A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original letters appears below.
I thank you for all that has gone into Channels Vol. 2 No. 3 in connection with our daughter and son-in-law’s recent marriage.
Since many of our relatives were unable to be here. I want to send them copies of Channels. (Good opportunity to let them know what’s going on within the Renewal Fellowship!)
Lynn and Mark Lane want to give two copies to engaged couples they know who are seeking to have a truly Christ-centred wedding. Two people I know want to give copies to pastors of their home churches . . .
Bridget Dickens Prince George, B.C.
Thank you for “A Wedding Album” in the Summer ’85 edition of Channels. It was interesting, evocative, creative and refreshing. And what a joy to read of young people who had managed to get their priorities right for this most special of all days in their lives. One can only believe most assuredly that their marriage will be richly blessed of God because their courtship and wedding plans were centred in God’s love and bathed in prayer each step of the way.
I was particularly interested in this article because my own daughter is soon to be married and she and her fiance would covet the same blessings for their big day. It is not their intention to imitate Mark and Lynn’s ceremony, but to place their plans and arrangements as well as their future life together in the hands of the same sovereign Lord and loving Saviour as did the Lanes. Thank you, Channels. for encouraging them in their preparations.
Jack Mills Pastor, Fairview Church, Vancouver, B.C.
Thank you for your Summer 1985 issue! We were married in December 1985 in Knox Presbyterian Church in Toronto. As we considered all our marriage means in God’s plans for our lives we looked for help in planning a wedding which would start us on the right course. Many of the resources we turned to lacked relevance to contemporary life or to our particular situation.
Your special “Wedding Album” section, relaying the details leading up to the marriage of Lynn Dickens and Mark Lane spoke powerfully to us. It encouraged us to draw each member of our families around us and to plan a wedding ceremony which would speak to all who attended. The program and vows which Lynn and Mark wrote sparked us to ideas which, through the theme of “Joy” have borne fruit in their witness.
The special section may not have spoken to all who read it. but it shouted to us.
Sue and Bill Stewart, Toronto, Ont.
The Synod of British Columbia is giving leadership in establishing a much-needed Presbyterian Lay Training centre named Covenant Community: The Presbyterian Leadership School, and we ask your help in getting the word around and encouraging this vision with your support.
What is the Covenant Community?
Covenant Community: The Presbyterian Leadership School is a residential lay training centre, sponsored by the Synod of British Columbia. We have already held two successful summer schools and plan not only to continue them but to move to a full-time residential school as well in Duncan, B.C. The vision for such a school arose out of the strong conviction that a centre for in-depth study and Christian discipling was needed, that imparted the reflections of Reformed Theology, and gave a strong Presbyterian identity.
What can I do to help the ongoing development of the Covenant Community Presbyterian Leadership School?
- Share the vision of our school in your congregation and with interested contacts;
- Actively recruit others to join you in attending the Summer Schools;
- Challenge young people especially to take one year of post-secondary study at Covenant Community, to equip them for a lifetime of growing in faith:
- Include the School in your congregational Budget and make a special appeal to members of your congregation to share in the work through special offerings;
- Lend your support and encouragement to your congregational leaders who may be asked to teach or lead a course at the school:
- Pray for the Board Instructors and students of the School regularly in your personal devotions and public prayers;
- Make use of members of the Covenant Community Board as resource people for your own congregational or Presbytery events.
The Reverend Calvin Brown Moderator of the Synod of British Columbia, Chairman, Covenant Community: The Presbyterian Leadership School