June 29 - July 2, 2012
All events at St. John's College, University of Manitoba (map).
This conference is a product of the Anglican and Lutheran full communion; to share in the joy of our endeavour, experience fresh ideas, challenge ourselves and engage the world around us.
More information coming soon.
Craig Van Gelder, describes his current role as “bringing congregations into a conversation with theological education.” One way he does this is through “Reading the Audiences,” a course rooted deeply in congregational practices. He leads students to think holistically about the essentials of ministry: learning the story, interpreting and confessing the message, and leading in mission.
Van Gelder also administers a major seminary initiative, “Learning Congregational Leadership in Context.” Funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., the project aims to increase the involvement of students with congregations. Faculty and pastors will help students reflect theologically about congregational life. Participants will examine Scripture, church history or other course material from the perspective of the congregation.
“We want to shape students’ theological imagination and their self-image as vision leaders,” Van Gelder says. “We want them to grasp the essence of who we are—the body of Christ, the communion of saints—and to understand that in this culture the church is the only institution that has both the mandate and the power to be a reconciling force in society. The church has to be on the mission’s edge—it’s part of our very nature.”
Craig will be asked to comment on how, through our worship, enables us to engage the communities in which we live using imagination and hope.
Douglas Cowling, is a musician and writer with a lively commitment to the liturgy and the arts. He has a particular interest in music in the smaller church and the role of children in worship.
Doug was co-author of Sharing the Banquet with Paul MacLean, and a contributor to Let Us Keep The Feast, both published by the Anglican Book Centre. He has edited two collections of global music for liturgical use: Let Us Make Music Together: A Multicultural Sampler and LUMMT: Members of the Household of God, published by the Diocese of Toronto. He was also the writer of four Juno Award-winning productions for Classical Kids, including Mozart’s Magic Fantasy and Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery. Doug is a regular contributor on CBC Radio. Mr. Cowling’s Christmas was a recent feature.
Doug is Director of Music at St. Philip’s Church, Etobicoke. He is a speaker, consultant and leader of workshops in church music both in the Diocese of Toronto and at ecumenical conferences in Canada and the U.S. He lives In Toronto with his wife Elizabeth.
Doug will be asked to comment on his work in liturgical development, risks and blessings, and the need for continual renewal, especially at the local level.