named CiRCLe M - the
Centre for Rural Community Leadership and Ministry. Nettie Wiebe, of St. Andrew's College, will
be the Chair of the Board; Cam Harder will be Vice-Chair, and acting director
of CiRCLe M until one is hired; Catherine Christie of the Canadian Rural Church
Network will be secretary; and Tony Haynes, Coordinator of Roman Catholic Sask.
Diocese action around peace and justice work, will be treasurer. Also represented are Mennonites and
Anglicans, Lutherans and the Members have taken responsibilities for looking at the academic programs - MDiv and STM, along with a certificate program in rural ministry, a possible CPE program; at the supportive role; at possible resources and how they will be available to congregations; fundraising; communications. We are looking at a site for CiRCLe M on the University Campus, and at a possible Logo. Watch for future information as the CiRCLeM continues to grow into the work of supporting rural communities and ministry. (Notes received by Catherine
Christie, Dec / 07) Historic Outreach To Rural And Remote Canadians The
outreach of many Canadian Institutions into rural areas was inspired and
supported by persons with strong religious convictions. Take the example of
The objective of
the "Canadian Reading Camp Movement" (as the program as 1st known)
was to bring a civilizing presence to the rough railroad, lumbering and mining
camps of the North through the provision of suitable literature. This soon evolved into a more ambitious goal
of bringing education to the labourers.
"Initially many
of the reading rooms had 'instructors' assigned to them by the Reading Camp
Movement who were supported by church congregations."
Angus Gray, an
early instructor "determined that he could enhance the rapport between himself
and his students by working alongside the labourers by day and being their
instructor in the evening." The role calls for the
educator "to know his or her students in such a way as to then be able to
deliver instruction, aware of their personal needs and learning aspirations."
A learning
environment, characterized by physical comfort, mutual trust and respect,
mutual helpfulness, freedom of expression and acceptance of differences" has
become an outstanding success as a model for other adult education programs to
consider.
An advertisement
recruiting labourer-teachers, requires the following: "A demonstrated
commitment to volunteerism and community development. Experience in teaching and / or tutoring is
helpful. Must be fit. Background in heavy labour preferred, ability to live and
work closely with others in an isolated environment."
A brochure
outlining the College's Prison Literacy Initiative, which is now one of the
primary thrusts of
"Volunteer (tutors) through their
willingness to give of themselves and their time, demonstrate that the community
cares and that it is prepared to give devalued people a second chance." 1867 - 1914
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YMCA's
and YWCA's had concern for rural youths trying to find their way in the city
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National
Council of Women - advocated on behalf of many women's concerns
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Agricultural
Extension programs included: the Grange (1872f), Farmer's Institutes (1894f),
experimental farms operated by CPR and Federal Government (1880f), Agricultural
Instruction Act passed by Federal Government (made federal funds available for
use by provinces for agricultural extension work), Marine and Fisheries and
Geological Survey also offered educational services in the early 1900's.
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1889
- Queen's University became 1st university in
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1897
- Women's Institute was devoted to the education of rural women and to
improving the quality of rural life (eventually became a world-wide movement)
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1899
- Canadian Reading Camp Association - became
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1900 - Caisse Populaire 1915 - 1939
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Cooperative
Education project was pioneered at
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CBC
Broadcasting and National Film Board were established.
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National
Farm Radio Forum was broadcast across the nation.
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out
of the Depression crisis there arose deep concern for the future of Canadian
Society as leaders rethought the basic elements of citizen's relationship to
each-other, and the nature and role of government. The Social Gospel Movement led to the
founding of many outreach programs. (Notes gathered from "The Foundations of Adult Education in
RURAL MINISTRY (Life and Faith) Opening Ourselves to Winter "We cannot own the sunlit sky, the
moon, the wildflowers growing", Ruth Duck writes, "for we are part of all that
is within life's river flowing". The
hymn invites us to open our hands and share in the gifts of God's creation. For those of us getting older, in
the days and weeks leading up to the first day of winter, we too often let the
shroud of winter smother us.
"We'd better get to the city before
it snows", we announce before the end of October. "If that fog hadn't
lifted, I would never have come down-town for coffee." "I hardly go anywhere if there's
a hint of moisture in the air." Our fears of "what if" can make us
captives in our homes and in our minds. During my first years in ministry I
was over-tired and quickly became depressed when the first serious day of
winter arrived. My immediate thought was
to pull the blinds and hunker down.
Better, though, that I visit some of my seniors and try to cheer them. The therapy worked, but in the
reverse. One 80-year old was busy baking
Christmas cookies. An 85-year old man
was knitting heavy work gloves for the Christmas bazaar. At the next home the aroma of pot-roast
filled the air. Of course I agreed to
stay for supper! These folks reminded me that each
day is what you made of it. God has
placed us in the midst of a creation that has abundance but is constantly
changing. Depending on our mood, we can
either cover our eyes and let the negativities threaten us, or we can look for
the opportunities that give life purpose and meaning. The hymn-writer speaks about
"life's
goodness excelling" with new worlds inviting us to share our endeavours so that
life may be abundant and peace may endure. Thanks be to God. (Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07)
WORSHIP AND RESOURCES Fresh Buns are Divine "We always had fresh bread for our morning Agape
gathering", Rev. Margaret Waterchief explained as she reflected on the years
she worked with the Calgary CUPS (Calgary Urban Project Society) program. "Although our budget was incredibly tight,"
the Blackfoot spiritual leader continued, "we found the money for the buns from
here-and-there. This was the only time
people from the street could enjoy the taste of bread that wasn't stale." It is this kind of sensitivity and
wisdom that Waterchief brings to each of the encounters she has. She listens with her heart. She listens for the soul of each person as
she encourages them to give voice to their story. And from the stories she finds ways to plead
for justice. I thought about the story of this
special friend and mentor as I read a devotional written by Rev. Nancy Cocks
while she was a member of the Iona Community. Reflecting on the Community's daily
lunch of home-made soup and bread, Cocks connects those meals with the passage
from the Gospel of John. "In the
beginning was the Word (the logos). And
the Word was with God. And the Word was God." The Greek word
"logos" might best be
translated as "speech" or "conversation" or "dialogue". It hints at story-telling.
"Jesus wasn't simply a word that
could be neatly defined and memorized," she writes, "(like) some kind of divine
slogan." "The Word of
God is alive in speech, in the give and take of conversations, listening,
arguing passionately, telling a story, laughing, nodding when one of our tender
memories is shared ..." The Word becomes flesh not only in
the man Jesus, "but is also made flesh in his community as we share stories with
each other." Through Waterchief and her respect
for each person she encounters, "the Words becomes flesh" anew. (Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07) Listening With Your Heart This season of the year is such a tender time
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especially for any who have faced pain or grief. An excellent tonic for such times is the
soul-filled music of Deanna Edwards. It
is about both the pleasant and the painful sides of life's experiences. Take the grumpy old gentleman she
tried to visit in a nursing home. He
turned his back on her and grumbled "folks don't kiss old people anymore!" Edwards returned the next day with her guitar
and words that put his pain to music."... I still need the loving arms you put around me long ago / when you
were just a child of four. / I still need your happy laughter and your kiss
upon my brow, / but folks don't kiss old people anymore ..." He smiled as she kissed his cheek. To spend time in Edward's presence,
or with her music, is to laugh and cry and look for the moments of blessing in
one's own life. There is little music to support
those who suffer from prolonged illness. But one who understands sings "... Teach me to die. Hold onto my hand. / I have so many
questions, / Things I don't understand ... / If you teach me of dying, I will
teach you how to live ..." Thus we are
able to talk about not being "afraid to say good-bye". Edwards' deep faith, her joy in
life, and her insightfulness as she listens for each person's soul are
infectious. Her gift is a godly gift. "Let me wrap
your heart in music for a moment. / Just forget the worries weighing on your
mind. / Let me share with you the song I have to give, / for gifts of love are
hard to find."
Each day I try to practise listening
with my heart. (For details see
www.deannaedwards.com
) (Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07) Mary and Elizabeth Mary, the young peasant girl, found
herself pregnant and scared. Luke tells
her story leading up to the Christmas event. This was supposed to be a blessed
occurrence, he tells us, but Mary was confused and alone. She thought of Elizabeth, an older relative
known for her wisdom. Imagine the scene.
Within a few moments the story was
told, so far as Mary understood it. What
a relief to feel the encouragement and to have one who would help her
understand what has happening. In due course Mary was able to
express her gratitude to When Mary realized that Eventually it was time for Mary to
return to face her confused yet devoted fiance. Out of the rich sharing of
sisterhood both women found enough strength to nurture a new generation. (Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07) Jesus and Joseph: A Lasting Gift The person given least attention at
Christmas is Joseph. Barely had he become engaged when
his bride-to-be disappeared for three months. But upon her return, he was most attentive. What kind of relationship did Jesus
and Joseph have? Jesus was probably as temperamental
as other young boys. But he entered adulthood with a fresh
vision of how people should live in relationship with life. In a healthy, respectful way, he explained to
the people that God was like a Father. And as he drew others to work with him, especially young men, the terms
of their relationship had to do with mutual respect. What we might call "healthy male bonding". As a woman, I can only stand on the
outside and look in. But I would love to
overhear a group of men talk about the relationship of Joseph and Jesus. Jesus' teachings seem to bear witness to his
experience. He seemed able to get people
to think of God in intimate terms. As we
hear Jesus talking heart-to-heart with his closest friends, he didn't act in an
authoritarian way; nor did he hide behind a mystique. Had he learned about respect for others at
Joseph's knee? When we watch Jesus teach Peter the
virtues of patience, again I see the mirror image of mentor and apprentice in
the carpenter shop. I see Joseph
allowing the lad to make his mistakes, and reminding him that no one is perfect. Listen to the Christmas story with
new ears. Imagine yourself in Joseph's
shoes. Imagine Joseph giving that son a
grounding so solid that the lad would dare to teach others a whole new way of
thinking about relationships: with each
other, and with God. This Christmas give more attention
to Joseph and to his capacity to love ... a gift of Christmas. (Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07) While Heaven and Nature Sing
Conservationist
Charlie Russel, who has lived in the midst of grizzly bear heaven in the
The orphaned cubs
were star players in the BBC Documentary Russel filmed during the summer, as a
summary of his "Grizzly Bear Co-existence
Study".
On the third day
following the killing, after what was obviously a time of mourning, the young
cub insisted his human companions follow him into the wilderness. For some time he (and they) searched the
familiar places to confirm his mate was not to be found.
One last time "he
waited for we faltering humans to catch up".
"After eating some of the rolled oats and sunflower seeds we carried,"
he watched as we turned back, our hearts torn and heavy. But the time had obviously come for the
strong, sleek youngster to strike off for the snowy peak to hibernate.
He spelled it out
so clearly, "with a bravery that I'd never seen in an animal before". "And heaven and nature sings", the Christmas carol proclaims. Theologian Thomas Berry would say "Ah ha. See how nature and human nature interconnect!"
He would remind
us that we are one among thirty million species on earth. Thinking only of our superiority has been
like a debilitating virus inflicting much of the human race. But if we can reawaken our gift of curiosity,
and with humility view our complex relationship with the Universe, we will be
gifted with passion and re-energized.
Re-discovering
the wonders of life will make each day a profound adventure. Our work, our learning, and our spiritual
growth will be fed by curiosity and excitement. In announcing the birth of the Christ Child, we sing "repeat the sounding joy ... while heaven and nature sing."
(Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07)
VISIONS OF HOPE Beacons of Hope At the darkest time of the year,
Christmas is a celebration of light ... And that light is shared with the whole
community. What a gift! Carolers sing
"the hopes and fears
of all the years are met in thee tonight". Those who prophecy declare that God cares enough to dwell among us. Storytellers speak of weary travelers
searching for a place where the woman can deliver her child. Those who laud the newborn child include
creatures of the field, angels from the heavens, astrologers from distant
places, and local townsfolk. Several years ago, religious
journalist Tom Harper and his wife re-enacted the journey from In the intervening time Empires have
conquered and been conquered; nature's resources have been used for purposes of
ravaging and for purposes of enhancing life; economic pariahs have plotted to reduce people to work-units, and
countless individuals have given themselves over to re-building societies that
are based on principles of striving for the common good. There have been many eras of
darkness. And dark times will happen
again. But Christmas and Hanukkah lights
that sparkle at the darkest time of the year are visible reminders that the
smallest flame can become a beacon of hope. The stories, the rituals and
traditions that come from our religions are precious reminders of how we have
been given the capacity to rise above our fears, to reach out in times of
loneliness, to find strength and courage to face incredible challenges. Pause this Christmas. Name and give thanks for the beacons of hope
that have touched you and helped you move forward into a new day. (Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07)
Don't Let Your Heart Be Weary
Some stories snap
back to life in an instant.
While disposing
of my folks' belonging after their death, one particular file of notes brought
tears to my eyes as I recalled my dad's heartbreak.
He had worked so
long with a small group of volunteers to try to get a swimming pool for our
But the community
vetoed the plan, via referendum, because of the tax implications.
I wondered, as I
read dad's file four decades later, how much of the spirit of volunteers like
him becomes dimmed forever.
In this darkest
season of the year, followers of Christ speak of God coming into our midst as a
light and as a Word that breathes new life into tired souls.
As we write
cards, make calls, and remember the needy, may we also remember those special
persons who have dared to try to bring dreams to life?
With a handshake,
a phone call, or a word of appreciation given publicly, we can say thank you
for working so hard to show you care.
"When your day is
dark and dreary", the songster wrote, "and your way is hard to find / don't let
your heart be weary / just keep this thought in mind. / It is better to light
just one little candle / than to stumble in the dark / better that you light
just one little candle. / All you need's a tiny spark ..."
Any one of us can
re-ignite a life-giving flame in the heart of one struck down by defeat. Any one of us can announce with the angels
"Don't be afraid!" "Do not despair!"
Thanks be to God
for persons who care enough to risk bold new ventures! (Written by Joyce
Sasse, Nov / 07) |
