The Messenger July/August 2023

At EMC gatherings, celebration mingles with concern

You may find some aspects of this issue of The Messenger ironic. It’s a joyful, even playful celebration of our two signature events—Abundant Springs and Festival (formerly Convention)—and the more recently added Young Adult Retreat. There are a lot of pictures in this issue of great worship, laughter, hilarious games, meaningful conversations, prayer times and messages and presentations.

But when you read some of the material that was presented at the events—look under the hood so to speak—you will see that while we celebrate so much that is great—so much that God has done and is doing—we’re also concerned.

We’re concerned about people who have left the church and those who seem to have walked away from their faith completely, and we’re worried about the people who might leave in the future.

work things out. And if the Holy Spirit nudges, maybe we’ll have the opportunity to share some well-timed words of wisdom.

From the Ministerial Meeting (always part of the Festival weekend) are two more presentations that address similar concerns in the church. Darryl Klassen, pastor of Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, writes about loss—specifically the loss of people who stopped attending our churches during Covid and haven’t been back. And the third piece is from Conference Pastor Andy Woodworth who presented his research on the state of the church in Canada to the Ministerial. It’s not an encouraging report. But, he says, there are four “white pills,” and he provides recommendations for where we should focus our efforts.

There’s so much we wanted to share with you that we added a photo insert highlighting Abundant Springs and Festival. Even that wasn’t enough space, so if you’ve never looked at our website now is the time! You will find Abundant Springs and Festival highlight videos right on the main page at www.emconference.ca . And the two messages Conference

Leading off our series of articles is a written version of a presentation made by James Driedger at the Young Adult retreat. You may have heard the word deconstruction tossed around before and figured out that, while the name is new, the concept really isn’t. Yet it’s not something to take lightly as Driedger explains. He writes about how deconstruction can be understood and gives pointers for a healthy way to evaluate beliefs without giving up Christ.

Though the original presentation was prepared for young adults, this is a relevant topic well beyond that age group. There are people in every life stage asking faith questions. It’s also valuable information for those among us who are settled and confident in faith because it helps us know how to pray. It can also help us maintain peace while others need space to

Pastor Andy Woodworth presented during Festival sessions are at www.vimeo.com/ emconference. He uses a kid’s storybook and a light touch appropriate to the weekend theme to say important things about what it means to be a church together.

You’ll also find the video version of some of the pieces we’ve presented on these pages and some more that didn’t make it in. Happy reading!

– Erica Fehr

Note on discussion within The Messenger

Every community will have a diversity of views and opinions, which provides opportunities for us to learn from each other, being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). Our discussions are inevitably impacted by our own experiences, and the experiences

of people in our lives. These discussions should also reflect the reality that some groups and individuals have not always felt welcome in Christian communities. We welcome your responses to articles and topics discussed in The Messenger.

– Board of Church Ministries

Driedger writes about how deconstruction can be understood and gives pointers for a healthy way to evaluate beliefs without giving up Christ.

Features

11 Why haven’t people returned to church postCOVID?

– Darryl Klassen

12 The state of the church: a Conference Pastor perspective – Andy Woodworth

Columns

31

46

47

48

The Messenger

Volume 61 No. 4 July/August 2023

Letters and Notices

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Year to Date Financial Report

January–May

MANAGING EDITOR

ERICA FEHR

EDITOR

REBECCA ROMAN

PUBLICATION AND PURPOSE

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. 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.

Phone: 204-326-6401

messenger@emconference.ca

www.emcmessenger.ca

www.issuu.com/emcmessenger

ISSN: 0701-3299

Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, MB

COPYRIGHT

The articles printed in The Messenger are owned by The Messenger or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

SUBMISSIONS

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.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcome. Submissions should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Print subscriptions are free of charge to all members and adherents of EMC churches in Canada. For all others, print subscription rates are as follows: $20/year ($26 U.S.), Manitoba residents add 7% PST.

To sign up for the email newsletter or submit an address change, email messenger@emconference.ca

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 can be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.

evangelical mennonite conference

We give thanks to God for the continued strong support of EMC ministries, and we acknowledge the contributions of EMC churches and individuals who give so generously.

- The Board of Trustees

*Income includes donations and transfers from other funds (e.g., estate funds).

EMC

FESTIVAL EXPENSES | Donations help to cover the costs of activities, venue, honorariums, and meals

$3,988

MISSIONS | Donations are equally divided between four missions projects:

Santo Tomas camp (Mexico) Pave the camp’s driveway

Radio Mensajero (Paraguay) Replace equipment damaged by lightning

Ste Agathe (Manitoba) Kids outreach

– Marco Funk (at emcmessenger.ca)

“A handy (and bad) way to win an argument” p. 35

Steinbach Bible College Indigenous Student Success Fund (see more about this fund on p. 23) $17,722

Fantastic reminder of what enemy-love looks like in the context of conversation and disagreement.

EMC appoints new assistant, accountant

The Personnel Committee is pleased to announce that Betty Ramones has agreed to serve as EMC church leadership assistant. Betty began this assignment in June 2023. Betty is taking on the role previously held by Adrienne Funk, who has left the EMC staff team to pursue her passion for teaching music.

Betty is originally from Monterrey, Mexico, and has been studying at Steinbach Bible College for the past three years. She is a few courses short of achieving her BA in Biblical Studies with a Pastoral focus. She plans to complete these courses in the coming school year. She has also studied graphic design and digital media at the Universidad Regiomontana A.C. Her previous experience in graphic design and

as an administrative assistant will prove valuable in her role at the EMC office.

Betty has been serving as a youth leader at the Steinbach EMC. For relaxation, she enjoys reading and painting, as well as outdoor activities such as rock climbing, running, and hiking. We look forward to having Betty as part of the EMC team.

The Personnel Committee is also pleased to announce that Beth Reimer has agreed to serve as EMC office accountant. Beth began this assignment in June 2023. She will be taking on the role previously held by Wannetta Fast, who is leaving the EMC staff team after medical complications.

DGO resigns appointment

The EMC Personnel Committee has received a letter of resignation from George Dumitrascu. George was scheduled to begin work at the EMC office in August this year as EMC’s Director of Global Outreach (DGO). Over the past several months, George and Nicoleta have been involved in earthquake relief in Turkey, as well as Ukrainian refugee support in Moldova. This involvement has

strengthened their desire to continue to support this type of ministry and has led them to reconsider the role of DGO. They regretfully concluded that they could not take on the role at EMC.

While we are obviously disappointed at this change in direction, we recognize that God is leading in the life of George and Nicoleta as well as in the EMC national office. We want

Beth has lived in southern Manitoba most of her life, and she has earned a worship arts degree from Steinbach Bible College. She has also studied Business, Accounting and Management at Red River College. She has worked at a variety of bookkeeping roles in the Steinbach area. Her experience and education, along with a desire to serve a Christian ministry, will assist her in taking on the role at EMC.

Beth has served at the Gospel Fellowship Church (EMMC) as a bookkeeper and part-time secretary. For relaxation, Beth participates in a local worship band. She also enjoys keeping her personal finances organized. We look forward to having Beth as part of the EMC team starting in June.

to honour this decision and offer our prayers of support to George and Nicoleta. We are also examining the way forward for the EMC Missions program that has been without a permanent director for the past twenty months. Please pray for the Personnel Committee and for incoming Executive Director Emery Plett, as they ponder the next steps in this process.

– EMC Personnel Committee

– EMC Personnel Committee

Betty Ramones

Beth Reimer

t

h r o u g h

Ayear ago, someone sent me a meme picturing Phil Vischer’s VeggieTales characters Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. If you weren’t born in the 90s, Bob and Larry were instrumental to my generation’s faith formation, and so I eagerly read on. When my eyes shifted to the other side of the meme I read, “This is what happens when you deconstruct your faith,” and found myself looking at a tomato-cucumber salad.

The first thing I did was laugh. It was funny. But then it brought up other emotions like heartache. And not because my beloved childhood teachers of Bible stories and good morals had been chopped up into a salad, but because of the friends brought to mind who have deconstructed their childhood faith and then disposed of it.

The trendy word for this today is deconstruction. And there seems to be an increase lately of Christians who are deconstructing their faith and moving on from it. In fact, some reports say that 60 percent of people born in the church deconstruct and lose their faith after high school. Clearly, this is no laughing matter.

But I’m not convinced deconstruction needs to end up there. I’ve come to learn that deconstruction plays a necessary role in all our faith journeys. And when walked through in a healthy way, it can lead a person to deeper love and faithfulness to Christ.

Let’s talk about deconstruction

In his book, After Doubt, A. J. Swoboda defines deconstruction as “the dismantling of anything that’s been constructed.” In other words, deconstruction is construction in reverse: instead of putting something together you are now taking it apart.

I like that definition because it doesn’t make deconstruction inherently negative. Sometimes a person who deconstructs their faith ends up destroying it; and we have words for this like apostasy or falling away. But it’s unfortunate that those are the only stories we hear, because just as often people walk through deconstruction and emerge on the other side. It seems, then, that there are better ways to deconstruct than others.

What I’ve found to be helpful in thinking about deconstruction is to first discern its place and the role it was designed to play in our faith

journeys. What I’ve come to learn is that deconstruction is a necessary middle step in a process of maturing.

1. Faith construction

2. Faith deconstruction

3. Faith reconstruction

Faith construction

All our faith stories begin with construction. They begin with us pre-critically accepting what others, usually our parents, tell us to believe. These beliefs then become the building blocks from which we initially construct our faith. And because we’re often young when this happens, our faith is simplistic and black and white.

What inevitably happens is that we uncritically accept most of the beliefs of our parents. However, we live in a broken world and are all raised by broken parents. Which means, that alongside believing life-changing truths about Jesus, we come to believe some less-than-Christlike ideas.

All our faith stories begin with us pre-critically accepting what others tell us to believe. These beliefs then become the building blocks from which we initially construct our faith.

Faith deconstruction

This is why all of us need a season of deconstruction. As we grow in faith, we naturally start questioning the things we pre-critically accepted. This is especially so when we begin to see the wrong or harmful ideas we picked up along the way for what they are.

This is why I’d go as far as to say that, when rightly channelled, the deconstruction impulse is a godly one. You find it in the OT prophets, in the ministry of Jesus, and at multiple times in church history (reformata et semper reformanda, “reformed and always reforming” in Latin). God seems to use deconstruction-like seasons to continually call his people back to greater faithfulness.

This, however, is a highly delicate stage. When the deconstruction impulse isn’t properly channelled, it can turn a faith renovation into a faith demolition. This is where we need to be discerning. Are we dealing with potentially fatal unbelief here, or with the necessary deconstruction of harmful beliefs?

This is something we do well to help people in this season discern, or else some Christians will lose battles they never needed to fight. For example, if someone is tempted to discard their faith because they were given an inherently racist one, they need to be encouraged to deconstruct the racism, but not to throw out the entire faith.

Faith reconstruction

Deconstruction, however, is never a phase to stay in. The goal is to walk through it into faith reconstruction—or what the Bible calls returning to our first love.

Those who walk through the fires of deconstruction and emerge in this stage have a deep faith in Jesus. It’s a faith that is childlike without being childish, one that’s full of compassion without loss of conviction, and one that has a large capacity for paradox.

I’m not sure deconstruction can be understood or appreciated apart from a framework like this. It is a necessary middle step in a process of maturing—including the maturing of our

faith. And because of this, the tendencies of progressive Christians who deify deconstruction and make it a sign of maturity, and conservative Christians who demonize deconstruction and leave no room for questioning, both miss the mark.

Walking through deconstruction

How then should we deconstruct, if there are better ways to do it that protect us from destroying our faith? And how should we respond to those who come asking for help?

I want to offer seven practices, which I have picked up along the way, that I believe play a part in helping one follow Jesus through the deconstruction seasons of life.

1. Go to church

Being told to go to church might be the last thing anyone wants to hear if they are deconstructing; especially as it’s often wounds from the church that push people into deconstruction. But church is God’s idea and most people who stop going to church end up losing their faith. Because of that correlation we give

When the deconstruction impulse isn’t properly channelled, it can turn a faith renovation into a faith demolition.

ourselves the best chance of following Jesus through the deconstruction season when we do it with others.

For those who’ve been hurt by the church, there’s a choice between being an outside critic or an inside prophet. Like an immune system works within the body, an inside prophet can call the church to greater faithfulness. You don’t have to abandon the church or the faith to critique its abuses.

2. Feel rightly

Awareness of our feelings is key to healthy spirituality. But if we don’t know the role of our emotions, they can destroy our faith. It’s common, for example, that someone will throw out everything they were raised to believe because they want to get back at their parents. Feeling rightly includes validating the negative emotions that we should feel because of sin, but it also includes not allowing our emotions to dictate everything.

Here, the wisdom of our faith tradition is seen in the bringing together of right belief (orthodoxy), right living (orthopraxy), and right feeling (orthopathy). We need all three, informing each other along the way, to walk through the difficult seasons of our faith.

3. Play the long game

Our culture has traded the wise for the quick. And we see the results of this within the current deconstructionist fad, where people are willing to walk away from a 2,000-year-old faith tradition after listening to one podcast. But are cynical podcasters really our best guides for working through questions like the problem of evil or OT violence?

Timothy Keller saved me from a lot of foolishness in my 20s when I heard him say, “Read one book and you’re an expert; read five books and you’re confused; read 100 books and now you know what you’re talking about.” We need to regain the value of sticking with something for a while; of accepting that wisdom isn’t acquired quickly. Could you be okay waiting on God in prayer for over a decade? Or wrestling with a theological question for a lifetime instead of throwing the whole thing out after a semester of study?

4. Practice being wrong

No one thinks they’re wrong. Yet when we look back on our lives, we know we’ve been wrong on many occasions. Living with humility means accepting the fact that we’re probably wrong about something right now.

It’s not uncommon for people who are deconstructing to come across as arrogant, because they’ve “seen the light.” But if the goal is nothing but the truth, then one must be willing to turn that same critical lens inwards. The unspoken assumption often is that if I’m deconstructing, then I must be right. But healthy deconstruction includes being so committed to the truth that you’re willing to suspend even your new beliefs.

Some choose not to believe anything because the last time they did they got burned. For those who find unbelief safer than being wrong again, we need to share the gospel: that we are eternally loved even though we don’t have answers to all our questions.

Living with humility means accepting the fact that we’re probably wrong about something right now.

5. Learn discernment

We live in an age glutted with information. I wish ideas came with warning labels: “this idea may cause serious injury or death,” or “this idea is known to cause cancer in the state of California,” because there are a lot of ideas that bring about spiritual death.

People who are deconstructing need to recognize they’re susceptible to bad ideas, and prone to listen only to people who will affirm what they want to hear. We need to be discerning, and surround ourselves with trusted mentors, so that during the faith-saving surgery of deconstruction we don’t end up killing our faith.

6. Prioritize the kingdom of God

I think it was Lesslie Newbigin who said that as the Western world secularizes, politics will take the place of religion. He was right. Add to that the increasing polarization of our politics, and you find another stumbling block to faith.

I’ve heard it more than once: if being a Christian means I must vote for so and so then I want nothing to do with it.

It’s unfortunate that the church, meant to offer an alternative politic in this world, tends toward syncretism with earthly kings and kingdoms. Christians shouldn’t fit within any of our current political parties; they all challenge our loyalty to Christ at some point. When people leave the faith because it was equated with an earthly ideology, the church is responsible for having offered something other than Christ and his kingdom.

What do you want most?

This may seem like an odd way to end, but it’s important we ask ourselves: what do I want? The simplicity of the question belies its significance. The truth is, we often get (and God often gives us) exactly what we want—even in our deconstructing seasons.

People deconstruct their faith for a hundred different reasons and with many (sometimes ulterior) motives. But I’m convinced for those people who want God above all else—for those who want God despite all the reasons they have for deconstructing—those who want God more than anything else they might want, that they end up with him.

Your deconstruction doesn’t have to end in destruction. In fact, it might even be the pathway that God intends to use, to bring you back to him and your first love.

James Driedger (M.Div. PTS) is the lead pastor of the Blumenort Community Church. He lives in Blumenort, Man., with his wife and three children.

7. Abide in the vine

At the end of John’s gospel, Jesus invites his disciples to make a regular practice of abiding in his love and words (John 15:1–11). Only a few verses later, he adds: “I have said these things to you to keep you from falling away” (16:1 NRSVUE, emphasis added).

There is no substitute in the Christian faith for firsthand experience of God and his love. And while it’s fashionable for some to belittle devotions and the other spiritual disciplines, it is these practices of abiding that have sustained the faith of Christians for two millennia, and by which they have come to know the love of Jesus for themselves.

Those who learn to abide in Christ remain in the faith not because they’re superhuman or because their doubts and questions are less severe. They remain in the faith because, like Peter, when asked by Jesus if he’d rather go elsewhere, they respond with: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Key Resources:

Ivan Mesa, editor, Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church.

A. J. Swoboda, After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith without Losing It.

Brian Zahnd, When Everything’s on Fire: Faith Forged from the Ashes.

There is no substitute in the Christian faith for firsthand experience of God and his love.

Why haven’t people returned to church post-COVID?

By Darryl Klassen

COVID is getting smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror, yet we experience its lingering effects. One effect is that some people haven’t returned to the life of the church. We may have expected a “Great Return of Exiles.” That didn’t happen.

Why not? There are several reasons:

Some were hurt by protocols, lockdowns, mandates, and restrictions. They left angry because we said something wrong or didn’t say something we should have. Some were already on the edge about their place or purpose in the church and the pandemic gave them an “out” and they stayed out. Some were introverts and watching from home met their needs.

In churches there are attenders who show up and believe but little else, members who join but rarely move beyond that, and engagers who serve, give, connect and invite. COVID revealed where some people were at.

Many who remained faithful to the physical gathering of church community wonder how to encourage non-attending members back and expect pastors to come up with strategies to win them back.

Are non-attenders “lost”?

I want to reflect on some observations from Luke 15 about “lostness.”

Who were “the lost” Jesus was seeking?

There is a clue in the first verse: “Now the tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to him.” Despite being fringe people, they recognized in Jesus something they needed and drew near.

Like the tax collectors and sinners, I think the lost sheep was no longer wandering. It was caught in a thicket and realized it was in danger, it is lost, it is stuck, and is now crying out. That pitiful bleating alerted the shepherd to the location of the sheep, he finds it, frees it, and carries it home.

We can’t extract the same implication from the story of the lost coin. It simply features the joy of the seeker.

But in the parable of the Lost Son, we again see the condition of lostness in a responsive creature. Note that the son is allowed to wander. He rejects the authority of his father and demands his inheritance to go and live wildly in another land. The father allows him to go.

Then in verse 20 we read, “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

The text does not say this, but we get the impression that the father was watching the road to see if his son was coming home. He does not go seeking his son; yet he keeps an eye on the road. The father is prepared to welcome him home with extravagant grace.

Debie Thomas, a writer and blogger, offers a further thought on “lostness.” “For a long time, I thought that the lost lamb and the lost coin represented sinners ‘out there.’ [But] the lost lamb… belongs to the shepherd’s flock from the very beginning…it is his lamb. Likewise, the coin in the second parable belongs to the woman... In other words, these parables are not about lost outsiders finding salvation… These parables are about us, the ‘insiders.’ ”

Lostness happens to God’s people. This could mean losing a sense of belonging, or the capacity to trust, our felt experience of God’s presence, or the will to persevere. Illness, crisis of faith, death, lost love, broken marriages, and yes, pandemics, can exacerbate lostness.

The sinners and tax collectors know they are lost; the sheep knows, and the son finally realizes his lostness. When that realization comes for people in our life, we can welcome them home, not with an accounting of sin but with extravagant grace.

Lostness happens to God’s people. This could mean losing a sense of belonging ... or the will to persevere.

Darryl Klassen

When people don’t want to admit that they are “lost,” nothing we say or do will convince them, and we are not called to chase after and rebuke them. But we shouldn’t be discouraged— there is more going on than we can manage without the Holy Spirit.

So, what do we do? Carey Nieuwhof offers these helps:

1. Focus on the people who stayed, not the people who left.

2. Turn your remaining attendees into engagers.

3. Celebrate and embrace your new church.

4. Continue to live-stream. We can’t force people back to church by discontinuing live-stream.

Who are the lost that Jesus wants us to find? From his own example, those who know they are lost and want to be found. Like Jesus, let’s work with those God gives us and leave the chasing to the Holy Spirit.

Darryl Klassen is lead pastor of Rosenort (Man.) Fellowship Church. This article is condensed from his opening message during the Ministerial Meeting on June 2, 2023. The full message can be viewed at vimeo.com/emconference.

The state of the church: a Conference Pastor perspective

There’s an old song from the sixties that starts with the line: “There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear” (“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield, 1966). These words are befitting the state of the Canadian church right now as things seem to have shifted and we are desperately trying to regain our sense of balance.

In spring 2022, Cardus, a Canadian non-partisan think tank, gathered data from nine surveys taken between 2017–2022 in order to get a snapshot of the religious landscape in Canada. In reading the report it is obvious that the events of the past three years have negatively affected the religious landscape in Canada. Looking around we may be tempted to ask the same question as Job; “Where then is [our] hope?” (Job 17:15).

The Cardus report, The Shifting Landscape of Faith in Canada (www.cardus.ca), highlights four distinct groups: about 19 percent of Canadians are now identified as being Non-religious. Half of these are between the ages of 18–40 and the majority are male. The greatest increase is those who are considered Spiritually Uncertain

(47 percent), with nearly half of this group being individuals who were raised in a faith tradition. Another expanding group is the Privately Faithful (19 percent)—those who choose to practice their faith apart from a religious community. Only 16 percent of Canadians are considered Religiously Committed.

The majority of those who are Religiously Committed self-identify as being Evangelical Christians, and most are female (58 percent). It appears from the data that within the Canadian church, women are keeping the spiritual fires burning, but are growing weary in doing so.

In measuring the degree of religious commitment, seven indicators were explored. How regularly do respondents (1) read the Bible, (2) attend a religious service, (3) feel God’s presence, and (4) pray? Then to what degree do they believe (5) religious education is important for kids, (6) there is life after death, and that (7) there is a living God? These seven indicators are what we would traditionally refer to as part of our Christian discipleship process.

Four white pills for the Canadian church

It is easy to decry the woes of the society and to fixate on the apparent shift away from the church. Yet, I believe embedded in the report are four white pills. A white pill refers to an opportunity for good amid what seems to be a

By Andy Woodworth

Andy Woodworth

negative situation. Here are the four white pills I believe are important for our churches today.

1. Kids ministry

I will give you two reasons why kids ministry is an important area to focus on right now. First, most Canadians support this as being important for a child’s development—even those who do not attend church themselves. Secondly, those who come to faith at a young age are most likely to be attending the church as adults.

Healthy churches place a high value on kids ministry by investing in the proper resources and emphasizing training that will ensure the ministry is done well. As children attend, interact, and engage, kids ministry opens the door for ministry with parents as well. Many adults who choose to return to church and consistently attend, do so because of their children.

2. Men’s ministry

In Canada, men aged 35–54 are the least likely demographic to feel God’s presence and as a result are less likely to truly engage in faith practices—reading the Bible, praying, and attending corporate worship services. Yet, the largest increase of Canadians who indicate they pray at least once a month is among men under the age of 35. Young men appear to be looking for meaning in their lives and are open to guidance from God and Christian mentors. The need right now is for an approach to men’s ministry that is experiential—where faith is practically lived out, integrity is promoted, and purpose is laid out as a challenge to be taken up.

3. Biblical integrity

According to the surveys three quarters of those who identify as Evangelical Christian are Religiously Committed. At the same time, “Mainline Protestants have the highest percentage of any other religious group in the Spiritually Uncertain category (at 56 percent)”. Churches that choose to de-emphasize the gospel message of repentance and obedience to biblical truths are seeing declining numbers. It’s not necessary to take up a defensive posture that isolates our churches from society. Neither are we required to step up on a soap box to denounce every wrong we see in the world. Instead, we take up the position of, “This is what the Bible says, let us endeavour to live it out together.”

4. Genuine experiences

The Cardus group highlighted that many are “yearning for” a religious experience. Over the years, we may have been so reluctant to fall into the trap of emotionalism that we have gutted the very thing that ensures longevity and faithfulness—genuine felt experiences. We are not talking about fake encounters or whipped-up frenzies. We are talking about providing space and time for encounters with the Divine. The researchers assert that; “rather than understanding religion as an escape from suffering, increasingly converts are seeking to understand their suffering within a religious context.” It’s about real people connecting with one another and with God in a genuine way. This is the very heart of the Anabaptist approach to ministry.

Renewed hope

Remember that God has a track record of moving in extraordinary ways during the darkest of times. Therefore, we do not want to grieve these times as those who have no hope. Instead, we want to look up with the attitude of Paul who said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 ESV). We want to be praying and positioning ourselves to be the church that Christ is calling us to be in these days.

Andy Woodworth began as EMC Conference Pastor in January 2023. This article is condensed from his presentation during the Ministerial Meeting on June 2, 2023. The full message can be viewed at vimeo.com/emconference.

Council approves church closure, amends Constitution

On June 3, 2023, Conference Council delegates gathered at Rosenort (Man.) EMC and online on Zoom to manage the business of the EMC. This included approving the closure of Good News Community Church in Steinbach, Man. and approving amendments to the EMC Constitution concerning “The Conference Ministerial” (under Section C. IV.) and “Commissioning, Credentialing and Ordination of Church Leaders” (Section B. III. 3.).

Opening devotional

Ward Parkinson, lead pastor of Rosenort EMC, said we don’t see the early church leaders “mapping out a five-year plan.” When Jesus had opportunity to declare his mission statement, he went to Isaiah 61:1–3. “The Messiah … has now equipped us with that same spirit to be his hands and his feet,” he said, and invited leaders to wrestle with how to implement Jesus’ mission within their churches.

General Board

Moderator Abe Bergen presented the motion to approve closure of Good News Community Church in Steinbach, which carried. While the church has officially closed, “I believe that each one would say that the GNCC chapter in their lives will forever be a part of who they have become,” reads part of a letter from Curtis Reimer on behalf of the church.

Bergen then expressed gratitude to retiring Executive Director Tim Dyck that “in spite of planning to be done a year ago … he joyfully and humbly continued to serve us” because of the turnover in personnel.

Asking “what do I want to say as parting words?” Dyck expressed that “EMC is special place; you churches are special people, and I have lived and breathed in that environment of that specialness for the last 16 years.” He appreciates the growing diversity of EMC, saying “keep it going.”

Vice-moderator Darren Plett then provided a report on the work of the Personnel Committee. He listed personnel changes: Mo

Election results

Vice-moderator

1 vacancy

Board of Church Ministries

David Kruse (MacGregor EMC)

3 vacancies

Board of Leadership and Outreach

Abe Berg (Straffordville EMC)

Cameron McKenzie (Fort Garry EMC)

Glenn Loewen (Portage Evangelical Church)

Board of Missions

Gord Utz (Portage Evangelical Church)

1 vacancy

Board of Trustees

Frank Wall (Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship)

Nominating Committee

Sebastian Borda (Steinbach EFC)

Darren Plett (Pleasant Valley EMC)

Anna Bueckert (Bow Island EMC)

3 vacancies

To assist with filling listed vacancies, please contact the EMC office at 204-326-6401 or info@emconference.ca.

Friesen (Director, Next Generation) and Andy Woodworth (Conference Pastor) both began in January 2023. He introduced Emery Plett, EMC’s Executive Director set to begin in midJuly 2023, saying to Emery, “You don’t get to sit at the back much longer.” He also introduced George Dumitrascu (Director of Global Outreach) who was set to begin in August 2023, but has since resigned (see announcement on p. 5). Additional new staff are Betty Ramones (Church Leadership Assistant; just begun earlier that week) and Beth Reimer (Office Bookkeeper; set to begin in the next week or two).

Giving an update on an employee engagement survey initiated by the Board of Trustees, Tim Dyck said, overall, staff are “satisfied and engaged.” He expressed gratitude to Marilyn Funk on the Personnel Committee for her work in creating the summary of the results.

Abe Bergen presented one amendment to the proposed Constitution changes (which were moved and seconded at the Conference Council meeting on November 26, 2022), to add the words “setting apart” to the introductory paragraph. The amended motion carried.

Board of Trustees

Vice-chair of the Board of Trustees

Andrew Kampen gave some further information on the employee engagement survey which encompassed national office staff, church planters and EMC administered missionaries. While the results are positive, the BOT will be “analyzing the results to look at areas of improvement,” Kampen said. He also summarized the EMC audited financial statements from 2022.

National Youth Committee

Mo Friesen introduced a video from the first planners of Abundant Springs, EMC’s youth gathering, which is now celebrating 40 years. While getting buy-in for the first event was a challenge, the May 19–22, 2023, event gathered together over 600 people (of which over 450 were students).

Board of Church Ministries

Sarah Barkman, board chair, thanked the National Youth Committee for their “exemplary servant leadership” both during Abundant Springs and in the planning process.

Board member David Kruse, who also serves on the Archives Committee, walked delegates through the process to access photos on the

Mennonite Archival Information Database.

Chair of the Education Committee

Mike Doerksen said the committee’s current major project is book on interpreting Scripture which they hope will be released at EMC Festival in 2024.

Board of Missions

Board chair Phil Hamm is grateful to Ruth Block in the EMC office and to Rolf Kruse who served as interim Director of Global Mission. Calvin Tiessen, he reported, was in attendance at Abundant Springs talking to youth and will soon be submitting a report on recruiting in the EMC.

Delegates also heard from Kyla Plett, who serves in northern Manitoba (see a summary of her report on p. 33), and from workers involved in people care in Central Asia.

Church Planting Task Force

Chair Glenn Plett highlighted two objectives of the CPTF. The first is to “increase promotion and recruitment for new church planters, including internship, bi-vocational and full-time opportunities.” The second objective is to enhance support for current church planters.

Director Gerald Reimer introduced the poll results as to where EMC delegates see the greatest need for church planting in Canada (see sidebar). He highlighted several church plants that are in the process of adjusting to changing needs of their communities.

Board of Leadership and Outreach

The BLO is working on a Pastoral Ethics Covenant as a resource for churches, said BLO chair Cameron McKenzie. In addition, a Ministerial Misconduct Policy has been adopted and will be incorporated into an updated Minister’s Manual.

Closing

After opportunity for questions from delegates, the meeting was adjourned.

– Rebecca Roman, Editor

Poll results

Of the following options, which would you say is the most pressing need for church planting in Canada?

With my unevangelized neighbours down the street.

With young adults or university students.

How well equipped is your church today to advance Christ’s kingdom culture in your surrounding community to live, reach, gather and teach?

Poorly equipped, only holding on

Well equipped, advancing steadily

Somewhat equipped, seeing some progress

abundant springs celebrates 40 years

Iam writing this from aboard a very warm bus, packed to the brim with two youth groups. We’re only about halfway through an eight-hour journey back to our homes. We are sweaty, tired, and wouldn’t be blamed for being a little grumpy. But that’s not the current mood; youth are singing along to music behind me right now. The reason is simple: we were just at Abundant Springs.

We’re on the bus because, this year, Abundant Springs was back at Briercrest (in Caronport, Saskatchewan) for the first time in four years. This was no small feat to pull off. It required a lot of logistical planning, such as managing food plans, figuring out where everyone was going to sleep, keeping large groups on a consistent schedule, and keeping the lines of people waiting to use the adultsized tricycles organized and calm.

By Andrew Reimer

All of these practical concerns are in service of the heart of the event— bringing together EMC youth groups from across the country for discipleship, fellowship, worship and to have fun together. And that goal was accomplished. This, the 40th anniversary of the first Abundant Springs, was the third largest one in that timespan, with youth groups travelling many hours to attend.

The worship sessions

We all finished our different journeys on Friday the 19th, gathering together for a meal before we had our first session. The speaker this year was Mo Friesen (pulling double duty as he is also Director Next Generation for EMC). Speaking to this many people can be challenging, but Mo dove into it with gusto, calling the youth to step out in faith and serve the Lord who

“

I loved how intentional each of the entertainment guests were. They entertained, but also brought really good messages about God!”

PHOTOS BY BRAYDEN SCHINKEL

sees us, knows us, and loves us. Having a great worship band doesn’t hurt either, and members of Swan City Collective were fantastic, inviting the Spirit to work in us and leading us in times of praise and response.

Saturday night featured a call from Mo to come forward and write on a piece of paper what God was calling those in attendance to surrender to him, perhaps a decision about the future or a relationship. Watching wave after wave of youth put their papers into a jar that Mo then destroyed felt like watching the hand of God tangibly move in people’s lives.

Sunday night featured another call to response, this time in giving. Our missions campaign was the Paraguay Compassion Project and again, watching youth who don’t have much themselves earnestly giving was humbling and encouraging.

The workshops

The workshops spread throughout two days, with each youth getting three time slots to choose between the ten available options. Some included Gord Penner running through the Old Testament, Peter Ascough taking a hard look at the realities of mental health, and Calvin Tiessen shining some light on how people communicate, both consciously and not. The slightly more

classroom approach contrasted nicely with what came next, because it wasn’t all about challenging questions and serious discussions.

The games

There were many games and activities happening throughout the weekend too. There was a nine-square ball game set up in the Hub outside the chapel, and I’m guessing there was only about twenty minutes of free time per day where it wasn’t in use. The line to join next often stretched all the way across the Hub.

Spikeball and Gaga ball were also used frequently, but the real big games were Rec on Saturday and the Wide Game on Sunday. Rec time featured a bunch of different sports and games being played and tournaments helmed by youth leaders. Basketball, volleyball, and street hockey tournaments all led to honourable losses and hard-fought victories. And after the evening’s session, that atmosphere of competition and gamesmanship continued in The Showdown, a gameshow where volunteers were subject to varying gross contests. A highlight of the entire weekend (for me, anyway) was watching a kid drink a blended Happy Meal in about six seconds. You can check our highlight video (https://vimeo.com/829884782) for proof—just incredible stuff from that champion.

“ I really liked the theme of reminding us we are in God’s hands and then trusting Him as we take next steps with our future. I thought the challenges were great and having people come forward are great steps of faith as well to ge them started on that journey. Jesus was very central which is always awesome!!”

The Wide Game on Sunday featured youth trying to bring a balloon to different challenges spread across the campus while leaders roamed with the goal of popping their balloon. It’s been my experience that as these sorts of games progress, the youth get better at the game while the leaders get better at manipulating the game. This was no exception. Fake stations began to appear, and between the desperate foot chases and tricky challenges, it was a thrilling afternoon.

The performances

Each of these fun afternoons and spiritual evenings turned into a late night party. Different acts were brought out for each night, and while people were free to leave and go to bed early, those who chose that missed out on great times.

Scribe, a musical artist from Vancouver, put on a show Friday night featuring a mosh pit, chapel-shaking bass, and spiritual truth.

Refined/Undignified is a dance group that came out for a good portion of the weekend. This means that while they put on a great show Saturday evening, they were also around to throw a dance party on Friday evening, and then train some students during the Rec time to do a big group dance routine for us all later. Many of those students had never done anything like that before; it was very cool to see.

Sunday night featured Matt Falk, a stand-up comic. He did very well and is very funny. While I don’t want to take anything from him, exhausted as we were, we were all easy marks by that point of the weekend. So, it was a deliriously funny night.

The journey

That leaves us, of course, with this morning. After such a packed weekend of community and spiritual high, heading home can be almost a little melancholy.

Fortunately, we spent the last of our time together in worship and encouragement. We sang praises to God as one body and were commissioned as we left to go impact the lives of those around us with the gospel, and live soldout lives for Jesus. Now, having scattered to the far-flung corners of Canada, our hope is that this weekend was not just a mountaintop experience, but a real step in our journey with Jesus. Thank you so much for all your prayer and support.

Andrew Reimer is currently serving with GEM in Northern Ireland. A graduate of Steinbach Bible College, he has served with his home church of Steinbach EFC and been a director for Beaver Creek Bible Camp in the last year.

“

There is so much passion among the leaders of youth in this conference. The fire that is shown in leadership is translated to the kids. It was amazing to minister alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ.”

[What I will take away from the weekend is] being intentional and bold and taking the next step of faith. To keep growing, trusting that God will steer and direct as we move forward in faith.”

ABUNDANT

SPRINGS

May 19-22, Briercrest Seminary at Caronport, Saskatchewan

Christian artist “Scribe”

Dance troupe “Refined/Undignified”

Main speaker Mo Friesen

Source: www.mattfalkcomedy.com

Comedian Matt Falk

SBC Professor Arlene Friesen

Irene Ascough teaching youth about decision-making

Students attending worskshops

Calvin Tiessen EMC missionary with Wycliffe

Rob Wiebe for The Word Ministries

Amazing artwork

Outdoor basketball court

Spike ball fun!

Dance troupe workshop

Fun icebreaker

Hub time

Nine square

Group photo Abundant Springs 2023

Photos provided by Brayden Schinkel

Family fun at the EMC Annual Festival in Rosenort, Man.!

Recording sessions

Ministerial day Q&A

Conference Council

Prayer for Emery Plett, new EMC Exec. Director

New credentialed members

Donuts, an all-time favorite!

Sunny (hot) day in Rosenort!

Saturday wiener roast!

Some of the EMC regional pastors

Find the license plates game!

Face painting

Picnic with mom!

Sunday funday

Van packing contest

Family feud

Van game winners!

Kid’s train

Worship through art

Local worship band

Sunday service

Praying before message

Praying together

Outdoor service

Recording service

The fruit of vocation

A series on 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12.

Are you fulfilled? We’ve likely all asked ourselves some version of this question about our lives and vocation. Is my life meaningful? Am I doing the right things with my life? These are important questions.

Early in our time of service we were commonly asked by those we met, “Why did you come here?” Our answers often looked to the future—to what we were hoping to see happen, to activities and relationships we were pursuing. In later years, we began to be asked, “What keeps you here?” Sometimes we would answer by sharing what we had seen God do throughout our time of ministry.

But there was another answer which was even more significant for me, particularly as the years progressed. As I looked at my life and ministry, I realized that “I like who I am here.” Who I had become, what I now knew about the Lord and the way he works in and through me, my understanding of where I was best skilled and shaped to love others—all these things were at the heart of what kept me serving. I came to understand more fully Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1: 11–12, that God would “fulfill” the vocational calling of the Thessalonian church. The concept of “fulfillment” is an essential aspect of Christian vocation. God’s calling on our lives is expressed through fulfillment of our vocational efforts. The works of faith in which we engage, which come out of the desire for good God has placed in our hearts and souls, are affirmed and approved by God in their fulfillment. This is the fruit of our vocation. Christian vocation is fruitful.

I have noticed two aspects in my life and ministry which I recognize as elements of God’s fulfillment. First, when I am engaging in my

vocational calling, I grow closer to God. I ask myself often, “Are the activities of my life and ministry drawing me closer to God?” My relationship with God should be intricately tied to the shape of my vocation. I should depend fully on him in all that I do. And I should see my understanding of him and my love for him grow stronger, as I do the things I am uniquely called by him to do in the world.

Second, I have come to appreciate the way the apostle Paul viewed his own vocational efforts. He understood that Christian vocation is always “for” someone. Our giftings have

By Calvin Tiessen

been specifically given to us to strengthen others and the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:3–8). The fruitfulness of our vocational efforts should be evident in how others are benefiting. How are others growing because of our lives and ministries? Who is better off because of what we do? Through our vocation we should expect others to know Christ better and be better able to fulfill their own life calling. We should see the environments in which we live and work become more conducive to Christ-like speech and activity. And we should see relationships around us become healthier. Christian vocation is fruitful. When God fulfills Christian vocation we come closer to him, and we strengthen the presence of Christ in the spaces and relationships through which we move.

When we look at the fruitfulness of our lives and ministries it is my prayer that we will each be able to say, “I like who I am here.”

The fruitfulness of our vocational efforts should be evident in how others are benefiting.

Books (and More)

Deeper than African Soil, a memoir by Faith Eidse (Masthof Press, 2023). 344 pp. Reviewed by Doris Penner, a member of Prairie Rose EMC.

Faith Eidse’s memoir is essentially a coming-of-age story, but what makes it unique is the backdrop of growing up in Africa with intermittent periods spent “back home” in Manitoba. Her childhood and teenage years encapsulate experiences seldom faced by children in Canadian culture, such as frequent separation from family, boarding school trauma, escaping revolution and grappling with new cultures.

Deeper than African Soil begins with Eidse’s first memories of Congo as daughter of Ben and Helen Eidse, well-known in EMC circles as missionaries working in Bible translation and health care. It concludes with her graduation from high school when another wrenching separation confronted her—leaving behind the places that were so embedded in her soul, running “deeper than African soil.”

This book is particularly valuable because it explores missionary experience from a child’s point of view. While some readers may question the reliability of memories retrieved decades after the lived experience, Eidse is upfront with the way her story is told—not necessarily exactly as it happened, but the way she remembers it. So while events may be compressed and dialogues recreated, the feelings of pain, anxiety, joy and exhilaration remain vivid in her memory.

Eidse is at her best in the first half of the book, drawing in the reader with her vibrant descriptions of the wild raw landscape, daily life in the villages and interactions through work and play with the local Congolese. We get glimpses of the work her parents are involved in, but only as it intersects with the life of the sisters. For example, in a later evaluation, Eidse acknowledges that in accompanying her mother, Helen, on visits to attend leprosy patients, her empathy for those in suffering began to mature.

Even as a child, Eidse is aware of issues that as an adult she would more deeply grapple with—the disparity between rich and poor, for example (“we often rode while

they walked, flew while they stayed”). Her response in the early years was simply to dive in, hunt and play in an effort to close the gap.

Eidse devotes several chapters to the revolution of the 1960s—the graphic first-person account will intrigue students of African politics. Again, it’s interesting to read about the terror and atrocities of war from a child’s perspective; the adventure, yes, but more the anxiety and fear of the unknown.

In the latter half of the memoir, Eidse faces the usual angst of teenage years—looking for love and acceptance, defining relationships with boys, and figuring out who she wants to be. Over and above that, she struggles with being separated from parents, strict rules in the Mennonite hostel and emotional and sexual abuse.

The pervading conclusion the reader is left with is that not enough attention has been given to “third culture kids” (TCKs)—those raised in a culture other than their parents’ culture—and never feeling rooted in either. Eidse’s memoir is an impressive account of exploring how the feelings of displacement come about and the challenges it creates.

Faith Eidse has published her parents’ oral history, Light of the World (2012) and a novel based on her years of volunteering in wome’’s prisons, Healing Falls (2018), as well contributed to several books on growing up global. Her memoir, Deeper than African Soil, won the Kingsbury Award for writing.

While some readers may question the reliability of memories retrieved decades after the lived experience, Eidse is upfront with the way her story is told—not necessarily exactly as it happened, but the way she remembers it.

Young Christian leaders for northern Manitoba

THOMPSON, MAN.

I’ve been in full-time missions with InterAct Ministries for eight years now, based out of Thompson, Man. God has been working to grow disciples. Four people in their early 20s that my team and I have been working with since they were probably 12 or 13, attended Steinbach Bible College this last year and will serve as interns at Midway Bible Camp this summer.

God has grown these relationships to the point that they are now reciprocal, and these young people are mentoring me. We took a group of youth to a native youth conference close to Edmonton a few weeks ago and for the first time in eight years, I wasn’t the only female leader. It was so encouraging to have three other girls helping. When I was stressed, they were there to support me. And when they were stressed, I was there to support them. I’m blessed to have them in my life and that they’ve allowed me into their lives.

I meet with three different Serving and Leadership Training (SALT) youth groups: one in Thompson, one in Nelson House, about 45 minutes from Thompson, and one in Split Lake, an hour and a half from Thompson. I’m also assistant director at Midway Bible camp this summer. The highlight of my job is spending individual time with people and showing them what it looks like to follow Jesus every day.

A previous role was leading the training program for younger camp staff (also called SALT). I’m excited to pass this role on to one of our interns. At this point we are on track to have 40 kids coming for the training program, which is higher than we’ve ever had before. God is raising up kids that want to serve him and want to serve in a camp context. Some of them just like camp and want to be there longer and they get to come and hear the gospel message, clearly stated.

Another way we’ve seen God working is through youth groups. During COVID, we stopped trying to get newer kids to come and focused on maintaining relationships with the same people. But about a year ago, most of the

kids in our youth groups were aged out of it. It was hard to know which kids would start attending, but God has provided amazingly. It’s an honour to build trust so we can speak openly about the things they’re struggling with and point them to Jesus.

We plan to break ground on a new site for Midway Bible Camp this fall. We can’t stay on the current site, but God provided another place. We plan to build a year-round facility to hold youth retreats and other programming throughout the year. We’re waiting on more government paperwork, which has been the theme for the last 10 years, but now it’s a little bit less government paperwork.

Pray with us that God would be glorified and that many kids will come to know him and continue to serve him as they grow up.

– Kyla Plett

Kyla Plett (Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel) works in Northern Manitoba with InterAct Ministries Canada and Midway Bible Camp. This article is a summary of Kyla’s presentation to Conference Council on June 3, 2023.

God has grown these relationships to the point that they are now reciprocal, and these young people are mentoring me.

A practical support for Indigenous students

STEINBACH, MAN.

A lot of people wonder exactly what it means to honour truth and reconciliation and also be a follower of Jesus. I think that as followers of Jesus we ought to be the people most concerned with truth and reconciliation. We worship a God who’s not just concerned about truth, but he calls himself the truth (John 14:6). And we follow a God who isn’t just concerned about reconciliation in a political or temporary sense, but who has by the shedding of his own blood reconciled the world to himself (Romans 5:9–11).

We are at least somewhat aware of the history of the Christian religion in Canada and the mistreatment of Indigenous people over the last few centuries. In light of

developed an Indigenous Student Success Fund. It’s a bursary that provides financial support for Indigenous students to come and study at SBC.

There is misinformation that all Indigenous people get free education. For a lot of young people, the financial burdens and barriers are overwhelming, especially since they are often coming from small churches without the ability to provide financial support. Yet there’s overwhelming demand for young people to be trained, discipled and equipped with tools for ministry. This fund also supports Indigenous students by funding the Indigenous student advisor position.

This last academic year there were eight Indigenous students representing six different nations studying at the college. We were able to spend time on the land and in the woods, visit other Indigenous believers in Saskatchewan, and bring in Indigenous Christian Elders to speak and to share.

I’ve spoken to Indigenous people who have attended Bible school. It was overwhelming when they were the only people there who were Indigenous, and the cultural barriers were a challenge. I’m so pleased to be part of a college that recognizes the need and the opportunity to support Indigenous young people who are interested in growing their faith to be ministers of the gospel and to be missionaries to their own people. I can think of no other more effective way to bless, empower, engage and share Jesus with Indigenous people than by equipping Indigenous students.

this wrong, people wonder how to respond. First steps are learning the history and hearing the stories, then going on to correct stereotypes and misinformation. But beyond that, people want a practical way to help.

There is right now a great opportunity to respond in a practical way. Steinbach Bible College (SBC) has recently

– Joshua Dueck

Joshua Dueck (Steinbach EMC) serves on the EMC Indigenous Ministry Committee and as dean of men and Indigenous student advisor for Steinbach Bible College.

“I grew so much this year, it has been so inspiring to be reminded that God has a plan to reconcile the world to himself, and that our people are included in that plan too.”

“The year has been a huge blessing, with many opportunities to grow in my spiritual and academic life. SBC has helped me to nurture my faith while diving into Biblical studies in a space where community is everything.”

Why are we serving in Bolivia?

A couple of months ago we were excited when a family invited us to their home, with permission to have Sunday school with the children. We spent a lot of time praying, asking God to lead, and for the Holy Spirit to work. Sunday evening arrived, and we drove out to the home and the gate was closed. No one was home. We were extremely disheartened. We keep praying for this family. In other visits, they have been friendly but have not issued any more invitations.

BOLIVIA

While I come from southern Alberta, I currently serve in Bolivia with Misión Evangélica Menonita (MEM)—Mennonite Evangelical Mission in English. Our team consists of 33 people, including children, and we all come from different countries: Mexico, Belize, Paraguay, the United States and Canada. We live in different communities, but we all work toward the same goal: to bring the gospel to the Low German Mennonites in Bolivia. I’m so thankful for the team that I work with; they are my family in Bolivia.

Why are we working in Bolivia? There are approximately 120 colonies in Bolivia with new ones built every year. Of the approximately 150,000 Mennonites, most of them are Old Colony Mennonites. They have the Bible in High German but are not able to understand it and are not encouraged to read it or study it. Electricity, cars and phones are not allowed. Children do not attend church until they are out of school. Boys attend school until they are 12 years old and girls until they are 11 years old.

The colonies are governed by church leaders. If members break the colony rules, they face excommunication, which means that they are banned from the church. Their children are not allowed to attend school. They cannot sell their milk, which is their main source of income. They’re also shunned by their families and neighbours.

We have been meeting in the Belice Colony since October 2022. We go out every Sunday afternoon to sing and pray together, and we have a Bible study class every Thursday evening, but only one or two couples come out regularly. We try to visit families individually and often buy milk, cheese, butter and eggs to build new connections. Families usually enjoy visiting but are not open to hearing about the gospel. My focus is children’s ministry, but so far, I don’t have any children to minister to.

Join us in praying for Bolivia. Pray for those on the colonies battling abuse, addictions, and oppression. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts and that they will turn to Jesus. And for those that do turn to Jesus, pray for them as some of them will have to give up everything to follow Jesus. Pray for us as MEM that we will have the resources and wisdom to know how to help these new Christians start a new life.

Pray that God will provide a place where we can gather. In order to avoid having us there, the colony leaders will likely soon purchase the old clinic building we are currently using. Pray for the families that are excommunicated—that somehow there will be a way that they can stay living inside the colony and not have to move out, so they can be witnesses to their families and their neighbours.

– Nancy Friesen

Nancy Friesen (Picture Butte Mennonite Church) works in Bolivia with Low German Mennonites through Mision Evangelica Menonita (MEM). She lives in the community of Villa Nueva and is helping with a new outreach/church plant in the Belice Colony.

PHOTOS BY RUTH BLOCK

Singing time on Belice Colony (Nancy Friesen in right foreground).

With Our Churches

EMC Church Planting in Canada

What do church plants need?

As your church members take some time off this summer to prepare for ministry programming starting in September, I’d like to encourage you individually and collectively to consider making some of your resources available to new church plants near you.

The EMC currently has 11 church plants and outreaches across Canada, defined as being roughly in their first 10 years of existence or receiving subsidy from the conference. Let me introduce you to these churches and their pastors/leaders.

The Forge (St. Thomas) – Bill and Beth Janzen. Began in 2019. Focus is on de-churched or non-churched people.

Average Attendance – 40.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of resources that our church plants would benefit from:

Prayer support

Prayer walking

Financial support for building rentals, outreach events, etc.

Donations of music equipment, toys, other supplies

People who can:

• Play guitar, keyboard, percussion, or another instrument

• Train church plant leadership in finance

• Help write the constitution

• Help with acquiring charitable status

• Serve on the church board

• Teach a Sunday School class

• Teach English to first generation members of immigrant churches

• Host a Bible study

Glory of Christ (Toronto) – Jember and Tina Rijato. Began in 2019. Focus is on Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants.

Average Attendance – 50.

• Bake snacks for ministry events

• Join in outreach events – handing out flyers, or wherever needed

• Help with VBS

• Provide sound or media tech support

• Preach a Sunday sermon

• Babysit the church planters’ kids

• Help run youth events

• Help run men’s events

• Help run women’s events

Together, the body of Christ can see the church grow in a city, town, or neighbourhood near you! Thank you for your support!

– Gerald Reimer Director of Canadian Church Planting

Ephrata Evangelical Church (Edmonton) – Molugeta Kalisho. Began in 2019. Focus is on Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants.

Average Attendance – 15.

Gospel Light Fellowship (Redcliff) – Abe and Kara Penner. Began in 2013. Focus on community and Low-German speaking people.

Average Attendance – 20.

Island Gospel Church (Bow Island) – Abe and Lisa Dyck. Began in 2021. Focus is on LowGerman speaking people.

Average Attendance – 70.

The ConneXion (Arborg) – Peter Dueck. Began in 2006. Focus is on BELLS model (Bless, Eat, Listen, Learn, Sent).

Average Attendance – 20.

Spanish Outreach (Winnipeg) – Mario Alvizurus. Began in 2015.

Average Attendance – 10.

Kingdom Life Church (Winnipeg) – Ibrahim and Phebe Zabaneh. Began in 2020. Focus is on Arabicspeaking people, primarily refugees.

Average Attendance – 50.

Many Rooms Church Community (Winnipeg) – Dave Guenther, Jen Kornelsen, Stephanie Unger. Began in 2004. Focus is on house churches in inner-city.

Average Attendance – 50.

Winnipeg Logos – Helen Wang. Began in 2017. Focus is on Chinese immigrants.

Average Attendance – 10.

Outreach (Ste. Agathe) – Scott and Debbie Dick. Began in 2018. Focus is on families in this predominantly Frenchspeaking, dual-income, commuter community, 15-minutes south of Winnipeg.

Average Attendance – 25 people attend various Bible studies and kids’ events.

Ladies breakfast at Braeside

On May 6, Braeside Church held its first ladies breakfast of 2023, where the men of the church treat the women to a delicious breakfast.

Festival 2023 videos vimeo.com/emconference

1 and 2, highlights

Ministerial 2023 videos vimeo.com/emconference Three messages available

Treasurer’s Day 2023 videos vimeo.com/emconference Zoom presentations

Christian Education Update www.emconference.com/ christian-education-update

Braeside Church

WINNIPEG, Man.

– Celeste De los Rios

With Our Churches

Crestview Fellowship

Packing in activities in June

WINNIPEG, Man.—Crestview Fellowship enjoyed a very busy month of June. It makes me wonder again about why we have our convention in June. Oops, did I say that out loud? June is a time of graduations, church picnics, baptisms and church camps—pack it all in before vacations start.

On June 4, we celebrated baptism. Andrea Pukalo and Daniel Plantje were baptized upon their confession of faith. They both have amazing testimonies of how God pursued them over many years. Andrea and her husband Terry also dedicated themselves to raising their son Maxwell for the Lord.

On June 11, we had our outdoor service and lunch together. It was well attended, and we enjoyed a perfect morning, weather-wise, to meet together. We also celebrated our graduating grade 12 students with a special Q and A and, of course, cake and ice cream.

Please remember us in your prayers as we continue to navigate the situation of having the Kargbo family living in our church building. A lot of wisdom is needed in this. Thank you.

– Pastor Darrel Guenther

Pastor Darrel Guenther stands with baptismal candidates Daniel Plantje and Andrea Pukalo (holding son Maxwell).

Both baptismal candidates have amazing testimonies of how God pursued them over many years.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

On June 11, Crestview celebrated their grade 12 graduates (above) and held an outdoor service (left).

Steinbach Bible College celebrates 2023 graduating class

STEINBACH, Man.—On the weekend of April 28–29, SBC celebrated another class of graduating students, both at the college chapel and at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church (EEFC) in Steinbach.

There were 35 graduates this year: four Pursuit Experiential Leadership grads, four Certificate of Biblical Studies grads, five Associate of Arts grads, and 22 Bachelor of Arts grads.

The festivities began on April 28, where students, staff, faculty, family members and friends gathered for the Spring Showcase on the SBC campus. Attendees enjoyed a night of worship, special music, skits from New Creation (the college drama troupe), plus a panel of professors.

The night also featured the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the one-year certificate graduates. Josh Chen, one of the four grads, shared some highlights from his year of Bible college. These included bonding with his roommate, the all-college retreat, and the first-year Mission X trip to Winnipeg. Chen also noted the personal growth in his journey with God through his classes and the community at SBC.

“This graduating class was among the most diverse groups we’ve ever had,” Dr. Terry Hiebert, SBC interim president, said on Friday night. “Our vision of multicultural graduates that are following Jesus, serving the church, and engaging the world for God’s kingdom in meaningful vocations is coming to life.”

The next day, celebrations moved to McKenzie Avenue in Steinbach for the graduation ceremony. Family and friends watched on this special day as the AA and BA grads walked down the aisle, and across the stage to receive their diplomas. Afterward, a banquet was held for graduates and invited guests.

The commencement address was given by former SBC President Dr. Rob Reimer, now the executive pastor at EEFC. He spoke on Revelation 2:1–7, a letter that the angel of the Lord tells John to write to the church in Ephesus.

“As life becomes more difficult for us as followers of Jesus, I encourage you to hold onto your training,” Reimer said to the graduates. “Reflect on your time at SBC, and how through the strength of the Holy Spirit, you endured. In fact, many of you flourished. We saw a better version of you because of your hard work and endurance.”

Riley Hiebert, chosen as the 2023 class valedictorian, reflected on his time at the college. “It’s crazy that after many years of academic study, we can say that the one aim of our hearts and minds is not academic at all, but only to make Jesus fully known,” he explained.

Hiebert shared some encouragement for the graduates and special guests. “First, follow Jesus and submit to him in every area. Second, serve the church and bless the body of Christ in the ways we have been gifted. Third, engage the world and do it for God’s kingdom.

The attendees and graduates also heard from incoming President Dave Reimer. Reimer shared some poignant words with the grads, saying, “You worked hard for this, and it’s changed your character. So go and continue to follow Jesus, because the church needs you and the world needs Jesus.”

– SBC

PHOTOS BY ANTHONY MARK SCHELLENBERG

EMC graduates in 2023 are: (back row) Dymtro Shevchenko (Ridgewood EMC), Bridger Dyck (Steinbach EMC), (front row) Suzanna Hopcraft (St. Vital EMC), Emma Martens (Stony Brook Fellowship), Kalia Kruse (Rosenort Fellowship), and Abby Dueck (Rosenort Fellowship).

Kalia Kruse receives her diploma from Dr. Terry Hiebert, interim president.

Golfers raise over $43,000 for Project Builders ventures

STEINBACH, Man.—Project Builders is an initiative of the EMC Board of Missions that funds mission projects around the world through an annual golf tournament and faithful donors and sponsors.

The EMC Project Builders 29th annual golf tournament took place on June 15, 2023. The Texas Scramble (best ball) style tournament raised over $43,000 for this year’s projects as 135 golfers enjoyed the beautiful weather and camaraderie on the course and over lunch.

Auctioneer Henry Penner helped raise additional funds as he auctioned off donated sports memorabilia—a Bombers’ jersey, a San Jose jersey signed by James Reimer, a Schiefele-signed stick and a photo signed by Josh Morrissey. The short program also included the awarding of prizes to the winners of the on-course contests and brief updates from each of the project’s representatives.

Project 1

Arley and Janice Loewen have shifted their focus in ministry to Afghans living in Canada. Many refugees have made their way to Canada in the last year, including several Afghan Christian families supported by EMC churches. The Loewens travel across Canada to visit and encourage these Afghan believers. They also host retreats at key locations to gather these Afghan Christians together. Their next retreat is planned for this August.

Project 2

Calvin works with an organization training Latin American mission workers for ministry in Central Asia. This training is conducted in three phases. Phase one takes place in Latin America. The 14 missionaries that completed this training in December 2022 moved on to phase two, a three-month internship in Central Asia where they experience living and ministering in a local context. Phase three will see them transition to a longterm field assignment.

Project 3

Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA) is a regular golf tournament focus, and this year’s project is to renew and repurpose the main floor of their building to create a space for community drop-in and care. Kent Dueck shared an update on some of the ways ICYA continues to minister in Winnipeg’s North End, including Step Up Construction. Step Up Construction is an ICYA-run social enterprise that employs and mentors local youth to give them a step up into the construction industry and job market, and they will be doing much of the prep work for the renovation.

These projects, totalling $28,000, are just three of the 17 projects being funded by Project Builders in 2023. Other projects include church construction in Nicaragua, replacing damaged radio equipment in Paraguay, funding the creation of an evangelism-focused short film in Northern Ireland, building a school classroom in Zambia and many more.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.projectbuilders.ca or contact the office at 204-326-6401 or projectbuilders@emconference.ca .

– Ruth Block, EMC Outreach Assistant

Young adults retreat to gain connection

At the beginning of March, a group of 90-plus young adults met together at Red Rock Bible Camp in the Whiteshell region of Manitoba for a weekend of connecting with God and other EMC young adults.

On Friday evening, as the group gathered for their first session, the chapel was a buzz with voices as the group played games and spent time singing together.

Voices then quieted as James Driedger challenged us to understand that faith development always includes times of construction, deconstruction and reconstruction. As we take more ownership in the faith we learned as children, there are certain elements that we need to adjust and grow in our understanding. While this time of deconstruction is normal it is not the end goal. Reconstruction and growth in our relationship with Jesus is always the end goal.

The rest of the evening was spent skating, playing games, eating and there was an abundance of laughter.

Saturday morning included a choice of seminars that covered recognizing God’s call, some practical steps for navigating a challenging world, and finding your place in the community of faith.

The afternoon was beautiful, and the weather gave great reason to spend time outside, skiing, tubing, playing broom ball, or just meeting new people.

As we gathered for the evening session, the group seemed different. Friday evening seemed like many groups gathering together; Saturday evening felt like one large group. As we worshipped together, there was an enthusiasm and expectancy for God to move. As the group discussed and processed that evening’s message, there were many significant discussions and conversations that took place. It was so encouraging to see young adults wrestling through the ways that God was calling them to serve and live their lives.

Sunday concluded with a morning worship time before everyone headed home. It was so good to see the interaction and engagement that came from this group.

A big thank you to the group of Region 8 youth pastors that planned and led the event. I am excited to see the ways that God is bringing and will continue to bring spiritual growth and vitality to our local churches through the young adults of the EMC.

– Mo Friesen, EMC Director Next Generation

As we worshipped together, there was an enthusiasm and expectancy for God to move.

PHOTOS BY BRAYDEN SCHINKEL

EMC office says farewell to Tim Dyck and Wannetta Fast

Tim Dyck is celebrated by Conference Council on June 3, 2023, for his 16 years of service within the EMC national office. An event was also held for family and EMC staff on June 15. “EMC is a special place,” says Dyck, “and it has been a great honour and privilege [to serve].”

Anabaptism at 500 project surpasses goal of 500 study groups contributing to Anabaptist Community Bible

HARRISONBURG, VA—The Anabaptism at 500 Project is proud to announce it has exceeded its goal of 500 study groups contributing to the Anabaptist Community Bible. The project, which was launched to mark the five hundredth anniversary of Anabaptism, invited groups from around the world to participate in the creation of a new Bible with annotations that reflect the values and perspectives of the Anabaptist tradition. The response to the project has been overwhelming, with study groups registering from 16 countries and 58 Anabaptist-Mennonite denominations and church bodies. These groups are studying assigned scriptures together. The reflections and questions they generate, supplemented by insights from biblical scholars and early Anabaptist witness testimonies gathered by Anabaptist historians, will

appear as marginal notes in the Anabaptist Community Bible. The project will reflect the thoughts of the Anabaptist community and provide a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the Anabaptist tradition.

The Anabaptist Community Bible will be available for purchase in 2025 along with other products being created to commemorate the historic milestone. The project team encourages churches and individuals to visit AnabaptismAt500.com to find resources and stay informed on other projects in development. Currently, Anabaptism at 500 is seeking photos and story submissions for a full-color photobook.

Wannetta Fast, EMC office accountant for 37 years, is celebrated with a staff lunch on June 27, 2023, as she prepares to enter retirement.

PHOTOS BY BETTY RAMONES/RUTH BLOCK

MCC challenges people to donate 10,000 school kits in August

In August, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) challenges people to donate 10,000 school kits—full of school supplies—for 10,000 children around the world. This School Kit Challenge has the extra incentive of a school kit photo contest.

Kit supplies that are needed include pencils, pens, an eraser, a pencil sharpener, ruler, coloured pencils and four spiral-bound notebooks. (Details at mcc.org/schoolkit-challenge). They are combined in a cloth drawstring bag, which is useful for distribution and for a student’s organization.

In many countries, children don’t have access to these basic supplies because of poverty, conflict or disaster. Last year, MCC sent out nearly 90,000 school kits to children on five continents.

Mary Aniong Achien, 16, is a student at Comboni. She’s in her eighth and final year of primary school and wants to be a doctor when she graduates. She’s received a school kit both of the last two years at Comboni and says it’s made a huge difference.

“How do you take notes without notebooks? I did not understand well in class before I had them, but now I can take notes in all my classes,” says Achien. “And the bag makes everything easy to carry around.”

Achien also noted that she’s very aware of how difficult it would be for her parents to buy her supplies like these.

“We girls—our mothers are not educated, so it is very difficult for them to get enough money. But with the school kit, my parents can buy food instead of books. May God bless the people who gave us these books.”

Of the 2,000 students that attend grades one to eight at Comboni, most will receive one school kit each year. Principal Sister Lydia Assenga says the impact the school kits have on the students is very clear.

“When I arrived here in 2019, I could go into the classes and see no students writing at all. Now, the students with the school kits are the ones who write. When parents want to send their children here, we can assure them their children will write and that is a big incentive,” says Assenga. “God has given our school a special gift.”

– Jason Dueck, MCC Canada

Giving school kits has its own reward, but for a little extra fun and challenge, MCC is offering two free pizza parties: one for the most creative photo of the school kits you donate and one for the most school kits shown in a photo. Just post the photos on Facebook or Instagram, tag @mccpeace and use the hashtag #MCCSchoolKitChallenge by Aug. 31 to be entered in the contest.

Students at Rumbek Comboni Primary School in Rumbek, South Sudan, could be among those who benefit from the kits that are collected. Parents struggle to find all the school supplies that are in a kit at the local market, and if they do find them, they could cost more than 5,000 South Sudanese Pounds—an entire month’s wages—for the items in a single kit.

(Front to back) Mary Aniong Achien, Amida Yunis James, Emmanuel Gaak Chol and John Gai Mabor stand in line to receive a school kit provided by MCC at Rumbek Comboni Primary School in Rumbek, South Sudan.

PHOTOS BY DAVID LOMURIA/MCC/FAIRPICTURE

John Gai Mabor, a student at Rumbek Comboni Primary School in Rumbek, South Sudan, shows the spiral-bound notebooks from his school kit provided by MCC.

Scan here to watch a video on how to build a school kit.

Shoulder Tapping

Please send all position ads (150 words or less), including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconference.ca. Ads may be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

Additional EMC Openings

Often there are more churches looking for staff than are identified on this page. For information on additional openings, contact Conference Pastor Andy Woodworth (awoodworth@emconference.ca or phone 204-326-6401).

EMC Positions

Senior Pastor: Taber Evangelical Church (Taber, Alta)

Taber Evangelical Church is actively searching for the senior pastor whom God has chosen to lead us into the future. Taber EMC is a unique, growing, familyoriented church. Our regular Sunday attendance is about 250. If you feel the Lord leading you in this direction please email taberemcpsc2@gmail.com or contact Bram Klassen at 403-331-9563.

Pastor: Coaldale

Mennonite Church (Coaldale, Alta.)

Rooted in Jesus, Growing in Grace, Connected in Community, Branching into the World is the mission statement of Coaldale Mennonite Church (CMC), in Coaldale, Alberta. We are seeking full-time pastoral leadership to collaborate with and inspire ministry volunteers, church leadership and staff to bring energy and a sense of renewal to our church body through ministry and outreach opportunities. We are followers of Jesus; an Anabaptist multi-generational church that is community minded. The candidate(s) will work to equip CMC for ministry and provide direction, insight

and counsel through a godly walk and Bible-based, Christ-centered ministry. Please forward any questions and employment information in confidence to cmchurch@telusplanet.net.

Pastor: Anola Fellowship Chapel (Anola, Man.)

Anola Fellowship Chapel is in the RM of Springfield at 58006 Monominto Road, 5 miles southeast of the community of Anola and 35 minutes east of Winnipeg. Our mission is to love God, love our neighbours, and make disciples. We have a full Sunday program and both children and youth programs. We are active in various community events. We are actively seeking a full-time pastor. We are looking for a spiritually mature man with a deep personal walk with Jesus, an engaging, enthusiastic individual who demonstrates sound biblical teaching and in depth preaching as well as vision. Contact Landon Elhard at afcpastorsearch@gmail. com for more information and/or full job description. Check out our website at anolachapel.com.

Senior Pastor: New Life Christian Fellowship (Coatsworth, Ont.)

New Life Christian Fellowship is a small country church with approximately 65–85 that gather every Sunday. New Life is compiled mostly of young families with lots of little ones around to keep you on your toes. Many of our families have a Plautdietsch (Low German) background which is often heard during times of fellowship. We are looking for a full time senior pastor who has a passion to preach, and teach from the Scriptures (background in ministry would be an asset), and has a heart for ministry and people in and outside the church. Our vision for the church is Reach Up, Reach Over & Reach Out. We would require that you agree with the EMC Statement of Faith. For more information, please contact board@nlcfchurch.org

Senior Pastor: Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (Vanderhoof, B.C.)

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship is in Vanderhoof, located on the banks of the Nechako River in the heart of B.C. Our mission is to love God, love our neighbour, and make disciples. We have a full Sunday program and both junior and senior youth programs, an active weekly seniors Bible study and weekly youth Bible studies. We participate in various community events. We are seeking a full-time senior pastor. Looking for a spiritually mature individual with a deep personal walk with Jesus, an engaging, enthusiastic individual who demonstrates sound biblical teaching and in-depth preaching as well as vision. Counselling skills are an asset.

Contact Bernie Klassen at bande@ hwy16.com for more information. Check out our website at vcfemc.com.

Associate Pastor: Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (Rosenort, Man.)

Rosenort Fellowship

Chapel (RFC) is seeking an associate pastor whose primary task will be youth ministry. Our vision is to build a junior youth ministry (grades 7–9) while assisting in community senior youth programs. The applicant will love Jesus Christ and aspire to help others know Christ. This person want to make an impact among youth with his/ her own dedication to Christ and to lead, influence and prepare our youth for life. The applicant will have some Bible college and skills in communicating biblical truths. This person will work with the leadership team. RFC is a multigenerational congregation of 100 persons. We are Anabaptists who long to Radically follow Jesus, Further the gospel, and Care for the community.

Email applications to Cam Cornelsen at cam.rfcleadership@gmail.com

Youth Pastor (part-time): St. Vital EMC (Winnipeg, Man.)

St. Vital EMC Church is seeking to hire a part-time youth pastor (about 16 hours per week) who will lead and disciple our youth aged 15–18 years old. We are an established and friendly church in south Winnipeg with approximately 120 congregants who aspire to love God and live as Jesus Christ lived.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus. Demonstrable leadership and influence among youth will mark this person’s character on a consistent basis as well as the ability to discern truth and obey God’s calling within the broader church’s ministry. The person needs the ability to work collaboratively on a small ministry team. Previous experience working with youth is essential. A resume, with cover letter, can be sent to: Oswald at ozzy_wald@hotmail.com.

Pastor of GermanSpeaking Ministry: Picture Butte Mennonite Church (Picture Butte, Alta.)

Picture Butte Mennonite Church (Picture Butte, Alta.) is prayerfully seeking to hire a full-time pastor to oversee our German-speaking ministry. PBMC currently holds an English and a Low German service each Sunday morning.

We are looking for a man that is experienced in ministry with a strong ability to shepherd in preaching and teaching from the Scriptures in Low German as well as an ability to relate to and care for members of the Mennonite community. This pastor will also meet the biblical requirements for leadership in the church as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.

For more information or to submit a resume, please contact Isaac Thiessen, Chair of Leadership, at 403-308-5093 or by email: isaact@genicadev.com.

Associate Pastor: Evangelical Fellowship Church (Steinbach, Man.)

Evangelical Fellowship Church (EFC) in Steinbach, Man., is seeking to hire a full-time associate pastor. Our vision is to: Worship God, Love Neighbours, Make Disciples, Grow Young. To that end, we are looking for an individual who will place a strong emphasis on discipleship. This individual must also agree with the EMC Statement of Faith. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. For a detailed description of the position and how to apply, please email your inquiry to pastoralsearch@efchurch. ca. Check out our website at www.efchurch.ca

Associate Pastor: Straffordville Evangelical Mission Church (Straffordville, Ont.)

Straffordville Evangelical Mission Church is seeking an associate pastor. SEMC is a rural church in a growing community with a congregation of about 160 people. . We are looking for male applicants who have a clear sense of calling and love for the body of Christ, to serve and equip her for works of service, stemming from a growing relationship with Christ. This person must be able to preach, teach and show pastoral care. The successful applicant will work alongside the senior pastor and lay ministers in preaching, teaching, care-giving, and providing resources and support to the other volunteer-based ministries in the church, according to his strengths and abilities.

Applicants must agree with the EMC Statement of Faith and display an understanding and general agreement with our Anabaptist theological background. Contact psc@straffordvilleemc.ca.

Other Positions

Associate Pastor – Youth and Young Adults: Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church (Winnipeg, Man.)

If you have a passion for youth and young adults, we invite you to apply for the position of associate pastor – youth and young adults. Under the leadership of the lead pastor, you will provide spiritual leadership through biblical, theological, cultural, and organizational development in the spiritual formation of youth (Grades 7–12) and young adults. Go to https://fgmb.ca/ about/#employment for a full job description. Please send a resume and cover letter to the Personnel Committee c/o info@ fgmb.ca by August 31. Applications will be processed as they are received.

Pastor: Carman Mennonite Church (Carman, Man.)

Carman Mennonite Church invites applications for a 0.5FTE pastoral position with the possibility of increase to full-time. We are a congregation of 60–70 active members with regular adult and children’s Sunday school. We are looking for someone who models a sincere Christian faith, exhibits strong relational skills and community mindedness.

Duties include preaching, teaching, pastoral care, visitation with those in care homes, connecting with the community and area ministerial, working with the worship committee, fostering a love for and nurturing disciples of Jesus the Christ. This would be done with the support of lay leadership. For more information see carmanmennonite.ca.

Our ideal start time would be in fall 2023. Forward inquiries and/or resumes with two references to: cmcpastoralsearchcommittee@gmail.com or CMC Search Committee, Box 1077, Carman, MB R0G 0J0.

By Karla Hein

Our serving Saviour

I’ve known Philippians 2 since I was a tiny human. Familiar and quotable, Christ “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” and was triumphantly exalted “to the highest place” (vv. 8–9). You’d think my eyes would skim over these verses by now with half-hearted enthusiasm. And yes, sometimes they do, apart from God’s grace that opens my eyes to “see wonderful things in [his] law” (Psalm 119:18). As I’ve contemplated more frequently the reality of my helpless state and his majestic glory, this passage increasingly offers a deeper appreciation of salvation.

I recently read through the book of Exodus with my children. While I read about the Ark of the Covenant, I remembered the splendour of the Holy God who descended with thunder and lightning, causing the people to fear for their lives (Exodus 20:18–19). How shocking then when God says, “There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites” (Exodus 25:22).

The Creator of all things chose to be with the Israelites. “They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them” (Exodus 29:46). Yet a veil separated, and sacrifices reminded that he was to be reverenced and obeyed. Or what about Psalm 99:1–3? “The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the

cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy.”

Now consider Philippians 2 about Jesus:

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” God descended to redeem his people, claiming them as his own. Christ, among his creation, washing their feet and offering his body as the sacrifice once for all.

Yet lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with a verse outside the famous Philippians 2 passage. Jesus, while on earth, spoke about a master with waiting servants. “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them” (Luke 12:37). The magnificence of this statement uttered from the Saviour’s lips astonishes me. I am eagerly waiting for the day that I will worship him in perfection when “every knee should bow … and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Even in his glorious presence, the One who is our righteousness will again serve his beloved! Charles Spurgeon considered these “one of the most remarkable of our Lord’s utterances while he was here upon the earth … if we truly serve him, the day shall come when in all his robes of glory, he shall gird himself and serve us” (Spurgeon’s Verse Expositions of the Bible).

Does that not stir your heart to love him more?! To forsake the simple pastimes of docile living and serve him with unquenchable joy? J. C. Ryle said, “The man who does well for himself is the man who gives up everything for Christ’s sake. He makes the best of bargains. He carries the cross for a few years in this world, and in the world to come has everlasting life” (Matthew: A Crossway Classic Commentary). I can think of no greater motive for loving Christ with all my heart, soul, and mind than his loving us first and forever!

Christ, among his creation, washing their feet and offering his body as the sacrifice once for all.

When baptism becomes works righteousness

“What the … [gospels] describe as hearing and following the call to discipleship, Paul expresses with the concept of baptism. Baptism is not something we offer to God. It is, rather, something Jesus Christ offers to us. It is grounded solely in the will of Jesus Christ, as expressed in his gracious call. Baptism is essentially a paradoxically passive action; it means being baptized, suffering Christ’s call. In baptism we become Christ’s possession” (Diedrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship; emphases his).

The apostle Peter says at Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

As Bonhoeffer says, there is something paradoxical about baptism. I must consent to it, but baptism is not essentially about me acting. I am being baptized in the name of Christ. Christ asks each of us, “Can I have you?” When we answer “yes,” the church as the representative of Christ takes us and pours the water of baptism over our heads. We are taken into the body of Christ and receive the Spirit by which we will walk. Our humanly created identities (Jews or Greeks, slaves or free) are washed away (1 Corinthians 12:12–13).

In the EMC, as in evangelical circles more generally, we now have a more active understanding of baptism that emphasizes the unfettered free choice of the young person in the church. This was not always so. In my teen years baptism was still an unspoken expectation by a certain grade in school. In some conservative Mennonite churches, one is expected to be baptized before marriage. But today we almost expect young people to spontaneously come up with the idea for baptism on their own. I have heard church leaders lament that many well-intentioned church young people don’t seem to ever get around to baptism.

Do we assume that if someone is meeting a community expectation, their actions are therefore inauthentic, impersonal and coerced? That is to dismiss what was happening in people’s hearts in the previous generation, even as they complied with expectations. Authentically and

personally consenting to the expectations of a church is the best of both worlds. This might be a more profound surrender to grace, symbolizing our consent to the Lordship of Christ. While baptism “merely” to comply with community church expectations is wrong, in our modern “age of authenticity” (Charles Taylor) we will almost naturally fall off the horse on the other side. Like our weddings and funerals, baptism will most easily become just one more way modern consumers exercise their Almighty

By Layton Friesen

Power of Choice and create their own unique path to spirituality. This is works righteousness.

Churches that invite people to choose their own mode of baptism, either pouring or immersion, choose the “special” friends or parents to stand beside them in the water, or pick the “special” time of life when they now “feel ready” for baptism, are in danger of losing this “paradoxically passive action”. They could give the impression that each Christian has been given the privilege (burden!) of tailoring their own salvation.

Baptism is an act of non-resistance to Jesus. Without this paradoxical act of passivity, we cannot be Christians in the fullest sense. Jesus asks, “Will you let me take you?” When the church senses that you have stopped saying “No,” and are “suffering Christ’s call,” you will be baptized, for your own good.

By Loreena Thiessen

English or French?

Which language is yours?

Is it English, French, another language?

How did you learn to speak your language? You may not remember because you’ve spoken it since you were a baby.

Babies learn the language that surrounds them. They connect the sounds and words they hear to the face and expression, usually of the mother, who talks to them face to face. Mother may greet the baby with, “Hi, Baby! You’re awake!” in an excited voice and a big smile. Baby smiles back, waves her arms, and kicks her feet. She wants to interact. In time she will imitate the word-sounds she hears.

Canada is a land of immigrants; each group brings their own language. Today, this totals about 200 different spoken languages.

Long ago, Vikings from Norway and Iceland came to fish the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. But they did not stay.

In 1497 John Cabot sailed from England and found the rich fishing grounds of the Grand Banks. In 1534 Jacques Cartier claimed Quebec for the French. Both England and France claimed the land for their country. They fished, traded, and established their religion. And both countries fought over the land.

Activity: Do an interview

Need: pencil, notepaper.

Do: interview your parents or grandparents. Some questions to ask:

1. What is your first language?

2. How did you learn it?

3. Which other language(s) do you speak?

4. How did you learn it/them?

5. What are the benefits of knowing your languages?

In 1759 the French were defeated on the Plains of Abraham.

Britain’s decisive victory led to the Treaty of Paris, 1763, in which the French gave up all of Canada to Britain.

Although English law ruled the country, the Quebec Act of 1774 allowed Quebec to restore French civil law and established freedom of religion for French-Canadians, while retaining English criminal law. In 1969 both English and French were made official languages of Canada.

Speaking more than one language has many benefits. First, it improves your memory. You memorize new vocabulary, and the rules of that language. It improves your decisionmaking skills. You have to choose the best word to use for what you want to say. And it helps you to better understand others, the people and culture whose language it is.

How did we get all these languages? No one knows for certain. One explanation is the story of Babel in Genesis.

The people after Noah’s time wanted to build a famous city and a tower to reach right up into the heavens.

Did they want to reach God? Did they want to be equal to God? They did want to be famous, to be known throughout the world.

God did not approve; this is not what he wanted.

At this time all the people spoke the same language. God confused their language so they could no longer understand each other. And they stopped building.

Read the story in Genesis 11:1–9.