We have one spot left for a Canadian student/young adult to attend the October 1-10 North America Regional Program on US/Mexico border solidarity and migrant justice, and the School of the Americas Convergence.

Apply by July 20th by emailing wscfna@gmail.com

The program includes:

Educational activities – conference-style keynotes, workshops and working groups

Exposure excursions across the border and in the desert

Biblical and theological reflections on the theme

Recommendations for advocacy work on migrant justice.

Read the concept paper from the WSCF-NA to learn more about the purpose behind the trip: Click Here

Download Flyer Here

For the third year in a row, SCM and friends have gathered to learn, build, worship and celebrate at the Cahoots festival.

From June 9-12 we met at Camp Kenesserie on the shores of Lake Erie, territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Haudenosaunee and Anishinabe peoples.

Each morning we met for prayer, reflection on the themes of Think, Pray & Love, and song, with our theme song ‘God’s Counting on Me, God’s Counting on You’ from the immortal Pete Seeger.

Our workshops shared an array of skills and talents on some fascinating themes – everything from Seed Saving to Racism in Social Media, from the Enneagram to the fight for a $15 minimum wage.

In the evenings we played board games, enjoyed camp fires, worked through deep conversations, formed friendships, and listened to great music from artists like Diem Lafortune and Din and the Soles.

On Sunday morning we celebrated communion, administered to us by some of the children at the festival, and reflected on the powerful themes we had heard. Worship coordinator Esther Townshend shared her poem/reflection ‘Home‘, which you can read here by popular demand.

Many of us were especially grateful for this time of solidarity and safe space as the news of the Orlando massacre came to us on our final day. A world without violent power is possible. A world where all lives are respected and where all people can be safe is possible. Cahoots exists to teach the skills to create that world and share with the spiritual power to help us endure.

We hope you will be able to join us for future Cahoots festivals – connect with us here:

Cahoots on Facebook
Cahoots Website

In the meantime, enjoy this beautiful collection of photographs from our friend Lyf Stolte, and consider joining us for our Turning Tables young adults retreat, Sept 30-Oct 2.

When I met the SCM in 2010 at the mobilization against the G20, I was ready to say goodbye to the church. I was bitter and angry at the sexism, homophobia and the lack of justice analysis. I didn’t want to be a Christian. Good Christians were those who conformed to the capitalist status-quo, who were nice only to one another, and pitied the poor while they served in soup kitchens. I also did not relate to a God who was anthropomorphized as male, white and old. It was a God who shamed me for not upholding middle class moral codes. I wasn’t the kind of Christian who wanted to turn the other cheek, or walk another mile for my oppressor, or give them my coat. I wanted to resist oppression and to dream of an alternative that liberated me and everyone else.

Luckily and maybe fatefully, I found the SCM just at the right time. The SCM offered that alternative space for me and my waning faith. I met students, young adults and ministers who didn’t worry about dogma around lifestyle or obsessed with the immortality of the soul, but were concerned with people’s material conditions. Christian faith was for them an impetus to work for liberation and the story of Jesus and the Resurrection is a reminder of the renewal we can all experience. I learned about a God who cared about migrants, poor people, women, queer people…people we all push to the margins. I learned about a Christian faith that is inspired by the Divine that works beyond us and also the Divine within us who moves our hearts for justice and peace.

Thank you to the SCM and everyone involved for reviving and renewing my faith and for giving my sense of justice a spiritual dimension. Thank you particularly to all the friends who have kept SCM going since 1921, because of you…I can be here on this day to write these words.

Much love and solidarity,

Sarah

John born was born in 1925 in Madras, India. He reached the end of this life in Meaford Hospital on June 2, 2016.

Returning from India via Scotland to Canada in 1926, John lived in Brandon, Halifax, Saint John and Toronto before serving in the army and attending Victoria University and then McGill where he studied theology and experimented with other SCMers in cooperative living and a “worker priest” approach to ministry. Like many of their friends, it was through the SCM that John first met Muriel and began their long life together. Following his 1953 ordination into the United Church ministry, and serving parishes in Quebec, John and Muriel continued their social justice ministry commitment in Toronto, sharing a home with many at Howland House for twenty years. In 1963, John joined his love of books and theology, beginning more than 20 years of service at the SCM Book Room.

John and his family kept their Maritme roots strong through summer visits to Muriel’s home in Long Reach, New Brunswick where he deepened and shared his love of and awe for God’s creation. They were drawn to the Beaver Valley in 1971, the scene of much gardening, skiing, hiking, family time, and active community engagement.

Beloved by his family and many friends in the Beaver Valley, Toronto and the Maritimes, John will be deeply missed. He leaves us with many stories to tell and wisdom to emulate. We celebrate with gratitude a long life, well-lived, with Muriel, his life partner of 65 years.

John will be interred at Fern Hill Cemetery in Saint John, New Brunswick at 2:00 p.m. on August 5, 2016.

John’s family wish to thank the nurses, doctors and staff of Meaford Hospital for their compassionate care of our Dad and ourselves in his final days. Family flowers only, but donations are welcome to Grace United Church, Project Ploughshares, and The Student Christian Movement of Canada, directly or through www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca/.

Peter is originally from the UK, where he studied English Literature at the University of Stirling. During that time he began to read about Christian Pacifism and Anarchism, and became involved in direct action against nuclear weapons. He first encountered the SCM in the UK at a camp in 2008 protesting a new coal-fired power plant, and discovered the joy of Taize prayer and sharing communion as political action.

In 2010, Peter came to Toronto to work with Christian Peacemaker Teams, with the Indigenous Peoples Solidarity project. His team has worked to support the campaigns of several First Nations to resist destructive resource extraction projects and assert Indigenous sovereignty. When not ‘on site’, the team works with schools and churches on education, reconciliation and solidarity-building programs. This includes participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Idle No More and leading short-term delegations to Grassy Narrows First Nation to learn about their history of resistance to logging without consent and mercury poisoning of their waters.

During his time in Turtle Island Peter has worked alongside the SCM to put on various events, including the Cahoots festival, the Lenten Open Mic Night, and the upcoming Turning Tables retreat for young adults. He is excited about continuing to work on these and similar collaborations, to explore and share the Good News of liberation and justice in today’s world.

Peter lives with his husband Ken, some wonderful housemates, and a variety of guests at the CPT house in Toronto, part of the historic Catholic Worker community. He is a member of Toronto United Mennonite Church where he serves as a Sunday School teacher and part of the preaching team.

You can contact Peter by emailing peter@scmcanada.org or calling the office at (416) 463-7622

The Student Christian Movement of Canada (SCM) is a progressive student movement engaged in faith and social justice.  Since 1921, students have led the SCM in exploring and challenging the Christian tradition and its meaning in society and culture. With members from all Christian denominations and places of spiritual seeking, SCM seeks to build communities where friendship, critical thinking and political action can flourish. The SCM strives to practice anti-oppression principles and to create an environment where all are welcomed and empowered.

Qualifications

• Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
• Ability to articulate one’s Christian faith
• Listening and referral skills
• Capacity to empower student leadership
• Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation
• Ability to work with funding bodies (churches and individuals)
• Current or recent student status & familiarity with the university context

Responsibilities

Programming:

• Develop promotion plan, such as information tables, print materials and social media, for orientation weeks and other events
• Organize or co-sponsor programs; poster and advertise these events
• Outreach and engagement with students to build programs and membership, and obtain club status
• Be present weekly on each campus networking and getting to know students.

Networking:

• Network with key partners on campuses (eg. supportive chaplains, Multi-Faith Centre, OPIRG, LGBTQ clubs, ecology clubs, etc.)
• Collaborate with National SCM https://scmcanada.org/
• Promote and attend  the yearly Cahoots Festival http://www.scmcanada.org/cahoots/
• Participate in Regional Retreats (ie. September 29 – Oct. 2, 2016) https://scmcanada.org/2016/05/turning-tables-fall-retreat/

• Maintain updated email lists and contact information of interested students
• Send out weekly updates through email and on Facebook

Fundraising:

• Work with the Joint Advisory Board to create regular fundraising mail-outs
• Collaborate with SCM friends to organize a Senior Friends event each year in Toronto

Accountability:

• To the York – U of T SCM Joint Advisory Board, by the circulation of one page written report on program activities prior to monthly meeting with the joint board.

Hours and remuneration:

• 20 $ per hour, 16 hours per week, August 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  June 22, 2016.  Please email cover letter and resume to Jeanette Unger, student.minister@utoronto.ca  More information: (416) 978-2785. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Provisional date for interviews is June 28, 2016.

Duration: The position is for 8 weeks starting July 1st and ending August 26, 2016.

Pay: $15/hour for 30 hours a week

Requirement: You must be a full-time student between the ages of 15-30 years old with the intention of returning to full time studies in the fall of 2016.

Application Deadline:  June 13^th, 2016

How to Apply: Send application to: hiring@scmcanada.org by June 13, 2016

 About the Position:

The Festival Resources & Event Assistant will be responsible for:

• Supporting Cahoots Collective to organize Cahoots 2017
• Coordinating SCM’s resource: Faith Study Guide on Justice Issues
• Supporting organize SCM’s fall retreat: Turning Tables

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Working with the General Secretary, outreach to community members to create Faith Study Guide and find contributors
• Organize and edit study guide with General Secretary
• Research and Contact local faith communities and churches to promote SCM’s fall retreat
• Support in organizing all aspects of the fall retreat, including logistics, programming, promotion and attending committee meetings.
• Support in preliminary organizing of Cahoots festival 2017

We are looking for students who have:
– Understanding of the political and theological orientation of social justice and faith movements
– Experience or exposure to SCM’s work on a national or regional level and/or experience in an organisation with similar vision
– Interest in the Christian ecumenical movement
– A Commitment to working in an anti-oppressive framework, including anti-racist, feminist, and LGBTQ

And interest in learning how to organize events, work with church communities, and faith based organzations.

About Student Christian Movement

The SCM or Student Christian Movement is a progressive network engaged in social justice and faith. We are a non-dogmatic community of diverse belief systems where faith and radical political action flourish.

Application Instructions: Send 350 words min about why you want and are suited for the position and tell us about yourself! And send us your CV.  We especially encourage applicants from racialized groups, and from a diversity of gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. If you are comfortable, please identify this in your application.

Turning Tables: A Young Adults Retreat on Jesus and Liberation- Fall 2016

We invite you to “Turning Tables”– a fall retreat for young adults (18-35yrs) to explore what our Christian journey could look like if we engaged our minds, our spirit and the world around us. How does one live the faith-based life in the here and now while still yearning for the kin-dom of heaven?

We will explore the theme of Think, Pray, Love to tie our political and personal convictions with our faith rooted in the story of Jesus and the Resurrection.

THINK – We have the capacity and calling to explore our personal and political convictions about the world. We will look at our diverse identities as the body of Christ. What does feminism anti-racism and gender justice have to do with it all? How do we understand our position in a world that values money and status over justice and peace?

PRAY– We will reflect on our need to nourish our spirits and to connect with God and creation to prepare us for the journey. We will practice different forms of prayer to build our power together.

LOVE– Finally, we will examine how Jesus loved in his time on earth, and how we are called to love in the context of our world today. Love as action and movement and power and the purpose of God in the world.

This national retreat is a great chance to meet other young adults from across Canada who are passionate about faith-based justice! If you are coming from outside the province and need help with your travel costs, contact us!

In partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, Toronto South West and Southeast Presbyteries of the United Church of Canada, and the Ecumenical Chaplaincy at U of T.

When: Sept. 30-Oct 2nd, 2016

Where: Countryside Camp, Cambridge ON (1.5 hours from Toronto). We’ll provide carpool from downtown Toronto, leaving around 3pm Friday.

Cost: $40.

Registration includes carpooling, stay in shared cabins, all meals and beautiful wooded surroundings! Go here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/turning-tables-think-pray-love-tickets-25383148681

Facebook event: here

You’ll need to bring sheets or sleeping bag and pillows. If you don’t have them then contact us in case we have spares.

Deadline for Applications: May 25, 2016
Work location: SCM General Office, Toronto, Ontario (Dupont & Spadina)
Term of Contract: 1 year contract, with possibility for renewal, beginning in June 2016
Salary: $36,000-38,000, plus health/wellness benefit plan.
How to Apply: Send your Cover Letter and CV to hiring@scmcanada.org

Please indicate how you meet the above qualifications,  experience, and skills  criteria, and the contribution you feel you can make toward the goals of SCM.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The successful applicant will support the life and work of the Student Christian Movement (SCM), including its local units and national programs. They will be accountable to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for implementing decisions made by the board. The General Secretary is the only hired full-time position within the SCM.

The SCM or Student Christian Movement is a progressive network engaged in social justice and faith. We are a non-dogmatic community of diverse belief systems where faith and radical political action flourish. We encourage applicants from a diversity of backgrounds such as race, language, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability.

The position will include travel and some work on weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
– Understanding of the political and theological orientation of social justice and faith movements
– Experience in grassroots justice and political organizing
– Experience or exposure to SCM’s work on a national or regional level and/or experience in an organisation with similar vision
– Experience in managing programs, events and committees
– Adequate understanding of the Christian Churches in Canada and ecumenical movement
– Commitment to working in an anti-oppressive framework, including anti-racist, feminist, and LGBTQ.
– Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
– Inter-faith experience is an asset

SKILLS
– Able to work independently (this is the only hired full-time position in the SCM) and as part of a team with local boards and units
– Strong ability to take initiative and create partnerships and programs
– Strong skills in community building and grassroots organizing, especially
in faith-based settings
– Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize day to day activities
– Strong administrative computer skills, including word processing, email, internet, and skills / aptitude / ability to learn basic publication and layout and database management
– Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict resolution
– Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, other languages an asset

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Managing Programs:
– Organize SCM’s annual program, Cahoots festival, with the festival collective, including finding speakers, booking space, and recruiting committee members
– Manage all aspects of SCM’s global exposure programs and promote to recruit participants
– Support the development of justice-focused resources and find contributors
– Organize Fall SCM Retreat with the retreat committee and promote with churches and faith communities
– Use your passion and skills to empower and support students to organise local groups in their campus or community and provide training on faith and justice issues.

B. Finance and Fundraising:
– Research and write grants to fund SCM Programs and write reports to funders
– Steward individual donors and respond to their inquiries
– In conjunction with the Treasurer, oversee finances of the SCM including bookkeeping, banking, auditing and receipting donations
– Organize direct mail and newsletter

C. Communication & Office Administration
– Administer web site, social media, and moderate mailing lists
– Create monthly e-newsletters
– Develop and maintain relationships with SCM alumni and other key stakeholders
– Ensure bills are paid, such as rent, mailing, internet service etc, and ensure files are organized.

D. Contact with National Churches and Organisations:
– Develop and maintain relationships with campus ministries and ecumenical coalitions and develop partnerships when possible
– Attend and participate in faith and ecumenical events, retreats, conferences and church services to meet like-minded people and partners (some weekend work)
– Work with the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) and its regional north American body located in NYC and its committees to develop and participate in global programs.
– Develop and maintain contact with church bodies, including being available for speaking engagements

Where: Toronto- Multi-Faith Centre, Room 208 (accessible)

When: April 15, 2016 / 6-8 pm

SCM students will lead us in song, prayers and reflection and then we will eat together a meal prepared by the Afghan Women’s Catering Group.

IF YOU have been part of our community in some way:

– You attend our events (Bible Study, Cahoots, trips and conferences….
– You participate in organizing our projects, resources…
– You’ve worked with SCM/WSCF
– You have helped out in some way…
– Or JUST BENEFITED from our existence in this world and in this city…
– AND you loooove us….

THEN please come. We want to thank you and fellowship together!
This is a FREE event, but donations are of course welcomed.

Hosted by WSCF Canada, SCM Canada and SCM U of T.