Sudbury Christian Messenger for December 23, 2009
23/12/09 10:32
Sudbury Christian Messenger for December 23, 2009
"The birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life, but a new way of living it."
Frederick Buechner
For the LORD is good and his love endures
forever; his faithfulness continues through
all generations.
( Psalms 100:5 *NIV )
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRAYER REQUEST
1. Prayer of faith for Sudbury and region
PRAISE REPORTS
LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
1. Lodging opportunity for a student in Sudbury
2. New Christian book store in Valley
3. Reminder of Red Fridays
4. The Living Nativity outside at Science North Dec. 23-24
5. Sunday School Christmas program & caroling First Baptist Church Dec.24
6. Let’s Worship the King Dec. 24 Calvin Presbyterian
7. Christmas Eve Service First Baptist Church Garson Dec. 24
8. Christmas Eve Service Lansing Baptist Church Dec. 24
9. Christmas Eve Service St. Luke’s United Church Dec. 24
10. Grace Family Church French Service Dec. 27
11. Festivals of Lessons and Carols of Christmas and Epiphany January 3
Church of the Epiphany
12. Sudbury Arts Council Workshop may interest Christians Jan. 14
13. Christian Unity Week to be celebrated in Sudbury January 22 Please attend!
14. Girlsfriends Breakfast Club Host: WoMin All Nations Church January 23
15. Forever National Men’s Conference Jan. 22-24 Puslinch, ON Promise Keepers
16. Institute of Marriage & Family Canada Conference March 11, 2010
17. Beth Moore in Toronto March 12 and 13 Sookram Bus Lines
18. Lancaster, Pa trip May 21-24, 2010
19. Ruth Graham Get Growing Conference Sept. 17 & 18 Belleville
20. Support Request for Meagan Duhamel, our region’s aspiring “pairs” champion
21. Employment Opportunity – Christian Horizons
22. Check out 4MYC (For My Canada) for all the latest on hot button issues
23. Elgin Street Mission seeking volunteers
24. Door-to-Door Ministers
25. Walden Word of Life a great resource for Christian books and gifts
26. Christian Videographer - Sudbury’s own Dan Thomson
27. Christian Photographer – Sudbury’s own Garth Wunsch
28. Mom’s Moments December e newsletter available online
29. Help us keep the Church Directory and Sudbury Christian Messenger database up-to-date
For more events that might interest Christians, please go to www.cjtk.com <</span>http://www.cjtk.com/>
PROVINCIAL
1. Plan underway in Manitoba for first faith-based prison in Canada
2. Quebec Government Launches All-Out Attack against "Homophobia"
3. Christian Groups Can Hire Only Christians Only if Main Purpose is to Spread Faith: OHRC Lawyers
NATIONAL
1. Slavery in Canada
2. Human Trafficking …A global scourge that is a $30 billion annual world industry which has metastasized in Canada
INTERNATIONAL
1. Report suggests permissive abortion laws may negatively affect infant mortality rates
2. Mexican Victories Underscore Global Pro-Life Trend
3. Questions about Obama’s legitimacy for USA Presidency due to citizenship issue
4. Survey: Americans mix and match religions, including New Age
5. The Swiss and their minarets
6. English, Welsh bishops say Equality Bill redefines who can be priest
7. Christians condemn Ugandan anti-gay law
8. Maine Reporter Fired for Personal E-mail Rebutting Criticisms of Traditional Marriage Supporters
FUNDRAISING REQUESTS
1. Pro-Life group at the United Nations requests funds
MEDIA MARVELS
1. Demographic Bomb: Demography is Destiny Sequel to Demographic Winter
2. Media gives 15x more coverage to Tiger Woods crisis than ClimateGate
3. Palin credits her faith for her strength
CITIZEN RESPONSE
1. Response to City of Toronto
2. Pro-Life Prayer Letter from Nancy Bartz that’ll touch your heart!
DAILY CHUCKLE
1. Surprise in Heaven
2. Child draws humorous picture of the Christmas story
WORDS OF WISDOM
1. Cycle of Democracy
2. Measuring Success
3. Out on the ranch
4. Christmas Affirmations
5. Who is this Baby?
6. The “W” in Christmas
Prayers
1. Prayer of faith for Sudbury and region:
We declare that you, God, take the wind out of Babel’s pretence; you shoot down the world’s power schemes. We thank you God that your plans stand up so that your will be done and your kingdom come in the city of Sudbury and region.
We confess that there is in our city and region desperation and hopelessness.
We chose to humble ourselves and confess the sin of pride and arrogance in the use of human methods for fixing problems and not turning to you God.
Save us, vindicate us by your strength. Please release your warring angels to defeat the godless who oppose the purposes of your kingdom.
We ask you to lead us in victory against obstacles which stand against your will being done.
We thank you for being jealous over your prophecy that the north would be blessed and would fund your mighty revival.
We decree your covenant promise for this city and region such as in Isaiah 61; that you consol those who mourn, give beauty for ashes, joy for morning, a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair and that we will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of your glory.
a city prayer group.
Editor’s Note: A.C.E.S. (Active Christians Engaging Society), now has a Prayer Page on our website at www.sudburychristian.ca <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca>
Praise Reports
1. CALLING ALL FILM MAKERS AND YOUTUBE ENTHUSIASTS!
Entries are now being received for the Salt n' Light YouTube Contest, sponsored by the Association for Reformed Political Action, Reformed Perspective magazine, and CV Benefits!
The winner of the Salt n' Light YouTube Contest will receive up to $500 and be featured in Sudbury's 2010 REAL LIFE Film Festival du cinéma C'EST LA VIE! Entries feature social or political shorts from a Christian worldview. For more about this exciting contest and to learn about ARPA, located in Lethbridge, Alberta, please visit www.arpacanada.ca <</span>http://www.arpacanada.ca>
2. NEW GROUP!
Sudbury Christian Singles (Ages 20-35)
Find it on Facebook "Sudbury Christian Singles (Young Adults)"
Don't have Facebook? E-mail christiansingles@live.com for more info Features social events, resources and a profile section to connect with available singles.
CHECK IT OUT!
3. A.C.E.S. website adds Prayer Page
Sudbury Christian Messenger is archived on the A.C.E.S. website at www.sudburychristian.ca <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca> .
We are excited to announce that our volunteer web creator and web master, Dan Thomson, gave three of us editing lessons last week to be able to update the website in our respective areas of interest.
We are blessed to have a Prayer Page added to this site, courtesy of Helen Townend of our A.C.E.S. Leadership Team.
There’s lots more there to see, so please check it out.
God bless,
Diane Ikonen,
A.C.E.S. Leadership Team
Local News & Events
1. Lodging opportunity for a student in Sudbury
Do you know someon looking for a good peaceful place to stay. Included: internet, cable, all included...hoping for a serious student, quiet and clean..contact Lyse 670-9560, 278 Hyland, Sudbury.
2. New Christian Book Store in Valley “Revelations Books and Things”
Just a bit of info.. for the Christian Messenger readers: there is a new Christian Book Store in the Hanmer Mall called "Revelations Books and Things". Kimberly Irving just opened and is hoping to expand as time progresses. She would like to service the Valley area and would love to have anyone in that area visit her store. She is willing to order what she doesn't have in stock.
Her phone #969-9695.
3. Reminder of Red Fridays
You are encouraged to wear red every Friday, to show support for the men and women of Canada’s Armed Forces.
Red Fridays are a grassroots effort that encourages Canadians to wear red on Fridays as a symbolic gesture to show fellow Canadians and our troops that we care and honour those who fought for our freedom, our peace and our resolve. The goal is to show non-partisan support for our military troops.
The movement was started in Spring 2006 by the spouses of two soldiers posted to CFB Petawawa. For more information visit: www.redfridays.ca <</span>http://www.redfridays.ca> (website in English only)
* * *
Rappel - Vendredis rouges
Nous vous invitons à porter du rouge demain, et tous les vendredis, en guise d'appui aux hommes et aux femmes des Forces armées du Canada.
Les vendredis rouges sont une initiative d'origine populaire qui vise à encourager les Canadiens et les Canadiennes à porter du rouge les vendredis, un geste symbolique pour montrer à nos concitoyens et concitoyennes et à nos soldats que nous pensons et rendons hommage à ceux et celles qui se battent pour assurer notre liberté et notre paix et renforcer notre détermination. Le but est d'offrir un appui non partisan à nos troupes.
L'initiative a été lancée au printemps 2006 par les épouses de deux soldats stationnés à la BFC Petawawa. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le site www.redfridays.ca <</span>http://www.redfridays.ca> (en anglais seulement)
4. The Living Nativity outside at Science North Dec. 23-24
All Nations Church presents the annual Living Nativity
The story of the birth of Christ told in song and drama with live animals
Outside at Science North
7:30 pm nightly
A gift from the people of All Nations Church
You are invited to make this part of your family’s Christmas tradition
Dress warmly, please!
Jeremy invited you to "THE LIVING NATIVITY" on Sunday, December 20 at 7:30pm.
Jeremy says, "please help us by spreading the word along to others...thanks".
Event: THE LIVING NATIVITY
"make the Christmas story come alive for you and your family at this free outdoor event"
What: Performance
Start Time: Sunday, December 20 at 7:30pm End Time: Thursday, December 24 at 7:30pm
Where: OUTSIDE AT SCIENCE NORTH
5. Sunday School Christmas program & caroling Dec. 24 First Baptist Church
10:00 a.m.
2603 Falconbridge Hwy., Garson
6. Christmas Eve Service Dec. 24
First Baptist Church Garson
2603 Falconbridge Hwy., Garson
6:30 pm
693 3278
.
7. Let’s Worship the King Dec. 24 Calvin Presbyterian
Come and celebrate Christ's birth with Calvin Presbyterian Church (Auger Ave., New Sudbury)
on December 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Let’s worship the King.
8. When the Wise Men Came Christmas Eve Service
Lansing Baptist Dec. 24
Manger scene, carols, dramatic reading of the Christmas story
1174 Lansing Avenue
7:00 pm
Bring two AA batteries for candles
9. Christmas Eve Service St. Luke’s United Church Dec. 24
1520 Bancroft Dr.
7:00 pm
Parking on Barry St.
566 5685
10. Christmas Eve Service Trinity United Church Garson
174 Church Street, Garson
9:00 pm
566 5685
11. Grace Family Church EN FRANÇAIS le 27 decembre
Venez célébrer le Christ
à Grace Family Church
Chaque dimanche à 19h00
au 468 rue Antwerp, Sudbury
Tél. 673-1512
12. Festivals of Lessons and Carols of Christmas and Epiphany January 3 Church of the Epiphany
Celebrate the Incarnation one more time this season through traditional readings, carols and songs of Christmastide and Epiphanytide. with the Epiphany Choir, directed by David Buley.
All Welcome.
Sunday, January 3 at 4pm
Church of the Epiphany, 85 Larch Street, Sudbury
13. Sudbury Arts Council Workshop Jan. 14
The following is an invitation to the Canadian Conference of the Arts/Sudbury Arts Council's Cultural Policy Workshop: The Politics of Art and the Art of Politics. To register, please leave message at 560-5412 or email sac.communicate@gmail.com . Seating is limited and there is no charge to attend. I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Suzanne McCrae
Communications Coordinator
Sudbury Arts Council
The Canadian Conference of the Arts is pleased to present,
in association with the Sudbury Arts Council
Cultural Policy Workshop:
The Politics of Art and the Art of Politics
**New Date!**
Thursday January 14th, 2010
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tom Davies Square foyer– 200 Brady Street, Sudbury
Light Refreshments
The Politics of Art and the Art of Politics seeks to engage and inform participants on how the arts, culture, and heritage sector in Canada has been, and continues to be, shaped by public policy. This exciting workshop is open to all Canadians in Greater Sudbury and area interested in arts and culture: from all disciplines and practices within the sector itself, educators and students, artists and participants, municipal and provincial officials, and the business community. Led by CCA’s National Director Alain Pineau, the workshop will give participants:
o A brief background of Canadian cultural policy and the recent developments to our rich history
o An overview of current practices in the workings of government and policy development
o A toolkit for advocating for the arts
o A practical case study exercise
Workshop material will be available in both English and French
The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) is the national forum for the arts, culture and heritage community in Canada. It provides research, analysis and consultations on public policies affecting the arts and Canadian cultural institutions and industries. The CCA fosters informed public debate on policy issues and seeks to advance the cultural rights of Canadians.
The Sudbury Arts Council connect members of the local arts community with each other and their various audiences. We also, as an umbrella organization, communicate, ensuring artists have a voice in Greater Sudbury and that the arts remain relevant to the community and we celebrate the arts for everyone in the Sudbury area
No virus found in this incoming message.
14. Christian Unity Week to be celebrated in Sudbury Please attend! Jan. 22
In the summer of 1910 delegates of various Protestant mission societies met in Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference, which was not a decision-making gathering, had no other aim than to help missionaries to forge a common spirit and coordinate their work. Since that time, there has been a greater move among churches throughout the world to understand and appreciate each other. Rather than emphasizing the differences between them, for the sake of unity they have thought it best to emphasize what the churches share in common: whether they are traditional or expressively enthusiastic, conservative or liberal, every Christian needs to know that they are part of a greater whole, that others from different theological persuasions throughout the world follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. Every year “Christian Unity Week” is from January 18th-25th. The theme verse this year is Luke 24:48: “You are witnesses of these things.”
Consistent with this, the Sudbury Ministerial is sponsoring an event to enhance unity among the churches of Sudbury. The event will take place on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 at Grace Family Church (468 Antwerp St.). The proceeds of the offering will go toward “There’s Room at the Inn” (a ministry for recovering prisoners). In addition to an address, there will be singing, prayer, and refreshments.
For more information, contact John Harvey at 929-6562 (or sudburyanglican@hotmail.com).
Peace of Jesus,
John
15. Girlfriends Breakfast Club Women’s Ministries All Nations Church January 23, 2010 Jean Mahood, Church Co-Founder, to speak
GIRLFRIENDS BREAKFAST CLUB WINTER EDITION
JEAN MAHOOD “Bargaining with God… What’s in it for me?”
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
9:00 to 11:00AM
at the Holiday Inn
(1696 Regent Street)
Cost is $10.00. Sign up is required. 673 6110 gpasanen@allnationschurch.ca
Women’s Ministries, All Nations Church
885 Prete Street, Sudbury, ON P3E 3X9
705-673-6110 Fax: 705-673-2912
www.myallnationschurch.com/womin.htm <</span>http://www.myallnationschurch.com/womin.htm>
womin@live.ca
16. Forever National Men’s Conference Promise Keepers
Puslinch, ON
January 22 - 24, 2010
Module 1 “Godly Manhood”
London, ON
March 5 & 6, 2010
Ottawa, ON
March 19 & 20, 2010
For further information, please go to: http://www.promisekeepers.ca/content/eventdetail?id=5011
17. Institute of Marriage and Family Canada Conference
March 11, 2010
Save the date! March 11, 2010 is the IMFC Family Policy Conference. Check http://www.imfcanada.org for more information and registration daveq@imfcanada.org www.imfcanada.org <</span>http://www.imfcanada.org> www.FamilyIndex.net <</span>http://www.FamilyIndex.net> Phone 613-565-3832 Toll Free 1-866-373-4632 Fax 613-565-3803
The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada’s annual Family Policy Conference will take place on March 11, 2010, in Ottawa, ON.
In addition to exploring ways in which families are beleaguered or bolstered by current public policy, the conference will feature presentations by special guests Miriam Grossman, MD, author of You’re Teaching My Child What? and Brian Lee Crowley, PhD, author of Fearful Symmetry: The Fall and Rise of Canada’s Founding Values.
Check Imfcanada.org for more information and registration.
18. Beth Moore “Living Proof Live” in Toronto March 12, 13
We at Sookram Bus Lines & Tours have several new tours coming up in 2010 that may interest your readers..
1.Beth Moore -\"Living Proof Live\"- March 12,13 Toronto, ON - Ricoh Centre
Includes: Deluxe Bus Transportation, 1 Event Ticket,1 night accommodations at Days Hotel & Conference Centre Toronto Airport East with hot Breakfast
Cost: $160-Double $150-Quad
pdf brochures are available of these 2 tours that I will send you on your email if you call me at 705-983-4347,cell 919-3834 or visit our website: www.sookram.ca <</span>http://www.sookram.ca> Please contact me if you require any more information. Best to you. David Laari-Sookram Bus Lines & Tours
For further information, please contact David Laari info@sookram.ca Sookram Tours 2010
“Registered TICO # 50017532” and
” Trip cancellation insurance and travel health insurance is available through Sookram Bus Lines”.
Travel by deluxe highway coach to Toronto's Ricoh Coliseum to participate in this two-day event.
A fun-filled Bible study, teaching, and worship experience to enrich your mind, soul, and spirit.
• General Seating Admission at Ricoh Coliseum
• 1 night Accommodations at Days Hotel & Conference Centre ,Toronto Airport East
• Hot Breakfast included
• opportunity to meet and grow with other ladies
• Package Price: $160 per person, Double Occupancy or $ 150 per person, Quad Occupancy
Terms: $ 60 deposit required with booking. No refunds after January 12th, 2010. Balance due no later than March 01, 2010. Seating is assigned on a first come - first serve basis. Minimum # bookings are required to conduct the tour
Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance is available through Sookram Bus Lines provided by Royal Bank of Canada.
Call us at: 705-983-4347
19. Trip to Lancaster, PA with shows of interest to Christians
May 21-24
Lancaster, PA Theatre Tour on May 21-24 2010.
2 of the 3 performances are Christian plays by Sight & Sound Theatre: “Joseph” and “Psalms of David”
The third performance is shorter and is an Amish performance: “Jacob’s Choice” giving an Amish perspective on a young man’s life choices.
Includes: Deluxe Bus Transportation, Admission to 3 Shows, 3 nights Accommodations, 1 Amish Feast, plus Touring & Shopping Cost: $ 450-Double $400-Quad --------------------------------------
pdf brochures are available of these 2 tours that I will send you on your email if you call me at 705-983-4347,cell 919-3834 or visit our website: www.sookram.ca <</span>http://www.sookram.ca> Please contact me if you require any more information. Best to you. David Laari-Sookram Bus Lines & Tours
Registered TICO # 50017532” and
” Trip cancellation insurance and travel health insurance is available through Sookram Bus Lines”
________________________________________
Lancaster Theatre Tour 2010
May 21 to 24, 2010
Travel with us to beautiful Pennsylvania in the Spring! We will see two magnificent Sight and Sound productions which include "Joseph" and
"Psalms of David". We will tour the region and see the "Jacob's Choice" production, giving a true understanding of Amish life. Opportunities for excellent shopping, touring, and dining abound! Other tour features include:
• Deluxe Highway Coach Transportation
• Admission to 2 Sight & Sound Shows
• Admission to Amish Experience
• 3 nights accommodations at Black Horse Lodge & Suites
• Hot Breakfasts included
• Shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall
• Escorted Tour of Pennsylvania Dutch countryside
• One hearty country style meal at Good and Plenty
Tour Package Price: $ 450 per person, Double Occupancy or $ 400 per person, Quad Occupancy
Terms: $ 100 deposit required with booking. No refunds after February 21, 2010. Balance due no later than May 01, 2010. Seating is assigned on a first come - first serve basis. Minimum # bookings are required to conduct the tour. A valid passport is required for entry into United States.
Easy monthly payments are available.
Hurry and Book Soon!
Medical, Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance is available through Sookram Bus Lines provided by Royal Bank of Canada.
Call us at: 705-983-4347. Sookram Bus Lines reserves the right to make minor schedule adjustments
Copyright - Sookram Bus Lines • Design by www.imagevideo.ca <</span>http://www.imagevideo.ca>
20. Ruth Graham Get Growing Conference Sept/ 17 & 18 Belleville
http://www.ruthgrahamandfriends.org/conf_WallStreetUnited-Ontario.html
21. Support Request for Meagan Duhamel, our region’s aspiring “pairs” champion
My daughter, Meagan will be featured on the "Aspiring Olympian" General Mills cereal(some
Grocery stores have them out already on the multi-grain cheerios) If you can please purchase a box or few and follow the instructions and vote for her, she will then get $1 or $5 per vote depending on the box of cereal. Thank you and Meagan would really appreciate the support!
Please extend this information onto your family and friends as well.
Heidi Duhamel
705-671-1000 ext 8131
Editor’s Note: I didn’t care to purchase this cereal, so contacted Meagan’s mother, Heidi Duhamel. A cheque can be sent to Meagan at her family’s address: Box 1540, Lively, ON P3Y1N2 If you want further information, please contact Meagan’s Mom at 705-671-1000 ext 8131
May God bless our special Sudbury Olympian as she heals from her recent injury!!!!!!!!!
22. Employment Opportunity – Christian Horizons
Employment opportunity: Looking for employment with meaning? Christian Horizons, a trans-denominational evangelical Christian organization that provides a variety of support & services for persons with developmental disabilities, is currently seeking relief/casual staff to work within our residential homes in Sudbury.
For more information please contact Karen Festing (Recruitment Manager) at Christian Horizons North District Office (705) 789-1725 x3.
23. Check out 4MYC (For My Canada) for all the latest on hot button issues
http://www.4mycanada.ca/
24. Elgin Street Mission is seeking Volunteers
Elgin Street Mission is in need of volunteers during the following times:
Monday - Friday from 7am - 5pm
Saturday - 5pm - 9pm
Sundays 11am - 9pm
Volunteers are asked to work the hours they are available and not expected
to fill an entire shift. If you are a available a couple hours a day or day
a week. We are flexible!
Volunteers will be expected to assist in the kitchen area helping the
daytime facilitator serve breakfast and/or helping the cook later on in the
day prepare that evening's supper.
Please contact the volunteer coordinator Eva Lachapelle at 673-2163. We look
forward to having you become part of the team!
25. "Door to Door Ministers"
Reverend Michael & Karen Marcotte are excited to offer "Door to Door Ministers" - meeting you where you're at.
What do we do? We officiate wedding ceremonies,
offer Marriage Preparation Sessions and Marriage Follow-up Sessions -
because "Marriage Matters!"
Michael provides Itinerant Pastoring Services to Churches, and conducts
Funeral Services.
Let us know If we can be of service to you,
E-mail:
doortodoorministers@persona.ca
Phone: 705-919-8138.
***Editor’s Note: Karen Marcotte initiated and manages the Church Directory at www.sudburychristian.ca <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca>
26. Local Christian Book Seller a Great Resource
Gloria Monkhouse at Walden Word of Life on Fielding Road has a passionate heart for Christian Bibles, books and audio-visual materials for all ages.
Gloria will set up her portable book store at your church or event, upon request.
If you’re seeking a book on a topic or a book for Bible Study, Gloria can assist you greatly.
Give her a call at 705 682 0441 – you’ll find her to be full of wisdom and help
27. Mom’s Moments
It's not just for young moms! There are articles pertaining to school aged children and teenagers as well! It's for all moms regardless of their backgrounds!) Mom's Moments newsletters are practical and relevant to all moms. There is a brief devotional in them however, and those who want more spiritually, can then go to the Deeper newsletters which are meant for both seekers and long time Christians. They challenge us to grow in our everyday faith, in sharing our faith with our children and in our outreach as well. You'll see both newsletters on our site.
In The December Issue of MM
• Nuts & Bolts - Comforting a grieving mom - by Kelly Gerken
• Health Nut - Sleep and weight loss - by Caroline Deschamps
• A Quiet Moment - by Anna Sklar
• My Story - How our family coped with bullying - by Julie B.
• Tasty Treats - Brownies in a jar - from Nicolle Huggins
• Better school lunches all year round - from Detitians of Canada
In This Issue of Deeper
• No Regrets Living - by Melanie Heffern
• Christ in our Culture: At Christmas Time - by Jason Boucher
• Everyday Faith: Broken but Usable - Faith in tough times - by Stacey L.
• Faith & Kids: Ideas to build faith in your home at Christmas - by Nicolle Huggins
For more faith resources at your finger tips and thought provoking blog posts by various Christian women visit www.deepermoments.ca <</span>http://www.deepermoments.ca> , brought to you by MM!
www.momsmoments.ca <</span>http://www.momsmoments.ca> . Readers can get updated newsletters and subscribe from there!
28. Christian Videographer – Sudbury’s Dan Thomson
Our very own volunteer, Dan Thomson, who created our website www.sudburychristian.ca <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca> and does the videography that is on it, has his own business.
Please consider Dan Thomson for your videography needs, and much more.
IMAGE VIDEO SERVICES & PRODUCTIONS - Your Number One Source for Multi-Media
1210 Southview Dr.
Sudbury Ontario P3E 2L6 Canada
(705) 698-1212 –cell . (705) 523-1066 -home . (705) 523-5861 -fax
www.imagevideo.ca <</span>http://www.imagevideo.ca>
29. Christian Photographer – Sudbury’s own Garth Wunsch
Dear friends and valued clients
This is just a little reminder for those of you who may not have been to my new website ( www.garthwunsch.com <</span>http://www.garthwunsch.com> ) recently that my current (and first) Print of the Month offering is up until December 31. There is a good special attached to this offering which will benefit the Sudbury Food Bank, so please take a minute and have a look. This is a new website so it doesn't have a lot of images in the galleries yet, but they will get there. Please check back once in a while for new postings, both to the blog and the galleries. There will be a new Print of the Month each month with special pricing for it.
You may also find the community event galleries interesting if you live in the City of Greater Sudbury, especially in the LIvely area.
For those of you who may wish to download some of the Community Event images, please check back in a little bit as I have not yet figured out how to get the shopping cart working for that section. My sincere apologies. Cameras and photography I understand, the internet and websites are another story.
I have tried to ensure that each person on my mail list has given me permission to send them mail, but if I missed you and you wish to be removed from the mail list, please email your request to me at garth@garthwunsch.com
Thanks so much for all the kind remarks you have made concerning my various images. Your support is most gratifying and encouraging,
I would be most appreciative if you would pass this email along to family and friends who may find the galleries interesting.
'Tis the season... Merry Christmas all
Garth Wunsch
30. Help us update Church List on ACES site and Sudbury Christian Messenger Database
If you haven’t already checked out the ACES (Active Christians Engaging Society) website, www.sudburychristian.ca <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca/> <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca/> <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca/> <</span>http://www.sudburychristian.ca/> , why not do it now. Once on the website, please click on 'CHURCH DIRECTORY'. This will bring you to the list of churches we are assembling, and need your help to maintain, for the Sudbury area, along with contact information for each church. If corrections or additions are needed for your church, click on 'CONTACT US', type in the changes and press send. This website is for the benefit of everyone, so please help us maintain it by sending us corrections whenever necessary. Thank you!
As well, in order to keep reaching you, when you change your e mail address, please let the Sudbury Christian Messenger Editor, Diane Ikonen, know your new address, so that our database can be maintained, and you can continue to be an important link in our Sudbury Christian network chain.
For more events that might interest Christians, please go to www.cjtk.com <</span>http://www.cjtk.com/>
Provincial News
1. Plan underway for first faith-based prison in Canada
OTTAWA — A Christian organization is in talks with the Manitoba government to create the country's first "faith-based" prison unit for inmates to explore their spiritual side, Canwest News Service has learned.
Prison Fellowship Canada says the plan involves a new provincial women's institution, including a separate prison unit that teaches Christian principles and values.
The proposed unit follows a growing trend in Christian prison programming in North America and abroad. In the United States, Prison Fellowship runs five faith-based units under the name InnerChange Freedom Initiative, and there are others in Singapore, New Zealand, and Brazil. Another Christian group has recently proposed a Christian prison in Oklahoma.
Both Canada and the U.S. are part of the larger group, Prison Fellowship International, an association of over 100 national Prison Fellowship organizations.
The faith-based unit would be the first of its kind in Canada. Those advocating for the program said it could be a separate prison wing where inmates engage in round-the-clock programming based on Christian biblical values, such as humbling oneself, loving God, and respecting others, with the goal of changing prisoner behaviour.
Lots more details and some controversy at …
http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/Canada+first+faith+based+prison+unit+planned/2286297/story.html
2. Quebec Government Launches All-Out Attack against "Homophobia"
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 13:06
By Patrick B. Craine, QUEBEC CITY, Quebec, December 15, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Quebec Government has promulgated a new provincial policy against "homophobia," touted as the first of its kind from a North American jurisdiction. While homosexuality is already effectively fully normalized within Quebec law, the policy, released on Friday by the Ministry of Justice, is essentially a manifesto for normalizing homosexuality on the social level.
… The policy consists of four "guidelines," each building on the previous: first, the need to "recognize the realities faced by sexual minority members"; second, the promotion of "respect" for homosexual "rights"; third, fostering the well-being of homosexuals; and fourth, the need for a "concerted approach" to advancing homosexualism in the province.
They highlight at several points the need to target schools and youth, as did the original 2007 report. "Awareness-raising and educational measures must target young people and the institutions
they frequent in order to increase their acceptance of sexual diversity," the policy states.
… In fact, under this policy, any religion espousing a traditional view of sexuality is indirectly labelled as "homophobic," because the claim that homosexuality is unnatural, morally evil, or a matter of choice is clearly considered "homophobia." The policy's authors bemoan, for example, the fact that in Quebec "it is still possible to hear people say that homosexuality is an illness, morally wrong or a form of deviant behaviour, and that people choose their sexual orientation."
http://arpacanada.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=767&Itemid=126
3. Christian Groups Can Hire Only Christians Only if Main Purpose is to Spread Faith: OHRC Lawyers
By Thaddeus M. Baklinski
TORONTO, December 17, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Lawyers for the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), presenting their case before a three-judge panel hearing the appeal by Christian Horizons against an OHRC ruling, are arguing that faith-based groups may only use a provincial human rights code exemption allowing them to discriminate when hiring if their main objective is spreading their faith.
Christian Horizons operates more than 180 residential homes for people with developmental disabilities and serves about 1,400 people. Although it is funded by the Ontario government at $75 million a year, the agency relies on the religious commitment of its evangelical and Christian employees to help it carry out this charitable work.
In 2008 the OHRC ruled that Christian Horizons was not entitled to have their employees agree to a religious code of morality because the work they were engaged in was not religious, but rather involved caring for disabled people regardless of their religion.
OHRC lawyer Raj Dhir told the court that a "broad interpretation" of the exemption provision would undermine the legislature's intent when it was added to the code.
The intent of the legislature, Mr. Dhir said, was to restrict the exemption to "limited circumstances," and was not meant as a "blanket exemption" for religious groups that exist for any purpose other than spreading their faith
"The province of Ontario does not give Christian Horizons $75-million to live out their faith; the money is given so they can help the disabled. That is the group's primary purpose," Dhir said.
Tony Griffin, another OHRC lawyer, told the court that "the freedom to hold religious beliefs is broader than the freedom to act on those beliefs."
"So to say I believe homosexuality is wrong (is fine) but it's another (thing) to say it's wrong so I'm not hiring you," Griffin said.
However, Iain Benson, lawyer for the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops, one of the interveners speaking on behalf of Christian Horizons, pointed out that the code exemption did not grant rights to religious groups but recognized rights that already exist.
"Freedom of religion underlies our tradition and our foundations. Religious groups should be able to entertain and declare openly their beliefs without fear of reprisal," Mr. Benson said.
"Religious people in Canada are currently feeling excluded," Mr. Benson observed. "What it leads to is the exclusion of religious citizens leaving them feeling disadvantaged and stereotyped."
National News
1. Slavery in Canada
Reducing a person to an economic commodity violates the core Judeo-Christian affirmation of the dignity of being made in the image of God.
by Bruce J. Clemenger
Few of us can imagine being human and being trafficked: finding ourselves powerless and treated as objects, perhaps with our legal identities stolen, traded and used by others for mere economic gain.
The basic shared principles of Canadian society...reject outright the commodification of human life.
This modern-day form of slavery is difficult to comprehend but there are many people who have been taken or lured into a vortex of promises for a better life only to find abuse, intimidation, bullying and despair. And let’s not understand this issue blindly: it is most often male violence against, and the exploitation of women and children. It is hideous and an abomination in the sight of God, the Father of us all.
Reducing a person to an economic commodity violates the core Judeo-Christian affirmation of the dignity of being made in the image of God. Evangelicals agree with many others that human dignity is grounded in the belief that God created us in His image. Our worth is not contingent – rather it is inviolable, ours by virtue of being created and loved by God. Our response is to affirm the dignity of all, to respect others as image-bearers of God and to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Many details about the types of slavery going on in Canada can be found in this article:
http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=7075
2. Human trafficking …A global scourge that is a $30 billion annual world industry has metastasized in Canada
Human trafficking – the buying and selling of human beings for sexual exploitation or forced labour – takes place in many forms and it happens throughout the world, including Canada.
Debra Fieguth of Kingston, Ontario, is a contributing writer at Faith Today and a former member of a joint Anglican-Catholic human trafficking committee. For a full disclosure of this situation, and the church’s response, please go to:
http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=7076
International News
1. Permissive Abortion Laws May Be Hazardous To Mothers' Health, Per New Report By Samantha Singson
(NEW YORK – C-FAM) A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) shows that countries with restrictive abortion laws are often the leaders in reducing maternal mortality, and those with permissive laws often lag. According to the report, the pro-life nation of Ireland has topped the global rankings once again with the best maternal health performance.
Remainder of the article available at:
http://www.c-fam.org/publications/id.1533/pub_detail.asp
2. Mexican Victories Underscore Global Pro-Life Trend
By Piero A. Tozzi, J.D.
(NEW YORK – C-FAM) Mexican pro-lifers were elated when the Vera Cruz amended its state constitution last month to protect life from the moment of conception, joining 16 other Mexican states. The vote set the stage for a possible amendment to the federal constitution: under Mexico's constitution, approval by a majority of the 32 state legislatures and two-thirds of the bicameral Congress is a prerequisite for any federal amendment.
… Nor is Mexico's experience unique – it is consistent with a string of victories in favor of life this past year around the globe that has heartened defenders of the unborn. These victories undercut the argument that a liberalized "customary" global norm on abortion is evolving.
Full details are available at:
http://www.c-fam.org/publications/id.1532/pub_detail.asp
3. VERY QUIETLY OBAMA'S CITIZENSHIP CASE REACHES SUPREME COURT
Released copies of President Obama's college transcripts from Occidental College . Released today, the transcript indicates that Obama, under the name Barry Soetoro, received financial aid as a foreign student from Indonesia as an undergraduate at the school. The transcript was released by Occidental College in compliance with a court order in a suit brought by the group in the Superior Court of California.
The transcript shows that Obama(Soetoro) applied for financial aid and was awarded a fellowship for foreign students from the Fulbright Foundation Scholarship program.To qualify, for the scholarship, a student must claim foreign citizenship. This document would seem to provide the smoking gun that many of Obama's detractors have been seeking. Along with the evidence that he was first born in Ken ya and there is no record of him ever applying for US citizenship, this is looking pretty grim. The news has created a firestorm at the White House as the release casts increasing doubt about Obama's legitimacy and qualification to serve as president. When reached for comment in London , where he has been in meetings with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Obama smiled but refused comment on the issue. Britain 's Daily Mail has also carried the story in a front-page article titled, "Obama Eligibility Questioned," leading some to speculate that the story may overshadow economic issues on Obama's first official visit to the U.K. In a related matter, under growing pressure from several groups, Justice Antonin Scalia announced that the Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear arguments concerning Obama's legal eligibility to serve as President in a case brought by Leo Donofrio of New Jersey . This lawsuit claims Obama's dual citizens hip disqualified him from serving as president.
Donofrio'scase is just one of 18 suits brought by citizens demanding proof of Obama's citizenship or qualification to serve as president. Gary Kreep of the United States Justice Foundation has released the results of their investigation of Obama's campaign spending. This study estimates that Obama has spent upwards of $950,000 in campaign funds in the past year with eleven law firms in 12 states for legal resources to block disclosure of any of his personal records. Mr. Kreep indicated that the investigation is still ongoing but that the final report will be provided to the U.S. attorney general, Eric Holder. Mr. Holder has refused to comment on the matter.
4. Survey: Americans mix and match religions, including New Age
Associated Press - 12/10/2009 5:30:00 AMWASHINGTON - A new survey finds many Americans blend Christianity with New Age beliefs and attend religious services at more than one place that involve faiths outside their own.
The report from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life also found that nearly half of all Americans -- including many unaffiliated with any religion -- claim to have had a religious or mystical experience
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=805272
5. The Swiss and their minarets
David Aikman - OneNewsNow Columnist - 12/10/2009 7:45:00 AM
Listening to all the righteous outrage expressed by liberal and Muslim commentators, you might think that Switzerland had just made a decision to arrest all the country's Muslims or serialize in all national newspapers those Danish cartoons that Muslims consider insulting to Mohammed. But it was nothing of the sort. In a referendum held several days ago, 57.5 percent of the Swiss voted to for a Swiss constitutional ban on the building of minarets attached to the country's mosques.
That decision might have been interpreted as merely an architectural opinion. The Swiss, after all, dislike the disfiguring of the skylines of their historic and ancient cities as much as other Europeans do. Moreover, if minarets started sprouting over the country it might lend the impression that Islam had more historical and cultural influence on the country than Christianity. Swiss cities like Geneva in fact have bans on tall and intrusive structures. But of course the Swiss decision was not an architectural statement. It was a clear expression of disapproval of an immigrant community, namely the country's Muslims, whose lifestyle and views make the Swiss uncomfortable.
To find out why, please go to:
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=806808
6. English, Welsh bishops say Equality Bill redefines who can be priest
By Simon Caldwell
Catholic News Service
LONDON (CNS) -- The Catholic bishops of England and Wales said they could be at risk of prosecution under a proposed law unless they accept women, sexually active gays and transsexuals as candidates to the priesthood.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0905419.htm
7. Christians condemn Ugandan anti-gay law
With lawmakers in Uganda poised to make homosexuality a crime punishable by death, a group of American Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical leaders is speaking out.
From a release by the groups the Catholics in Alliance and Faith in Public Life:
“Given U.S. Christian groups’ extensive history of involvement in Uganda, these numerous Catholic, Evangelical and Mainline Protestant leaders – including several members of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships – felt especially compelled to speak out against the ‘Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2009’ as counter to Christian values and call on all American Christian leaders to join them.”
“This bill is an affront to human dignity and offensive to Christians around the world who take seriously Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves,” said Thomas P. Melady, a former U.S. ambassador to Uganda and the Vatican and one of the signers of the statement. “I’m proud to stand with other people of faith who believe our values compel us to speak out against this profound injustice.”
Remainder of article at:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/faith/2009/12/uganda_homosexual_gay_law.html
8. Maine Reporter Fired for Personal E-mail Rebutting Criticisms of Traditional Marriage Supporters
By Kathleen Gilbert
WINSLOW, Maine, December 7, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A Maine reporter is combating his termination after he says he was fired from his job for issuing a personal email rebutting a homosexualist group's defamation of true marriage advocates.
58-year-old Larry Grard of Winslow, Maine, says that he was fired from his 19-year post at Maine Today Media's Morning Sentinel after local Human Rights Campaign leader Trevor Thomas complained about an email rebuttal Grard sent on his personal email account.
Details of the story at:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/dec/09120804.html
Fundraising Request
1. Pro Life group, C Fam and the Friday Fax, at the United Nations requests financial support
IN THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON…
WE REMEMBER HEROD ORDERED THE DEATH OF INNOCENT CHILDREN…
JUST YESTERDAY IN WASHINGTON DC…
HILLARY CLINTON GAVE A SIMILAR ORDER….
SHE AND BARACK OBAMA WILL LEAD THE FIGHT TO SPREAD ABORTION AROUND THE WORLD….
HELP C-FAM AND THE FRIDAY FAX STOP THE MODERN HERODS
December 22, 2009
Dear Friday Fax Reader,
This is so painful to hear in this blessed Christmas season.
Yesterday, only four days before we celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior, in a formal speech at the US Statement Hillary Clinton announced the US government intends to spread “reproductive health” all over the world. She already announced that “reproductive health” means abortion.
This is dreadful and even deadly news for unborn children in countries who now come into the crosshairs of Hillary Clinton and her pro-abortion allies.
Last Spring we reported to you that Hillary Clinton made this same promise to the US House of Representatives. In that speech she,
• Praised Margaret Sanger, the racist and eugenicist founder of Planned Parenthood Federation. She compared Sanger to Thomas Jefferson!
• Praised the UN Population Fund, the UN agency that helped set up and run the Chinese one-child policy which is responsible for millions of forced abortions.
• Promised the US would ratify the pro-abortion CEDAW treaty, meaning the last meaningful CEDAW holdout will now fall.
You likely know that the US has the most radical abortion laws in the world: abortion for any reason and no reason through all nine months of pregnancy.
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama want this for the entire world.
You likely know that most of the world has abortion either against the law or heavily regulated. Radical pro-abortion feminists like Hillary Clinton cannot stand this. They hold abortion to be a kind of secular sacrament, a sacrament that everyone must worship!
I know Hillary Clinton. My staff and I did battle with her throughout the 1990’s when her husband occupied the Oval Office. I watched her work at Cairo+5, Beijing+5 and I can tell you first hand that Hillary Clinton is among the most radical pro-abortion advocates in the whole world.
I truly fear that with Hillary Clinton as US Secretary of State and with Barack Obama as President of the United States, and with their allies at the UN, we are in for the most wicked years in our global battle to protect the unborn child from abortion.
C-FAM, publisher of the Friday Fax, is the only pro-life group working exclusively on UN social policy issues. The Friday Fax is the ONLY WEEKLY SOURCE OF PRO-LIFE AND PRO-FAMILY NEWS coming out of UN headquarters in New York.
Over the next three years, likely the only source news about Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and their attempts to spread abortion through the UN will come from the Friday Fax!
Friday Fax reporters, writers and analysts spend their days pouring over UN documents and sitting through interminably boring UN meetings just to bring you the news that you cannot get from any other source. Often we are the only pro-lifers in the room!
Over the years, we have built a subscriber base of 200,000 and a weekly readership of half a million. Policy makers, scholars, government officials, activists, good guys and bad guys all over the world read the Friday Fax.
The Friday Fax is free to you but it is not cheap to produce and we are writing today alert to this impending threat from Hillary Clinton and to ask for your financial assistance.
The Friday Fax costs roughly $177,000 per year to produce.
This includes office rental space, small salaries for our reporters, printing and postage for our mail edition, and significant monthly costs to mail 1 million Friday Fax messages a month!
Can you help us with this huge and growing expense?
Contact Austin Ruse [austin.ruse@c-fam.org] to contribute to the Friday Fax. You can give online using our totally secure server. You can also give by electronic check, bank transfer, and by mail.
If you want to mail a check to us, use this address:
C-FAM/Friday Fax
1100 G Street NW
Suite 450
Washington DC 20005
My Friday Fax staff is primed and ready to report on every nefarious pro-abortion plot that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama cook up. We will be there. We will report. We will tell the whole world.
Can you help us with this important task? In these difficult times, perhaps you have been financial blessed and can contribute as much as $500? Can you help us with $100? How about $50?
Contact Austin Ruse [austin.ruse@c-fam.org] to help C-FAM and the Friday Fax do battle against Hillary Clinton and her plans to spread abortion all over the world. Remember, she pledged to use US government power to do this. Is this not frightening?
Contact Austin Ruse [austin.ruse@c-fam.org] Please do not wait. Please contact Austin Ruse right now and give as much as you are able. I promise your contribution will be spent wisely and well in exposing the international abortion plans of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Yours sincerely,
Austin Ruse
President
PS On December 25th we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. On December 28th we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents, those children who died when Herod ordered all the male children to be killed. IS HILLARY’S ORDER AN ORDER LIKE HEROD’S?
PPS IF NOT US, THEN WHO WILL STOP HER? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
Media Marvels
1. Demographic Bomb: Demography is Destiny Sequel to Demographic Winter
Growing populations are a burden to the economy, the environment and the individual-such is the logic of the population control movement that has upheld the anti-family agenda for decades.
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, governing officials and the United Nations still operate under this dangerous belief, pushing policies that are detrimental to individuals, families and societies. Just this week, we sent out an alert on a new United Nations Population Fund report that utilizes the threat of climate change to continue promoting this myth in support of anti-life programs that threaten the rights of women and unborn children around the world.
It is vital that we educate ourselves on this issue that we might put a stop to the spread of this destructive falsehood. If you have not taken the time yet to view the trailer for Demographic Bomb: Demography is Destiny, I encourage you to do so now. Then order the DVD to share with friends, family and church groups so that everyone will know where the true demographic threat lies.
This is a truth that cannot be ignored any longer.
Michael N. Duff
President, United Families International
And Our Elected Officials Still Don't Get It.
One of the main reasons we released Demographic Bomb is because it contains a message which must be spread far and wide.
Sadly... even though we are already witnessing the start of a monumental change that will cause poverty, pain and suffering across the globe, a biased media and even many of our elected officials are still pushing the discredited and inane policies which have already set off the demographic bomb.
On the day we released Demographic Bomb, the stock market was still 40 percentage points below its all-time high from the previous year, the housing market was still in a slump, the affordability and availability of health care was a major concern to a great many people, and government officials were haggling over business bailouts and the promotion of environmental policies to supposedly encourage the conservation of resources.
The Internet blog, Visionforum.com, put our schizophrenic national response in perfect perspective:
"Within one day of taking office, the president gave his answer to the first question. He would use the anniversary of Roe v. Wade to lift the ban on overseas abortion funding. The message: In tough economic times, it is important for U.S. taxpayer dollars to be spent preventing more life from coming into this world."
"Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was even more creative in her baby-banning agenda. In a national television interview, she made it clear that one important way to stimulate the economy was for people to stop having babies.
"Pelosi defended her plan to make tax-payer subsidized child prevention an important part of the $825 billion economic stimulus package, explaining that 'contraception will reduce the cost to the states and to the federal government...no apologies. No. We have to deal with the consequences of the downturn in our economy.'
"Translation: We must control the population because children are a burden on the economy especially children from lower class families. The less of these children, the less money the government will have to spend on schools and healthcare."
It's sheer madness... lunacy... why are our elected officials trying to solve a problem by pushing the very policies that played a major role in causing the problem in the first place?
Republicans... Democrats... Liberals... Conservatives... it doesn't really matter... to a certain extent, our elected officials are all scurrying about trying to find solutions without a fundamental understanding of the root causes of the problem.
Real solutions start with a fundamental understanding of the problem.
Please view this trailer from Demographic Bomb and forward this e-mail to everyone you know. Help us get the message out.
Watch the videography at: http://www.c4strategies.com/demowinterIIUFI.html
President Michael N. Duff [ufi@unitedfamilies.org]
2. Tiger and global warming - media imbalance
Chad Groening - OneNewsNow - 12/10/2009 5:40:00 AMA conservative media watchdog says the mainstream media has given 15 times more coverage to the Tiger Woods scandal than that of the "ClimateGate" ordeal.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=805272
3. Palin cites scripture as source of strength
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=807212
Editor’s Note: Palin’s book, Going Rogue, is available at the Sudbury Public Library.
Citizen Response
1. Response to City of Toronto
The City of Toronto has removed a small laminated sign at the bottom of the public nativity scene, indicating -"Statues donated by Campaign Life Coalition Catholic in honour of the efforts of Pro-Life hero Fr. Ted Colleton." (the donated money purchased the figures for the nativity scene).
It is important, I think, to let the mayor know that you do not appreciate this sort of censorship in a free country like ours. Here is my letter that I wrote. I encourage you to take the time to join me in writing as well. (feel free to use any part of my letter as a starting
point..)
Thanks. Blessings of Advent!
Kathie
-----Original Message-----
From: Hogan family [mailto:hogans@vianet.ca]
Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 9:54 PM
Subject: One little Christmas letter, please...
The City of Toronto has removed a small laminated sign at the bottom of the
public nativity scene, indicating -"Statues donated by Campaign Life
Coalition Catholic in honour of the efforts of Pro-Life hero Fr. Ted
Colleton." (the donated money purchased the figures for the nativity scene).
It is important, I think, to let the mayor know that you do not appreciate
this sort of censorship in a free country like ours. Here is my letter that
I wrote. I encourage you to take the time to join me in writing as well.
(feel free to use any part of my letter as a starting
point..)
Here is the link to the lifesite story-
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/dec/09121009.html
Thanks. Blessings of Advent!
Kathie
Dear Mr. Miller,
Would the City of Toronto would remove signage if it came from a Jewish
organization? Would the City of Toronto remove signage if it came from a
Muslim organization? The answer to those two questions is an unqualified
"no."
Why would you remove signage, then, that states that a Catholic organization
has donated money to provide funds to purchase the figurines in the Nativity
Scene?
You would learn much, Mr. Miller, if you take the time to investigate this
"pro-life hero", Fr. Ted Colleton. He is a man well-worthy of any honour
you would care to bestow on him. Ironically, by bringing attention to Fr.
Ted, you have brought the issue of pro-life front and center. Fr. Ted would
like that. He gave decades of his life to support the poor in Africa as a
missionary Father. He spent time in prison for praying in front of Ontario
abortuaries. He wrote and lobbied and picketed and prayed for the unborn.
He prayed for politicians as well.
I extend to you the very best blessings of this joyous Christmas season, Mr.
Miller. Despite city hall, Christmas is still about a little innocent baby
who came so that you might have life. It is the most basic pro-life message
of them all.
Mrs. Kathie Hogan
hogans@vianet.on.ca
2. Sharing the Sudbury Christian Messenger with others
Diane !
I send Austin’s newsletter and the Christian Messenger to about 40 people in three provinces and the N.W.T.
Many Thanks:
JohnL
3. Pro-Life Prayer Letter from Nancy Bartz
Dear Prayer Partners,
Pro-life work is hard work. I feel guilty when I don't do my part.
Democracy is hard work. It's a system that invites and expects the citizens to participate. The squeaky well-funded wheel gets the oil. I guess that's why dictatorships happen. People just give up or get busy with life. I'm as guilty as anyone.
It would be much easier to participate in our democracy if each of us were paid for the job and had specific hours where we regularly went, sat in a well-supplied office and wrote letters to our MP's and MPP's.
Every "interest group" knows this, so they hire professional lobbyists--people who are paid to hound/influence the government to make laws which they favour.
The pro-life movement has done this to some extent except that all our funding is from private donations--most other organizations are eating at the tax trough. (OUR MONEY!!!)
This week I have been trying to do the simple task of dropping a short, hand-written note to the 6 MP's who stood up in Parliament and, in front of their peers (from ALL parties, I might add) and spoke out against legalizing euthanasia. Well, you'd think I was trying to get a mall built by hand! The task has dragged on and on.
I'm thinking that this whole pro-life-activism part of my life needs a re-assessment and re-organization. And, from the look of our country's state, perhaps many of us need to re-assess our pro-life activism.
Q: Why was I waaay more active years ago?
A: I was paid to go to the office for four (one year 8) hours per week. I was alone in the office and totally focused on my job. I am now unpaid and work from home.
Q: What stands in the way of actually sending out a letter?
A: Simple office supplies, quiet time and commitment.
Q: Can my reality (ie. homeschooling 3 students, mother to 10, Sunday School Superintendent, Pro-life Board President, Christmas play helper, Mom, Wife...) add one more thing?
A: Well, I do watch a tiny bit of TV (DVD's, we don't have actual channels) and I do read the occasional novel...so, yes, I guess I can allot a bit of time to the task.
I have come to the conclusion that I need to:
• find a time that is most likely to be uninterrupted
• find an area of the house that I can do two things at once (ie. Laundry and writing or cooking and writing).
• make sure I have what I need all in one place (paper stamps, addresses, pen
• have the information [CLC News, The Interim] so I have the facts and proper wording
In other words,
I have to treat my pro-life, democratic freedoms like a job
OR
someone else will.
Someone with a totally different worldview!!! And, I know this for a fact because many law changes have taken place recently that are pro-death.
Here’s my new plan.
• Purchase a plastic file folder that I can easily keep a bit of paper, stamps, a pen and a copy of a pro-life paper in.
• Carry it around with me whenever possible so I can do what I can when time allows.
• Make a commitment that doesn’t allow me to watch a DVD on Friday night until I’ve written at least one letter to an MP.
I would like to challenge each of you to come up with some sort of system that will increase the likelihood of you participating in the law-making system of our country. I’m thinking that this new plan will shape up differently for everyone—depending on your circumstances. Please share your tactics with me. I want to do everything I can to be a successful pro-life activist without re-inventing the when. If you’ve come up with something successful—I’d love to try it.
How do you get those letters written? Please let us know. Our office e-mail is lifecentre01@gmail.com. Or phone Nancy at (519) 525-8444. We’d love to hear from you.
The rest of you, who are like me, please join me at the office supply store in picking up a portable file folder and supplies.
For Life,
Nancy Bartz
Daily Chuckle
1. Surprise in Heaven
I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp-
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
'And why's everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'
JUDGE NOT. ...........
Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a
Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car .
Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!
2. This Week's Funny
Child Draws Humorous Picture of Christmas
A little girl came home from Sunday school waving a paper for her mother to see. "Look Mommy," she exclaimed, "Teacher says I drew the most unusual Christmas picture she ever saw!"
Her mother took one look and had to agree with the teacher. Hoping her daughter could explain her creation, the mother asked, "Why are all these people riding in the back of an airplane?"
"Well, Mommy, that's the flight into Egypt."
Accepting that, mother asked another question: "Who is this mean-looking man in the front?"
Her daughter answered quickly and knowingly: "That's Pontius, the Pilot."
Looking at the picture even more closely, the mother said, "I see you have Mary and Joseph and the baby. But who is this large man sitting behind Mary?"
"Can't you tell?" the little girl asked, beginning to shake her head in disappointment. "That's Round John Virgin."
—John Beukema, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Words of Wisdom
1. Alexander Fraser Tyler, Cycle of Democracy (1770)
A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over lousy fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average of the world’s great civilizations before they decline has been 200 years. These nations have progressed in this sequence: From bondage to spiritual faith; from faith to great courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to selfishness; from selfishness to complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependency; from dependency back again to bondage.\
2. Measuring Success
And it's natural and even godly to want our efforts to have impact. We're called to "make the most of every opportunity" (Col 4:5) and to be good stewards of our time and gifts. But the measurement features that digitization bring can carry false and even damaging messages that can distract us. So we must be watchful, prayerful, and wise.
The problem is that the life of faith isn't about "the numbers." For one thing we're called, as Oswald Chambers famously wrote, to live for an audience of One, valuing God's viewership supremely (and sometimes exclusively). For another, Jesus himself made it clear that the worth of a single human soul is infinite to him. If he was willing to leave the ninety-nine sheep to rescue the one that was lost, surely he wouldn't favor a mindset that deems efforts worthless when they aren't accompanied by high numbers.
Underneath it all, a magnified focus on our stats is tied almost inevitably to pride and an ungodly focus on ourselves. We leaders need to be especially wary of this. Just because God has gifted and called us to a task, it doesn't mean that he intends to make us the next Apostle Paul or Beth Moore? And even if he does - that's up to him to worry about, not us. After all, our lives are his to do with what he likes, not ours. In his A Diary of Private Prayer, John Baillie wrote, "O Lord, forgive my unwillingness to believe that Thou hast called me to a small work and my brother to a great one." That one hit home for me. So long as God is pleased with our lives and we receive his "well done, good and faithful servant" when we meet him in glory, then who cares if the numbers in our digitized lives are low?
This prayer, given me by a mentor, is a paraphrase from Francois Fenelon - one she memorized:
Lord, help me apply myself today to my work in a manner worthy of you, with exactness and in peace. Grant me your grace to be faithful in action, and not anxious about success. My only concern is to do your will, and to lose myself in you?. It is for you to give to my weak efforts such fruits as you see fit; none, if such be your pleasure.
Who could say it better? So let the stats fall as they may? and here's to using this type of filter instead when we consider our worth and success.
To read more of this article, please go to:
http://blog.kyria.com/giftedforleadership/2009/03/measuring_success.html#more
Susan Arico has run her own consulting company, Pray Creek Consulting, LLC., since 2004. She lives with her husband and toddler son and daughter in southern California, where they recently relocated from New England.
3. Out on the ranch
'Twas the night before Christmas & out on the ranch
The pond was froze over & so was the branch.
The snow was piled up belly-deep to a mule.
The kids were all home on vacation from school,
And happier young folks you never did see-
Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV.
Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock,
There came a surprise that gave them a shock!
The power went off, the TV went dead!
When Grandpa came in from out in the shed
With an armload of wood, the house was all dark.
"Just what I expected," they heard him remark.
"Them power line wires must be down from the snow.
Seems sorter like times on the ranch long ago."
"I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light,
And the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right."
The teen-agers all seemed enveloped in gloom.
Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room,
Uncased his old fiddle & started to play
That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh.
Mom started to sing, & 1st thing they knew
Both Pop & the kids were all singing it, too.
They sang Christmas carols, they sang "Holy Night,"
Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight.
They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth,
And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth.
They stayed up till midnight-and, would you believe,
The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve.
Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn;
And when the kids wakened, the power was on..
"The power company sure got the line repaired quick,"
Said Grandpa - & no one suspected his trick.
Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun,
He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun!
-anonymous
4. Christmas Affirmations
I believe that Christmas is more than a time for parties and ornaments; it is a time for remembering Christ and the incarnation of God’s love in human flesh.
I believe there are gifts more important than the ones under the Christmas tree, the things we teach our children, the way we share ourselves with friends, and the industry with which we set about reshaping the world in our time.
I believe that the finest carols are often sung by the poorest voices; from hearts made warm by the wonder of the season.
I believe in the angel’s message that we should not be afraid—that the Child of Bethlehem is able to overcome all anxieties and insecurities.
I believe in prayer and quietness as a way of appropriating Christmas—that if I wait in silence I will experience the presence of the one born in the manger, for he lives today as surely as he lived then.
I believe in going away from Christmas as the wise men went "another way." I want to be different when these days are past—more centred, more thoughtful, more caring.
And I believe God will help me.
POST-CHRISTMAS PRAYER (CONNECTIONS, JAN.1, ’95)
Long after the angels disappear into the heavens, the shepherds return to their flocks, the magi journey home, and the great star sets, Jesus remains.
The Child in whom we rediscover God’s great love for humanity becomes the adult Redeemer who challenges us to imitate his selflessness and compassion in order that we might transform our world in love.
May we allow the miracle of Christmas to continue long after the holiday trappings have been packed away.
May we welcome the adult Messiah and his challenging Gospel to recreate our lives, making the peace, justice and hope of this holy season a reality in every season of the new year. Amen.
Source: Heritage College & Seminary
5. WHO IS THIS BABY?
In chemistry, He turned water to wine.
In biology, He was born without the normal conception.
In physics, He disapproved the law of gravity when He ascended into heaven.
In economics, He disapproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5,000 men with two fishes and 5 loaves of bread.
In medicine, He cured the sick and the blind without administering a single dose of drugs.
In history, He is the beginning and the end.
In government, He said that he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace.
In religion, He said no one comes to the Father except through him; So. Who is He? He is Jesus! The greatest man in history.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
He had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
He had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
today'sTHOT============================
Take C-H-R-I-S-T out of Christmas and you're left with a "miss."
6. The "W" in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the
precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of
Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.
All parents unable to at tend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes
early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class,
accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was
slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little
one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.
Again, HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!
God knows I'm not perfect, just that I Love Him.
" Good Day and God Bless "
I remain as the sinner servant of God!!! All glory is offered to God for the conversion that all may truly live as children of God witnessing humbly to God in the power of the Resurrection of Christ.
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