It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of two senior friends: Fred Morgan, long-time treasurer of SCM Canada, and Brewster Kneen, who was connected with local units as a travelling theologian in the late 60s.
Fred Morgan’s daughter Brigid shared the following:
Sadly my father, Fred Morgan, passed away this past Saturday morning December 13th a few days shy of his 89th birthday. He’d been increasingly affected by Lewy Body’s Dementia/Parkinson’s and it was finally his time. While he was frequently unable to remember what was happening within 10 minutes, his quips and retorts in the moment were sharp, witty, and very funny. His intelligent dry sense of humour never left him. He was much loved by us all and loved us in return. Now he can get back to his tennis, cycling, photographing hundreds of cloud formations, landscapes, and the Toronto moose statues. He’s feasting on Apple Juice (Sunrype preferred, Allen’s when not in BC), Coca-Cola, Dutchies, Nanaimo Bars, Purdys and Cadbury chocolate, or any sweets he can get his hands on. Funeral mass will be held Thursday evening December 18th 7pm at Holy Rosary Church (if you’d like to join the choir, rehearsal will be at the church at 6) 354 St Clair Ave West. In lieu of flowers the family requests charitable donations to the Student Christian Movement or Development & Peace.
Brewster Kneen’s children have set up a beautiful tribute to his and his wife Cathleen’s life and work at kneen.ca
The ministry and movement of the SCM is supported by countless senior friends, whose legacy is felt by today’s students, even if their names are not known. One of these is recently departed saint Nancy Whitla, a senior friend and lifelong supporter of SCM and WSCF. Involved with the SCM as a young woman, Nancy supported the movement throughout her lifetime, variously serving on the SCM National Board, the GTA SCM advisory board, and the WSCF Board. She was a mentor and supporter of countless young leaders, as well as a formidable fundraiser for the Movement. Nancy’s work established and raised significant amounts for the SCM Endowment Fund, which is instrumental in supporting the SCM financially to this day. In the words of Senior Friend and former General Secretary Sheilagh McGlynn, “I don’t know if the SCM would still be around today without Nancy and the Endowment Fund.” As National Coordinator, when speaking with chaplains and others about re-establishing local units and hiring student coordinators to lead them, I’m often asked with some incredulity “where do you get the money for that?” And so I tell them with gratitude of the tremendous support of Senior Friends, and the Endowment Fund. Thank you, Nancy for making it possible for us to continue helping and empowering students to create inclusive, active faith based community all across this country.
Here are some specific reflections on Nancy and her legacy, from SCMers who knew her well. If you have a story to share, please tell it in the comments!
“I first met Nancy when we were both on the national Board of the SCM: I was one of the central region representatives, and she was the Senior Friend. It was wonderful to have her lengthy history that gave us insight and wisdom into choices we were making in the early 90s, as well as knowledge about what had happened in the past, and the powerful role that the SCM had played in Christian student development and activism. She was kind, gracious, and had a clear focussed vision about possibilities, without in any way discouraging us from directions that we were moving in.” – Sarah Shepherd
“I had a lot to learn when I began working for SCM in 1995. Nancy took me under her wing and became a gentle teacher and mentor. She was especially wise with finances and budgeting. I was terrible with those things, and she taught me how to budget for myself and for SCM.
I had a kidney stone attack one night when staying at her house. She and Bill drove me to the hospital at 3 am, and she kept me distracted from the pain with her charm and wit.” – Rick Garland
“I have some beautiful memories of Nancy from my time in the WSCF. I remember her as a very kind and gentle woman. She was deeply committed to the SCM and WSCF and I’ve learned a lot from her. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.” – Clarissa (Gigi) Balan
“Nancy was such a staunch and strategic SCMer, hospitable and gracious.” – Michael Wallace
“I got to know Nancy in my years as Ecumenical Chaplain, in 2004-18. I remember her so well as one of the trio of inspiring women who were the life-blood of SCM U of T advisory board for many years, the other two being Audrey Tobias and Jean Lee.
I will always remember Nancy’s understated – but not to be underestimated – resolve and dedication, particularly with regard to the SCM and WSCF. She would ask probing questions, always in a spirit of kindness and discernment. Her clarity of insight for SCM was unstinting, generous toward the student leaders, with an unwavering eye on the high goal and purpose of the SCM. May her legacy continue to inspire those of us who follow in her footsteps.” – Ralph Carl Wushke
Is there an SCM Saint who you’d like us to lift up, as a memorial or to celebrate a significant birthday? Please let us know via info@scmcanada.org
We’re working on re-establishing a local unit in Vancouver, and are looking for a young person to work with a local volunteer and the SCM national coordinator to get things started! If that’s you, or someone you know, take a look at the job description below! Deadline to apply is May 15, 2025.
Interested in starting or supporting a local unit, but not in Vancouver? If you’re a student, young person, chaplain, minister, SCM alum, or anyone else who thinks your school/city needs an SCM, we would LOVE to hear from you. Send our national coordinator, Bailey, an email at bailey@scmcanada.org. We’re particularly interested in connecting with folks from Alberta, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland towards our goal of re-establishing a local unit in every province.
We currently have postings open looking for local student coordinators at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) and Brock University (St Catharines, ON). Are you (or someone you know) a student at one of those schools passionate about faith, social justice, and community? If so, take a look at the postings below and consider applying!
Are you a student, chaplain, alumni, or congregation at or near a different university who’s interested in starting or supporting a local SCM presence? If so, reach out to SCM’s National Coordinator at bailey@scmcanada.org. They’d love to hear from you!
This season, we invite you to join us in a simple but profound Lenten practice of engaging the with the difficult themes of the season – and our world – through poetry and community. Every week we will gather to read and reflect on poems around a shared theme. All are welcome! Come once or every week, bring a poem or two or bring just yourself. However you come, we hope to see you there.
SCM’s Lent Poetry club will meet on Wednesdays on Zoom at 9 PM – Newfoundland 8:30 PM – Atlantic 7:30 PM – Eastern 6:30 PM – Central 5:30 PM – Mountain 4:30 – Pacific
On Saturday March 1st at 2 pm EST, SCMers from across the country (and beyond!) will gather to share our memories of & appreciation for the late Very Rev. Lois Wilson. All are welcome to join us!
We’re excited this year to offer a new SCM resource, an Advent practice companion on the theme ‘Waiting for Christ in a Wounded World’. This resource is designed to support you in an observance of Advent that is meaningful and responsive to the world we find ourselves in. We almost called it “an activist advent devotional” – but really it is for anyone who is filled with concern, fear, and rage over the current state of our world, and wants an Advent practice that speaks to those realities. It is designed to be adaptable and meaningful – whether you have half an hour a week, twenty minutes a day, or anywhere in between to devote to your Advent practice.
Whether you’re a long-time SCMer, an occasional user of SCM resources, or someone who simply found this by googling “social justice Advent”, we hope you find it fruitful.
Two versions of the Advent Companion are found below: a full-colour version and a version with all-white page backgrounds to save ink if you’d like to print the resource, or if you simply prefer a higher-contrast reading experience.
We’re thrilled to be seeking candidates to fill a new local coordinator positions and work to (re)build an SCM units in Saskatoon. This opportunities are also in partnership with local faith groups – St Paul’s United in Saskatoon – so it will come with lots of support on the ground as well as from SCM national.
Do you know a student or young person in Saskatoon who might be a great fit? Please feel free to share this postings!
NOTE: This post previously mentioned a Montréal posting as well – that position has been filled, and the post has therefore been removed to present confusion.
Are you or do you know someone who is longing for queer-affirming, anti-racist, justice-seeking Christian community in their city or on their campus?
If so, SCM wants to equip them (or you!) with tools, support, mentorship, and a fair hourly wage, to start and nurture a local SCM chapter. For more information, see the attached job posting, or reach out to us at info@scmcanada.org
SCM is looking for a UofO student excited about building community around radical faith in action to be our new Ottawa Coordinator! Sound like you or someone you know? Check out the attached job posting, email info@scmcanada.org for more info, and feel free to share widely!
