Tag Archives: christianity

Jan. 18-25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2009

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From the World Council of Churches:

Inspired by the witness of churches from a divided country, Christians throughout the world will be praying “that they may become one in God’s hand” during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2009. 

The materials for the week of prayer 2009 are rooted in the experience of the churches in Korea. In their context of national division they have turned for inspiration to the prophet Ezekiel, who also lived in a tragically divided nation and longed for the unity of his people. 

Traditionally celebrated between 18 and 25 January (in the northern hemisphere) or at Pentecost (in the southern hemisphere), the week of prayer mobilizes countless congregations and parishes around the world. During that week, Christians from different confessional families get together and – at least on that occasion – pray together in special ecumenical celebrations. 

The production of the liturgical and biblical material for the week of prayer is jointly coordinated since 1968 by the World Council of Churches (Faith and Order Commission) and the Roman Catholic Church (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity).

For this year’s week of prayer, a group of representatives from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea and the National Council of Churches in Korea chose as the basis the vision of Ezekiel (Ezek. 37:15-28) that depicts two pieces of wood, symbolizing the two kingdoms into which Israel had been divided. They found it offered some compelling parallels to their own situation within a divided country and to a divided Christendom.

Resources for the week include an introduction to the theme; a suggested ecumenical celebration which local churches are encouraged to adapt for their own particular liturgical, social and cultural contexts; biblical reflections and prayers for the “eight days”; and additional prayers from, and an overview of, the ecumenical situation in Korea. 

More information on the Week of prayer for Christian unity
http://www.oikoumene.org/?id=3193 

Brochure with liturgical material for 2009 in pdf format (279 KB)
http://www.oikoumene.org/fileadmin/files/wcc-main/documents/p2/WOP2009_eng.pdf 

Thin Space: Learning from the Celtic Saints

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Thin Space Learning from the Celtic Saints:  a day long learning/sharing experience hosted by Mustard Seed Associates and the Mustard Seed House.

Register online

The rediscovery of Celtic Christianity has been a delightful revelation for many followers of Christ in recent years. Many Christians are intrigued by this rich tradition and by the men and women who led it. They were described as God intoxicated people who lived with an intense sense of the presence of God. All of life and all of creation were embraced by the triune God whom they believed walked with them throughout life’s journey. 

The invigorating prayers and traditions of this movement continue to inspire people today. Come and learn from the Celtic saints and see how this wonderful Christian tradition can enrich and empower your prayer life and your spiritual observances. This day long seminar will explore the lives of Patrick, Columba, Brigit and Brendan and the rich understanding of prayer that each of these Christian leaders brought to their faith.

Discover new ways to connect your prayer walk to your everyday life as you explore the many examples of prayer that under girded the lives of these dynamic ancient followers of Jesus. Discover a deeper understanding of prayer as you learn to write Celtic prayers based on your own life situation. 

Schedule for the Day:

  • 9:00 Welcome & morning prayer
  • 9:30 Learning from Patrick – the all encompassing presence of Christ
  • 10:30 Break
  • 11:00 Learning from Columba – rhythms for life
  • Lunch
  • 1:00 Learning from Brigid & Brendan – journey into hospitality
  • 2:30 – 4:00 Writing prayers for the journey
  • 4:00 Sharing.
  • 4:30 Closing and afternoon prayer

Register online

The New Conspirators – Tuesday Book Review

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The New Conspirators : Creating the Future one Mustard Seed at a Time by Tom Sine

“In spite the fact that our world is changing at blinding speed and the church is going through some very tough times, God is still at work in ways that aren’t always immediately apparent. For some reason, God seems to delight in conspiring through the small, insignificant and ordinary to renew the church and transform the world.”

This book was long due. Tom Sine spent 3+ years collecting stories, interviewing people, bugging friends and collecting the data that end up in this fantastic book.

You might have heard authors talk about books taking a life of their own, and that is true of this one. As a friend of Tom I was fortunate enough to be around while the book was taking shape. Originally it was meant to be a reincarnation of a his book The Mustard Seed Conspiracy, published in the mid-80′s. But that would not hold up to the amazing stories of creativity and faith that Tom was listening. Tom later decided that this was meant to be an entire different book about the God’s new conspirators in the here and now.

While many of the current books in the Christian circles cover one topic – Tom have ventured to explore what he calls in the book the 4 streams of renewal for the church and the world: The Emerging Church, The Missional Church, New Monasticism and The Mosaic (Multi-Cultural) Church. Lots had and is written about the Emerging Church and Missional church. New Monasticism is a hot topic these days. So I am glad Tom included what the multi-cultural church is doing as a fresh and challenging expression in contemporary Christianity.

In this book Tom engage us in five conversations:

  • Taking the New Conspirators Seriously
  • Taking the Culture Seriously
  • Taking the Future of God Seriously
  • Taking the Turbulent Times Seriously
  • Taking our Imaginations Seriously

I think it is very important to point out that this is a book on a global expression of the new conspirators. The stories and examples does not come from the western hemisphere alone. This is not an American book. Though the book you’ll read stories of ordinary people confronting the powers and living out God’s Kingdom values in Africa, UK, Latin America, Australia, USA and all over the world.

The New Conspirators is a primer in the global conversation on how God is creating the future one mustard seed at a time. You can read the introduction of the book at www.thenewconspirators.com.

A must read definitely.