The Board and staff of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism are excited to have a new Director in place. We welcome Dr. Darren Dahl, who began his duties on May 1st. He will be working half-time at the Centre. He is also a sessional lecturer in the department of Religion and Culture at St. Thomas More College and a Fellow in the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies programme at the University of Saskatchewan. A former Lutheran pastor, Darren was recently received into the Roman Catholic church. He is interested in the relation of ecumenical dialogue to its secular cultural context as well as ecumenical dialogue between Roman Catholics and the Orthodox churches.
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POSITION AVAILABLE: The Board of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism in Saskatoon invites applications for the half-time position of Director for the Centre. The Director is to innovate and implement programs, services and other undertakings in accordance with the vision and priorities of the Centre as outlined in the Constitution of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism. The Director will address such priorities as developing resources, implementing programs, promoting ecumenism, being an ecumenical facilitator for the sponsoring and other churches and engaging in ecumenical dialogues.

The Director will have a theological formation in the Christian Faith with experience in and first-hand knowledge of ecumenism. The Director will have a combination of University Education and experience in related topics. The Director’s skill set will include interpersonal skills; written, oral and computer/electronic abilities; the ability to work with the Board on programs and operations and the ability to supervise staff.

For more information contact the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism at 306 653-1633 or at pce [at] ecumenism [dot] net. Resumes may also be sent to 600 – 45th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9.

Closing date for applications is Feb. 29, 2012
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Summer Ecumenical Institute 2009: Telling our story, shaping our future: Christian unity and reconciliation in Canada

June 2-5, 2009 in Saskatoon, SK

The Summer Ecumenical Institute will function as a stock-taking and a vision-building exercise for the grassroots ecumenical community in Canada. 2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism. It is also the 50th anniversary of the announcement by Pope John XXIII of the Second Vatican Council, one of whose main aims was the advancement of Christian unity. It is 50 years since our founder, Fr. Bernard de Margerie, received his call to the path of ecumenism. There is much to celebrate!

More details at ecumenism.net/sei/
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An Ecumenical Lenten Study of five reforms that will shape the church of the 21st Century. Join Sandra Beardsall and Nick Jesson as we examine the bricks and mortar of Christ’s church and plan for the years ahead. This is a community-build, everyone has a part in building the house of God.

Topics include:

Mar. 2 @ 6:45 pm • Checking the Blueprints — Listening Anew to the Word of God in Scripture;
Mar. 9 @ 6:45 pm • Firming Up the Foundation — Rethinking the nature and mission of the church;
Mar. 16 @ 6:45 pm • Moving the Walls — Reimagining the life of worship;
Mar. 23 @ 6:45 pm • Barn-Raising Together — Searching for Christian unity; and
Mar. 30 @ 6:45 pm • Meeting the Neighbours — Inter-religious relations.

Five Monday evenings beginning March 2 at St. James’ Anglican Church, Saskatoon (corner of Dufferin & 12th Street)
Sessions begin at 6:45 pm. No registration required.
Each evening will include prayer, fellowship, an introduction to the theme, and group discussion.
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The leaders of seven Saskatoon churches entered into covenant with each other on Sunday, January 25. The Covenant commits the churches to work and pray together for Christian unity, and expresses a continuing commitment to support for the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism.

… continued
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Help us record the history of ecumenism in our community!

You are invited to share your stories about local ecumenical events or activities that have improved relationships between Christians in Saskatchewan over the years.

Stories will be collected and included in an anniversary history book being prepared by The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism to mark its 25th anniversary in 2009. Please take some time to write up an event or activity, past or present, which brought you closer to other Christians in your area. Photographs are also welcome.

Send submissions to:
The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism,
600 – 45 St. West, Saskatoon, SK. S7L 5W9
E-mail: pce [at] ecumenism [dot] net

We look forward to hearing from you!
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Multifaith Reflection on Restorative Justice

Across Canada, the theme for Restorative Justice Week 2008 is “Fostering a Restorative Worldview”. In Saskatoon, the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism is hosting a symposium entitled “A Multifaith Reflection on Restorative Justice … an evening of shared perspectives”. The symposium will be held Wednesday, November 19th at Knox United Church (Spadina Crescent & 24th Street) from 6 to 9:30 pm.

A meatless supper wil be shared at 6 pm, with a panel of speakers at 7 pm: Claire Ewert Fisher (Christian), Cantor Neil Schwartz (Jewish), a representative from the Islamic Association of Saskatoon, and Harvey Thunderchild (Traditional Aboriginal).

Registration: $15 before November 12th, or $18 after November 12th, $8 under-waged. Students free if registered in advance, or $8 at door. Doors open for registration at 5:15 pm. Register by cheque, payable and sent to: Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, 600 – 45th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9. It is necessary to know in advance if registrants plan to attend the supper. For more information call 306-653-1633.
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Upcoming programs at the PCE in 2008-2009

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the announcement by Pope John XXIII of the Second Vatican Council, one of whose two main aims was the advancement of Christian unity. It is also 50 years since Fr. Bernard de Margerie received his call to the ministry of ecumenism, and 25 years since the founding of the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism. The theme running throughout our 2008-09 programs will be The Ministry of Christian Reconciliation and Unity: Giving Thanks for the Past, Committing to the Future.

A number of our regular programs have been dedicated to this theme, and some special projects are being planned as well. Here is some preliminary information and dates for this year:

• Ecumenical Contacts Workshop
• Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
• 6th Annual Ecumenical Scripturefest
• Summer Ecumenical Institute

Ecumenical Contacts Workshop

Saturday, October 25th, 2008 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Spadina & 20th St.). Beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m., closing at 12:00. “All the Saints Gather for Prayer: theory and practice of prayer together for Christian unity and reconciliation.” Progress in ecumenism comes out of prayer, especially prayer together. We will prepare for our 2009 year of celebrations by exploring theory and best practice for planning worship ecumenically. Led by Nick Jesson and Amanda Currie with others. Worship resources table available. Please join us.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 18-25, 2009 Theme: “That they may become one in your hand” (Ez. 37:17)
Our Week of Prayer observances in Saskatoon will be as rich as usual. Mark your calendars with the closing service of the Week of Prayer on the “50-50-25” theme. We have much to celebrate at this service. Plan to join us at McClure United Church in Saskatoon at 3:00 p.m., January 25th.

6th Annual Ecumenical Scripturefest

Scripturefest, a program from Queen’s House of Retreats, will follow our theme for the year. It will be an occasion for reflecting and dialoguing about the scripture readings set for the 2009 Week of Prayer, “That They May Become One in Your Hand” (Ez. 37:17). Saturday, Jan. 24th at Queen’s House, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Keynote Speakers: Rev. David Jobling & Rev. Bill Richards. Cost is $35 (includes lunch). Please book ahead through Queen’s House (306-242-1916).

Summer Ecumenical Institute

Mark your calendars now for June 2-5, 2009 and plan to be with us at Queen’s House of Retreats in Saskatoon. The Summer Ecumenical Institute will follow our 50-50-25 theme, reviewing and celebrating the achievements of the ecumenical movement over the past 50 years, describing where the ‘growing edge’ is today and dreaming dreams for our future.

We are delighted that Fr. Tom Ryan, a much-sought-after speaker and retreat leader, has accepted the invitation to be one of our keynote speakers.

Further details will follow later in the fall.
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Is Christianity still relevant today? – Summer Ecumenical Institute 2008

A Summer Ecumenical Institute will be held in Montréal from June 4 to 6, 2008, with the theme “Is Christianity still relevant today? How to respond effectively to a postmodern culture.” This bilingual programme has been planned and organized by the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism. There will be a variety of speakers, including Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton; Fr. Tom Ryan, c.s.p.; Rev. Dr. James Christie; Rev. Dr. Glenn Smith; Rev. Dr. Stephen Bigham; Dr. Édouard Bédard, and Joy Bédard.

For further information, please contact the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism at 1819 René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal, QC, H3H 2P5; phone 514-937-9176; fax 514-937-4986; email infor [at] oikoumene [dot] ca or their new website www.oikoumene.ca. The registration brochure is also available online.

Note: The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism will not be holding a Summer Ecumenical Institute in 2008 and encourages Prairie ecumenists to participate in this SEI in Montréal.
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The 2007 Summer Ecumenical Institute entitled “Making Peace in the Household of God” is scheduled for June 26 to 29 in Saskatoon. As final preparations are underway, the final timetable has been released along with a list of optional workshops. The conference begins on Tuesday evening with an ecumenical worship service at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 7 p.m. Dr. David Brubaker, one of our keynote speakers, will preach the sermon. The general public is invited to attend this service.
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The early bird registration deadline for the 2007 Summer Ecumenical Institute is March 15. Please register soon. A conference brochure and registration form are available online at ecumenism.net/sei/2007_sei_brochure.pdf
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The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism is pleased to announce that its Summer Ecumenical Institute for 2007 will take place in Saskatoon June 26-29. The theme of the conference is conflict resolution and transformation within and among churches, under the working title “Making Peace in the Household of God.”

Many Canadian churches appear to be experiencing conflict, often more within than between denominations. Liberals and conservatives in many churches are in tension over issues such as human sexuality and the interpretation of scripture, and the ‘heat’ seems to be rising. The skills of courtesy, listening and dialogue, which ecumenically-minded people have been developing over the years, are today needed just as much within our churches as between them.
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Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. Yet in the churches there is a fear of conflict, and a tendency to go for peace at any price, sweeping conflict under the carpet until it cannot be contained. The 2007 Summer Ecumenical Institute aims to help church people build a vision of how conflict can become a force for good in our communities, and to equip participants with the basic skills they need to become active peace-builders in their own settings.

The Summer Ecumenical Institute (SEI) — scheduled for June 26 to 29 in Saskatoon — is sponsored by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism.
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The 2007 edition of Growing Together is now available for pre-order at the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism. Growing Together is a series of Sunday bulletin inserts prepared by a special writing team for the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism. Produced annually since 1985, GT consists of a set of 5 inserts normally distributed in church bulletins from January to May.

The 2007 GT series is:

1. Hear the Word of the Lord – Prophetic Voices for God
2. The Power of Words
3. When We Disagree: Living with Difference in our Congregations
4. A Muslim Friend I Would Like To Have Known
5. The Spirituality of Travel
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The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism is pleased to announce that its Summer Ecumenical Institute for 2007 will take place in Saskatoon June 26-29. The theme of the conference is conflict resolution and transformation within and among churches, under the working title “Making Peace in the Household of God.”

Many Canadian churches appear to be experiencing conflict, often more within than between denominations. Liberals and conservatives in many churches are in tension over issues such as human sexuality and the interpretation of scripture, and the ‘heat’ seems to be rising. The skills of courtesy, listening and dialogue, which ecumenically-minded people have been developing over the years, are today needed just as much within our churches as between them.
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The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism will be hosting a very special retreat this summer, perhaps a unique event in Canada. Pastors and members of three very different church traditions – the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Mennonite Church Saskatchewan and the Foursquare Gospel Church – will spend three days together sharing their treasures of corporate worship and private devotion. Each worship session will be led by a member of the tradition to which it belongs, with explanations of the service’s meaning and time for questions. In addition we will be introduced to ways of private prayer and devotion characteristic of these traditions, with explanations and private time in which to ‘try out’ different types of prayer for ourselves.

Thursday May 25 to Saturday May 27, 2006 at Queen’s House of Retreats (601 Taylor St. West, Saskatoon)

Costs: $175 live-in, $150 commuters. Please register with Queen’s House directly (tel. 306-242-1916) by May 10 to ensure the viability of this event. If you would like more information about the retreat, contact the PCE at (306) 653-1633. This event will be held in lieu of the 2006 Summer Ecumenical Institute.
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The 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches will meet in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14 – 23 February 2006, addressing the theme “God, in your grace, transform the world.” The assembly will be a time of encounter, prayer, celebration and deliberation for thousands of Christian women and men from around the world. The World
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The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism has traditionally had open office hours five mornings per week. Starting the first week of 2006, the office hours will be: Monday — 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday — 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday — 8:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to
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The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism’s 21st birthday party will be celebrated with an open house on November 17 at 4 p.m. Come and join us for tea and cake. In addition we will be dedicating our new photocopier!

It was with shock and sorrow that the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism in Western Canada learned of the tragic death of Brother Roger. It is hard to imagine a person or a community who has done more for the work of Christian unity and reconciliation, and we give thanks to God for Brother Roger’s life
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Le colloque œcuménique pour l’été 2004 se tiendra à l’Université Canadian Mennonite, à Winnipeg, du 9 au 12 mai 2004; le thème sera: « Soyez sans crainte ». Le colloque est parrainé par le Prairie Centre for Ecumenism et organisé par des représentants des diverses Églises de Winnipeg.

Le thème principal du colloque présente ce qui unit les chrétiens dans une société qui favorise une culture axée sur la peur. Le conférencier invité est le Dr Tom Yoder Neufeld, professeur des études sur la paix et la résolution de conflits du Conrad Grebel College de l’Université de Waterloo. Les conférence du dimanche et du lundi soir sont ouvertes au grand public.
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Issue No. 6, April 2004 “Be Not Afraid,” Summer Ecumenical Institute 2004 The 2004 Summer Ecumenical Institute, “Be Not Afraid,” is to be held at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg May 9-12. Sponsored by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, it is being planned by representatives from a wide range of Winnipeg churches. The central theme
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As Alice through the looking glass, when we enter the world of ecumenism everything seems to be a little bit different. Through the looking glass, everything looks different, we look at it differently and we experience it differently. The Saskatoon Centre for Ecumenism is hosting a national Summer Ecumenical Institute that will assist us to
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The Saskatoon Centre for Ecumenism takes great pleasure in introducing Sister Anne Keffer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada who will become Associate Director of the Centre as of June 1, 1998. Sr. Anne Keffer completed her deaconess training at the Baltimore Deaconess School, and is an active member of the Lutheran Deaconess Community, ELCA (USA).
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