The 2021 federal election marked a new low for civil discourse in postmodern times. Leaders being confronted by protesters from other parties is par for the course but hurling eggs and handfuls of gravel at them was something new. We should not be surprised. It was the logical next step from the online anger which … Continue reading How Now Do We Talk?
Seeking Grace Under Fire
As I sat to write this, we were exactly halfway through the federal election campaign and the ‘V’ word had captured media attention. No, not ‘V’ for vote, but ‘V’ for violence - a party leader cancelled an event due to concerns for safety. The violence was a more vociferous threat than virulent action … Read more
Reflections of a Random Nobody
I am neither a minister nor an elder. I don’t have a Ph.D or the title of YAR. I am a Canadian who came to accept Christ as an adult; I became a Presbyterian intentionally. God literally led me to the Presbyterian Church, of which I am still a member. I was not researching Presbyterian … Continue reading Reflections of a Random Nobody
Becoming ‘Tide People’
Back in 2016, I spent three months on sabbatical in Edinburgh. One of the highpoints for us was the week we spent on the island of Lindisfarne, about an hour south by train from Edinburgh. What makes Lindisfarne unique is the fact that when the tide goes out, you can drive across to the island, … Continue reading Becoming ‘Tide People’
Heritage as a Sacred Trust
Of the many surprises in the recent General Assembly, and the strange twists that the debates took, none was more surprising than an unexpected recommendation, dependent on the passing of the remits, that we apologize to the United Church of Lachine for past wrongs. The recommendation suggested that a great wrong had been done to … Continue reading Heritage as a Sacred Trust
Download the entire Issue of Renewal News in PDF format.
In the current issue of Renewal News:
- How Now Do We Talk? – by Andy Cornell
- Seeking Grace Under Fire – Ian Shaw
- Reflections of a Random Nobody – by Allison Chung
- Becoming "Tide People" – by Kevin Livingston
- Living the Name Prizes for Evangelism – Candice Bahadoor and Mirim Kim
- Heritage as a Sacred Trust – by A. Donald MacLeod
- Living Hope – A Day of Encouragement – Saturday, November 13
- Board Profile – Lisa Baker
Fresh Focus for a New Season
I read a frightening statistic recently. "Only 29 per cent of Christians believe that reaching unreached people around the world is 'very urgent.' " It's a quote from the Barna Group, the American research firm which specializes in faith and culture. I don't believe that it's far from the truth. (It could be even worse in Canada.) It holds up against recent research. In 2017, Barna asked churchgoers … Read more
Special Committee Pastoral Letter
The 2021 General Assembly appointed a special committee to listen to concerns identified by petitions from the Presbyteries of Eastern Han-Ca and Western Han-Ca. The petitions state "we have experienced treatment at the hands of many in The Presbyterian Church in Canada which has caused us much pain and raises alarm, for we have collectively … Read more
Departure Gate, Destination Unknown
Precisely 60 seconds after the adoption of Remit ‘C’ by General Assembly, which allowed the call, election and ordination of those in same-sex partnerships, a motion was made to investigate the establishment of a separate theological synod for those who adhere to traditional standards. The timing spoke volumes. … Read more
GA 2021 Prayer Initiative – Now What?
We could not have fulfilled the need for prayer without each of you. For all the time spent on knees, in prayer closets, listening, petitioning and interceding, we thank every one of you. But now what? What do we do now? How do we move forward, honouring Jesus while working through how we feel about the outcome? Maybe, just for a moment, we sit and wait. … Read more
Download the Summer 2021 issue of Renewal News in PDF format.
In this issue:
- God Is Still In Charge – by Andy Cornell
- Definitely Time To Pray – by Ian Shaw
- Renewal Day 2021 – by Andy Cornell
- Renewal AGM – a Snapshot – by Andy Cornell
- Seeds of Hope in Malawi Prisons – by Joel Sherbino
- Trusting God Enough – by Rev. Denise Allen-Macartney
- Hear the Good News – by Andy Cornell
- Remembering Stan Cox – by Andy Cornell
Tales From GA, In Their Words
Was there a defining moment from General Assembly 2021? Often with a major story we’re able to point to an image or remark which sums it up or at least puts it into perspective. Sometimes, it’s an iconic photo – an exhausted, soot-covered first responder. Or a pithy quote – “Say it ain’t so!” or … Continue reading Tales From GA, In Their Words
God Is Still In Charge
At 4:37 p.m. Eastern time on June 8, 2021, the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada made official what many had believed for years. The approval of Remit ‘B’, with two parallel definitions of marriage, provided legitimacy for those who interpret and apply Scripture through human eyes rather than submitting to the unfathomable, … Continue reading God Is Still In Charge
Definitely Time To Pray
Wow!! I cannot remember a General Assembly that has been prayed for in advance for such a prolonged time. Dedicated intercessions began early last Fall and have only intensified and multiplied in the past several weeks (I am penning this in late May). Even though military imagery upsets some, for many this prayer onslaught resonates … Continue reading Definitely Time To Pray
Renewal AGM – a Snapshot
Approximately 60 members remained online for the AGM, which was chaired by Ian Shaw. Report of the Chair Over the past 18-24 months we have been wrestling with the thought, “Do we still have a mission in the Presbyterian Church in Canada?” The board has concluded that yes, we do. We offer authentic Biblical thinking, … Continue reading Renewal AGM – a Snapshot
Seeds of Hope in Malawi Prisons
“Please don’t forget us.” I have heard this plea spoken many times by prisoners in Malawi. These words not only resonated in my heart but motivated me to engage and lead a ministry to prisoners in Malawi. So, what are these prisons really like? They are overcrowded, they lack the basic necessities of life that … Continue reading Seeds of Hope in Malawi Prisons
Trusting God Enough
By Rev. Denise Allen-Macartney Lately, I have been reading the Old Testament book of Numbers; not always riveting prose. Yet God often catches me unawares. Today was one of those moments. In Numbers 20:1-13, the people are at Kadesh in the desert of Zin. Miriam has just died and been buried. There is a drought. … Continue reading Trusting God Enough
Hear the Good News
While the Gospel call to salvation is the true and lasting Good News, it’s also true that people working together, sharing their successes and know-how is also good for The Kingdom. In January 2020, the session of Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown, PEI, sent an invitation to each congregation in the Synod of Atlantic Provinces … Continue reading Hear the Good News
Remembering Stan Cox
Renewal Fellowship lost a key leader in March with the passing of Stan Cox. Although he was in hospital at the time, Stan’s departure was unexpected. At the age of 84, he remained an active member of the board executive as treasurer of the organization. He had just completed the 2020 year-end financial statements. He … Continue reading Remembering Stan Cox
Hungarian Congregations Speak Out
What’s inclusive for some is having the opposite effect for others. A group of Hungarian Presbyterian congregations is the latest to go on the record about feeling excluded by the ongoing liberal theological drift in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. “We sadly observe and experience that our beloved Church … Read more