New Anglican-Lutheran prayer cycle

A new Anglican-Lutheran prayer cycle (PDF) lists prayer suggestions for the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) side by side. The suggestions cover the work of bishops, ministries, and staff and are for use in Sunday services between Nov. 2008 and Nov. 2009. The prayer cycle was developed by the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission, which oversees this relationship in Canada.

What's next for the Amazing Grace Project?

A deluge of “Amazing Grace” videos is flooding Church House from all parts of the country. Nov. 23 was Amazing Grace Sunday, when Anglicans from across Canada sang “Amazing Grace,” filmed it, and sent (or are sending) their renditions to the national office. The videos will be made into one compilation video, to be put online by Christmas. Individual singers were also asked to donate a toonie to support northern ministry through the Council of the North.

Amazing Grace Sunday arrives

Sing because it is a lovely hymn steeped in a fascinating history.

Sing as a symbol of the unity of the church in Christ.

Sing in prayer and support for the Council of the North.

Playing on the word "grace" for Amazing Grace Sunday

The Amazing Grace team at General Synod has been sending out lots of ideas to keep the creative juices flowing for Nov. 23. On this special Sunday, all Canadian Anglicans are encouraged to sing “Amazing Grace,” film their rendition, and send it to the national office so it can be included in a compilation video, to be put online by Christmas.

An Anglican enveloped by Greek hospitality

He was the odd Anglican out, but he had a wonderful time. This past summer, the Rev. Craig Bowers of Ottawa, Ont. was the first Anglican to participate in a learning experience hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church. Set up in response to John Paul II’s 2001 visit to Greece, the program was designed for Roman Catholic clergy and laity to learn about being a Hellenic Christian. Traditionally the relationship between Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches has been strained.

Prisoners will sing "Amazing Grace" with gusto

When the Rev. Lon Towstego heard about the Amazing Grace Project, he knew it would be an easy sell at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre. The Rev. Towstego, a former motorcycle mechanic, is chaplain at the medium security prison, where he counsels, teaches, and leads services for the 240 residents.

Willie Nelson, placemats, and Facebook for the Amazing Grace Project

The Rev. Rob Towler is not a fan of Willie Nelson. Yet this Kitchener, Ont. priest changed his cell phone ring tone to Willie Nelson’s twangy version of “Amazing Grace,” so that every time his phone goes off, he donates a toonie to the Council of the North, the 10 financially supported dioceses in Canada’s north.