News briefs

MAF integrates

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is integrating its field operations worldwide under one international umbrella that will function as an operations entity. The new structure, which takes effect January 1, combines the field programs of the U.S.-based MAF with the field programs of other MAF entities in Canada, Europe, Australia and South Africa. MAF is a faith-based, non-profit organization that serves missions and isolated people around the world with a fleet of 134 aircraft worldwide to serve in the remotest regions of 53 countries. Some 1,000 Christian and humanitarian organizations in isolated areas depend on MAF to carry out their work.

EFC and cultural change

Leaders of Canadian denominations, ministries and educational institutions discussed the impact of social trends and cultural issues on the church in Canada at the annual EFC Presidents Day event in Calgary October 18. The organizations, all affiliated with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), watched Misplaced, a film produced by MakeYouThink, which focuses on younger generation views of the church. Ray Aldred, chair of the EFC Aboriginal Ministry Council and professor of theology at Ambrose Seminary, spoke later in the day, providing theological underpinnings for the ministry of reconciliation, essential to relations with indigenous peoples in Canada. The Annual General Meeting of Christian Higher Education Canada was held the day following.

Word Guild deadline

The Word Guild has three writing awards programs, and the first round deadline is October 31 for submissions of work published between January and September. Submissions are invited for 34 categories that include fiction and nonfiction books, articles, columns, reviews, poems, song lyrics and scripts/screenplays.

Christian Heritage Party complains

Ron Gray, leader of the Christian Heritage Party (CHP), has accused the four parties already in Parliament of manipulating the Elections Act rules to keep newcomers out. CHP is the second-largest of 12 federal political parties that have yet to elect an MP. Gray told broadcast arbitrator Peter S. Grant that allocating broadcast time according to past election results violates principles in a Supreme Court decision. "It has become apparent," Gray said, "that the parties now in Parliament intend to continue to abuse the law-making authority given to them by the people of Canada, in order to retain power and privilege for themselves."

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EFC's centre for research

The Centre for Research on Canadian Evangelicalism, an initiative of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), released the first issue of its online journal Church & Faith Trends October 18. The centre will help improve the accuracy of both scholarly and public representations of Canadian evangelicals and assist ministry leaders in their work. "This important new journal is a must read for pastors, ministry leaders and culture watchers," said Bruce J. Clemenger, president of the EFC. "Anyone who wants to understand the character and dynamism of evangelicalism and church trends in Canada will benefit from its content."

Lutherans in Uganda

Canadian Lutheran World Relief is issuing an appeal for financial donations to support relief efforts in Uganda. Torrential rains that started in mid-July have resulted in severe flooding throughout northern and eastern Uganda. About 1.8 million internally displaced persons already live under conditions characterized by food scarcity and dependence on food rations, and access to farmland is limited.

Symphony tour success

Over 2,000 people attended the opening night of veteran Christian musician Steve Bell's launch of his 'Symphony Sessons' tour with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at Centre Street Church in Calgary, October 5. Playing with local symphony orchestras, Bell has 12 dates in Ontarto and Manitoba. A CD called The Symphony Sessions is also being released.

Columbia on the road

Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC is preparing to offer short portable courses in local churches or other venues. Ron Voth, a long-time Columbia faculty member, said: "Often when I have preached in churches someone will come to me and say that they wish they could come to Bible College. Unfortunately life circumstances do not allow for this in their lives. I am very interested in offering these folks an opportunity to get this kind of teaching."

Leading Women Awards 2008

Nominations for next year's Leading Women Awards are due by October 31. Leading Women 2008 will be held at the Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre in Toronto February 28 - March 1, and the awards luncheon will honour women in a wide range of categories including: arts, culture, sports, business, professional and entrepreneur, communications and media, education, training and development, ministry, public service, science and technology and young leader. Email nominations to: EleanorShepherd@can.salvationarmy.org.

October 26/2007