THE
MESSENGER
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
volume 47, number 15 September 2, 2009
see coverage of the Mennonite World Conference Assembly on pp. 14–17 www.emconf.ca/Messenger
editorials
Why Mennonite World Conference?
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art of this issue is dedicated to MWC. Why? The positive answers are many. MWC describes itself as “a communion (Koinonia) of Anabaptist-related churches linked to one another in a worldwide community of faith for fellowship, worship, service, and witness.” The Church is to work together (1 Corinthians 12–14). The “15th world assembly draws 62 nations to Paraguay, celebrating bonds of faith that cross all ethnic barriers” (editor Paul Schrag). This is significant (Ephesians 2:11–22). Being part of MWC is to display
more of the unity Christ desires and that we want others to imitate (John 17:20–23). EMCers attended MWC’s general assembly. The reports shared so far are positive. Yes, rejoice that we are part of the 1.6 million brothers and sisters connected to MWC. This is a huge number compared to EMC’s 7,200 members. Yet why stop there? The site for MWC’s general assembly was a Pentecostal church that seats 10,000 people (the EMC has about 7,700 in weekly worship services in Canada).
Consider the symbolism: Pentecostals loaned us enough space so we could celebrate what it means to be Anabaptist. Do we, in turn, rejoice that Pentecostals are our brothers and sisters? The EMC is part of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and of the World Evangelical Alliance (420 million Evangelicals in 128 countries). Let us be discerning, yet steadfastly committed to seeking Christcentred unity in the Church in our neighbourhood, community, nation, T and world. M Terry M. Smith
Generosity that surprises enemies
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ur love for our fellowmen must be so great that it compels us to share all our possessions with them,” said Hutterian bishop Andreas Ehrenpreis (1650). “Anyone who does not have that love for his neighbour should not think that Christ’s blood frees him from sin.” Early Anabaptists disagreed on whether Acts 2:44 means all Christians must practice community of goods. Menno Simons did not teach it or practice it, though he objected when professing Christians stopped caring (Complete Writings, 558– 560).
EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca
ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Roman
rroman@emconf.ca
Address changes and submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 17 – October 7 (copy due September 25)
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As Menno well knew, Scripture repeatedly says Christians are to care practically for others, even (and sometimes especially) for enemies. “Spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed” (Isaiah 58:10). Jesus said we are to care for “enemies,” exceeding the common decency of helping those who love us, are good to us, and will repay us (Luke 6:32–36). Paul was told to “continue to remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10); he counseled a thief to work in order to “share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28).
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. Subscriptions: Canadian subscriptions are $24 for one year, $44 for two years,
The call to Great Compassion (Matthew 25:31–46) is part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18– 20). “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love in words or tongue, but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:17–18). Even before the worldwide recession many people were hungry and struggling to live on two dollars or T less per day. And now? M Terry M. Smith
$65 for three years (Manitoba residents add 7% PST); U.S. subscriptions are $30 for one year, $55 for two years, $82 for three years; all other countries are $45 for one year, $85 for two years, $125 for three years . 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
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MESSENGER
On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
letters A Presence sometimes sensed It’s a good thing that someone puts something out there for the rest of us to react to. I write in reaction to what Sid Koop wrote: We Are Broken but not alone [July 15, 2009]. Thanks, Sid, for your article. I’m hoping we can see this as dialogue, as another point of view, instead of a nay saying. Somehow it seems to me redundant to say we are broken if it is the fact that all of us are in this state equally. It would seem akin to saying we are creatures with two ears, and the response should be: Yeah, so? If all of us are broken, does it then follow that somewhere in the by and by there exists an unbroken human being? Some ubermensch, unaffected by “sin” as your article has it. The scars that we bear I would think are the direct result of the treatment that we give to each other (or the lack thereof). The sin that caused our disaffection is then our own doing towards one another. We seem to me to be an animal hugely charged with emotional baggage. The pain that we experience is so often emotional pain, as in insults, etc. Now if a perfect human exists someplace, would that person then not be affected by the actions of her friends? Is perfection to not be affected by what we experience? Surely to be fully human is to a) experience hurtful actions against us and b) to pay attention to the hurt we cause others.
Letters to the Editor Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. Letters by hand or fax require a handwritten signature. All letters require a name, an address and a phone number. Letters can be edited for length,
How does one go on being a person of integrity when life seems to fail, when dreams die, when the sun seems to have lost its shine? It would seem to me that courage is one thing required in life situations of difficulty. The question still is, “Where is this courage to be found?” At what well do we draw courage from? Perhaps the biggest downfall is when we feel we have nothing to contribute to society that is worthwhile. That may be the time when we are really “broken.” Broken in the sense that a horse is broken. Broken to such an extent that we no longer ask the questions or are concerned for the answers, given up on life, domesticated entirely. Can I/we remain committed to the ideals of respect for all, kindness, compassion, etc., in difficult situations? Can we continue to allow ourselves to be troubled about life? Last but not least, I expect that like the crucifixion when the most difficult times find us, G-D is usually silent. We are not alone you say, Sid, but my brother died of cancer at sixty-four and my sister-in-law and her children were alone. The answer from heaven once again: silence/nothing. Fully live human beings stand by each other in times of crises, and sometimes, in the stillness, we sense G-D’s presence. John Schlamp Winnipeg, Man.
clarity, legality, and taste. The focus of letters is to be on an issue, not a personality. The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own, and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. All publication of letters is subject to the policy approved January 2002 by the EMC Board of Church Ministries.
Supports Arden Thiessen’s peace article I’m sending a poem, Behold the Olive Leaf, written by Wilmer D. Swope. The poem was sent to me sometime ago and I forward it in support of Arden Thiessen’s article, Imitating the God of peace (March 18, 2009).
Behold the Olive Leaf Behold the olive leaf Plucked from the olive tree, Brought by the dove to Noah’s Ark A sign of peace shall be. The saintly do not fight In armies of the world, They do not draw the sword or kill This witness be unfurled. As lambs the saintly live They teach the way of peace, Like olive oil a healing balm May hate and carnage cease. We must obey the Lord Nor train our hands to war, It is the sin of hate brings death And all its blood red gore. Peter, put up your sword My servants do not fight, Behold, they serve a heavenly King To live at peace is right. To all the born again Peace is a living grace, Let all the saints redeemed so live Their witness be apace. Be harmless like the dove Completely live at peace, And have no blood upon your hands May brotherhood increase. In meditation pray For peaceful fruits of love, Stand fi rm, refusing war and hate Have peace from God above. Stan Penner Landmark, Man. Editor’s note: Wilmer D. Swope writes that it sings to tune of Terra Patris (used in This is My Father’s World) and it was “written with my brother Stan Penner’s concern in mind.”
More letters on p. 6
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
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Convention 2009
Part two of four
The Church:
Escaping from isolation
Dr. Pierre Gilbert
T We must never lose sight of the fact that we are first and foremost to invite others into the Kingdom of God.
he Church is the most important institution in the world, for it alone has the mandate to give out the only cure there is for what ails humanity. This extraordinary reality implies that the Christian community cannot simply exist for itself. Because those who need the cure are in the world, that’s where Christians need to be also (John 17). When we reflect on what it means to be in the world, we must never ever lose sight of the fact that we are left here first and foremost to invite others into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:19). While this is not an easy task, we know that God is always at work in the hearts of men and women everywhere. When God opens the door to share the Gospel with someone, we need to be mindful of the fact that the Holy Spirit is at work. All we have to do is be ready and willing to speak when the opportunity to do so is given (1 Peter 3:15).
When God opens the door to share the Gospel with someone, we need to be ready and willing to speak. Whether the Church will be effective in increasing its footprint is to a great extent contingent on the model that frames how Christians interact with the world around them. The more dynamic the model, the more impact the church will have, the less dynamic the model, well, you can figure it out. The conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine in the 4th century was a testimony to the extraordinary effectiveness of the early Church’s evangelism. The state in which we now find Canada’s public
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THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
sphere sadly tells a different story (John G. Stackhouse, Making the Best of It, Oxford, 2008, 277). The late professor Fernand Dumont, one of the most prolific and admired Canadian sociologists, once articulated a very helpful model to help frame how Christians can engage the world. Dumont was a Christian scholar who was disturbed by the anti-Christian bias that is so prevalent in intellectual circles and the general perception in academia that one’s personal faith has no place in the public sphere (Fernand Dumont, “Après le système chrétien,” in L’incroyance au Québec, ed. by Gregory Baum, Héritage et projet, vol. 7, Montreal, Fides, 1973, 221–227). A proposal for Christian action in the world In his model, Dumont uses the analogy of a three-storey house to illustrate the major spheres of Christian involvement in the world. The Third Storey: Fundamental Research As part of their calling to do good in the world, some Christians will be called to be involved in scholarly work. Take science for instance. The development of the scientific method has done more to improve the human condition than anything we can imagine. Some Christians should be involved in fundamental research for two reasons. First, God has given humanity the mandate to discover the coherence of the world (Genesis 1:27–28; 2:15–17, 19–20). Because God has given the human race the world as an object of inquiry, the scientific investigation of our world constitutes an integral part of the Christian mandate. Second, to the extent that such research can help us better understand our world and ourselves, it also holds the promise of great benefits for humanity. The Second Storey: The Improvement of the Human Condition The call to work in fundamental research is not an end in and of itself. Christians engage in fundamental research in order to provide a solid THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
theoretical foundation to improve the human condition. This represents a second sphere of Christian action in the world. Again, let’s consider the scientific enterprise. Who could begin to assess the nearly endless benefits of modern science? The internal combustion engine gets a bad press these days, but where would we be without it? Or take mental illness. Just 25 years ago, people who suffered from a mood disorder, or what we sometimes carelessly refer to as schizophrenia, were often condemned to spending months in psychiatric wards, forever victims of powerful delusions and crippling paranoia. A hundred years ago, they would put such patients in a dark cell, lock the door, and throw away the key. Today, we have nearly miraculous medications that can take a person out of deep psychosis in a matter of weeks and enable them to live productive lives. What is the higher Christian calling? Provide a shelter to a mentally ill homeless person or spend ten to fifteen years in training and another decade in research to develop a compound that helps correct (continued on p. 6)
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a chemical imbalance in the brain? While providing a shelter for a mentally ill person is a worthy task, and one that Christians should never neglect, anyone who has experienced the tragic loss of a loved one to mental illness and recovered them because of some innocuoussounding medication like risperidone or olanzapine cannot but praise God and praise those dedicated men and women who give so much of themselves to develop such medications. The second storey is where the vast majority of us live, work, and serve God. The First Storey: The Human Heart There is, however, a sphere of action that is unique to the Christian. It touches on the fundamental illness that infects humanity. It is an affliction the Bible calls sin. The remedy for this “cancer” is infinitely beyond the reach of science or psychology. The only cure for this condition is found in a personal encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. Because the diagnosis of the disease and its cure are derived from biblical revelation and not from nature, this sphere belongs exclusively to the realm of Christian action. The proclamation of the gospel belongs to the “first storey.” It is an exercise in telling the good news of friendship with God, of healing and eternal salvation. The act of evangelism is by definition nonpolitical.
The responsibility of sharing the Good News with those around us derives from our status as citizens of the Kingdom. It is non-coercive, as no law can be enacted to force men and women to accept the Gospel of Christ. To embrace the lordship of Jesus Christ is indeed the greatest act of self-determination. Thus the missionary enterprise belongs to the realm of loving, even if urgent, persuasion: “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (1 Corinthians 5:20). The responsibility of sharing the Good News with those around us derives from our status as citizens of the Kingdom. It is something Christians must engage in whether the State sanctions it or not. In cases where the State’s injunctions conflict with this imperative, our allegiance to God must then supersede all others. 6
As “aliens in the city,” it is our mandate and responsibility to seek the common good. But this involves much more than doing charity work or promoting some social cause. It implies the necessity to defend and uphold Truth, for if we fail to do so, the foundation on which everything good rests will inexorably erode, leaving in its wake a trail of untold suffering for generations to come. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” T (Colossians 3:23–24 NIV). M Pierre Gilbert, our convention 2009 speaker and an ordained Mennonite Brethren minister, is Associate Professor of Bible and Theology at the Canadian Mennonite University and the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. He is the coordinator of the Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies and the author of Demons, Lies & Shadows. A Plea for a Return to Text and Reason (2008).
letters continued from p. 3 No call to political activism Re: last paragraph, column one [Dr. Pierre Gilbert, We are infectious, Aug. 12, 2009]. We are called to obedience. I do not find a call to political activism in the Bible. Our Chinese brothers and sisters, who are growing in number daily, eschew political change in favour of personal change. They do not have the luxury of the temptation to change people from the outside. I admit it sounds good. I admit it feels good. I admit I feel more powerful when I exert my political power. When my cast vote makes someone else sit up and pay attention to me…oh yeah! Then I ask myself, “Is it about me?” Does it honour God to spend time in activities for my pleasure? Oh I think it does. Should I take part in activities for my pleasure? Certainly. Should my political activism, which makes me feel good about myself, be attributed to God’s will for His people? That I cannot say. What I can say is that the power of God need not be set aside for the power of political clout or the vote. What a paltry tool compared to the immeasurable power of the living God! This world will not pass away. Those who remain in Christ will not. Gordon Dyck Steinbach, Man.
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
with our missionaries 50 years in Paraguay
four of six
Good News Ministries offers range of services Good News Ministries (Ministerio Buenas Nuevas – MBN) was started in 1990 as an umbrella organization in East Paraguay to administrate the media ministries of radio, literature, and counseling ministries. Its board of directors is formed of representatives from evangelical churches in Tres Palmas, Bergthal, Sommerfeld, Paraguayan nationals, and EMC. Radio Mensajero presented its formal proposal to CONATEL in 1998 and a license was graciously approved. The studio building was in place—equipment ordered, installations, and tower erected—all within less than a year. With a limited but dedicated staff, Radio Mensajero 100.9 FM sprung to life and was on the air, its inauguration being celebrated on March 28, 1999. It completed its 10th anniversary celebrations from March 27–29, 2009. The current station director is EMC missionary Chris Kroeker. At its 10th anniversary celebrations there was time to reminisce, to reevaluate (but only briefly), to shift focus on what lies ahead. We can only say that God was highly involved “in the making” of Radio Mensajero, and we believe that He wants to be just as much involved in the future operation of this station, as He has promised in His Word “that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
We have already learned that a station of this calibre and potential cannot please “all the people all the time.” We realize more and more that we are reaching out to people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, nationalities, religions, education levels, vocations, ages, each with his or her particular tastes, desires and needs. How can a station do justice in such a situation as this? Let’s begin by looking at its very name, not as Radio Mensajero (Messenger), but as The Messenger. Regardless, in whichever direction we look today, we see that we are all facing the same dilemma, whether economic, social, or even spiritual. We are all in this together. Benny and Esther Goertzen are working with MBN coordinating all the follow-up work resultant from media and counseling ministries.
This means working closely with all Evangelical churches in the Radio Mensajero coverage-area, encouraging them to capitalize on the fruit of these ministries. In 1987 the EMC began a Christian bookstore (Nee Pora, Good News) in Caaguazu which was transferred from the EMC to MBN in 2000. The store was administrated by Erna Plett until July 2008 when Richarh Rodriguez became its manager. Adjacent, and connected with the bookstore, is a professional spiritual counseling service, under the direction of Agripino Presentado. It serves many disturbed and distraught seekers, directing them to peace with God through Christ. The door is also wide open for Agripino to serve, in the same capacity, in the Colegio National de Caaguazu (university). In Caaguazu the EMC has constructed a Leadership Training Centre dedicated for leadership training-sessions, seminars, special meetings and conferences. MBN is able to make use of this facility for its follow up ministry. God has blessed. To Him be the glory! Frank Kroeker and Ken Zacharias Note: A longer article is available from the Conference office.
Richarh Rodriguez, manager at Nee Pora bookstore, with an employee.
Radio Mensajero recently celebrated 10 years of ministry.
We realize more and more that we are reaching out to people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, each with his or her particular tastes, desires and needs. Family at Santa Teresa
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
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Convention 2009
EMC
youth
and their leaders
Gerald D. Reimer Conference Youth Minister
(Photos from Abundant Springs 2009 by Terry Smith)
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od is doing something very special in the hearts and lives of this generation of youth. There is a passion to know Jesus more than I can ever remember seeing before. There is a deep hunger to fall in love with Jesus and follow Him with their lives. Even in children I see it: a love for Jesus and a longing to be in His presence. Along with this is a longing to live a life of purpose. The world and its Jesus-less philosophy have invaded our communities, and even in some cases our churches. I find it so encouraging to see teens engaged in this battle to resist the easy life of following the crowd and instead do the hard thing and take a stand for Jesus as well as stand up for society’s castaways. I also see in them a passion to serve others in Jesus’ name. There is a growing movement of youth that are taking their faith into their schools, out onto our streets as well as into neighbouring towns and cities. If we want our Conference to flourish we must join forces with our students and together we will build Christ’s church. I have to address one more thing that pertains to our students: more than ever before they are struggling with depression in their lives. The reason for this
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is that, unlike anytime before in the history of our Conference, the students that attend your local youth group do not come from stable Christian homes. Many of them come from severely dysfunctional homes whose lives have been torn apart by divorce, by abuse, by materialism, and by the media. For some reason this dysfunction doesn’t even alarm us anymore—it has become the new normal. But just give that some thought: what would it be like to be growing up in a home where your male rolemodel is a man who verbally and physically abuses your mother, is addicted to pornography and lives for his work with little or no positive time with you, his son or daughter? Our youth leaders are ministering to these precious students all the time. We need to care for one another and this generation of students needs to be set free to worship their creator with all their lives. Turnover of youth pastors Given what I have just highlighted regarding the challenges facing this generation of students, I believe it is important to address the issue facing our youth THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
Factors for healthy relationships leadership in the midst of these Let me suggest several factors turbulent days. Article sources and that will enable your church to I did a quick calculation recently additional resources: continue to have a long and healthy and discovered that over the Jason Retherford, Things being relationship with your current or past 10 years of my time with learned on the journey to next youth leader. the Conference, we have had longevity (youth-ministryapproximately 140 different lead 1. Affirm their call to youth ministry. resources.com). youth leaders working in our Assume that they arrived at the churches. Tim Schmoyer, Achieving decision to be a youth leader after The average tenure for salaried longevity in youth ministry much prayer and personal reflection. youth/associate pastors works out (timschmoyer.com). When you view them as someone to be around four years, or a little equipping youth for the work of Doc Newcomb, Longevity in youth over one typical three-year term per ministry you will have a happier ministry (youthministry.com). leader. This puts the preconception leader and a healthier program. Paul Borthwick, How to keep a to rest that the average tenure for 2. Make the youth pastor part of youth minister (ctlibrary.com). youth leaders is 18 months. That is the leadership team. Allow the youth simply not true. Check Gerald’s materials at emcleader to participate in strategic Four years is one cycle of youth in youth-ministry.blogspot.com planning, in worship services, and in your ministry (grade nine to grade brainstorming for the future ministry twelve). While we seem to be dodirection of the church. ing well with getting these leaders 3. Surround the leader with an accountability/support through one term, how can we ensure second and third team. This team will act as a buffer for your youth terms for them? pastor, sifting through the communication that comes their way as well as hold them accountable by asking Reasons for an early move the tough questions with love and care. Perhaps it would be useful to highlight some of the common reasons why these leaders move on after four years. On the one hand, they may be feeling led elsewhere, perhaps to greener grass in a new church or simply a new direction in their lives. On the other hand, they might leave because the expectations from the church are too high for them to attain. There may also be feelings of failure when they consider all that they had hoped to accomplish. And finally they may leave because of disillusionment, asking questions such as “Am I ready to take this next batch of kids through to the end?” or “Here I am, still a youth guy in youth ministry. Is this my lot in life?” Many leaders have a love/hate relationship with their flexible schedule. Perhaps some sense that a lot of the difficulties in their youth ministry are the adults, not the kids. I have come to discover that there are also some common reasons for churches letting youth pastors go, and these include observing a lack of administrative skills. Relationally they might be great with the students, but they do not have accountability and organization in the office. There may also be a lack of communication skills as parents and congregants never know what is going on in the youth program. Some churches will let their youth leaders go because they have very different philosophies of ministry. It seems that the vision and expectations don’t match between the church and the youth leader. THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
4. Encourage the youth pastor to study and recharge. You need to budget for books and courses related to personal spiritual growth as well as youth ministry, as well as sending them to TRU, our Conference’s own National Youth Leaders’ Retreat. Allow for spiritual retreats so that they can stay focused on Jesus. 5. Challenge the youth minister to set personal and ministry goals. The initial calling into ministry is not enough to sustain a fresh ministry, so guide them and hold them accountable to keep pursuing the ministry to which God has called them. 6. Encourage the youth pastor to lead through a team. This could include helping them recruit volunteers, affirming the giftedness of particular students in leadership, and making sure that the youth leader delegates. 7. Balance support of youth pastor and parents. Realize that the work of a youth minister can be very lonely, so be careful not to always pick the side of the parents. Be sure to keep lines of communication open between parents, leadership and youth pastor. The importance of youth ministry is not going away. In fact, we could say that it is gaining value as the generations go by. There is a lot of passion among youth workers to invest in the lives of their students. Let’s T work together to make this an ongoing success. M Adapted from his report to Conference Council on July 4, 2009.
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with our missionaries Canada
Reimers to move under ICYA Two ministry efforts in Winnipeg’s North End are about to be strengthened. Andrew and Amie Reimer, pastoral couple at North End Community Church (NECC), are moving into ministry with Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA). Andrew will become a community pastor serving under ICYA’s umbrella. “Andrew and Amie Reimer have demonstrated strong pastoral skills along with a commitment to the North End and to ministry,” said Ward Parkinson, TRICYA member. “We are blessed to have them, and wish to affirm their on-going ministry in a somewhat new direction.” Inner City Youth Alive, located on Aberdeen Ave., has a many-faceted ministry: camping, clubs, a drop-in centre, meals for kids, jobs skills training, St. Aidan’s Christian School, and other forms of community outreach. ICYA has been around since 1986. Since March 2002, the CMC, EMMC, and EMC have worked together in a church plant focused on North End youth and families, which became known as NECC. For six years this group was active
in worship, fellowship, discipleship and outreach, with Reimers as their pastoral couple. However, the group did not gain the momentum and indigenous involvement needed to reach the original vision. The group has stopped meeting in regular services. The council prayerfully considered the ministry’s future and has decided the cause of Christ will be better served by moving Reimers to work under the umbrella of Inner City Youth Alive. Conference leaders will meet in October to prayerfully consider how to keep reaching out to and with our Aboriginal neighbours with the message of hope that comes in Jesus. The TRI-CYA council remains committed to its vision to keep “being” Christ in the neighborhood and prayerfully anticipates the day when another indigenous church takes root in the North End. Andrew will begin reporting to the ICYA board in 2010. Adapted from Tri-CYA release
Andrew and Amie Reimer, Hannah, Olivia
Two couples to Mexico
news
SBC numbers up, staff changes Right around the time most people are trying to fit in the final trip to the cottage, or a weekend of camping, SBC begins ramping up activity in preparation for the return of college students and the beginning of another academic year. Recruitment has gone well and at the time of writing, we are anticipating a full first year class of 55 students. Together with the good number of students returning, we expect a student body of approximately 110 students. The news that our numbers are at about 10 more than in previous years is causing college staff and faculty to smile. Staff updates: Jessy Neufeld has
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joined the staff as Dean of Women. Gord Penner has returned from a year-long sabbatical in Belize. Ernie Koop is on sabbatical until February 2010. During his sabbatical he will be completing his doctoral dissertation studying recruitment in missions. Kaylene Buhler has taken on the additional role as Alumni Coordinator. Iris Bartel has joined as the new Executive Assistant. Pray for • Jessy Neufeld (Dean of Women) and Dalen Kroeker (Dean of Men) as they work to create a positive community atmosphere within the student body. • Pray for the professors as they prepare for their courses. • Pray for our students as they settle into the routines of college life. Patrick Friesen
LeRoy and Faith Siemens, Brooklyn, Emma
Tara and Dallas Wiebe, Carter, Logan
LeRoy and Faith Siemens (Steinbach EFC) and Dallas and Taralin Wiebe (Kleefeld) have both started their first term of service with EMC Missions in Chihuahua state, northern Mexico. LeRoy and Faith will be serving in the Cuauhtemoc region; Dallas and Tara will be living in the city of Delicias. Both couples will be involved in community outreach and church ministry. Ken Zacharias
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
with our churches
Fast prays for children and parents Heartland (Landmark, Man.): On June 7, 2009, in a very moving service, one of our spiritual fathers, Milton Fast, blessed the parents and children of our new congregation. He said, “As a church body, we want to corporately recognize the importance of families, and to particularly impress upon you as parents the responsibility God has given you for the spiritual and physical well being of your children.” Milton concluded the service with a beautiful prayer of dedication: “Our heavenly Father, we stand in awe before you when we are faced with the divine mystery of life, for you alone are the author of life. Our homes have been blessed and enriched through the gift of children. “This morning we ask your blessing on these parents who have publicly dedicated themselves to the responsibility of nurturing and raising their children in the Christian faith. “Give them the patience and wisdom that will be needed. May the environment of their homes always be conducive to the teaching and living out the Christian faith. “And, Father, be gracious to these little ones presented before you. These little girls: Jessica, Anaya, and Kelsey. That as they grow up in years they may also grow in grace, and become beautiful women who in purity of heart will bring joy and happiness to their parents and glory
Heartland June 7 dedication: (back) Cheryle and Paul Warkentine with Kelsy and Jeremiah, Lindsay and Tim Schroeder with Wyatt and Gage, Jaeger and Stephanie Hiebert with Ethan, (front) Tabitha and Matt Hildebrandt with Oliver and Anaya, Andrea and Kris Plett with Jessica.
to you; and these little boys: Jeremiah, Oliver, Wyatt, Gage and Ethan, as they grow in years will also grow in grace and become strong men of good character and faith. “Our prayer is that each of these
Blessings and praise at Fish Creek Fish Creek (Calgary, Alta.): God is so faithful in answering prayers. As a church, we had been praying about our future meeting place. We have been meeting at St. Mary’s University in the gymnasium. When we were notified that the gym would be used for other purposes, we once again began searching for a new location. Through our prayers, a newly renovated building on the same campus became available to us, complete with air-conditioning and an elevator. God is so good! Blessings also come through connecting with one another. Thirteen women from our church had lunch together at a quaint café at the Saskatoon Berry Farm. We thank the Lord for the safe arrival of Samantha Eryn, born to Malcolm and
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
Noella Koop on July 20. We are so grateful for the many young children with which God has blessed our congregation. We also give praise for our pastor, Scott Koop, who has been giving us new insights through his messages this summer on the Life of David. Praise is also due to the Lord for bringing togehter Pastor Scott Koop and Angela Kuhn. The two have announced their engagement with plans to be married in March 2010. As Fish Creek Christian Fellowship comes to your mind, we ask that you would remember us in prayer: that we would have the mind of Christ and a clear vision of what He wants for us as a church body. Joyce Landis
children, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, will choose to become your children. Watch over them, protect them from harm and evil, and continually lead them into your ways.” He closed with the benediction from Numbers 6:24–26: “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favour and give you his peace.” From a number of meetings in the spring and summer, we have been intimately involved in discovering who we are as a church and who we want to become. With the help of Tim Kroeker (HCC) and EMC church planting coordinator Ward Parkinson, this has been a very meaningful exercise. Our congregation, previously known as 9:30 Church, has also chosen an appropriate name: Heartland Community Church. In the heart of Canada, Landmark is a strategic place of intercession for our country and our own community; and we as a church (with God’s leading and help) hope to embody the character that the name implies. Brigitte Toews
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with our churches
Unusual Good Friday Grande Prairie, Alta.: Greetings from our fellowship to you! We hope that these past few months have found you well and advancing for the sake of the Kingdom. Recently Mission Heights Community Church held an unusual Good Friday service. Unusual, but none the less soul stirring. First, some background: We are a church plant out of La Crete, Alta., and the core group that founded this church still has strong roots and family in the northern community. On our major holidays it is quite normal to see a drop in our attendance because of our members going back “home” to celebrate with family in their home town. We have not held a Good Friday service in our church for the past number of years due to being part of Grande Prairie and Area Ministerial which organized a joint Good Friday Service. Because of various reasons this year the Ministerial decided not to have the annual service. This meant that we had to decide whether or not we as a church were going to have a service of our own or encourage our “left behind” members to fellowship at another church for those wishing to take in a Good Friday service. We as a staff decided to go ahead and have a service of our own. As time sped ahead we were struggling to come up with a meaningful and memorable way of commemorating Good Friday. Now I will try and tell you what transpired and how it affected me. The stage is set: We have a long, low table at the front of the sanctuary that is covered with a brown tablecloth. On this table we have pottery mugs, olive wood goblets, clusters of grapes and flat bread in baskets, cheese broken in pieces on
a platter, and “wine” (grape juice) in a crockery pitcher. As the service starts we begin with a scene from the book of Matthew on DVD where Jesus and his disciples are having what is to be the last supper. As the clip comes to an end, our “Jesus” and his “disciples” enter and sit on the floor at the table. Pastor Dwight is taking us to the Last Supper table of long ago. Pastor Dwight Munn encouraged us to think like they thought. They did not have the privilege of turning the page in their Bible to know how the next few days were going to pan out. Here Christ is telling his followers what is going to happen to him; they do not really understand. Pastor Dwight leads us in communion with this in the forefront of our minds. Communion today is different that I have ever experienced before. He asked that the husbands/fathers serve their families. Men went to the table and gathered the elements for communion—a piece of flatbread, a family communal cup with grape juice, and some cheese and grapes for the children. To hear my husband explain the significance of the body and blood was humbling. Some of the words he was trying to say were brought out with difficulty. As I was waiting for my husband to continue the explanation to our children, I overheard the gentleman behind me as he was serving his wife the element of bread. His voice had a hiccup in it as he said “This is my body broken for you.” Having to verbalize those words brought out a very real emotion in this gentleman. The crucifixion was in no way G-rated
and I am sure we will not know how truly horrific it was until we see Jesus face to face. And the evening ends with our Jesus in the tomb—a dark day indeed. Praise God for the continuation of the story on Easter Sunday where the prophecy is fulfilled and our Saviour Jesus Christ rises from the dead! As has been custom for the last number of years we held our annual Church Family Camp at Bear Lake Bible Camp. Of course, the highlight of this weekend is the baptism held during our Sunday morning worship service. Upon the confession of their faith we baptized Alisabeth Munn, Chelsea Elford, Danielle Siemens, Celina Fehr, and Bob Wheeler. Transferring into our fellowship were Richard Wiley, Susan Wiley, Melissa Wiley, Kirsten Suderman, Brenda Saunders, Reginald Saunders, and Darcy Driedger. Our congregation is excited and gearing up for a monumental task. We are building a new church! We are blessed to have been given land and are eagerly awaiting for our paperwork be completed and for the first spade full of sod to be turned. God is so good. Ruby Fehr
Assistant editor Rebecca Buhler is now Rebecca Roman!
Baptism at Bear Lake Bible Camp: John Bueckert (church moderator), Danielle Siemens, Bob Wheeler, Alisabeth Munn, Celina Fehr, Chelsea Elford. This was the church family camp’s highlight.
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Rebecca married Gregory Roman on August 15, 2009, at the Mennonite Brethren Church in Steinbach, Man., with their pastor Earl Unger (Stony Brook) officiating. Rebecca can be reached at her new e-mail address rroman@emconf.ca.
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
EMC and
Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series
Evelyn Barkman
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.
6. COMMITMENT TO SERVICE We believe Christian disciples seek to serve rather than to be served. They work to relieve suffering and would rather personally suffer than inflict pain on others. Disciples of Christ commit themselves to righteousness, justice, peace and love, in their homeland and in the global community. Foundational to these commitments is the commitment to verbal proclamation of the Gospel (Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 10:35–45; John 12:26; Acts 1:8; Galatians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 9:14).
Church Practices Article 6: Commitment to Service
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everal selected verses show that this statement is solidly rooted in Scripture. The Kleine Gemeinde, since its beginning in Russia in 1812, has tried to follow the teachings of Christ as stated in these verses. The peace position led many to leave Russia in 1874 and immigrate to North America where they would be freer to live out this faith. Even though great emphasis was placed on obedience to Christ through lifestyle and service, it was mainly practiced within the church body with only minimal outreach beyond the Kleine Gemeinde boundaries. The focus began to change in 1945 when the first foreign missionary from the Kleine Gemeinde, Suzanne Plett, left for service in Brazil, followed by the inception of the Western Gospel Mission, spearheaded by Ben D. Reimer. Both of these events were significant milestones of outreach beyond the church to Canadian towns and to the ends of the earth. With growing interest in Canadian outreach and foreign missions, the Board of Missions was formed in 1953. Churches faithfully supported the growing work through training, prayer and finances. Today, with an EMC membership of 7,750 in 61 congregations, this work has grown to 150 missionaries in 21 countries. Seventy-five percent of the conference budget is directed to this program. Project Builders, an arm of the conference, helps to finance many missions projects. These statistics validate the fact that service and witness are important aspects of EMC identity. In addition to those formally under the Board of Missions, there are hundreds of other volunteers who exemplify Christ’s command to love, serve, and witness. I can safely say the EMC is a witnessing, caring conference. The question remains, “Can we do more?”
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
Our history shows that 1945 to 1955 was a pivotal and exciting time in the EMC. Are we still riding the wave of this exciting decade? Is the wave petering out?
Our history shows that 1945 to 1955 was a pivotal and exciting time in the EMC. Are we still riding the wave of this exciting decade? Is the wave petering out? A recent article by Ward Parkinson (Guess what, EMC? We’re not growing! April 16, 2008) showed that even though the EMC is planting new churches, it is not growing numerically, and that is certainly cause for concern. We cannot remain on a plateau. We either grow or decline. Which way are we going? Is it time to start a new wave? Are there those among us with passion, vision, and courage to lead us into a T new era of innovative witness and service for Christ? M Evelyn Barkman (Prairie Rose) served as a missionary in Mali from 1968 to 2007. 13
focus on... Tim Dyck | General Secretary tdyck@emconf.ca
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Global Mission Fellowship now part of MWC
he gathering in Paraguay on July 14 to 19, 2009, was my first opportunity to participate in Mennonite World Conference’s global gathering. Of course, I am aware that being a Mennonite is not confined to my narrow Canadian perspective. But even with this head knowledge, I could not help but have my horizons expanded at its global Assembly 15. I was astounded at the rich diversity of cultural backgrounds that comprise the global Mennonite church. This cultural diversity was emphasized in the musical selections, from the worship team that led in each of our sessions, to the various choirs that performed throughout the week. In addition to the main sessions, there were also a variety of workshops, a cultural village, ministry displays, and tours of the various churches and ministries in Asuncion. Our conference’s HIV/AIDS ministry, High Refuge (Alto Refugio or AMAR) was included in these tours and well represented with a booth and a workshop each afternoon. Yet the highlight of the Conference for me occurred before the first session. On the weekend prior to the Conference sessions, Mennonite and Brethren in Christ mission agencies had opportunity to meet as the Global Mission Fellowship (GMF). What an encouragement to share stories of what God
is accomplishing through the global Mennonite missions movement. Like the evangelist from Vietnam who is risking his life and freedom to reach out with the message of freedom in Christ to his countrymen in a neighbouring country who are captive workers in factories. Hearing the stories from the persecuted church in the state of Orissa in India. Learning about the meteoric growth of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia while under restrictions from the ruling communist government. The Mennonite Church is not only diverse, it is growing. A major direction-setting decision was also made at the GMF meeting. Mennonite World Conference has several Commissions that are organized to focus on particular areas of interest to the global Mennonite family. At this meeting, the General Council invited GMF to become the Mission Commission of MWC and GMF voted to accept this invitation. This is significant in that the emphasis on proclaiming the gospel through cross-cultural service has been elevated within MWC. Praise God that the Mennonite church family is doing its part to invite a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language to worship at the throne of God T (Revelation 7:9). M
Interpretation is a huge task Asunción was the first MWC assembly in memory at which English was not an official platform language, which meant that many North Americans and English-speaking Africans and Asians were learning for the first time what it’s like to depend on headsets. Equipment was obtained through a company in neighbouring Argentina and close to 2,400 headsets were dispensed before each session by young volunteers and returned after the session.
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About 125 volunteers interpreted between Spanish and French, German, English, Portuguese, Nivacle and Enlhet on stage, in the booths, and at workshops and meetings during the Mennonite World Conference Assembly 15. MWC
Connie Byler (centre) of Spain and Carmen Epp (right) of Paraguay, interpret from Spanish to English. In the background, Miguel Lopes from Brazil interprets from Spanish to Portuguese.
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
MWC: connections with the wider Church Both “Anabaptist” and “Catholic” were pejorative labels in their 16th century settings, Gregory Fairbanks, a Vatican representative, told a workshop at MWC. He claimed both communions “sinned” over the intervening years by keeping this division alive. Rather, we should heed the words of Jesus: “May they be one so that world will believe.” Fairbanks represented one of six groups introduced by Larry Miller, MWC general secretary, with whom Mennonites cooperate on the global scene. Dropping differences and uniting for peace and justice resounded in their presentations. Archbishop Daniel Okoh, president of the Organization of African Instituted Churches, reported an alliance with southern African Mennonites where both groups help local churches identify their African roots while developing new churches. Eugene Hsu, representing 17 million Seventh Day Adventists, said his communion is moving from emphasizing prophecy and toward education and medical ministries, especially in poorer countries, and is happy to partner with Mennonites in their service. Hansulrich Gerber (Argentina), World Council of Churches coordinator for the Decade to overcome Violence, said the past decade of WCC has been “very stressful,” but the need for greater cooperation persists between northern and southern churches. Geoff Tunnicliffe, World Evangelical Alliance’s international director, said
Former Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte Frutos and his wife, Gloria de Duarte, take part in the opening worship service. The Duartes attend Raíces Mennonite Brethren Church in Asunción.
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
WEA is moving toward that “prophetic voice” of the Micah challenge to address poverty issues by evangelical churches and to advocate for human rights and the poor. Katherine Johnson, assistant general secretary for the Lutheran World Federation, said while “proud of their theological distinctives,” LWF would not be “celebrating” their 500th birthday next year because of the Reformation’s divisiveness.
Raquel Contreras, vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance, said they are rediscovering their Anabaptist roots and pointing a new direction in the work of peace, especially with churches in Latin America and Africa. They will celebrate their 400th birthday next year with a worldwide meeting in a Mennonite church in Amsterdam. Meetinghouse
What’s new with MWC? What’s new with MWC? Danisa Ndlovu (Zimbabwe) is president and Janet Plenert (Canada) is vicepresident. The General Council elected a new Executive Committee. For the first time, the African Caucus chose a woman, Mawangu Biavula Ibanda (DR of Congo). The second African is Thuma Hamukang’andu (Zambia). Other EC members are: (Asia) Prem Prakash Bagh, Nancy Heisey of the United States passes the MWC presidency to India, and Adi Waludjo, In- Danisa Ndlovu of Zimbabwe (with his wife, Trezia). donesia; (Latin America and the Caribbean) Edgardo Sanchez, Ar- elected as Mission Commission chair. gentina, and Felix Rafael Curbello Valle, Other commission chairs are: Deacons, Cuba; (Europe) Rainer Burkart, Ger- Cynthia Peacock (India); Faith and Life, many, and Markus Rediger, Switzerland; Alfred Neufeld (Paraguay); and Peace, (North America) Iris de Leon-Hartshorn, Mulugeta Zewdie (Ethiopia). MWC is considering shifting some USA, and Ron Penner, Canada. Four national churches were accept- administration to the global South, ed: Vietnam Mennonite Church, Breth- with representative offices in each ren in Christ Church (Mozambique), continent. In May 2012, Larry Miller concludes the Gilgal Mission Trust (India), and the Bible Missionary Church (Myanmar). 22 years as general secretary. An Spain, with fewer than 500 members, is international committee is seeking his successor. being considered. MWC Management of MWC’s finances has moved to the global South with Ernst Bergen (Paraguay) as treasurer. Income, investments and expenses increased to about $1.2 million (U.S.) at the end of 2008 with positive fund balances. The General Council has about Ron Penner (Braeside) is 116 members named by member and one of two North American representatives on MWC’s associate member churches. executive committee. Richard Showalter (USA) was
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From every tribe, global church unites MWC’s 15th world assembly draws 62 nations to Paraguay, celebrating bonds of faith that cross all ethnic barriers. “Are you a Mennonite?” a policeman asked Ditrich Pana. In Paraguay, Mennonites are often known as Germanspeaking farmers and ranchers. Pana, however, is Enlhet, an indigenous group that includes 6,000 Mennonites. The Enlhet churches—and those of another indigenous group, the Nivacle— grew from mission work by German Mennonite immigrants. Pana, a radio evangelist, said: “Yes, I am a Mennonite.” His claiming the Mennonite name as a label of faith rather than of ethnicity captured a theme of the 15th MWC assembly July 14–19. In a sermon to the global Anabaptist gathering, Pana praised Christ’s power to bridge the world’s divisions.
“This gathering unites us with glad hearts,” he said. “We belong to each other and to him [God] this week as brothers and sisters and friends.” In that spirit of unity, Paraguay’s 32,000 Mennonites hosted a weeklong reunion of the 1.6-million-member global Anabaptist body. Of the 6,200 people who registered for the conference, 3,476 came from Paraguay, 592 from other Latin American and Caribbean countries, 766 from the United States, 730 from Canada, 370 from Europe, 90 from Asia, and 180 from Africa. They heard sermons and Bible study messages—under the theme Come Together in the Way of Jesus Christ—that emphasized living in unity and working for equality and justice. About 8,500 people attended on Sunday morning. Workshop sessions
were held each afternoon on topics such as violence against women and children in Congo and the shared convictions of global Anabaptists. Groups, such as women theologians from Africa and Latin America, held meetings. Activities for youth, including music and sports, took place in a fenced field across from the church. A Global Youth Summit on July 1012 drew more than 700 participants, including 48 delegates from 32 countries. MWC’s governing body, the General Council, also met before the assembly. Mirta Perez, a young Nivacle, reported on the Global Youth Summit during a service. She said, “My dream is that the Mennonite family can remain in unity, because before God we are all the same, we are all valuable.” Meetinghouse
50 years later, a statement of forgiveness During the three-hour closing assembly worship service, there was a key moment of forgiveness. In a peace gesture toward the indigenous Ayoreos, Helmut Isaak read a statement of forgiveness to the man who killed his brother, Kornelius Isaak. Jonoine, now a chief of his tribe in the northern Chaco, came to the stage carrying the spear that killed missionary Isaak. In 1958 a delegation of Mennonite missionaries were trying to win over
Jonoine, an Ayoreo chief, holding the spear he used to kill Kornelius Isaak in 1958, awaits his turn to go on stage and hear a statement of forgiveness from Helmut Isaak, brother of the slain missionary.
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the Ayoreos and presented gifts. Then a young warrior, Jonoine fatally speared Isaak. Helmut Isaac said, “Fifty years you were a courageous young warrior of your tribe. You defended your territory against the invasion of the white man and you were a hero of your people. “Fifty years ago, my brother Kornelius Isaak, another young man fought the peaceful war of the Lamb of God, willing to give his life for his Lord Jesus Christ. “Joinone, you did what you had to do according to your values and tradition and my brother did what he needed to do; at that tragic confrontation, in 1958, Kornelius lost his life. Today we are not enemies, we are brothers in Jesus Christ and warriors together, for the Kingdom of God.” Then Helmut Isaak challenged the assembly to establish centres of study and research of Anabaptist and Peace Theology and training in ways to find peaceful solutions to confrontations, to the applause of some 8,500 worshippers, the largest gathering of the five-day assembly. According to one estimate, some 300 members of the Ayores are now Christians. MWC
Pana: “Yes, I am a Mennonite.”
Director of note: Leading music at the MWC assembly was a dream come true for Paul Dueck.
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
Messages serve MWC Assembly 15 The Assembly opened on July 14 with a procession of banners from congregations, conferences and other groups from around the world. On July 14 worship leader Werner Franz read from John’s vision in Revelation about the thousands around the throne of the Lamb and said, “This church is on the way.” The Assembly’s theme, Come Together in the Way of Jesus Christ, framed the worship and Bible study gatherings. In her keynote address, outgoing MWC president Nancy Heisey said, “The way of Jesus Christ does not begin with us...but with God.” In order to have the mind of Christ, she said, we must accept our own sins. “Our love of church can be disruptive if it only seeks to protect our fences,” she said. “If a church fails to expand, it will perish.” Each morning of the Assembly includes worship and a Bible study. On July 15, Elfriede Veron of Paraguay focused on Philippians 2:1–11. “If we call
Looking at the future of MWC MWC’s global assemblies will continue, but perhaps less frequently, said outgoing president Nancy Heisey. It’s costly to meet (after Winnipeg in 1990, there was a deficit for years) and few from the global South can afford to come. It’s complicated to get people together, passports can be held, and diseases can be a problem. But if you think assemblies are all MWC does, Heisey points out the executive committee meets annually, the General Council meets every three years, a koinonia delegation each year visits a member church, there’s the Global Youth Summit, the MWC history project, ecumenical work, and World Fellowship Sunday. The General Council meets in 2012 in Switzerland; the next assembly will likely be in 2017 or 18. In 2025 an assembly could be held in Switzerland to celebrate the 100th anniversary of MWC and the Anabaptist movement’s 500th anniversary. “The key,” Heisey said, “is how to make this…better.” Meetinghouse
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
ourselves Christians,” he said, “we must behave as such.” In that evening’s worship, Nzuzu Mukawa of Congo spoke on Micah 6:1-8 and called people to follow Jesus’ way, which is a “way of justice, a way of peace.” At the July 16 morning worship and Bible study, Antonio Gonzales of Spain focused on the theme Uniting in Christ and looked at John 17:16–26. “The glory of the Lord” involves “participating in Jesus’ life,” in unity. In that evening’s worship, which focused on the same theme, Ditrich Pana of Paraguay called people to experience unity with God. The Global Youth Summit met July 10-12 for its second meeting. According to Sarah Thompson, who helped organize the meeting, said that about 750 came, “three times what we expected.” The meetings also included Renita Rempel, EMC missionary in Paraguay, carries the workshops on a variety of topics, as Conference banner in the MWC procession. (photo by Gilbert Rempel) well as meetings of various groups. Gordon Houser
Lutheran-Mennonite reconciliation at MWC During the Assembly’s first day, IshBoth Noko and Ndlovu are from mael Noko, Lutheran World Federation Zimbabwe. Noko’s mother was a general secretary, described the 16th cen- Brethren in Christ woman who married tury history of “condoning persecution” a Lutheran. as a “spiritual wound” and the condem“Divine providence has brought these nations of Anabaptists in the Augsburg [two men] together,” said MWC general Confession as “the poison of a scorpion.” secretary Larry Miller. Anabaptists did not strike back, he said; MWC “we have it in us.” “We were wrong, regrettably wrong,” he said. “Execution was not the only choice, even then.” In recent years Mennonites and Lutherans have dialogued. In 2010 the LWF will be asked “to take action which will put us in a new position to the anathemas and express our deep repentance and regret,” he said. Those assembled stood and applauded. MWC president Danisa Ndlovu said, “What we have heard will change our lives and per- Healing church wounds: MWC president Danisa Ndlovu embraces spectives.” The two men em- Ishmael Noko of the Lutheran World Federation. (All MWC photos, including cover, by Lowell Brown braced. except where otherwise specified)
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in memory
MARGARET JANZEN (nee LEIDING) 1937–2009
Mrs. Margaret Janzen, beloved wife of the late John Janzen, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and Saviour, with her family at her side at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, Sask., on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the age of 71 years. Margaret was born on October 4, 1937, the oldest of seven children, at the family homestead of Sec. 18, Tp. 13, Rge. 12, W3rd (Hamburg). For the past five years she resided in Swift Current, Sask. As a young adult Margaret gave her life to Christ and was baptized upon her faith in Him; her lifelong desire was to serve her God. Margaret lived the majority of her life at the family homestead, and on November 6, 1956, she married John Janzen. From this union six children were born, who are left to cherish her memory: sons, Dwayne (Carole), Tracey and Jared; Robert; Ron (Joan), Tiffany and Lindsay; Alan (Monica), Tiana and Denzell; daughter Luella (Grant) Anderson, AmyDawn, John, Jamie-Lee; and son Gale (Margaret-Ann), Caitlyn and Cody. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters Anna (Henry) Kroeker; Elizabeth
Plouffe; brothers Abe (Dorathy) Leiding; Peter Leiding; sister Kathy (Stan) Peters, and brother Willie (Trudy) Leiding, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Margaret goes to be reunited with her husband John and other family members that have gone on before her. Margaret valued time spent with her grandchildren, excursions and Bible studies with friends. Gardening was also a very important part of her life. She always said how she loved to have her hands in the dirt! Mom also had a love for playing the piano or organ, and could often be seen playing in church Sunday morning or for special occasions. Her creativity extended to include sewing, knitting, crocheting, or quilting for her family or making quilts to send overseas to the orphanages in Ukraine or Romania. In her later years she found a love in painting pictures of God’s creation. Margaret had a heart for missions and supported World Vision, Millar Bible College students, and Crossroads Christian Ministries. A celebration of Margaret’s life was held on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Open Bible with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. The pianists were Wendy Cochrane and Monica Janzen. Musical selections brought by Phil Olney and Shelby Leiding. The internment service was held at the Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery, Chortitz, Sask. The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at the Cypress Regional Hospital for their care and attention shown to Margaret during her lengthy illness. In memory of Margaret Janzen, donations to the Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. Her Family
news
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September 25–26 MCC Relief Sale Keystone Centre Brandon, Man. mcc.org/manitoba/brandonreliefsale
October 3 Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association Fundraiser and Coffee House Fort Garry EMC Winnipeg, Man. 204-474-9691
October 15–November 8 The Story and Song Tour World Vision Humourist Adrian Plass, Musician Glen Soderholm 17 cities, B.C. to Maritimes Talking, humour, storytelling, music, worship, hope www.storyandsong.ca
October 16 World Food Day Canadian Foodgrains Bank 800-665-0377 fastforchange.ca
October 30 MDS Fundraising and Dessert Evening Music, reports, home-made pie Crosshill Mennonite Church Millbank, Ont. 204-261-1274 or 866-261-1274 www.mds.mennonite.net
November 5–8 Business as a Calling 2009 New Frontiers: New Solutions San Jose, California businessasacalling.org
November 7
Multi-lingual counseling at Recovery of Hope A multi-lingual counselor, Orlando Epp, has been added to the Recovery of Hope counseling team in June. Fluent in Spanish, German, Low German and English he is a recent graduate of Providence Theological Seminary with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Orlando grew up in Tres Palmas, Paraguay. He was educated in
coming events
Paraguay, taking his theology degree in Asunción. He, his wife Adelina, and their four children live in Niverville. Orlando will divide his time among four southern Manitoba communities: Winnipeg, Steinbach, Niverville and Winkler. To contact him, please call Recovery of Hope (toll free) at 1-866493-6202. EHCS
New Songs for Worship IV Dr. Christine Longhurst and others Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. www.cmu.ca
November 8 Peace Sunday Your congregation MCC Canada canada.mcc.org/peacesunday iamrevolting.org
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
shoulder tapping Rosenort EMC invites applications for a parttime, interim youth leader. This individual is responsible to develop youth programs for junior and senior youth from September 2009 to August 2010. The individual will work together with a team of youth sponsors. Interested individuals should send a resume to Rosenort EMC, Box 153, Rosenort, MB R0G 1W0 or remcpastor@gninc.ca. For information, please email or call the church at 204-746-8519. 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. La Crete Christian Fellowship, in the northwest corner of Alberta, is looking for a full-time youth pastor to be a part of our pastoral team. LCCF’s service to God is based on core values:
Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm 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 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. Contact us for details. Call Mike Schellenberg at 780-841-9376 or e-mail lccfc@telus.net. North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg, Man., is looking for a children’s ministry director. The children’s director, who will focus on visioning and implementing a Christcentred children’s program, will be an integral part of the pastoral leadership team. The children’s director is a half-time position. For an applicant who also has a vision for small groups ministry, consideration will be given for a full-time position including both ministry responsibilities. NKMB is a multi-generational congregation of nearly 600 members with many young families. Inquiries and resumes may be sent to: Search Committee, NKMB, 1315 Gateway Rd., Winnipeg MB R2G 1P2 or email: brigittep@nkmb.org. Camp Assiniboia, near Winnipeg, Man., requires a full-time custodian/maintenance assistant. Camp Assiniboia is one of three camps operated by Mennonite Church Manitoba. Position available fall 2009. Applicants must affirm Mennonite faith statement. On site housing and benefits package available. Contact 204-895-2267 or camps@mennochurch.mb.ca. Information at www.campswithmeaning.org.
news
Peace Sunday Packet 2009 available on-line On Remembrance Day our nation invites us to reflect on the sacrifice of soldiers who have fought and died in the course of military services to Canada. These observances are especially poignant as our country is engaged in war in Afghanistan. Mennonites and Brethren in Christ—as historic peace churches— observe Peace Sunday just prior to Remembrance Day. Peace Sunday is an annual occasion to preach, teach, and reflect upon the gospel of peace and to offer a witness against war. Once again MCC has prepared a Peace Sunday Packet to assist your congregation in preparing for Peace
THE MESSENGER September 2, 2009
Sunday. The theme this year is Jesus’ peaceful revolution. The packet includes: a sample worship outline with suggested prayers, readings, sermon suggestions, and a story for children; revolutionary stories and quotations; suggestions for action and witness. This on-line packet can be found at Canada.mcc.org/peacesunday. We hope that you will use it to assist your congregation in its Peace Sunday observance. MCC Editor’s note: MCC also advertises iamrevolting.org.
Continental Mission in Thompson, Man., is looking for a director, assistant director, and workers. Contact board chairman Ruben Goertzen (rgoertz@mts.net) for job descriptions, or call Bill Penner 204-679-1005 for information. An evangelical ministry, Continental Mission (started in the 1940s) is involved in evangelism, church planting, camping, and drop-in ministries among First Nations people, mostly in northern Manitoba. Steinbach Bible College and Steinbach Christian High School invite applications to fill two part-time positions as evening custodian. The positions are seasonal, beginning in September and going until June, and involve general custodial duties. Applicants must be in agreement and sign the Statement of Faith and Lifestyle and Morality Statement of the schools. Application and job description are available at the SBC reception desk or via email at reception@sbcollege.ca. Submit application, resume, and cover letter to Steinbach Bible College, Attn: Wes Bergen, 50 PTH 12N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4. Fax: 204-326-6908. Mennonite Foundation, a donor-advised charitable foundation (est. 1973) with 17 employees and an operating budget of $1.9 million, seeks an executive director. The director is responsible to the board and will provide strategic leadership, directing and managing the overall operation. The candidate must be a church member in one of MFC’s six supporting conferences. MFC promotes financial stewardship from a Christian perspective, creates opportunities for people to be generous with their financial resources, provides stewardship education for churches and members, is committed to socially responsible investing, and provides loans to constituent churches and related charities. We are a growing and dynamic organization with over $100 million under management. The head office is in Winnipeg, Man., with four other offices across Canada. MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Resumes should be submitted to Personnel Committee, MFC, 12-1325 Markham Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; edsearch@ mennofoundation.ca. Rainbow Christian School, in Vanderhoof, BC, seeks a principal. RCS is a growing K–8 Christian professional learning community and has been in operation for 20 years. It is a classified Group 1 Independent School and currently has a staff of six and an enrollment of about 80 students. Applications must include: resume, three references (including a pastor’s), transcripts, BCCT certificate, statement of faith, philosophy of Christian education. The principal is a full-time position (.6 admin. and .4 teaching). Send a cover letter, resume, philosophy of Christian education with statement of faith. Rainbow Christian School Search Committee, Box 710, 2994 Burrard Ave., Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; ph: 250-567-3127; fax: 250-567-3167; e-mail: rcschool@telus.net.
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Pandemic flu: What can my Lois church do? Nickel
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eacons and named caregivers in your church have the task of seeking out those in need and lending help in whatever way makes sense. In addition, all members of a congregation are to care for one another during times of stress, illness, transition, job loss, etc. Should a flu pandemic strike in your community, the first thing you can do is: keep on doing what you are doing! We need to continue being the church as it is—a caring community willing to risk itself in ways needed to provide comfort, care, and assistance. This is what Jesus would do, what the first century Christians did, and what you are doing. What are some ways you may be called upon to show compassion and help? • Volunteer to deliver meals, medicine, transport people to clinics for vaccination. • Use of your church building for vaccination clinics, feeding sites for volunteers—whatever is appropriate. • Continue to visit the sick despite the risks. They will need support and many will be afraid to carry on doing so. • Should the supply chain for food or other necessities be broken due to illness, the church could keep a stockpile of basic living supplies to give out to families who cannot afford to stockpile (as recommended by Public Safety Canada, enough for 72 hours). • Provide emergency home repair, pet care, or child care for those who are sick. • Work with local and regional health officials. Stay informed, and keep them informed of how your congregation can help. What are some ways you can prepare for caring in a pandemic situation? • Educate yourself and others in your church about the facts of the current pandemic flu strain. What are the symptoms? When should a person see a doctor/go to the hospital? Should my child stay home from school? Should I stay home from work? www.fightflu.ca is the place to find some of those answers. Stay aware! • Identify the at-risk members in your congregation. Who lives alone? Who has low immunity to viruses? Who doesn’t have easy access to a store? The World Health Organization recommends a “flu buddy system.”
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A church phone tree could be used to check on each other and become aware of needs for medicine or supplies. • Name the strengths of your congregation and then ask yourselves: How can these strengths be put to practical use during a health crisis (or other disaster)? • Prepare rosters of volunteers listing availability and how they can contribute. • Prepare backup plans/persons for key church personnel/volunteers in case they are ill (pastor, treasurer, caretaker, etc). There are numerous resources to assist you and/ or your congregation in the task of preparing. One of them is the new resource (from Mennonite Publishing Network) Beyond Our Fears: Following Jesus in Times of Crisis–a four-lesson study for youth or adult Sunday School classes which addresses issues surrounding involvement in responding to pandemics and other disasters (www.mpn.net/beyondourfears to purchase). The Mennonite Church Canada Resource Centre has additional resources on this topic that can be borrowed. Staff from Mennonite Disaster Service could be invited to do a training or workshop on this topic. Lois Nickel is MDS Director, Region Relations & Programs (Winnipeg, Man.). THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914
