November 09, 2006
News Briefs for October 2006
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We’re in White Rabbit Territory!
This issue of News Briefs is late, just like Alice’s rabbit. We apologize for that, but the main reason is that your editor’s been away on NACC business – important business. Still, we are still indisputably late, and we’re sorry. What got in the way was: first a meeting of the Association for Church Renewal in Washington, DC; then a meeting of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada in Toronto; and then a mini-tour of NACC congregations between Woodstock, ON, and the US border. The whole two week package was pleasant and worthwhile, but without a doubt the tour was the most enjoyable, taking Joan and me to congregations in Komoka, Woodstock, Port Lambton, and Byron (London). The four churches concerned are all quite different – large, small, suburban, rural – but the meetings were alike in that they were with warm, hospitable people, rock solid in their faith, . . . and charitable about my poor attempts at humour. The one disappointment was that a chat with the new Moderator had to be preempted by one of the congregations. But, hey, which is more important? -- Geoff
Christian Leaders Connection (Evangelical Fellowship of Canada)
The NACC is an associate member of the EFC, and we have previously recommended its seminars as a great way to keep on top of what’s happening in Canada, including on Parliament Hill. Three seminars are now scheduled for the Maritimes, in Saint John (Nov 14), Halifax (Nov 15), and Yarmouth (Nov 16). The presenters – Bruce Cleminger, Janet Epp Buckingham, and David Macfarlane – will speak on “What’s Happening in Ottawa”, “Why we could lose Religious Freedom in Canada”, “Preparing for Spiritual Shifts”, “Sexuality: God’s Design”, and “Same Sex Marriage Legislation: How it could affect your church”. Intended for pastors and lay leaders, these sessions are warmly recommended. To register, go to http://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/calendar/index.asp
Wigglesworth Update
Ted Wigglesworth’s wrongful dismissal suit against the UCC crawls along in snail mode. (It is now nearly eight years since the UCC abruptly removed Ted, our second NACC Chairman, from his Pastoral Charge and subsequently from UCC ministry.) The “examination for discovery” phase (where the lawyers get to examine each other’s potential witnesses) now appears to be concluded, finally. It would be nice if the UCC were now to do the honorable thing and offer a meaningful out-of-court settlement to Ted, but that doesn’t seem likely.
Your donations to the NACC’s Legal Defence Fund have allowed us to underwrite Ted’s legal expenses to the tune of $140,000 – a staggering amount, although we believe the UCC has spent even more. However, since the actual court case now seems near, it is time for us to appeal to you again for your help in getting justice for Ted, who is effectively accused of no more than being ineffective in his ministry. (Which is by no means consistent with what we know of his record.) What is indisputable is that he was something of a nuisance to the United Church, and, as the NACC’s Chairman, a very visible figure.
If you can assist, please send your donations (tax deductible) to Cameron Smith, NACC Treasurer, 3 Sunshine Gardens, SUSSEX, NB E4E 2E3. Cheques should be made out to the “NACC Legal Defence Fund”.
Snappers
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Recommended reading: Not a Tame Lion: unveil Narnia through the eyes of Lucy, Peter, and other characters created by C.S. Lewis, Bruce Edwards, 2005, Tyndale House.
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The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is scheduled for November 11 and/or November 18. Free resources are available from the World Evangelical Alliance at www.idop.org
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The new UCC Moderator, David Giuliano, has advised Members of Parliament that our denomination does not think Parliament should reconsider the matter of same sex marriage (Bill C38). That of course is not the position of the NACC. We also believe it is not the position of a great many UCC members, perhaps even a majority.
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This summer’s General Council approved a new statement of faith. Dissatisfaction with the first draft (Faith Talk II), appears to have caused a fair bit of revision, and thank you to those of you who sent in your critiques to the UCC’s writing team. However, grounds for concern remain, and the NACC is considering its options. We’ll keep you posted.
Postscript for Stormy Times
Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid?” . . . They were filled with awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?” (Mk 4:41)
Since very early times, the true church has thought of itself as being like a boat, a tiny, vulnerable community in danger of foundering in a stormy world. But, as Mark reminds us, there’s always hope, even when things look most hopeless. God put Jesus’ disciples in that boat on the Sea of Galilee, and then he, in Jesus came to them, walking on the water. Now God has put us here. Why? – perhaps so we too will, in our consternation and fear, see Jesus coming to us out of our storm, and, in that moment of relief, finally recognize him for who he really is. God bless
Posted at November 9, 2006 11:42 AM