Several issues dog the United Church of Canada. Some of these are:
a) The decline of its membership,
b) The explosion of literature presenting an alternate to the Foundational story which we find in the Bible,
c) The growing interest of adults in the retelling of THE story which manifests itself in their attendance at bookclub study sessions and participation in the virtual chat environment called "WonderCafe", a program that allows us to communicate in the vernacular we are familiar with.
The "Awakening Giant" bookclub found its origin at the Westminster United Church and continues to find its home there. It has been in "business" for a several years and shows a healthy growth. Not only do men as well as women participate, we have even attracted members from other United Church congregations as well as from different denominations. Our hope is that we can maintain our enthusiasm and drive.
For those interested, the originall impetus started with a run through of the DVD series "Living the Questions" which were followed by studies based on books by Borg, Spong, Sanguin, Vosper and, last but not least, by past moderator Bill Phipps who, together with his wife Carolyn Pogue, have lead us in study sessions focussed on their books "Hope" and "A Wonder of Faith"
Actions galore and enthusiasm that bubbles.
Several issues dog the United Church of Canada. Some of these are:
a) The decline of its membership,
b) The explosion of literature presenting an alternate to the Foundational story which we find in the Bible,
c) The growing interest of adults in the retelling of THE story which manifests itself in their attendance at bookclub study sessions and participation in the virtual chat environment called "WonderCafe", a program that allows us to communicate in the vernacular we are familiar with.
The "Awakening Giant" bookclub found its origin at the Westminster United Church and continues to find its home there. It has been in "business" for a several years and shows a healthy growth. Not only do men as well as women participate, we have even attracted members from other United Church congregations as well as from different denominations. Our hope is that we can maintain our enthusiasm and drive.
For those interested, the originall impetus started with a run through of the DVD series "Living the Questions" which were followed by studies based on books by Borg, Spong, Sanguin, Vosper and, last but not least, by past moderator Bill Phipps who, together with his wife Carolyn Pogue, have lead us in study sessions focussed on their books "Hope" and "A Wonder of Faith"
Actions galore and enthusiasm that bubbles.
No group posts at this time.
The bookclub "Awakening Giant" has been in operation for a number of years. During that period of time the number of participants has grown considerably, and several books have been read and disccussed.
The intent of this venture has always been to acquaint the members/participants with the contents of the Bible and the meaning of its message. Thus far it has been agreed that this purpose was acquired.
I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.
Hi webmaster, commenters and everybody else !!! The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!b Keep 'em coming... you all do such a great job at such Concepts... can't tell you how much I, for one appreciate all you do!
Bill Phipps led an all day successful workshop for about 30 participants on the topic "Cause for Hope in a Bewildering World". It was sponsored by Westminster United Church and Trinity United Church.
Bill led a spirited discussion based on his latest book "Cause for Hope" - Humanity at the Crossroads .
Bill focuses on the Old Story/New Story.
All societies live by their stories. We looked at the Old Story that has shaped and defined Western culture and society - a story that has manifested itself in ecological destruction, war, obscene military expenditures, unprecedented consumerism, economic disparity between rich and poor, mistreatment of non-white culture and races, sexism and fear.
We were challenged to look at the New Story . Bill worked with us to outline the core themes of the new story, and examples were shared that provided cause for hope, and realization that much in the new story has a spiritual dimension, and the United Church is well placed to be an energetic player in playing out the new story, providing hope for a better future.
Later that Day Bill shared his views with about 20 participants on ways that churches can re-mission themselves through consolidations and mergers to fulfill a mandate which he sees as servicing the needs of the city.
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Comments
Panentheist
Awakening Giant - Bookclub
Posted on: 08/07/2010 18:11
The bookclub "Awakening Giant" has been in operation for a number of years. During that period of time the number of participants has grown considerably, and several books have been read and disccussed.
The intent of this venture has always been to acquaint the members/participants with the contents of the Bible and the meaning of its message. Thus far it has been agreed that this purpose was acquired.
andrewjpeterson
I just read through the
Posted on: 03/31/2010 08:38
I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.
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andrewjpeterson
Hi webmaster, commenters and
Posted on: 03/31/2010 08:36
Hi webmaster, commenters and everybody else !!! The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!b Keep 'em coming... you all do such a great job at such Concepts... can't tell you how much I, for one appreciate all you do!
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Johnko
Bill Phipps led an all day
Posted on: 11/01/2008 22:34
Bill Phipps led an all day successful workshop for about 30 participants on the topic "Cause for Hope in a Bewildering World". It was sponsored by Westminster United Church and Trinity United Church.
Bill led a spirited discussion based on his latest book "Cause for Hope" - Humanity at the Crossroads .
Bill focuses on the Old Story/New Story.
All societies live by their stories. We looked at the Old Story that has shaped and defined Western culture and society - a story that has manifested itself in ecological destruction, war, obscene military expenditures, unprecedented consumerism, economic disparity between rich and poor, mistreatment of non-white culture and races, sexism and fear.
We were challenged to look at the New Story . Bill worked with us to outline the core themes of the new story, and examples were shared that provided cause for hope, and realization that much in the new story has a spiritual dimension, and the United Church is well placed to be an energetic player in playing out the new story, providing hope for a better future.
Later that Day Bill shared his views with about 20 participants on ways that churches can re-mission themselves through consolidations and mergers to fulfill a mandate which he sees as servicing the needs of the city.
privacybug
Looks good !
Posted on: 10/21/2008 00:57
Looks good !