Wonderful Wednesdays - Fall 2017

We're excited to announce the 2017 Fall Series of Wonderful Wednesdays at St. George's Church. In celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, this three-part series will be exploring the life and work of reformer Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) and how his legacy continues to influence how we worship today.

As always, we encourage folks to arrive anytime after 9:30 am for coffee, tea and treats, and then we'll settle in for each speaker at 10:00 am. Speakers are usually done by 11:30 am, and we take a 10-minute intermission. Bring your friends! Please feel welcome to invite anybody you think might enjoy Wonderful Wednesdays. Admission is by donation and everyone is welcome.

Reformation - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Translating the Bible—Transforming the Faith

October 11 with Michael Hadley

In highlighting key issues of the 16th century Reformation, this talk will explore central aspects of the life and work of reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546). A central focus of the talk will be Luther’s approach to translating the Bible. As an interactive exercise, the audience will be invited to suggest a ‘new’ translation of St. John’s expression: “In the beginning was the Word.” 

Michael Hadley is Professor Emeritus of the University of Victoria, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and past Fellow of  UVic’s Centre for Studies in Religion and Society. He is the author of several books. His previous presentations to Wonderful Wednesdays included “The Arc of Justice, ” a three-part series addressing issues of justice, evil, and forgiveness. He is a parishioner Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria.

Worship and Music Matters in the Reformation

October 18 with The Rev. Lyle McKenzie

Luther’s intention was to preserve “the mass.”  But he and the other reformers made certain changes to faithfully serve the proclamation of the Word – the good news of God’s grace in Christ Jesus to free and console people. These changes, especially in assembly participation and singing, influence how we worship and how we are formed by worship and music today, and they encourage a continuing reformation of worship for every time and context.

Rev. Lyle McKenzie serves as Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Cross of Victoria, part-time Chaplain in Multifaith Services at the University of Victoria, and as Assistant to the National Bishop - Worship, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.  In his spare time he enjoys a large family and drives, rides, and fixes old stuff. 

Faith as “Living, Daring Confidence in God’s Grace”

October 25 with The Rev. Elizabeth Welch

Central to Luther’s convictions were the freedom of the individual and the importance of personal faith in God’s grace.  This lecture will explore how these principles paved the way for an ongoing reformation in which individual believers have pushed against the rules of the institutional Church that they experienced as placing limits on God’s grace.  In conclusion we will ask together: what in the Church cries out for reformation in our own age?

The Rev. Elizabeth Welch began her appointment as the Incumbent of St. George the Martyr, Cadboro Bay in August 2017.  Elizabeth was ordained in the Episcopal Church in Diocese of California in 2008 where for many years she served in chaplaincy at San Francisco General Hospital. In 2014, Elizabeth completed a M.A. in Religious Studies with specialization in Biomedical Ethics at McGill University. Most recently she served as Incumbent of the Parish of St. Andrew and St. Mark in Dorval, QC. 

Moderated Panel Discussion

November 1 with Dr. Michael Hadley, The Rev. Lyle McKenzie, & The Rev. Elizabeth Welch

After four weeks of learning about The Reformation, we're sure that you might have a few questions. This moderated panel discussion will bring all three of our speakers back to the St. George's stage for a rousing discussion. We'll give you an opportunity to submit questions throughout the four-week series, and then we'll address your questions (and anything else that may come up) in this panel.

Wonderful Wednesdays is an educational forum that welcomes a wide community. Lecturers and facilitators present a two or three session series. The program draws together diverse perspectives on various subjects.  

9:30 am            People arrive for coffee and sweets. 
10-11:30 am     The presentation & discussion with a mid-point coffee break. 

Bring your friends for a stimulating mid-week morning.