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Christ-centred. Creative. Canadian.
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One year ago, I was in southwestern Uganda on my first (and to this day, only) birding trip. Paul, my guide, would hiss “shhh, shhh” in the direction of a bush to flush out hidden songbirds. “That's a common language,” he told me. “All birds say that when there is danger.”
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Paul translated what the birds said. A bird song, having a certain melody, can sound similar to sentences in tonal languages. And so, in the language of Rukiga, the common bulbul says Rwakisokore – sit properly!
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Paul introduced me to local birds that were named after European explorers (or their mistresses – a Lady Ross's Touraco gazed down at us from the eucalyptus).
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I like to think that our conversations around ethics come from a desire to prioritize what is good, beautiful and true. And adding to it.
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What have you noticed today?
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Did someone forward this newsletter to you?
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BRIAN DOERKSEN'S HALLELUJAH STILL SOUNDS IN MY HOME
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Globally-recognized musician and Abbotsford local, Doerksen leaves a legacy of faithfulness in music and life that continues to bless families.
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Jaime Spyksma
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On July 21, 2026, the Lord called Brian Doerksen home after decades of faithful service in Christian music. It was unexpected; he was diagnosed with stage four cancer only weeks earlier. He was 60 years old. An internationally cherished songwriter, producer and mentor from Abbotsford, British Columbia, he began his ministry in the 1980s as a worship pastor at the Langley Vineyard Fellowship in Langley, B.C.
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THE BIRDWATCHING BOOM
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Covid created a boom in Canadian birdwatching and technology has sustained it.
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Abby Ciona
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The covid pandemic led to a rise in birdwatching in Canada that has only continued to increase. On May 9, birdwatchers around the globe documented 8,000 bird species in one day, making it a world record. Birds have become more visible in culture, too: there are bird board games, bird festivals and even birdwatching video games.
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WHY IS IT HARD TO LOVE MY NEIGHBOUR?
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Arthur Boers
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Co-written by a practical theologian and a social psychologist, this book draws on both of their specialties to understand what it takes to love one’s neighbours.This remarkable book challenges, encourages and heartens. The authors remind us of a rich paradox in our faith: when we are generous we receive far more than we give.
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BUILDING A PERSONAL MODEL OF ADDICTION
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Jenny Siebring deGroot
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Recovering People’s nuanced title is suitably chosen for this slim volume. In a polarized discussion, it offers a third way to an understanding of addiction and recovery. It is an invitation to reconsider our understanding of personhood as well as the role the church community might take in being a place of healing.
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BRAIN ORGANOIDS
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Rudy Eikelboom
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Scientists have begun growing human brain tissue in a dish. Researchers are aware of these ethical issues and have organized meetings involving not only scientists but also philosophers, ethicists, lawyers and public groups. However, as Christians, we need to consider the implications of such research, as well as advances in other areas like AI.
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URBAN GARDEN
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Sara Ran
She tends tomatoes on her fire escape,
defying concrete with stubborn green hope.
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Each morning, watering can in hand, she climbs three flights to meet her miracle.
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The city breathes exhaust and hurry,
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but here—four floors above the chaos— cherry tomatoes blush toward ripeness, basil perfumes the summer air.
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We love birds so much, we're kind of obsessed with them. There's even one in our logo! Help CC take to the skies: subscribe in print!
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