Messenger The
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 45 NUMBER 16 SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
Changing Culture? Jesus’ journey to resurrected life
The
Messenger
Movie stars and faith critics
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EDITOR Terry M. Smith ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the publication 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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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. THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 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. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents. THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. ISSN #0701-3299 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. Mailing information: Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net or emcterry@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger
MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 18 – October 17 (copy due October 5)
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editorials ears ago at Steinbach Bible College I came across a booklet counseling Christians not to attend movies because of the lifestyles many actors reportedly live. I watch movies regularly, with some preferred styles and others avoided. Sometimes directors and actors owe me money for wasting my time, and even skilled leading actors and actresses in fine movies can be grossly overpaid. Anti-movie critics are right in their concerns about the lifestyles and attitudes of some actors. An actor’s off-screen actions do affect my interest in their movies. Further, while they’re good at their craft, individual actors can be poor models or improper authorities in other areas of life. What does it say about human nature when it seems that some actors, when interviewed, delight to play the bad guy rather than the good guy?
While they’re good at their craft, individual actors can be poor models or improper authorities in other areas of life. Why do Canadian movies so often contain quirky sexuality? Why, in the words of W. Harold Fuller, does the Canadian “communications media enjoy casting churches either as irrelevant or bigoted”? In movies and TV, ministers and priests are rarely presented as balanced, positive individuals who benefit society, and the Christian faith is hardly presented as an inviting object of our affection. Whatever some Canadians might say about Christianity, much of the above is an argument supporting the doctrine of T original sin. M Terry M. Smith
9/11 and Dawson College
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ivilians, terrorists, soldiers and young people die—in high towers, on the battleground, in homes, streets, schools, or hospitals. Families grieve for soldiers, civilians, suicide bombers, dead children. Visions of peace differ. How will the conflicts end peacefully in Afghanistan and Iraq? Seventy Canadian soldiers have died and others are injured. Hurricanes and floods buffet. Starvation comes. International suffering is displayed through TV and radio. News can be overwhelming even at a distance. We often suffer in specific, not general, ways. Suffering creeps into our lives by a diagnosis, an accident, through betrayal,
How does the One who felt betrayed by creation dress the universe’s wounds? How are we touched by the hands of the Divine One become human and nailed to the Cross?
by decision, through compulsion, a job loss, a struggling family member, or a condition not understood. How does the One who felt betrayed by creation dress the universe’s wounds? How are we touched by the hands of the Divine One become human and nailed to the Cross? We have truth wondrous in its depth, though not to be glibly shared or easily accepted. “He has sent us his Son so that we may know what kind of God he is and so that we may find it easier to believe, even in the midst of suffering,” says Daniel Simundson, a former hospital chaplain. “In times of trial, we, like our biblical ancestors, may wish for more. But what he has given us is enough.” Is it “enough”? Simundson says it is—at the end of a book-length study on suffering and faith. Getting there quite likely was a T journey. M Terry M. Smith
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
letters Variety of subjects appreciated
I just want to say that I appreciate how you have brought into The Messenger such a variety of subjects. You have brought to the forefront matters that people normally don’t talk about. I think you have seen the need to talk more about social justice, mental illness and how it affects not only certain people, but families and friends. You have frankly addressed the need to talk about grief and there are no easy answers. We need to listen actively. Thank you. I admire your sharp mind, Terry, and I know I can ask you about any book and you will give me an honest and intelligent critique on it. Keep up the good work, Terry. Janice Imrie Creighton, Sask.
coming events Spirit really had far less to do with me than with his kingdom they were meant to advance.” Christ continues to prepare His bride and call her to Himself. It seems to me that He has been stirring a hunger in our conference for more of His Holy Spirit. He is using you in this. Thanks for your obedience to His leading. Pastor Darnell Plett Lorette, Man.
Holy Spirit movement is welcome
God bless Joanna Plett for her article (August 15, 2007) on the Holy Spirit. This hunger for a deeper revelation of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts and power that He imparts, is a very welcome movement to many of our non-charismatic Evangelical (even cessationist) churches and denominations. As she infers in her article, it is deep spiritual hunger that yearns to encounter a living God that transcends the academic and theoretical, and a desperation for a deeper revelation of who God is (Ephesians 1:17–19) that is spurring this trend. It is a hunger that will not be denied and, I believe, cannot be stopped. As He, the Spirit, supernaturally worked, spoke, revealed, moved, and empowered two thousand years ago, He is still every bit as desirous to do so today within the bride of Jesus, and few could argue that we do not need it. Dale Loewen Blumenort, Man.
Israel/Petra/Egypt Tour
Pictures of the Spirit appreciated
Joanna Plett, thank you for your excellent article Pictures of the Holy Spirit (August 15, 2007). You did excellent work in how you wrote the article as well— very clear, very well written. It spoke to some of the confusion I’ve had. It broadened my understanding. The point that I found particularly helpful was the insight that the Holy Spirit wants “to teach me to pray, show me how to live, give me words to speak” and that this is about “God’s kingdom forcefully advancing as he work(s) in and through me.” That “the gifts of the Holy
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February 21–March 4, 2008 Hosts: Pastor Dale and Lori Dueck, Winkler EMMC Six days in Israel, many biblical sites The ancient city of Petra near the Red Sea Two days in Cairo, Egypt A stopover in Paris, France Brochures available
October 19 Going Barefoot: Entering a Brave New World of Communication Conference for communicators $80, students $40 Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 November 1–4 MEDA: Trust in a World of Change Business as a Calling 2007 Hilton Toronto, Ont. 800-665-7026 www.meda.org November 27–28 Stronger Together Interchurch gathering for agencies and congregations engaged in mental health and disabilities issues Pre-conference to Canadian Mental Health Assembly Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204-275-0394 mcc.org/canada/health/conferences November 30 EMC Ministerial meeting Winnipeg, Man. 204-326-6401 December 1 EMC Conference Council meeting St. Vital EMC Winnipeg, Man. 204-326-6401
EM Cup Hockey Tournament T. G. Smith Rec Centre Steinbach, Man. November 9–11, 2007 Final: Sunday, 2 p.m., Centennial Rink $2 final admission (for Hockey Ministries International) Referees needed, certification preferred. Referees contact Sheldon Penner 204326-6089. Teams contact Colin Loewen, caloewen@ mts.net, 204-346-1380 (home), 204371-9048 (work).
Contact Dale Dueck 204-325-7667 (church), 204-325-8292 (home) pastordale-wemmc@mts.net 3
Condensed
Changing Culture?
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here is an Eastern parable: A bird in a cage longs to break free. His owner, an Iranian merchant, is on his way to India for business. He asks his parrot, “What message do you have to parrots of India?” Its message: “Why do you forget me in this plight here? You’re free, I’m in prison.” As parrots in India hear this story, one falls over and dies. The merchant feels terrible. He returns and tells his parrot what happened. The parrot turns cold and dies. The merchant weeps, and takes the parrot out of the cage. The parrot gets up and flies away. The merchant is amazed. The bird explains how the parrot from India taught a lesson: We must die to live. The parrot of India became the example for the caged Iranian parrot to be set free, to experience freedom, break free from the cage. When I look at our world, at Middle Eastern cultures, and western cultures, I feel as if mankind is like the Iranian parrot, caged and in prison. What will set man free from this bondage? Talking with people from different walks of life, I constantly hear pessimistic assessments. People think change is impossible, yet are totally frustrated. It reminds me of Paul’s despair in Romans 7:24, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Oh wretched culture, what will set us free? 4
Jesus’ journey to
Prototype for change Our task is to translate God, to have the beauty of Christ enter all cultures of the world. It is to walk in the shoes of Christ, to live the values of His Kingdom. But more, it is to proclaim the possibility of transformation. I submit to you that Christ’s death and resurrection is the prototype for true, genuine change, breaking free. Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Crowds are excited about change! Revolution! Then the excitement for change is aborted. We watch Jesus during His last week—a terrible whirlpool of evil spiraling downwards—from cheering crowds on Palm Sunday to jeering cries, climaxing on Friday. We call it Good Friday, but really it was Dark Friday. Defeat and fear hung in the air. Friday is the prototype of the
Our task is to translate God, to have the beauty of Christ enter all cultures of the world. But more, it is to proclaim the possibility of transformation. I submit to you that Christ’s death and resurrection is the prototype for true, genuine change, breaking free. THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
Convention 2007
resurrected life Dr. Arley Loewen
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
evil and darkness in the world. When a suicide bomber attacked a church in Pakistan, there was defeat and fear. Easter came. Three churches met together. How could we celebrate? But we could! Because of Easter Sunday morning centuries earlier. It began as a quiet, depressive day. Suddenly, there’s another explosion. Drama changes as cages break open. An earthquake rolls the stone away, and the tomb is empty. There is an unbelievable message of angels: “He is risen just as He said.” Women are afraid, yet daring to rejoice. Two men are on their way to Emmaus; again hopes are dashed, and then they recognize Jesus and disappointment turns to joy. Earlier many had slipped away from Jesus, deserted Him; now they ran to tell each other the good news. Behind locked doors disciples are paralyzed with fear and confusion. Suddenly a door breaks open. Women burst in. The Emmaus guys shout. Then Jesus appears! He breaks that fear. “Peace be with you.” There is a complete reversal of last week’s despair. The resurrection event of Sunday marks the beginning of change for disciples. Christ’s being raised is the prototype. He is the firstborn from the dead (the first of its kind, example, model) of you and I, of every human being to break free from the cage of sin, self, and evil.
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The gospel speaks to individuals and cultures, and says individuals can change. You are not doomed to changelessness forever. Cultures can change. Change is feared We cling to what we’re used to. Villages in Middle East and the tribal world regard changelessness as one of the highest values. The finest compliment for a village man is “one who preserves customs.” The greatest heresy in Islam is bida’a (innovation). Change leads to chaos and it’s better to live under tyranny than chaos. Is change imperialism? Some anthropologists say it is the height of First World conceit and arrogance to impose change on foreign culture. Yet people long to break free from cycles of evil, corruption, women abuse, sin, selfishness. Must people be condemned to stay in their cages? Cultures and people are caged by infant mortality, corruption, child marriages, and poverty. What is the answer? If you don’t like social progress, by all means, live in a shanty-house in Belize or a mud hut in the desert. Get your daughter married at age 12, and sons killing other boys! Real change sought What kind of change do we want? There are five circles of culture: behaviour, words, values, beliefs and reality. As we enter a culture, we “become all things to all men” to enter the core of a culture. We realize that if person prays or talks like I do, they are not necessarily a believer. To follow Christ means at the core Christ is Lord—not Caesar, self, or tribe. True change demands “world-view” conversion. Conversion is more than asking Jesus into our heart. The mindset is converted. Repent. Change the way you think, the way you are. The epistles call a young church, rooted in traditional cultures, to true change. “As Christ was raised from the dead, through the glory of the Father, we too may have a new life” (Romans 6:4). “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone,
Nothing is more invigorating to the vision of personal, ethical, and social transformation than this truth: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation for changed lives. the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Not just new behaviour, but from the core you are new. “And as for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins…But…God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…And God raised us up with Christ” (Ephesians 2:1–6). You have broken out; therefore, change your behaviour. Nothing is more invigorating to the vision of personal, ethical, and social transformation than this truth: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation for changed lives. What has the gospel done for you? Scholar Robert Woodbury says Christian workers were the first advocates for mass education in the Third World; the first to write grammar texts and dictionaries in indigenous languages; the strongest opponents of the slave trade, opium trade, and other colonial abuses; advocated independence of colonial lands; informed others of human rights abuses; and developed magazines through reports, periodicals, and newsletters. What can enter the core of a person and culture to change life, so that cages are ripped apart and persons can come out? The basis for change lies in the resurrection of Christ. Several cautions First, beware of superficial change. Second, this is no place for self-congratulation: We’re prosperous because we’re good. Third, there is no place for naïve triumphalism, superficial victory. Fourth, the final change is yet to be—the day of Resurrection! First Corinthians 15:51–52: “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash. From the trumpet sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” Philippians 3:20, “We eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly T bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” M
Arley Loewen has a Ph.D. in Persian Studies and serves as a cultural consultant in Afghanistan.
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THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
A reader’s viewpoint
Moving beyond the language of ‘confirmed kills’
Esther Epp-Tiessen
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anada’s snipers are said to have the highest number of confirmed kills of any regular army unit in the battle.” I read this on a visit to the new Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ont. The words are by journalist Stephen Thorne who has spent time with Canadian troops in Afghanistan. The quotation is part of a major exhibit at the War Museum, highlighting Canada’s military involvement in Afghanistan. It is an amazing collection of photos, films, video and audio clips, stories, newspaper reports, equipment, and army gear. Visitors can examine uniforms that soldiers must wear to withstand 50 degree C heat, a half-destroyed jeep hit by a road-side bomb, and a piece of aircraft wreckage from the World Trade
This enemy mentality goes with a shift in how Canada perceives itself and its military role: • Moving from peacekeeping toward combat and counter-insurgency, • A drop in financial and troop support for UN peacekeeping operations over the past decade, • Promises of significant increases in military spending, with significant weapons purchases, • A major recruiting campaign, with high school students given academic credit and payment for Reserve training, • Defence expenditures at quadruple the level of development assistance, • Responding to terrorist acts rather than addressing what causes people to embrace terrorism. Christians committed to Jesus’ way of peace should speak about the military realities that we are witnessing. Christ calls us to love our enemies, to practice justice and righteousness, and to trust God for our security.
We cannot expect our government’s policies and actions to be guided by revelation in Jesus; nevertheless, we can urge our leaders to respond to terrorism through measures that lessen its attraction, rather than killing those who threaten us. Center terrorist attack which led to the “war on terror” and Canada’s involvement. A long range sniper weapon, used by Canadian soldier-snipers, is on display. I wondered how many “confirmed kills” Canadian snipers were responsible for. Who they had been: Old men? Young men? Confirmed Taliban ideologues? Or simply people with legitimate grievances with the government and its foreign supporters? Independent reports indicate that a growing number of Afghans are frustrated with ongoing poverty and hunger and with being left out of the political process. The language of “confirmed kills” is nothing new. Military forces have long used euphemisms when referring to taking the lives of fellow human beings. “Collateral damage” was made famous by Vietnam. There is something troubling about the language of “confirmed kills” and the pride behind it. Walter Dorn, professor at the Canadian Military College and a proponent of Canadian peacekeeping, says an “enemy mentality” is creeping into our Forces. As General Rick Hiller said, “We are the Canadian Forces and our job is to be able to kill people.”
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We cannot expect our government’s policies and actions to be guided by revelation in Jesus; nevertheless, we can urge our representatives to pursue peace and security through peaceful means—because such policies make sense. We can insist that lasting peace will more likely result as our nation reaches out in friendship, promotes dialogue and diplomacy, increases aid, advances just trade, and deepens its investment in non-violent resolution. We can urge our leaders to respond to terrorism through measures that lessen its attraction, rather than killing those who threaten us. We can call our nation back to values that are not yet lost—cooperation, multilateralism, diplomacy, and peacebuilding. We can proclaim that our security is found as we seek the security of all people. Perhaps someday our children or grandchildren will visit a new Peace Museum and read the proud words: “Canada’s soldiers no longer engage in killing their enemies, because they have found better ways to build security.” For information and suggestions, visit mcc.org/ T canadaarmed. M Esther Epp-Tiessen coordinates the Peace Office with MCC Canada.
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with our missionaries Winnipeg
In it for the long haul
I have never in 21 years seen so many churches interested in the poor. We are hearing of more and more churches that have an interest in reaching into communities that are hurting. It is good to hear the EMC Social Concerns Committee challenging us to consider the plight of the First Nations communities around us. I hope, in a sort of groaning way, that this interest is not just a flavour of the month. The poor are amazing survivors, but they simply don’t need another relational start-up that fizzles when things get tough. I am seeing groups puzzling over
where to get started in this effort. Where to get started is an important question, but an even more important question is, “When will you stop once you get started?” The answer to that question must be “never.” Perhaps I am getting too crusty and set in my ways at 42, but when I look at the person of Christ and his focus on the outcasts of society and hear the prophets of the Old Testament and their concern for the poor, I simply can’t see the Christian community sampling a move in this direction for a season. It has got to be long haul. If we think long haul God will be pleased. There are many benefits in going the long haul in this kind of ministry. I am blessed, after my 21 years, to be able to see the children of children I worked with doing life different than their parents. I have gone through seasons where I was
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jaded for the work and the people of our community, but time has transformed that view, and I have come around to see people more through the gracious eyes of Christ. Seeing kids from our community worship has a profound effect on me. It makes the time in worth it. You actually start to make sense of the way things go in the inner city and gain a new appreciation for the power of kids to survive despite the stuff they are born into if you stay at it.
I will always be a proponent of the long haul and staying past the pain. To reach the hurting in our communities you need a tenacious resolve that keeps going and going and going and going. I want to thank all of the supporters who helped us keep at it for more than 21 years now. Kent Dueck Kent Dueck (Rosenort) is Executive Director of Inner City Youth Alive in the North End of Winnipeg, Man.
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Grand Rapids
New building is needed Grand Rapids, located in northern Manitoba, is home to mostly Cree Indians. The mighty Saskatchewan River comes from the Rockies and ends in Lake Winnipeg—that’s where we are. I pastor a small congregation of mostly Cree people. Our chapel was built in 1948 by Edwin Brandt from southern Manitoba. Many accepted Christ as their Saviour in this chapel. The gospel was shining brightly. Then a hydro dam built in the 1960s silenced the grand rapids and brought an end to a way of life. The churches, once the centre of the community life, are almost empty. Now there is spiritual darkness here. Please pray for Christians to be a strong witness, to let their lights shine, and to
that serious. I asked a building inspector to check the basement. His first words on entering the basement were, “I am scared to be even down there. You’re walking on eggshells here. I strongly recommend closing the building down.” He sent a letter to mayor and council, advising them to condemn the building. The concrete walls have cracks from top to bottom. The two side walls are bowed in because of soil pressure. The upstairs walls lean. The basement concrete floor is shifting. We had our last service in the Chapel on August 26, and since then we have met in homes. The church furniture is stored. The congregation wants to rebuild—a modest building fund was established one year ago at Continental Mission.
It is exciting to plan for a new church home. But what is even more important is to focus on the reason of having a church: To be strengthened, built up, and encouraged so that we will reach out to people around us. Our prayer during this time of transition and testing is that we as a congregation would emerge stronger, more committed, and united with a greater love for our neighbours. Fred and Stella Neff
I asked a building inspector to check the basement. His first words on entering the basement were, “I am scared to be even down there. You’re walking on eggshells here. I strongly recommend closing the building down.” Fred and Stella Neff (Swan River) are pastoral couple in Grand Rapids.
weddings ISAAC – REIMER: Eric, son of Carson and Brenda Isaac of Kleefeld, Man., and Jen, daughter of Edwin and Sylvia Reimer of Winnipeg, Man., were married on July 7, 2007, at Kleefeld EMC with Glenn Nemetchek officiating. The couple lives in Winnipeg.
point the way out of hopelessness and deception. We as a congregation recently experienced a major change. This past Mother’s Day men cooked breakfast in the chapel and overloaded the breaker. One had to put on hip waders to reset it; there is always water in the basement. The basement walls of the chapel have been deteriorating for a number of years. We had plans for emergency repairs, and I later went into the basement to find out what materials were needed. To my dismay I noticed the cracks had gotten wider and the walls were bowing more. I called an emergency meeting. One church member was unconvinced it was
Two EM churches and one Baptist church want to help. We need outside help, but will also work at raising money locally—bake sales and possibly a fund drive since many have fond memories of the Chapel. The old building has to be taken down. We are meeting with Continental Mission and NCEM (property title holders) in October. We are looking at next spring to start building. The new chapel will seat about 60, with two Sunday School rooms, an office, and a small kitchen. We want to build the church to keep heating costs down because the congregation doesn’t have much money to cover the upkeep.
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HIEBERT – KUHL: Jordan, son of Bill and Darlene Hiebert of Steinbach, Man., and Brittany, daughter of Glen and Deb Kuhl of Kleefeld, Man., were married on July 21, 2007, at Bethel Community Church in Winnipeg, Man., with Andrew Mickelfield officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach. ENNS – REIMER: Justin, son of Abe and Grace Enns of Mitchell, Man., and Jayne, daughter of Ken and Geralyn Reimer of Blumenort, Man., were married on August 3, 2007, at Pineridge Hollow in Oakbank, Man., with Dave Reimer officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach, Man. SAWATZKY – MARTENS: Chris, son of Ben and Mika Sawatzky of Niverville, Man., and Jenna, daughter of Jan Martens of Kleefeld, Man., were married on August 18, 2007, in Niverville.
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with our churches
Outdoor service held Steinbach EMC: Steinbach EMC did something different for our August 26, 2007, morning service. I doubt it had been done before, aside from a picnic maybe. We conducted our Sunday morning church service outdoors. K. R. Barkman Park lies close to the church and proved a good setting for the service. Seating, I would guess, was mostly on lawn chairs. Albert Martens, formerly a missionary in Germany, works with an organization that is involved in sports camps under Athletes in Action. From August 20 to 25 they conducted a baseball camp at Pauingassi, Man., a native reserve. Albert was there with a team of nine, and he reports having a wonderful time. “Went really good,” he stated. Dave K. Schellenberg
Treesbank, Man.: In April the Treesbank Community Church held our annual music morning. This morning included instrumentals and lots of singing by the congregation as well as individuals/ groups. We had a church exchange with Brandon Ebenezer Christian Church at the end of April. Although this is a challenge with the language differences (English and Spanish), it is also a real joy to worship with believers from another culture. Albert Martens, with Athletes in Action during the summer, is in discussion with John Banman.
Steinbach’s K. R. Barkman Park was a good setting for the August 26 morning church service.
births FRIESEN – to Dale and Cassandra Friesen of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Jersey Makena Tursyngul, born in Kazakhstan. READER – to Kevin and Laurette Reader of Steinbach, Man., a son, Nigel Kennedy Bork, on January 8, 2007. THIESSEN – to Pete and Anita Thiessen of Vienna, Ont., a son, Justyn Tyrel, on February 16, 2007. ANDERSON – to Mike and Sian Anderson of Steinbach, Man., a son, Robert William, on March 21, 2007.
FEHR – to Jake and Mary Fehr of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Naomi Rose, on March 29, 2007. PENNER – to Ryan and Marisa Penner of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Kendall Jane, on May 27, 2007. PURNELL – to Harvey and Rebekka Purnell of Calgary, Alta., a son, Kristopher Thomas, on May 31, 2007. GIESBRECHT – to Ed and Sabrina Giesbrecht of Grunthal, Man., a son, Luke Jacob, on June 11, 2007.
WALL – to Dave and Linda Wall of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Jaron Lucas, on March 22, 2007.
TIESSEN – to Calvin and Gabi Tiessen, workers in Central Asia, a daughter, Lily Anne, on June 19, 2007.
BARKMAN – to Dylan and Sheila Barkman of Pansy, Man., a daughter, Jasmine Alexis, on March 26, 2007.
LESSER – to Kelly and Karen Lesser of Roseisle, Man., a son, Logan James, on July 19, 2007.
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Treesbank shares highlights
In July we had the privilege of hosting the ministerial meeting for the EMC Convention. Now many of you know where Treesbank is. In May we had the annual Mother’s Day brunch while June saw the annual Father’s Day picnic, which doubles up as the wind-up for Sunday School. Treesbank had one high school graduate this year: Roxie Friesen. In July we had the privilege of hosting the ministerial meeting for the EMC Convention. It was an encouragement to see so many ministerial and friends and to be able to serve them throughout the day. Now many of you know where Treesbank is. August saw the church’s family camp Pastor Kenton Penner meet at Spruce Woods and other Treesbank Provincial Park. From members assisted in August 13 to 16 we hosting the EMC minis- taught, played, sang, terial meeting. and did other activities with 22 kids during day camp. During this week the kids learned about God’s love and His strength. Lucille Penner
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VBS held in Creighton Creighton, Sask.: Goin’ down the river was the theme for the annual Vacation Bible School at Northern Fellowship Chapel in Creighton. Three skit characters—a dad from the city, a mall-lovin’ son, and a mouthy frog—spent the week on the river in a canoe, portaging, camping.
They found out what it was like to face fear and discouragement and how to make peace and forgive. The children enjoyed the stories of Bible characters who faced similar difficulties. Songs, snacks, games, and crafts rounded out the mornings.
Pastor Scott, Natalie, and Spencer Koop were the skit characters. The coordinator was Janice Imrie. Class leaders were Pastor Scott Koop, Natalie Koop, Pastor Lorne Moorhead, Deb Odegaard (also music), and Tiffany Lazar. Other helpers (crafts/clean up) were Eric Cook and Barb Johnstone. Janice Imrie
Pastor Scott, Spencer, and Natalie Koop Tiffany Lazar with helpers
Weekend’s highlight was baptism Fort Garry (Winnipeg, Man.): September is here and summer activities are over. Many children and young people enjoyed camps, trips with family and special activities. Our church started the fall season with their annual community barbecue. Even though rain had been forecast we had sunshine and people enjoyed
meeting friends and making new acquaintances. We had a good representation from the Chinese community who are studying at the university. Christianity Explored is an event to start in October for people who have a longing to know God. Supper (continued page 12)
Community barbecue
Child dedication: Daphne and Randall Thiessen with Samuel Finn, Josh and Kimberly Muehling with Katianna Joan, Rachael and Allister Penner with Adrian Lee, and Jen and Jason Wolfe with Annalyne Marie.
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
Even though rain had been forecast we had sunshine and people enjoyed meeting friends and making new acquaintances. 11
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will be provided and people will be free to ask questions and to discuss concerns they have. Sunday school and youth programs too have started and our home groups are beginning to meet again. We trust that all of these activities will help each of us to grow and mature in our faith and to share it with others. One of the events of the summer was our church camp at Nutimik. Irma Janzen
attended this camp and this is what she shared: “The weekend of June 8–10 saw many people from our congregation head to Camp Nutimik in the Whiteshell for our annual church retreat. This year’s theme was Amazing Grace and the theme was the focus of several faith stories, short devotionals, and hearty singing. “We enjoyed beautiful June weather and spent many hours enjoying outdoor activities. One of the special things about a weekend like this is the intergeneration
Danica Friesen, Kaitlin Neufeld, Kailey Kroeker, Carol Hernandez, Nicole Dyck, and Andrew Krahn were baptized during church camp. Pastor Layton Friesen is with them.
interaction and it was aided by The Amazing Race where children, youth and adults played together. “The highlight of the weekend was the testimonies and baptism of five young women, Carol Hernandanz, Kailey Kroeker, Nicole Dyck, Kaitlin Neufeld, and Danica Friesen. Many friends and family members drove out from Winnipeg on Sunday morning to be a part of this service.” Diane Reimer
Fort Garry congregants pray for those who were newly baptized.
CFGB supplies one millionth tonne of food As of the summer of 2007, Canadian Foodgrains Bank has supplied one million tonnes of food to people coping with hunger. That’s enough to fill 15,873 box cars with grain bags—a train about 290 kilometres long. “A million tonnes of food is enough to provide a full ration…to over 66 million people for one month,” says Jim Cornelius, executive director. “That’s twice the population of Canada, or one percent of the world’s population.”
“Our work is far from over, but today we are celebrating what’s already been done.” “Our mission is to end hunger,” continues Cornelius. “Sometimes, when the task seems too large, and we consider that over 800 million people are still without sufficient food, it can seem overwhelming…Our work is far from over, but today we are celebrating what’s already been done.” “A lot of people give of their resources— money, grain, time, commodities, etc.— toward the cause of ending hunger. We are very grateful for the strong support
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we receive and we know that each of our beneficiaries shares that gratitude.” In addition to public donations, Canadian Foodgrains Bank receives funding from CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency). In July 2007, it was announced that a new, more flexible five-year agreement that increases annual funding from $16 million/year to $20 million/year.
CFGB recently welcomed two new member agencies: Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, and Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund of the Anglican Church of Canada. The total number of church-based agencies is now 15. CFGB
Has your congregation used it? $2.50 per book for EMCers
A 13-lesson study booklet that explores our wider role as Christians, with a striving for social justice as a biblical task. Call or e-mail to order your copies today: 204-326-6401; emcmessenger@mts.net THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
pictures of God
Joanna Plett
Confronted with His glory
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he “glory of the Lord” has been to me much like the Holy Spirit—a brilliant ideal, glimpsed from afar by such holy and commissioned individuals as Isaiah and Moses, but out of reach or extremely rare for the average Christian. For Moses, the glory of God revealed at the burning bush and on Mount Sinai represented his holiness, showing Moses and the Israelites God’s “otherness” and demanding their obedience and worship. Isaiah, too, saw God’s holiness and his own sinfulness revealed in God’s glory. But more than widening the gap between God and man, these revelations opened the door for a proper grace—one that is extended from the Holy to the condemned. Somehow these encounters bred both a deep humility towards God and an unswerving confidence in Isaiah’s and Moses’ callings. As they recognized God’s holiness, the grace in their calling became clearer and they became usable in his hands. For both Moses and Isaiah, the revelation of the glory of God was the basis of their calling. It transformed Moses from an overzealous self-appointed deliverer and a faceless shepherd to Israel’s God-appointed deliverer and their shepherd in the wilderness for forty years. It transformed Isaiah from an average man to a tool in God’s mission. The revelation of God’s glory forced both of them to confront their dark pasts, but unveiled an unexpected future. It was also the security of their calling when an entire nation rose up to oppose it. Greater revelation of God’s glory also made Moses realize his complete dependence on God for every step of the work. As the Israelites prepared to set out from Mount Sinai, Moses begged for a glimpse of His glory as a confirmation of his presence. And in God’s revelation of his glory and his name, Moses was convinced of the faithfulness and the presence of God as he went forward. As I reflected on these encounters, they still felt far beyond my experience and expectations. But with the coming of Jesus, the fullness and the glory of God is revealed (Colossians 1:15–20, John 1:14). This glory is the glory the prophets only longed to see and hoped for (1 Peter 1:10–12). The glory they caught glimpses of I have living inside of me. Not only is it in my heart, it reflects from me.
The revelation of God’s glory that we have in Christ, surrounding us, and within us has perhaps become so common that we scarcely recognize its brilliance. My confidence in God’s personal calling and direction in my life tends to ebb and flow with my awareness of God’s holiness and his grace towards me. But God’s glory—when I see it—still has the power to uncover my sinfulness, reveal God’s holiness, and give me a new passion, focus, and security in his calling on my life. The challenge? To open my eyes to recognize the glory of the Lord that covers the whole earth. To see it in the faces of people and the power of nature. To humble myself beneath his holiness and allow God to illuminate my past and define my future through his T glory. M
Greater revelation of God’s glory made Moses realize his complete dependence on God for every step of the work. And in God’s revelation of his glory and his name, Moses was convinced of the faithfulness and the presence of God as he went forward.
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
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The Flood of the Century commemorated decade later On April 25, 2007, ten years after the evacuation of communities along the Red River Valley, Mennonite Disaster Service and other disaster response organizations commemorated the Flood of the Century. About 100 people gathered at Howden Community Centre, on Red River Drive, south of Winnipeg, Man., a hall rebuilt by volunteers and with donations. At the flood’s peak in Canada on May 4, 1997, the Red River covered more than 2,560 square kms (990 square miles) of land. Nicknamed the Red Sea, this temporary lake forced about 28,000 Manitobans to abandon their homes and caused $450 million in damage. The flood caused much heartache and grief for many Manitobans and many animals perished, but through it all, not one human life was lost. Volunteers working with the NGOs alone numbered over 12,000 contributing over 250,000 hours. Thousands more volunteers worked on their own initiative, helping wherever they could. For MDS, 2,675 volunteers (including the reliable and skilled volunteers from
the Christian Reformed and Manitoba Mercy Mission partners) gave 22,762 days to the long-term recovery effort. In total 802 houses and yards were cleaned up, 28 homes received minor repairs, 71 major repairs and 14 newly built houses were completed in the three following
years. Along with the volunteer help, this was made possible by $1.8 million donated to MDS by a wide range of supporters, and by close and enduring partnerships developed with other NGOs and government agencies. MDS
James Alte, resident whose property was flooded, Herm Martens (Reeve of Rosenort, Man.) and Abe Ens, long time MDS member, visit the Flood of the Century commemoration. (Bruce Hildebrand)
German Mennonite Conference offers hope Hope and a future. These words from Jeremiah 29:11 stood at the centre of the Mennonite gathering at Karlsruhe, Germany, on May 17-20. More than 400 Mennonites came for the Germany-wide conference, held every three or four years. The conference brought together the Associated Mennonite Churches in Germany, with 55 churches. Morning speakers focused on biblical texts that challenge resignation and encourage hopeful awareness of where God is at work. They spoke of hope and renewal, themes that shaped the afternoon workshops.
“Conflicts are often brought on by a fear of change,” Bähler said, commenting that courage is fear transformed by prayer. Drawing parallels from the dry bones in Ezekial 37, Corinna Schmidt and Frieder Boller spoke of God breathing fresh hope into churches. Schmidt is pastor of the Mennonite churches in Lübeck and Hamburg, and Boller is
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pastor of Ingolstadt Mennonite Church and newly appointed chairman of AMG. Henk Leegte, pastor of the Mennonite Church in Amsterdam; and Madeleine Bähler, supervisor and “coach” active in the Swiss Mennonite Church, examined the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They encouraged churches to look honestly at their present state and role in their communities, developing a sensitivity to recognize the paths where God is leading. “Conflicts are often brought on by a fear of change,” Bähler said, commenting that courage is fear transformed by prayer. Mennonites from other European countries and Christian brothers and sisters from North and South America and the Middle East shared experiences, finding ways to remain hopeful. Paraguayan Ernst Weichselberger extended an invitation to German Mennonites to attend the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Asuncion Paraguay in July 2009. Weichselberger is the national coordinator for Assembly 15.
Daoud Nassar, a Palestinian Christian, visited as the German Mennonite Peace Committee’s 2007 Michael Sattler Peace Award recipient. Sharing about his family’s vision of a meeting place for people of varied nationalities and religions, Nassar demonstrated the importance of offering hope to young people. Rosi Giesbrecht from Paraguay, in Germany for a year of voluntary service with Christliche Dienste, attended the conference for the first time. “What I’ve noticed is that the problems and conflicts are the same everywhere,” she said. “That’s what I heard again and again this weekend. I take with me hope that change can take place and can begin first of all in small ways within me.” During the final gathering Sunday morning, Doris Hege, pastor of the Mennonite church in Frankfurt, acknowledged, “We’ve considered the promise that God wants to give us a future and hope. Trusting God, may we take this hope into our churches, our families, our society and our world.” Megan Rutt/MWC
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
by the way Dave K. Schellenberg
Being the aroma of Christ
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individuals were drawn to him for spiritual direction.” ut thanks be to God, who always leads us in His presence must have shared the aroma of Christ. triumphal procession in Christ and through us William Barclay, in his book More Prayers for the spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him. Plain Man, helps us remember to be an aroma of Christ For we are to God the aroma of Christ among during the day: “Help me to live in such a way today those who are being saved and those who are perishing that others may know that I began the day with you (2 Corinthians 2:14–15). [God] and that I am walking with you, so that however Since my accident (a car ran into my bicycle), I dimly, others may see you in me.” have paid frequent visits to a therapist. Since therapy The Corinthians verse says that “we are to God, involve periods of lying on my back and having the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved healing devices applied to my body, I have spent part and those who are perishing.” Part of our problem is of the time praying. One time the word aroma flashed that we are not aware enough of being the aroma of into my mind. It came from the Lord. Christ. If we were, our actions would often be different. I was sure aroma was used in the New Testament. I would be the first to admit that. The King James Version uses savour; the NIV uses In church, of course, aroma. it is easy to be an aroma What a delightful way A dictionary defines aroma as a “sweet smell” and of Christ. It might be of describing a Christian witness. We may not “a distinctive fragrance.” This is quite a task for entirely different at our in a store preach, sing, or speak, the Christian. However, we can comply more if we workplace, checkout line, after a but we can all be the become more aware of God in our daily lives. fender bender or being aroma of Christ. cut off by a motorist, Paul said to the or reprimanding our Thessalonians, “And so children. Yet here is where it you became a model to all counts. believers in Macedonia and Missionaries in lands Achaia. The Lord’s message closed to the gospel would be rang out from you not only in especially aware of the need Macedonia and Achaia—your to be the aroma of Christ. faith in God has become They have to be careful about known everywhere” (2 sharing their faith openly. Thessalonians 1:7–8). To be a The New Testament gives model the Thessalonians must us directives on how we can have had the aroma of Christ. be the aroma of Christ. Maybe A dictionary defines aroma one of the better known as a “sweet smell” and “a verses would be Galatians distinctive fragrance.” This is 5:22, “But the fruit of the quite a task for the Christian. Spirit is love, joy, peace, However, we can comply more patience, kindness, goodness, if we become more aware of faithfulness, gentleness, and God in our daily lives. self-control.” Applying these, Brother Lawrence, who I believe, should help us to be wrote The Practice of the T an aroma of Christ. M Presence of God, must have been such a person. It was said “his sense of inner peace was so profound that other THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
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stewardship today Darren Pries-Klassen
Gambling: Fun, a problem, or a lack of hope?
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m I just hyper-sensitive or are more people starting to gamble? A quick channel surf in the evening leads me to think that I am missing a great deal of fun by not playing online poker. Lottery tickets are always in plain view when I pay for gas or buy a late-night grocery item. Maybe it just seems that way because I live so close to Niagara Falls, a gambler’s haven. Curiosity got the better of me, so here is what I discovered after a little research. A recent report commissioned by the Canadian Gaming Association found that Canadians lost $14.5 billion playing slot machines, buying lottery tickets, and placing bets at the track in 2006. Total profits were $10.6 billion ($7.4 billion for provincial coffers and $3.2 billion for charity). That is a great deal of money. More staggering are the numbers of Canadians who gamble: 19 million Canadians gamble annually and a quarter of Canadians play the lottery weekly. Canada’s population is 35 million, which means one in two people gamble in some way, shape, or form. With odds like that, I probably know a lot more gamblers than I thought I did; you probably do too. People aren’t in the habit of telling others that they gamble. (I was told that gambling is an outdated term and has been replaced with the more sanitized gaming. I guess I am old fashioned.) Well, so what? Some people gamble, maybe even people in the church. What’s the big deal? While many people gamble “responsibly,” 35 per cent of Ontario’s gambling industry profits–or $700 million–come from the 5 per cent of gamblers that have a moderate to severe addiction.
a gambling habit from family members, and the issue becomes even more difficult to address. The potential for financial devastation is tremendous. One in four people gamble weekly, and one in two people gamble annually, yet the odds of winning a $1 million jackpot are one in 14 million. Seems a strange place for people to place their hope! While there do not seem to be statistics showing how many gamblers are church attendees, it is probably safe to assume some gamblers are church goers. Given our understanding of Christ’s triumph over sin and death, placing trust in the idea of salvation gives one much better odds with which to “gamble.” The church needs to be aware of the financial devastation that gambling can cause. We need to discuss the topic in Sunday School classes and in small groups, and encourage people to get the help they need before gambling leads to financial difficulty, let alone destruction. Furthermore, the church must never tire of repeating its message of hope. We have something to offer people where the odds of winning are far better than a game of T chance or playing a roulette wheel. M For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office: Abbotsford – Ed Wedel, 1-888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, 1-888-212-8731; Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, Sherri Grosz, 1-888-212-7759; Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, Dori Zerbe Cornelsen, 1-800-772-3257.
One in four people gamble weekly, and one in two people gamble annually, yet the odds of winning a $1 million jackpot are one in 14 million. Seems a strange place for people to place their hope! I spoke to a few credit counselors and asked if they had seen an increase during the past few years with people experiencing financial problems due to gambling. Responses like “no question” and “absolutely” were common. The difficulty, I was told, is that a person in trouble is often financially embarrassed and so is hesitant to talk to others or to get help. Add to this the secretiveness of online gambling and the efforts to hide
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THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
videos shared
Diane Koop
The DNA of Relationships, by Gary and Michael Smalley (Smalley Relationship Center, 2005). Six sessions on three DVDs. Rental $10. Reviewed by Diane Koop, member at Steinbach EFC.
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beginning with stopping the blame game. From there they walk you through the fears that begin your negative relational cycle. Then they do what is the most important thing: They aid you in stopping the cycle. The cycle has four parts that repeat themselves. Step one: “You hurt.” Someone does something that hurts you and this leads to step two: “You want.” What do you want? A solution, to feel better. When that doesn’t happen, it creates step three: “You fear.” Fear demonstrates itself in different ways, from a sense of helplessness to feeling controlled. When your fear is revealed “you react” (step four) and thus the cycle is in motion.
ife is about relationships. We are surrounded by them, both good and bad, with parents, friends, spouses, co-workers, and children. Yet all around us these relationships are hurting; they are in crisis. Our world, built for relationships, is falling apart. We have all had, at one time, or are currently in, a relationship that hurts. We feel that we are always at odds, seemingly in constant conflict. A disagreement quickly escalates into a fight. With some effort we manage to “solve” We have all had or are currently in a relationship that the problem and make up. This hurts. We feel we are always at odds, in constant cycle, however, repeats itself, but conflict. A disagreement quickly escalates into a fight. never seems to get better. Some relationships we can end or avoid, With some effort we manage to “solve” the problem and but some we must deal with; and so make up. This cycle, however, repeats itself. this cycle continues and drains us. One hopes for a miracle. Recently I found an explanation for this dilemma. I can I encourage our churches’ small now see what the trigger to the arguments is, what it takes groups to use this series to heal the to set it off, and what I can do to stop the cycle. broken and hurting relationships in The DNA of Relationships, by Gary and Michael Smalley, our churches. The steps from this series can be used in all is a video series found in our EM Conference library. relationships, at home, church, work, and school. Get Gary Through this series I found answers to my questions. Smalley’s book by the same title, as he delves deeper into Smalleys not only identified the relationship crisis our the whole issue than the video series alone does. I promise world is in, but give practical steps to overcome it. T you, it will change your relationships for the better. M They help you take ownership of the problems you face,
Freedom Bitterness It wells up and wells up But I stand on the lid It can’t escape.
Then I see Christ on the cross He’s suffering, agonizing over my bitterness.
Finally I press down harder, ever harder I keep it in check It can’t escape.
At last I step down from my box The lid bursts open The bitterness floats away.
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
Now I am free But what a price Christ, my Saviour, paid for My Freedom!
Laura Plett Siemens
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Restorative Justice Week is November 18 to 25 November 18 to 25, 2007, has been aside set aside for awareness and celebration of restorative justice by the Church Council on Justice and Corrections and the Correctional Service of Canada. The theme is Facing the Questions, inviting individuals and faith communities to use worship services or group discussions to assist a deeper understanding of restorative justice. Materials are available about how it works and offers potential avenues toward healing. A pamphlet is available at www.cscscc.gc.ca/text/prgrm/chap/faith/2007/2_ e.shtml. Worship and other resources are available at http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/ portals/rj/rj2007/ch1_e.shtml. Free print materials on Restorative Justice Week 2007 can be ordered from CSC: www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/portals/rj/ rj2007/ord_e.shtml. CSC
MARY EIDSE 1922–2007
Mary was the eldest daughter of Jacob and Margaret Friesen. She was born on May 3, 1922. On July 25, 1943, Mom married Nick Eidse, son of David and Elizabeth Eidse. Their first home was on the yard of dad’s parents, where both Mom and Dad helped on the large family farm. They eventually settled on a farm in Pleasant Valley, where they farmed for forty years. Mom kept busy on the farm maintaining a huge yard with trees, hedges, flowers, and gardens. She was a cheerful homemaker and an excellent cook. Mom would sing or whistle as she worked. We often woke up mornings to the refrains of her singing floating up the stairs: There’s a land that is fairer than day and by faith we can see it afar or Trust and
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Dread not, for God is with you!
In late June, Jordan Dyck auctioned his dreadlocks at a Sunday afternoon picnic as part of Parliament Community Church in Regina, Sask. Jordan’s mother, Marilyn Dyck, had the highest bid and cut the first lock. The auction raised $1,420, enough for 10 more people living with HIV/AIDS to receive free drug therapy at the Faith Alive Clinic in Jos, Nigeria, under MCC’s Generations at Risk program. About one in 19 adults in Nigeria live with HIV and 1.8 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey. When Mom couldn’t sleep at night she would recite Bible verses. She had a verse for every letter of the alphabet. How many times will she have gone through these verses as she suffered in silence, having lost her speech to the effects of a stroke on March 24! In June of 1961, Mom and Dad were elected deacon couple in the Pleasant Valley Church. Mom loved this new role. It gave her permission to entertain guests even more; speakers and other visitors to the church were invited with love and enthusiasm. The smells of roast beef and farmer sausage still bring us comfort as we are reminded of Sunday lunches at Mom and Dad’s, smells that connect us to Mom and remind us of what she loved best, sharing her food with others. Our family picture will no longer be complete; our Mother is gone but her presence lives on. She is part of us and will always be a part of us; her presence lives on in who we are and who we have become. Mom leaves to cherish her love, her husband Nick; children Mary Ann and Ernie Loewen of Rosenort, Florence and Danny Loewen of Rosenort, Elmer and Lucille Eidse of Kelowna, Larry and Sandi Eidse of Rosenort, Jim and Terri Eidse of Kelowna, Marlene and Clarence
Dueck of Rosenort, Karen and Lloyd Kornelsen of Winnipeg, and Laverna Eidse and Rob Rempel of Winnipeg; thirty-one grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Mom is survived by three sisters, Betty, Helen, Agnes; and sisters-in-law, Eva, Elma and Burton Johnston, Helen and Jake Friesen, as well as many Eidse geschwista. She was predeceased by one greatgrandson, her parents Jacob and Margaret Friesen, six brothers and twin sisters. We will miss mom’s watchful eye, always watching her “flock” to ensure they weren’t hurting. Words in a song written by Leonard Cohen, Night Comes On, describes her warmth and presence that we hold on to: I went down to the place Where I knew she lay waiting Under the marble and the snow I said, Mother I’m frightened the thunder and the lightning I’ll never come through this alone She said, I’ll be with you My shawl wrapped around you My hand on your head when you go And the night came on It was very calm I wanted the night to go on and on But she said, Go back to the World. Her Family
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
shoulder tapping Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in eastcentral Saskatchewan, is currently looking for a pastor. We have a fairly young congregation consisting of 18–20 families, with about 16 children in Sunday School. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel. net. MCC seeks a resource generation network director for Akron, PA. The director gives leadership network of staff in MCC offices across Canada and the United States and coordinates the establishment of standards in fund-raising, setting goals, and building network capacities. Experience required in nonprofit fund-raising with excellent skills in communication and management. Candidates of a gender or ethnic group typically underrepresented are encouraged to apply. Contact Kathy Jackson at krj@mcc.org or 717-859-1151 for job description. Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a youth worker or couple to develop a program for youth and junior youth. PFC is a small church in the village of Pelly, located in central Sask., close to the Manitoba border. Applicants need to have a strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a sense of God’s call on their life. He/she will need to be flexible, have strong communication, organizational, relational and leadership skills, as well as being self-motivated. Music skills would be an asset. Submit resume to Pastor John Froese, Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306-595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship.com. Fish Creek Christian Fellowship (a nine-year-old EMC congregation meeting in South Calgary) is seeking a bi-vocational senior pastor to begin this summer or fall. We currently have about 40 people attending, and our aim is to reach the lost in our area. We are looking for an organized, selfmotivated candidate with a strong pulpit ministry and gifts in evangelism, discipleship and visionary leadership for church re-planting. For details and discussion please contact Dean Buhler, 1452 Lake Sylvan Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2J 3C8. Phone 403-271-5171 or e-mail kbuhler1@ telus.net. The EMM Conference seeks a full-time executive director in its Winnipeg, Man., office. Duties and Responsibilities: Participate with the General Board in the preparation of the Ministry Plan; develop action plan to achieve results; manage staff resources to carry out the Conference’s mandate, report on Conference activities to the General Board; communicate, reporting, and interact with the Council, General Board, and Regions; ensure appropriate systems and process are in place to carry out mandate of the Conference in all required areas including operations, financial management, internal controls, compliance with taxation and other regulatory agencies and risk management; and other matters as determined from time to time or directed by the General Board. Qualifications and Attributes: Experienced leader with demonstrated capabilities of working with multiple priorities; strong communication
and organizational skills to work effectively with the council, general board, regions and staff; and collaborative approach to build consensus on matters while staying focused on achieving the desired results. The EMMC is a conference of churches holding to the Anabaptist-peace position with ministry in Canada, USA, Mexico, Belize, and Bolivia (www. emmc.ca). The successful applicant must be fully supportive of EMMC’s mission and vision and be prepared to sign the EMMC statement of faith. Please submit your confidential application/ resume stating qualifications, experience, and statement of faith to The Moderator, EMMC, Box 52059, Niakwa PO, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5P9. Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to develop long-term relationships with people of the community. The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a community that has a Christian history going back to 1879. The congregation is located about 45 minutes from Virden and Brandon. A strong sense of God’s call and a love for people are required. Direct inquiries to David Pashe, 204-730-0409, e-mail: pashed@westman. wave.ca; or to Ward Parkinson, 204-326-6401, e-mail: emcward@mts.net. Mennonite Central Committee Canada seeks applications for a half-time domestic policy analyst in Ottawa, Ont. The placement of this position on Ottawa indicates MCC Canada’s increasing commitment to governmental work. Although this position’s focus is on select Canadian domestic issues and policies, flexibility is necessary in order to meet the mandate of the Ottawa office. The role will include monitoring and responding to federal government legislation and action relating to our priorities. This is done in the context of regular communication with relevant MCC provincial and international programming, other Mennonite agencies, and related coalitions. The goal of our involvement with the government is to find ways in which we and our constituency can participate in the struggle for justice within Canada. The domestic policy analyst uses a teamwork approach to collaborate with all members of the National Programs department of MCC Canada and to interact with MCC provincial offices, other organizations connected to MCC, and coalitions, where appropriate. All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. For further information contact Marsha Jones at 204-261-6381 or e-mail mgj@mennonitecc.ca. Mennonite Central Committee seeks applications for a full-time water and food production coordinator in Winnipeg, Man. The coordinator is a member of MCC’s Program Development department within the International
THE MESSENGER September 19, 2007
Program department and is responsible to support the development and strengthening of MCC’s international work related to water and food production, focusing on changes in climate that impact water and food; work with MCC’s international country programs to plan/ design, monitor, and implement water and food production activity; educate MCC constituency on this work, by collaborating with the MCC Resource Generation Network, and with regional and provincial MCC offices for communication and consultation. All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. For further information contact Marsha Jones at 204-261-6381 or e-mail mgj@mennonitecc.ca. Eden Health Care Services, based in Winkler, Man., seeks a chief executive officer. EHCS is owned by Manitoba Mennonite Churches. Eden provides acute and community mental health recovery services in collaboration with our faith constituencies, local communities, and the Regional and Manitoba Health Authorities. It has 140 employees with a budget of nearly $10 million. The candidate: A visionary, strategic leader, planner and team-builder capable of supervising and directing all aspects of the Eden group of mental health, residential, vocational employment, counseling, and community development programs. An understanding and affirmation of Anabaptist faith and values is essential. Qualifications: Relevant university education or equivalent training, strong management and communications skills, a minimum of five years of related experience, demonstrating an understanding of healthcare management and supporting partners and constituencies. Submit resumes by October 15, 2007, to Search Committee Chair, John Janzen, EHCS, Box 129, Winkler, MB R6W 4A4, fax: 204-325-8742, email: jajanzen1@hotmail.com. Steinbach Bible College invites applications for the position of director of development. The director of development implements the philosophy and long-term strategy of development that includes operational giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment development. The position is a fulltime administrative position. Salary is based on related experience. The successful candidate will have a background in donor development or business experience, effective administrative and leadership skills, relational skills, and work toward CFRE certification. Candidate must be in agreement and sign the Lifestyle Statement and the Statement of Faith of the college. Position to begin October 15, 2007, or as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Submit application with resume and cover letter to Rob Reimer, President, Steinbach Bible College, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, e-mail rreimer@sbcollege.ca.
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KIDS’
corner Loreena Thiessen
Io and Ganymede
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e see the moon differently at different times. At full moon it is super huge and orangy-red as it appears on the horizon. Then it rises into the sky and it’s the bluish-white light we see each night. It changes shape, too. Once a month it’s full and round. Then it wanes, becomes smaller, and we see a thinner and thinner crescent, or sliver, until it disappears, and the cycle starts over again. Our earth has only one moon. Can you imagine 62 moons to brighten up the night sky? That’s Jupiter. Io and Ganymede are two of the largest of Jupiter’s 62 moons. Four of them can be seen as points of light next to Jupiter in the southern night sky and were first discovered by Galileo 400 years ago. Our moon, and the entire solar system, has always fascinated the people of Earth. In ancient times a legend explained the diminishing moon as being eaten by a great beast. The people would gather at night banging pots and pans to scare the beast away. Telescopes, space cameras, and space travel continue to give us new information and knowledge about the universe. Have you heard the moon described as made of green cheese? It’s just an old saying where the word green means young or new as in “new moon.” The moon’s cratered surface resembles the holes of Swiss cheese. According to space cameras, Io, Jupiter’s closest moon, looks like a giant pizza covered in bubbly orange cheese, pieces of tomato and ripe olives, like a three-topping Pizza Hut order. Io is a bubbling mass, not of cheese, but of sulphuric acid that shoots out of hundreds of volcanoes and drops down in colorful splotches. Io may look like a pizza, but it’s a dangerous place where no human could survive. Io is pulled by Jupiter’s forces toward Jupiter and away again by its sister moons. This pull in different directions squeezes and stretches Io which causes its interior to heat up to PAGE 20
The blood red moon rests its wide belly on the horizon a ridge of trees marches across its face then, like a balloon, it lifts and floats into space. high temperatures until the crust cracks and boiling eruptions spew out. Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system. While Io boils and bubbles with volcanoes, Ganymede is covered in soft ice and slushy water. Like Galileo, scientists today continue to search for new information to understand the universe better. A new rocket journey to Mars has begun. It will take eight months. When it arrives a weather station will land on its surface and collect data and information to see if one day humans could live there. Read Psalm 8. The Earth is for us to enjoy, take care T of, and learn from. M
Read Psalm 8. The Earth is for us to enjoy, take care of, and learn from. Keep a Moon Journal You will need: • a drawing book with blank pages • pencil • pencil crayons, or wax crayons What to do: • Observe the moon as soon as it is visible • Each night draw the shape of the moon • Describe in which part of the sky it appears • Describe other stars, star formations you see and recognize • On cloudy nights, if there is a moon, or not, describe what you see • Keep the journal at least through one cycle of the moon’s phases; if you keep it through several cycles you can compare them • Date each page; begin any night THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914