The Messenger Vol. 51 No. 1 January 2013

The Messenger Volume 51 No. 1 January 2013

50th anniversary issue!

Anabaptism a movement whose time has come? page 6 $2.00

ALSO INSIDE:

A hope for the EMC in 2013 page 9 Footwashing: a truly Christ-like act

page 12

Editorials

A radical, a watchdog, and an anniversary

I

magine being a busy church planter and family man in Portage la Prairie, Man. Would you regularly travel to Steinbach, organize and layout a magazine, and then return to your pastorate? Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg did as this magazine’s pioneer editor (1963–1987) till he relocated to Steinbach.

Visualize being Rev. Abe Unger, informally charged with watching Schellenberg, a radical who envisioned an English language magazine.

Unger, appointed as assistant editor, wisely and quickly bowed out of this task.

Picture being a schoolteacher, minister, and musician living in northern Alberta. Would you move to southern Manitoba to serve, in part, as an editor? Menno Hamm did, placing his stamp as a dedicated churchman upon the magazine (1988–1997).

Envisage being hired as an administrative assistant, but when you offer to design a cover, your skills are revealed and fate is sealed. You

With this issue, The Messenger celebrates its 50th anniversary. Thank you for your support. become responsible for designing the magazine.

Rebecca Roman (2000– ) brought this upon herself, and our conference is better for it.

Other names could be mentioned. Walter Kruse—teacher, writer, actor—was willing to serve as editor. And I, a mostly British farm boy from Alberta trained in journalism and called to pastoral ministry, have been privileged to serve here since 1997.

With this issue, The Messenger celebrates its 50th anniversary. Thank you for your support.

May the Lord be praised for the publication’s half-century of influence and may he grant wisdom to whoever sits next in this chair.

– Terry M. Smith

••

Chaplains serve ‘the least of these’

A

news item on page 29 of this issue shows some possibly unthought-of implications of recent government cuts to Correctional Service Canada’s (CSC) chaplaincy programs.

News media has highlighted the fact that, under the new funding model, only two nonChristian chaplains will continue to receive financial support. However, Christian chaplains who have been receiving funding may also experience negative consequences.

In Alberta and Ontario, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) may now need to find $85,000 to replace partial funding of chaplaincy services by CSC. In the article, MCC cites a survey taken in August 2012 that showed that 95 per cent of the 233 men and women Alberta chaplain Peter Worlsey worked with between 2006 and 2008 were living crime free lives. Compare this

2 The Messenger • January 2013

to statistics from a CSC study that shows that nearly half of prisoners released on mandatory supervision reoffend within three years.

The national average to house an inmate is about $145 per day, or about $53,000 per year. If a chaplain’s annual salary is even double this, he or she only needs to keep two released prisoners from reoffending every year in order for Canadian tax-payers to break even on the cost-benefit of the chaplaincy program.

Beyond proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars, we need also to be concerned about Christ’s words of commendation for those who visited prisoners: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Through the government cuts proposed to begin in April 2013, our taxpayer dollars will be accomplishing less of Christ’s purpose in our country; the time to speak is now.

– Rebecca Roman

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

5

Anabaptism: a movement whose time has come?

Christians from other denominations are discovering Anabaptism – Dr. Stuart Murray

9

page

Writings Shared

America and its Guns: A Theological Exposé and Joshua

27

19 Focus On

A model of partnership – Tim Dyck

A hope for the EMC in 2013

What we need to consider to reach Canadians of diverse cultures – Terry M. Smith

12 Footwashing: a truly Christ-like act Making a case for keeping this important ordinance – Ron Penner

20 Archives Alcove

Steinbach EMB: a force for change – Terry M. Smith

26 Window on Missions Remembering Josefina – A worker in Mexico

15 Ministerial stands in affirmation of God as creator

34 Here and Far Away

17 Council approves budget and Statement process

35 Stewardship Today

Ministerial meeting report

Conference Council meeting report

The power of the pen, the worth of the Word – Jocelyn R. Plett

Who’s talking to your kids?

– Darren Pries-Klassen

page

34

36 Kids’ Corner

Happy New Year!

– Loreena Thiessen

page

page

17 23

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters

21

With Our Missionaries

22

With Our Churches

24

Births

25

Weddings

27

News

31

In Memory

32

Calendar

33

Shoulder Tapping www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger

Letters

Volume 51 No. 1 January 2013

Bringing glory to the God of creation

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR REBECCA ROMAN

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

The Messenger is the monthly 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. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

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

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 7% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

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

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

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing activities.

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

THE Messenger schedule: No. 2– February 2013 issue (copy due January 18)

4 The Messenger • January 2013

When I read the articles about creation and the letters to the editor in The Messenger last spring and summer and when I attended the EMC ministerial recently, I was again reminded of God’s power and greatness in the creation of the world.

I am so grateful that the God we/I worship could have created the world in six 24-hour days. I am also very grateful that He is big enough to have created the world through an evolutionary process that took millions and millions of years.

I am grateful that He is big enough to have done it in yet another way that humankind’s finite minds have never thought about. Our God is much bigger than we can imagine.

Personally, my prayer would be that as a conference we would focus on God’s greatness and give thanks and praise to Him for the world He has created and for Who He is, thanking Him for the wonderful world He has created and is continuing to sustain, thanking Him for the Good News of Jesus and the forgiveness of our sins, thanking Him for His Holy Spirit Who continues to teach, guide, nudge and comfort us. I wonder whether that may be the best way to bring glory to the God of creation.

– Irma Janzen Winnipeg, Man. Note: The November 23, 2012, ministerial presentations by Cameron McKenzie and panel discussion are available for viewing at www. emconference.ca/ministerial. To order the audio or video recordings, contact Erica Fehr at 204-326-6401 or efehr@ emconf.ca. Either is available for $5 per set plus mailing.

– Board of Leadership and Outreach

Guidelines for letters

Within a Conference comprised of various voices, the magazine is to encourage the “community hermeneutic” toward responsible Christian belief, teaching, and practice.

Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste.

Letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address. For letters by e-mail, the writer’s name and e-mail address are deemed to be an electronic signature. The writer’s regular postal address is to be included in e-mail correspondence.

The writer’s name and general address are to be published In sensitive matters, names may be withheld.

Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less.

Subscribe to The Messenger electronically Prefer e-copy to hard copy? Issues of The Messenger are available electronically. You can sign up on-line at www.emconference.ca/ messenger or e-mail messenger@emconf. ca. Provide your name, mailing address, and e-mail address, and indicate whether you wish to continue receiving the print version or not.

For those who are not members or adherents of an EMC church, there will be a $15 annual subscription fee to receive the electronic version only; no additional fee applies if the full print subscription rate is paid.

Columns • writings shared America and its Guns: A Theological Exposé, James E. Atwood (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2012), 228 pp. $27.

ISBN 9781610978255. Reviewed by Rev. Terry M. Smith, whose rural family history includes firearms, hunting, and three suicides by gun.

T

his book, ordered for review, arrived on Dec. 13, 2012; the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting happened a day later.

Atwood, a retired Presbyterian minister, a longtime gun control advocate, and an avid gun season deer hunter, waited 30 years for someone to write a theological response to the U.S.’s fascination with firearms. Finally, he stepped in.

Drawing upon Walter Wink’s trilogy about unmasking “the powers,” Atwood considers America’s fascination to be idolatrous—shown partly when “the right to bear arms” is presented as the most important work of legislatures (150–153). Examining the societal cost of having 300 million firearms in private hands, Atwood says the idol promises more protection than it delivers (chapter 11).

He sees a need for balanced Second Amendmentrelated legislation and effective enforcement that allow ownership of some guns while promoting safety in society. The silent majority of NRA members, who

support more effective gun control, need to speak up (chapter 18), and the Church needs to respond openly to the fear and idolatry behind American gun culture (chapter 19).

The book is theologically significant, carefully researched, and thoughtful. Two criticisms: more Scripture resources were available and a more evangelical nuance would have been appropriate at times.

Some Canadians are influenced

by U.S. gun culture: an opposition to moderate restrictions (including long gun registration), an emphasis on personal rights over social responsibilities, use of slogans such as “guns don’t kill people, people do,” an all-or- nothing approach to gun ownership, and more. Our churches, too, have been silent.

Joshua, Gordon Matties (Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2012), 528 pp., $29.99 ISBN 9780836195675. Reviewed by Zac Klassen (The ConneXion), BA Honours (CMU).

H

ow might churches within a conference that is Evangelical and Mennonite approach the book of Joshua? Gordon Matties argues that a faithful reading will not try to avoid the violence found therein and neither will it seek to justify the violence (17–37).

Matties concludes that this leads us into “a difficult” and “intra-biblical” conversation with no “simple resolution” (18–19, 30). Rather than simply a historical recounting of a military conquest, Matties argues that at its core Joshua articulates a theology rooted in Deuteronomy.

Themes of “rest,” “instruction (Torah), obedience, God’s presence, promise, leadership, and the gift of land” (57) are central. It is from starting with these themes and not from questions about the “justifiability of war” that we need to read Joshua.

However, Matties’ Joshua does not assume a “flat reading” of the Bible. He notes: “the book of

Joshua is not an end in itself ” (21).

Reading Joshua faithfully means we must not look away from the “new Joshua” (31).

Reading this way reveals fruitful tensions in the book of Joshua, especially within the stories of Rahab (67–85, 153–168), the Transjordan tribes (53-60), and the Gibeonites (211–227). These stories illustrate how those occupying an “outside” position in relation to Israel become “insiders” in the narrative (63).

Matties also provides 81 pages of short essays on topics relevant to Joshua studies, which readers do well to attend to. I recommend Matties’ commentary. While some may find his hermeneutical approach unfamiliar or at times uncomfortable, determination and persistence promises theological and spiritual enrichment. www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

Anabaptism a movement whose time has come?

S

omething strange is happening. Christians from various denominations are discovering Anabaptism and embracing an Anabaptist vision.

In addition to the UK Anabaptist Network, which I chair, there are Anabaptist networks today in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Scandinavia, Korea, China and elsewhere.

These are nations with almost no historic Anabaptist presence, and most of those involved are not from Anabaptist denominations. But they are drawn to the Anabaptist vision and hungry for Anabaptist resources.

My book, The Naked Anabaptist, written primarily for the UK context, is being translated into German, Spanish, French, Swedish, Korean, Indonesian and Japanese.

In the USA and Canada, too, Christians from outside historic Anabaptist denominations are recognizing in the Anabaptist tradition resources for engaging with a changing culture. Some are finding their way into Mennonite churches.

6 The Messenger • January 2013

by Dr. Stuart Murray

Joanna Shenk’s book, Widening the Circle, tells some of their stories. There are new Anabaptist networks emerging in Canada and the USA, linking together people within and beyond the historic Anabaptist denominations.

Humility?

But the reaction of many in the historic Anabaptist denominations has been surprise, disbelief and puzzlement. Maybe this is the typical Anabaptist spirituality of humility: “Surely these people aren’t interested in our tradition?”

Or maybe it is because many have lost touch with their radical roots and are no longer captivated by the Anabaptist vision. Shenk’s book records the struggles of people, drawn to Anabaptism, who encountered in Mennonite churches issues and attitudes they were not expecting—introversion, institutionalism and conformity to mainstream culture.

My own first encounter with Mennonites in North America in 1994 was memorable. I had

The face of Anabaptism is changing. Mennonite World Conference delegates attending the May 2012 General Council meetings came from 49 countries, most of them

PHOTO BY BASTIAN GEGENHEIMER

from the Global South.

my fifteen-year-old son Neil with me, who was excited about coming to America, so I tried to prepare him by explaining that the Americans we would be staying with were not wealthy or gun-toting like those he had seen in the movies.

They were simple, peaceful folk, I said.

Met at the airport, we were driven to our hosts’ home—an enormous house at the end of a long driveway set in acres of land—and we were greeted at the door by a man with a shotgun. He had been scaring geese off his property, but from then on Neil believed nothing else I said about Mennonites.

Rediscovery

I’ve been to North America many times since 1994, interacting especially with Mennonites, but also with other Anabaptist communities. I have learned much and I am grateful for these interactions. But I have also been trying to convey how excited many of us neo-Anabaptists are by your tradition and urging you to rediscover your roots and recognise the potency of the Anabaptist vision for today.

The Naked Anabaptist was written primarily for neo-Anabaptists in Britain, but I have been encouraged to learn that it is being read and studied in historic Anabaptist congregations in North America too. I have had many emails, especially from young people in these churches,

whom the book has helped to reconnect with their own tradition and realise its value.

I know that some Anabaptist denominations are in trouble, declining in numbers, pulled in different directions, uncertain about how to engage with contemporary culture, and confused about mission. Some are tempted to look elsewhere for solutions, but I suggest a better approach is to draw life from your own deepest roots.

The Naked Anabaptist is an exposition of the seven core convictions of the UK Anabaptist Network. These are our attempt to express the contemporary significance of the Anabaptist tradition, to distil the essence of the Anabaptist vision. I look forward to exploring these during the leadership conference at Steinbach Bible College on March 1–2, 2013.

Post-Christendom

But let me say something here about the context within which many people are rediscovering Anabaptism. Among the many ways of interpreting the contemporary context and the culture shift we are experiencing in western societies, the language of “post-Christendom” has been for many of us the most enlightening.

Christendom was rooted in a partnership between church and empire that began in the fourth century. It resulted in the christianising of Europe, massive church growth and the end of any real distinction between church and society.

Christendom expanded, often through force, and was exported to other parts of the world through various kinds of mission. It lasted for many centuries and produced a brilliant, but quite brutal culture that suppressed dissent and imposed conformity.

Christendom in Europe has been unravelling for several centuries and is reaching the point where it is more memory than reality.

The USA has never had a formal Christendom arrangement, but an even more powerful, if informal, Christendom ideology has been present there and may persist longer than the official  www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

 European version. Canada, I think, sits between

the UK and the USA contexts.

What do I mean by “post-Christendom”?

This is the culture that emerges as the Christian faith loses coherence within a society that has been definitively shaped by the Christian story and as the institutions that have been developed to express Christian convictions decline in influence.

Post-Christendom includes the following transitions: From the centre to the margins: in Christendom the Christian story and the churches were central, but in post-Christendom these are marginal.

From majority to minority: in Christendom Christians comprised the (often overwhelming) majority, but in post-Christendom we are a minority.

From settlers to sojourners: in Christendom Christians felt at home in a culture shaped by their story, but in post-Christendom we are aliens, exiles and pilgrims in a culture where we no longer feel at home.

From privilege to plurality: in Christendom Christians enjoyed many privileges, but in postChristendom we are one community among many in a plural society.

From control to witness: in Christendom churches could exert control over society, but in post-Christendom we exercise influence only through witnessing to our story and its implications.

From maintenance to mission: in Christendom the emphasis was on maintaining a supposedly Christian status quo, but in postChristendom it is on mission within a contested environment.

From institution to movement: in Christendom churches operated mainly in institutional mode, but in post-Christendom we must become again a Christian movement.

When I present this analysis in Europe and most other western nations, opinion is divided on whether these transitions are welcome, but there is widespread acceptance that this is our experience. And it is in this emerging context that the Anabaptist vision is inspiring and guiding many Christians today.

Why do we find the Anabaptist tradition so significant in addressing the challenges of postChristendom? It’s because most other traditions are rooted in the Christendom framework and

8 The Messenger • January 2013

are struggling to find their way in the unfamiliar landscape of post-Christendom.

Experience

It’s also because Anabaptists nearly 500 years ago rejected the Christendom paradigm as illegitimate and have long experience of alternative models and perspectives. It’s because marginality, minority, sojourning, no privileges and not being in control—all these features of post-Christendom churches resonate with the Anabaptist experience.

Of all contemporary Christian traditions Anabaptists should be least fazed by post-Christendom. I am not suggesting the Anabaptist tradition has everything we need. It has weaknesses and we need the insights of other traditions. But we have found that the Anabaptist vision helps reorient us in this changing context and offers many perspectives that are really helpful.

Dr. Stuart Murray, author of The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith (Herald Press, 2010), will be the main presenter at SBC’s Leadership Conference on March 1–2, 2013. He has a PhD in Anabaptist hermeneutics, is the founder of an urban church planting agency working in several cities in the UK and the Netherlands, has taught at a Baptist college, and resides in Bristol, England.

|| STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE MARCH 1-2, 2013

CUTTING EDGE ANABAPTISM

WITH DR. STUART MURRAY Author of “The Naked Anabaptist”

|| COST

|| TIME

Early Bird (by February 19) $50/person Registration (a�er February 19) $60/person Webinar registration: Call for details.

Friday, 7:00-8:45 pm Saturday, 9:00-2:30 pm

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS PREFERRED. VISIT WWW.SBCOLLEGE.CA

NG 2 0 0

Y

a

RS

CE

LE

AT I

EA

BR

emc 1812 ~ 2012

hope

for

the

EMC in

M

y hope for 2013 is that more EMC congregations will start daughter churches or support other church plants in Canada—even ahead of larger buildings or more paid staff.

If, however, our conference is to be active and effective in reaching Canadians with nominal mainline church backgrounds (of British, French, First Nations and other cultures), what ought we to consider?

The past

The Kleine Gemeinde in Canada was once content to remain separate, to merge faith and DutchGerman-Russian (DGR) culture, and to minister and marry within their communities. Early ministers were Servants of the Word, Keepers of the Culture, suspicious of education, and encouraging of near isolation.

“The English” were viewed together to effectively assist in separation from “the world.”

Was the earlier depiction of “the English” fair to churches and cultures connected with the British Isles?

This mostly British fellow has a short answer: no. Is the past behind us?

Barriers

The top obstacles to any person’s becoming involved in the Christian Church are sin, ignorance, and spiritual warfare. Within the EMC, four other obstacles can be identified when reaching out to “mainliners”: liturgy, peace, baptism, and culture.

Liturgy

Liturgy is a powerful attraction or hurdle that is often minimized. Within the EMC, the worship service order (liturgy, meaning “work of the people”) has shifted from its KG roots, to often a frontier-revival styling (singing, message, and little afterward), and now to praise bands and PowerPoint.

A simple liturgy is not innately Evangelical, nor is a detailed liturgy a rejection of Evangelical Anabaptism.

As we reach out, we need to 

2013

by Terry M. Smith

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

 respond carefully in matters of liturgy, studying

carefully other traditions.

When people come to a service, they quickly know what is familiar or unfamiliar; to be dismissive of this opportunity to build common ground and trust is self-defeating. Let our passion and conviction be joined to knowledge and appreciation where possible.

Early Anabaptist missioners and apologists used the Apostles’ Creed as a point of contact with the wider Church or within their baptismal liturgy. Pilgram Marpeck responded both to those who dismissed the sacraments and to Anabaptists who saw them as only as memorials.

We can learn from this.

Where, however, EMC churches function as community evangelical churches, a hard line would be devastating. According the EAC’s 2005 survey, many leaders and members are unprepared to uphold pacifism as a test of local membership.

In most settings, however, there needs to be open dialogue about Jesus, peace and war. Our Lord has much to teach us.

Peace and war, the use of force and violence, and church and state are major issues in our world and in Scripture. To oversimplify our responses, though, is to be ineffective with people who come with serious questions or a family history involving military service.

Peace

Baptism

On the matter of force, in 1527 two contrasting Anabaptist positions were written: the Schleitheim Confession (by Michael Sattler, killed in 1527) and On the Sword (by Balthasar Hubmaier, killed in 1528). While there were diverse views in Anabaptism’s early years (as the work of Dr. James Stayer shows), rejection of war and the practice of non-resistance became the position of many earlier and current Anabaptists.

Will objection to war and the practice of non-resistance be upheld as expectations of EMC membership? In some settings, this has little effect even where there are differences of opinion.

✔ PEACE

WAR

Peace and war, the use of force and violence, and church and state are major issues in our world and in Scripture.

To oversimplify our responses, though, is to be ineffective.

10 The Messenger • January 2013

Most EMCers have been baptized once; only a few are rebaptized. For some people, there is little cost to being baptized. For others, baptism is a painful act of separation.

Sometimes an individual baptized in infancy asks to become a member without rebaptism.

On a pastoral level, I am open to this on a case-by-case basis. One Mennonite conference in Germany does not require rebaptism; some Baptist churches in Britain make exceptions.

Might our growth be greater if we agreed to baptize infants? The declining numbers in most mainline denominations in Canada give us no guarantee. Far from it! In any case, infant baptism is a practice that we cannot support.

Churches either baptize people to give them the Spirit (baptismal regeneration), because they will have the Spirit later (covenant theology), or in recognition that they have the Spirit (they are believers). Our study of Scripture, church history, and liturgical practice results in the third view (Acts 10:44–48). Children are safe (Romans 5:12–21) and “holy” (1 Corinthians 7:14) without baptism.

Baptism is for those who can make a “pledge of a good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:21)—which an infant cannot, and need not, do. We can clarify the safe status of children, practice open communion for believers whether rebaptized or not, accept an occasional member without rebaptism, but on baptism generally we will not budge.

Perhaps the best way, then, to demonstrate believer’s baptism is to live our faith in a welcoming manner among others.

Culture

To fear that to remove Mennonite means we will lose Anabaptism only reveals how poorly EMC leaders have educated their congregations.

When it comes to the matters of faith and culture, the EMC’s “yes” of invitation needs to be a “yes” and not a “yes, but no.” In a conference that officially stresses “integrity of speech,” integrity is to matter.

DGR culture and Anabaptist faith are merged in many minds: Mennonite means faith and culture. However, it is difficult on the basis of 16th century Anabaptist history, early Anabaptist theology, or Scripture to defend an 18th century contradiction.

For what did our spiritual forebears die?

Menno Simons did not seek to establish an ethnic church, not if Anabaptism really is a return to New Testament Christianity. Since when should members of a Believers Church be identifiable by their birth name?

On a practical level, why bother inviting non-DGR people to join a Mennonite church if by cultural definition they remain outsiders?

For a missional church, there are four unhelpful responses: to not admit a problem or to expect newcomers to have a thick skin, stay despite discomfort, or leave. Most EMC churches recognize the basic public relations challenge when welcoming people of non-DGR background: 40 of 62 do not use Mennonite in their local name.

When most EMC churches reduce or hide the use of Mennonite at a local level, should a cultural term remain at the centre of our denominational name? No. Do most of us think we would fit well into an Evangelical Ukrainian Conference?

Let’s be clear: to remove Mennonite from our conference name is different from removing Anabaptist theology from our teaching. To fear that to remove Mennonite means we will lose Anabaptism only reveals how poorly EMC leaders have educated their congregations.

Might we point to Mennonite World Conference and other continents to try to reclaim Mennonite as a spiritual identify for people not of DGR or Swiss German culture? Some will try, but they largely ignore the different history found on their doorstep. Within Canada, the horse is gone and to close the barn door now is wasted effort.

The near future

Since 1946 the EMC has planted 57 of its current 62 churches—a modest increase, considering its 139-year history in Canada. Attention currently focuses on people of DGR (including returnees) and Hispanic backgrounds.

When reaching out to Canada’s “founding peoples,” though, our conference simultaneously shines and hides the light of Christ. Those who are needlessly excluded can pay a high price.

Christ is wonderful. Let’s shine his light more widely and clearly in 2013.

Terry M. Smith is of mostly British and United Church roots. He was (re-) baptized in a Baptist church, began his ministerial training at a Pentecostal college, joined the EMC in 1979, became a minister in 1985, served as a pastor from 1985–1996, and became a national staff member in 1997. He has a journalism diploma from SAIT, holds BRS degrees from SBC and MBBC, and is an MA student at PTS. To Ukrainians in the EMC, he says: Glory to Jesus Christ. Glory forever. (Slava Isusu Christu. Slava na v’iki.)

LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH

Open your home or workplace to an international volunteer ivep.mcc.org International Volunteer Exchange Program

Commit a year to serve alongside others in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America salt.mcc.org Serving And Learning Together

Programs of Mennonite Central Committee

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

Footwashing: a truly Christlike act

PHOTOS: REBECCA ROMAN

by Ron Penner

12 The Messenger • January 2013

Jesus chose the act of footwashing as the clearest, deepest act of love of which he could think.

F

ootwashing is being questioned by some among us today—yet it is a practice that has been a part of the EMC faith tradition for two hundred years.

Why does the EMC still officially practise it when many other churches and denominations do not?

Why do we hold to a practice that seems to be out of date, awkward, or not in step with our modern 21st century middle class tastes?

Some people ask these questions, while others have already made the decision not to participate in this service that seems strange and peculiar.

Let me make a case for footwashing, a practice that I believe is biblically-based, clearly taught by Jesus, and consistent with his example and spirit.

I would add, furthermore, that this ordinance is as important and in every way on par with baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Let me give you four reasons why I make such a bold statement.

The biblical text

A good place to start is with the biblical text itself.

The John 13 account of the Last Supper is clear and unambiguous as to what Jesus is teaching by word and deed.

Making the context especially poignant and powerful is the fact that these are among Jesus’ final moments before his suffering in the garden of Gethsemane and his crucifixion on Golgotha. He is not merely putting in time, but, rather, using his final moments with his disciples in an act of deeply significant importance.

We read “ Jesus knew that he was returning to God, so…he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (13:3–5). After Peter protests that this menial task is too demeaning for the Master, Jesus asks his disciples whether they understand his act.

After an explanation, he commands, “Now that I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” Then he adds, seemingly for emphasis, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (verses 14–15).

What is noteworthy as we ponder the scene and the words before us is that Jesus chose this act of footwashing as the clearest, deepest act of love of which he could think. In setting the stage for this symbolic ritual, the gospel writer informs us that Jesus, by this act, “showed them the full extent of his love” (verse 1).

It is hard to dismiss such a scene and such sincerely spoken words as unimportant and unworthy of our obedience.

It complements communion

A second point of defense of footwashing as an ordinance is that it complements the communion service so effectively. In the wine and the bread service we, of course, celebrate our relationship with Jesus Christ through his sacrificial death for our sake.

We highlight, symbolically, his body and blood by these modest and simple elements. Our vertical love emphasis is clear as we remember the significant sacrifice of our Saviour Jesus Christ. But we are all mindful of the New Testament’s consistent teaching that the vertical direction of love 

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

 is hollow and incomplete without its horizontal

The mutual submission in washing each other’s feet reminds us that in Christ we are all equal.

counterpart.

Let me cite only a few verses that make this point. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind...and your neighbour as yourself ” (Matt. 22:38). “Since God loved us, we ought to love one another” (1 John 4:12).

“Whoever loves God must also love his brother and sister” (1 John 4:21 NLB).

It is an undisputed principle of Scripture that our Christian faith requires us to keep horizontal and vertical relationships in balance.

Love for God and love for each other is inextricably linked, and when the communion service celebrates both dimensions, the symbolism is complete.

We could make the same case in comparing baptism and footwashing. The symbolism inherent in baptism is that the cleansing effect of the water has brought us into a relationship with Christ—and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit has made us a part of a new creation with others in Christ. The vertical direction of our love is obviously symbolized in this ordinance. Again, footwashing as an ordinance would be the flip side of the equation.

Christian virtues

A third aspect of the footwashing service, which adds significantly to the act’s spiritual meaning, is love. Love is shown in the Christian virtues of equality, servanthood, and humility.

The celebration of equality within the Body of Christ is clearly portrayed. Society often accentuates differences of social standing through race, age, and economics or degrees of power in church, politics, and profession.

The mutual submission in washing each other’s feet reminds us that in Christ we are all equal, with none of us superior to the other. This detail adds a powerful testimony to the world through the footwashing service.

The spirit of servanthood is also central to the service. Paul encourages us to have the mind of Christ within us as we follow Jesus. In that passage we are told that Jesus “took on the nature of a servant” (Phil. 2:7) and we are admonished to do likewise. What better symbolic act could we find than the act of washing each other’s feet?

Obviously, to participate in this menial task requires humility, which again is a part of the Christ spirit that the Bible frequently promotes.

14 The Messenger • January 2013

Pride can sometimes get between us and other persons, but humility prompts us to stoop before the other person and the Lord to perform this menial task.

Enveloping or undergirding this whole service is a strong sense of love. The embrace, which often accompanies the act of footwashing, highlights love tangibly; but the spirit of the event really is summarized by love shown in the multiple forms of equality, servanthood, and humility.

Christ-likeness

Finally, the whole communion service, especially the footwashing part of it, indirectly reminds us of identifying with our Master, Jesus Christ.

To become like Christ is an ongoing ideal of the follower of Jesus.

To emulate his spirit and to “follow in his steps” is a goal of any sincere Christian. Then when we hear his words of promise that “you will be blessed” (verse 17) if we follow his example, who would want to side-step such a rich offer? For the believer to experience the blessing of the Lord in this deeply significant Christ-like activity is indeed a privilege that should not easily be ignored.

Eleanor Kreider, in her book Communion Shapes Character, states “when compared to the words of institution of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, these words of Jesus seem to be the strongest.” Indeed, Jesus repeated not twice, but three times that we are to follow his commands and example (13:14, 15, 17).

Clearly for John, the footwashing aspect of the Last Supper was the centerpiece of the whole event. Keeping in mind that this was his farewell message to those he dearly loved, and knowing that he wanted to share his deepest love, we do well to keep this ordinance consistently before us in our body life together.

Ron Penner (Aberdeen), BA, BRS, MDiv, MA, is an EMC minister who currently serves as our Mennonite World Conference representative. He has served within the EMC as a pastor, interim pastor, and moderator, and within the wider Anabaptist church in other ways.

Ministerial stands in affirmation of God as creator ‘How many of you believe God created this world?’ Penner asks

PHOTOS: REBECCA ROMAN

The Bible is not to be treated as a magical text, Cameron McKenzie said, highlighting the need for a Christ-centred use of Scripture. In the early part of Genesis, the core teaching is that creation is good, nothing exists apart from God’s creative act, but creation is broken, he said.

Steinbach, Man.—EMC ministerial members celebrated together the Lord’s Supper, explored the early chapters of Genesis, were updated on the Statement of Faith review proposal, and shared congregational and personal needs on Nov. 23, 2012, at Evangelical Fellowship Church.

David Funk, chair of the Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO), welcomed ministerial members from the EMC’s nine regions in Canada to this twice-yearly event.

Communion Service

Devotional

Cameron McKenzie, a minister at Fort Garry EMC and an Old Testament professor at Providence University College, was asked to present twice on approaches to effectively interpreting the early part of Genesis.

McKenzie said that when students come to college, they sometimes ask why their pastors do not tell them what they hear in class. He mentioned the story of a young woman who left her fundamentalist past, but later returned to faith in Christ. If her story isn’t yours, it’s the story of some people in your church pews, he said. 

During his devotional, host pastor Kenton Penner asked how many ministerial members confess that Jesus came in the flesh. Ministers raised their hands in support. “How many of you believe God created this world?” he then asked. Ministers rose to their feet in affirmation.

Penner asked members to look around “because, whatever differences we have, we’re on the same team.” He said he did not intend to “minimize the differences that we have, but to emphasize the unity that we share.”

In 2008 a Mennonite pastor held a communion service on the U.S.’s federal election day to emphasize how the Christian faith goes beyond partisan politics, said conference pastor Ward Parkinson; this year, 800 churches did likewise.

This action by a Mennonite pastor emphasizes the power of God’s Kingdom, he said. Members filed by for communion.

First Presentation

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

 The Bible is inspired, infallible, and authoritative, McKenzie said. What do we do with early Genesis? It’s unhelpful to hold that if the Bible is clear, any open-minded, basically educated, intelligent reader should be able to interpret it and understand it in the same way, McKenzie said, drawing upon Christian Smith. There are areas where special knowledge is needed.

The Bible is not to be treated as a magical text, he said, highlighting the need for a Christ-centred use of Scripture. In the early part of Genesis, the core teaching is that creation is good, nothing exists apart from God’s creative act, but creation is broken, he said.

The Bible is both a divine and a human book, McKenzie said, drawing upon the writDIscussion moderator David Funk with panel memings of Peter Enns. We have trouble mostly bers Ward Parkinson, Arden Thiessen, and Cameron with its human side, he said.

The Bible is the Word of God, yet it shows McKenzie; Brigitte Toews (inset) asks a question. its connectedness to our world in “human marks thoroughly integrated into the nature Panel Discussion of Scripture itself ”; this connectedness “is a necessary After lunch, there was a question and answer time with consequence of God incarnating himself ” (handout).

The Bible’s language rules, compositional history, trans- panel members Ward Parkinson, Arden Thiessen, and Cameron McKenzie. Ministerial members asked questions, mission and preservation follow those of other texts. Were sought clarification, and commented. this not so, “there would be no way for anyone to actually understand the Bible. The notion of clarity in God’s communication to humanity in the Scriptures depends on this” Statement of Faith BLO chair Funk told the ministerial that the BLO is pro(handout). posing to Conference Council that the EMC’s Statement Second Presentation of Faith be reviewed and revised where the denomination In the second session, McKenzie looked at Genesis 1 to 3. sees it as needed.

“What kind of a book is Genesis?” he asked. He drew upon Among the ministerial’s responses: Tremper Longman to say that “genre” (type of literature) • Is this review motivated by the discussion of cre“dictates” our “reading strategy.” ation in The Messenger? (No, said Funk.)

The use of ancient Near Eastern texts helps to reveal • Not all ministers hold to pacifism. How do they biblical truth today as we discover the writing’s original get into leadership? (Pacifism will be discussed. In context, he said. By carefully comparing similarities and areas of difference, discussion is the way forward. contrasts; seeking clarity on context; and discerning closer There seems to be fear of a hidden agenda or some links in time, geography, language, and genre, we discover level of “distrust” of the conference. The response is likelier parallels. “not to not talk about it,” Funk said.)

The creation account in Genesis was written against • It is “excellent” to have a forum to discuss the the background of other creation stories—such as the Statement of Faith; it’s better to deal with matters Babylonian Enuma Elish—and as an argument against false openly rather than implement changes quietly. ideas. Its structure and sequence are not interested in the Funk said that if the conference council approves “chronology” of the Earth’s creation, but, rather, themes the proposed motion, the BLO expects work of “you”: such as humanity’s role within creation and the purpose of churches are expected to work through the Statement of creation and its relationship to God, he said.

Faith and pastors are to preach a sermon series on it.

The trouble with modern science is when it moves The ministerial then held a time for sharing and praying about congregational and personal needs. from the human side of discussion to the divine side, said – Terry M. Smith McKenzie.

16 The Messenger • January 2013

PHOTOS: REBECCA ROMAN

Council approves budget and Statement process More funds needed for Canadian church planting Giroux, Man.—Conference council delegates on Nov. 24, 2012, approved a two percent budget increase from churches, heard responses to the Evangelical Anabaptist Committee’s final report, agreed to a review of the EMC’s Statement of Faith, and were concerned that a lack of funding is limiting church planting opportunities in Canada.

Moderator Richard Klassen welcomed delegates. Dr. Don Thiessen, Dr. Don Thiessen interim pastor of host congregation Ridgewood EMC, said that in spiritual matters it’s helpful to remember that results are difficult to anticipate. Drawing upon the parable of the “talents” (Matt. 25:21), Thiessen encouraged faithfulness in “small” matters.

Board of Church Ministries

The Archives Committee continues to prepare materials for transfer to the Mennonite Heritage Centre in Winnipeg, said Terry Smith.

Gerald Reimer shared highlights from a Hemorrhaging Faith conference sponsored by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. A study of 2,000 Canadians ages 18 to 34 who attended church as children reveals that only one in three

Tim Dyck reminded delegates that the BOM wants to be “top of mind” when churches engage in missions. continue to identify with it. Three in five people who stop attending church stop affiliating. More young people drop out between Sunday School and youth group than between youth group and college and career.

There are four spiritual types: Engagers, Fencesitters, Wanderers, and Rejecters. Four influential factors are an experience of God (with camp ministry and short-term missions as important), community (with an opportunity to lead), their parents’ spiritual involvement, and teaching.

The situation needs attention, but is not hopeless, and the EMC is doing some things right, Reimer said.

Board of Missions

Tim Dyck reminded delegates that the BOM wants to be “top of mind” when churches engage in missions.

Wally Kroeker encouraged delegates to become Project Builders members. Sandra Plett reported on the Matthew Training Centre in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Our EMC-related conference in 

Sandra Plett

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

 Nicaragua will likely send missionaries to Thailand, foreign

secretary Ken Zacharias said. Both Guadalajara and Paraguay’s newest church plants are celebrating their first baptisms. Six positions are available in Bolivia. Much good is happening in EMC missions, “so be encouraged,” he said.

Board of Leadership and Outreach

The Discover Your Ministry Potential event in October was a success. Charles Koop, church planting director, outlined positive happenings with Picture Butte (Alberta), Redcliff (Alberta), Many Rooms (Winnipeg), New Life and Grace (Ontario), Emmanuel (Calgary), and Hispanic ministry within EFC Steinbach. A planter is available, but money is needed for church planting among Hispanics living near Brandon.

Conference Pastor Ward Parkinson encouraged churches to see change as an opportunity, not a threat. The Social Concerns Committee’s booklet Becoming Neighbours is “an excellent resource.”

He and others were doing some “crazy talk: … what would happen if all EMC snowbirds stayed home for one year and the money that would have gone into that trip would be put into missions and church planting?” Hundreds of thousands of dollars would be available, Parkinson said. Later, more discussion would happen about funds needed for church planting.

General Board

The convention in 2013 is in La Crete, Alta., with Tim Geddert speaking on Living as Kingdom People, said the moderator. The Bicentennial Committee was thanked and allowed to disband. The board supports a growing desire to be Anabaptist, he said. Mennonite World Conference has asked 25 conferences to enter a detailed study; the EMC is considering it.

Board of Trustees

Some estate funds designated for “handicapped” people will be distributed to four missions projects, chair Leonard Plett said. The proposed 2013 national and international budget was $2,090,000—a six percent increase, with only two percent expected from local churches. After discussion, the motion was passed with some votes and voices of concern noted, said vice moderator Abe Bergen.

Affiliate organizations

God’s vision for the church is global, said Ron Penner, 18 The Messenger • January 2013

highlighting Mennonite World Conference. The next general assemblies are in Pennsylvania (2015) and Indonesia (2021).

Harold Penner said that Mennonite Foundation of Canada has hired a director of stewardship services and seeks to help churches with fund management, church loans, and Sunday morning presentations on financial matters.

Pam Peters-Pries said Mennonite Central Committee has 500 workers in 50 countries. Amid the Syrian crisis there are Pam Peters-Pries stories of hospitality. The Christmas story started with a small circle of hope that we want to become the largest circle in the world, she said.

Rob Reimer, Steinbach Bible College’s president, said enrollment declined slightly because of a large graduating class and students who marry. The EMC has fewer students attending. Online study is available and allows people to finish their degree, and credit transfer to university is increasing.

Responses to EAC

Four national boards responded to the Evangelical Anabaptist Committee’s final report. The General Board’s Barry Plett reported there is an on-going need to deal with issues of membership and theology. Ray Hill, BCM’s vice chair, said that Sunday School materials of an Evangelical Anabaptist perspective are not readily available and while our input is welcomed on the Gather ’Round project, the EMC is a small player.

Ward Parkinson reported that the BLO is encouraging pastoral candidates to complete an information profile before applying to churches, a matter to be highlighted in The Messenger. Abe Bergen, vice moderator, affirms the mutual accountability of churches within our conference, which needs to occur within relationship and trust.

Canadian church planting director Charles Koop responds to a budget-related question, while general secretary Tim Dyck looks on.

Statement of Faith review

Edwin Plett, BLO vice chair, said periodic revisions of the EMC’s constitution have occurred since 1956. Discussion followed about whether to enter a process of review and perhaps revision of the Statement of Faith to involve the conference’s input and decision making. The vote was held and the moderator declared that it passed unanimously.

Question and answer period

The need to respond to Hispanic people near Brandon was highlighted. Delegates counseled to move ahead with the work and were counseled to take back the need to churches. Counsel was given not to overlook the needs of Sioux Valley or other First Nations people in Canada.

The moderator encouraged delegates to report to their churches.

– Terry M. Smith

With a copy of The Constitution in hand, Edwin Plett introduced a proposal from the Board of Leadership and Outreach to enter a process of review for the Statement of Faith portion of the booklet.

Columns • focus on

A model of partnership

C

ross-cultural workers invest years learning language and culture in order to carry out their mission.

What happens to this investment when these workers return to Canada for a variety of reasons? In the case of Carl and Lisa Loewen, they have found a fit for their knowledge, skills and experience in a new ministry with the Steinbach EMC. Carl and Lisa have spent the past 12 years in the Philippines, giving leadership to Honest Hands, a ministry of Action International.

Honest Hands provides discipleship training to young men who otherwise might fall through the cracks in society.

These former street youth and school dropouts are given life and skills training, as well as a foundation in Biblical knowledge to improve their chances for success in life.

It has been a powerful ministry, but after 12 years, the Loewens made the decision to return to Canada.

Meanwhile, the Steinbach EMC has had a vision to reach the Filipino community that has been growing in the City of Steinbach.

Where would they find someone with the ministry training as well as the Tagalog language skills?

Recently Carl was commissioned as a Community Pastor with an emphasis to the Filipino community. A basketball league for the Filipino community has already started at the church, with more than 200 Filipinos showing up on the opening night.

Carl and Lisa are sent from the Pleasant Valley EMC, jointly administered by the Conference and Action International, and directed in ministry by Steinbach EMC. What an excellent model of partnership!

by Tim Dyck General Secretary

Carl and Lisa Loewen, Isaiah, Malachi, Samuel, Jacob

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

Columns • archives alcove

Steinbach EMB: a force for change

by Terry M. Smith

Both Doreen Peters and Dr. Archie Penner considered it providential that Ben D. Reimer continued within the KG and helped to reshape it.

20 The Messenger • January 2013

PHOTO: MENNONITE HERITAGE PORTRAIT

E

ver hear of the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church (now Cornerstone Bible Church, formerly Bruderthaler Gemeinde) in Steinbach, Man.? It was a force for change within what is now the EMC. Early leaders in the EMC (then KG) used varying markers of faith and culture to assess where people stood spiritually and to avoid worldliness. The presence of the EMB Church complicated matters.

EMB churches in the U.S. emphasized new birth, a separated walk, and discipline (GAMEO). Leaders from the U.S. held revival services in Steinbach in the 1890s and a church developed in ensuing years.

In 1909 three KG families joined it, but it had more influence than small numbers indicate. “The frequent revival campaigns with good speakers, their lively singing, church choir, and more free ways in general was a constant attraction for the young people,” says Leland Harder.

He said the EMB church was known as the “live, evangelical, progressive group in town.” It had extemporaneous preaching, was among the first to use English in services, encouraged audible prayer in services and at home, and held Sunday School (see Jerry Hildebrand, Training Servant Leaders, 6–7, and Ralph Friesen, Between Earth and Sky, 234–238, 374–375).

In 1929 Ben D. Reimer returned from harvesting in Kansas and learned that his brother John had attended EMB evangelistic meetings and given his life to Jesus. When Ben attended, he heard the gospel message and was converted.

He and John had wanted to be baptized by the EMB church, but, instead, they joined the Kleine Gemeinde’s baptismal class. When Ben was asked the standard question, “How far have you come by now?” he said that he had received Christ, which likely concerned and challenged the KG ministers.

Bruderthaler Church (now Cornerstone Bible Church)

Both Doreen Peters and Dr. Archie Penner considered it providential that Ben continued within the KG and helped to reshape it. “God knew” the KG “needed him at that crucial time,” Penner said later (Doreen Peters, One Who Dared, 39–44).

Travis Reimer, an EMB pastor of KG background, said the KG “thought it was presumptuous to say you knew you were saved” (Training, 7). Was this a fair description of the KG? It seems to have been.

Perhaps the KG was wary of those who receive the word with joy, “but since he has no root, he lasts only a short time” (Matthew 13:20–21). Yet in 1557 Menno Simons counseled an insecure believer that “in and through Christ you are justified and pleasing unto God, and adopted by him in eternal grace as a daughter and child.”

Menno Simons told her, “…you may rest assured that you are a child of God, and that you will inherit the kingdom of grace in eternal joy with all the saints” (Complete Writings, 1050).

He taught an assurance rooted in Christ and grace.

If Ben D. Reimer had left the KG, how might the EMC be different today? Yet because he and some others touched by the EMB church remained here, so did this congregation’s ultimately positive influence. Tim Dyck reminded me of this.

With Our Missionaries

The Polar Bear Marathon

not a race for a personal best, but a race to challenge the elements.

Because of the harsh environment and predators, runners ran in groups.

They were assigned to six escort

PHOTO: ARTHUR BACZYK

PHOTO: BIRGIT-CATHRIN DUVAL

this happening at the dinner tables and while sharing hotel rooms.

CHURCHILL, MANITOBA In the theatre, Garry Koop (SteinWhen a race is held on their home bach EMC) spoke clearly about his turf, it’s nice when polar bears remain faith in Jesus, tying it to his running spectators. life. He was bold and Polar bears lurked clear as he challenged among the big rocks others to consider along Hudson’s Bay faith in Jesus. coast in November Eric Alexander 2012, a few days after presented his Mount the tourist season— Everest climbing neither a typical time experiences, illustratnor setting for a runing what faith in ning marathon.

Jesus meant to him Yet 14 runners in Everest’s Death from three countries Zone. There was endured the cold silence as he showed and the possibility of blind climber Erik carnivores during the Weihenmeyer’s walk first Polar Bear Maraacross the “Jesus” ladthon held on Nov. 20, der spanning a deep 2012, at Churchill, Fourteen runners from three countries endured cold and possible polar bears in crevasse. He explained a marathon in Churchill on Nov. 20, 2012.

Man. The 42 km runthe origin of a Jesus ning route followed Ladder: Jesus is the the coast to and from a scientific vehicles that carried extra clothing, bridge to cross from our sin to life study centre. food, and drinks. Fortunately, the with him. In the end, Eric prayed a Along the way, some huge rocks weather was mild. prayer for people to know Jesus. resembled a bear or could hide one.

The support we received from the This affected people. A businessWe were unafraid, but knew that community was encouraging. Besides man said this evening had been a these 300 to 800 kg carnivores were our escort vehicles, others came to see highlight of his life. around. us and to scout for bears. The RCMP, I don’t know about all the spiritual With a shot from a bear gun, the ambulance, a Tundra buggy, and implications of these events. However, runners from Germany, the U.S., and taxis reported to our drivers. people have shared positively, and Canada ran into the sunrise. It was The Polar Bear Marathon was it was hugely successful in bringing surrounded by two other people together under the Word of outreach events—a public God in a warm, tactful, and clear way. event in Churchill’s theatre We were obedient, blessed and and a Dessert Night in privileged to have this opportunity Winnipeg. to serve Him and present the gospel One goal was to bring to many. Thank you for your prayers, runners together and and let’s continue to pray for what the share the love of God. I Lord has begun in the lives of many. was pleased to see the – Albert Martens Gospel come through from Christian runners in private Albert and Edna Martens (Steinbach conversations and public EMC) serve with Athletes in Action.

Mike Pierce (Antarctic Mike), foreground, runs in the events. It was a joy to see marathon with Albert Martens in the background.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Heartland Community Church

The butterfly effect Landmark, Man.—In September 2012, Evelyn Barkman hosted a Women of Hope (WOH) brunch at Heartland Community Church. Evelyn explained her connection with this ministry.

“The Women of Hope radio program is an arm of Project Hannah which was begun by Marli Spieker,” she said. “I got involved with WOH the year I retired from the Mali field.

I had been asking God to give me a way to continue outreach to Malian women and girls even when I was not actually there anymore.

“WOH Radio Programs was the perfect solution: giving Bible-based teaching on very relevant issues that

are of special concern to women.

Jeanne Dembele is doing the actual programming and I provide background help, encouragement, financial support, and prayer to facilitate this ministry.”

Colleen Shoemaker, Canadian coordinator of Project Hannah, also spoke about the plight of women in oppressive cultures. Though their stories brought tears to our eyes, there was a flutter of hope in the atmosphere of faith that is building in intensity.

Marli Spieker recalled the metaphor of the butterfly effect in chaos theory and explained how far this ministry reaches and how. Project Hannah with Trans World Radio is spreading this message of hope to closed countries and communities all over the world with the help of ordinary women who will partner with them as intercessory prayer partners, financial supporters, and ministers. Visit their website: www.

Marli Spieker and Colleen Shoemaker shared about Project projecthannah.org

On Nov. 30, 2012, we were treated with the rich voices and harmonies of the Eastman Men’s Choir as they performed beautiful songs to prepare us for the Advent season.

On Dec. 2, 2012, we celebrated with Paul Wieler and his family as he shared his testimony and was baptized. What he publically shared took great courage, and I’m sure that those who have the same struggles can find God’s forgiveness and cleansing as he did.

This Advent, as we rediscover Jesus, we were reminded again of a childlike faith when the youngest members of our congregation dressed for their parts and performed songs.

Arlene Schulz and Cheryl Warkentine led the children in song and Ethan Funk did an excellent job of narrating the Christmas story.

Though this past season has been especially racked with tragedies and senseless violence, we must cling to the message of hope, peace, love, and joy that Jesus still gives us in our chaotic world. And yet, as we look forward to his second coming, we must look around and see who still needs to hear this good news.

– Brigitte Toews

PHOTOS: BRIGITTE TOEWS

Hannah during a women’s brunch.

The Eastman Men’s Choir performed on Nov. 30, 2012.

22 The Messenger • January 2013

Children assisted in re-enacting the Christmas story.

With Our Churches Braeside EMC

Serving people in Hermosillo and nearby Rempel, Alice Cote, Carlos and Sandra Ericastilla, and Martha Ericastilla.

Aberdeen EMC joined Braeside for a service on Oct. 14 when César García, the general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, was guest speaker at Braeside. Aberdeen Mexico mission team members were involved in kitchen work, served us with a among other duties, in assisting at an orphanage. beautiful musical rendition.

Ken at Riverview Hospital.

César lives in Colombia, is visiting A golf tournament was held Canada, and our two congregations on Sept. 15 at the Lorette Golf listened eagerly to his presentation.

Course. Meanwhile, women enjoyed Ron Penner introduced César, giving us details of their previous meeting. A a breakfast on Sept. 22. The next Ladies Breakfast had Shirley Unger of potluck lunch ended the morning.

Funeral services were held for Ken Greater Europe Mission speak of her work in both Austria and Germany.

Friesen, who died on Oct. 23, 2012.

More volunteers are needed for Our condolences go to Janice, who the Hampstead School Breakfast spent many hours near the bedside of Club, which started Sept. 17. This community ministry gives breakfast to students at that school.

On Halloween night, another community ministry was available to neighbourhood families, Kids Club members, and anyone else: they could stop at the church to warm up, have a hot drink, or use the rest room.

Our pastor Kim Stoesz and her husband Jerry became grandparents when Ashley and Donavon Giesbrecht became parents of twin daughters, Noa Claire and Arlo Everley. These tiny babies have been growing, and have been to church services.

Congratulations to the parents and grandparents!

– Caroline Loewen

PHOTOS COURTESY CAROLINE LOEWEN

Winnipeg, Man.—A baptism for Mary Haliut, who has been attending Braeside for several years, was held on Oct. 7, 2012, and she was accepted into membership.

Excitement had been building for a missions trip to Mexico, where a group would work in an orphanage in Hermosillo, including distributing backpacks to children.

For this mission trip they brought construction materials to help build a Mexican church. Before they left they did some fundraising, including selling “monkey tails” and providing a Mexican dinner with entertainment.

The congregation saw the selection of backpacks growing every week, and all knew that the orphans in Hermosillo would be delighted with them and school supplies.

The group left on Oct. 12 and returned on Oct. 24. These are the Braesiders who went: Pastor Angel and Blanca Infantes with family, Estuardo Figueroa, Carol Brandt, Ken

Children at the orphanage in Hermosillo show off backpacks provided by Braesiders.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Hillside Christian Fellowship

Joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!

Buffalo Head Prairie, Alta.—I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!

This was the theme of the ladies tea held on May 4.

Glennis King brought us all to the realization that joy is not in circumstances, nor is it found in things; and even though joy is a small word it means a lot. God has placed joy in our hearts, that inner gladness, so that we can face any given situation at any given time.

Galatians 5:22 starts, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace....” Joy is the second word listed after love and that shows how important this threeletter word is to God. Our evening also included a blessing of songs, refreshments, and visiting.

Hillside was richly blessed with a visit from Asa and Elisha Tabuavou (YWAM) on June 3. Their mission in B.C. continues to bring people to the love of Christ.

The team shared about the work God is doing in the lives of the people, and how the village is responding positively to their presence. This was

A team from YWAM shared about their mission in B.C. and how God is at work.

PHOTOS COURTESY JOYCE WIELER

the first time the youngest member of their group had ever been in a church and since that time has become a Christian.

Their praises to God through song touched each one during the worship service, after the potluck lunch, and later in a local home. May God continue to bless them with joy and grant them many occasions to share his love and truth!

As we traveled back to Babylon in VBS this past summer we discovered Daniel’s courage in captivity and other difficult times, and how we could apply this courage in our lives.

We found out that: when things change, God is with you; when you’re afraid, God is with you; and when you’re lonely, God is with you.

Hillside’s missions project during VBS provided required uniforms to allow these boys to attend school.

24 The Messenger • January 2013

Our missions project carried us overseas to Lesotho, southern Africa, in which we collected funds for school uniforms for children. Children are not allowed to attend school unless they have the required uniforms.

We praise God for the abundant blessings he gives us to help those less fortunate, and our prayer is that he will show us many more opportunities to give to his work. May his love and joy fill your hearts as you serve him!

– Joyce Wieler

Births FRIESEN – to Bryon and Courtney Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Jakob Cole, on Oct. 1, 2012.

DICK – to Scott and Debbie Dick of Rosenort, Man., a daughter, Rebekah Suzanne, on Oct. 25, 2012.

UNGER – to Fernando and Yolanda Unger of Rosenort, Man., a son, Connor Troy, on Nov. 9, 2012.

With Our Churches Westpointe Community Church

Baptisms for 2012

Weddings BRANDT – JANZEN: Michael, son of Chuck and Luella Brandt of Rosenort, Man., and Michelle, daughter of Dave and Jeannie Janzen of Abbotsford, B.C., were married on Aug. 5, 2012. The couple lives in Winnipeg, Man.

testimonies of Christ’s work in their lives, and how it is only by his grace that we are saved.

Abigail Munn was also baptized at our Church Family Campout on June 17 at Bear Lake Bible Camp.

Amidst the windy weather, the weekend was blessed with togetherness and fine dining, as always.

– Katelyn Tarnowski

PHOTOS: MICHAEL LEROUX

Grande Prairie, Alta.—“He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).

Rob Dyck, Krista Boucher, and David Fehr were baptized on April 1, 2012, at Westpointe Community Church. They shared powerful

Rob Dyck

David Fehr

DEANE – HILDEBRANDT: Nathan, son of Glenn and Robin Deane of Bracebridge, Ont., and Taralee, daughter of Gary and Karen Hildebrandt of Rosenort, Man., were married on Oct. 6, 2012 at Rosenort EMC. The couple lives in Conn, Ont. SAWATZKY – WALDNER: Ryan, son of Ed and Ruth Sawatzky of Altona, Man., and Karissa, daughter of Ray and Corinne Waldner of Rosenort, Man., were married on Oct. 14, 2012, at Rosenort EMC. The couple lives in Altona.

Abigail Munn (centre) was baptized on June 17. Her father Dwight Munn and brother-in-law Glen Dyck stand with her.

Fundraising

Faspa

Sunday, February 24, 4:00 pm Steinbach Bible College

Reserve your free ticket by calling SBC at 204-326-6451 Funds raised will support the Summer Ministry Scholarship

Krista Boucher

“Theology of Radical Discipleship” Course taught by Dr. Terry Hiebert

A theological study of the centrality of Jesus Christ and the life of radical discipleship as taught by the Anabaptists of the Reformation. This course examines themes such as pacificism, church discipline, suffering, and community life, and churchworld in conversation with contemporary evangelicalism.

Blended Online with In-Class Component, Feb. 1-Mar. 28

In-class instruction February 21-23, 2013 Thursday 7:00 - 9:45pm, Friday 7:00 - 9:45pm Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday evening FREE for community!

Visit SBCollege.ca for info or to register.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

Columns • window on missions

Remembering Josefina

O

h, church, come At the funeral, the stand in the light. church overflowed with The glory of God people paying tribute to has defeated the night!”

Chepina and the testimony (Matt Maher, “Christ is of her life. Four lives—hers, Risen”). her sister, and two nieces— Even now as I reflect were taken. Elementary stuon this statement, there is dents played the recorder a rawness to my emotions in tribute to their music and a catch in my throat. teacher.

The recent murder of JoseJosephina’s husband fina (Chepina) Rempening Walter framed the situation Diaz, a beloved co-worker, eloquently in his tribute: pastor’s wife, and friend “Today we ask: When will in northern Mexico, has this violence end? We want shaken many of us to the change from the outside; core. we want change in the In many places violence Sierra de Guachochi; we is affecting everyone. Many want the authorities to do Josefina (Chepina) Rempening people live in fear. something.

There is a fear of violence, of death. Not only “Change begins only in our personal lives; here in Mexico, but here it is tangible. Yet amid it is not about a religion. Chepina lived a deep these circumstances, God is giving an incredible relationship with Christ, so deep that it touched faith as those affected ask, “God, what do you her sin. The change will only come when God want us to learn from this situation?” not only gives to us, when God not only cares There is grief, and death does definitely seem for us, when God is not only there to hear our to have a sting. Hell does seem at times victorirequests. The change only comes when God ous. What do we do about it? comes and touches our sin.

A few months ago na“This was the secret of Chepina. So we lived tional church leaders met 28 years of marriage, and together Chepina and I to discuss social justice. Is fought strongly against the sin that is the engine that the answer? Is it an of violence. Today in the midst of pain, Chepina ethical problem, a social and I invite you, the Cuauhtemense society, we problem, or a sin problem? invite the entire state of Chihuahua to invite As true as that is, is that everyone to join us: if we want change, if we too simplistic? want this violence to end, start with the sin in Is it because the yourself, start with the sin in your home, begin Church is fragmented, not in your church, begin at work, begin with your united and not really being disciples? A nation friends. can be known as a Catholic nation, a Christian “But thanks be to God, who gives us the vicnation, whatever, but does that mean that socitory through our Lord Jesus Christ! So then dear ety is living changed? brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved!

As Christians, are we being disciples of Jesus Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, or just giving lip service? Otherwise, why is it knowing that your labour is not in vain in the that the only Mexican state having Christianity Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). as the major religion has the highest toll of – A worker in Mexico violence?

Why is it that the only Mexican state having Christianity as the major religion has the highest toll of violence?

26 The Messenger • January 2013

News

Project Builders: making a tangible difference KLEEFELD, Man.—What motivates Project Builders? It’s the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people in many places. For Project Builders (PB), 2012 was a good year—and 2013 looks even better.

In 2012 more than $120,000 beyond expenses went to 10 projects in nine countries on several continents—a record year for both memberships and contributions.

About 60 PB members heard the good news on Dec. 3, 2012, at its annual general meeting held at Kleefeld EMC. Icy roads did not stop some members, and livestreaming on the EMC website helped connect others from Alberta, Ontario, and elsewhere.

What were the projects in 2012? Pan Am Games evangelism (Mexico), micro-financing business as mission (Asia), business 4 transformation (Africa), literacy and leadership training (Central Asia), a well project (Nicaragua), a women’s shelter (Central Asia), a homeless shelter (Mexico), a church building (Congo), a vehicle (Paraguay), and signage at Inner City Youth Alive (Winnipeg).

What is planned for 2013? We have set an ambitious budget of 12 projects and $142,000.

The projects for 2013 are to help with a training centre cabin (Peru), a training centre building (Brazil), a church building (Nicaragua), street ministry (Asia), a shelter for abused women (Central Asia), leadership development (Central Asia), micro-financing for pastors (Burkina Faso),

Our hope is that Project Builders will become increasingly visible throughout the EM Conference.

Kent Dueck (centre), Inner City Youth Alive director, visits with Project Builders executive members Reinnie Brandt and Anthony Reimer.

PHOTOS: KEN ZACHARIAS

Passion shared by leaders and members

Wilma Barkman and Flo Friesen showcase articles made abroad.

upgrades at Inner City Youth Alive (Winnipeg), research for a business venture (Asia), a homeless shelter (Mexico), business 4 transformation (North Africa), and a chapel re-roofing (Thompson).

One work team is being planned for Peru. There are openings, and you are welcome to contact the EMC office for details. Work teams for Brazil and Central America are being considered.

At the annual meeting, passionate leaders in ministry spoke of the physical supports gained or needed to make their work possible and effective. Project Builders is committed to helping them.

Our hope is that Project Builders will become increasingly visible throughout the EM Conference, and that many individuals will catch its vision. Our funds are raised through an annual membership donation of $250. Membership provides the donor with updates and a voice in deciding new projects (see www.projectbuilders.ca).

Seven of nine EMC regions are represented on PB’s executive. The executive members are John Bueckert (Reg. 1), Reynold Plett (Reg. 4), Dave Kroeker (Reg. 5), Ron Friesen (Reg. 6), Anthony Reimer (Reg. 7), Reinnie Brandt (Reg. 8), Wally Doerksen (Reg. 8), Warren Kroeker (Reg. 8), Abe Wall (Reg. 9), Flo Friesen (member at large), Tim Dyck (staff rep.), and Len Barkman (coordinator).

– Project Builders www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

Providence Seminary marks 40 years with reunion Trains leaders for Canada and world

PHOTO: PROVIDENCE T

OTTERBURNE, Man.—Fall 2012 marked Johnson told the audience that the the 40th anniversary of Providence Theoseminary will continue to train leaders logical Seminary, which celebrated on for service in Canada and around the Oct. 26, 2012, with a reunion. world. He suggested that churches in “We gathered to celebrate the faithfulAsia, African and South America are ness of God over these 40 years,” says growing much faster than North Ameriacademic dean Stan Hamm, an EMC can churches. minister. The reunion included the op“Providence will attract more leaders portunity to attend several lectures, a from these churches who will return to banquet, and an evening program. preach, teach and pastor those churches,” “Tonight is a testimony that the he said. “Our dream is that the word will seminary has been fulfilling its mission sound forth and bring about the reality for four decades,” said interim president of a multi-coloured and multi-cultural David Johnson. He pointed out the word church standing together to worship of the gospel—which the seminary has Jesus Christ our Lord, the Creator of passed on to more than 1,600 students— President Emeritus Dr. Gus Konkel heaven and earth.” was guest speaker for the anniver– Doris Penner is powerful and active. ary celebration.

The seminary began in 1972 as a division of Winnipeg Bible College. The Note: In the seminary’s history, EMC seminary now offers certificate, master of divinity, master ministers have been involved as professors. More EMC minof arts, and doctor of ministry programs. It has 185 fullisters and members have obtained graduate degrees from PTS than from any other seminary. and part-time students.

••

Church serves displaced in Syria DAMASCUS, Syria—In mid-September, more than 100 children who live in Damascus, Syria, attended a special orientation program given by the National Evangelical Church. It’s to encourage them to accept the new displaced Syrian children who will be in their schools this year.

Violence throughout Syria has caused many Syrians to seek shelter in Damascus, where schools are expected to be overcrowded. “The purpose was to let the kids know that this year there will be new faces,” says pastor Samir Yacco, “and that they should love, tolerate, and welcome them.”

The church, an MCC partner, is also distributing school bags and supplies and children’s Bibles to the new students and offering a youth conference on ethics for new and established youth group members.

– MCC

28 The Messenger • January 2013

PHOTO: NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHURCH

Children encouraged to be welcoming

Naya (foreground), Lina, and schoolmates learn how to accept new children.

News

MCC facing funding gap for chaplaincy service ‘Community chaplaincy works,’ says staff member WINNIPEG, Man.—Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) chaplaincy programs in Alberta and Ontario are facing a fund gap following the Canadian government’s decision to change how it supports community chaplaincy services for ex-prisoners.

MCC’s chaplaincy programs in these provinces are funded partially by Correctional Service Canada’s (CSC) chaplaincy program and supplemented by other sources of funding. Under a new funding model taking effect April 2013, CSC chaplaincy funds will be used exclusively for full-time positions, says Stephen Siemens, coordinator of MCC Canada’s restorative justice program.

“MCC Canada is submitting a proposal for funding under this new model,” says Siemens. “If this funding does not come through, that means MCC has to find $85,000 for the work in Alberta and Ontario to continue.”

Through MCC Alberta’s chaplaincy program, Peter Worsley provides ex-prisoners with the spiritual and practical support they need to move back into life in Calgary.

“Community chaplaincy works,” says Worsley.

A survey taken in August 2012 showed that 95 per cent of the 233 men and women he had worked with between 2006 and 2008 were living crime free lives. While the offenders are in prison, Worsley talks with them about their re-entry plans.

In southern Ontario, Shauna Mayer offers similar chaplaincy support to women released from the Grand Valley Institution for Women.

MCC “will not abandon our faith based presence and relationships with individuals released from prison,” says Eileen Henderson, coordinator of MCC Ontario restorative justice programs.

– MCC Canada

A survey taken in August 2012 showed that 95 per cent of the 233 men and women Worsley had worked with between 2006 and 2008 were living crime free lives.

••

Intern from Lesotho observes ‘easy life’ in Canada Keke caused CFGBers to rethink what is ‘normal’

PHOTO: CFGB

WINNIPEG, Man.—Compared to life for many people in “Back home, we need to walk to a communal tap to the developing world, most Canadians have it pretty easy. get water,” she says. “If the tap is dry, we have to walk to a Want water? Turn on the tap. Hungry? Open the fridge. spring—that can take an hour.”

Cold in winter? Turn up the heat.

Going to restaurants was eyeLieketseng Phooko (Keke) of opening. “There were so many Lesotho reminded staff members at choices on the menu,” she says. “I Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) didn’t know what to do.” In Lesotho, most people “eat cornmeal three of this. A recent intern through times a day.”

MCC’s International Visitor Exchange In winter, homes in Lesotho Program, Keke spoke about 100 times are cold, she adds. “Homes were so on food and hunger issues in schools, warm in Canada.” churches, and groups across Canada.

“People in Canada are so friendDuring her travels, Keke made new ly,” she says. She was impressed by friends. “I was blessed to visit so many how willing people were to learn people,” she says. What struck her, about Lesotho and their generosity though, was how easy life is in Canada Keke helps out on a farm in Boissevain, Man. to CFGB. compared to Lesotho.

– CFGB www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

CMU installs Dr. Cheryl Pauls as president ‘A new era of leadership’ begins challenge that rest in these gifts, for you are the cloud of witnesses that surrounds all that has been entrusted to this university.”

Student, faculty, staff, alumni, board, and constituency representatives symbolically placed scarves of support and blessing about the president’s shoulders.

President Pauls and her husband Bryan Harder were accompanied by their two boys Nicholas and William, parents, their family members, and friends.

A Christian university in the Anabaptist tradition, CMU offers undergraduate degrees in arts, business, humanities, music, sciences, and social sciences, as well as two graduate degree programs.

– CMU During a Community Blessing student, faculty, staff, alumni, Board, and constituency representatives symbolically placed scarves of support and blessing about the President’s shoulders.

PHOTO: CMU

WINNIPEG, Man.—Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) began a new era of leadership on November 25, 2012, at a service of installation for president Dr. Cheryl Pauls held at River East Mennonite Brethren Church.

Present to bring greetings were Elton DeSilva (Mennonite Brethren Manitoba), Willard Metzger (Mennonite Church Manitoba), the Honourable Vic Toews, MLA Erin Selby, Dr. David Barnard (University of Manitoba), and Dr. Lloyd Axworthy (University of Winnipeg).

John Klassen, pastor of Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Winkler, Man., delivered the sermon, expressing his conviction that “the church embrace the invitation to be vital partners in the joyous mission of helping young adults see life through specific sets of lenses.”

In her response, Pauls invited those gathered to see the words, sounds, and symbols of the installation as gifts: “…I invite you to share in the joy, the beckoning, and the

••

MCC BC to build on a legacy of compassion More space needed for ‘a major volunteer hub’ Abbotsford, B.C.—To provide for the continued growth of Thrift Shops in Abbotsford, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) BC is planning a major expansion.

The Gladys Avenue location will be the site of a new MCC BC ministry centre that will accommodate thrift shops, the material resource centre, quilting centre, administration and program offices, and a café.

“Just as MCC leaders had a bold vision when they built the MCC Plaza two decades ago, we have a bold vision for a new ministry centre that will be major volunteer hub where people of all ages can contribute to the local community and to the worldwide work of MCC,” says Wayne Bremner, MCC BC executive director.

In 1989 the MCC Plaza was built for Thrift Shops, the 30 The Messenger • January 2013

Plaza Café, offices and Ten Thousand Villages. Within 10 years the building and parking lot were too small, stunting the growth of thrift sales.

Since then MCC offices and Ten Thousand Villages moved to other locations to create more room for Thrift.

In 2003 MCC opened a new Thrift Shop in East Abbotsford, with sales growth of 12 percent per year for the past 10 years.

Both the Abby East Thrift Shop and the Furniture and More Thrift Shop spend thousands of dollars on lease costs that will increase from year to year. By owning a building MCC BC will have a secure long-term location and the money spent on current lease payments can go toward MCC ministry.

– MCC BC

In Memory

Elizabeth Eidse Siemens 1924–2012

a lifetime of adventure and raising 14 children.

They farmed in Rosenort, Man., for almost 20 years and Fisher Branch for four and a half years. They then moved to Edberg, Alta., where they farmed and retired. In early 2007 they moved to Maplewood Manor in Steinbach, Man. Mom and Dad were married 66 and a half years.

Mom’s pilgrimage is finished and she’s home at last.

Mom’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her delight.

Song and Grandma are synonymous.

She knew countless songs that helped her through hard times. Mom loved to share stories of her childhood.

Mom’s hands were never idle; she worked in the garden, mended clothes, and prepared meals. She was a gentle teacher and knew how to doctor and comfort. She testified of answered prayer and how Jesus helped her through emergencies and trying times. She was loyal to God, husband and her family.

Mom is lovingly remembered by her children: Elaine and Larry Dueck of Grande Prairie, Alta.; David and

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Elizabeth (Betty) Eidse Siemens, went to be with Jesus in the evening of Nov. 16, 2012.

We will miss her dearly, but are thankful she is free of this earthly body.

Mom upheld us in prayer as long as she was able. Thank you, Mom! Age was not a kind friend, but you were a trooper.

Mom was born on Feb. 8, 1924, the seventh child of David and Elizabeth Eidse of Rosenort, Man. Her happy childhood years were spent on the family farm, working in the garden, cooking harvest meals, and being involved with countless other chores.

God came near to her in her youth.

She committed her heart to him and lived Micah 6:8. a biennial symposium She was baptized in Rosenort EMC and later joined a Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, congregation. She Resource People include: February 7-9, 2013 has family within Luke Powery, Dean of Duke 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. the EMC. University Chapel Winnipeg, MB She married Graham Maule, Wild Goose her sweetheart, Theme: Worship and Witness Resource Group Iona Community Bernhard D. Siemens, on Oct. Register today at: www.cmu.ca/wi 22, 1944. They were both 20 years CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY old. She said yes to

Worship+Imagination

Kathy of New Norway, Alta.; Minna and Arnold Reimer of Blumenort, Man.; Alvina and Don Heinrichs of Steinbach, Man.; Mary and Bob Schneikart of Wetaskawin, Alta.; John and Carol of Edberg, Alta.; Julia of Edberg, Alta.; Elizabeth and Allen Peters of Fountain Run, KY; Menno and Nelda of Ferintosh, Alta.; Linda and Bill Isaac of New Norway, Alta.; Vernon and Rhonda of Edberg, Alta.; Becky and Bruce Bartel of Carrot River, Sask.; Christine and Wally Toews of Pincher Creek, Alta.; Reg and Connie of New Norway, Alta.

She had 69 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Ben in 2011, five grandchildren (Wade, Jonathon, Rachel, Tannis and Heidi), and one great-grandchild, Brooklyn. Mom is survived by three brothers, Johnny, Dave and Ben; four sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thanks to Maplewood Manor for the loving care of our dear mother.

The funeral service for Betty Siemens was held on Nov. 20, 2012, at Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Steinbach, with burial at Heritage Cemetery.

– Her Family CH GE INBA LLE STELE CO TS BIB ESEN

CT IMPA 2013

PR

LT ADU UNG & YO VENT H IG E R H HIP S NIO A SE IPLE

013 -. 11S7T,, 22013 5 1 ARRBYY FEB RU ISTE FEEB -REG DISC

PR

BY SIC ITE & MU N, IGN IO MA DRA CREAT NT KER NEW E SERVA A E P ST S NSTEIN & FRE E U T E G RA LIPP ISTE E.CA WK THE REG OLLEG MAT C

SB CALL 478 OR 0.230.8 9 1.80 DES GRA D FOR UP ANDERS ANDIR LEA THE 9 T: $6 COS

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

John Jacob Peters 1920–2012

“How blessed is the man … whose … delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates both day and night” (Psalm 1:1–2).

John Jacob Peters, 92, peacefully departed for his eternal home from St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Man., on Oct. 21, 2012.

Dad was born in Krasnovka (in modern-day Ukraine) on April 20, 1920. When he was five, his family immigrated to Canada. Like his father and four siblings, he took up teaching.

In 1957 he took his family to Germany, where, as a missionary with Back to the Bible Broadcast and later with Janz Team Ministries, he combined his profession with his passion for others to know God’s love. He developed and promoted Christian education, training thousands of leaders, teachers, and pastors.

In 1974, after suffering from cancer, our mom Amanda passed away. Shortly after that, Dad married Doreen and continued his ministry in Europe. In 1982, Dad, Doreen, and young John Paul returned to Canada where they worked in multiple capacities with Janz Team Ministries until 2001. During this period, Dad was an active member of the Gideons.

John was characterized by unshakable faith in God, genuine kindness, and concern for others. He was a man of steadfastness, commitment, prayer, courage, and charisma. His faith, his 32 The Messenger • January 2013

Calendar commitment, his love, his family— steadfast, committed, consistent!

We are grateful that Dad’s “big voice” was focused and directed toward good, toward instruction, toward praise to God, and toward the nurture of his family. Dad’s voice was the constant at mealtime, at family gatherings and special occasions. He led devotions, Bible readings, dramatic recitations, and prayers.

Dad was a healthy man. Yes, he did break a leg skiing, had mumps, and endured poison ivy. When he was admitted to St. Boniface Hospital in early October 2012, the doctor asked, “John, we can’t find any reference to you in our system. Have you never been hospitalized?” Dad replied, “Well, I did have my tonsils out in 1939”—after which he had pedaled his bicycle from Winnipeg back home to Gretna.

Both in his profession and leisure time, Dad pursued his love of art, including industrial arts, painting, theater, poetry, chalk art, and woodwork.

Dad took strength and spiritual sustenance from daily devotions, remembering and reciting many scriptures he had memorized. He held dear the words of Jesus, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6).

The love Dad showered on our moms, Amanda and Doreen, inspired by his love for his God, also found expression to each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, anchored by that big voice, welcoming spirit, and infectious smile.

We are grateful for the privilege to have loved and been loved by a man who could claim, along with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

With all our love, – His Family

Alberta July 5–7 Living as Kingdom People EMC Convention 2013 Speaker: Tim Geddert La Crete Christian Felllowship, La Crete 204-326-6401

Manitoba Mar. 1–2 Cutting Edge Anabaptism SBC Leadership Conference Speaker: Stuart Murray Steinbach Bible College www.sbcollege.ca

Apr. 6 Integrating Faith and Business in Planning for Succession A seminar for Christian business and farm owners Blumenort EMC, 9 a.m.

204-326-6401

Saskatchewan May 17–20 Rooted: Abundant Springs youth event Briercrest Bible College, Caronport www.abundantsprings.ca

Information evening Thursday, February 7, 2013 7 p.m., SCHS Chapel 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, Man. SCHS is now accepting applications for grades 5–12 *$150 tuition discount until March 15 for new applicants

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

Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite Church is seeking a full-time senior pastor for an established, dynamic urban congregation with an average Sunday attendance of 225 people. We are an inter-generational, ethnically diverse congregation, located in Winnipeg, near the University of Manitoba, with programs for all age groups, and a strong ministry to international friends and university students.

Working out of their own commitment to the Lordship of Christ, the ideal candidate is a collaborative and inspiring team leader and gifted speaker.

They possess a reputable theological education at the graduate level and are committed to a theology shaped by Anabaptist tradition.

Submit queries and résumés to rosemreimer@ gmail.com by February 28, 2013. Projected start date is September 2013.

Christian Fellowship Church (EMC) in Birch River, Man., is currently seeking a part-time pastor. We are a small community church located 500 kms north of Winnipeg, Man., next to the Porcupine Provincial Forest, which lends itself to excellent hunting, fishing and camping opportunities.

We are a friendly congregation with approximately 40 attendees and a vibrant community youth program. We have a history of long-term pastors with a heart for our community and varying levels of education.

We also have strong ties to Steeprock Ministries, which runs a Bible camp that touches the lives of 300plus children from local First Nations communities every summer.

Interested applicants may apply by sending a resume to Greg Thiessen at g.thiessen@yahoo.com; to Greg Thiessen, Box 224, Bowsman, MB R0L 0H0; or phoning 204-734-8395.

Crestview Fellowship (www.crestviewfellowship.ca), an Evangelical Mennonite Conference church located in Winnipeg, Man., is prayerfully seeking applications for a senior pastor. If you feel God calling you to this position or if you have any questions about the position, please call Alex Wiebe at 204-837-2516 or send resume and references either electronically to the Pastoral Search Committee, Attn: Alex Wiebe (alex@flyinglow.ca) or by mail to Pastoral Search Committee c/o Crestview Fellowship, 271 Hamilton Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3.

La Crete Christian Fellowship Church (EMC) seeks a full-time associate pastor.

La Crete, located in NW Alberta, offers rural lifestyle and a progressive outlook. With a range of family-oriented amenities, it’s a great place to raise a family. LCCFC is a vibrant church of approximately

500 regular attendees who desire to spread the Word through a variety of ministries.

The associate pastor will provide direction to our care giving and outreach ministries as well as work closely with the pastoral team to strengthen the parishioners’ personal connection and commitment to Jesus Christ. The applicant should be committed to a personal Christian faith, a disciple of Jesus Christ, a willing and teachable leader, and a person whose love for the Lord is reflected in their ability to work well with others.

If the Holy Spirit seems to be inviting you to pursue this further, please contact Bill Neudorf at 780814-1439, neudorfs@telus.net, or www.lccfc.ca.

New Life Christian Fellowship in Stevenson, Ont., seeks a senior pastor who has a heart for people and loves the Lord. We are an evangelical church located in Stevenson, Ontario. The church is mostly young families with average attendance between 80 and 100 people. The majority of the people attending have a Low German-speaking background. We seek a pastor who has the heart of a shepherd and a desire to see our church grow. He should have strong preaching and teaching skills and ability to develop leaders. 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 to nlcf@ciaccess.com.

Ridgewood EMC is looking for a full-time senior pastor. This multi-generational family oriented rural church is located north-east of Steinbach, Man., with over 200 in attendance on Sunday mornings.

As the spiritual overseer, the senior pastor is the shepherd and guardian of the congregation. This ministry is accomplished by studying and teaching, praying and preaching, and visiting and visioning on the basis of the Word.

Ridgewood EMC members strive to be a people that minister to the whole family, worshipping God together, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in love, responding to needs around, and cultivating a culture of Biblical discipleship, prayer and fellowship—all for the glory of God. Applications along with a cover letter should be sent to Stan Hamm, stan.hamm@prov.ca, or Stan Hamm, Box 140, Blumenort, MB R0A 0C0.

Do you enjoy fishing? How about quiet community living? If you are God-fearing with a deep personal faith and seeking a full-time pastoral position, Treesbank Community Church (EMC) could be the place for you. We are a small country church located in southwestern Manitoba, between the Souris and Assiniboine Rivers. If you are interested in this position, please contact Leonard Plett at 204-824-2475 or at lplett@mts.net.

Other opportunities Brightwood Ranch, near Edmonton, Alta., is a Christian camp providing a summer camp experience

for kids from single parent, foster and group homes.

Summer positions are paid and include room and board: four-month positions: program directors, secretary, wranglers, program directors, wranglers, maintenance and Horses of Hope staff. Two-month positions: nurse, kitchen staff, counselors, unit leaders, and wranglers. Full-time position: horses of hope wrangler starting March 1, 2013. For information go to: www.brightwoodranchcamps.com; email: bright.wood@hopemission.com.

Do you have a passion for working behind the scenes, being organized and in charge of daily office administration within a team that is mentoring and discipling people for Jesus?

Are you willing to become a part of a northern Manitoba community of believers? Mid-Way Christian Leadership, formerly Continental Mission Inc., is Growing Christian Leaders in the North.

We are seeking a caring team member to be a full-time office manager based in Thompson, Man. It begins as a paid position and moves into a raisedsupport funding model.

The right individual will be committed to keeping regular office hours, processing financial paperwork, coordinating mailings, and managing our digital and paper media.

We are building a team of committed individuals passionate about following God by discipling people into mature Christians, and ultimately replacing our leadership positions from those we work with.

Please email generaldirector.mcl@gmail.com for a full job description or inquiries.

The EMC seeks an administrative assistant/assistant editor in a one-year term full- or part-time position to begin mid-February 2013.

The position supports the communications strategies of the EMC, particularly the Board of Church Ministries and, within it, The Messenger magazine.

Administrative assistant duties: consignment sales, assist with church resource needs, design promotional materials, prepare mailings, receptionist and clerical work.

Assistant editor duties: design a monthly 36-page print magazine, prepare and distribute its digital version, manage circulation, assist with reporting.

Needed: effective written communication, skill in computer layout and design, self-motivation, ability to cope with deadlines. Accountability: to the Board of Trustees and to the BCM’s Executive Secretary/Editor.

The EMC is a faith-based organization.

National office staff are to agree with the Statement of Faith, live an appropriate lifestyle, and be involved in an EMC church.

A full description is available at www.emconference.ca/serve. Contact Terry Smith at 204-3266401 or tsmith@emconf.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Columns • here and far away

The power of the pen, the worth of the Word

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

Spiritual journaling helps me to quiet the hectic pace of my own mind and allow the Spirit to minister to me. only, and actually getting close to it, following the course of the knot with my fingers, pulling here and loosening there. That is how it is to write out the knots of my life, to journal as a spiritual discipline.

The journaling process itself clarifies. Later, re-reading through the journal and reflecting on what was then an apparent crisis brings many opportunities for praise. I am reminded that the One who is the Father of Lights can illuminate all that is dark and difficult to understand. He is the Giver of every perfect gift (James 1:16–18).

34 The Messenger • January 2013

If you are a New Year’s resolution maker, perhaps take on—not legalistically, mind you!— the clarifying practice of spiritual journaling. I recommend the book used in our group: Helen Cepero, Journaling as a Spiritual Practice: Encountering God Through Attentive Writing (IVP, 2008).

What I have found particularly helpful in reading the book and doing the journal exercises, is the encouragement to face issues I dwell on with no noticeably effective result—issues laden with emotion and importance.

Spiritually journaling forces me to tackle them. It often shows me, through the Spirit who lives within me, what God would have me learn in the situation. He shows me where he is hiding in this issue, hiding in plain sight to those who

PHOTO: JOCELYN R PLETT

T

here are times when we need to catch a glimpse of God’s back (Exodus 33:21–23) within a situation that seems devoid of God’s influence. We need to see the reflection of our lives in the Spirit’s mirror in order to see it differently.

A spiritual journaling group that I’m part of has helped me do just that. It is a marvellous practice to journal, especially to write out fears and frustrations in a safe environment—within the safety of my journal or on the laptop.

With the Word resonating within me from regular jumps between his words and my own, the process of the writing itself helps to clarify matters that just thinking or worrying about doesn’t fix.

I liken it to the difference between staring at a knot in a rope, attempting to follow the loops and tangles of its path with my eyes

will wait on the Lord and be attentive to him.

Spiritual journaling helps me to be attentive.

It helps me to quiet the hectic pace of my own mind and allow the Spirit to minister to me.

In an age where “status updates” and “tweets” offer only shallow insight into one’s life, a spiritual journal offers us more. It helps to delve into one’s life to seek the Lord’s footsteps.

What do we gain? More of him. More of our true selves, which he has created us to be and become.

Columns • stewardship today

Who’s talking to your kids?

W

e are bombarded with thousands of advertising messages every day. It seems everywhere we turn we’re being targeted.

Radio, TV, billboards, newspapers, magazines, pop-up ads all deliver a relentless plea to spend more on what are often frivolous items marketed as necessities.

As adults, we hope we have the judgment and insight to decode these messages and to realize that spending more will not make us happier. Hopefully, we’ve learned that buying the latest gadget or gizmo doesn’t make us any more fulfilled. But we aren’t always able to separate the hype from the reality.

The Bible reminds us that we should be content, satisfied with what we have. But that message is often lost when the slick pitchman tells me how much better my life will be if I purchase his latest doohickey. Plus, if I order now, I can get two for the price of one. Surely, that will lead to contentment.

True contentment comes to those who develop a healthy relationship with money and who trust in God’s instruction and promise, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has

In a culture where you’re not really cool unless you have the latest thing, it’s hard to say, “No, I’m content with what I have.”

Money Matters for Youth Integra(ng faith and finances Canadian edi(on

by Darren Pries-Klassen

said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

If adults struggle with contentment, how much more difficult is it for our youth? In a culture where you’re not really cool unless you have the latest thing, it’s hard to say, “No, I’m content with what I have.”

Teenagers develop a sense of contentment early by modeling what they see and by talking about how their faith and values can influence their spending and saving. Now is an excellent opportunity for youth leaders and Sunday school teachers to talk openly about faith and finances, contentment and acquisition.

One resource to help you lead that discussion is Money Matters for Youth: Integrating faith and finance, originally created by Everence and adapted for Canadian audiences by MFC. It is available free for download at www.mennofoundation.ca/mmfy.

I invite you to download a copy, look it over, and start a conversation about contentment today. If we don’t talk about money, faith, and values with our children, who will?

Darren Pries-Klassen is the executive director of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). For information on generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Columns • kids’ corner

W

by Loreena Thiessen

hat’s new about the New Year?

Each day that arrives is new, meaning that we haven’t had it before, and it means we have yet another one like yesterday, with all of its minutes and hours still to fill up. So it’s new for us.

It doesn’t mean that it’s entirely unfamiliar or foreign, but it means that another day is occurring again with fresh opportunities.

A new year means we are starting again, too.

We turn the calendar page with a new month that begins with the number 1 again, and with a new year. This New Year has the number 2013.

But it doesn’t mean that it’s a new number; the number is there for other things: you could have 2,013 pennies, which equal $20.13, or 2,013 nickels which would be $100.65, or 2,013 dimes, making $201.30.

The number 2013 is new for this year; we haven’t had the year 2013 before. We have been counting the years since the time that Jesus was born and now it’s 2,013 years since that time.

But time can’t really be contained. You can’t put time in a box, for example. You can’t take

Activity: Try something new • Make a new friend.

• Choose a new activity or a new skill to learn.

• Read a new book.

• Make a new dish or recipe; try this one: You will need: - 1 onion, chopped and sautéed with a dash of lemon pepper - 2 potatoes, shredded - 6-8 broccoli florets - 2 pinches of chives - 2 pinches of herbes de Provence or rosemary - 2 beaten eggs - 3-4 tsp. of sour cream 36 The Messenger • January 2013

3 1 20

DESIGNPICS.COM

Happy New Year!

ten years and put those ten years in a box.

Time is endless. It was there long before you were born and continues without ending.

Time is more like a feeling; it can feel long or go quickly, but it goes on. As time goes on you learn more and can do more. You grow taller and you are older.

Time is an understanding of a period such as a day, a month, or a year. We divide it, like from sunrise to sunset, and so we can count it.

When we say, “Happy New Year!” we are expressing a wish. We wish each other happiness in the New Year.

The angels’ message, - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese “Peace on earth, goodwill toDo: ward men!” is an expression of something we hope for.

- Sauté or lightly heat the chopped onion and shredded potatoes in The angels’ message was two tbsp. of oil in a pan on the stove that Jesus’ coming to earth until they are soft. would bring peace.

The expression “Happy - Mix all the ingredients in a mixing New Year!” includes that bowl. also; we wish for each - Fill six muffin cups in a large oiled other a year of peace and muffin tin. joy, health and happiness.

- Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes.

It really is a continuation - Eat with a fork and a green salad. of what Christmas really Makes 6 large potato/vegetable muffins. means.

Make sure you get an adult to help you.

Read the angels’ message in Luke 2:8–14.

The Messenger Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362