CMU students donate

Students at Canadian Mennonite University donated $2,226 to a program for African orphans after they were challenged to donate at least 0.7 percent of the money they spend on tuition to help poor people overseas. Called the Pearson Challenge, because it was inspired by former Canadian prime minister Lester B. Pearson, the fundraising effort attracted 66 students whose donations were given to Hope Never Runs Dry, a Mennonite Central Committee program in Uganda.

EFC and the economic downturn

Rick Hiemstra, director of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's Centre for Research on Canadian Evangelicalism (CRCE), spoke with the Business News Network's Kevin O'Leary and Paul Waldi on Canadian evangelical churches and the economic downturn. The CRCE is set to commence a survey on how Canadian evangelical churches are being affected by the economic downturn.

City Light News changes

Calgary's Christian newspaper City Light News is under new management with Peter and Leslie McManus buying out partner John Syratt. Both partners have expressed appreciation for the five years working together.

Stem cell therapy

Derek Miedema, researcher with the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada based in Ottawa, has released a paper outlining several developments in the medical use of stem cells. Highlighting a scan of newspaper articles over the last six months, he says they reveal progress towards using stem cells to regenerate tissue; and outlining various examples that show exciting developments, he appeals for careful ethical consideration. "The tremendous capacity of stem cells to heal could simultaneously lead to complications -- including physical harm -- in the absence of ethical considerations," he writes. "Once again, good ethics, good science and good treatments go hand in hand."

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Faith and Nursing Symposium

Trinity Western University's Faculty of Nursing has invited the public to join in dialogue about what it means to bring together faith and nursing practice, education, policy, and research at the first annual Faith and Nursing Symposium, January 16 - 17. The keynote lecturer will be Dr. Bart Cusveller, associate professor of ethics and nursing at the Christelijke Hogeschool Ede in the Netherlands.

Missions Fest Vancouver

This year's Missions Fest Vancouver has the theme 'If My People Pray' and takes place at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in downtown Vancouver January 30 - February 1. It will feature keynote speakers Mark Buchanan, Tony Campolo, Joseph Ens and Mike Yankoski, as well as missions agency representatives from over 200 agencies and 140 free seminars.

'Mission, Worldview and University'

Cardus, a Christian 'think tank' that seeks to bridge politics and culture, is hosting an event called 'Mission, Worldview and the University' at Redeemer University College in Hamilton, Ontario, January 7 - 11. The keynote speakers will be Ray Pennings and Gideon Strauss.

Rosebud buds

Award-winning playwright Lucia Frangione is hosting the 'Budding Playwright Festival' at the Rosebud School of the Arts in Rosebud, Alberta, January 18 - 19. "It's thrilling," said Frangione, who graduated from the school herself. "My students have their one act plays (final projects) read with the help of Rosebud volunteers for two evenings of readings. It's a great feeling of community and terrific support for this raw, new brave work."

January 8/2009