Between Peter and Paul

Let's face it; the great Apostles, Peter and Paul, came from very different backgrounds.  One was a plain-spoken fisherman who spent a great deal of time with his foot in his mouth.  The other was a well-educated Pharisee with a gift for midrash, sermonizing and writing.

Both were unified in this: their faith in their Lord and Saviour, Jesus, the Christ.

January 18 each year marks The Confession of St. Peter -- when Peter announces with conviction, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16: 16).  January 25 each year marks The Conversion of St. Paul on the Damascus Road (Acts 9: 3-9).

Conversion of St. Paul
Caravaggio, ca. 1600

Between these two auspicious anniversaries, since 1908, the Church has marked a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  As the website for the Canadian Council of Churches puts it:

By finding ways to pray together during this week, we join with all people around the world who are praying, reflecting, studying, and even eating and drinking together to celebrate and pray for Christian unity.

The theme for this year is Jesus' words to the Samaritan Woman at the well: "Give me a drink." (John 4: 4-26)

St. Photina -
the Woman at the Well
Orthodox Icon

Please keep all Christians and their church communities in your prayers this week.  If you are planning a visit to Calgary and wish to participate in a service of worship and prayer for this special Week, you can do so here:

Wednesday, January 21, 12:00 noon Student Prayer for Christian Unity University of Calgary - MacEwan Student Centre (MSC 487- The Loft); Mount Royal University-Meditation Centre (near West Gate); Ambrose University-Kirk Prayer Room.

Wednesday, January 21, 7:00pm Conversations of unCommon Grace-Human Trafficking "Hiding in Plain Sight-Labour Trafficking".  Speakers are Carmin Moore, Cindy Kovalak (ACT Alberta) at Grace Presbyterian Church (1009-15 Avenue SW).

Thursday, January 22, 11:15am  Ambrose University Chapel Service.  Speaker is Bishop Don Bolen at Ambrose University (150 Ambrose Circle SW)

Thursday, January 22, 7:00 Evening Prayer for Christian Unity.  Celebrant is Bishop Frederick Henry at St. Mary's Cathedral (219-18 Avenue SW).

Sunday, January 25, 7:00pm  Ecumenical Prayer Service.  Speaker is the Rev. Susan Brandt (Street Level Church, Calgary) at the Calgary Community Reformed Church (1638-30 Avenue SW).