THE
MESSENGER
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
volume 47, number 9 May 6, 2009
Encountering
God
in worship
www.emconf.ca/Messenger
editorial
How, then, shall we worship?
I
n some churches, worship wars have become commonplace. Church members cannot agree on the style of music they prefer to use in the worship service. Some churches resolve this by moving to having separate services, each appealing to a different audience, while others employ different music genres within the same service. Because music, for many, has the power to bring forth certain feelings, it can be a powerful medium for worship. For myself, there seem to be certain songs that better enable me to experience the presence of God. But is music to be the focus of our worship? What is worship? Dictionary.com defines worship as “reverent honor and homage paid to God.” When we bicker over musical preferences, God is not honoured. Preferences focus on what I want, while worship is to be about honouring God. If we limit worship to music, we do a disservice to ourselves and to God. Perhaps it’s time to think about the broader meaning of worship, and how our services bring honour to Jesus Christ. We can be helped in this by looking at how worship is practiced in the Bible.
INTERIM EDITOR Rebecca Buhler rbuhler@emconf.ca
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Erica Fehr
efehr@emconf.ca
Address changes and submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 11 – June 10 (copy due May 29)
2
First, worship involves gathering. The community comes together to honour Christ and give Him praise. The tabernacle, temple, synagogue and, later, believers’ homes provided locations where the worshipping community could meet. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us to not give up on meeting together. This is not to say that we cannot worship as individuals. However, if the church is to be a counter-cultural force in our world, our emphasis needs to be other-centred rather than self-centred. In gathering, we acknowledge that Christ-at-work is beyond “just me and Jesus.” Seeing how Jesus is at work in others can also “spur us on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). Second, worship involves right living. Old Testament prophets make frequent appeals to God’s people that doing justice is more important than going through the motions of worship. Right living during the week can also help prepare our hearts to encounter our Lord in corporate worship. Often, my attitude during the week influences how I approach the Sunday worship service.
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 St., Steinbach, Man.
While we know that God invites us to approach Him as we are, dealing with obstacles to worship during the worship service itself is not the best use of that time. Worship also involves listening. Whether we are praying God’s Word, singing it, or reading it, our focus needs to be on hearing what He is saying to us. This means that the sermon is no less a part of our worship together than the songs we sing. We also listen through times of sharing (where we hear God’s voice through others and lift up their needs in prayer) and silence (listening for God to speak directly to us). Beyond the type of music we sing, beyond the order of worship we use, our services need to be intentional about directing our hearts toward Jesus. The forms we use have changed and adapted and will continue to do so, but all must be examined in light of how well they assist us in encountering Christ. Our focus in worship must be clear. He is the reason we gather. He is the One we worship, because only He is “worthy...to receive honor and T glory and praise” (Rev. 5:12). M Rebecca Buhler
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
THE
Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 We gratefully 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 St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401, Fax: 204-326-1613
MESSENGER
On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
MEDA casts wider (malaria) net to save more young lives in Tanzania Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is on the front lines of a new $21 million project in Tanzania to get young children sleeping under lifeprotecting malaria nets over the next two years. Working with the country’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, MEDA will be coordinating the distribution of 7.2 million LLINs (longlasting insecticidal nets) at no cost to children under age five at village events over the next 12 months through a massive nationwide catch-up campaign.
The aim of the project is to cover 80 percent of children under five with an LLIN in a country that sees 18 million cases of malaria—and 80,000 deaths resulting from it—annually, 80 percent of the victims being children under five and pregnant women. Ninety percent of Tanzania’s 40 million residents live in areas where malaria is endemic or at epidemic risk. Since 2004, MEDA has distributed more than 4.6 million insecticide-treated nets to pregnant women and infants through Hati Punguzo, a program of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Malaria Control Program. This year, in addition to the mass LLIN distribution, MEDA will be upgrading the Hati Punguzo voucher program. The new fixed “top-up” voucher means the customer will pay 500 shillings (about 30 cents), regardless of the retail price or where they live in the country. This is in contrast to the previous fixed-value voucher, which covered from 60 to 70 percent of the cost of the net, where the top-up amount can change relative to the retail cost of the net.
Since 2004, MEDA has distributed more than 4.6 million insecticidetreated nets to pregnant women and infants.
Mother and child
To accomplish this across all 21 regions and many remote areas, MEDA has developed a distribution network of almost 7,000 retailers, 260 wholesalers and four manufacturers. Women receive a voucher during prenatal visits at one of 4,300 clinics across the country. With an estimated six lives spared for every 1,000 nets sold, Hati Punguzo and MEDA have already saved more than 27,000 young lives—and are protecting countless more. MEDA
Kids with nets
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
3
Encountering
God
in worship
Dr. Christine Longhurst
W
hat’s the purpose of corporate worship? What is it we try to do when we come together to worship God? Those might sound like straight-forward questions but, as the Barna Research Group in the U.S. found out a few years ago, there are a surprising range of answers. In a 2002 survey on worship, they asked church-going adults to identify the primary purpose of worship. To their surprise, one out of every five people admitted that they had no idea what the purpose of worship really was. Close to half of those surveyed (49 percent) felt that worship was an activity undertaken for their own personal benefit. Only three out of ten (29 percent) saw worship as something focused primarily on God. If you asked the same question in your church, what do you think the answer would be? Over the years, my own views on worship have changed. When I was a young child, I had a fairly simple view: worship was something we did for God. We came to church freshly washed and combed, dressed in our best clothes, on our best behaviour, bringing our best offerings of praise and prayer. I always pictured God hovering somewhere just underneath the wooden ceiling beams, watching and listening as we sang and prayed. As I grew older, my understanding of worship grew as well. I came to realize that worship wasn’t just one-way communication—something we did for God—but that God was actively involved, too: speaking, inspiring, challenging, forgiving, listening, healing, encouraging, sending and blessing. My growing understanding of worship was affirmed by what I read in Scripture. In the Bible, 4
corporate worship—the gathering together of God’s people—is a deeply participatory, relational activity between God and the community (see Exodus 24; 2 Chronicles 6; Isaiah 6). The primary scriptural metaphor for worship is that of a dialogue—an honest, two-way conversation in which we not only speak but also listen to God. God is not merely the audience for our worship, but a living and active presence among us. Is this how we understand and experience worship today? Do we encounter God when we gather together for worship? Do our services offer worshippers an opportunity to experience and respond to the presence of God at work among them? Many people would say that they don’t. In his book, The Great Worship Awakening, Robb Redman suggests that many Christians no longer even expect to encounter God in worship. “A service is an opportunity for fellowship and inspiration,” he writes. “Protestants may be good THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
part one of two
A recent survey done by the Barna Research Group discovered that eight out of every ten Christians surveyed did not feel that they had entered into the presence of God or experienced a connection with God during a worship service over the past year.
at talking about God, but less comfortable talking to God.” Adds Sally Morgenthaler, a long-time pastor and worship consultant in the U.S.: “We are not producing worshippers in this country. Rather, we are producing a generation of spectators, religious onlookers lacking, in many cases, any memory of a true encounter with God….” A more recent survey done by the Barna Research Group bears this out. In it, they discovered that eight out of every ten Christians surveyed did not feel that they had entered into the presence of God or experienced a connection with God during a worship service over the past year. In an article for Christianity Today, Gary Burge suggests that worship in many churches has become more of a time for education and discipleship than an encounter with God. Says Burge: “Rather than being an ‘otherworldly’ encounter reminding us of our heavenly identity, it has become ‘worldly’ in the sense that its focus is horizontal, sharpening our discipleship in the world.” He goes on to say that many Christians today are yearning for more—for worship that brings them into dialogue with God. How can we experience this kind of worship for ourselves? First and foremost, we need to acknowledge that the primary goal of worship is to bring us into an encounter with the living God. Worship is a dialogue between God and God’s people in which God reveals His divine nature and we, through the intercession of Jesus Christ THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
and the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are enabled to respond. A second step may be to take a closer look at the worship order we use—the placement of the songs, prayers, sermon, offering and announcements. One of the encouraging trends in many churches these days is a growing willingness to re-evaluate traditional worship orders. Does our order of service make it clear that worship is a dialogue between God and His people? Does it include both revelation and response—moments when we listen for God’s voice as well as moments when we are given a chance to respond to what we hear God saying? I sometimes wonder if the reason we have trouble seeing worship as a corporate dialogue with God is that we’ve lost a sense of the ways in which God speaks to us. How might we strengthen God’s voice in our worship? Here are a few suggestions: Acknowledge God’s presence. Begin worship by recognizing God’s presence in the gathered community. Pray for the active presence of the Holy Spirit during worship. Use more scripture. I am often amazed at how little scripture reading occurs in many worship services. God speaks most clearly through His Word. For this reason, congregations have traditionally prayed for the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit before the reading and preaching of the Word. (continued on p. 6)
5
Create space for the Holy Spirit to move. Instead of filling each moment of worship with activity, consider intentionally creating quieter spaces in which the Holy Spirit may move. In his book, Transforming Worship, Timothy Carson suggests that the experience of the transcendent in our midst requires “margins of intellectual and emotional space in which a worshipper may swim.” Take time to listen to one another. God’s presence among us becomes real as we share stories about how God is at work in our lives, and as we experience the love of God in the fellowship of His people. Speak on God’s behalf. There are moments in worship when it is the role of leaders to speak God’s word to the congregation. Words of assurance following confession, words of blessing and benediction— these are God’s words, not ours. Leaders need to allow themselves to become a conduit through which God blesses and encourages His people.
15th annual
EMC Golf Classic June 18, 2009 Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course Steinbach, Man. Call Ron Penner 204-255-8062 or Burt Loewen 204-371-5209 for information or to register
6
Those who choose songs for worship are literally putting words in people’s mouths. Choosing songs needs to be done with great care, and with an awareness of how the text of each song helps further the dialogue with God.
S
trengthening the congregation’s role in the dialogue—their response to what they hear God saying—is equally important. Are worshippers given an opportunity to acknowledge the presence of God in their midst? Do they have a chance to speak honestly to God about how they have fallen short of what God desires? Do their needs and concerns help shape the prayers offered to God? Are they given a chance to respond to what they hear God saying, and to re-affirm their desire to live as God’s people? The songs we sing are also an important part of the worship dialogue, and should be chosen as much for their texts as for their music. Those who choose songs for worship are literally putting words in people’s mouths. Choosing songs needs to be done with great care, and with an awareness of how the text of each song helps further the dialogue with God. True worship, says theologian John Witvliet, is “charged with divine activity.” Unless we encounter God—unless God is an active presence in our worship—we miss out on the primary T purpose of our worship gatherings. M Christine Longhurst, BRS, BA, MMus, MSM, DWS, is former Pastor of Worship at the River East MB Church in Winnipeg, Man. She offers workshops on worship and music in congregations across Canada. She can be reached at www.FaithMatters.ca.
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
WITH OUR CHURCHES
Dating at A&W Hillside (Buffalo Head Prairie, Alta.): On February 14 a ’60s-theme Valentine’s supper was enjoyed by all who participated. The fun-filled evening, in an A&W setting, involved laughter, games and a couple sharing their dating story—and, of course, A&W’s full menu of food. An installation service was held on February 22 at which time John and Lina Dyck were officially given the full-time pastoral position. Up to this time, it had been a part-time position filled by Peter and Telita Janzen. Visitors from other churches were in attendance to show support. A fellowship snack closed the evening. Peter and Telita Janzen are currently filling in as interim pastoral couple at Cornerstone Fellowship Church (EMC) in Swift Current, Sask.
Helen Siemens Darcy Sproule, pastor of High Level Christian Fellowship, attended the pastoral installation.
Attenders dressed up in ’60s attire for the Valentine’s banquet.
Blessed by interim pastor
Pastor John and Lina Dyck and family
Celebrate with us! The 50th anniversary of Island Gospel Fellowship October 9–11, 2009 Burns Lake, B.C. For more information visit www.islandgospelfellowship.com or contact Bill Bueckert at 250-692-3362 or Mike Watson at 250-692-3129 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts (Ps. 145:4).
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
Morris, Man.: The Christmas season was busy as usual with the Sunday school performing in the morning service this year. The ladies fellowship invited their husbands for a banquet and the seniors enjoyed supper at Burke’s restaurant. We have been blessed to have Mel and Mary Koop come and serve as interim pastor until July. Every third Saturday Mel meets with the men for a breakfast meeting. Baptismal classes have also been started. Each Wednesday morning the ladies have been meeting for the Beth Moore series; for the closing they met for brunch and a time of fellowship. It was difficult for Carl and Dianne Enns to lose their mother just four months after the death of their father. Our condolences go out to the family. Tara Siemens spent a short while at home after two years as a nurse in Saudi Arabia before she left on a month’s term with Operation Mobilization aboard a Mercy ship in Africa. George Nickel has taken on a position at Inner City Youth Alive. He gave a short video presentation on a Sunday morning highlighting a lot of the work that is being done there. George and his wife Patti have two children. The last while, we have been blessed by testimonies during the morning services. Dewayne and Charlene Wiebe
George Nickel has taken on a position at Inner City Youth Alive. He gave a video presentation highlighting a lot of the work that is being done there. and Brad and Sheryl Klippenstein shared how they had met the Lord. A few Sundays later they were accepted into our membership. It has been a tradition for our church for many years to have a skating party in the local rink—hockey for all ages and a lot of free skating before having supper at the church. On Good Friday we observed a communion service. We always enjoy Easter Sunday breakfast prepared by the men on the church council. A job well done again this year. The 2009 flood involved a number of our church family, but those evacuated all found a place to stay and keep as dry as possible. Wishing all a wonderful and safe summer season with the Lord’s blessing. Lorraine Loewen
7
Our David and Goliath vacation Portage la Prairie, Man.: March 26–April 9, 42 people representing five different churches, ages six to 60, travelled to work with International Disciple Training based out of Col. Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico. A conversation about the trip may have gone something like this: “So, how was your flight to Baja?” “Actually, we took a bus. Over 100 hours of travel time.” “Was the food good?” “We had one really nice meal by the Our group at Joshua Tree National Park. beach; otherwise the food wasn’t a highlight.” • Visiting and assisting the poor. “Did you manage to evade MontePraying with them. zuma’s revenge?” • Work at seniors’ homes: digging “No, a lot of us got sick.” an outhouse hole; planting trees; “Well, you’ll know better next yard maintenance; domestic duties; time.” installing new shelving; visiting “Absolutely. Next time I’ll sign up residents, and much more. sooner.” • Community involvement includDoes this sound like your holiday ing: preaching God’s Word; projects destination of choice? at a men’s rehabilitation centre; enLeaders Greg and Glenda Shaw couraging and praying for Mexican of Portage Evangelical Church had pastors, philanthropists, and misbeen to the area before. They packed sionaries. up their family to camp on the beach So, have you ever thought about and return with tans. They came a pebble-throwing expedition for back four years later. No, they were not slow tanners. Many Mexicans like to have painted rocks lining their your next family vacation? It was our family’s first one, and we had a They made the “mistake” of going to drives. Children helped with this. (photos by Stan Wiebe) lot of fun. But contrary to popular the dump, seeing people there rifling opinion, fun does not always make through refuse to eek out a living. Shaws decided they would stay and help. with a David versus Goliath message. “If everything we choose to do worthwhile. Now, they have a passion to enable all we can do equals the throwing of a Educationally, I would say this was worth others to experience the joy and pebble, even that effort will change the two high school credits for my two kids. Lots of people do vacations in heartbreak of assisting those in poverty. face of the battle.” Here are some of the the name of education. How about a But what can such an inexperienced and pebbles we threw. • Bringing and handing out about 40 vacation to build character and spiritual thrown-together group of people do in awareness in your kids—or in yourself? suitcases of donations. one week? Our family brought back a new • Filling and handing out of bags of Andrew Warthe, one of ten teens in understanding that being there was the group, encouraged us one morning rice, beans and rolled oats. a gift—throwing money at a far-away problem is not always good for them or us. We received an assurance that little is much when God is in it. Even our tears were a healing agent when someone knew that they were shed on their behalf. We were very blessed. Like David facing Goliath, our group stepped out of our comfort zones and threw what we knew how to throw. We may not have killed the giant of poverty or despair, but by engaging in the battle we drove it back, and we came out stronger because of it. So, what are you doing next vacation? Nita Wiebe Pastor Glenn and Maribeth Loewen interact with Mexican people.
8
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
WITH OUR CHURCHES
From car dealership to thriving 9:30 Church 9:30 Church (Landmark, Man.): There are all kinds of vehicles in this parking lot: trucks, cars and vans of different makes and models. Some are older classic models; some are newer—even fresh out of the factory. But, there is one thing they all have in common: they all know they have to come here for a regular tune-up. No, this is not a car dealership; it’s a thriving church that meets in the former Landmark Motors building every Sunday morning at 9:30. Our new home is a place where people of all years, makes and models come to praise our God who anoints our engines, repairs and aligns our chassis and refills our tanks each week. In other words, we seek to be refined, realigned, restored and refuelled, so we can be reused for the kingdom of God. Our new home has provided us with a number of possibilities. A sunny showroom features great acoustics and is home to our new Customer Care Centre. The grand staircase leads up to a number of our Sunday service bays. The parts department is for our more youthful, sportier models, and the rest of the building will be left to the imagination for now. But each and every one of these areas will be custom-designed to build, clean, polish, and create a new line of Christ-like models that are ready to drive the world to Jesus. Lofty goals indeed! On March 15, our congregation spent the afternoon at Landmark Christian Fellowship Church, where we held our first baptismal service. Samantha Plett and Travis Plett were baptized after
Landmark Motors building, now home to 9:30 Church
sharing their public testimonies. They talked of fears and failures, doubts and shame which led them to the cross of Jesus Christ for healing. Samantha highlighted Mission 3:16, a girls’ club service night, for sparking in her a desire to serve others. Travis spoke of his desire for accountability in area of purity. They also shared how God used close friends and family members to come alongside for support and encouragement, especially during their most vulnerable times.
Our service speakers were David Thiessen and Milton Fast. Both messages were timely and meaningful. A group of special friends led the worship. Others dedicated meaningful songs to each of the baptismal candidates. To close the service, Elmer and Brenda Funk presented both Travis and Samantha with a personalized comforter, symbolizing the care of God and community. The weekend of March 22 ushered in more than just the spring equinox—it was our first Sunday worship service in our new location. Our youth band led us in praise and worship. We humbled our hearts before our gracious God and prayed for dedication, consecration, healing and blessing for our new church family as well as our other church family at Prairie Rose EMC. Thank you to the reverent speakers, the mentors who prayed for and baptized each believer, the cloud of witnesses above, the family and friends present, and all those who planned and helped make these services meaningful. Brigitte Toews
Samantha Plett’s baptism
The worship team for our first Sunday worship service in our new location.
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
Travis Plett’s baptism
9
WITH OUR CHURCHES
Passion Week reflections Steinbach EMC (Steinbach, Man.): The cross, the crown of thorns, The Lord continues to soft contemplative music and the send new people to our warmth of the fireplace provided an appropriate setting for meditation, church, and our desire reflection and silent prayer at is to be a welcoming the lunch-hour reflections in the church and to help chapel during Passion Week. The time also included readings from people connect. Lent and Easter by Henri Nouwen and short devotionals considering some of the poignant events those who enter and offer them leading up to Christ’s crucifixion. information about the church. We were blessed to have Stony Another way to connect with Brook Fellowship join us for the newcomers is the Newcomers Good Friday service. The music, Lunch. Forty-seven guests were communion service, and message served a delicious lunch on March by Pastor Earl Unger helped us to 15, after which Pastor Garry Koop Sharon and Jim Sagnes greet Albert Martens at the Connect Centre. focus on the suffering and death of gave a brief history of how our our Saviour and the glorious truth church began and shared our The Lord continues to send new basic beliefs. A PowerPoint presentation of the words “It is finished!” Passion Week culminated with a joyous people to our church, and our desire is introduced the guests to the variety celebration on Resurrection Sunday, with to be a welcoming church and to help of activities in our church. One of the worship led by the choir and a brass and people connect. A recent addition to our participants commented, “This is my woodwinds band. Pastor Garry spoke on atrium, a Connect Centre, equips us to home church; I know I am part of this “Behold, the Lamb of God,” continuing do this more effectively, providing us family.” with an opportunity to meet and greet the series “Who is Jesus…to You?” Martha Kroeker
Generosity of Canadians breaks record despite recession Canadian Foodgrains Bank received $12.4 million in donations during the 2008-2009 fiscal year, $4 million more than their previous annual record. “Despite the recession,” says Jim Cornelius, Executive Director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, “we’ve seen the generosity of Canadians increase this year. We are pleased and humbled to see so many people committed to the work of ending hunger regardless of the challenges they may face in their own lives.” Donations to Canadian Foodgrains Bank take the form of both cash and grain. Cash donations have increased by approximately 15 percent, while the increased value of grain and the higher yields in the Prairie provinces has seen the value of grain donations increase even more significantly. “It’s been a year of significant growth for us,” continues Cornelius. “We’ve seen increases in all of our funding sources this year. In addition to increases in cash and grain donations, we’ve received more in
10
transfer funds from our 15 member agencies, and we’ve also seen our annual contribution from CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) increase from $20 million to $25 million.” “Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a strong organization and we’re proud to be one of its members,” says Donald Peters, Executive Director for Mennonite Central Committee Canada and Chair of the Board of Directors for Canadian Foodgrains Bank. “We’ve seen several areas of growth recently. We were happy to welcome the Catholic and Anglican relief and development agencies into our membership in 2007. We’ve also seen an increased interest in hunger issues and the work of the Foodgrains Bank as a response to the global food crisis that’s been in the media this past year. People trust Canadian Foodgrains Bank to put their money to good use in the work of ending hunger.” CGFB
Finding our place in God’s story an emc youth conference
May 15–18, 2009 Caronport, SK
Support staff Pray for those who hold subtle but important roles throughout the weekened: First aid provider Judy Bietz (Braeside), security personnel, soundman Richard Dyck (Swift Current), computer technician Roland Penner (Prairie Grove), and missionary guest Raelynne Rempel (EFC Steinbach).
www.abundantsprings.ca THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
REV. PETER K. BARTEL 1911–2009 Peter K. Bartel was born on July 8, 1911, to Diedrich and Helena (nee Klassen) Bartel at Neuanlage (now Twin Creek), Man. His father homesteaded near Kleefeld, where he grew up and attended the Gruenfeld School, finishing grade eight. He attended the Kleefeld Kleinegemeinde church where he met the Lord and was baptized on the confession of his faith. On May 18, 1935, he married the love of his life, Margaret Rempel. They rented for a year while building their own house on a forty acre parcel of land near Kleefeld. Here they proceeded to farm for a living
KATELYN MARIANNE FRIESEN
1989–2008 It is with deep sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Katelyn Marianne Friesen on Friday, July 25, 2008, in a motor vehicle accident near Hecla Island, at the age of 18 years. Left to cherish Katelyn’s memory are her parents, Roger and Anita Friesen, her brother Tyrone and fiancée Kelly, sister Bethany, and brother Nathan. Also deeply mourning her passing are her grandparents, Abe and Annie Brandt of Riverton, and Milton and Mary Friesen of Arborg, her Brandt and Friesen aunts, uncles, and many cousins. Katelyn was born in Arborg on December 22, 1989. She attended Arborg
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
and raised the two sons and two daughters the Lord blessed them with. Dad also kept bees, but had to give it up for a time because of a severe allergy problem. Life was not easy on their little mixed farm at the end of the Great Depression, but they did what they could to keep food on the table. Dad even worked at C.T. Loewen’s to bring in some extra income. When his allergy condition improved he resumed beekeeping and life became easier. In fall 1945 Dad felt a strong call of God on his life and in September he was elected to the ministry in the Kleefeld EM Church. He was ordained in November and the ministry became a central part of his life. He loved learning, especially as it related to the Scriptures and ministry, and he surrounded himself with books. He took courses at Steinbach Bible Academy and Mennonite Brethren Bible College to further his skills. He had a passion for missions and was a founding member of the Western Gospel Mission and the Western Tract Mission (running the mailing part from his house for many years). He served on numerous committees for the EMC as well as other boards including the Steinbach Bible Institute.
In 1961 Dad built a new house, something Mom had dreamed about and drawn plans of for years. They lived there, making renovations and building an addition to accommodate their growing family gatherings, until Mom passed away in 2000, after 65 years of marriage. After Mom’s death Dad moved to Village Oaks Apartments in Kleefeld and then into Woodhaven Manor in Steinbach. Because of failing health it became necessary for him to move to a personal care facility, so in August 2004 he moved to Menno Home in Grunthal where he resided until his death on April 13, 2009. He leaves behind two sons, Norman and Rosella of Kleefeld, Lee and Linda of Toronto; two daughters, Elsie and John Hodges of Steinbach, and Myrtle and Erdman Esau of Mitchell; 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Jake and Mary, Elmer and Anne; and one sister, Linda and Dave Kehler. Dad was a faithful and devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a faithful minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a loving friend and an encourager of many. We rejoice in the assurance that Dad is now seeing Jesus face to face. His Family
Elementary School, Mennville Christian School, then completed and received her high school diploma at Riverton Collegiate Institute. Katelyn was a busy child who loved to write stories, dress up, play dolls and have friends over to play and for sleepovers. Katelyn was an exceptional student, both academically and athletically, which culminated in numerous awards at her graduation in June, including the Governor General’s Medal and Citizenship Award. She spent many hours playing and coaching volleyball, tutored younger students, and was the president of the 2008 grad committee. She had received her acceptance from the University of Winnipeg for September to obtain her degree in education and counseling. She was currently employed at the Hecla Campground office, enjoying her duties and time spent with co-workers and campers. Her previous employment at Riverton Agri Auto was a place she met a lot of people and developed countless friendships. At the age of 17 she chose baptism to show her decision to live for Jesus her Saviour. She lived out her faith in the most practical ways, always reaching out to others. She will forever be remembered
as the compassionate friend who cared and listened. Katelyn loved to surround herself with people and had many special friends. She connected with everyone she met. Her amazing smile and caring personality had an impact on those she met on a daily basis. She will be dearly missed by her special friend Trent and countless other friends. Katelyn, we were blessed with your incredible love during your short life on earth. We have you in our hearts and cherish every memory of you. We will soon again be with you, but until then we miss you beyond what words can say. The family expresses great appreciation to the Riverton EMC, Fire Department and RCMP for their assistance. Funeral service was held Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at 3 p.m. at the Riverton Hall with viewing prior to the service. Burial followed at Mennville EMC cemetery. Donations may be made to The Evergreen Foundation in Gimli, Man., or Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg, Man. (where Katelyn had planned to volunteer in winter). Her Family
(Obituaries continued on p. 14) 11
stewardship today Kevin Davidson
W
When the going gets tough, should the tough still give?
hen my wife and I were first married, giving was easy. We earned an excellent income, had no kids, no debt and enjoyed many of the luxuries in life. Five years later, we earned half the income, had one child, a mortgage and had to let go of many of the luxuries we were accustomed to. Would giving cheerfully and generously still be easy? Thankfully, before marriage we discussed what our top priorities were and what they would be after marriage. Giving back to God and others was one of our top five priorities. You are probably thinking, “Easier said than done.” And you are right! It is a process that a person, a couple, a family needs to work out with God and one another. The easy part is “talking the talk,” the hard part is “walking the walk,” such as saying no to the things that are easily taken for granted: hockey and theatre tickets, weekend getaways, dinners out and gifts for one another.
Giving back to God and others is a matter of the heart. Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. The value of establishing financial priorities was that they helped us distinguish between wants and needs and discouraged overspending and going into debt. When our son was born just over a year ago, my wife and I made the choice that she would stay home with him. From that decision we realized we needed to develop a budget. We separated the necessities from the luxuries. We slashed our weekly discretionary spending by 80 percent, setup a weekly grocery budget and stopped going on mini holidays every three months. I really sacrificed; I only golfed twice last year. We even considered reducing or stopping our monthly RSP
12
contributions and going down to one vehicle. Where are we at today? We are still a happy and blessed family; my wife stays home with our son. We eat three healthy meals per day. And we still take holidays; they just look different. We also regularly review our budget to remind us of our priorities. Reducing our RSP contributions and dropping down to one vehicle are still considerations for the future, if necessary. Most importantly, we have continued to give, cheerfully and generously as the Apostle Paul holds out as the model in 2 Corinthians 9:7. So, should people going through tough times still give? Yes! Why? • Giving back to God and others is a matter of the heart. Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” • Giving takes the focus off of our personal circumstances. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:2-3, “Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will.” • Our Heavenly Father is aware of our individual needs and desires to fulfill them for us. Jesus says in Matthew 6:31–33, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Two things are certain: When “life happens” it never takes God by surprise; God is always with us. King David says in Psalm 139, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me…you are familiar with all my ways.” As the writer of Hebrews notes, God has given us an important promise: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Everyone experiences challenges. They happen for a variety of reasons but most often unexpectedly. They can be as brief as a moment or as long as a lifetime. Tough times come and go, but our values and priorities usually remain constant. My wife and I have been able to manage this challenging move in our life through communication, T prioritization and accountability. M
Kevin Davidson is a consultant at the Calgary, Alta., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada. For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit www.mennofoundation.ca. THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
EMC and
Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series
Abe Bueckert
The Board of Leadership and Outreach has invited EMC pastors and other leaders to reflect on the meaning of our Statement of Faith and Church Practices. These writings are intended to inform and to invite conversation. In the end, this 25-part series might be published as a booklet. Have you heard a sermon on these articles? Encourage the preacher to forward the material to The Messenger.
13. THE RETURN AND FINAL TRIUMPH OF CHRIST We believe in the personal, visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ. This is the blessed hope of believers. Christ’s return will be the occasion of the resurrection of the dead and the eternal separation of the just and the unjust. Everything will be brought into the subjection of his authority and rule as his eternal kingdom is realized (Matthew 24:44; 25:31–46; John 14:1–6; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:19–28; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Titus 2:11–14; Hebrews 10:37; 2 Peter 3:3–13; Revelation 20–22). At his return, Christ will judge all people. After the judgment, the righteous will be with God, the unrighteous in hell. Death will be destroyed, and Satan and his angels will be throwin into the lake of fire. Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father, after destroying all dominion, authority and power. Then the righteous will reign with Christ forever (Matthew 25:31–46; John 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 15:20–28).
Statement of Faith Article 13: The Return and Final Triumph of Christ
A
s the EM Conference we believe in a glorious We have here an article that is at the core of what coming day when Jesus Christ will return for it means to belong to God. Herein lies the assurance a second and final time to earth. At His first of paradise regained. It was at the fall of humankind coming, He came as the Saviour of humankind. in the Garden of Eden that the pain of separation from After His sacrificial death and resurrection, He ascended God was experienced. Prior to this the bliss of perfect to heaven with the promise (via angels) that He would fellowship, untainted by sin, was present. One day, when return in the same way He had just ascended. Christ returns, we will once again bathe in this perfect Today, we who are His children fellowship we were created for and through faith in His death and that our hearts yearn for. We serve a God who is victorious resurrection wait for the promised This is, indeed, the blessed and who will lead us in victory. return of Christ, knowing that it hope of believers. Without such a will spell final victory, glory and hope we would surely be a people This glorious truth is something joy. The reason it will do this is to be pitied (1 Cor. 15:19). As it is, we want to continually keep because we still live in bodies that we, much rather, are a people to are not redeemed. While our spirits before us. It gives us hope and be envied. We serve a God who are immortal, our bodies await the is victorious and who will lead us encouragement. It spurs us on to in victory. This glorious truth is return of Christ and, with it, the arrival of immortal bodies (Rom. something we want to continually right living. 8:18–23; 1 Cor. 15:51–58). keep before us. It gives us hope When Christ returns, death and encouragement. It spurs us on will be destroyed. We will have to right living (1 John 3:3). resurrected bodies. We will be When will this glorious day without sin. This will be the come? We do not know. Jesus final triumph of Christ when highly emphasized that we Satan, God’s enemy and ours, will should always be ready lest His be totally destroyed. Christ will coming catch us sleeping (Mark T take His rightful place as Lord of 13:32–37). M all. He, the righteous One, will rule in righteousness. Justice Abe Bueckert is pastor of will prevail. As His children Picture Butte Mennonite and heirs, we will rule with Church in Picture Butte, Alta. Him forever. THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
13
LINDA DUECK 1928–2008 Linda Dueck is lovingly remembered by her family: husband Leonard Dueck of Riverton; Rod and Sharon Dueck of Rosenort with children Jaimee and husband Jeremy and baby Isaac, Jordan and wife Ashleigh, Kelsey and fiancé Chad; Terry and Eloa Dueck of Riverton with children Eric and wife Lindsey, Sean and Kelly Ann; Bryan and Kathleen Dueck of Riverton with children Jensen, Colton and Madison; Connie and Don Harms of Chilliwack, B.C. with children Treton and Cassidy; Cheryl and Corey Kovacs of Riverton with children Chantal and husband Dahlen, Michael, Dallas, Brooklyn and Keanna; and Cameron Dueck of Hong Kong. She is also survived by two sisters and two brothers. Linda was predeceased by son Leroy in 1978. Linda was born on December 26, 1928, in Morris, Man., to Henry and Marie Friesen. She attended school through grade 8 at Clover Plains. Linda chose to live her life for Christ as a young woman, and was baptized at Rosenort EM Church in 1946 at age 18. Linda loved children and helped her parents provide foster care for many children before starting her own family. She also worked at the Rosenort Co-op as a young woman. Linda grew up with the man she would end up sharing her life with. She and Leonard were married on June 8, 1952, in Rosenort. They chose to move north, and this was the start of a grand adventure that would define their farming life and the way they raised their family. They moved to Washow Bay, in Manitoba’s interlake, where they pioneered and helped found the community now known as Mennville. They shared the difficulties and hardships of pioneer life with Betty and Delmer Kornelsen, Linda’s sister and her husband. Linda’s first child was born in 1954. Over the next 20 years, she would bring six more children into the world
14
while playing an important role in the community as a deacon’s wife and a support to her husband on the farm. In the late 1970s she and Leonard helped found the MCC Riverton Thrift Shop, and Linda spent many hours volunteering at the store. In 1978, she suffered a heartbreaking loss when her second son Leroy passed away accidentally. It was Linda’s faith and the support of the community that carried her through this tragedy and gave her strength throughout her life. Though quiet and shy of public roles, she became a pillar of the community and family through a life of prayer and Christian service. The same love of adventure that prompted her to follow Leonard into the Canadian wilderness led them to travel globally as they spent winters volunteering and sightseeing. They gained friends from South and Central America to Haiti as they combined adventure with their desire to support missions. They also travelled to Europe and the Middle East and logged many a mile across Canada and the U.S. in their camper. Linda loved working outdoors, always choosing garden chores over indoor work if possible, while still running a tidy and nurturing home. Spending time around a campfire with her family was one of her favourite activities, and she continued to make the effort to get outdoors until recently. Though never an accomplished singer, Linda’s children will always remember her whistling and singing hymns in the home and garden throughout her work day. Linda was diagnosed with cancer in 1985, and she bravely fought the disease for the rest of her life. In later years she carried the added burden of a neurological disease that left her immobile and unable to communicate. It claimed her life on November 21, 2008. We are assured she is with the Saviour she loved as she awaits our reunion. Her Family
MCC Bike Ride June 14, 2009 Ride the 120 km round trip bike ride from Richer to Woodridge in support of Mennonite Central Committee.
coming events May 15
Going Barefoot: Reaching the Facebook Generation Speaker: Mike Tennant Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 www.cmu.ca
May 15–18
Abundant Springs 2009 youth event Finding Your Place in God’s Story Speaker: Sid Koop Caronport, Sask. www.abundantsprings.ca
June 4
MEDA 9 th annual Golf Classic St. Boniface Country Club Winnipeg, Man. 800-665-7026 (information) 204-487-7412, ext. 231 or cjacques@medicure.com (registration) www.meda.org
June 18
15th annual EMC Golf Classic Steinbach Fly-in Golf Course Steinbach, Man. 204-255-8062 (Ron Penner) or 204-371-5209 (Burt Loewen)
June 18
Annual general meeting and spring event Eden Mental Health Services Speaker: Randy Hildebrand Winkler Berthaler Mennonite Church Winkler, Man. 204-325-5355 www.edenhealth.mb.ca
June 18–20
Write! Canada Canada’s largest Christian writers’ conference Speakers: Brian Stiller, Audrey Dorsch, Ray Wiseman Guelph, Ont. 519-886-4196 www.writecanada2009.ca
June 25
Iron Man golf tournament in support of Eden Foundation Winkler Golf Course Winkler, Man. 204-325-5355 www.edenhealth.mb.ca
For more information visit mcc.org/manitoba or call Jac Siemens 204-326-2697
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
SHOULDER TAPPING Wymark EMC, a country church located 20 miles southeast of Swift Current, Sask., is accepting applications for lead pastor. We aim to be a friendly, family-welcoming church body of 70 to 90 people, and seek a pastor who can encourage us by word and example to grow to maturity in Christ. Enquiries can be directed to the Pastoral Search Committee at 306-773-9089 (leave a message) or funkfarm@gmail.com (Paul Funk). Morris Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Morris, Man., is looking for a full-time pastor for a congregation of about 120. Previous pastoral experience and leadership abilities are assets. For job description and information, please call Brian Klassen at 204-746-8102. 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. Submit resume to Pastor John Froese, Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship.com. Kola EMC, a country church located 20 miles west of Virden, Man., and two miles east of the Sask. border, is inviting applications for senior pastor. For information and to send resumes, contact Adam Bajus at 204-556-2209 or littlecreek@rfnow.com. La Crete Christian Fellowship is looking for a fulltime youth pastor to be a part of our pastoral team. La Crete, located in the northwest corner of Alberta, offers a unique blend of a friendly rural lifestyle and a progressive outlook. It is a young and energetic population with potential for an exciting youth ministry. La Crete is a great place to raise a family, even if we are just off the edge of most maps! LCCF’s service to God is based on core values: a commitment to worship, discipleship, teaching of God’s Word, and reaching our community and world with the gospel. We are a vibrant church of about 350 regular attendees who desire to spread the Word through a variety of ministries. The youth pastor will direct the youth leadership team in implementing our vision of helping our youth establish and strengthen their personal connection to Jesus Christ. Applicants are to be committed to a personal Christian faith, a disciple of Jesus Christ who is a willing and teachable leader; a person whose love for the Lord is reflected in their ability to work well with others. If the Holy Spirit is inviting you to pursue this further, contact us for more details: Call Mike Schellenberg at 780-841-9376 or e-mail lccfc@ telus.net. Steeprock Bible Camp requires speakers and counsellors for its camp this summer. Steeprock Bible Camp is located in the north Parkland area of Manitoba, approximately one hour north of Swan River, Man. The ministry focuses on Aboriginal children and their families. The camp operates for five weeks during the summer vacation period. If you love the Lord and love adventure and you feel led to minister to Aboriginal families in this way, please contact Jack Dyck at 204-525-2420 or e-mail longhorn45@hotmail.com.
THE MESSENGER May 6, 2009
Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm Leamington EMMC seeks a full-time senior pastor to minister to a large and growing congregation. Located in the most southern part of Ontario, Leamington was voted Canada’s number one place to live in 2006 by MoneySense Magazine. Our church has many strong committees and programs in place, including a church council and a vibrant Sunday School program. Our congregation is made up of both Low German- and English-speaking members, and consists of mostly young families. We feature two weekly worship services: a modern English service and a distinctly Low German service. This position is available to start in 2009. Fluency in Low German is an asset. To apply or for information, please contact pst@lemmc.com. RAinbow Christian School is a growing K–8 Christian professional learning community in Vanderhoof, B.C. It is classified as a Group 1 independent school. RCS currently has a staff of six and an enrollment of about 80 students, but is experiencing continued growth. Full-time teaching positions in all grade levels are being accepted at this time for the 2009–2010 school year. The successful candidate is a committed Christian and possesses the ability to work closely with other staff members, the school’s administration, and parents and students. The person is also passionate about growing a culture of faith and academic excellence. RCS is also accepting applications for interim principal. This is for the remainder of this school year and possibly for 2009–2010. This is a full-time position, with 60 percent administration duties and 40 percent teaching responsibilities. The successful applicatant should be certified to teach in B.C., demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to serve, demonstrate current understanding of the curriculum, be a strong promoter of Christian education, have at least five years teaching experience, and be willing to teach varied classes. Applications should include a resume, three references (including a pastor’s), transcripts, BCCT
keynote speaker: Pierre Gilbert, Ph.D.
certificate, statement of faith, and philosophy of education. Submissions should be sent to Rainbow Christian School Search Committee, Box 710, 2994 Burrard Ave., Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; Ph. 250567-3127; Fax 250-567-3167; E-mail rcschool@ telus.net. Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted. CBF Christian School, a Jr. K–grade 8 school located in Swan River, Man., seeks a term teacher for multi grades 5–8 homeroom (September 2009 to June 2010). Must hold a Manitoba Teacher’s Certificate, be born again, and provide pastoral references. Send resume to CBFCS, Box 1630, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0. For further information, call 204-734-2174 (weekdays) or 204-734-5702 (after hours). Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Gruthal Bergthaler Mennonite Church is prayerfully seeking a senior pastor who has a heart for people and is community outreach minded. We are an evangelical church located in Grunthal, Man., 45 minutes southeast of Winnipeg, and 20 minutes southwest of Steinbach. The town consists of about 1,000 people and is supported by a strong farming community. The church is multigenerational, with a core of middle-aged families, a strong youth program run by a full-time youth pastor, and a strong Sunday school program. We seek a pastor who has the heart of a shepherd and a desire to see our church grow through reaching the lost and investing in the church’s people. He should have strong preaching and teaching skills. The candidate must have a Bible college degree. Some pastoral experience is preferred. He must be in agreement with our constitution and statement of faith. Anyone who possesses these qualifications and is interested in this position can forward their resume, along with references, to the following address: Grunthal Bergthaler Church, Box 70, Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0, Attn: Elder Board; or e-mail gbmcleadelder@mts.net.
59th annual emc convention 2009
July 3, 4, 5 riverton recreation centre riverton manitoba
radical discipleship increasing the kingdom’s footprint in our world
register to attend www.emconf.ca 15
O My Soul
Praise the Lord
Brigitte Toews
Lord, You do not repay What our actions deserve You hold back Your wrath, And ascribe to us worth You forgive all our sins And You cover our guilt Even though we are dust And like flowers that wilt
O how compassion Flows from Your heart And Your abounding love Was made known from the start Like the grace and power Of an eagle in flight You renew our strength And sharpen our sight Let the Lord be exalted; His name lifted high For He redeems from the pit, And hearkens our cry
Psalm 103, Psalm 40:1–13, Isaiah 40:31
To Him be the glory And in the assembly proclaim My God, My Salvation Praise His holy name!
PAGE 16
THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914