The Canton Church of the Brethren is pleased to announce an opportunity for anyone interested to learn more about Buddhism. This project will happen from May-June 2017 and is being led by Carol Davis and Colin Davis. It will consist of 3 parts:
PART ONE – Study of Buddhism Tuesday evening May 9, 16, & 23 @ 7pm: 3 face to face one hour discussions and video (BBC VIDEO OF THE BUDDHA, 50 minutes, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEe8hI6G0GY).
Taken from the February 2017 edition of the IL/WI Reflector
I am concerned with the level of priority our national leaders are giving to protecting our country. Know that I value safety but the present protectionist ethos seems to give substantial importance to retaining what we have come to believe is rightfully ours. In my humble view, this attitude portrays a sense of selfishness, and, subsequently, leads to greater division within the global human community. Recent protests around the globe in response to certain political maneuvers seem to support my hypothesis. I’ll readily admit that I’m basing my conclusions on observations rather than fully researched and scientifically calculated information. Nevertheless, my concern remains.
Forum Topic – Poverty
“Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.” -Nelson Mandela
Taken from the CCOB Canton Chronicler, Vol. 2017 #1
Another section of this newsletter will contain information about the Dignity emphasis in which we are engaged, including objectives from the 5 passion groups. So, I’ll refrain from touching on those details in this space. However, I will express my delight and excitement about the momentum being gained through our ongoing conversations and work.
Taken from the Church of Brethren Newsline January 26, 2017
“We are the church, we’ll continue to be the church, and we will welcome refugees in need from all religious backgrounds. This is in keeping with our Christian faith,” said Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service, when contacted by the Huffington Post about the Church of the Brethren position on refugees.
Taken from the IL/WI District Newsletter, January 2017
Stanley Hauerwas in War and the American Difference: Theological Reflections on Violence and National Identity states: “…the church does not have an alternative to war. The church is the alternative to war. When Christians no longer see the reality of the church as an alternative to the world’s reality, we abandon the world to war.”
‘Tis the season for bright lights, decorations, holiday music, parties, programs, office dinners, family gatherings, sending cards (along with those ubiquitous family letters), taking photographs, shopping, eating out, attending religious services, and being abundantly cheerful. (The last three words of the preceding sentence brings the needle scratching across the vinyl disk, the turntable coming to a screeeeeccchhhing halt, and a deathly stillness overpowering the mellow holiday tunes previously playing.) ‘Tis the season we hope for abundant cheerfulness, but the reality is, dare I say, frequently the opposite.
After the Congregational Forum meeting on November 13, we transitioned to a large-group kick-off meeting, where Carol Davis shared a recap of the purpose of our Dignity Quest and encouragement and positive thoughts about the journey we have chosen to take in our congregational quest for DIGNITY.
Following that, we broke into small groups that focused on each of the 5 Passion areas: Relationships; Ministry & Education; Environment; History & Tradition; Community.
Following the half-hour meetings, all groups combined to enjoy Spaghetti Fellowship! A big THANKS is in order for Jackie Davis for organizing the meal.
The Canton Church of the Brethren Choir, under the direction of Carol Davis, will present a musical celebration of Christmas on Sunday, December 18, at 9:30 a.m., at the Canton Church of the Brethren.
The script for the special performance was written by Robin Henry and read by Martha Harr.
Church of the Brethren Newsline
January 14, 2017
Although we have seen Facebook posts and news releases stating that the Nigerian army has defeated the Boko Haram, violence still continues in northeast Nigeria. Most of the ongoing attacks in the Madagali and Gwoza area are not reported anywhere. One big attack, killing or injuring over 100 people in a Madagali market in December, did make the news.
Continue reading “Brethren Newsline: Violence Continues in Nigeria”
From the IL/WI District November Newsletter
A Ted talk I recently watched states that we often begin divergent dialogue with each other at the wrong place. We frequently begin with political correctness. Political correctness requires us to be careful what we say, to be forthright but smoothing off the edges of sharpness. If we speak in politically correct ways, then we cause less harm to the other whose views are distinctly different. However, being politically correct may leave room for misinterpretation. Those in dialogue then begin to speak past one another, unsure of what the other has said. What is intended as unharmful can be misinterpreted as disrespect.
