CHRIST CALLING November 2017

Transcription

1 CHRIST CALLING November 2017 CHRIST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 445 Anndale Road, Waterloo, ON N2K 2E3 Phone: (519) Website: Christ Lutheran Church is a Christian community worshipping together and working with others, locally and globally, to serve those in need, to care for the earth, and to work for justice. FROM PASTOR DAVID Dear Friends in Christ, When I learned that November 5 11 is Treaties Recognition Week referring to the many Treaties that were arranged between First Nations and settler people over the past 300 years, questions came to my mind: Why is it important to know something of the past? The history of our family for example? The history of our city? Our country? Our world? Why is learning history important? Looking back at history, is not merely some luxurious, past-time hobby for the few, or an entertaining distraction of enjoying quaint stories and amusing tales from some far-gone, mystical era. To me, carefully looking at our history, is about the search for truth, a pursuit of reality, investigating the facts, unearthing how it really was. What really happened? Looking to our past in this way, helps us approach our present-day realities with similar inquisitiveness and commitment to truth. It dovetails with the ministry of Jesus, who was always about telling the truth, unmasking illusions, debunking stereotypes, bringing clarity, being fair to all people. Challenging racist attitudes toward Samaritans, and healing those who were cast out or marginalized on account of their blindness, their leprosy or their gender, Jesus was all about redressing wrongs, making things right, upholding the dignity and worth of all people regardless of their differences. Truth-telling and compassionate love go hand in hand. God is both a gracious God, and a God of justice. (Isaiah 30:18) Especially when it comes to learning the history of the relationship between First Nations and settler people, the task of unearthing the truth, is of paramount importance. For example, it is truly startling and disheartening to realize the degree of manipulation, racism, deception and abuse that took place on the part of settlers toward the indigenous peoples. At the same time, it s heartwarming to learn of the gracious hospitality, helpfulness and openness of indigenous peoples toward the newly arriving European settlers struggling to survive a first North American winter.

2 2 This exercise of truth-telling leads to greater understanding, which in turn leads to renewed attitudes towards, and deeper care, love and appreciation of First Nations people and culture. We join many who yearn for, and are working toward reconciliation between First Nation and settler people. I encourage you embark on a journey of learning history, specifically, the history of the people who first occupied the land we live on. Ponder the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Consider the 94 Calls to Action the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada issued, some two years ago. And let s learn, not only about the history, but also, our present-day reality, which is always brimming with hope and opportunities for reconciliation, love and service, in Christ s name. See you in worship, Pastor David A CHRISTMAS CAROL As you probably know, Christ Players is staging Charles Dickens s famous 1843 story A Christmas Carol in the sanctuary on December 7th, 8th, and 7:30 pm. At first glance, A Christmas Carol is a story of Scrooge s personal ghosts; in fact, Dickens subtitled it A Ghost Story for Christmas. Beginning with Marley's Ghost, who represents both his own and Scrooge s notorious greed, each ghost compels Scrooge to face his social transgressions of the past, the present, and the foreseeable future. In effect, the ghosts are giving opportunities to Scrooge to recognize his selfishness and redeem himself. Ghosts, of course, are fun for audiences (but not for young children, who can be easily overwhelmed by their fear), which is why popular adaptations of A Christmas Carol employ them. (Parental guidance is advised for this show due to the presence of the ghosts and scary sound-effects.) From a religious perspective, Dickens tells a story of conversion and personal liberation from the chains of greed toward the freedom of compassion and generosity. The tale is permeated with Christian beliefs. Apparently, it contributed to reinvigorating a historically earlier spirit of charitable giving during Christmastime that had been eclipsed during his lifetime. From a social-justice perspective, however, A Christmas Carol is a critique of involuntary poverty. Dickens wrote his story at a time of hideous socio-economic conditions in Britain and colonial Ireland that included rampant child labour and massive, toxic smog. In effect, his message to the powers-that-be was: Attend to the desperate plight of the poor in our midst or face a social and political revolution on home ground. Anti-poverty activists today would assert that his message remains very relevant for us Canadians.

3 3 In my adaptation of the original story, over 99% of the script consists of Dickens s text, although I ve abbreviated it substantially to heighten its appeal for a current audience. In addition, rather than downplaying Scrooge s psychological development, as film and theatre versions have done, I ve included the scenes of Scrooge as a young adolescent and young man to elicit empathy, even compassion, for him. There s a reason why Ebenezer became a Scrooge. Besides local actors, several members of Christ Church are involved in this show: Church Council, and Ken Schade and the property guys, Paul Bosch, Sheryl Loeffler, and Konrad Knabenschuh are helping behind the scenes. Julie Hill and Dave Rader are providing live period-music, while Hilary Walsh is preparing period-costumes. On stage are Helen Hunt as Narrator, Ian Darling as a merchant and a junk-shop owner, and Michael Hackbusch as rich man who spurns a woman beggar and as the Spirit of Christmas Future. If you re looking for wholesome Christmas fun for all ages, this is your show. Besides, all proceeds benefit our parish, strengthening our mission of service to others. To order tickets, sign the sheets displayed on the table in the narthex near the office or by phoning the church office: Prices are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Admission is first-come, first-served, doors 7:00 p.m. Want to help backstage? We need you, no experience necessary. me: rwalsh@wlu.ca Submitted by Richard Walsh SPIRITUAL PRACTICES ESSENTIAL FOR FIRST STEPS IN HEALING At this year s annual Glebe Counselling Centre breakfast (Oct. 26), Dr. Carrie Doerhing, a graduate of the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, now a professor of Pastoral Care at the Illif School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, spoke of the need for engaging in a regular spiritual practice of some sort. Citing research statistics and surveys, Doerhing pointed out that this is of paramount importance especially among people who exercise a high degree of care and concern in their personal and professional lives, and who experience moral stress, trauma or `compassion fatigue. Engaging in a spiritual practice can help break open the narrowing, constricting pressures of a high stress situation, and can help open up a broader horizon of perspective, putting us in touch with God who is Love. Here at Christ Lutheran, a meditation group has been gathering twice monthly, intentionally engaging in twenty minutes of silent meditation in the Christian apophatic tradition (see preceeded by a short teaching (on CD) from the Canadian Christian Meditation Community. Whether you have some previous meditation experience, or none at all, and wish to learn more, you are more than welcome! We meet on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesday of every month, 12:15 pm 1:00 pm in the sanctuary of Christ Lutheran. Watch for announcements!

4 4 A FANTASTIC RESOURCE FOR HELP WHEN WE NEED IT. RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSE The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre, (177 Albert Street, Waterloo, corner of Albert and Seagram Drive across from Wilfrid Laurier University) was opened by Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in 2013 to provide counselling and preventative mental health services to members of the community, and to students at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo. Individuals, couples, families, children and groups can receive counselling in the areas of anxiety and depression, couple & relationship issues, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, addiction & recovery issues, self-esteem and body image, and life purpose & meaning questions. The centre is a multi-faith agency, open and respectful to all, committed to strengthening emotional and spiritual well-being. The Centre provides affordable counselling for clients. Fees are as low as $20 per session for students. It also provides a learning centre for the Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy program at WLS and for any therapist-in-training who seeks expert supervision. To learn more about the centre and its unique approach to counselling, please check out our website at

5 5 The Reformation Challenge calls us to: Sponsor 500 refugees to Canada Provide 500 scholarships for ELCJHL schools Plant 500,000 trees Give $500,000 to the LWF Endowment Fund 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation The Lutheran World Federation encourages Lutherans around the world to lift up this commemoration. Join with Lutherans across Canada and take the Reformation Challenge as we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and demonstrate our excitement for the theme Liberated by God's Grace. Here at Christ Lutheran Church, we ve pledged to support one student to attend an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHC) school, costing $1000. We ve already received $ to date. Please continue to give, as part of our own 50 th Anniversary year, in this year (2017) of many anniversaries! FOOD BANK The October challenge has been to donate any kind of canned meat. We have surpassed our goal of 50 canned meats, having collected 171 cans. Thank you for being a blessing to others. Here are the food items to be collected over the next months: November Rice, Pasta and Pasta Sauce December Canned Fruit and Canned Vegetables The Food Bank has suggested these items as some of their greatest needs. Please bring your donation to the church. Thank you again for thinking of those in our community who need help in providing meals for themselves and their families. Submitted by Alina Wagner

6 6 CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND BAKE SALE Saturday December 2, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. It has been a busy time getting ready for the sale but there is still time for you to make your contribution to the sale. What is your talent at sewing, knitting, crocheting or painting? Make one of your specialties and donate it to the sale. The bake sale is a wonderful event. It is a draw for our community. Please bake an extra batch of your favourite holiday treat for the sale. Preserves, jam, candy and cookies all sell very well. If you have next to new items for the Treasure area or books for the book sale please remember to have the items at the church by Wednesday, November 29. Thank you this allows time for set-up. On Saturday November 25 at 9:30 we will be baking cookies at the church. Please join us for a fun morning of rolling, baking and conversation. Here are some areas where we still need your help: - Making and posting signs in the neighbourhood - Donations of books and next to new items - Soup for the tea room Thanks to the great response so far. Come and bring a friend to the sale and stay for coffee or lunch in the Tea Room. There will be muffins, sandwiches and homemade soup. There will be signup sheets at the church but if you need more information please call Eloise Breadner ( ) or Karen McRae ( ). Hope to see you there remember the first Saturday in December! Submitted by Karen McRae DECEMBER NEWLETTER ISSUE Submissions deadline is NOVEMBER 20 th (3rd Monday of the month). Please submit your items as a Word Document, Times New Roman, size 13 to Pastor David at pastordavid@christwaterloo.ca

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