The Messenger Vol. 54 No. 08 September 2016

The Messenger a publication of the Evangelical

Mennonite Conference

Volume 54  No. 08  September 2016

Being the

Communion

of Saints

page 6

ALSO INSIDE:

A Caboose, a Call, and 56 Years Later page 10 Advancing Christ's Kingdom Culture page 13 $2.00

Editorials

What’s gained by being in the EMC?

I

f we take Portage Evangelical Church as an example, sitting here in this editor’s chair offers a unique vantage point.

The EMC church in Portage developed in 1959 when Dave K. and Helen Schellenberg, and family, moved from Steinbach to lead the work. The work was administered under the EMC Extension Committee and supported with the prayers and help of the wider EMC. While committed to the local church, Pastor Schellenberg’s thoughts went beyond it to the well-being of the EMC. In 1963 he became the founding editor of The Messenger. For about three years, while pastoring in Portage, he travelled regularly to Steinbach and stayed overnight to put together the magazine—26 issues in a year.

In 1965 he further showed his support for the wider EMC by joining the national office as, ultimately, its executive secretary to the Board of Education and Publication

(now BCM). He served in that capacity until 1987. For years I literally sat in the chair that he used in his conference-wide ministry.

From its start, Portage Evangelical Church has benefitted from the EMC’s guidance, finances, prayers, examination of ministerial candidates, regional and national connections, national and international missions efforts, educational resources, and more.

In turn, the wider EMC benefits from Portage’s connections through people, prayer, ministries, and finances. PEC can provide input at national ministerial and conference council gatherings and elsewhere.

As part of the Holy Bride of Christ, the EMC—in its parts and as a whole—matters. Our yearly convention reminds us of this. Enjoy reading about it.

See you next year!

– Terry M. Smith

In turn, the wider EMC benefits from Portage’s connections through people, prayer, ministries, and finances.

••

Abortion, a forgotten issue?

A

past government’s approval of the abortion pill RU 486 concerns some of us, myself included.

No major political party in Canada wants to reopen the abortion question, though some MPs would.

In India abortions based on gender selection, normally with girl fetuses being rejected, are outlawed. Women’s groups are against gender selection abortion. I applaud such concern, but ask, with others, why object if the fetus is not a person? Are “potential” girls not to be discriminated against? What then about “potential” boys?

“We believe that God created the human race, both male and female, in his own image. We believe, therefore, in the sanctity of all human life, regardless of age, ability or state of development” (EMC Statement of Faith, The Dignity of the Human Race). This statement was included decades ago, partly in response to the social issue of abortion.

2 The Messenger • September 2016

When news came out about a year ago that a dentist had killed a lion in Zimbabwe, a protest surrounded his office. Observing this, an EMC minister was disturbed that such a protest was allowed while vigils near abortion clinics are frowned on. Children deserve more care than pets—as Harvey Plett, an EMC missionary in the Bahamas and Belize, said years ago in The Winnipeg Free Press.

Russell Doerksen, in Theodidaktos (Aug. 2015), says it isn’t enough to be against abortion; we are to provide help so that more women can give birth.

The highest authorities in the land play a role in protecting the unborn: “Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness” (Pro. 16:12). “By justice a king gives a country stability” (Pro. 29:4).

– Terry M. Smith

Are “potential” girls not to be discriminated against? What then about “potential” boys?

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

5

Being the Communion of Saints – Troy Selley

10 A Caboose, a Call, and 56 Years Later – Dave Harms

13 Advancing Christ's Kingdom Culture – Garry Koop

16 Ministerial Ponders Draft Statement of Faith – Terry M. Smith

18 Council Approves Option Two, Church Planting Highlighted – Terry M. Smith

Departments 2 Editorials 3 Pontius’ Puddle 4, 29

News

Writings Shared

page

– Henry Friesen

19

24 Archives Alcove The Pain of Bern – Terry M. Smith

27 Further In and Higher Up Beauty That Takes Us Captive – Layton Friesen

34 Here and Far Away

Blindspots – Jocelyn R. Plett

35 Stewardship Today

What Did You Plant This Spring?

– Harold Penner

36 Kids’ Corner

page

28

All About Change – Loreena Thiessen

page

24

25 With Our Churches 28 With Our Missionaries 32 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 54 No. 08 September 2016

News

Cornelius: Stand with, pray for, give to help during drought in Ethiopia Celebration was held at food distribution site

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

The Messenger is the publication, published nine times per year, of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

Single copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362

Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 09 - Oct. 2016 issue (copy due Sept. 22)

4 The Messenger • September 2016

ETHIOPIA—“A palpable and overwhelming sense of relief.” That’s how Jim Cornelius, executive director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), described the mood during an emergency food distribution for drought-affected people in Dugda, Ethiopia.

“When all your emotional and mental energy is being consumed with trying to figure out how you and your children will find enough food for tomorrow, the relief at knowing you now have enough food for another month is incredible,” he says.

“It was almost a festive atmosphere,” he says. “People were smiling and joyous.”

In Dugda, in the drought-stricken Oromia region of Ethiopia, the CFGB is providing 41,000 people a month with emergency food rations through its member, World Renew. Additionally, 14,000 children under the age of five and pregnant and breastfeeding women are receiving Famix, a fortified highly nutritious supplementary food.

Normally, people in Dugda do not need food assistance. The region typically receives sufficient rainfall for households to grow enough food to feed themselves and sell surplus crops.

Right now, it is one of the hardest hit areas in terms of the severe drought caused by the El Nino weather event and one of the top “hotspots” in need of emergency food relief.

The Ethiopian government has been responding to the emergency needs around the country, but substantial international assistance is also needed. Meserete Jima, her husband, and their two children, are four of those people who need help. Most

PUBLIC DOMAIN

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

years, they are able to grow enough food to meet their own needs with some surplus they sell to pay for things like school fees and medicine.

After the short and long rains failed in 2015, they harvested almost nothing and have been struggling to buy the food they need.

Meserete has sold off all but two of the family’s sheep to help pay for food and other expenses. “I’m very concerned for my family’s future,” she says, noting that the two remaining sheep are so thin that selling them will bring little income.

Meserete’s husband has left the community to look for work, but with millions of people facing similar conditions, he has yet to find anything.

The emergency food rations Meserete and her two children receive through the CFGB are vital to her and her children’s wellbeing. Assistance with new seeds for planting will also be needed.

Cornelius invites supporters to stand with and pray for the people of Ethiopia “and support our emergency response.”

– Amanda Thorsteinsson, CFGB Ways to contact: 1-800-665-0377, cfgb@foodgrainsbank.ca. See foodgrainsbank.ca. Please keep in mind that CFGB has a wider African Drought Appeal.

Column • Writings Shared Peace Clan: Mennonite Peacemaking in Somalia, Peter M. Sensenig (Pickwick, 2016). 286 pp. $34. ISBN 978498231015. Reviewed by Henry Friesen, MPhilF, member of leadership team at The ConneXion (Arborg).

P

eace Clan is an informative, thoughtful, and ultimately hopeful account of peace making in Somalia over the course of six decades. Somalia is a place of intransigent conflict, but the stories of Mennonites who have worked to bring health, education, and peace to one of the most war-ravaged areas of our planet sparks hope that peace is possible if we learn new ways of “elicitive” peace-building, rather than relying on overwhelming force to impose peace.

Elicitive is a term used frequently in Peace Clan to name the model of harnessing traditional Islamic and Somali values to build peace between clans in conflict. In this way peace is elicited (called out) from the values already shared by clans to build enduring peace from the existing grassroots values, rather than trying to

REGISTRATION DETAILS

impose peace from the top down using the same means of violence that are the very devastating results of inter-clan conflict.

It is partially due to the success of the model that the contribution of Mennonite workers to peace in Somalia is not well-known. Mennonites took risks and bore costs to bring clan leaders together, but clan leaders were responsible to for the conversations and results. Mennonites were frequently asked to attend and observe, but they intentionally maintained a low profile.

Peace Clan is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in an alternative to the reigning (Black Hawk Down) paradigms of the conflict in Somalia, and it offers a profoundly hopeful and timely alternative to the notion that overwhelming force is the best—if not only— option for controlling conflict.

Registration opens September 1, 2016.

Registration includes meals (except breakfast) and refreshments during the conference.

About the CMHA

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

The CMHA is an annual gathering that

encouragement, teaching and Quarterlyoffers Financial Report 2016

For registration and payment options visit: www.CanadianMennoniteHealth Assembly.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

connection for Mennonite health care Jan-June organizations across Canada. Jan–June

2016

2015

year we invite all who provide Receipts andThis Transfers 723,022 667,8971 healthcare from a Christian faith Disbursements 906,882 1,024,022 perspective to join us. Be inspired.

Connect together...and Excess/Shortfall -183,860lead! -356,125

The Board of Trustees is grateful for the faithful giving of churches and individuals to the Conference budget. Thank you for giving generously to the work we are doing together. Here are the results for the second quarter of 2016.

CMHA Contact Info Tim Dyck 75 PTH 12 North General Secretary Steinbach, MB R5G 1T3 Phone: 204-320-9200 Toll Free: 1-877-906-9200

E-mail: info@daysinnsteinbach.com

Special Room Rates Available if booked prior to October 2, 2016.

Call the Days Inn directly and request to be booked in the HavenGroup Block

For more information about this conference go to: www.CanadianMennoniteHealthAssembly.com Email: connect@CanadianMennoniteHealth Assembly.com

2016 Conference

Places of Refuge November 2 - 4 Mennonite Heritage Village 231 PTH 12N

Steinbach, Manitoba www.canadianmennonitehealthassembly.com

Check the website regularly for updates.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

PUBLIC DOMAIN

6 The Messenger • September 2016

The Apostles’ Creed Through 2016

Being the Communion of Saints

by Troy Selley

I

grew up reciting the Apostles’ Creed every other week until I could say it from memory. Creeds were an integral part of Sunday worship in our small-town Anglican church, even if they were recited in a slow monotone by minister and congregation alike. Whenever we said the words, “I believe in...the communion of saints,” I would picture Jesus sitting with his disciples at the Last Supper, and I would think, Absolutely, I believe that happened.

The Early Meaning

A Second Question

This leads us to ask a second question: what does it mean for us to participate in the fellowship of holy people? First, let us define “holy people” or “saints” simply as all who have a saving faith in Jesus Christ. These are the people who make up the Church, the one body of Christ.

Sanctorum communionem can be translated as either “the communion of saints” as it is most widely understood, or as “participation in the holy things.” Both translations emphasize an active participation in the fellowship of holy people, which is the Church (both local and global). So what does active participation look like for us in the Church today that remains faithful to our stated belief in the communion of saints?

what does it mean for us to believe in the communion of saints?

This childhood understanding is probably not what the original authors of the Apostles’ Creed had in mind, yet it leads us to ask an important question: what does it mean for us to believe in the communion of saints?

Thomas P. Rausch, in his book I Believe in God, tells us that the phrase “the communion of saints” was not included in the earliest versions of the creed. It was first found in a commentary written

by Nicetas of Remesiana about the turn of the fifth century, where he used the Latin phrase sanctorum communionem to describe the fellowship of holy people who have lived across all of time.

Defining Communion

Serving as an altar boy was the obvious way for a young boy to participate in the Anglican church.

I have fond memories of wearing the heavy wool robes in the sweltering summer heat, proudly knowing the order in which to light the candles, and knowing exactly when to bring the bread, wine, and water to the minister at the altar for

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the Lord’s Supper. I even mowed the grass at the church every summer. By all accounts, I felt like I was a part of the communion in our church.

Unfortunately, what we feel is not always the best indicator of whether or not we are on the right path. The communion of saints demands not just activity, but Spirit-led and Spirit-filled activity.

We may dutifully attend church three out of five Sundays per month, cook a pie for the youth fundraiser, and make a generous donation to the mission trip, making us feel like we are actively participating in the life of the church. Without discounting the value of these activities in their proper context, we must admit that we also have ample opportunity to do similar things as part of other clubs and organizations.

Baptism

I like to think of baptism as our official introduction to the communion of saints, “identifying the believer with the church of Christ,” as stated in our Statement of Faith. Jesus Christ instructed all who would believe in Him to be baptized as a public declaration of our repentance and as a declaration to the world, “I belong to Jesus!”

It is also an invitation to our local fellowship to walk with us on this journey—to teach us, to disciple us, to correct us, and to help us grow in Jesus Christ. In baptism one asks for true communion—authentic fellowship on a level only possible through Jesus Christ—with other Christ-followers.

The communion of saints demands not just activity, but Spirit-led and Spirit-filled activity.

Activities That Set Us Apart

We must dare to dig deeper and ask, what activities set the Church apart from the world? What are the activities that bind us together as a communion of saints across all of time and across the globe in this current day?

Although the Apostles’ Creed makes no specific reference to these activities, our faith tradition calls them “ordinances.” The ordinances of baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and footwashing are foundational to our participation in the holy things. They are the Spirit-led and Spirit-filled activities that bind us all across time and space.

The Lord’s Supper

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is a continual reminder that we are all bound together in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Though some see the Lord’s Supper primarily as a time for individual reflection and worship, the aspect of fellowship throughout scripture is too strong to ignore.

Jesus expressed his longing to celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples (Luke 22:15) and Paul harshly corrected individuals of the church at Corinth for going ahead and eating the Lord’s Supper without waiting for anyone else (1 Cor. 11:21). Participation in the Lord’s Supper with other believers is active participation in the communion of saints.

ISTOCK

Footwashing

8 The Messenger • September 2016

Footwashing is perhaps one of the most overlooked activities within the fellowship that can bind us together. In the practice of footwashing, the communion of saints expresses the value of love for one another, and service to one another. To humbly kneel before a brother or sister in Christ and wash their feet is an act unique in its practice and unrivalled in its power to bond us together in the Spirit.

it all, the ordinances bind us together as one communion of saints.

DESIGNPICS

Experiencing the Communion of Saints

The ordinances are three simple, traditional, and foundational activities that define our participation in the communion of the saints.

Beyond these, we can add the long list of activities we carry out in expressing our worship of God, in fulfilling the Great Commission, and in living out the Great Commandment.

Our activities, our methods, and even our specific callings will vary from church to church as we each find our place in God’s plan. Through

Our activities, our methods, and even our specific callings will vary from church to church as we each find our place in God’s plan. Through it all, the ordinances bind us together as one communion of saints.

This past Christmas, 28 members from our church had to opportunity to worship with a small, passionate church appropriately named Noah’s Ark, in El Zorrillo, Baja California, Mexico. Our worldly differences were stark— from opportunity, to income level, to housing and transportation, to the many cultural and language differences. Yet something holy happened when Canadians and Mexicans gathered together before our one and only Lord.

None of our earthly differences mattered, as we came together as a communion of saints.

We shared a meal together. We sang worship songs in Spanish and English. We prayed over a very special family. Pastor Angel blessed me with the privilege of preaching God’s Word, and our gifted translator Lorena made sure all understood. It was a small, yet exhilarating preview of what it will be like when the communion of saints truly comes together as one in eternity.

The communion of saints is unlike any other fellowship, club, group, or organization in the world. This is because the communion of saints is not of this world. It is of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. So bake those pies, serve faithfully on church committees, shake hands, and give hugs freely every Sunday morning; but also engage in the deep riches of authentic communion experienced through the ordinances. Practice the holy things that set the church apart from the world and bond all saints together for eternity.

Troy Selley, MDiv., and his wife CoraLee are living by grace as they pastor Oak Bluff Bible Church, in southern Man., and raise their three children. Watch for Troy’s new blog smallchurchlife.com launching in late fall.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

A Caboose, a Call, and 56 Years Later

ISTOCK

by Rev. Dave Harms

S

tories of interest to share from the past? I can talk about the Roseisle EMC’s history before it became an EMC church and the part I had in it becoming a part of the EMC. A number of families from various Mennonite conferences settled in the Roseisle, Man., area, mostly from the southern part of the province that had become fairly congested, especially for farmers. They found that in this area the land was somewhat cheaper for farming operations. They also realized they wanted a Mennonite church in Roseisle. What to do?

The John Klassen family moved their house to the area in the summer of 1955. John’s father, Abram Klassen, and his wife moved to a farm across the road to the southwest of the present church property in the fall of that year.

Abram was a deacon in the Bergthaler church and actively pushed for a church start in the community. On his yard was an old railroad caboose full of ceramic pots and other craft supplies. He decided to clean it up, put in some benches, and start with Sunday School and church. I remember being in that caboose a number of years before I ever dreamed I would

be a pastor of that congregation.

The group outgrew that facility fairly quickly.

I could not find anyone who knew how or when they found an old school building and moved it to the present site of the Roseisle EMC. They dug a fairly large hole in anticipation of someday putting the building on a basement. They moved the school onto the hole and began meeting in it.

In due time the group started talking about which conference they should join. Until that point ministers from all the conferences represented in the congregation would come and serve on Sundays. Someone from the church had made an inquiry whether the EMMC would want to come to help them with the church plant. Others thought they should perhaps contact a conference that did not have adherents living in the area.

John’s father, Abram Klassen, and his wife moved to a farm across the road to the southwest of the present church property in the fall of that year.

10 The Messenger • September 2016

The EMC Connection

This idea led to a delegation going to the Rosenort EMC missions conference to assess what they thought of the EMC. I could not discover which year this was when three delegates from Roseisle came for an evening service. The

They turned off the lights to save the battery and hoped they would make it home.

Good thing it was a clear night with a full moon.

In By A Close Vote

In 1960 the ministerial had made a motion at a brotherhood meeting that they needed one more minister to continue to fill the pulpits on Sunday mornings since the group was already ministering in a number of locales. After getting consent from the brotherhood, they decided to have a vote in the middle of February to elect a minister and a deacon by ballot.

When the ministers went to count the ballots in the ministers’ room, they found it was nearly a tie for the minister vote. After some discussion they decided they would ask the brotherhood if they were in favour of having two ministers instead of only one, because it was so close to a tie. By a show of hands the brotherhood accepted the proposal. This was how I was elected to be a minister.

Not long after this election, the chairman of the Rosenort mission committee asked whether Katie and I would consider helping with the church plant in Roseisle. After praying about it and trying to determine God›s will, we said yes.

I, of course, had to be ordained to preach and the ordination had to take place soon because Katie was “great with child.” The date of March 15, 1960, was set for the ordination. That was the first Sunday I was sent to Roseisle to teach the Sunday School class and preach my first message in Roseisle. I hurried home after the service

DAVE HARMS (ARCHIVES)

delegates were Jake Driedger, Jake Martens, and John Klassen.

The delegates were impressed with a number of missionaries reporting and enjoyed the service. They decided to ask the local mission committee whether they would consider helping with the church plant in Roseisle. They got a favourable response and so it was decided to bring their report back to Roseisle.

The delegates trip home after the meeting was rather interesting. They were travelling in Jake Driedgers International pickup when on Highway 23 the fan belt gave out.

They turned off the lights to save the battery and hoped they would make it home. Good thing it was a clear night with a full moon. If a car approached, they flashed their lights to let the oncoming driver know there was someone else on the road. They made it home without any further incidents.

Again I am not sure how soon after the delegation had been in Rosenort that they called a meeting to decide what to do. The decision was made to vote between the EMMC and EMC. The majority voted for the EMC. Corny F. Dueck was chairman of the Rosenort mission committee. Henry F. Harms was on the committee as well. The committee delegated Henry to be the leader to teach Sunday School.

The committee would also get the ministerial to send a preacher for the Sunday morning services. Henry is not sure what year he started, but was then involved with the Sunday School for one or two years.

Roseisle EMC's first pastoral couple, Dave and Katie Harms, are seen here with their daughters Lucille, Elaine, Eleanor, and Heidi.

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TERRY M. SMITH

From the year 2000: The current meeting place stands beside Roseisle EMC's earlier building.

since relatives from Katie›s side of the family had gathered at our house for lunch and to take in the ordination service. That was a full day! The rest of that year I went to Roseisle on a regular basis for the Sunday services.

A Cold January

Later that fall or early winter the Rosenort mission committee asked us whether we would consider moving to Roseisle for a five-month term. They would move an old mobile home to the town for us to live in and give us a salary for that period of time. After the five months, there would be an evaluation to determine whether the arrangement for this church plant should continue or be terminated.

I don’t imagine I will ever forget January 1961: frozen ground, a cold mobile home, no running water unless I ran to a pump to get it, no sewer and only an outdoor toilet, and bitter cold. But we continued in earnest with the church plant.

I remember John Klassen had built a stove out of a 45-gallon drum, which was our heater in the old school. It was plenty hot close by, not quite as warm farther away. However, that was all we had at that time.

When our five-month term was over, we knew we would not leave. However, we were now on our own. We felt very strongly that God wanted us to plant the Roseisle EMC and in 2016 we celebrate 56 years of God’s

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ANDREW WALKER

56 Years Later

faithfulness. Today we have a beautiful building, a wonderful congregation, and what great men of God it has had to follow me in carrying on the work.

God has promised in His Word that it will not return to Him without results, but will accomplish that whereto He sends it. To our God alone be all honour and praise for what He has done.

In John 15:16, Jesus says, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last.” My challenge to the Roseisle EMC is in agreement with a statement Pastor Kelly Lesser had in his sermon in 2011: Keep on moving forward in faith and continue to produce fruit that will last.

Dave Harms served as pastor of the Roseisle EMC from 1960 to 1978. This article, slightly updated, is based on his memories shared at the congregation’s 50-year celebration. Dave and his wife Fran are retired in Steinbach, Man.

JESSICA WICHERS

Convention 2016

Advancing Christ’s Kingdom Culture

by Pastor Garry Koop

“H

e who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). It’s a strange phrase. Jesus returned to this phrase in the book of Revelation, speaking to the seven churches. But what does it mean?

What else are ears for other than hearing?

It is a figure of speech. It means more than just hearing a sound. It means listening, processing, paying attention, taking in what is being said, and also a willingness to do something about it.

But you’re not. Most people are not. The disciples and the crowd who gathered around Jesus did not come with ears to hear.

“Church” lets out; the large crowd disperses; but a smaller group of people, including Jesus’ twelve disciples, stay back to ask Jesus about the parable because they don’t get it. Read Mark 4:13, 18-19.

Will You Be Open?

Really hearing Jesus is essential to understanding and interpretation, but Jesus explains there are many impediments to hearing. This passage is about you, and me, just as much as it was for the disciples and the crowd in first-century Jerusalem. You hear the Word of God regularly. But there are varying degrees of receptivity. You are easily distracted.

You might be thinking vision is an extension of the present or the past, and resist any possibility of change. You might be thinking “new”

Will you be open to what the Holy Spirit will say to you? must means “old” is disregarded, and so resist God’s vision for the EMC even though this is not true and counter-biblical. You might be thinking, “I wish so and so was here to hear this,” and miss what is meant for you. Pastors, and preachers, you might struggle with comparing or analyzing the speaker or techniques. Others might be distracted by worries or anxieties. You live a satisfying and comfortable life, and everything you hear is filtered through keeping it for you and your family.

You might want everything said to validate what you already believe. All of this and more will impede your ability to hear what the Lord Jesus, by His Holy Spirit, wills to say to you all this weekend.

In your worries, do you notice you are the centre and not God? What is God saying? What does God desire? What is God doing? What is God’s vision for the EMC? Will you lay down your worries, personal agendas, ambitions, pride, and prejudice? Will you be open to what the Holy Spirit will say to you with a willingness to join Him in the ministry He is calling you to? Those who have ears to hear, let them hear . . . God’s vision for the EMC.

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A Movement of People

“Our people.” It’s a phrase I heard quite a bit when I moved to Steinbach and especially when I attended Conference conventions. Sometimes I’ve heard the phrase, “EMCers.” This is more descriptive. There is this great big letter “M” in the middle of our Conference three-letter acronym. But what does “Mennonite” mean?

Steinbach EMC, Blumenort EMC, and EFC in Steinbach host a Global Missions Conference.

We planned a “kick off ” by eating together, having food which represents some of the diversity in our congregations. Here is what we originally came up with: Filipino food, Spanish food, Mennonite food. Do you recognize the problem?

This is a category mash up. Country, language, and what?

There are more Mennonites south of the equator than north, likely more non-white Mennonites than white, more Mennonites that dance and shout than those who remain still and silent. So what in the world is Mennonite food?

Not only do we not understand what Mennonite means, there is miscommunication about it.

What is God calling people to? What is God inviting people into? What did Jesus preach?

What Jesus preached is connected to why He was killed.

Read John 18:33–40. Jesus is on trial (if I can use the term) because of accusations of being a king. Jesus’ first statement to Pilate is to speak of Jesus’ kingdom, that it is not from this world, meaning it is from God. The proclamation of the Kingdom of God was central to Jesus’ preaching and teaching.

A kingdom is characterized by a king. A boss.

Jesus was and is that king, and this conflict eventually got Him killed.

This, as Scot McKnight points out in his book, Kingdom Conspiracy, has been the conflict throughout human history. God alone is King, but from Adam and Eve to Israel, humans attempt to usurp God’s rule, and He continues to forgive.

Eventually God comes as Jesus, establishes His kingdom on earth, marked by the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

God is now ruling in King Jesus. Israel and the Church live under the rule of King Jesus. Forgiveness is granted through King Jesus. The rule of Jesus will be complete in the final kingdom on earth. This is the next and final major milestone on human’s timeline.

God’s vision is for EMC to be a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom. A movement of people, not stationary, but joining in amongst

There are more Mennonites south of the equator than north, likely more non-white Mennonites than white, more Mennonites that dance and shout than those who remain still and silent.

14 The Messenger • September 2016

the movement and activity of Jesus Christ. A movement of people—plural—joining with Jesus’ followers of the past, present, and future.

It is decidedly “we,” not merely “I.”

Kingdom Culture

God’s vision is for EMC to be a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture. What do you think of when you hear the word “culture”?

Ethnicities? Nationalities? Civility? Granted the word is overused in our present era. Pop culture.

Corporate culture. Sub-culture. Coffee Culture.

Merriam Webster dictionary provides these definitions: “customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits; the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices; the characteristic features of everyday existence (as a way of life} shared by people in a place or time.”

“Culture” is the way Christ’s kingdom is expressed and experienced between God and people and amongst people. Christ’s kingdom is not from this world, but it is in this world. His kingdom is both present and future. Jesus’ central message was about His kingdom, and most of His teaching was about His kingdom culture on earth. The unique values, goals, and practices which characterize His kingdom. Values and

This is an invitation to transformation from VCR to Blue Ray...from peoplecentric to Christo-centric, from nationality to Christ’s kingdom culture.

practices as described in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5), the numerous parables of the kingdom. Practices like gathering together in worship, communion, baptism, evangelism, discipleship.

God’s vision is for EMC to be a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture.

We are not called to spread Dutch, German, or Russian, Mexican, Colombian, Filipino, Old Colony or any other culture.

There is no “us” and “them,” only “us” and Him. People. Humanity and Jesus the Christ.

God is calling people into an understanding of the kingdom of God, and accepting the one true King, Who is Jesus.

An Invitation to Revolution

God’s vision is for EMC to be a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture. Accepting this calling effects what we emphasize, influences and directs what we do and how we conduct our lives. It compels us to ask, what is Christ’s kingdom culture like? What are our practices?

This is an upending invitation to revolution.

Those who have ears to hear . . . God’s vision for the EMC. This is an invitation to encouraging younger generations to build. This is an invitation to pastors, delegates, missionaries locally and globally.

This is an invitation to transformation from VCR to Blue Ray, 8-Track to iTunes, pleated pants to skinny jeans, from individualism to community, from people-centric to Christo-centric, from nationality to Christ’s kingdom culture.

God’s vision is for EMC to be a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture, as we live, reach, gather, and teach. Live, reach, gather, and teach. These four are interconnected.

God’s vision is for EMC to be a movement of people advancing Christ’s kingdom culture, as we live, reach, gather, and teach. Are you in? Will you respond? Will you commit? Those who have ears to hear, let them hear.

Garry Koop, MDiv, is the senior pastor at Steinbach EMC. This article is based on his message of Friday evening, July 1, at the 2016 EMC convention.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

JESSICA WICHERS

Convention 2016

Ministerial Ponders Draft Statement of Faith Second draft to be presented in November 2016

by Terry M. Smith STEINBACH, Man.—The EMC’s ministerial spent the day of July 1, 2016, on the campus of Steinbach Bible College responding to the first draft of the proposed EMC Statement of Faith.

shown in our attitudes to non-essentials. God expects us to be sensitive to other Christians and to build them up. He encouraged prayer for unity and praise for biblical unity.

Opening

Statement of Faith Review

TERRY SMITH

Ministerial members were welcomed by Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO) chair Peter Doerksen, and Ralph Unger led in the song Wonderful Grace of Jesus. Host pastor Earl Unger (Stony Brook) led in a devotional based on Rom. 15:1-7, saying that being strong is

Charles Koop, Ward Parkinson, BLO chair Peter Doerksen

16 The Messenger • September 2016

Dr. Darryl Klassen, chair of the Statement of Faith Review Committee, said input was welcomed today and by written submission after the meeting. The revision will be presented in six months, he said. Conference pastor Ward Parkinson said, “For some of us theology geeks, this is like the Stanley Cup.” Fighting is allowed only on the peace position, Ward quipped.

A video was presented that outlined the process to date. The current version of the Statement of Faith is 20 years old, a committee was formed to review it, wide input was sought from churches, and the draft was prepared.

After input, the second draft will be presented in November 2016. Once approved by the ministerial, it will be presented for approval to conference council in 2017; the statement is part of the EMC constitution, which can be changed only with council approval.

The 13 articles are The Bible, God (God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit), The Creation, The Dignity of the Human Race, The Fall of the Human Race, Satan, Salvation, Discipleship, The Life of Peace, The Church, The Ordinances (Believer’s Water Baptism, The Lord’s Supper, Footwashing), The Resurrection, The Return and Final Triumph of Christ. In the new draft, the names and number of articles remain the same.

Ward Parkinson (left) was honoured for serving as Conference Pastor.

The ministerial members picked three of six half-hour discussion groups of tribute for Ward and Janine. Ward was recogin the morning and again in the afternoon—each nized and thanked for his wisdom to churches, in a separate classroom. Members got to attend his encouragement, being a good friend, visitaa total of six groups, which permitted significant tion, for staying overnight, evenings of chatting, discussion. BLO and review committee membeing a good conference pastor who works hard bers guided discussions and recorded responses and well, constancy, humour. to help shape the second draft.

Ward and Janine were recognized as a good For instance, at the session on The Bible, team that is encouraging. They went “above and committee member Cameron McKenzie asked beyond”—Janine with watching children, and three questions about Article One: What do you both with being hospitable when two delegates like? What do you have questions about? What had an unexpected three-day stay after their vehiis a concern? cle broke down. Alvin Plett, Charles Koop, and Peter Doerksen led in prayer for Ward and Janine.

Tribute to Ward and Janine

When the groups reassembled in SBC’s chapel, chair Peter Doerksen highlighted that this was Ward Parkinson’s final ministerial meeting as the EMC’s conference pastor. There was a time

Prayer Time

A time of prayer followed in small groups: for a new church plant, for a hurting church that suffered a split and is involved in mediation, for returned missionaries seeking a new ministry, for “serious” dating with Logos Church, for Many Rooms and its doubling to six house churches, for a church that is “floundering,” for storms weathered—and more.

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca

Review Committee member Cameron McKenzie guided a discussion group on Article One, The Bible.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

Convention 2016

Council Approves Option Two, Church Planting Highlighted Pastor Kim excited to be ‘first Asian pastor’ in EMC

by Terry M. Smith

STEINBACH, Man.—EMC delegates from five provinces met on July 2, 2016, at SBC and reviewed options for The Messenger, learned more about the 12% rollback of the 2016 budget, were updated on potential church plants, and heard from a new pastor.

Opening

JESSICA WICHERS

Moderator Abe Bergen welcomed delegates. Anthony Reimer (Blumenort) said discouragement can be caused by a lack of vision and direction. A God-given vision gives direction and satisfaction as people look back. The vision must be God-ordained, done in his timing, and involves prayer and planning, he said.

Nominations

Registration

General Board

Nominating Committee chair Sid Reimer led the elections (see sidebar). Ninety people were contacted to serve. He encouraged prayer.

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

Tim Dyck, EMC general secretary, said EFC seeks to unite evangelicals to bless Canada in Jesus’ name. EFC is respected by the courts, provides resources to churches, and gathers leaders.

The strategic plan is tough implementing, but general secretary Tim Dyck is using a template to track changes, Abe Bergen said. Convention 2017 will be held at Morweena EMC on June 11-13, a date proposed by Region Five.

A committee will be formed to review organizational matters, such as the constitution’s stating that the moderator must be ordained for at least three years. The role of women in the church was to be discussed after the Statement of Faith review; the time is close.

Providence Seminary

Dr. Stan Hamm, the seminary’s academic dean, said Layton Friesen has twice taught a course on Anabaptist history, teaching, and polity that was well received by students. The Anabaptist Studies Track will be launched in Fall 2016. Five courses will be offered in one-week intensives. The EMC has no financial obligation to PTS; it offers input and promotes courses.

18 The Messenger • September 2016

Pastor Anthony Reimer provided the devotional.

Pastor Hyoungjin (Frankie) Kim shared of his journey to Pelly.

Comments: the missing link between the EMC and churches is mutual vision sharing. More work could be done to find a fundraiser/stewardship person. Is follow-up done with churches and ministers not at decision-making meetings? There are many benefits to being in the EMC.

Board of Church Ministries

Jessica Wichers, BCM member, said the board was to provide three options that reflected a strategic evaluation of the magazine. An online survey of EMCers revealed how people prefer to receive the magazine: digital (57%), print (25%), both (18%). Respondents said The Messenger’s top three purposes are inspiration, unity, and instruction. Some people read more than 50% of it, some less, and some not at all. A strong majority (64%) thinks the magazine is a “suitable place to discuss controversial issues.”

Chair Russell Doerksen presented three options, saying the BCM hopes to eventually return to 12 print issues. Option One was Print Focused with nine print issues, a third-party survey of EMC readers and non-readers, and a switch from PDF to a “mobile friendly solution.” Option Two was Balanced Digital with six print issues, a blog-type website as a digital solution, increased print quality and honoraria, and a switch from PDF to a “mobile friendly solution.” Option Three was Digital Focused with four print issues, a blog-type website, a “mobile

friendly solution,” an EM Conference app, and quality “best of ” issues.

Russell said that an Editorial Committee is being considered. It would share responsibility for topics in the magazine.

There was considerable discussion: the need to use high tech, the continued value of print, and caution against spending money on an outside survey. The BCM was commended for how it responded to the council’s past direction.

The council voted for Option Two—Balnced Digital. When dissenters were asked their preference, a friendly shouting match occurred between options One (more print) and Three (less print).

BCM member Jessica Wichers presented survey analysis of the magazine's readership.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

Church Planting Coordinator Charles Koop spoke of the need for more churches.

Board of Leadership and Outreach

Chair Peter Doerksen said it is dealing with Ward Parkinson’s resignation, appreciates the Statement of Faith committee’s work, and wants to strengthen the ministerial examination process.

Charles Koop, church planting coordinator, said that Jesus is telling us to come or go over there. Discussions are happening with a Chinese church, about another church in Winnipeg, and about Champion and Airdrie (both in Alta.). Work is happening on Dakota Tipi, in Ste. Agathe (both in Man.) and in Two Hills, Alta. Church plants reach people for Christ, he said.

Pastor Hyoungjin (Frankie) Kim shared that he had learned of Pelly through the Internet.

His companion’s car broke down in New York City; while waiting for help, he learned Pelly still needed a pastor and sent his resume. He was excited to be “the first Asian pastor” in the EMC. Ward Parkinson quipped that Pastor Kim brought a bit more “Seoul” to our conference.

The Statement of Faith review has gone well; the second draft is to be presented in November, Ward said. The goal is to get it done together in a way that faithfully reflects our understanding of Scripture. The hope is to present a revised

version to conference council in a year, he said.

Enthusiasm over sponsoring refugees has turned into hard work, but Ward said churches are doing well and need to “keep it up.”

Jesus was a child refugee in Egypt and is inviting as the risen Son of God, he said.

Ward expressed thanks for allowing him to “hang out” as conference pastor. He and Janine will greatly miss these connections, but trust that friendships will remain even if the visits are

Enthusiasm over sponsoring refugees has turned into hard work, but Ward Parkinson said churches are doing well and need to “keep it up.”

20 The Messenger • September 2016

Abe Berg highlighted Straffordville's building project.

fewer. News of Jesus is the best news ever, he said. People stood to pray blessing and direction upon Ward and Janine.

Board of Trustees

The current Extended Health Benefit Plan is not working well, BOT member Jake Elias said. Consideration is being given to a Health Spending Account. The 2016 budget was cut by 12% with General Board approval. Some boards have projects to recover some funds. The current shortfall till June is $179,000, improved from $356,000 in 2015.

GSTM at CMU

Dr. Cheryl Pauls, president of CMU, said that the EMC is represented on its advisory council for the Graduate School of Theology and Ministry and members are students at graduate and undergraduate levels. CMU has a mix of classroom and online offerings. Students are asking for courses in missions, governance, and stewardship. How do we think across areas of study? she asked.

On behalf of the BOT, Diana Peters shared about staff fundraising through a recent marathon relay team.

Mennonite Disaster Service

Angeline Bergmann highlighted stories of how MDS responds to disasters, assisting the uninsured and underinsured. Affiliate organizations report, moderator Abe Bergen said afterward, because our members serve with them.

Zacharias encouraged churches to debrief with workers as part of member care. He has met with 17 churches to discuss how EMC missions money is used. Anthony Reimer (Blumenort) spoke of Safe Haven Ministry, where missionaries can seek, with anonymity and safety, counsel about problems.

John Froese spoke of people hurting in Bolivia. Gerald Reimer, EMC Missions Mobilizer, introduced Rianna Hodges (MacGregor) who will serve as an Ascend intern in Minga Guazu.

Board of Missions

Truth and Reconciliation

Vice chair Alvira Friesen said that there is urgency in our reaching, as well as in our living, gathering, and teaching.

Foreign secretary Ken Zacharias spoke about Nicaragua (a 50th celebration happens in 2017) and northern Mexico; the conferences are autonomous. Church planting teams operAcademic Dean Stan Hamm ate in Minga Guazu, spoke about the Anabaptist Paraguay, and in Studies Track at Providence Guadalajara, Mexico.

Theological Seminary.

From the TRC’s 94 calls to action, Tim Dyck highlighted items 48 (the U.N. declaration), 49 (the Doctrine of Discovery), 59 (an education strategy in churches), and 60 (training of clergy).

He said that up to one-third of EMC churches has a ministry with FN people. The EMC could write on the Doctrine of Discovery (seems cold and impersonal), hold workshops, tell our story “together” with FN people and hire a FN resource person, he suggested.

Comments varied from one church being willing to write a “blank cheque” toward change while another delegate said that TRC people don’t think the same as a FN evangelical. The moderator summarized it as the need to highlight connections and resources, get leaders together, and be more strategic.

He closed the meeting in prayer.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

DIANA PETERS

EMC Annual Convention 2016

CHARLIE KOOP

Former and current BOM members gathered for lunch.

Canadian church planters gather for lunch.

Moderator Abe Bergen guides the conference council meeting.

A ministerial discussion group is led by Ward Parkinson.

A ministerial discussion group is led by Irma Janzen and Garry Koop.

Christy and Jake

22  The Messenger • September 2016

JESSICA WICHERS

Worship service on Saturday night

Convention goers visit after session.

Dr. Darryl Klassen preaches on Saturday night.

The beauty of God's creation is captured for a moment.

Convention is about gathering together in the Lord's presence.

Pastor Dylan Barkman speaks during the Sunday service.

Convention committee chairs Marilyn and Lloyd Plett share announcements while the music team looks on.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

Column • Archives Alcove

F Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

For centuries the authorities sought to restrict Anabaptists’ worship, enforce state church attendance, deny the validity of Anabaptist marriages, and restrict their children’s inheritance.

or centuries to be an Anabaptist in Bern, the second largest canton in Switzerland, meant to suffer. Anabaptists were present there in 1525, the year that the Swiss Anabaptist movement began in Zurich about 125 kms away.

Historians Christian Neff and Isaac ZurcherGeiser, to whom most of this article is indebted, say that government officials in Bern were determined to eliminate Anabaptists from the region.

They severely restricted and punished them.

Punishments could include branding, death by sword or drowning, banishment, service on slave-galley ships, and imprisonment for life. In life imprisonment, Anabaptists were supported from the proceeds of their own confiscated property or, in its absence, on bread and water till they died.

Anabaptist hunters were hired. An Anabaptist Bureau was formed to oversee the control of Anabaptists and to dispose of their property. In its history of faith and intolerance, the Martyrs Mirror lists 40 executions in Bern.

For centuries the authorities sought to restrict Anabaptists’ worship, enforce state church attendance, deny the validity of Anabaptist marriages, and restrict their children’s inheritance.

When Bernese officials saw that they couldn’t control Anabaptists, they wanted to ship them to an East Indian island, to Prussia, to the Netherlands, to North America. Some Anabaptists, though, were intensely stubborn not just about their faith, but about geography; after being banished, some individuals returned and faced severe penalties.

Within this ugly history is the story of interventions by the Dutch Mennonite church and government authorities in Holland. Both appealed to the authorities in Bern to show religious tolerance and fair treatment.

Much of the time, this contact was to no avail; Bernese authorities dismissed the appeals.

With time, however, such contact from government and church officials had an effect. If some of us today think that earlier Anabaptists did not appeal to government or work through its channels, the history of appeals by Dutch

24 The Messenger • September 2016

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS: BERN 2012 BY CHENSIYUAN.

The Pain of Bern

Bern

Mennonites for their Swiss Anabaptist sisters and brothers should cause us to reconsider.

Bern’s history also reveals what government leaders and Reformed pastors knew: Anabaptists had an attractive lifestyle, one that contrasted too often with that of Reformed church members.

As a result, many people protected Anabaptists—hiding them, warning them of coming raids, sometimes rescuing them from Anabaptist hunters. To reduce the appeal of Anabaptists, government officials tried to enforce moral behaviour and church attendance, and Reformed pastors called on their members to take their faith more seriously.

More recently the Reformed Church in Switzerland and Anabaptists have worked at reconciliation. In 2003 Reformed leaders and Amish-Mennonite representatives. met in reconciliation in Switzerland (see The Inheritance and Pastor Geri Keller on YouTube); in repentance, thirty Reformed pastors washed the feet of Amish members.

About a year later, during a conference on reconciliation in 2004 in Zurich, Dr. Larry Miller, then General Secretary of the Mennonite World Conference, preached from the pulpit previously used by Ulrich Zwingli, the earlier persecutor of Anabaptists.

Through Christ, reconciliation heals the oppressors and the oppressed (Eph. 2:11-22).

The pain of Bern is starting to be addressed.

Source: “Bern (Switzerland),” Christian Neff and Isaac Zurcher-Geiser, 1955, 1989, in the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online.

With Our Churches Pansy Chapel

PANSY, Man.—Our space was filled to capacity, pretty much, on June 26, as we gathered for the baptism service of Sharon Dyck, Josh Preteau, Allen Unger, and Cyndi Fjeldstad.

Each testimony was special and precious in its own way. There is something wonderful about a person getting saved in his or her youth; when someone gets gloriously saved in midlife it is a great faith booster for all who have prayed. And so it goes for everyone.

The typical walk to the river is part of the excitement and the water was plentiful and fresh. The umbrellas hardly needed to be used. Every song from the worship team, as well as every supportive word from the various attenders, added to the spiritual momentum of the day.

May all four of you continue to enjoy and grow in your walk with Jesus.

TRU

PANSY

Four baptized at Pansy

Sharon Dyck, Joshua Preteau, Allen Unger, Cyndi Fjeldsted (Unger), Pastor Dylan Barkman

Other special occasions this summer have been the annual Sunday School picnic, on June 12, which winds up the S. S. year, but this year got held inside due to stormy wet weather. Thankfully, it was still a great event.

Missionary guests that have blessed us have included Danny Mackay on June 5 with the worldwide evangelism and teaching ministry called I Am Second. And on July 24 we were blessed by Melvin and Kari Peters, with Mission Aviation Fellowship, who have just moved to northern Kenya to start up a new base there.

It is heart-stirring to hear of people who give up everything to serve Jesus in strange and scary places.

May we learn from them and follow their example wherever we are called to go. And in the meantime lets support those well who are out there serving.

– Betty Barkman

Train • Refresh • Unite EMC Youth Leaders Retreat October 28–30, 2016 Camp Cedarwood Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba

Speaker: Dr. Chris Marchand

Births KROBEL— To Jason and Trish of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Sierra Anne, on Jan. 15, 2016.

ADEWUMNI— To Micheal and Joanna, a son, Micah Adedeji Olaide David Jacob, on Oct. 14, 2015.

OLFERT— To Dean and Janna of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Emily Rose, on June 17, 2016.

OTIENO— To Nashon and Everlyne Kich of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Edward Shadrack Agola, on July 9, 2016.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

With Our Churches Fort Garry EMC

WINNIPEG, Man.—Our church family had six days notice that our sponsored family would arrive on May 24. They are originally from Angola and have been displaced in the Congo for the past 10 years. They have four teenage children. The committee got in motion and found furnished housing for them for the summer at CMU. They attended a day of church camp the first week they arrived. It’s beautiful to see those in our congregation who speak French have heart to heart conversations with them, while others of us use the universal language of smiles. As of August they will be moving and attending school in St. Boniface.

– Elaine Kroeker

CMU

Update on refugee family

Fort Garry is inolved with a refugee family. Summer housing was found for the family, originally from Angola, at CMU.

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY The GSTM is a special place that helped me—by its faculty who care and think, students from different traditions, and subject matter that stretched the soul— to serve in the Church. The bursary for EMC students helped a lot, too.

David Kruse MA (Theological Studies), 2011grad

A bursary for graduate students from the Evangelical Mennonite Conference is available.

For more information contact mkrohn@cmu.ca.

cmu.ca/gstm CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

26 The Messenger • September 2016

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Beauty That Takes Us Captive

by Layton Friesen

DESIGNPICS

Obedience is not exactly a Christian buzzword anymore. Our world is impressed rather with words like “authenticity,” “spontaneity,” and “freedom.” The great moral obligation of modern people is not to be obedient to God but to become themselves.

Traditional Mennonite spirituality looks suspicious to this modern cando thinking. The German word for this older spirituality is gelassenheit, a daily attitude of surrender, yielding to God and the church, and a willingness to endure life for Christ.

But assimilated Mennonites in the 20th century got rid of that spirituality, that “worm theology,” that met me es it nuscht (with me it is nothing) approach to faith. First it was assaulted in the name of evangelism and outreach. How can people go forth boldly to persuade others of the Gospel if they don’t even believe in themselves and assert themselves?

But soon, Mennonite feminism chimed in as well. Gelassenheit had been used by male church leaders to keep women in their place, to convince them to accept their powerlessness, and in some cases to stay silent in the abuse they received from their own husbands. That’s a serious charge.

Let me suggest a way to think of obedience.

Say I go to an art gallery with a friend who loves art. We stand before a painting that leaves my friend breathless. “The most beautiful art you will ever see!” he gushes. I am left cold, staring dumbly at the piece without comprehending it.

As we walk away, I think to myself, “What am I missing? This has to change. Some day I am going to get that painting, to see its inner profundity and appreciate it.”

In order to grasp the insight of this painting I will have to become a bigger, more profound person. So I enroll in art classes. I spend hours studying the masterpieces of the tradition. I take up painting myself to learn lines, patterns, proportions, and textures. I talk to other artists about their perception of art.

Periodically I return to the art gallery to see the original piece again, and gradually its beauty begins to dawn on me. I am gradually becoming conformed to its image, its splendour. The piece itself is drawing me by its beauty to submit to the discipline of reduction, chastening, refinement, and expansion. I am becoming obedient to the painting in order to grasp its beauty.

All of us are seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror and are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor. 3:18). The ravishing beauty in Christ’s face draws us to become, if it is the last thing we do, people sufficient to grasp the inner, profound meaning of this radiance.

In baptism we submit to a life-long becoming, straining to somehow become proportionate in sanctity to the beauty of holiness, “the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). This is true godly ecstasy, being drawn out of ourselves by Someone who has taken us captive. This is no “command” from outside, like ordering a dog to sit.

Christ conquers us and we give ourselves to a burning refinement that will finally make us capable of grasping what we have seen in the face of Jesus. His glory enraptures us to become people grand enough, holy enough, capable of getting Jesus. That is obedience.

“Open my eyes, so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law”(Psalm 119:18).

Christ conquers us and we give ourselves to a burning refinement that will finally make us capable of grasping what we have seen in the face of Jesus.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

With Our Missionaries

How many crosses?

STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE & CANDLEWICK PRODUCTIONS INC. PRESENT

THE HIDING PLACE

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Solo had translated this verse correctly. Nothing was missing; nothing was added.

The words were all there. He had done his job well.

But there was a misunderstanding. Something was implied that church people understand perfectly well. But Amadou did not understand.

Sometimes in the Bible translation process we are told by the consultant that certain things that are implicit, should be made explicit in our translation in order to convey meanings correctly.

Most translations in English and French do not explicitly say that there were three crosses with one person attached to each cross, because they were all faithfully translating what the Greek said. But there is one translation that made this detail explicit: the French translation “Le Semeur.” This translation says, “There they crucified him, him and two others. They placed one cross on each side of his cross. Jesus was in the middle.”

So you can see why, after months of work on the translation, after months of testing and correcting, we finally go to a translation consultant to get one last dose of professional help.

In our Bible translation work, we strive to make our translation accurate (faithful to the original message), natural (beautifully correct Siamou) and clear (understandable). The translation consultant helps us accomplish these goals.

– Paul Thiessen PAUL THIESSEN

BURKINA FASO

The consultant was trying to make sure that our Siamou translation communicated clearly and accurately. She was asking good questions. Solo read John 19:18 in Siamou and Amadou, the back translator, translated it into French orally and spontaneously: “Here they crucified him, and with him two others— one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”

Idda Niggli asked Amadou: “What is your picture of what is happening here? How many crosses do you imagine this verse is describing?” Amadou answered, “I see one cross here.”

Idda: “And how do you imagine the scene? Describe for us what happened as you understand it.”

Amadou: “Well, there is Jesus, nailed to the cross, and there are two men, one on each side of him, all three attached together onto the same cross.”

Idda: “So you see one cross, here, not three.”

Amadou: “I do not see three crosses; the text doesn’t say anything about three crosses.”

You and I, with our background of biblical knowledge, have never imagined that there was only one cross; we have always imagined three crosses. The paintings we have seen are vivid in our minds: Jesus in the middle, two thieves each on their own cross, one on each side of Jesus.

Amadou has never read the Bible before. He has never seen pictures of crosses. He has never attended a church service where these things have been explained.

28 The Messenger • September 2016

Paul and Lois Thiessen (Blumenort) are Bible translators with AIMM in the village of Tin.

News

Reconciling the Radical Reformation Lutherans continue to rethink about Anabaptists

LOWELL BROWN

MWC

BOGOTÁ, Colombia—The reconciliation process between the Lutheran World Federation and Mennonite World Conference has created fertile ground for collaboration.

A report summarizing the LWF-MWC action of reconciling with Mennonites over the condemnations in the Augsburg Confession aims to help LWF churches, pastors, seminaries and congregations to “implement the LWF commitment to teach differently about Anabaptists, especially to how they are described in the Augsburg Confession.”

“The seeds of reconciliation sown more than 30 years ago, which flowered at the service of reconciliation in Stuttgart in 2010, are now truly bearing fruit,” says Dr. John D. Roth, MWC representative on the LWF Task Force and contributor to the document. “Mennonite and Lutheran pastors and At the MWC Assembly in 2009, MWC President Danisa Ndlovu embraces Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation. church leaders will find lots of ideas for how they might engage each other at the local level.”

The process is rooted in the dialogues started to celOne “fruit” of this work is the dialogues on baptism; ebrate the Augsburg’s Confession’s 450th anniversary. invited to participate by the Pontifical Council for PromotRecognizing that “ongoing theological differences could ing Christian Unity), MWC suggested LWF join as well. not be constructively examined until the wounds of the Bearing Fruit explores another point of on-going difpast were directly confronted,” LWF began a formal recon- ference—civil authority and Christian participation in ciliation process in 2003. war—through an honest, respectful dialogue between The principal work of the study commission was to Mennonite and Lutheran representatives. “write a common history of the painful relations during the “Hard, even painful, work of re-evaluating the past has sixteenth century.” This process was “itself an ecumenical opened the way for new relationships,” the report declares. act and thus already a contribution to reconciliation.”

“Trees of hope have been planted. Now is the time to take Both communions recognized “the need for commucare that the fruits continue to be nurtured and harvested.” nities as well as individuals to recognize when they are in Five hundred years ago, Anabaptists and Lutherans need of genuine repentance and forgiveness.” dealt differently with pressure from governing political “The work of this Task Force has been to respond to the powers and condemnations rose against each other, says commitments [on teaching Lutheran confessions, explorAlfred Neufeld, Faith and Life Commission chair. “But that ing unresolved issues, deepening relationship through all is history. Today, the global church of Christ (Mennocommon prayer and study and work for peace]….in the nites as well as Lutherans) realizes that the church is called conviction that this work of the Spirit has not finished with to speak truth to the powers. That new global and transnaour churches,” the report says. tional awareness frees us to stick closer together.”

Addressing the process at an LWF event in Indiana, Free for USA, MWC president Nelson Kraybill said: “Now it falls Sunday on us—pastors like you and me, leaders in all levels of our School! churches and regional bodies—to resolve that we will love Contact and respect each other and find ways to collaborate for info@emconf.ca peacemaking and proclamation of the gospel.” or 204-326– Mennonite World Conference

6401.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

Spring Into Song Wraps Up Successful First Year $80,000 raised through 41 concerts for CFGB

GFGB

WINNIPEG, Man.—With the last notes now sung, the first-ever Spring into Song concert series for Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) has successfully wrapped up.

The 41 concerts, performed by community and church choirs from Charlottetown to Vancouver Island, raised almost $80,000 for the Foodgrains Bank’s Conservation Agriculture project in East Africa.

After a 3:1 match from the Government of Canada, a total of $320,000 was made available to the project to help 50,000 farm families in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania adapt to a changing climate and increase yields through crop In Hanover, Ont., more than 200 people participated in the Spring Into Song concert. rotation, minimizing soil disturbance and covering the soil.

New music and supporting resources are being develAltogether, over 900 people sang in the choirs or were oped for a new series of concerts 2017. involved in organizing the concerts. About 4,000 people “We want to involve more choirs and reach even more turned out to enjoy the music, and to learn more about people next year,” says Klusmeier. “Through singing we can the CFGB. celebrate God’s goodness and come together to share our The concert series, which was conceived and organized vision of helping those who don’t have enough to eat.”

by Ron Klusmeier and Christina Bogucki, featured the music of Klusmeier, a Canadian choral composer.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 churches I am profoundly grateful for the support received from and church agencies working together to end global hunger. so many Canadians who participated in this year’s Spring In the 2015-16 budget year, the Foodgrains Bank provided into Song concerts,” he says. “What started as a dream over $43 million of assistance for over one million people in manifested itself as an outpouring of song and caring in 40 countries. CFGB projects are undertaken with matching communities from coast-to-coast.” support from the Government of Canada provided through The concerts were well-received by local organizers and Global Affairs Canada. Assistance from the CFGB is proaudience members alike. vided through its member agencies, which work with local “We had a choir of 25 who sounded like 50,” says Diane partners in the developing world.

Kjorven, who led a choir in Prince George, B.C. “The audience participated when invited and seemed to enjoy themselves,” she adds. “The smiles on their faces just Living in God’s Kingdom: a practical study guide on the increased my joy.”

Order Christian life is an introduction to the yours Former United Church Moderator Walter Farquharson today!

Christian faith, suitable for baptism/ IN ING LIV attended the Spring into Song concert in Fort Qu’appelle, membership and other classes.

GOD’S Sask., with his wife, Joan.

OM KING[aonD “We were delighted by the Spring into Song presentaLessons include: God and revelation, practical study guide ] the Christian life Jesus Christ and salvation, Holy Spirit tion,” he says. “It was so moving and so effective.” and discipleship, the kingdom and the The concerts also encouraged participants to use their future, church and mission, and Anabapown voices by sending postcards to Prime Minister Justin tist history. A leader’s guide is available.

Trudeau, asking the Canadian government to increase its support for small-scale farmers in the developing world. A To order, contact the conference office. total of 2,500 postcards were signed and sent. te Conference Christian Mennoni , MB R5G 0J1 478 Henry St, Steinbach .ca www.cmconference

te Conference Evangelical Mennoni , MB R5G 1Z5 440 Main St, Steinbach .ca www.emconference

ce/Go Mission! te Mission Conferen Evangelical Mennoni , MB R2N 4G6 757 St Anne’s Rd, Winnipeg www.gomission.ca

30 The Messenger • September 2016

News Portage Evangelical Church

Overcoming Isolation

YWAM

AUSTRALIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA—“Papua New Guinea is one of the toughest places to deliver health interventions” (Bill Gates). Through their foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates have donated millions to health services in PNG, including $18 million specifically to fight tuberculosis. Coming from a man who gives huge amounts to needs like this around the world and is knowledgeable about the causes he gives to, this is a powerful statement.

We have often seen just how difficult it is for people in PNG to receive health services, largely because of their geography. In part of Gulf province people live in a vast river delta with no roads and two rough airstrips, so they travel almost entirely by dugout canoe to get anywhere.

In Western province many sail or paddle their canoes on large, rugged rivers that can be treacherous to navigate.

Those we are seeing now along the eastern coasts and islands live on the ocean instead of a river, but are still remote. Often the coastline is literally uncharted. All of these places rarely have electricity or running water and communication networks are unpredictable—all huge obstacles to receiving and delivering health services.

Despite the odds, we are pleased to report that in many cases we have been able to overcome isolation with the MV YWAM PNG. By May, the ship had headed out on five outreaches in 2016 this weekend.

Already we have served dozens of villages along hundreds of kilometres of coastline. On a recent outreach, 4,796 people in 21 villages over 11 clinic days received healthcare and training they often go a lifetime without. Amazing!

Columbia Bible College Graduate

Nicholas Esau Abbeydale Christian Fellowship Certificate in Biblical Studies

We’re privileged to be part of this work. It’s not just about numbers and statistics, but about giving hope and life to areas that desperately need it.

Jeremy continues to put a lot of work into coordinating the ship’s movements. From helping decide which villages we can access to locating possible anchorages, he communicates regularly with the Captain onboard. On top of that he continues to manage other aspects of the YWAM PNG and the Pacific Link such as crewing, compliance, and coordinating repairs or replacements of ship equipment.

He’s also studying for an oral exam so the Australian Maritime Safety Authority will recognize his American mariner qualifications. Getting this endorsement requires a twoday refresher course in firefighting and other critical areas of safety training.

Our permanent residency application for Australia is still pending. Please pray with us for it to be approved. As a family we’ve had several large one-time expenses in the last couple of months, and we are grateful to say we’ve always had enough to cover them.

Thanks for your support and prayers. Every month I am humbled and grateful for those of you who provide for us to live in Australia and work in PNG. Our successes in overcoming isolation for those who desperately need health care are your victories too.

– Lori Schierer Lori and Jeremy Schierer serve with YWAM. Though not missionaries under the EMC Board of Missions, they are connected with Portage Evangelical Church.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

Elma (Thiessen) Plett 1928-2016

My Grandma Elma Plett was born on May 22, 1928, in Giroux, Man., to Margaret and Cornelius J. Thiessen. At a young age she gave her life to Jesus and followed Him faithfully from then on. She married Walter Plett on Nov. 27, 1948.

Right after the wedding they moved to Mexico. Grandma became Mom for the first time while living in Mexico. Three sons were born there:

Donald (who died in infancy), Stanley and Russell. Where they lived it was very dry, and when it rained Grandma would dance in the rain, so thankful for water. She loved to see things grow and planted trees wherever she lived.

There are still elms in Mexico that are known as Tante Elma’s trees.

In 1954 Walter and Elma moved back to Canada. Here the next five children, Calvin, Margaret, Gladys, Alfrieda, and Laurel were born. Eventually Grandpa and Grandma settled in the Arborg area of the Interlake in Manitoba. They farmed there until Grandpa passed away in 1981.

Grandma lived alone, and in her last years she moved to an apartment in Morweena. She was a member of Morweena EMC. Grandma loved books. She would read them and find out all she could about them. Her library was full of thousands of books that she was always eager to lend and see other

Check out the newest issue of

Theodidaktos Find it at your church or on the EMC website: www.emconference.ca

people enjoying them.

Grandma loved people and cared about them. She would listen to them and was a very skilled conversationalist. She always prayed for those who would pass by her.

Grandma’s life was full of giving: crocheting afghans and lap blankets, spending time every Monday at the Riverton MCC Thrift Shop. She loved to travel, discover new things, and enjoy new experiences. Grandma always appreciated the beauty of God’s creation.

On March 17, 2016, at the age of 87, Grandma peacefully slipped away at Arborg to spend eternity with Jesus, and He received her with great joy.

Grandma left her children and many grandchildren, all of whom she loved and treasured. She also left a legacy of love and faith. We are blessed by that and will miss her greatly.

– Katie Schrock

Calendar Manitoba October 22 Project Builders/MFC Seminar 9:30 a.m. - noon

Appointments available in the afternoon.

Heartland Church Landmark, MB lfbarkman@gmail.com

October 28-30 TRU 2016

November 2-4 Canadian

Mennonite Health Assembly Places of Refuge Mennonite Heritage Village Steinbach, MB www.canadianmennonitehealthassembly.com

32 The Messenger • September 2016

Shoulder Tapping *With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

faith in Jesus Christ, ordination, a master’s degree, organizational and personal competence, excellent communication skills, and two years pastoral experience. For a complete job description and details on remuneration, please contact Scott Gobeil at efcfort@gmail.com.

immigrants in southwest Winnipeg. We are diligently praying for a pastor. Bible college or seminary education is required. The applicant must be fluent in Mandarin. For more information or to submit a resume, contact Helen Wang (204-509-2628 or wang90@hotmail.com).

EMC Positions*

Treesbank Community Church is a small rural church in southwest Manitoba that is seeking a pastor to lead our congregation and outreach in our community. This could be on a full- or part-time basis. It could be on a flexible schedule to allow a student to do some practicum while still in college, or to allow someone to transition to retirement on a part-time flexible schedule. If you are interested in church leadership and outreach and feel God calling you to this type of ministry, please contact Leonard Plett at 204-824-2475 or at lplett@mts.net.

Youth for Christ (YFC) Winnipeg, a non-denominational evangelical organization located in Winnipeg, Man., seeks to fill many positions: a youth centre director (Stonewall, Man.), climbing wall/wilderness adventure director; fitness centre director; counselling ministry director; youth centre program coordinator (Arborg, Selkirk, and Carman, Man.); soccer program coordinator; skateboard ministry program coordinator. YFC is dedicated to communicating the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ to young people. For more information about YFC Winnipeg, or these opportunities, please visit us at yfcwinnipeg.ca. Your work will have deep significance. You will be paid a competitive salary and be eligible for YFC’s group insurance program, which includes life insurance, long-term disability, dental, and health insurance, plus later eligibility for YFC’s pension plan. For more information about YFC Winnipeg, or these opportunities, please visit us at yfcwinnipeg.ca.

Taber EMC is seeking a full-time youth/associate pastor. Candidate should have the ability to plan and oversee a comprehensive youth ministry and oversee associate pastor ministries as arranged by the church leadership. Valuable assets would be skills in sports and music. Contact church board chair Abe Klassen at 403223-0588 or 403-331-9563. Send resumes to Taber EMC, Box 4348, Taber, AB T1G 2C7 or taberemc@yahoo.ca.

Mennville EMC, a rural congregation with an attendance of about 90, located in Manitoba's Interlake region, seeks a full- or part-time pastor. The pastor will work within a ministerial team as the church seeks to renew and grow. College or seminary training and pastoral experience are definite assets.

Starting date is flexible and salary will reflect EMC guidelines. A candidate should be a collaborative leader (team player), comfortable in the pulpit and in pastoral care, familiar with the EMC Statement of Faith, and respectful of various cultures and rural living. Contact minister Terry Dueck at frontier104@ hotmail.com.

MacGregor EMC in MacGregor, Man., is seeking a full time lead pastor. Applicants must have a love for God and the Church, a commitment to Anabaptist beliefs centred on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and be characterized by an attitude of servant leadership and personal integrity in following Jesus. The successful candidate will preach regularly; visit and support individuals in the congregation; advise the ministerial, board and other participants on matters of faith. This position is available starting summer 2016.

We are a church of about 100 attendees in a town of about 1000, located on Hwy 1 halfway between Winnipeg and Brandon. For further information, feel free to browse our church's website www. macgregoremc.com and check out www.northnorfolk.ca on what our town has to offer.

To submit an application, please email a resume with three references to Dan Sawatzky at dsawatzky@gmail.com. To request information, email Dan Sawatzky or call him at 204-685-2252.

The Evangelical Fellowship Church in Fort Frances, Ont., seeks a pastor for 32.5 hours per week. As a spiritual overseer, the pastor is the shepherd and guardian of the local fellowship of believers; his work involves studying and teaching, praying and preaching, visiting and counseling on the basis of the Holy Scriptures. The pastor’s life should be of consistent spiritual moral character and lifestyle, characterized by a servant attitude. Required: a clear testimony of

Picture Butte Mennonite Church, a Low German and English-speaking church in southern Alberta with 220 people attending dual Sunday morning services, is seeking an experienced, full-time senior pastor.

The ideal candidate should be characterized by an attitude of servant leadership and personal integrity in a close walk with Jesus. This candidate needs to have an openness and sensitivity to the diverse cultural differences within our Mennonite church.

This position would focus on discipleship training, mentoring, teaching and coaching leaders within the church. This position would also include preaching, teaching and strengthening individual personal commitment to faith in Christ, challenging each one to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus. This candidate needs to be a team player as he will be working alongside the existing leadership team. Contact Willy Neudorf, 403-894-7615, wjneudorf@gmail.com or Isaac Thiessen, 403-308-5093, isaact@genicadev.com.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited.

Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

Other Positions A long-term pastor is sought for the church in Hacienda Verde, Bolivia, a small but vibrant congregation with about 70 to 80 people attending.

Requirements: Speak and write Low German and Spanish, good Bible knowledge, some pastoral experience, and good references from congregation and wider community.

For information, please contact Bill Kehler, Bolivia field director, bill@gomission.ca; Abe Giesbrecht, missions facilitator, abe@gomission.ca; 204.253.7929.

Winnipeg Logos Church is a one-year-old evangelical Chinese church being planted in the Fort Richmond area of Winnipeg. In partnership with the Fort Garry EMC, it is seeking to reach out to the new Chinese

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • Here and Far Away

Blindspots

I It takes great discernment and humility to evaluate one’s own person, family, church, and community.

Lord, show me where I am in rebellion against you.

34 The Messenger • September 2016

DESIGNPICS

by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com

t’s easy to identify blind spots in cultures not our own.

Ancestor worship, for example, is a “glaring” speck in my neighbour’s eye here in Madagascar.

Yet I know I suffer from “plank-eye syndrome” with most of the world (Matt. 7:3-5).

What are my blind spots, and those of my churches? It’s more difficult to see from the perspective of being within them. Obviously, genuine followers of Jesus don’t intend to trample on the Word of God as we go about our daily living.

Yet Jesus was, and continues to be, a radical leader who calls for, and graces us with, continued sanctification. We’re not there yet. What is He telling us now that is perhaps too uncomfortable to hear and change? "[The Gospel] must always press on to the point where it is in some measure subverting and overthrowing the categories of that culture. It must do so because all cultures are in some degree and particulars in rebellion against God, and will be judged by him. If the presentation of the gospel remains entirely congenial to any culture (or church, or person), it can only be because the gospel has been eviscerated, stripped of its stark independence—hopelessly tamed, like a pet poodle, to do the bidding of that culture" (D. A. Carson, When Jesus Confronts the World, 60).

Certainly, I know I am not perfect or sinless, yet when I read Carson’s exhortations through his exposition of the authoritative, authentic Jesus in Matthew, it is so very easy to read it thinking, “Aha, yes! I can think of someone(s) who would do well to heed these words!” This only exemplifies the fact that I am blind to my own sins and the ways in which I fail to live

according to the revolutionary and counter-cultural nature of the Gospel.

It takes great discernment and humility to evaluate one’s own person, family, church, and community. We have deep-seated reasons for the things we do, and we do them with the best intentions and intricate justification.

Yet Christ is interested in our sanctification, not in how we justify our actions. Should I seek to allow Him to turn me in the right direction, I must be open to His Spirit showing me where my common understandings may be in opposition with the Word and submit to His leading to make the necessary realignment.

Lord, show me where I am in rebellion against you. Let Your Word remain uncomfortable as it shows me how I am too comfortable with the world around me.

You lead us into such untamed, deeply counter-cultural places, where love is hard, wisdom sounds like folly, and my earthly-self requires repeated and often excruciating evisceration.

It is not for nothing that we are called to die to ourselves—this death is not a stroll in the park dressed in our Sunday best. No, it is a ferocious, bloody battle between my old self and the new, and I cannot win except by total surrender.

Column • stewardship today

What Did You Plant This Spring?

M

DESIGNPICS

ay—it’s the time of year when many of us who have or aspire to have a green thumb turn our minds to gardening.

Some may have already been nursing self-propagated seedlings for weeks, waiting for the right time to transplant them outside. Others made the trip to the local garden centre for flower or vegetable seedlings.

What did you grow in your garden this summer? My wife makes sure there is a selection of flowers to add colour and aroma to both the front and back yards. I like a selection of annual vegetable plants including peas, beans, cucumbers, carrots, squash and beets along with some tomato seedlings.

But that covers only half the plants we maintain on the fringes of our one-tenth acre of city property. We have, over the years, planted a number of perennials and bushes as well, from strawberries to raspberries, to Nankings to Saskatoons. The pleasure of harvesting fruit without having to plant new each year is always a joy.

Like our spring garden planting, we also have the opportunity to plant our charitable gardens, gardens that benefit others. Like my wife who enjoys the beauty of flowers, some enjoy supporting the arts and cultural organizations in their community that bring the beauty of art or music to others.

Some may contribute their charitable dollars or garden harvests to the local food bank. Others regularly donate blood. Others volunteer at their local thrift store, knowing the proceeds from the store help with relief work around the world.

Such donors tend to be practically minded. They know there are many little things they can do to help the immediate needs of the underprivileged in their communities or around the world.

Then there are those who support charities that seek to build a better world over the longterm, like those who plant fruit trees or vineyards or that provide children with basic needs and education resources to allow them future opportunities they would not have otherwise.

by Harold Penner Stewardship Consultant

Like our spring garden planting, we also have the opportunity to plant our charitable gardens, gardens that benefit others.

Our generosity gardens may also include mission organizations that impact individuals and communities with a holistic message of spiritual, physical and social freedom.

What type of gardener are you? Do the charities you support reflect the type of garden you plant? In my role with Mennonite Foundation of Canada, I enjoy sharing stories about gardening. It is even more exciting to hear the passion people have for supporting a variety of local to international charities. I would love to hear your stories about the charitable seeds you are planting today and the benefits you are hoping to see develop because of your investment.

MFC is available as a resource centre for your charitable gardening, from annual gifting to longterm charitable fund management. Give us a call.

We would love to help as you dream your charitable gardening ideas.

“Remember this, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have Harold Penner is a stewardship decided in your heart to give, not consultant at Mennonite Founreluctantly or under compulsion, for dation of Canada serving in God loves a cheerful giver. And God Manitoba and Saskatchewan. is able to bless you abundantly, so For information on stewardthat in all things at all times, having ship education and estate and all that you need, you will abound charitable gift planning, conin every good work. As it is writtact your nearest MFC office or ten: ‘They have freely scattered their visit MennoFoundation.ca. In gifts to the poor; their righteousness October MFC becomes Abunendures forever’” (2 Cor. 9:6-9). dance Canada.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

All About Change

S

by Loreena Thiessen

When you look around these are the changes you can see. You change too.

You may not notice but you do.

eptember is a time of change. The bright You learn more about what’s right and what’s warm days of summer are gone. Apples wrong. You learn that bullying is always wrong fall from their branches. Potatoes and car- and you can’t let yourself be mistreated. You rots are dug up and stored. Trees stop growing stand up for someone else too who may be buland begin to prepare for a time of rest. Soon rain lied. You learn to get a trusted adult to step in. turns to snow.

You get to be stronger physically. As you You have a new classroom and a different grow you can swim farther, or run faster, maybe teacher. You have new books for your lessons. hit a home run. You may learn specific skills like You may have new shoes and a new backpack. playing the piano or the violin. As you practise Your backpack is filled with all the new tools you you can do it better. This is how you change. You will need to do your work. grow and learn new things.

When you look around these are the changes Day by day you change. Everything you do you can see. You change too. You may not notice adds to what you already are and can do. You but you do. are becoming more mature. You are growing up.

This year you may learn new Math skills.

This is how it should be.

Now you understand numbers better. When you When Jesus was on earth people wanted to read history or about another country you know be near him. Everywhere he went crowds folmore about that time or place. As you get older lowed him. Jesus was a gentle teacher and he your words grow too. You are able to use them changed people. Sick people got well. Blind peobetter to say what you feel and what you mean. ple could see again. Disabled people walked.

You make new friends. As you spend time And they changed their bad habits. One together you learn about them. You learn who example is Zacchaeus. When he met Jesus he is in their family and how they do things. You turned from cheating others to giving back what understand them better. he had taken. Now he wanted to do the right As you grow you learn more about what’s fair thing. Jesus changed him. and what’s not fair. What if you have an allergy Read the story in Luke 19:1-10. and you can’t have certain foods. You Activity: How Have You Changed? can’t eat them but others can. You Need: pencil, notebook, or a scrapbook, tape measure, camera, photos of may think this is yourself from last year, bathroom scale. not fair. And you’re right, not everyDo: thing is fair, but - Use a tape measure to check your height. Have you grown since last year? some things are real - Weigh yourself. How much have you gained? and you have to fol- - Check your shoe size. Is it the same as one year ago? Take a photo of last low the right way year’s shoe beside this year’s shoe to show the difference. for you or there will - Look at photos of yourself from last year. Compare them to photos of yourbe a problem. As self this year. Are you taller? Take photos today to compare next year. you get older you - What about skills and activities? Can you do something better now? What understand and just new skills or knowledge have you gained from one year ago? do it. You want the - In a notebook or scrapbook keep track of how you change from one year to best outcome for the next. Divide the page: last year/this year. Place photos, record your weight, you. height, skills to compare and show how you continue to change and grow.

36 The Messenger • September 2016

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