Reformed and Anabaptists
Reconcile
How good and pleasant it is when Christians live together in unity!
Messenger The
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 2 JANUARY 26, 2005
Some of the harshest persecution of Anabaptists in the 16th century was by Reformer Ulrich Zwingli and other leaders of the Swiss Reformed Church. On June 26, 2004, Dr. Larry Miller, executive secretary of Mennonite World Conference, participated in a service of reconciliation in Zurich, Switzerland, between Swiss Reformed and Anabaptist leaders. Dr. Miller gave the message. 2
The New City Dr. Larry Miller
Executive Secretary Mennonite World Conference
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tale of two cities
The history that began in this very place nearly five centuries ago, with one group of people gathered around one Bible, listening to one man—Zwingli— preaching daily from the Gospel of Matthew, has resulted in at least two communities, two identities, and two traditions too often one over against the other. The Scripture passages chosen for us today offer two images of God’s city, two parables of God’s people, each one symbolizing one of our traditions. The Zechariah passage (2:5–9, or 2:1–5) can represent a Reformed tradition of the church as state-church or a peoples’ church, as a community open to all citizens without exception while giving allegiance to the Lord. The second (Matt. 5:14–16) is typical of Anabaptist-related traditions of the church as the community of disciples following Jesus in life daily, separated from the world while witnessing to it. Confessing sins Yet, when held up as mirrors to our own history and identity, the passages we select as selfcharacteristic can function
as texts of self-condemnation, or at least as calls to confession. Reformed Christians: A city open to the world? Zechariah addresses an appeal to those still living in exile, exhorting them to return to the city whose new conditions he envisions. This city will be an open city, a city for exiles, a city for a great multitude of people and other creatures. It will be a city that needs no walls for security and cohesion because the Lord himself will be present to protect and to provide. “I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the Lord, and I will be the glory within it.” From a 16th century Anabaptist point of view, this passage must have seemed more like a “condemnation” of the Reformed Church’s practice of state-church theology than the model for it. For Felix Manz and his siblings in the faith, Zurich or its church was finally not an open city, not a new Jerusalem, not a place of justice and peace to which they or a multitude of others could return from exile. They did not have the impression that Zurich authorities were depending only on the presence of the Lord for the city’s protection, provision and glory. This city must have felt to them like a closed city, one in which they were declared foreign, one from which they were exiled outside the high wall or into dark death in the waters of the Limmat. Anabaptist Christians: A city on a hill, light to the world? In Matthew, Jesus addresses an appeal to those who have voluntarily exiled themselves from established society in order to follow him. He sets before them the vision of a new city, a new society, a new community that is not “of the world” yet fully “in the world.” And not only will this city be fully in the world, it will be there as “salt and light.” It will THE MESSENGER
be there in such way that no one can avoid tasting it or seeing it, how it lives, whom it follows, on whom it depends for protection and provision, whom it glorifies. “A city built on a hill cannot be hid…. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” For some of us who claim Anabaptist tradition as our own, these words of Jesus resonate more like a “condemnation” of significant parts of our history than their source or inspiration. Several of the earliest radical reformers, including Felix Manz, no doubt envisioned largescale transformation of society or at least vigorous witness to it through communities of believers living in its midst. But after persistent persecution, many found themselves sooner or later in tightly knit, separatist communities, without significant prophetic or evangelistic fervor. Many of us have voluntarily stayed there, marginalized, little more than a footnote in church history or, more recently, found relief in some form of accommodation to host societies. After lighting the lamp, we hid it under the bushel where it neither illuminates good works nor provokes offerings of glory to God.
only to daughters and sons of those put to death or exiled in the 16th century and later. More importantly, you open yourselves to another look at the convictions those exiles incarnated. Today you take steps toward right remembering, toward right relations, toward fuller communion with former adversaries.
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oday you demonstrate your openness to depend on God for protection and provision. You manifest your faith that the Lord will be the wall of fire around you and the glorious presence in your midst. This is a precious gift and a clear message to the Anabaptist-related community worldwide, indeed to the whole ecumenical church. May we be ready to receive your gifts! May we be ready to receive not only your humility and generosity this day but also, more fundamentally, the God-given elements in your experience, tradition, identity, and imagination of the open city. Growing up in a Mennonite church and studying in Mennonite educational institutions, I learned early on that “Jesus is Lord.” But I attribute the deep realization that Jesus is Lord of history and of creation—of the whole world and all that is within it—to the witness of Reformed Christians. My brand of Mennonite theology focused on the lordship of Christ over the church, over the new city set on a hill. Reformed dialogue partners lifted up Jesus as Lord of all, not only of the church but of the whole world and everything in it. The church is called to shape society as much as possible according to God’s will, they said. If the issue of peace is adequately to be addressed, they added, looking Mennonites straight in the eye, the Gospel must be related not only to questions of war and military affairs, but also to all that constitutes life in the institutions of civilization that were intended to preserve and enhance
Sharing gifts Fortunately, this tale of two cities—the open city inhabited by the Lord and the city set on a hill glorifying God—reminds us not only of our limits. It also points to gifts we have received and can offer one another, and others. The Bible not only calls us to confession. It also calls us to share God-given gifts in the body of Christ and beyond. The Reformed call to open community Today, in the spirit of Zechariah, you Reformed Christians open your city and the church in it not January 26, 2005
Dr. Setri Nyomi, General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches; Reudi Reich, President of the Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich; and Larry Miller, Mennonite World Conference Executive Secretary, interact at the reconciliation service held in Zurich. (photos courtesy of MWC)
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built on a hill which give light if appropriately extended into the world. 1. Binding and loosing (Mt. 18:15ff.), known also as the Rule of Christ, a biblical process of reconciliation and moral discernment. 2. Breaking bread together, also called the Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist, understood as including or implying economic sharing among the members of the community of believers. 3. Baptism practiced as entry into a community where social, A plaque was unveiled as part of the reconciliation event: Here in the middle of the Limmat (river), Felix Manz and ethnic, and national categories five other Anabaptists were drowned during the Reformation between 1527 and 1532. The last Anabaptist executed and hierarchies no longer apply in Zurich was Hans Landis in 1614. or separate. 4. Living the fullness of Christ in which every member of the human life—families, economic community—and not only the pastor or preacher—has a and technological systems, cultural distinctly identifiable, divinely validated and communitarian patterns, and political. empowered role. After all, it was a theology of 5. Applying the Rule of Paul (1 Cor. 14), that is, making Reformed orientation that was most decisions through a process in which every church member able to give guidance and language to may be inspired by the Spirit to speak, then validating that the resistance of Protestants to Hitler, word by the consensus of the entire group. partly in the form of a Confessing Church. Since then, several generations re these gifts twenty-first century Anabaptists have of Mennonites have received much to offer to other Christians and the world? Perhaps from Reformed teachers and partners: sometimes, when we actually practice what we preach. But From Karl Barth, André Trocmé, in any case, I expect that Reformed Christians will be surprised Jacques Ellul, Jürgen Moltmann, Milan to hear these practices called typically Anabaptist. After all, Opocensky, Lukas Vischer, to name most of them are at least partly rooted also in earliest Reformed only a few. Thank you for this gift. convictions or theology. And their rediscovery by 20th century Anabaptist historians and theologians is rooted in dialogue with The Anabaptist call to be a city on a hill 20th century Reformed historians and theologians. Even the It may be simpler to see what others gifts we may have to offer you are in some sense gifts you have can give us than what we can give them. already given to us! When other Christians look at today’s descendents of Anabaptists, Making all things new they typically see several gifts. When Our traditions are important to us. They are important to us they look at Amish, they see the because we believe them to be vehicles of truth and, perhaps gift of simplicity. When they look even more, because they are places of belonging: They are our at Hutterites, they see the gift of traditions, our identities, our places of belonging. economic sharing. When they look Shortly after the Mennonite World Conference began dialogue at Mennonites, they see the gift of with the Catholic Church under the theme Towards a Healing of peacemaking. Each of these gifts does Memories, I received an anonymous letter leveling the charge have something to do with living as that we were “betraying the blood of the martyrs.” To offer a free church, as a believers church, confession, to respond to confession, to take steps toward as a peace church, as a community of reconciliation and then beyond reconciliation into fuller unity disciples living as salt and light in the can feel like betrayal of truth and loss of identity. world. But these fears assume that identity is something static and its In a book named Body Politics, Five preservation contingent on defending “our” tradition over against Practices of the Christian Community “others’” traditions. Yet the Lord is the wall of fire around us and Before the Watching World, the most the glory in our midst. We who have confessed our faith belong influential Mennonite theologian of neither to ourselves nor to our traditions—each of which contain the 20th century, John H. Yoder, names distortions. We belong to Jesus Christ and to the one body of five components of life in the city
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Christ in whom “everything becomes new.” There is, after all, an ultimate biblical vision of the new city, one no doubt inspired by and fulfilling the earlier visions of Zechariah and Jesus. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…and I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And this city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations” (Rev. 21:1–2, 22–27).
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his new city is our common horizon and our shared future. But before we enter it, while continuing to live together in exile, we have many more steps to take along the path re-opened here today. Twenty years ago, after sharing in a public service of confession and communion in this cathedral, followed by consultation in Strasbourg, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and Mennonite World Conference wrote a message and a study booklet for member churches worldwide: “The time has indeed come,” they said, “for us to look afresh at our relationship to each other and to our common calling to follow Christ in church and world. It is our hope that this booklet will prompt and facilitate renewed conversation in our worldwide fellowships on these matters. “Theological and practical considerations suggest that the conversation begin at the local level… Mennonite/Reformed relations—the areas of agreement and disagreement, the extent of fellowship or cooperation already established—vary from setting to setting. Each situation calls for its own agenda” (pp. 7–8). “MWC and WARC would like to be informed of local and regional initiatives. In approximately two years we will report the development and January 26, 2005
As a step of reconciliation, Reformed leaders insisted that Dr. Miller, a Mennonite, preach from the high pulpit at Grossmünster Church—from where Ulrich Zwingli had preached centuries before.
results of these conversations. At that time also, we will consider appropriate next steps” (p. 2). There was little response to the call issued 20 years ago. There was nothing to report after two years, and not much more after two decades. Meeting in occasional special events to seek and extend forgiveness is simpler than sustained dialogue and cooperation, not to mention the long and hard work of growing into unity in the one body of Christ. So together we, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and Mennonite World Conference, announce our hope that the events of this day in Zurich and future dialogue in Switzerland will serve as a catalyst and example to Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites and Reformed worldwide. Where we encounter one another with a common commitment to Scripture as normative and openness to mutual correction and sharing, we can expect to be led by the T Spirit beyond our brokenness into God’s new city. M Dr. Larry Miller is Executive Secretary, Mennonite World Conference. He lives in Strasbourg, France.
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editorials
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Messenger
HOUGH not known for dancing, we do quite a two-step in the EMC: We shift between national direction and local church autonomy in a confusing blurring of motion. Some congregations look to head office for national direction. Other churches prize local autonomy and seem suspicious of materials presented that might be policy. Even what seems to be a policy on paper can be presented as a guideline. National bodies, executive staff, pastors and local churches join the two-step—though not always in sync. Some churches don’t feel strongly connected to the conference. An overemphasis on autonomy—fostered by pastors, congregations, national bodies, and executive staff—adds to their sense of isolation. Flipping between national direction and local autonomy results in churches feeling that they are either ignored or dictated to; at the same time, national boards and staff face the challenges of creating more ownership of conference programs among churches.
Early within EMC history in Canada, we had a bishop. A half-century of emphasizing local church autonomy seems to respond and, at times, over-react to this. Our conference allows an unusual amount of local autonomy. Congregations can, for example, elect male or female ministers to serve on a local level, even though these leaders are not recognized nationally. This degree of autonomy rivals that of some Baptist denominations that view it as an important distinctive. At times, some churches might look at what is happening elsewhere and wonder about intervention. The larger question is: How willing is your congregation to let our denomination set standards that affect your local body? In a denomination that emphasizes covenant community, accountability remains important. National direction and policy (not just guidelines) are proper in some areas. Conference identity, national direction, and autonomy are matters that would be T helpful for us to address again. M Terry M. Smith
Suicide never affects only one person
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UICIDE never affects only an individual. Families are hurt, and their coping skills grow, shrink, or remain the same. Society is disturbed, and it responds properly or poorly. Congregations are touched, and respond in various ways. Years ago as a pastor, I sat across from a person with schizophrenia. His hunting knife lay on the table between us. The man’s talking was incoherent, his voice’s timbre showing change. He looked for a conspiracy. I reported his condition to a mental health worker, and he was picked up. When the man learned I was leaving the community—the second minister he related to who was leaving—he spoke of his loss. Though he kept in touch with another minister and was hospitalized, he died of suicide. I wish he had found a different way to cope. 6
EDITOR Terry M. Smith
The EMC two-step
Each suicide affects many people— family and friends, co-workers and neighbours. “No man is an island,” John Donne said. People who say “they’re better off without me” aren’t thinking clearly. It can be difficult for pastors, churches, and families to talk about suicide and its effects upon us. There is a need to talk, to grieve, to reflect, to change, to acknowledge, to move on, to admit limitations, to be patient. Is your congregation helpful in this? It could be. What has been your experience? As a minister, a former pastor, and a member of a family touched by suicide, I encourage churches to continue to grapple with what it means to mourn with those who mourn (Rom. 12:15). Congregations can grow in openness and support to those T whose lives are touched by suicide. M Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the pub-lication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire: 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. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba. Subscriptions: $12 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. In cooperation with the EMC Conference Council, members and adherents pay through their church. THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. The magazine and its publisher, the Board of Church Ministries, are obligated to work within the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger
MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 4 – February 23 (copy due February 11)
THE MESSENGER
letter
Looking further at two questions My thanks to David Schmidt and David Field for responding to my article [Are the heathen still heathen and are they still lost? Nov. 3, 2004] concerning a subject on which there is no consensus, either in evangelical circles or in the Anabaptist sphere. Thomas Finger reviews the latter situation very helpfully, in A Contemporary Anabaptist Theology, IVP, 2004, 255–89. I respond briefly to two questions: 1. Does the Bible ever say that those who do not hear the gospel can certainly not be saved? First, I note my full agreement with both of these brothers on a number of points: I agree that every human being is a sinner; that all will be judged for their sin unless they are saved and that only the death and resurrection of Christ for sinners will save anyone; that salvation is always by grace through faith, never by works; and that Christ has given us a missionary commission. Scripture is very clear that everyone who believes in Jesus is saved, and it is clear that anyone who rejects Jesus remains under God’s condemnation. The New Testament texts which state that those who do not believe are condemned (Mk. 16:1516; Jn. 1:12, 3:16), however, assume that those people who did not believe in Jesus had heard about him but rejected him. We should not extend biblical statements about the condemnation of people who know and reject Christ to those who are ignorant of him and have not rejected him. At the very most, I think that Christians must be agnostic about this, which was the conclusion reached by the Mennonite Brethren Conference: “In sovereign grace God is free to communicate with people in ways that seem inscrutable. While those who reject the gospel are under divine judgment, the Scriptures do not explicitly describe the fate of those who have never heard the gospel. Our task is to proclaim Christ as the only way of salvation to all people in all cultures. The Judge of the all the earth will do what is just” (Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith, Art. 17; emphasis mine). 2. What about Romans 10 and the church’s mission? I grew up in a missionary home in India, was myself a missionary in the Philippines for 16 years and have a son who is now a missionary. I believe very strongly in the church’s responsibility to take the gospel to
January 26, 2005
the ends of the earth. This is God’s normal and powerful means to bring people into saving relationship with Jesus Christ and communion in the church. I agree completely with brother Schmidt that there are few joys in life greater than being instrumental in God’s saving work in the world, but Scripture never motivates believers to missionary work by teaching that the unevangelized cannot otherwise be saved. That motivation became common within the last century or more, but it is not found in the New Testament. Romans 10 is often read out of its context, as though Paul were answering the question: “Can the unevangelized be saved?” Rather, his question is: “Why have so few of my fellow Jews come to believe in Jesus?” (Rom 9:1–3, 10:1). In Romans 10, he asks whether it is possible that Israel has not believed in Jesus because they have not heard about him (Rom 10:18). But, his answer is “no.” The Jews were not unevangelized. In fact, the gospel message had been very widely proclaimed among them (10:18). The problem is their lack of understanding (10:19) and this is not because the message was not clearly proclaimed but because they were “a disobedient and contrary people” (10:21). Paul states a universal principle: Faith comes by hearing, that is, through divine revelation. But, there is no one to whom God has not revealed himself, and so there is no one in whose life faith may not occur by God’s grace. The kind of faith that God seeks is appropriate to the kind of revelation that he gives. In many wonderful cases, God has revealed himself personally, in dreams and visions, to people who have never met a Christian. At the very least, God expects people to acknowledge him as Creator and to be thankful to him (Rom 1:20-21). It is a great delight to meet someone in whose heart God has already been savingly at work, before we arrive, and then to lead them on to fuller understanding of what God has done for them in Christ and to baptize them in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I do not anticipate that we will all agree on the answer to these important questions, but I am happy that we are examining the Scriptures together in search of the truth. Terry Tiessen Kleefeld, Man.
Rodney Hollinger-Janzen is new AIMM coordinator Rodney Hollinger-Janzen is the new Executive Coordinator for Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. He starts in February out of Goshen, Indiana. Rod grew up in Saskatchewan and served in Burkina Faso as an agricultural development worker with MCC. Rod has a B.A. in history, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Africa Studies. He served in Benin, west Africa, under Mennonite Board of Missions from 1987 to 2000 with African Independent Churches. He has worked in the development department at Mennonite Missions Network. Rod receives high commendations from African and North American co-workers for his cross-cultural understanding and cooperation and for his personal faith. In Africa he demonstrated the commitment and ability to form effective and respectful partnerships for the church’s growth and mission. He has experience in leadership situations involving North American missionaries and African church leaders, and in North American fund-raising. Rod is married to Linda HollingerJanzen. They have two daughters and one son, and are active in the Waterford Mennonite Church in Goshen. AIMM
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December 4 Council
Budget endorsed, poverty explored EMC’s conference council accepted a $1.828 million budget and pondered the relationship between the Church and the poor. Devotional The council met at The River, a retreat centre outside of Portage la Prairie, Man., currently used by Portage Evangelical Church as a meeting place. Host pastor Glenn Loewen described himself as “a young guy, but a bit of an old-fashioned idealist” who questions statements “in vogue these days”: Christianity is always one generation from extinction, church isn’t relevant
Host pastor Glenn Loewen gave the devotional: We depend on the Holy Spirit.
anymore, let’s explore some faith issues, faith journey, continuing our dialogue, reproducing the New Testament church. “The potential and the future of EMC does not depend necessarily or foremost on round-table discussions,” he said. “It depends on the power of the Holy Spirit, which is accessed by prayer, by seeking the Lord, fasting, by getting back to the basics of what the New Testament church practiced. Otherwise, we are playing games.” Board of Missions Chairman Ernie Loewen was thankful for board and staff. The board desires to send someone to an unreached people. There are concerns about funding and
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about mandatory missionary retirement at 65. The search is on for a Foreign Secretary. Lester Olfert introduced three missionaries. Peter Friesen (Mexico) said more Low German people need a mission mindset, Chris Kroeker (Paraguay) said radio remains a powerful tool, and David Schmidt (Paraguay) said that people with HIV/ AIDS are an unreached people group. Lester Olfert reminded delegates that January 9 is the Day of Prayer for EMC Missions. Canadian church planting Brandon pastor Antonio Pitta reports, and Canadian church co-director Trudy Dueck said planting co-director Trudy Dueck listens. Picture Butte, Alta., has held services for a month, and Antonio Pitta Board of Church Ministries Chairman Stan Hamm said the board is now full-time pastor in Brandon, Man. Peter Janzen said La Crete Christian wants to hold regional educational Fellowship has recovered after Hillside seminars. Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Christian Fellowship developed. Pastor John Driedger said Rosenort Fellowship Minister, reported on the Youth Chapel is starting a church plant at Oak Leaders’ Retreat that took place in October and informed the delegates Bluff, Man. Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth of the coming Abundant Springs event Minister, said Inner City Youth Alive in 2005. Mennonite chaplain Mark von needs a pastoral staff person, Abundant Kampen shared about his involvement Springs has a growing missions in students’ lives on the University of emphasis, and Project Macedonia heads Manitoba campus. Terry Smith encouraged churches to Paraguay in 2005. Len Barkman, General Secretary, said to use yearbooks to connect the the AIMM Partnership Council is working conference. A part-time archivist is well in its initial stages in Burkina Faso. needed. Becky Buhler is thanked for her Associate missions make him aware of efforts at designing The Messenger. many opportunities available. A worker in a north African country General Board Moderator Ron Penner said that the explained how workers are sought to 2005 convention is at Peace River Bible plant an urban church. Institute in Sexsmith, Alta., with the theme Finding Calm in Chaos. In 2006 Board of Ministers and Deacons Vice chairman Art Dueck said that the EMC and EMMC will hold a joint the conference needs to raise the profile convention. The General Board supports of pastors. David Thiessen, conference the desire of BMD and BCM to have an pastor, said his “key role” is to be a EMC promotional tour. The board is pastor to pastors. Ten pastors have been discussing how to develop a stronger assigned since July. There is a need to relationship with SBC and whether to support new pastors and to develop divide the General Secretary’s work into new leaders. Guidelines were accepted two .6 positions. on Sabbath and Severance Policy and Proposal for Mediation Teams. SCPEA Board of Trustees Gord Reimer said the conference’s chairman Kenton Penner said its work to promote evangelical Anabaptism is privacy policy is a “template” for local churches to use. on-going.
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Western Canada and Ontario, and benefits from having Victor Kliewer as spiritual mentor.
Conference budget There was a limited discussion of the budget. One church affirmed the budget, while struggling financially; another didn’t increase its giving in a previous year, but will by six percent in 2005. The budget of $1.828 million, involving a 1.7 percent increase, was approved. Ebenezer received The council received Ebenezer Christian Church/Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer, of Brandon, Man., into membership; members stood to their feet in support of the congregation. Region 4 profile Kola has gone through joy and pain, Brandon displays vision, Portage seeks a new facility, enthusiasm is sensed at Treesbank, and Sioux Valley has been hurt by deaths in the community, Les Martens reported. Steinbach Bible College President Abe Bergen said $400,000 in donations is needed each year. The college’s enrollment is stable, Impact is losing its appeal, MissionX went to Bolivia, and the institution seeks to build relationships between students and their mission boards. Based on the 2003 EMC yearbook, 102 leaders listed have studied at SBC. Why is Steinreich listed in the conference budget, but not SBC? An accreditation study is proceeding. There are interests in both TESOL and Spanish courses.
Eden Health Care Services Ron Penner said it deserves our support.
Les Martens, pastor of Kola EMC, reported on Region 4 (southwest Manitoba).
Mennonite Foundation of Canada A new office will be opened in Calgary, Alta., to be served by Gary Sawatzky, a member at Endeavour. A new study series on the spiritual significance of money will be available in January. A general manager is sought. The Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada has joined MFC; consultants now have more churches to visit. MCC Canada Concern was raised that “in the name of Christ” is removed from some food labels going to Muslim countries. Former MCCC board member Stan Penner said that, while true, it is to avoid offence, not our Christian testimony. Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Ron Penner said the seminary is headed in a good direction, serves
Panel discussion The Social Concerns Committee presented a discussion on the Church and the Poor. Chair Doris Penner asked questions of Steve and Fiona Thiessen, who live in Winnipeg’s inner city; Edwin Friesen, stewardship consultant with MFC; and Menno Plett, African program officer with World Relief Canada. Highlights from the panel and discussion will follow next issue. Terry M. Smith
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Guest Speaker: Teresa Kellerman Teresa is the Director of FAS Community Resource Centre in Tucson, Arizona and the President of Fasstar Enterprise (www. fasstar.com). Teresa will interweave her own personal journey of spiritual growth as the parent of a young man affected by FASD. Friday, February 18, 7:30 p.m. Fort Garry EM Church 602 Pasadena, Winnipeg, MB
EMC Ministerial Retreat for pastors, ministers, elders and deacons (spiritual leaders)
MARCH 19–21, 2005 at the Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre in Pinawa, Manitoba. Talk to your pastor or call the Conference office (204-326-6401) for more information. Each church should register as a group. Recently returned from service in Mexico, Peter Friesen shares his concern for Low German-speaking people in that country. Foreign Secretary Lester Olfert listens.
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stewardship today Edwin Friesen
In Lieu of Flowers
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LOWERS are often the token of choice when expressing condolences. Appropriate words to convey our love and concern to the bereaved family seem hard to find, but the language of flowers is universal. And a colourful arrangement of fragrant flowers at a funeral certainly accents a life well lived. No wonder floral retailers have
the memorial gifts made at the funeral are directed to the things you live for, not only to the causes you die from. Maybe the family/executors can take their cue from the charities you have listed as beneficiaries in your will and simply fill in the blank, “In lieu of flowers, donations T may be made to….” M
Often memorial gifts are directed not to what the person lived for, but what they died from. Doesn’t it make sense to give not only to what the person died from, but also to what they lived for? such wonderful slogans: Flowers say it best or Say it with flowers. Yet despite their appropriateness, too many flowers seem wasteful and extravagant. Besides, there are other tangible ways of honouring the deceased. Knowing that people wish to remember the deceased in some practical way, but not wanting to encourage the giving of more flowers, many funeral announcements include the following, “In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to….” What follows is the name of a charity or an invitation to give to a charity of one’s choice. Memorial gifts made to charities dear to the heart and life of the deceased are an excellent way of extending the life influence and legacy of the deceased. It is a way of joining the bereaved family in remembering and honouring the life of their loved one. But often memorial gifts are directed not to what the person lived for but what they died from—cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart failure. Without question, the agencies that help us fight these debilitating and often fatal diseases are worthy of our support, but doesn’t it make sense to give not only to what the person died from, but also to what they lived for? The individual may have been passionately involved in a local church or related ministry. Maybe the person was a volunteer with a mission or community agency or had a special heart for camps or Bible college education. Designating memorial gifts at the funeral to causes connected to the life of the deceased is an excellent way of extending his or her legacy and providing an opportunity for family and friends to further the causes supported by the deceased. Discussing your choice of charities in advance with your family or executors will ensure that at least some of
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For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office: Calgary – Garry Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708; Abbotsford – Dave Kroeker, 1-888-2128608; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, 1-888-212-8731, Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, 1-888-212-7759, Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.
MFC appoints consultant, reopens Calgary office Gary Sawatzky, an EMC member from Preeceville, Sask., has accepted appointment as Mennonite Foundation of Canada’s stewardship consultant for Alberta and will be operating full-time from its reopened office in Calgary. Dave Kroeker, who served Alberta for 12 years from the Abbotsford office, continues as stewardship consultant in B.C. The Alberta office is located at 2946 – 32 Street NE in Calgary, together with MCC Alberta, an MCC Thrift Store, and Mennonite Mutual Insurance. Gary Sawatzky and his wife Debbie and two of their children have moved to Gary Sawatzky Calgary. In addition, one of their daughters is on a one-year work assignment in Europe and another is married. They have one grandchild. Sawatzky has served as an EMC pastor, grocery store owner/operator, manager, mayor, school board chair, and insurance salesman. For the past four years he has been an environmental consultant to the oil and gas industry across western Canada. His volunteer work included serving on the MCC Saskatchewan board. He has been an active member of Endeavour Fellowship Chapel (EMC). His formal education included studies in commerce at the University of Saskatchewan and a bachelor of religious education degree from Briercrest Bible College. More recently he has been taking courses toward a master’s degree in administration. MFC
THE MESSENGER
with our churches
Missionary conference at Pelly Pelly, Sask.: Greetings from Pelly. November 19–21 was our missionary conference. We felt privileged to have Lester Olfert as our first speaker. In his position as Foreign Secretary, he capably gave an overview of EMC missions and the countries we work in. He had pictures that touched on a number of areas, including many familiar faces of folks that have reported here through the years. It was interesting. Lester’s message focused on the word go. He cited not only Jesus’ command, but also many other times when the word was given to go. The speaker emphasized a good point: We cannot go in obedience to God without first having come to faith in Christ.
On Sunday, November 28, Dan and Twyla Johnson dedicated their son Micah. Grandparents and great-grandparents joined the congregation for this special occasion. Twyla’s father Eldred Hamm officiated at the service.
The men report a good Saturday breakfast with missionary David Schmidt of Paraguay as speaker. On Saturday evening Elvira Hamm of MacGregor, Man., gave a presentation concentrating on the five years since she was last in Pelly. With her expertise as a teacher, she was called to teach missionary children in Burkina Faso, Africa; then to a German Mennonite school in Mexico; and just this past year to a church in Mexico to teach music. She had many hands-on articles and wonderful set of slides. It was evident that she has big heart for the people she has worked among. On Saturday morning a missionary home from north Africa gave us insight into the culture of that land. For a Sunday school opening it was demonstrated how visitors were welcomed to a home. The family was asked to continue, and were allowed the complete Sunday school time. They ministered to us throughout the morning. They had so much to share that we were captivated with their presentation. And so these missionary meetings came to an end. We learned so much about how God is working in so many areas of the world. It is humbling and exciting to know that we all, as members of this conference, are part of this mission work. Vivian Anfinson
SEMILLA graduates 16 church leaders! On October 25, 2004, the Latin American seminary
and 120 guests celebrated as 16 church leaders graduated. Among them was Nicolas Sequeira, president of our sister conference in Nicaragua (FIEMN). Thanks were given to God, to the seminary, and to friends who gave their support during this journey. Many graduates want to continue their studies next year. The graduation ceremony was held in Nicaragua. SEMILLA trains workers in all Latin American countries.
January 26, 2005
Ministry with Region 8 churches Ridgewood (Giroux, Man.): The year always begins well with a combined New Year’s Day service with Blumenort. This annual service has become popular with many people. On Good Friday we always work together with the EFC in Steinbach. Together with many gifted people from both congregations, a powerful service resulted. While expanding our facilities was a very excited step forward, an even more thrilling birth was experienced. In keeping with our vision to plant 10 churches in 20 years, a group from within our congregation started to meet to seek from God where he would have them go. Pray for them as they consolidate their team and reach out to the lost in Steinbach. Pastor Glen and Betty Koop were interim pastoral couple until October 2004, when Travis and Sharon Thiessen became our senior pastoral couple. Glen and Betty Koop were then hired as halftime pastor for our church plant. Travis Thiessen, our former youth pastor, had been studying at Providence seminary. With Travis’ absence we had a great group of youth sponsors who kept our youth challenged until our newly elected youth pastoral couple Mike and Crystal Funk joined the team in April. Leon and Valerie Reimer took up the leadership in January of our new College and Career group and have had a great year. Cam and Steph Hiebert left for Belize in July where they have become involved in the Ladyville Youth Group. Gil and Renita (nee Plett) Rempel returned to Paraguay as a married couple in January to work in church planting and nursing respectively. Ridgewood outreaches included VBS, Camps, Ladies’ Meetings, Men’s Retreats; a particularly well-attended outreach was the Fall Festival we had at Giroux Park in September. Jenny Reimer
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Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer celebrates chartering! Brandon, Man.: November 28 marked a special day for Ebenezer Christian Church/Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer (EMC) of Brandon, Man. The rented facility on 6th street was full with regulars, visitors, former workers—and representatives from Braeside (their sister church), Regions 4 and 6, and national Conference staff. It was a day much anticipated and celebrated. The occasion was the chartering service and pastor installation of the Brandon Spanish church plant. Ernie Koop, mission board representative and SBC professor, developed the theme of Celebrating the Church. The church being the called-out ones, we do not work in isolation, but together in union are the Good News. We gather in the church with a special plan to move beyond these walls. In the church gathering we plan and practice how we will intentionally and strategically produce a growing church. We need Christ’s passion and motivation (John 20:21). Peter Dueck, co-director of Canadian church planting, received Antonio and Ester Pitta into membership and installed them as Ebenezer’s pastoral couple. As pastor, Antonio then received 11 other individuals as charter members. God had shown His faithfulness from a humble beginning of seeding His Word, to this evident reaping of an abundant harvest. The service concluded with communion—a real reminder that it is a privilege to serve God because we are bought with an indescribable price. The praise band led us in a song of worship, singing, “You love me, You love me, You fill me with your presence, you fill me with your joy and peace. You love me. You love me.” Our hearts responded, Amen, it is your work alone, God. All praise to You. Darlene Olfert
There are 13 charter members of the Ebenezer Christian Church.
Working together in Spanish outreach ministry Rosenort, Man.: Approximately 100 male migrant workers from Mexico come and work on vegetable farms every summer in the Elie, Man., area. Itzky River Farms allows several EMCers to minister to the workers. Three rallies were held in Spanish this last summer. Antonio Pitta (together with the new Brandon church group) and the Braeside EMC Spanish worship team have served with enthusiasm. Rosenort EMCers Jake and Bertha Kroeker and Victor and Frieda Loewen, together with The Gideons, handed
Peter Dueck installed Esther and Antonio Pitta as pastoral couple at Ebenezer.
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out 70 Spanish New Testaments and other literature to these men before they returned to southern Mexico. Cornie Bartsch and Dave Schmidt of Rosenort EMC also took part in the outreach. Used bicycles were collected and presented free of charge for workers to use to get to town for shopping. These will be kept at farms for future use. Pray that the spoken and written word will bear fruit for eternity. Praise the Lord for decisions made at the rally. Hasta Luego! Jake Kroeker Reporter: Lorilee Scharfenberg
The praise band of Ebenezer church.
THE MESSENGER
LYDIA AWDIUK 1928–2005 Lydia passed away peacefully in the Hudson Bay, Sask., hospital on January 1, 2005. She will be deeply mourned and never forgotten by her children Lorna (Bob Kleinsasser) from Sherwood Park, Violet (Vernon Doan) from Regina, Ed from Hudson Bay, and Janice (Raymond Dease) from Hudson Bay; grand-daughters Michelle (Andrew Sies) from Regina, and Tricia (Shawn Terry) from Edmonton; grandsons Marc (Larisa Hritzuk) from Hudson Bay and Rob (fiancée Kait Priest) from Sherwood Park; great-grandchildren Ashton, Hayden and Dylan from Regina, and Taylor and Morgan from Hudson Bay; and many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Serge, her parents, and her brother Walter. Lydia was born in Hudson Bay on Nov. 25, 1928, to Michael and Estella Bondarchuk. She was raised in the Hudson Bay area and lived there her entire life. On Aug. 3, 1947, she married Serge and together they farmed and raised four children. She worked hard on the farm and spent many hours helping with the harvest, growing large gardens in addition to all the other responsibilities of a mother. But it is where she belonged and felt most at home. Lydia truly knew what it meant to love her children. She took such great pride in watching them grow, seeing them mature, and encouraged them in every way. When the grandchildren came along, she spent many hours loving, nurturing and encouraging them likewise. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren and later five great-grandchildren. Lydia loved the Lord and was a great inspiration to her family and friends, always trusting that God was in control of her life no matter what circumstances came her way. In 1994 Lydia became a widow. She was very determined to become independent and at the age of 65 got her driver’s
January 26, 2005
licence on the first try. Her passion for travelling was fulfilled as she travelled to many places, always eager to embrace every experience she could. Lydia will always be remembered as a loving and supportive wife, and a kind, patient, loving and courageous mother, grandma, great-grandma, and pra baba. Our world is a sadder place without her and she will truly be missed. A funeral service was held on Thursday, January 6, 2005, at 2 p.m. from the Pineridge Fellowship Chapel in Hudson Bay, Sask., with Pastor Fred Buhler officiating. Interment followed in the Hudson Bay Town Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Marc Dease, Ron Kleinsasser, Shawn Terry, Andrew Sies,
CLARENCE ERIC GRANT 1930–2005
Clarence Eric Grant was born on January 19, 1930, at Strasbourg, Saskatchewan. His proud parents were Eric and Myrtle Grant, and his older sister was Gladys. In the summer of 1934 the family moved north of Nut Mountain to the homestead quarters of SW 18-38-9 and NW 18-38-9. In January of 1937 Ken was born and joined the Grant family. Then about 12 years the folks opened their home to have foster sons join the family: Milton Oxenrider, Leslie Goodwin, the Wicklund brothers, and Lenard Allay. On October 20, 1949, Clarence married Hazel Gordon. Their daughter Lois and son Randy were both born in Kelvington. At this stage of his life Clarence was into farming. Clarence and Kent worked diligently at farming, but soon found out that had to log and saw lumber all winter in order to be able to farm in the summer. Some things never change, do they! Clarence and Hazel also had a set of twin girls, Rose Marie and Elizabeth, as foster daughters; then in 1967 they
Aaron Bondarchuk, and Greg Kowalski. Honourary pallbearers were mentioned as “All those who have shared in Lydia’s life.” The eulogy was delivered by Shawn Terry. Eldina Duch, at the piano, led in a selection of favourite hymns. Following the interment, lunch was served by the Pineridge Fellowship ladies in the lower hall of the church. Donations in memory of Lydia may be directed to the Hudson Bay Health Care Facility Memorial Fund or to The Gideons. Funeral arrangements for the late Lydia Awdiuk were entrusted to Blair’s Hudson Bay Funeral Home. Her Family
adopted a baby girl Laurie Ann. In 1969 the family moved to Hudson Bay and their son Monty was born in 1971. Clarence worked for Simpson Timber until its closure in 1989. Then he decided retirement was for other folks, so he ran his own sawmill and planer. The last couple of years he decided to give farming another try back on the homestead at Kelvington. Clarence left us to join his loved ones who went on before him: his mother in July 1977; his father in February 2000; his father-in-law, March 1966; his mother-inlaw, June 1987; his daughter Laurie Ann, June 1993; and the love of his life, his wife Hazel, January 2001. Although Clarence left very suddenly and unexpectedly, we rejoice in knowing that he is now with Hazel and other loved ones in heaven with his Saviour. We want you to join us in celebrating the happy and healthy life he enjoyed here on earth till December 12, 2004. While we sorrow at our separation from a loved one and share our memories with one another, let us also rejoice in hope of eternal life which we have through God’s gift to us, a Saviour, Jesus Christ. His Family
Beyond Homelessness:
Homecoming and the Culture of Displacement A series of lectures presented by Dr. Brian Walsh February 16–17, 2005 Call Providence College, 204-4337488 or 800-668-7768 www.prov.ca 13
MARGARET FRIESEN 1920–2004
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1–2). Our precious and loving mom, grandma and great-grandma Margaret Friesen age 84, passed away, on Thursday, October 7, 2004, at her home. She was born to Rev. Peter and Elizabeth Reimer in Twin Creek, Man., on September 16, 1920, the youngest of 10 children. She accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour and was baptized by her father and remained a faithful follower of Christ. When Mom was 14 years old her mother passed away. This was a very difficult time for her. Her dad got remarried soon and with the new stepmother came 10 stepbrothers and sisters. Her stepmother passed away four years later and her dad remarried soon, giving Mom her third mother in just over four years. When Mom was 16 years old, she fell in love with our Dad, Peter Friesen. They got married three years later on November 12, 1939, and settled down in the Blumenort area. In 1948 Dad was elected as a minister and Mom took on the role of pastor’s wife. In 1955 on a trip to Mexico, daughter Rosalie, age 12, started feeling sick. After being hospitalized for several months she passed away in February 1956 from kidney failure. In 1965 Mom and Dad sold the Twin Creek farm and moved to Fisher Branch. Mom found this move quite hard, leaving family, friends and her home, but she soon felt at home in the Interlake. After selling the farm in 1981, Mom and Dad moved to Arborg, then upon their retirement they moved to Blumenort. Six years ago Mom and Dad moved into Oakwood Place. Although space was limited, and she didn’t have a yard to take care of anymore, Mom kept busy sewing quilts, knitting, crocheting and enjoyed
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spending time with their neighbours. Twenty-four years ago Mom had a heart attack, but fully recovered from it. Ten years later she had cancer, which required several surgeries and radiation treatments. A few years later she had a medical complication that left her in a weakened condition. She had to have emergency surgery and we were worried that she would not be strong enough to pull through, but thankfully she recovered once again. A few years later Mom broke her hip, but recovered well from that also. Later she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and we believe that this was the cause of her death. Two years ago Mom was very devastated when Dad passed away, after sharing 63 years of married life with him. She was relieved that he didn’t have to suffer anymore, but she missed him so much and was very lonely. During these last two years she valued her friendships with the ladies at Oakwood Place even more, eating lunch with them, visiting, and spent hours with them in the sitting room doing puzzles. We remember Mom as very hard working, always keeping a clean house, big gardens, and lots of flowers. Being a pastor’s wife there was a lot of opportunity for practicing hospitality. This was not easy for her, but we never heard her complain, she always did it cheerfully. We will always remember Mom’s peaceful, loving character. She was always patient, and remained calm and controlled while raising us. She always treated each one of us fairly, and made sure that she never hurt anyone’s feelings. The following Bible verse describes Mom: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3–4). Mom lived for her family and for taking care of them. Her greatest joy was when the family got together and she looked forward to these occasions a lot. She always showed an interest in each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and would ask about them frequently and felt honoured when they would come for a visit. One of the highlights for her was our annual family get-together in Gimli every September. She would start preparing well ahead of time, and would bake pails full of cookies and kringle schnetje. Thank you, Mom, for serving us faithfully so many years! She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family: daughter Linda
and Clarence Plett; Ladine, John, Jessica and Kyle; Debbie, Marc and Amieka; Rita, Cornie, Mikayla and Samuel; daughter Elda and Rudy Loewen; Keith, Sharilyn and Henry, Nelson, Caleb; daughter Marie and Bernie Dueck; Valencia, Norman and Rya; Daylen, Amy and Jayda; son Donald; daughter Laura and John Plett; Alyssa, Andrea; also two sisters-in-law, Neta Reimer and Evelyn Reimer; and Dad’s side of the family, Gertrude Reimer, Sarah Friesen, Henry and Elizabeth Friesen, Dora Friesen, Helen and John Loewen, Jac and Minna Friesen, Sarah Thiessen and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Peter and two daughters, Rosalie and Martha; granddaughter Joan, her parents, and all her brothers and sisters. Mom, we look forward to meeting you in heaven. Her Family
In Memory of
ANDREW SIEMENS Jan. 21, 1991–Jan. 23, 2003
When someone dies, you don’t get over it by forgetting; you get over it by remembering, and you are aware that no person is ever truly lost or gone once they have been in our life and loved us, as we have loved them. Dear Andrew, You are so precious to us. Even though our hearts are broken and we still can’t imagine our lives without you here, we feel so lucky to have been blessed with you. Thank you for filling our home with so much joy! We love you so much and look forward to meeting you in Heaven some day. Wow, what a day that will be! You are in our hearts forever.... Hugs and kisses to you, Drooby! Love, Mom and Dad, Jeremy and Carly
THE MESSENGER
shoulder tapping Mennville EMC, a rural church near Riverton, Man., seeks a half-time youth leader/pastor to give spiritual leadership and be a program director for a youth group of approximately 25 to 30. Call for information or send resume to Kenton Barkman, Box 576, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0. Phone 204-378-5623 or e-mail kenton@mts.net. MCC Manitoba seeks an executive director for its El’Dad Ranch program. Located near Steinbach, Man., the ranch is a faith based program, employing alternative justice principles in providing residential and vocational support services for up to 10 adult men with mental disabilities who are in conflict with the law. The director manages a staff of up to 30 workers, is responsible for program budget and program direction, and reports to the Advisory Committee and the MCCM Board. All MCC workers are required to have a Christian faith, be actively involved in a Christian church and be committed to non-violence and peacemaking. Application deadline is February 7, 2005. Contact Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca or Sol Janzen at sjj@mennonitecc.ca or call 204-261-6381.
This person should have some understanding and respect for EMC theology, diversity, and traditions. There is a generous salary, health insurance, and a new house to live in. La Crete is located in beautiful northern Alberta, eight hours north of Edmonton. To find out more about La Crete and the church, see www.lacretechamber. com; www.telusplanet.net/public/lccfc; e-mail: lccfc@telus.net or lfem@telus.net; phone: Frank Winsor at LCCF, 780-928-3783. EMC Board of Missions seeks a pastor for Hillside Gospel Church in Chihuahua, Mexico for spring 2005. Attendance averages 80 on Sunday mornings. The applicant should be conversant in Low German and have gifts to help the congregation to develop local leadership and organizationally. A two- to three-year commitment is preferred, but a shorter term can be arranged. Contact Lester Olfert, Foreign Secretary, EMC Board of Missions, phone: 204-326-6401, fax: 204-326-1613, e-mail: lolfert@mts.net.
AIMM International is seeking an executive director for Burkina Faso to work with national and expatriate personnel under the direction of the Burkina Faso Partnership Council. This position is part-time administration and could also include part-time financial manager as well as other ministries to provide a full-time role. Please request application information from Len Barkman, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. E-mail: emclen@mts.net. La Crete Christian Fellowship seeks a full-time youth pastor, an energetic leader with vision who has a geniune love and passion to reach out to young people and the ability to be a partner with us to build a strong ministry with the young people in our congregation and community. Join dedicated parents and adults eager to be led and students ready to grow and learn. This person will work primarily with high school and junior youth, and also with children’s ministry. We’re eager to incorporate new ideas and capitalize on the gifts and talents of our youth pastor.
January 26, 2005
• 120 million people • 31 provinces • 50 years of effort • 12 workers (now) • Spanish • German • Indigenous • Pastoral • Youth • Translation • Workers needed
Who’s holding you back? EMC Board of Missions 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Ph. 204-326-6401 Fax 204-326-1613 www.emconf.ca
Call Mennonite Disaster Service (Winnipeg, Man., office 866-261-1274 about volunteering short-term (one to three weeks) and long term (one month or more) or check the website at www. mds.mennonite.net for current opportunities. Construction or cooking experience is helpful, but not necessary for bringing hope back to the lives of disaster survivors. All ages 18 and over are welcome. Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, Man., is seeking a fulltime associate pastor of Spanish ministries. The applicant should be familiar with the Anabaptist perspective and willing to be guided by the EMC statement of faith. Responsibilities to include: pastoral care, teaching, and outreach. The Spanish part of the Braeside congregation has an average attendance of 60 people. Please forward your resume and references to Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church, Attn: Spanish Ministry Search Committee, 1011 Munroe Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 1J7.
Hear the call from Mexico
SBC Leadership Conference 2005
March 18-19, 2005 To Register: Call SBC 204-3266451 or 1-800-230-8478 Register online: www.sbcollege.mb.ca Pre-registration preferred
1 column ad coming events March 19–21 EMC Ministerial Retreat Speaker: Dave Reimer of Winnipeg, Man. Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre Pinawa, Manitoba 204-326-6401 May 20–23 Abundant Springs Cascade Caronport, Saskatchewan 204-326-6401 July 1–3, 2005 2005 EMC Convention Speaker Rod Masterson Finding Calm in Chaos Peace River Bible Institute Sexsmith, Alberta 204-326-6401
Executive Position
Applications are invited for a part-time (60%) administrative position with the EM Conference, responsible to the Board of Trustees and the General Board. This position requires skills in administrative leadership, and financial and office management. Good oral and written communication abilities are required. For information or an application form, contact the office at 204-326-6401 or Ron Penner, EMC Moderator, at 204-255-8062. Applications should be in by April 30, 2005.
Executive foreign secretary
for the EMC Board of Missions. Responsibilities: Administration, visiting Latin American mission fields, recruitment, promoting EMC missions, and reporting to the board. Qualifications that are important considerations: A ministry degree, a working knowledge of Spanish, and missions/ ministry experience. Some training may be provided. Starting date: Mid-2005 (negotiable). Send inquiries and resumes to: Chairman, EMC Board of Missions, 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5, or e-mail: ernieloewen@yahoo.com. Note: Both positions are open to male and female applicants.
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kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen
Do Birds Need Boots?
H
AVE you ever wondered how birds keep their skinny legs warm as they walk around on the snow banks looking for food, or sit on frozen branches in the winter? Your feet would hurt from the cold. They would get frostbite. Getting too chilled could make you sick. How do birds do it? Which birds do you see at your bird feeder? One bird that stays through the cold winter is the black-capped chickadee. The chickadee does many activities that help it keep warm during cold winter days. Food is very important. In the summertime the chickadee eats insects, but in winter, seeds, nuts and berries are its food. The chickadee uses a lot of energy just trying to stay warm and food high in fat gives it more energy. So it eats more. Food is fuel for the birds like gasoline is for cars. On cold days the chickadee will eat the fat of a rabbit or a mouse, too, if it finds a dead one. This gives it extra fat in its diet. In extremely cold weather the chickadee is able to lower its body temperature. This saves energy and it needs less food. Another way the chickadee keeps warm is for several birds to huddle together in an old nest in the trunk of a tree. Their bodies keep each other warm like down-filled sleeping bags. Birds also grow extra feathers for the winter. But how do their feet stay warm? The veins and arteries are close together in the bird’s thin legs. The warm blood in the arteries warms the cold blood in the veins, which flows from the feet to the body. The feet lose very little heat and so they stay warm. These abilities which help keep the chickadee warm
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are called adaptations. Physical adaptations are the things the chickadee has to help it survive, such as the arteries being close to the veins in its legs. The things the bird does in order to keep warm, such as eat more high fat food, are behavioral adaptations. Do people adapt in any way? Yes, we do. In the winter we put on warm jackets, hats, and mitts, socks and boots. Then we can enjoy winter activities like skating and building snowmen. In December we turn up the heat in our homes. In July we turn on the air conditioner. Our bodies have natural abilities, too, which help us survive. A small cut heals quickly as new cells grow to close up the wound. A cold may make us feel miserable for a few days, but then disappears as our bodies fight the virus. God has created us in such a way that we, and the animals, are able to live in different circumstances. Read Matthew 10:29–30 and Matthew 6:25–34 to see how God cares about us as well as the birds, and even the flowers growing in the fields.
Crystal Balls: a winter activity You need: • Bubble solution: Buy it or make your own with one part Joy or Dawn dish washing liquid to 10 parts water. • Bubble blowers: Buy or make your own by shaping wire into a circle, or use a straw with four onecentimeter slits cut at one end. What to do: On a cold day with a light wind, form a bubble, but do not let it escape. As the bubble freezes watch the formation of ice crystals. If you leave it long enough, it T will form a crystal ball. M
THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914