AUTHOR: Patricia Paddey and Karen Stiller
PUBLISHER: Mississauga, ON, World Vision Canada, 2015, (241 pages).
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Showing posts with label World Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Vision. Show all posts
Monday, May 4, 2015
"Shifting Stats" (Patricia Paddey and Karen Stiller)
TITLE: Shifting Stats Shaking The Church: 40 Canadian Churches Respond
AUTHOR: Patricia Paddey and Karen Stiller
PUBLISHER: Mississauga, ON, World Vision Canada, 2015, (241 pages).
The world is changing, and changing fast. As the people of God continues to live in the world, remembering that they are not of the world, it is still important to remember the unique witness churches have for God. In spite of shifting sands and changing environments, the Church must learn to stay the course in proclaiming Jesus everywhere she goes. Amid the struggles, there are successes. Amid the good happenings, there are challenging moments. Whatever the circumstances, churches will do well to know the contexts of the ministries they are in. Beginning with a startling foreword that paints the unique times of Canadian culture and religious climate, faith journalists Patricia Paddey and Karen Stiller were commissioned by World Vision Canada to help tell the stories of Churches in Canada that are making a difference in their neighbourhoods, how they are contributing to society, and the unique roles they play. The forty churches in this study range from churches as small as 15 to as large as 3500+. Based on stories shared at "World Vision's 2014 Shifting Stats Church Leaders Forum," the forty stories span every Canadian province and territory, multi-ethnic and multi-denominational settings, both rural and urban centers, covering churches of different sizes. The stories focus on creative adaptations and ministry initiatives that are sensitive to immigration patterns, changes in family, youth, volunteer work, and other important aspects of Canadian society. From Victoria BC, we read of how Emmanuel Baptist Church open their doors and hearts to students at the University of Victoria, with welcoming hospitality, warm meals, and friendship. Providing dinners, space, as well as free Wi-Fi, the initiative has become so popular that students even say that the thing they miss about leaving school eventually is the time with EBC. From Fredericton, New Brunswick, we read of Smythe Street Cathedral reaches kids through a leadership camp called "Camp Lead" that goes beyond mere Vacation Bible School, and empower kids toward real-life interactions and contributions to community. By training young children and youths about the potential of changing the world, readers are given a fresh does of how to engage the young. From Mississauga, Ontario, Gateway Church welcomes new immigrants through a 25000 square foot community center that not only meets for weekly worship but also provides various forms of programs to help integrate new immigrants to Canadian society. It has also received government funding as it helps contribute positively to Canada. Emmanuel Mennonite Mission Church (EMCC) based in Altona, Southern Manitoba adopts a "tapping shoulders" approach in reaching out the newcomers such as new immigrants. Through their ESL programs and a welcoming community, they begin with building friendships. They also use the shoulder tapping strategy to enlist volunteers for the outreach programs. What is needed it genuine interest both ways.
AUTHOR: Patricia Paddey and Karen Stiller
PUBLISHER: Mississauga, ON, World Vision Canada, 2015, (241 pages).
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
"Choose Justice" (Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne)
TITLE: Choose Justice - A Daily Lifestyle
AUTHOR: Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne
PUBLISHER: World Vision Canada, 2013, (DVD + Discussion Guide)
Have you ever wondered about the power and influence of the Church community, IF every member lives out the example of Jesus? Have we considered whether we are living more in line with worldly expectations or in line with Jesus' expectations?
This set of studies focuses on the power of choice Christians and Churches have when it comes to doing something about justice in this world. Bearing much similarity to the passions in "Red Letter Christians," the same two authors have come together with World Vision to produce six video discussions and a conversation guide for Christians not just to talk about justice, but to live out justice through a daily lifestyle. This resource grows out of three convictions. It asserts that Christians are called to simple living and justice affirming. It maintains that justice is possible through intentional choices. It promises that such a lifestyle of simplicity and justice will bring about blessings for all.
Do not let the brevity of the book/DVD resource deceive you. It is packed with lots of ideas and practical tips about learning how to inculcate just living through intentional choices in our daily lives.
The virtues of simplicity and action are lived out by the very format and footprint of this resource. With six short videos in the DVD and a small booklet of condensed ideas, anyone can read this book quickly. It is challenging enough to make one stand up and want to do something. It can convict those of us who have lived in our comfort zones for far too long. Perhaps, the way ahead for people feeling jaded about their faith is to exercise their faith. This book shows the way. Use this book for maximum benefit with a small group of believers what want to do something.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book is provided to me free by Graf-Martin Communications and World Vision Canada without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
AUTHOR: Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne
PUBLISHER: World Vision Canada, 2013, (DVD + Discussion Guide)
Have you ever wondered about the power and influence of the Church community, IF every member lives out the example of Jesus? Have we considered whether we are living more in line with worldly expectations or in line with Jesus' expectations?
This set of studies focuses on the power of choice Christians and Churches have when it comes to doing something about justice in this world. Bearing much similarity to the passions in "Red Letter Christians," the same two authors have come together with World Vision to produce six video discussions and a conversation guide for Christians not just to talk about justice, but to live out justice through a daily lifestyle. This resource grows out of three convictions. It asserts that Christians are called to simple living and justice affirming. It maintains that justice is possible through intentional choices. It promises that such a lifestyle of simplicity and justice will bring about blessings for all.
- Choose Justice as a Lifestyle
This first session sets the stage about the importance of living a lifestyle in recognition of needy people. It shows us the way Jesus lived. It contrasts two different lifestyles; the worldly vs the way of Jesus; and then asks us to choose. - Choose Justice at the Table
We can choose justice by the way we eat. Here, readers are asked to consider the amount of consumption and wastage; how food can be used to build community; how we adopt an 'open table' and food choices. - Choose Justice at the Party
This session homes in on the way we celebrate special occasions. How can we simplify our food choices? What biblical principles can we apply on inviting people to our party? There is the three-gift model that deserves consideration, including the way we receive gifts. In conventional gift-giving, give less and receive differently. In addition, learn to give charitably to the needy. - Choose Justice at the Mall
With shopping a major past-time in many parts of the world, learning how to shop as Christianly as possible is important. It is about buying well, not just buying less. It is being prepared to change our lifestyles to live more simply, even doing away with some treasured conveniences. It is also exercising consumer power and communicating our values through our buying. - Choose Justice at the Bank
Here, the focus is on money and the use of money. What is our relationship with money? Does it cause others to envy? What about the way the Church spends money? - Choose Justice in Community
Here, we are urged to "go boldly where we have not gone before." The purpose of the Church is not to spend all of its resources on herself, but to learn to go beyond their comfort zone.
Do not let the brevity of the book/DVD resource deceive you. It is packed with lots of ideas and practical tips about learning how to inculcate just living through intentional choices in our daily lives.
The virtues of simplicity and action are lived out by the very format and footprint of this resource. With six short videos in the DVD and a small booklet of condensed ideas, anyone can read this book quickly. It is challenging enough to make one stand up and want to do something. It can convict those of us who have lived in our comfort zones for far too long. Perhaps, the way ahead for people feeling jaded about their faith is to exercise their faith. This book shows the way. Use this book for maximum benefit with a small group of believers what want to do something.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book is provided to me free by Graf-Martin Communications and World Vision Canada without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
"Jesus on Justice" (Don Posterski)
TITLE: Jesus on Justice, Living Lives of Compassion and Conviction
AUTHOR: Don Posterski
PUBLISHER: Mississauga, ON: World Vision Canada, 2013, (156 pages).
What does Jesus has to say about justice? Will he be fighting for a piece of the economic pie on behalf of the poor? Will he be inciting demonstrations on Wall Street to champion the needs of the economically disadvantaged? Will he be giving speeches to haunt the conscience of the rich and the powerful? In this book, we learn that Jesus actually has a lot to say about social justice, but not in the manner that we are used to. According to the author, the four ways in which Jesus exercises social activism are:
Posterski links any act of social justice to a need to experience for oneself what poverty, marginalization, and social injustice mean. He defines social justice as one where "people are treated equally without prejudice and able to access a fair share of the world's resources; while living with dignity, people are given opportunities to pursue and sustain their well being as responsible citizens contributing to their communities."
As far as Jesus is concerned, justice comes in two dimensions: Spiritual and social. Spiritually, it is about obeying the calling of the Spirit to be touched to touch others; blessed to bless others; healed to heal others. Like Luke 4:16-21, Jesus begins his ministry with a proclamation of his calling. Christians have this calling. Socially, it is about being bold to repeatedly right the wrongs of society. We are freed to free others. Using whatever legitimate resources available, we can exercise and continue Jesus' mission on earth. Based on God's identity in the Triune Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we see how our mission has a three-fold emphasis: Great Commandment, Great Commission, Great Requirement. In Christ, all of these three overlap. This overlap plays out in four distinct thrusts.
First, there is the thrust of Jesus including the excluded. People such as the social outcasts in society, the gender inequality situations, as well as children. These people can be found in many places, like within the Church or denomination; the country; or our neighbours.
Second, there is the thrust of challenging cultural practices of racism, unfair treatment of people, and risking one's reputation by associating with the drunkards and prostitutes. All of these stem from "Christian motivation" that recognizes the dignity and value of every human being, as well as loving our neighbour as God has called us to. One example is to learn to surrender our shared privileges for the greater good of the community.
Third, the call to challenge the powerful and the proud. The human costs of injustice are high. Our calling is to stop doing nothing, but to start doing something no matter how insignificant it seems to be. Like Jesus reaching out to Zaccheaus, or him denouncing the legalistic Pharisees, we are called to speak up for the silenced and the poor. Instead of dethroning the existing powers, we can do something better: Be an agent to help reorder priorities. For example, look at how Jesus answers the question of paying taxes. Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what's God's.
Four, be an advocate for the oppressed such as the poor, the under-privileged, and the tormented. There are real causes of economic poverty. For example, people born in poor countries and economically challenged cultures will seem to be unfairly ushered into a world of poverty right from birth. It can also be a harsh religious climate that makes things more difficult. The point is not to dwell in social poverty all the time and then complain without doing anything. The point is to have a spiritual awakening on demarginalized people groups and the poor, in order to bring about positive change. Posterski proposes eight tasks based on the acronym ADVOCACY.
So What?
In a nutshell, life is not fair. Life can be very cruel to the oppressed. The facts are clear that this world is deeply divided between the haves and the have-nots. The truth is, it need not remain that way. As followers of Jesus, we have a big role to play with regards to spiritual and social justice. In this book, Posterski has focused on the righting of wrongs, championing for the poor, advocating for justice, and to live lives filled with compassion and with conviction. Just like Jesus. It really all boils down to Jesus and his mission. Called a "biblical action guide," Posterski has written this book with action in mind. The ideas are biblically based, socially aware, and practically designed with steps that readers and Bible believers can take. It is specific enough for people to know exactly what needs to be done. It is general enough to give people an idea of the needs and problems that need to be addressed.
Is there an order that we can adopt with regards to the four thrusts? I do not think so. At least, I say, it depends on the different situations we are in. At best, I can say a combination of all four is in place. Thus, the ideas in this book need to be considered as a whole, letting spiritual awareness leads to a spiritual awakening. This will lead to a social awareness that leads to a spiritual awareness and practical steps to do something about it. The ideas in the book are good but should be treated only as a starting point or to jump start our call to action. What is more important is to let the love of God touch our hearts, knowing that the moment we understand with compassion like Jesus, we will be able to serve the needs of the world around us with conviction, like Jesus.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book is provided to me free by the publisher and Graf-Martin Communications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
AUTHOR: Don Posterski
PUBLISHER: Mississauga, ON: World Vision Canada, 2013, (156 pages).
What does Jesus has to say about justice? Will he be fighting for a piece of the economic pie on behalf of the poor? Will he be inciting demonstrations on Wall Street to champion the needs of the economically disadvantaged? Will he be giving speeches to haunt the conscience of the rich and the powerful? In this book, we learn that Jesus actually has a lot to say about social justice, but not in the manner that we are used to. According to the author, the four ways in which Jesus exercises social activism are:- Inclusiveness, to include the excluded in society;
- Counter-Cultural, to challenge existing cultural practices especially if it is wrong;
- Confronting the powerful;
- Advocating for the oppressed.
Posterski links any act of social justice to a need to experience for oneself what poverty, marginalization, and social injustice mean. He defines social justice as one where "people are treated equally without prejudice and able to access a fair share of the world's resources; while living with dignity, people are given opportunities to pursue and sustain their well being as responsible citizens contributing to their communities."
As far as Jesus is concerned, justice comes in two dimensions: Spiritual and social. Spiritually, it is about obeying the calling of the Spirit to be touched to touch others; blessed to bless others; healed to heal others. Like Luke 4:16-21, Jesus begins his ministry with a proclamation of his calling. Christians have this calling. Socially, it is about being bold to repeatedly right the wrongs of society. We are freed to free others. Using whatever legitimate resources available, we can exercise and continue Jesus' mission on earth. Based on God's identity in the Triune Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we see how our mission has a three-fold emphasis: Great Commandment, Great Commission, Great Requirement. In Christ, all of these three overlap. This overlap plays out in four distinct thrusts.
First, there is the thrust of Jesus including the excluded. People such as the social outcasts in society, the gender inequality situations, as well as children. These people can be found in many places, like within the Church or denomination; the country; or our neighbours.
Second, there is the thrust of challenging cultural practices of racism, unfair treatment of people, and risking one's reputation by associating with the drunkards and prostitutes. All of these stem from "Christian motivation" that recognizes the dignity and value of every human being, as well as loving our neighbour as God has called us to. One example is to learn to surrender our shared privileges for the greater good of the community.
Third, the call to challenge the powerful and the proud. The human costs of injustice are high. Our calling is to stop doing nothing, but to start doing something no matter how insignificant it seems to be. Like Jesus reaching out to Zaccheaus, or him denouncing the legalistic Pharisees, we are called to speak up for the silenced and the poor. Instead of dethroning the existing powers, we can do something better: Be an agent to help reorder priorities. For example, look at how Jesus answers the question of paying taxes. Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what's God's.
Four, be an advocate for the oppressed such as the poor, the under-privileged, and the tormented. There are real causes of economic poverty. For example, people born in poor countries and economically challenged cultures will seem to be unfairly ushered into a world of poverty right from birth. It can also be a harsh religious climate that makes things more difficult. The point is not to dwell in social poverty all the time and then complain without doing anything. The point is to have a spiritual awakening on demarginalized people groups and the poor, in order to bring about positive change. Posterski proposes eight tasks based on the acronym ADVOCACY.
- Addresses issues of injustice
- Designs strategies to alter systems
- Values vulnerable people as agents of change
- Offers expertise to implement objectives
- Convinces power structures to alter policies
- Accesses like-minded people to join the cause
- Changes policies, practices, and perceptions
- Yearns for justice that leads to sustainability.
So What?
In a nutshell, life is not fair. Life can be very cruel to the oppressed. The facts are clear that this world is deeply divided between the haves and the have-nots. The truth is, it need not remain that way. As followers of Jesus, we have a big role to play with regards to spiritual and social justice. In this book, Posterski has focused on the righting of wrongs, championing for the poor, advocating for justice, and to live lives filled with compassion and with conviction. Just like Jesus. It really all boils down to Jesus and his mission. Called a "biblical action guide," Posterski has written this book with action in mind. The ideas are biblically based, socially aware, and practically designed with steps that readers and Bible believers can take. It is specific enough for people to know exactly what needs to be done. It is general enough to give people an idea of the needs and problems that need to be addressed.
Is there an order that we can adopt with regards to the four thrusts? I do not think so. At least, I say, it depends on the different situations we are in. At best, I can say a combination of all four is in place. Thus, the ideas in this book need to be considered as a whole, letting spiritual awareness leads to a spiritual awakening. This will lead to a social awareness that leads to a spiritual awareness and practical steps to do something about it. The ideas in the book are good but should be treated only as a starting point or to jump start our call to action. What is more important is to let the love of God touch our hearts, knowing that the moment we understand with compassion like Jesus, we will be able to serve the needs of the world around us with conviction, like Jesus.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book is provided to me free by the publisher and Graf-Martin Communications in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
"This is Our Love"
TITLE: This is Our Love (with contributions from 16 recording artists)
AUTHOR: Jody Cross and others
PUBLISHER: Mississauga, ON: World Vision Canada, 2012 (160 pages / 16 songs CD).
This devotional cum CD is a series of reflections surrounding the heart of God for the world. Through worship we embrace the love of God. The outflow of worship leads us to engage with the needy all over the world. Worship is not simply music and words in song. Worship is about the heart of God, that as we lift up the Name of Jesus, we live out the love of God through to the rest of our communities near and far. Jody Cross says: "Worship is a lifestyle involving all we are and all we do, all the time."
Indeed. Out of 33 songs from gifted musicians and worship leaders throughout Canada, and with 35 members of a song selection committee drawn from BC to New Brunswick, Alberta to Ontario, and various churches and Christian organizations, 16 songs are chosen to make this collection both devotional as well as worshipful. Jody Cross's moving "This is Our Love" kicks off the remembrance of God's great love for us, and how the grasp of God's link is intricately linked to the needs of this world. I appreciate the words of Carolyn Arends's song, "Something to Give," which is a rousing wake up call for a typical Church that is sleepy to the needs around the community or the world. I like the chorus that chimes on and on:
So What?
I love this CD and cannot help but play it over and over again. There is something about the music that is pulsating with passion and conviction. The first song leads the way to show listeners what the album and book is all about. It brings to life the powerful use of music to stir the people of God to action. The motivation is not one out of pity or guilt. Neither is it out of obligation or strict observance of a religious law. Instead, whatever we do, we do out of our love for God. Whatever we say or sing, we say or sing out of our devotion to Jesus. Whatever we do or not do, we lift the Name of Jesus up high , and engage the world at every opportunity. For that glorifies God.
I find this an amazing set of songs that powerfully bridge the love of God and the needs of the world, with us as an active participant. You may be asking. How is it possible for a book, let alone a music CD help us to do that? My response will be three ways. First, the words and music plant a seed of love in our hearts. This seed is to be cultivated in the worship of God, letting God do the tender care for us and to draw us close to his heart. Second, as we listen to God's heartbeat of love, we let our hearts slowly resonate with his love for the rest of the world. We begin to see that life is more than our measly individualistic world. We see that God's vision is much bigger. Third, we will feel compelled to do something about it all. There is no point in singing beautiful songs without much action after that. We love because we are first loved by God. Our response to God's love is to share God's love far and wide.
Great resource for worship leaders!
Other Resources You Can Check Out.
Rating: 5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book is provided to me free by World Vision Canada and Graf-Martin Communications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
AUTHOR: Jody Cross and others
PUBLISHER: Mississauga, ON: World Vision Canada, 2012 (160 pages / 16 songs CD).
Indeed. Out of 33 songs from gifted musicians and worship leaders throughout Canada, and with 35 members of a song selection committee drawn from BC to New Brunswick, Alberta to Ontario, and various churches and Christian organizations, 16 songs are chosen to make this collection both devotional as well as worshipful. Jody Cross's moving "This is Our Love" kicks off the remembrance of God's great love for us, and how the grasp of God's link is intricately linked to the needs of this world. I appreciate the words of Carolyn Arends's song, "Something to Give," which is a rousing wake up call for a typical Church that is sleepy to the needs around the community or the world. I like the chorus that chimes on and on:
"There's nothing so rudeThe group Downhere's "Break My Heart" is a cry to God to break the things that break God's heart. Boldly, the song leads worshipers to seek to see the world from God's perspective. In the same light, Andy Park's "Revive Us Again" is a call for zeal and renewed passion for evangelism. Jacob Moon's "Children of the World" is a prayer for the children living under the poverty line, the abused, and the enslaved. It pleads with God to give us a compassion that is fully in line with what it means to be human and to care for the young and weak. Brad Guldemond's "Real Life Offering" is more than just a song. It is to be reminded that we who are healed from our brokenness, needs to go beyond our infatuation with our own healing, toward being channels of healing to touch the rest of the world. Toward the end, the final three songs represent a send-me- out-Lord cry of hope. It reminds me that worship is not something to be locked in between God and us. Worship is in catching a larger vision of God, that we become worshipers inside, to live a life of worship outside. Dan Schutte and Chris Bray render "Here I Am Lord" with a growing awareness of an awakened heart. Steve Bell's performance of "Kindness" is a reflection on Teresa of Avila's "Christ Has No Body." The words of the song remind us one more time that to be a Christian is not about arguing or talking about the truth. It is living it, and kindness is a powerful manifestation of God's love. Steve Mitchinson's "Answer the Call" is a no holds barred determination not to let the worshiping become an end in itself. For at the end of worship, there is the beginning of living a life of worship.
As a gift you don't use
On a life that you choose not to live
Cause you're blessed to bless
And the best of possessions is
Having something to give."
So What?
I love this CD and cannot help but play it over and over again. There is something about the music that is pulsating with passion and conviction. The first song leads the way to show listeners what the album and book is all about. It brings to life the powerful use of music to stir the people of God to action. The motivation is not one out of pity or guilt. Neither is it out of obligation or strict observance of a religious law. Instead, whatever we do, we do out of our love for God. Whatever we say or sing, we say or sing out of our devotion to Jesus. Whatever we do or not do, we lift the Name of Jesus up high , and engage the world at every opportunity. For that glorifies God.
I find this an amazing set of songs that powerfully bridge the love of God and the needs of the world, with us as an active participant. You may be asking. How is it possible for a book, let alone a music CD help us to do that? My response will be three ways. First, the words and music plant a seed of love in our hearts. This seed is to be cultivated in the worship of God, letting God do the tender care for us and to draw us close to his heart. Second, as we listen to God's heartbeat of love, we let our hearts slowly resonate with his love for the rest of the world. We begin to see that life is more than our measly individualistic world. We see that God's vision is much bigger. Third, we will feel compelled to do something about it all. There is no point in singing beautiful songs without much action after that. We love because we are first loved by God. Our response to God's love is to share God's love far and wide.
Great resource for worship leaders!
Other Resources You Can Check Out.
- Chords and lyrics can be found here.
- You can purchase the book and CD package here.
- You can also check out the Youtube videos individually, but if you want to support the Christian music industry, especially Canadian ones, go to the website here and make a purchase at World Vision Canada.
Rating: 5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book is provided to me free by World Vision Canada and Graf-Martin Communications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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