Honouring Our Saints: Nancy Whitla

Photo courtesy of Rick Garland

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 Hiring! Vancouver Local Coordinator

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.

Local Coordination Job Posting 2025 Vancouver.docxDownload

We’re Hiring Local Coordinators!

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!

Brock Local Coordinator Job Posting 2025.docxDownload
_Local Coordinator Job Posting 2024 Saskatoon.docx (2)Download

SCM’s Lent Poetry-Reading Club

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

Register to receive Zoom link

SCM & WSCF-C Gathering to Remember Lois Wilson

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!

To RSVP & receive the Zoom joining information, please click here to register, or copy & paste the following into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrduyhrTstE9YDYBDymeZQzd7rp_cKJM6y#/registration

Waiting for Christ in a Wounded World: An SCM Advent Companion

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.

Waiting for ChristDownload
Waiting for Christ PrintVersionDownload

Job Opportunity: Saskatoon Local Coordinator Position

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.

_Local Coordinator Job Posting 2024 Saskatoon.docx (1)Download

Hiring Local Coordinators Across Canada!

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

Local Coordination Job Posting 2024 General.docxDownload

Job Posting: York University Student Coordinator 2024

The Student Christian Movement of Canada (SCM) is a progressive student movement on university campuses 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 – queer affirming, anti-racist, and decolonizing – and to create an environment where all are welcomed and empowered.

This position is to create and develop an SCM community centered on faith and justice at York University – Keele or Glendon campus.

Qualifications
– Passion for action on faith and social justice issues
– Ability to articulate one’s faith and spirituality
– Knowledge of Christian theology and ability to facilitate ecumenical conversations
– Capacity to recruit and empower student leadership
– Skills and experience in communication, organization and event facilitation
– Current student status & familiarity with the university context
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively
– Commitment to creating LGBTQ+ affirming, anti-racist and decolonizing spaces

Responsibilities
– Outreach, engagement, and relationship building with students on campus to build group membership
– Network with other student groups on campus and supportive faith leaders
– Plan, promote, and organize regular programs/events for the SCM in collaboration with membership
– Maintain student club registration and club records to support leadership transition
– Participate in York University Interfaith Council
– Promote the SCM through email and social media
– Work with the SCM Advisory Board to create regular fundraising mailings at end of semester
– Collaborate with SCM Advisory Board to organize a yearly SCM alumni/supporter event in spring
– Collaborate with other SCM coordinators (U of T and TMU) and the national SCM

Accountability:
This position is accountable to the York SCM Advisory Board, by the circulation of a written report on program activities prior to meeting with the board.

Hours and remuneration:
$23 per hour, 8 hours per week, from August 15, 2024 to April 30, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until August 6, 2024. Please email a cover letter and resume to yorkboard@scmcanada.org. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Download a pdf of this job posting HERE.