At the top of the list for this week is our latest session of ideaExchange, taking place this Tuesday, February 21. Our guest speaker is Bishop Mark MacDonald, the National Indigenous Bishop for the Anglican Church of Canada. We’ve invited Mark to engage us in a searching exploration of a cluster of issues connected to life as an Indigenous Christian, and what that might have to say to the wider church. Please remember that we are now in our new home for these events, The Folk Exchange located at 211 Bannatyne, at Albert Street. The door opens at 7pm, with the session underway at 7:30.
And of course this week we’ll also begin the journey into the season of Lent, with our Ash Wednesday liturgy at 7:00pm on February 22. This is actually one of the most powerfully symbolic liturgies of the church year, and a pretty striking way to enter into the season. We’ll also be joining together with the All Saints community and offering weekly Wednesday 7:00pm services through the Lenten season.
The readings for the 1st Sunday in Lent, February 26, are 1 Peter 3:18-22 and Mark 1:9-15.
Mental Health Support Group continues to meet on a bi-weekly basis, with the next session happening February 21. The group gathers in the small chapel from 7 to 8:30pm. Please use the main Broadway doors to enter.
The 4PM Sunday liturgy – We’ve been offering an alternate Sunday liturgy at 4pm on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, with the next two set for March 4 and 18. While offered for families with young children in mind, these liturgies are open to everyone.
The Canadian Institute for the Study of Pop Culture & Religion will be holding its third annual symposium at Booth University College March 17, from 9am to 4pm. It’s open to the public, with a $10 suggested donation to help cover the costs for the day. The group (which includes several people with saint ben’s connections) is interested in examining the intersections between religion,faith and pop culture. For this year, I will be delivering the keynote, “God’s Mind in that Music: theological explorations through the music of John Coltrane.” We’ll have a bit more information up on the website in the coming week or so.
Providence Theatre presents Flowers for Algernon – Enter the world of Charlie, a cognitively challenged man who undergoes a daring medical experiment in an attempt to increase his intelligence. His story asks us all a poignant question: Do we value people because they are smart, or because they are good? Flowers for Algernon is playing February 23 – 25 at Providence University College – show time 7:30pm. Reserve tickets available for $8.50 by calling 433-7488. Tickets also available at the door for $10.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank Youth Study Tour to Nicaragua – May 1-15. Youth and young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who are interested in global hunger issues, and in putting their faith into action, are invited to apply for this unique opportunity. During the tour, participants will learn more about important issues affecting people in the developing world; learn about international development; make new friends; and meet Nicaraguans who are working to improve their lives and communities. There will also be time for reflection and prayer. Upon their return to Canada participants will be expected to share their experiences in their communities and continue to support Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Cost of the tour is about $3,000; some financial assistance may be available. For more information, simply click here.
