The Messenger November/December 2022

What would Jesus’ Ancestry.ca look like?

Jacob’s sheep and goat-breeding tactics in Genesis 30 notwithstanding, the Bible doesn’t seem overly concerned with genetics. In fact, the mechanics of genetics and heredity has fairly recent origins. DNA as the sub stance responsible for heredity was discovered within the last century. In 1999, the first human genome was decoded; in 2003, the Human Genome Project was completed.

That said, the Bible is con cerned with genealogy and ancestry. There are 25 genealog ical lists in the Bible, and two of the four Gospels trace the gene alogy of Jesus.

Matthew, writing primarily for a Jewish audience, dem onstrates how Jesus is a son of Abraham and David through his genealogy (Matthew 1:1–17). In fact, the emphasis on 14 genera tions is an emphasis on Jesus as the Son of David—the numeri cal value of the name “David” is 14 in Hebrew.

Luke, who is a non-Jewish writer, points his audience to Adam (Luke 3:23–38). Gerald Hiestand (Center for Pastor Theologians blog) says that Luke’s placement of his gene alogy after the birth and baptism of Jesus is significant. What happens next is Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Where Adam failed to resist temptation, Jesus—the second Adam—succeeded!

The BibleProject’s “Overview: Luke 1–9” video puts Luke’s purpose in tracing Jesus back to Adam this way: “Jesus is the Messianic King of Israel who will bring God’s blessing, but not only to Israel, the family of Abraham. He is here for all the sons of Adam, for all humanity.”

While there are differences between the genealogies in Mat thew and Luke, both trace the line of Joseph, the father “so it was thought” (Luke 3:23) of Jesus. Because of our modern understanding of genet ics and heredity, it may be difficult to reconcile the idea that Jesus may not have been genetically a descendant (or

“son”) of David at all. But, while it’s likely Joseph wasn’t in any way genetically the father of Jesus, the Bible makes it clear that Joseph is 100 percent considered his genealogi cal ancestor.

Thinking about Jesus’ genetics gives me more questions than answers. We don’t know how Mary’s DNA may or may not have shown up in Jesus’ genetic blueprint. What about being conceived of the Holy Spirit? In what way would being both fully human and fully divine show up? Aside from discovering a long-lost baby tooth of Jesus to map his DNA, these questions will go unanswered.

In the face of unanswerable questions, a good practice is to focus on what we do know. We do know that Joseph was obedi ent and took Mary as his wife and Jesus as his son. Ryan Dueck’s article “Joseph disap pears” and Israel Chavez’s letter to his son “Searching for Sebastian” explore the heart of adoptive fatherhood, both within and outside the context of Jesus’ father Joseph.

We do know that “the Creator of all things, the God of universe, arrived unceremoniously … in an unimportant city, born to unimportant parents” as Jer emy Penner puts it in his article “The Passion of Jesus at Christmas.”

While our questions and wonderings may continue, like those “who were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:18), may the Light of your faith burn brighter both now at Christmas and beyond.

– Rebecca Roman

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 dis cussions should also reflect the reality that some groups and individuals have not always felt welcome in Christian communi ties. We welcome your responses to articles and topics discussed in The Messenger. – Board of Church Ministries

While it’s likely Joseph wasn’t in any way genetically the father of Jesus, the Bible makes it clear that Joseph is 100 percent considered his genealogical ancestor.

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.

Letters and Notices

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).

The Personnel Com mittee is pleased to announce that Mau rice (Mo) Friesen has agreed to serve as EMC Director Next Genera tion. Mo will begin this new role in January 2023.

Mo grew up as a pastor’s kid with his parents pastoring in Roseisle, Man., and Mount Salem, Ont. He attended Steinbach Bible College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Religious Studies in 1997. Following graduation, he worked for six years at Youth for Christ in Steinbach, Man., as a youth guidance worker.

In 2003, Mo started work at Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach and has served there until the present. During this time, he led youth and wor ship ministries, recently shifting responsibility to the leadership of

digital communications and adult discipleship.

Mo has served the EMC more widely through the National Youth Committee where he helped plan and lead Abundant Springs. He has a heart to see churches find ing ways to involve and nurture spiritual growth in youth, young adults and young families.

Mo is married to Karen and they are enjoying being young grandparents! They also enjoy fishing on Lake of the Woods and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.

The EMC is excited about launching this new position focused on the next generation and is very pleased that Mo will direct this ministry. Please join us in wel coming Mo to this new challenge.

– EMC Personnel Committee

EMC appoints Director Next Generation

Mo Friesen

EMC Executive Director appointed

The General Board is pleased to announce that Emery Plett has agreed to serve as EMC Executive Director. Emery will begin this new role in the sum mer of 2023.

Emery graduated from Steinbach Bible College in 1990 with a Bachelor of Religious Studies and from the University of Mani toba with a Bachelor of Education in 1995. He began teaching at Steinbach Christian School, and from 2005 to the present, Emery has served as prin cipal. He has served the school for 27 years.

Emery is married to his Bible college sweetheart, Bev, and they have three children. In the 2012–2013 school year Emery took a deferred salary leave and travelled with his family to serve for a year in Spain and Northern Ireland.  Emery grew up and was baptized at Prairie Rose EMC (Landmark, Man.). During his university years, Bev and Emery attended St. Vital EMC in Winnipeg, Man., where he was part of the pastor-in-training pro gram. When they moved to Steinbach, Man., they became charter members

EMC Conference Pastor appointed

We are pleased to announce that Andy Woodworth has been hired as EMC Confer ence Pastor beginning in January 2023.

Andy was born and raised in Frederic ton, New Brunswick, and graduated from Kingswood University (Sussex, N.B.) with a BA Religion in 1989. One month later he married Stephanie who had been a student at the same school.

Andy joined the EMC fam ily in 2015 by accepting a call to Heartland Community Church, in Landmark, Man. His previous church experience includes seven years with the Wesleyan Church, followed by fourteen years with Be In Christ Church in Ontario. In addition to his pastoral role, Andy is also studying at Providence

Theological Seminary where he is enrolled in the Master of Divin ity Anabaptist Studies track.

Andy and Stephanie have been married for 33 years and have four adult children (Mara, Tyler, Emma, and Cole) and two grandchildren.

When he’s not pastoring, Andy enjoys reading and has made it a goal to read 100 classic works (he is one-quarter of the way through). He also enjoys watching documen taries, biographies, and historic movies. Andy and Stephanie enjoy road trips and making new discov eries, especially diners, drive-ins, and dives.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Andy.

– EMC Personnel Committee

of Stony Brook Fellowship, and con tinue to worship there today.

Emery has served as church chairman, treasurer, and sound technician. He also serves on the HavenGroup board as a representative of Stony Brook Fellowship.

Emery’s hobbies involve working with his hands on small projects and tinkering on small engines. Sports, whether playing or coaching, have always been a part of his life, and he continues playing hockey, volleyball, curling, and golf. He is an avid reader, enjoys movies and tries to keep up with modern technology.

The EMC requires thoughtful and visionary leadership as we navigate this next era. Emery is uniquely qualified to lead our conference ministries. Please join me and the General Board in wel coming Emery to this new challenge as executive director of the EMC.

– Abe Bergen, EMC Moderator

Christmas greetings

Emery Plett

Andy Woodworth

Josephdisappears

By Ryan Dueck

Ithink a lot about Joseph at Christmastime. Mary gets most of the headlines, and for good reason. She sings the song of the sea son; she proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and her spirit rejoices in God her Saviour. She holds out the hope of a world turned right-side up, where wrongs are righted, where injustice is undone, where promises are, finally, kept.

She is the object of devo tion, admiration—even reverence—around the world. We sigh as we listen to songs wondering if she knew what her baby boy would become for the world. We hail her, full of grace. We call her the mother of God. Nobody would call Joseph the “father of God.” Obviously. That would be blasphemy. But I still think about Joseph.

No comment from Joseph

And Luke mentions him at the commence ment of Jesus’ public ministry: “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli” (Luke 3:23).

So it was thought. I suppose even Luke couldn’t bring himself to think of Joseph as Jesus’ real father. Joseph has a place in the story,

I think about Joseph as an adoptive father. I wonder what lies behind the silence of the gospel narratives.

I wonder what Joseph thought about his son.

Joseph doesn’t hang around very long in the gospel nar ratives. He receives three angelic visitations according to Matthew, one telling him to take Mary as his wife, one telling him to flee Herod’s madness, and the third tell ing him it’s safe to return. In each case, Joseph responds wordlessly.

He did what the angel of the Lord had com manded him (Matthew 1:24). He scandalously, obediently takes Mary to be his wife, even though the child she carries is not his—at least, not in that way. He got up, took the child and his mother and left for Egypt … He got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel (Matthew 2:14, 21). Not a single word from Joseph’s mouth is recorded in the gos pels. He takes his place in our nativity scenes, silent and compliant. We don’t hear much about him once we’re done with the Christmas story. Joseph disappears.

Joseph on the periphery

He’s referred to a few more times, to be sure. He is summoned to validate people’s rejection of Jesus in Nazareth. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55). How could anything good come out of such unimpressive stock?

but it’s on the periphery. Joseph did what the angel commanded … He got up … He fled … He returned … . He kept his mouth shut, did what he was told.

Jesus as an adopted kid

When my kids were younger, I used to love to tell them that Jesus was an adopted kid. I thought maybe this would be a way they might connect with Jesus on a human level. Imagine— the Saviour of the world, the second person of the Trinity, the one in whom we live and move and have our being, the Cosmic Christ, an adopted kid, just like you! I suppose it’s no more or less scandalous than the incarnation, but still. It’s a pretty incredible thing to contemplate. My kids would smile when I told them this, but I don’t know if it made much of an impression on them. Kids smile to humour their fathers for all kinds of reasons.

I still think about Jesus as an adopted kid every year at Christmastime. And I think about Joseph as an adoptive father. I wonder what

lies behind the silence of the gospel narratives. I wonder what Joseph thought about his son. I wonder if he was bewildered, frustrated, angry, apathetic, heartbroken, desperately proud, sick with worry. Probably all of the above and more.

dying son’s feet, but Joseph is nowhere to be found. Maybe he couldn’t bear what the world had done to his son, done with his son. Maybe he was drowning his sorrow in a bottle. Maybe he had distanced himself from his son. Maybe there was a difficult relationship behind it all, one that wouldn’t play well in the annals of piety and devotion. Maybe he was dead. We don’t know, of course. There’s so much that we don’t know. Joseph disappears.

What I imagine

Joseph isn’t there when Jesus dies. At least, not so far as we know. Maybe he was dead. We don’t know, of course.

There’s so much that we don’t know.

Joseph disappears.

I wonder if Joseph always referred to Jesus as “Mary’s son.” I wonder if Joseph treated Jesus differently than his “real kids.” I wonder if he ever got annoyed at people who made that dis tinction. I wonder how Joseph loved this strange son of his. I wonder if it was hard for him, won der how hard it was for him. I wonder if he resented being silent, compliant, part of the Christmas furniture.

The Gospels don’t give us much to go on I guess that’s the thing about silence—you can interpret it in all kinds of ways. I wish the Gospels gave us more to go on than He did, he got up, he fled, he returned … He was Jesus’ father, or so it was thought.

Joseph isn’t there when Jesus dies. At least, not so far as we know. Mary’s tears flow at her

For my part, I like to think of Joseph as still alive and close by the place called the Skull when his son groaned and took his last breath. Maybe just over the hill, out of immediate view, off to the side. This seems to be the right place for Jesus’ father, or so it was thought. I imagine a hand over a horrified mouth and a heart that heaved with pain as his son whis pered, “Forgive them, they know not what they do.” And I imagine his tears flowed for his pre cious son. There’s no way to know, of course. We do with silence what we will.

Ryan Dueck serves as pastor at Lethbridge Mennonite Church in Alberta where he has been since 2011. Ryan obtained an MA in Theo logical Studies from Regent College (Vancouver, B.C.) in 2008 and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the Uni versity of Lethbridge in 2005. Since 2007, Ryan has maintained a blog called Rumblings (https://ryandueck.com) which includes reflection and conversation about vari ous topics related to the intersection of faith and culture. Ryan is the proud husband of Naomi and father of twenty-one-year-old twins, Claire and Nicholas.

ISTOCK

Searching ebastian for

Iknew you were out there somewhere, mi hijo (my son). I just had to find you. How could I give up? God never gave up looking for me.

When God first spoke to us about you—this child we were meant to find—your mother and I understood that adoption is very close to the heart of our God. He is the God of orphans and widows and the poor, you know. When she was young, your mother even imagined adopting a child from every nation in the world. It was a beautiful dream.

When we first married, we asked God to lead us in the journey of becoming a family. After one year, he spoke to us from the Bible through a let ter written by a man named Paul. He wrote that we who belong to Jesus are all adopted, brought into sonship through the Holy Spirit. That word “adoption” stayed in our heads. We knew that God was calling us to search for you.

The search was exciting, difficult, and some times a little scary. We did not know even what you looked like, or what your name was. What colour were your eyes? Who were your friends?

a letter from father to son

By Israel Chavez

Israel and Sandra Plett-Chavez with son Sebastian

EMC BOM

How old were you? So many unknowns. We could not do this alone; we needed others to help us, and God provided many kind and wise people to guide our steps.

There were our missionary friends, Dallas and Tara, who had already adopted two children. They gave us a whole binder of things to learn—it was a little over whelming! There was this course we had to take, studying hard so that we would be good parents. It was intense and we were worried we would not pass.

There was so much paperwork, and we grew tired and discouraged. But there was our church and our families reminding us that God was leading us and that we should not give up.

There was this lady named Paola, a psychologist, who helped us prepare to become a family. And then there was Nora, from Family Services, who helped us find you at long last. So many cities, so many states—we had searched every where—and in the end it turned out that you were living only two blocks from our house! For five years, just around the corner.

The time came to meet you face-to-face. You would laugh, mi hijo, if you had seen us getting ready that day. Your mother spent hours choos ing her clothing, styling her hair, and I spent hours picking out a special toy. What would a five-year-old like? I imagined playing with you, and I rehearsed what I would say to you. I did not want you to feel afraid, but to feel loved, wanted. Is this how God wants us to feel, I won dered, when he meets with us? I think so.

At the orphanage, we waited, we prayed, we fidgeted, and then there you were, walking through the doorway. That face, that smile! Our hearts were pounding. We said hello and began to play together.

Did you notice my tears? I could not stop them, the whole time that we were playing. Something woke up inside of me. I thought to myself, I will care for him, protect him, and love him forever.

Afterward, it was hard to leave you, but we came back to the orphanage the next day, and the next; day after day, until you were famil iar with us. Then came the day when you were asked, would you like to have a sleepover with Israel and Sandra? Your eyes shone as you nod ded, yes

We made pizza together and ate popcorn in our pajamas. Do you remember? After we put you to bed, your mother and I stayed awake all night, in case you might be afraid. When we heard you cry in the wee hours of the morn ing, we rushed into your room. We held you close and cried with you. You are not alone, we told you. We will never leave you. I think you believed us, because some days later at the orphanage, when you were asked if you would like us to be your parents, there was no hesi tation. You flung yourself at me. I hugged you tight, and said your name over and over: Sebas tian, Sebastian.

Suddenly you pulled away. That is not my name, you told me. Don’t call me that!

We were surprised. Then you said, My name is mi hijo.

Yes, mi hijo—my son. That is your name.

Israel and Sandra Plett-Chavez serve with Multiply at the Matthew Training Center in Guadalajara, Mexico. Sandra, from Canada, has been serving in Mexico since 2007. Several years ago, she met Israel who was the pastor of RETO Pinar Church in Guadalajara. The couple married two years ago and now pastor and serve together. This article was also published in the August 2022 edition of the MB Herald

I did not want you to feel afraid, but to feel loved, wanted. Is this how God wants us to feel, I wondered, when he meets with us? I think so.

The of Jesus at Christmas Passion

By Jeremy Penner

theworld Jesus

We spend a lot of time focusing on Easter for its passion. The raw human emotion of Christ, with his desire to save humanity from the sin they were drowning in while at the same time being crushed under the weight of pain and help lessness. The Creator of the universe walking through the streets of Jerusalem carrying a cross of wood, beaten bloody and soon to die. We feel the passion of Easter because it is visible to us: the sweat, the blood, the tears. God himself, walking to Calvary to be broken; going to the cross to break the power of the grave.

The walk of an innocent man, on the road to his death. The walk of a humble man, on the road to do his Father’s will.

The walk of Emmanuel—God come down to be with his children, to feel with his beloved family, to be rejected by them, to be murdered by the ones he loves.

The walk of Jesus to the cross.

And yet, this was not the first time that Jesus walked toward his great destiny, knowing that suffering and death lay at the end of his road.

Before Jesus walked the bitter road to the cross, he walked the lonely road of Advent.

Before Jesus walked the bitter road to the cross, he walked the lonely road of Advent.

Imagine with me for a moment: Jesus, God Almighty, who created all things. Who has existed in perfect communion with the Trin ity since before time began, who has the power to create life and galaxies with one word. Who knows all things.

Jesus, who knows our hearts. Who knows the darkness and the brokenness of the people he made—in the image of God, with the breath of God in their lungs, with the spark of eternity in their hearts, yet twisted and powerless and over come by sin.

Sin, which makes the best of us fall, the strongest of us laid low, the highest and mighti est of our people to be as nothing.

Jesus watched as generation after generation of his children tried, then stopped trying, suf fered punishment, repented, and tried again.

An unending cycle but no escaping the fall. But there was another way. And, finally, it was time.

And as he went, it changed everything for us. He became our Emmanuel—God with us.

He stepped down from heaven, onto the earth he created. This earth, scarred by the effects of humanity’s injustice. He stepped into the pages of human history.

He didn’t come as a conquering hero. He didn’t arrive as a man of strength, with an army on his right and left. He was born into this world as a baby.

The Creator of all things, the God of the uni verse, arrived unceremoniously in the middle of a cold night in an unimportant city, born to unimportant parents. The blood of his mother Mary mixed with the straw of the rough wooden food box where they laid him like a meal for the animals.

We look at the birth of Jesus as a calm, quiet, beautiful, even cute event. Little baby Jesus being born happy and healthy. One day he’s going to save the world, but today he’s just a baby.

In those moments before Jesus came to our world, as he said goodbye to heaven and pre pared to enter our suffering, as he walked the path to earth, Jesus experienced the first Pas sion—the long walk of a man going to certain death. The walk of our Saviour, coming down to us, knowing it would cost him everything. Yet knowing it would all be worth it.

Can you imagine the walk of Jesus toward earth?

Did Jesus hesitate by the tree of life, by the gates of the golden city, by the shores of the crystal sea? Did he pause in the throne room of God knowing that for the first time in all eter nity his relationship with the Father was about to change? Did he pass by the saints and angels at attention, willing them to courage, grasping hands and shoulders as he went, telling them not to be afraid, as he went to bring life to the people of earth?

Can you imagine the process of releasing his power, his privilege, his position? Of willingly taking on the powerlessness of humanity, the frailty of our form, the weakness of our spirit?

Jesus—God Almighty—who created all things, would be one of these, one of us.

On that day as God became flesh, he united the Father with his family. He put in motion the plan of salvation, to return eternity to us—that which has been forever in our hearts but just out of reach.

Before I think of the Passion of Christ at Easter, I am thankful for the Passion of Jesus at Christmas.

Jeremy Penner with his wife Adrienne are EMC associate missionaries serving with Multiply in Thailand. They support national church planters ministering to Myanmar migrants who live and work in Thailand. Their home church is Commun ity Bible Fellowship (EMC)

River, Man.

in Swan

Jesus didn’t come as a conquering hero. He didn’t arrive as a man of strength, with an army on his right and left. He was born into this world as a baby.

LIGHTSTOCK

Why an Anabaptist Bible?

Editor’s note: Anabaptism began in 1525 in Switzerland when bold young Christians challenged authorities with the radical idea that Scripture spoke clearly to ordinary peo ple who studied the Bible together. Nearly five centuries later, plans are taking shape for a special Bible to celebrate the 500th an niversary of Anabaptism and breathe new life into grassroots Bible study. Here, John D. Roth, a historian and former Goshen College professor who directs the project, answers some frequently asked questions. Participant quotes (p. 14) are as told to Jeanne Zimmerly Jantzi.

What is an Anabaptist Bible?

The Bible is a gift that all Christians share. We are pro ducing the first-of-its kind Anabaptist Bible by printing the CEB version of the Bible with contributions from Anabaptists embedded as notes, book introductions, and more. The Anabaptist Bible is an effort to help read ers understand what it means to read Scripture through the distinctive “Jesus-centered” lens of the Anabap tist tradition. While drawing on the work of scholars, the Anabaptist Bible is unique in the trust it places in the collective wisdom of 500 lay study groups in a broad spectrum of Anabaptist faith communities who will share their perspectives, insights, and questions in the margins of the text.

A crucial feature of the Anabaptist Bible is the convic tion that in Jesus “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). As the author of Hebrews puts it, “[God] has spoken to us by his Son. … The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:2–3). This means that every page of Scripture points to Jesus and is illuminated by his light. He is the Word by which all other words are interpreted.

Why do we need one?

For many Christians today, the Bible has either become a battlefield or regarded as irrelevant. Yet the central story of Scripture—that God has been revealed to the world in

the person of Jesus Christ—is truly good news! Amid the confusion and anxiety over Scripture today, we need to be reminded that the Bible always puts us into a relationship with a living person. The saving message of Christ’s life, death and resurrection echoes throughout all of Scrip ture. The gift of this transformative story far exceeds our debates over specific verses and it still has the power to transform lives today.

Who thought of this?

The idea of an Anabaptist Bible is not unique to our tradition. Lutherans, Catholics, Meth odists, Baptists and other groups have also created study Bibles designed to help readers understand Scripture in light of their theologi cal traditions. In late 2021, MennoMedia, the publishing agency of MC USA and MC Canada, launched Anabaptism at 500 as a way of inviting a wide spectrum of Anabaptist groups to com memorate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptist beginnings (1525–2025).

Early in that planning process, Menno Media became convinced that an Anabaptist Bible would be a crucial component of that commemoration, especially in light of the cen tral role Scripture played in the emergence

John D. Roth, project director of Anabaptism at 500, receives input on the Anabaptist Bible project from participants at a conference on Aug. 26-28 in Des Plaines, Ill.

JACE LONGENECKER FOR MENNOMEDIA

I hope that the Anabaptist Bible project allows us to stop “surrendering the field” when it comes to the public space of theology. Anabaptists have something to offer the Christian world. I think a lot of people deconstruct into Anabaptism but then they ultimately leave the church because we’re not out there to catch them. We should be telling them, “Hey, you are safe here. All those things you’ve been thinking; we’ve been thinking those things for 500 years. Come on in and we can revitalize the church.”

As a newer Anabaptist, I have mixed feelings about the 16th century history. Yes, the past is great. Let’s honour that. Let’s remember that. We need to remember that the map is not the territory. Let it be a map. We have things to work on right here right now and we need to make sure that our faith moves into the future.

I am an Anabaptist. I follow Jesus. I believe in community. I believe in reconciliation. I want to make the world a better place. Right now, that’s all I got, but it’s enough to go on.

I remember when I was in high school participating in a Sunday school class on Philippians 3. In that passage, Paul boasts, “I am a Hebrew of Hebrews … Now I count it all as loss in the face of Jesus.” That really hit me and had an impact.

At the time and in various ways throughout my life, I understood being a Mennonite as having parents and grandparents and great grandparents who were Mennonites and were connected with the institutions and had gone to the Mennonite schools and were related and embedded in the culture and in the community.

The CEB (Common English Bible) says, “What I lost I think of as sewer trash, so that I might gain Christ and be found in him.”

That piqued my curiosity. If all of that is trash, what is actually going on here? What does it mean to be a Christ-follower if I need to relativize all those things I identify with being Mennonite? [The Scripture] offered me a serious challenge to my understanding of who I was and how I operated in the world. It was an invitation to dive in deeper to Scripture.

– Ben Woodward-Breckbill, associate pastor at Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas

I was inspired by the radical faith of early Anabaptists, but I don’t want us to be stuck in the 16th century … Why do we ignore the continuing stories? Anabaptism now has a culturally diverse body. Anabaptist history in North America should also include the inspiring stories of Latino and Black Mennonites in the Civil Rights movement and the Migrant Workers Movement. Those were inspiring stories for me because that was the first moment that I could feel I could breathe. When I read Felipe Hinojosa’s book, Latino Mennonites, it gave me the courage to develop my own theology from an Asian migrant perspective.

My hope is that the Anabaptist Bible will have an intentional effort to include underrepresented groups. If immigrant Mennonite groups participate in the Anabaptist Bible project and their interpretation [of a passage] is included in the sidebar of an Anabaptist Bible, that means a lot. Usually European Mennonites are the authoritative ones. Now it’s time to change that. If our people’s interpretation is included in this Bible, it will shape our Anabaptist identity in a new way in the 21st century.

“ “ “

– Hyejung Yum, co-founder of Sowing for Peace, an intercultural peace ministry based in Toronto

– Lazaro "Laz" Martinez, Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship, Boise, Idaho

of the Anabaptist tradition in the sixteenth century and its development since then. Nev ertheless, even though this project is central to the Anabaptism at 500 initiative, the Ana baptist Bible itself belongs to the whole church.

How will we create it?

The reflections, insights, questions, and com mentary will be generated largely by ordinary congregation members. Any individual or con gregation interested in participating can do so by forming a study group and registering their interest at www.Anabaptismat500.com.

We have divided the Bible into 500 clusters of texts—an Old Testament and New Testa ment passage, along with something from the Psalms or Proverbs. Once you have filled out the form, your study group will be assigned three biblical passages. Following the directions pro vided by Anabaptism at 500, your group will meet regularly (usually four times) for conversa tion. Someone in your group will then compile and submit your reflections, insights, and ques tions in the form of annotations to the relevant verse(s). Those annotations, along with other materials compiled by the editors, will become the core content of the Anabaptist Bible.

Who will contribute to it?

The primary content of the Anabaptist Bible will be generated by Bible study groups from at least 500 Anabaptist congregations or faith communities who represent a diverse spectrum of contemporary Anabaptists. We also plan to translate the instructional materials into other languages.

We assume that participants in the Bible study group will be earnest Christians, ready to engage their assigned texts in thoughtful con versation with each other through the lens of an Anabaptist hermeneutic. But we do not expect participants to have seminary degrees or to possess unique gifts in biblical interpretation. Congregations may decide to participate with more than one Bible study group; or a Sunday school class or small group may choose to take on the assignment.

What’s the schedule?

The Anabaptist Bible website (www.Ana baptismat500.com) is live as of September 1, 2022. Groups interested in participating in this once-in-a-generation project will find further information about how to register here, along with detailed instructions for both the facilita tor of the study groups and for each participant. Ideally, groups will complete their work in four to five weeks. Bible study groups will have approximately six months to register to partici pate in the project, with registration closing on March 1, 2023. All annotations must be submit ted by June 15, 2023.

How can I and my congregation help?

The easiest way to help is by participating! If you are intrigued by the idea of helping to create the Anabaptist Bible, share your enthusiasm with your pastor. Let your congregation know that a group is being formed, or encourage your Sun day school class or small group to sign up. You can also help by supporting MennoMedia or the Anabaptism at 500 project with a donation. No single group “owns” this celebration. Join the Anabaptism at 500 move ment in whatever form it takes—you can share in the renewal of this 500-year-old tradition!

In the chapel at Casa Iskali retreat center in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines, Ill., 45 people gathered Aug. 26-28 for a working conference to launch the Anabaptist Bible project.

JACE LONGENECKER FOR MENNOMEDIA

Christmas crossword

See Matthew 1, 2 and Luke 1, 2 (NIV). For answers, go to https://www.emcmessenger.ca/article/christmas-crossword.

2 3 4 5 6

8 9

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Across: 7. A rite for which Mary and Joseph went to the temple 33 days after Jesus’ birth (Leviticus 12) 8. Boaz’s wife 10. _________, frankincense and myrrh 14. Joseph and Mary’s hometown

His kingdom will never end 16. The usual sacrifice that poor people could replace with two doves or young pigeons

The Lord took away her disgrace

“A voice is heard in ________, weeping and great mourning” 20. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel

“Out of _______ I called my son”

The town of David

Down:

He stands in the presence of God

The _________ day, when it was time to circumcise the child

An old woman who never left the temple

He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah

King of Judea

The governor of Syria when the first census took place

“____________ weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted”

He issued a decree that a census should be taken (two words)

He was visited by an angel three times

Men from the East

Boaz’s mother

“God with us”

Giving Tuesday: Reza and Bahar

Reza and Bahar both grew up as Afghan refugees in Iran. Both were raised Mus lim and followed Islamic customs and expectations. As a young man, Reza began to question the Islamic faith and the Koran—even tually forming a Facebook page called Atheists and Agnostics.

After being challenged by a friend who was a new believer to read the Gospels, Reza concluded that if he was questioning the Koran, he should do the same for the Gospels—also “one of those religious books that is probably full of lies.” He read in Matthew 7 of the father who gives his child what they ask for (bread, not a stone) and, as a father himself, was impacted by the love of the father. Through reading Scripture, the witness of his friend, and a dream that seemed like a meeting with Jesus, Reza chose to follow Christ.

Iran was becoming more hostile to Afghans, so Reza and Bahar moved to Turkey. Bahar was much more devout in her Islamic faith; she was concerned as she watched her husband’s faith in Christ grow. While in Turkey, Reza invited her to an Iranian church. She went reluctantly, not looking forward to encountering more Iranians. Instead of hostility, she found a welcoming com munity. Their prayer, worship, and relationship with God were deeply moving; Bahar, too, chose to believe in Christ.

While in Turkey, Reza and Bahar became involved in the church and were discipled,

baptized, and equipped to serve. Through social media, they discipled new believers in Afghanistan. Reza felt God’s pull to return to Afghanistan to minister. Bahar took lon ger to convince, but a year and a half later, they returned to Afghanistan.

The work in Afghanistan was dangerous and difficult but immensely rewarding. During the two years they served, they moved three times due to threats, culminating with the Taliban arriving at their door looking for a man named Daniel—Reza’s pseudonym. They decided to leave. After several failed attempts, they landed in a refugee camp in Abu Dhabi. Reza and Bahar had expected to be relocated quickly, so the year spent in the camp was stress ful. Through friends, they were introduced to a church that wanted to sponsor them—Blu menort Community Church.

“When we heard this, we were overwhelmed with joy. We had been so overcome with worry as to what would happen to us, so the news that a church would sponsor us made us so happy. This was from God, that a church would invite us, sponsor us. That day was a day of thanksgiving!”

Reza and Bahar, along with their three chil dren and a brother, are the first family to arrive in Canada as part of our Christian Afghan refu gee project—and more are coming! Eight to ten EMC churches are in the process of sponsoring Christian Afghan families.

The window to sponsor these families is closing faster than we would like, and there are many more in need. Would you consider explor ing with your church if sponsorship is something God is calling you to? This Giving Tuesday, we are also raising funds to provide EMC churches with seed money as they sponsor Afghan ref ugees. Would you consider donating to this project? Donate at www.emconference.ca/giv ingtuesday or by contacting the office.

Watch for the rest of Reza and Bahar’s story in the next issue of The Messenger!

By Ruth Block* EMC Outreach Assistant

*This story is written by Ruth from an in terview between her, Arley Loewen, and Reza and Bahar.

Bahar and Reza (centre) arrive with their family.

By Kevin Wiebe

The blessing of discontentment

In Christianity, we like to talk about the joy of the Lord. We like to talk about the love of God, and we like to talk about the peace the Christ offers. Yet no matter how long I follow Jesus in this world, there is always a part of me that feels a sense of discontentment. Always. This might cause you to squirm in your seat for a moment. And that’s okay.

I think that if you are honest with yourself, you might even know what I’m talking about. No matter how incredible the emotional or spir itual high, eventually you come back down to

In stark contrast to seeing all that’s not right in this world or in our hearts, the peace the Holy Spirit does in fact bring is just a foretaste, a down-payment, or a glimpse of what is to come. If our spiritual highs and mountaintop expe riences can feel so good even when there is so much darkness in the world, imagine the peace we will experience when the Lord truly makes all things new!

the ground. You are confronted once again with the darkness that is so per vasive and you are reminded that all is not right with our world. When this happens, I find, there is a piece of me that discovers this world feels less and less like a place to call home.

It seems as if God has placed a desire for the perfection of heaven within our hearts— an instinctive longing for an eternal place of belonging in a land we have yet to step foot upon. Scripturally, however, there is another way to look at it. We have been given a small piece of what is to come. The Message, talking about the Holy Spirit, paraphrases Ephesians 1:13–14, “This down payment from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.”

Until Christ returns, no matter how much of an emotional frenzy we work ourselves into we will always come face to face with the reality that there is something in our world that is fun damentally broken and that has yet to be fully made right. But, my friends, that day is coming, and when we follow Jesus we are truly walking on the only path that leads to peace.

Until then, allow your discontentment to be a blessed reminder that, as the old song says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue” (“This World is Not My Home,” attributed to A. P. Carter [1931] and arranged by Albert E. Brumley [1937]).

ISTOCK

Until Christ returns, we will always come face to face with the reality that there is something in our world that is fundamentally broken and that has yet to be fully made right.

Kirby Kaple, member of the Atlantabased band Housefires, released an independent Christmas album on November 5, 2021. It includes songs that seem to have received less rec ognition than they may deserve. This talented songwriter and wor ship leader has worked with some better-known artists such as Pat Barrett (“Build My Life”) and Mav erick City Music (“You Keep On Getting Better”). Her album Let It Be So includes the titles “Emmanuel Has Come,” “What a Surprise,” “Hush,” “Advent Song,” as well as its title track. With piano as the primary accompaniment, but with options for additional instrumentation, several of these songs could be utilized as features for a church Christmas presentation.

The story behind the song “Hush” was a desire to address the experience of a Christmas when people may be spending it in isolation, more able to make room for a Saviour during what is typically a busy and chaotic season. The simple and stark piano accompaniment leaves mental space for contemplation of connecting with Christ in your home during Christmas. The instrumentation builds with ethereal sounds right before the bridge, as the song grows in triumph to reflect the joy that comes in our acknowl edgement of the one and only Saviour.

“Advent Song” tells the story of the Saviour’s birth from the imagined perspective of the shepherds (Luke 2:8–20). The piano is supported by a keyboard playing choral-like

accompaniment and a guitar playing delicate riffs. The song builds with percussion into a joyous chorus. This selection could fittingly be used in a nativity pageant.

Piano players will thoroughly enjoy the lilting accom paniment to her song “What a Surprise” which focuses on the unexpected birth of a Saviour in a manger, a far cry from the conquering Messiah the world expected. You may enjoy the tight vocal harmonies that are closely connected to the flowing melody. The bridge of this song breaks its rhythmic pattern with a descending scale-like pattern that creates a feeling of expectancy as it bursts in adoration.

“Emmanuel Has Come” contains some simple but pretty guitar motifs that decorate the melody in a pleas ant way. Once again, the piano is the instrumental star and features a unique ostinato pattern that sounds showy yet seems simple and enjoyable to play. As the title implies, the song focuses on the marvel of the arrival of the Saviour and touches on his glorious attributes.

Let It Be So, music album by Kirby Kaple. Reviewed by Adrienne Funk, EMC Communications Assistant.

The simple and stark piano accompaniment of “Hush” leaves mental space for contemplation of connecting with Christ in your home during Christmas.

With Our Missionaries

Prayer is a blessing to give and receive

PARAGUAY

What is a prayer team? For a number of years EMC has been sending out teams to pray for missionaries on EMCadministrated mission fields. Those who have gone on such trips can testify to the blessing it is, both for them and for the missionaries they went to serve. I can report from the receiving end as well as the giving end, as I have now been on both sides.

After a two-and-a-half year wait due to the pandemic, the latest prayer team was able to go to Paraguay to minister to the field staff there. We were a group of 11 people, includ ing Rolf and Angela Kruse’s three daughters. For me, having worked in Paraguay for 22 years, it was like going home. It was encouraging to see how the different ministries that EMC has been involved in over the years have thrived.

These are the missionaries and ministries we visited and prayed for:

Alto Refugio, the HIV/AIDS center started by Dave and Judy Schmidt. The current administrators, Bertram and Elsa Hein, continue the work, serving up to 1,000 cli ents every month. They asked for prayer for unity among their staff and praise God for the number of clients who attend the weekly Bible studies they offer.

Complejo Rama, a camp for Spanish-speaking young people, run by Marcelo and Mera Hildebrand. Begun only two years ago, it is already running at full capacity. Their vision is for the facilities to be used year-round by different groups—whether churches, schools, businesses or families.

Centro Vital, a rehab center for alcohol and drug addicts, begun through the vision of Berthold Friesen. They have room for 14 residents at a time, with a six-week treatment program. The men have a full day of activities including one-on-one counselling, group therapy sessions, Bible studies, personal devotions, work in the gardens and

with the animals, sports and some free time. A facility is being built to work with women battling depression.

Radio Mensajero, a ministry that started through the vision of Frank Kroeker. The radio ministry serves people around Tres Palmas Colony, broadcasting programs in var ious languages. Directors Daniel and Ella Klaue are excited about the possibilities for the churches to use the radio programs for evangelism and discipleship.

Santa Teresa, the Guaraní community close to Tres Palmas colony where several EMC missionaries have served over the years. Augusto and Christina, the Para guayan couple there at present, are responsible for the church and medical part of the work. The school has over 300 students with 10 teachers, and the church has an attendance of around 200 people. What began as an often-discouraging ministry has flourished into a thriving community of believers.

RadioNet, a relatively new ministry started by Benny and Esther Goertzen. It focuses on providing short devo tionals for national radio stations as well as sending them out to WhatsApp groups. In addition to devotionals, they have produced short stories in Guaraní to help teach posi tive biblical values to young people.

Chris and Revita Kroeker focus on marriage resto ration through their ministry Caring for the Heart. They travel to many locations where they have group classes and personal counselling sessions with the couples who take part in their courses.

Travis and Rosey Zacharias are in a church plant ing ministry in Minga Guazú. They work with low-income families and have many requests for help especially with medical needs. The church is growing slowly, but the Sun day school attendance has multiplied rapidly. They are also involved in camp work for Spanish-speaking youth.

Revita Kroeker (second from left), one of EMC’s administered missionaries in Paraguay, is joined by prayer team participants Ariana Kruse, Sharon Friesen, Mary Braun, George Braun, Joanne Martens, Diane Fehr, Sonia Kruse, Angela Kruse, Nadia Kruse and Rolf Kruse.

With Our Missionaries

With so many missionaries and ministries to visit and pray for, we were overloaded with information and over whelmed with all the needs that were presented to us. However, it was also exciting to see how the work in Para guay has grown and how the work that missionaries have done over the years has borne fruit. Prayer teams that go out have a part in that growth. As one of our contacts said, “We always see positive results in our ministries after a prayer team had been here.”

– Joanne Martens

Joanne Martens, a former career missionary with EMC Missions in Paraguay, participated in a

team to Paraguay September 5–19, 2022.

That’s a win!

SPAIN

A year ago, some friends offered to pay for a subscription to an online workout library. We accepted—it was the kind of encouragement I needed to begin incorporating regu lar, intentional exercise into my routine. Physically, I don’t notice a difference. Even energy-wise I wouldn’t say I feel better. But … I’m showing up.

That’s a win.

Three weeks ago, I started a program and I have consis tently followed through with my intentions. A win.

This week, I increased the weight I’ve used for most of the exercises. A win.

Okay, so what’s the point? While out with our friends Tristen and Jackie last week, they talked about celebrating the wins—having one’s spiritual eyes open to see the wins.

For example:

When we moved here five years ago, my neighbour professed to be agnostic. And now, as I share with her about all the transitions in our life, I also share that I am secured to an anchor. Even when the chain connecting the proverbial ship to the anchor is long and the boat is tossed around by the waves and wind, it is secure. When I pause for a moment, she responds, while pointing up, that my anchor is God.

That’s a win.

A friend who is an atheist asks me to pray for her. That’s a win.

A friend whom Rich casually knows through paddleball wants to meet up for drinks in the evening and is doing what he can to convince a different friend of his to rent us his house in Guzmán because he wants us to stay here. A win.

Tomorrow we will celebrate our fourth annual thanks giving with friends from town who do not profess to have a relationship with Jesus. But as part of our celebration, their kids always volunteer to read Scripture and give thanks to God. A win.

Keeping these things in mind, we are reminded that it is not our job to save anyone. Only to be salt and light, using every opportunity the Spirit prompts us to engage in, to invite others to know him too.

– Joy Sayer

Joy Sayer and her husband Rich (Ridgewood Church) are EMC associate missionaries with Action International in Spain.

prayer

Joanne Martens (far right) shares a meal with Sharon Friesen, Evelyn Rodgers and Diane Fehr during a recent trip to Paraguay.

Rich and Joy Sayer, with their three children, serve in Spain.

With Our Missionaries

Minimalist art shows what God has done

NORTHERN IRELAND

Welcome to the Minimalistic Art Edition of the Messenger missionary feature. This is the edition where I made a quick minimalist piece of art for everything God did in the last three months on our field in Northern Ireland. And by everything, I mean four things.

1. An office space to shine out of

By “new” I mean new to us, and by “grow,” I mean spiritually, personally, mentally, and plant-ally (it has a garden.) I do not mean in population. Just because it has an extra bedroom does not mean Miriam and I are planning on having a bunch of kids here. We’ve only been married eight months.

Seriously though, it’s been a big blessing. It’s both big ger and cheaper than our current place. It cuts half an hour off almost everywhere we need to go, both Miriam and I will be able to walk to work once I move into the new office, and the landlord is a Christian who cares about us, as opposed to the mostly soulless letting agency we had before.

3. Five new commitments to Christ at camp

I’m part of Soul Catalyst, a filmmaking-as-missions team. We seek to make short films while building relationships with the artists we work with. For a while now, my col league Ted and I have been praying for new office space; Ted’s spare bedroom was no longer cutting it.

Well, it appears God answered our prayers. We got connected with Exodus, a Northern Irish youth disciple ship ministry, right when they had an office space open up. They liked what we do, we liked what they do, and they gave us an amazing missionary discount on the space. The building also has space for film showings and a cool coffee shop. It’s in downtown Lisburn, which is essentially a sub urb of Belfast, but right next to the train station that takes you straight into the heart of Belfast.

2. A new house to grow in

This one hardly involves me. It definitely shouldn’t count to my “Missionary Effectiveness Rating,” but I probably shouldn’t be calculating that anyway. It is, however, a cool story that demonstrates the power of discipleship and partnership.

Miriam’s ministry was looking for volunteers to mentor young people who would be serving as camp counsellors for the first time this summer. I had wanted to try mentor ing for a while, and this seemed like a great opportunity.

I was paired with a young man named Matthew. I sup pose I had some expectations about “pouring wisdom into the next generation,” but I was blown away at how life-giv ing it was for me. It made me feel part of the whole body of Christ in a profound way, and I learned a lot from Matthew about Northern Irish culture.

At one point we were discussing the devotionals he’d be sharing with his campers, and he asked me to go through the Romans Road with him. I pulled up my memory of youth group along with a page on google, and we went

With Our Missionaries

through it. I confess I felt like it was a bit formulaic compared to my “wisdom and experience.”

A few weeks later I got a call from Matthew while he was at camp. With tears in his eyes, he told me that two of his campers had just become Christians after he presented the Romans Road to them. By the end of the week, five of his twelve campers had decided to follow Jesus. I was excited with him, but also incredibly humbled.

So thank you for supporting me, so I can mentor Matthew, so he can lead campers to Christ. God works through all of us imperfect people together, doesn’t he?

4. Grace to write

For a long while, I’ve struggled to write. Even missionary updates have been a challenge. Recently I’ve been journal ling through my memories, from when I first became a missionary in Germany until now. I realized that I had a lot of unprocessed stuff in those five years, and journalling has been a good way to sort through those emotions.

A few weeks ago I was writing about the great expec tations I had for myself when I first decided to become a filmmaker. I was going to shoot photos every day, make a vlog every week, and make the most of all my free time. I can’t count the number of resolutions I made. And, for the most part, none of them happened.

Was this because I was lazy, squandering evenings play ing video games? Or were these goals unreasonable, and I did the best I could considering the circumstances?

The answer is probably somewhere in between. But instead of my normal tactic of trying to figure out exactly where in between, I decided to just forgive myself. I took that bag of pain and laziness and unmet expectations and just tossed it out.

God knows, and he’s the only one, the places I should have done better and the places where I tried too hard. He knows, and he still loves me. Therefore, I will also love myself.

And the craziest thing was that after I finished journal ling, I found I was able to write. I sat down and hammered out a thousand words of the latest short story idea. I didn’t hold myself back with self-critique; I could just write. The next day was the same. Somehow accepting God’s grace set me free to write again.

I’m very thankful to God in all of this. I’m thankful he brought me to a place where I could look back safely. I’m thankful that he brought me to a place where I could for give myself. And I’m thankful that he understands us, and still loves and forgives us, even before we understand ourselves.

– Alex Reimer

Alex Reimer (Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel) is a mis sional filmmaker with Soul Catalyst, a narrative film production team in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

God knows, and he’s the only one, the places I should have done better and the places where I tried too hard. He knows, and he still loves me. Therefore, I will also love myself.

With Our Churches

Chapel

NFC holds final service

CREIGHTON, Sask.—Even though Northern Fellowship Chapel has offi cially “closed,” it is only the building that has ceased to exist as a church. It is now proudly owned by Northern Growing Abilities.

As a very small congregation, and through months of thought, prayer and decision-making, we have made our way into Flin Flon, Man., to join the fine folk of Cornerstone Commu nity Church (Mennonite Brethren). We did want, however, to have a com memorative service to honour NFC’s past. We were delighted when Terry and Mary Ann Smith consented to come for this special service on Sep tember 11, 2022. Terry and Mary Ann were our pastoral couple for eleven years from 1985–1996.

An insert in our bulletin included greetings from near and far. We appreciated hearing from many who had been a part of our church! Faith Krahn led us with some won derful songs (with Mark Koop, Angela Ishaka, Kristen Imrie, Kevin Imrie). Randall Krahn, as worship leader, guided the service smoothly. Sandra Schroeder read from 1 Corinthians 3:1–23 and Kevin read the history of NFC as provided by The Messenger in the July/August 2022 issue. We enjoyed the puppet show, (Kristen and Kevin), Deb Odegaard’s story to the children, and Terry’s memories of the past and his blessing for us all. Thank you, Terry, for your fine message!

We finished the special day by meeting at the Pros pector Inn for a luncheon. Thank you, Lorne Moorhead, for your part in this. We honoured long-time member

Margaret Cone who came with her family, and we dedi cated the “Messenger Booklet” to her. She has been with NFC since the beginning.

We are thankful to the Conference for being with us each step of the way. It was sometimes an uncertain road, but your guiding light was deeply appreciated!

Northern Fellowship

Lorne Moorhead, Mary Ann and Terry Smith, and Faith and Randall Krahn represent pastoral leadership at NFC over the past few decades.

– Janice Imrie

Long-time member Margaret Cone stands with the commemorative cake.

Pastor Randall Krahn (inset) led the service, with music provided by Kevin Imrie, Kristen Imrie, Angela Ishaka, Faith Krahn and Mark Koop.

Pastor ordained at PBMC

PICTURE BUTTE, Alta.—“At one time we too were fool ish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justi fied by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for every one” (Titus 3:3–8).

With this passage, Craig and Laura Cornelsen were formally installed as pastor couple at Picture Butte Men nonite Church. We were blessed to have EMC Director of

Portage Evangelical Church

With Our Churches

Canadian Church Planting Gerald Reimer over to lead the ordination of Craig on September 11, 2022.

God’s richest blessings in your service, Craig and Laura. Keep up your work for God’s kingdom.

– Jonathan Neufeld

Three baptized, three children dedicated

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man.—Baptized in August 2022 at Portage Evangelical Church are Riley Bueckert, Tessa Shaw and Caleb Neufeld. On September 11, 2022, Aaron and Beth Beauchamp participated in a parent-child dedica tion with their three children: Charlie, River and Vienna.

– Stan Wiebe

Clockwise from bottom left: Pas tor Glenn Loewen baptizes Ca leb Neufeld (with Caleb’s father Tim assisting), Riley Bueckert (with Riley’s father Terrence assisting), and Tessa Shaw (with her brother Kyle assisting).

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Picture Butte Mennonite Church

Laura and Craig Cornelsen (seated, centre) receive prayer from PBMC church leaders and Gerald Reimer (far right).

Pastors Glenn Loewen and Les Kroeker pray for Aaron and Beth Beauchamp and their children Charlie, River and Vienna.

With Our Churches

‘Shun’ as a positive ac‘shun’ word

CALGARY, Alta.—Transition, tradition, celebra tion, commission, congregation and many more words end with a ‘shun’ pronunciation. How many times does this occur in this article? (Tip: you’ll likely need to read it out loud to catch them all.) All these words hint at a busy and exciting calendar which is certainly true at ACF.

After a lengthy hiatus, EAL (English as an Additional Language) recommenced in Septem ber as did other more traditional and regularly scheduled avenues of ministries.

It was also a month of transition. Pas tor Larry Nutbrown retired and Pastor Davies Mpinga began his co-pastorship of the con gregation with Pastor Chris Hughes. Pastor Davies and his wife Meredith formally became members after sharing their testimonies on Sep tember 4.

A special celebratory service was held the following Sunday, September 11. Tim Dyck, executive director of the EMC, presided in both the commissioning of Pastor Davies and the ordina tion of Pastor Chris who, after months of dedication to the lengthy process, was finally able to celebrate this accom plishment. Both the pastors as well as the congregation committed to continue to serve and pray for each other. An attitude of servanthood and humbleness was evident in both pastors as they partook in the touching symbolic observance of washing each other’s feet. A fellowship meal in the form of a potluck added to the celebration.

Each Sunday in September was extra-special in its own way, and child dedication Sunday on September 18 was no exception. ACF is pleased to witness significantly more action in the 12-and-under age group due to the atten dance of more families with children as well as newborns making their arrival. Five families dedicated themselves to raising their children according to the admonition and instruction of God’s Word and dedicated their babies to the Lord to be used by him for his purposes. Pastors Chris and Davies collaborated as co-pastors by, in turn, lead ing each other’s family in dedicating themselves and their youngest child.

A sentence in Abbeydale’s vision statement reads, “We will make room in our lives and in our calendars to engage

in discipleship and hospitality.” Some in the congrega tion have taken action on this by welcoming newly arrived Ukrainians. It can be an enlightening and faith-challenging journey to walk alongside people who are navigating the various challenges of immigration.

Also in the spirit of hospitality, Abbeydale is on a mis sion to sponsor one Afghan refugee family of believers in their desire to come to Canada and is working to reach the necessary financial goal. Any contributions are most welcome!

October’s calendar page is traditionally entitled “Pas tor Appreciation Month.” ACF is blessed to have two godly pastors who serve the congregation with joy and love. The congregation was encouraged to tangibly show apprecia tion for them and their work through caring acts, cards or letters and tokens of recognition.

As fall 2022 is slowly covered by winter snows, and future activities, celebrations, responsibilities are pencilled into 2023 calendars, opportunities for gratefulness abound. Appropriately, the celebration of Christ’s birth on the crest of a new year heralds a fresh start. For believers, fall is not a time for hibernation; it’s a time of celebration!

– Ivy Plett

Abbeydale Christian Fellowship

Pastor Davies Mpinga, second from left, and Pastor Chris Hughes, second from right) are supported by EMC Executive Director Tim Dyck, Harold Friesen and Geraldine Fair during a commissioning (for Pastor Davies) and ordination (for Pastor Chris) service on September 11, 2022.

An ‘egg’-cellent gift this Christmas

Gifts of chickens will be doubled up to $33,000

For Joyce Ngumbao, a mother of five living in Kenya, a brood of chickens has made all the difference.

In the past, she and her husband struggled to feed their children. Although they worked hard on their modest fam ily farm, unpredictable weather meant they couldn’t rely on a sufficient harvest from their crops every year.

Ngumbao said her family often had to skip meals, eat ing just twice a day. “I’d wake up in the morning with children needing food. But I would have nothing, not even some porridge.”

With encouragement from a Mennonite Central Com mittee (MCC) partner organization, Utooni Development Organization (UDO), Ngumbao was able to purchase a brood of chickens. UDO’s staff also trained her how to raise and care for the chickens.

christmas . Many people choose to purchase gifts in the name of a friend or family member.

Ngumbao not only benefits from chickens; she has learned new methods of farming from UDO to increase her harvests and income. Between the increased yields and her thriving flock of chickens, she can now ensure her fam ily has three solid meals a day.

“Now we wake up with everyone feeling very healthy,” Ngumbao says. “We wake up and get breakfast.” Those crops and fresh eggs also mean her children are well-fed and energized for school, which is something the family can now afford.

The family also can sell any eggs they don’t consume. This income helps pay for the family’s expenses and allows them to reinvest in their farm. So far, they have improved their chicken coop and expanded their flock. That’s just good egg-onomics!

“We feel joy,” Ngumbao says, “because we have every thing we need.”

Joyce Ngumbao holds a chicken in the coop of the family farm in Kwa Kavisi, Kenya. Ngum bao has expanded her flock of chickens and improved their chicken house to create an alter native source of income during the dry season and drought.

Ngumbau’s chickens began laying the foundation for a better future for her family. A typical hen lays more than 200 eggs per year, providing an enduring source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Chickens are one option that Canadians may choose to give to people around the world this Christmas by purchasing them from MCC’s Christmas Giving guide. Canadians who buy chickens—$13 buys enough for two families—will have their gifts doubled, up to $33,000 by generous donors.

Other gifts related to food, water, education, health and peace are also options in the guide, mcccanada.ca/

– MCC

MCC PHOTO/MATTHEW LESTER

2023 Spirit of MDS Fund accepting grant applications

$200,000 available to help Canadian churches serve their communities

WINNIPEG, Man.—For the Baccalieu Trail Com munity Church in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, support from the Spirit of Mennonite Disaster Service Canada (MDS) Fund means they can now serve seniors and low-income people in the community.

“We have had a vision for some time now to start a kitchen at our church,” said Pastor Gerald Walsh.

The purpose was to assist seniors, singleparents and low-income people who need a place to go to get a hot meal and stay warm, he said.

Before getting the support to create the kitchen, “there wasn’t anywhere in our area that had this type of facility,” he said.

Most of the seniors would go to local fast-food restau rants, which was a hardship for many on fixed incomes.

“In some cases, seniors and others had to make a deci sion on eating or heating their homes or apartments,” he said.

The Baccalieu Trail Community Church is just one of many congregations that received money from the Spirit of MDS Fund, established by MDS Canada during the pan demic to help Canadian churches respond to COVID-19 needs in their communities.

The success of the Fund caused the MDS Canada board to decide to make it permanent.

A total of $200,000 is available each year, with a limit of $5,000 per applicant.

The grants can be used for food banks or other ministries assisting low-income people or seniors, and for construction or renovation projects to repair a home or make it more livable.

MDS Canada is also open to providing assis tance in leadership or volunteers to churches that want to do repair or construction projects.

As in the past, funding will focus on Mennonite/Ana baptist churches and organizations, with funding available for other churches and church-related groups on a caseby-case basis.

Priority for funding will be given to applications where volunteers are mobilized to use the grants.

An application form for funding for the 2023 Spirit of MDS Fund can be found at https://mds.org/ spirit-of-mds-fund.

Anabaptism at 500 seeking five hundred study groups

HARRISONBURG, Va.—The Anabaptism at 500 project is looking for five hundred study groups from a broad spectrum of Anabaptist communities to participate in creating the first-ever Anabaptist Bible. People from all Anabaptist traditions, including Men nonites, Amish, the Church of the Brethren, Brethren in Christ, Hutterites, and the Bruderhof, are invited to form study groups and submit their insights for this once-in-ageneration project.

Participating is easy. Volunteers can form their study group and register at https://www.mennomedia.org/reading-scrip ture-together. Each group will be assigned three passages and asked to meet four times to read and study together, follow ing a simple format. The reflections and questions generated

by these groups, supplemented by insights from biblical scholars, will appear as mar ginal notes in the Bible. All groups are asked to register by March 2023.

“We are looking for broad participa tion from Anabaptist churches,” said project director John Roth. “It is important that voices from all traditions are part of this historic effort to read scripture together from a Jesus-centered perspective.”

Anabaptism at 500 is a project by MennoMedia, the publishing ministry of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. To learn how you and your congregation can be involved in Anabaptism at 500, visit https://anabaptismat500.com

Volunteers respond to Hurricane Fiona in Glace Bay

Over 400 trees removed; more volunteers needed for roof repair

GLACE BAY, Nova Scotia—As hurricanes go, Fiona wasn’t as bad as some when it hit Atlantic Canada—just lots of trees blown down into yards and shingles and siding blown off houses.

Unless it was your tree, your yard or your roof and sid ing. Then it was a very big deal.

That’s how Nick Hamm sees it.

“It’s amazing how little structural damage there was,” said Hamm, who is directing the Mennonite Disaster Ser vices (MDS) early response in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island. “But for those who can’t afford to get rid of the fallen trees or fix their roofs, it’s a big challenge.”

Until the end of October, most of the work was tree removal. “I think we may have cut up and removed as many as 400 trees,” Hamm said.

The trees were knocked down by winds of up to 140 kilometres an hour on September 24, when the hurricane struck Nova Scotia. They lie scattered around the town; hardly a block hasn’t been affected. Although that was over a month ago, it will take a long time for all the trees to be removed and for roofs repaired.

Of special concern to MDS are seniors, people who are disabled or who have health issues, and those with limited resources.

This includes people like Johnny Parson, whose house was damaged in the storm. Parson, a senior, suffered a heart attack last April. After having a triple bypass, “Now I have to take it easy,” he said while puttering around in his garage. “I’m frustrated I can’t do anything.”

Parson was able to hire a company to replace his roof, which was blown off in the storm.

“I had to pay for it myself,” he said, noting it’s impos sible to buy insurance in his neighbourhood, called New

Aberdeen, a collection of old former mine-owned com pany houses.

“The insurance companies won’t provide it in my area. They decided it’s too risky.”

While the roof is back on Parson’s meticulously main tained two-storey house, there is still work that needs to be done on the fascia and siding.

That’s where Frank Guenther, a member of an Old Col ony Mennonite church near Aylmer, Ontario was at work high up on a ladder.

“People here appreciate what MDS is doing,” said Parson as he watched Guenther doing repairs. “No, appre ciate isn’t the right word. We are grateful for what MDS is doing.”

Across the street, volunteers George Enns and Frank Klassen, also from the Old Colony church near Aylmer, were working on Gerald Fukala’s roof.

Before the hurricane, Fukala, a senior who has health issues, had three holes in his roof. “Now I have nine,” he said. “Fiona added a few more.”

For Hamm, who has been serving as a volunteer with MDS for 17 years, helping people like Parson and Fukala is the reason for his involvement.

“We’re here because we feel called to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” he said. “As Christians we want to show love of Christ to our neighbours. That’s what it’s all about.”

MDS plans to be in Cape Breton until mid-December; more volunteers are needed, especially roofers. People who want to volunteer can contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds. org or 1-866-261-1274.

PHOTOS BY JOHN LONGHURST

– John Longhurst, MDS Canada Communications

Volunteers work on the roof of Gerald Fukala’s house in Glace Bay, N.S.

Johnny Parsons says, “We are grateful for what MDS is doing.”

Worship materials provide opportunity to cross barriers

“Jesus is our hope: even if we go through the valley of the shadow of death, he is by our side.”

In the Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday materials for 2023, meet the Christian believer in Burkina Faso who declares this faith despite challenges (see sidebar below)— and more.

“Each year for Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday, we encourage Anabaptist-related churches across the globe to use a common theme in a worship service to connect with our global Anabaptist family,” says César García, MWC general secretary.

Many congregations celebrate on the Sunday closest to January 21 (in 2023, January 22). On January 21, 1525, the first Anabaptist baptism took place in Zurich, Switzerland.

“Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday makes it possible for every local congregation to join in shared worship, in

spirit, in their own time, own place, and in their own way,” says Arli Klassen, regional representatives coordinator.

Churches may use as much or as little of the wor ship package as is useful to them. It contains preaching resources on the lectionary texts, four testimonies, cul tural context and suggestions for offering from Africa, a children’s story and multimedia resources. Pack age materials are available at https://mwc-cmm.org/ anabaptist-world-fellowship-sunday.

Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday is an opportunity to cross barriers: worship with another local MWC member church; invite an MWC speaker from the speak ers’ bureau; host a communal meal—or a communal time of fasting—and take up an offering for the work of MWC connecting the Anabaptist-Mennonite family of faith.

– MWC

A testimony from Burkina Faso

When we receive the life of Jesus, a living hope is born in us, with our desires turned toward what does not perish: eternal life with God. This new life is constantly being tested in various ways. This is the story of a young Fula (a person from the seminomadic Fulbe people) from Burkina Faso who converted from Islam to Christianity.

In a Fulbe village in north ern Burkina Faso, the muezzin (the person who calls people to prayer) of the mosque gave his life to Jesus to obtain sal vation. The imam and all the Muslim community were not happy with his decision. They accused him of treason.

One day, the imam summoned the muezzin before several Muslim followers. He was placed in the middle of the circle, and the imam asked the audience, “If one of your oxen gets lost from the herd, and you find it, what do you do?” The Muslim faithful answered firmly, “We bring him back and we tie him well so that he does not get lost again.”

The new convert asked for the floor to give the answer he had in his heart. “In my humble opinion,

if your ox goes astray and you find it in a green pas ture grazing fresh grass, you leave it there, and with a happy heart you go to lead the rest of the herd to him so that all your oxen may also ben efit from this green pasture.”

The imam and his retinue became angry and withdrew.

A few days later, unidentified gunmen broke in the new believer’s home in the night. Because of the heat, he and his family slept in the yard outside the house on mats. The attackers kicked him awake and ordered him to follow them. He obeyed without flinching. As they moved through the dark night, one of the attack ers fired a shotgun at him but did not hit him.

In a spirit of survival, the new believer fled and hid in a friend’s kitchen until dawn. Sensing the dan ger had passed, he came out of his hiding place and showed himself to his friend. The friend went home discreetly to check if his family was well, and to bring him some clothes. The new believer left the village to save his life.

Jesus is our hope: even if we go through the valley of the shadow of death, he is by our side.

“If your ox goes astray and you find it in a green pasture grazing fresh grass, you leave it there, and with a happy heart you go to lead the rest of the herd to him.”

BERNHARD KROEKER

1926–2022

Bernhard – Ben – (Loewen) Kroeker, was born on March 4, 1926, near Morris, Man., to Jacob B. and Helena Kroeker. He spent his childhood with his parents, four brothers and six sis ters on the family farm at Rosenort, Man.

School days were spent in a small country school within walking dis tance of the farm, and he completed his elementary schooling there. He learned the basics of farming as he worked with his dad on the very farm that he would take over someday.

On July 27, 1947, he married his teenage sweetheart, Helen Bartel, and together they started family life. Over the next 20 years they welcomed 10 children into their home, one of whom, Ronald, died in infancy, but was never forgotten. Family life was a time of learning a strong work ethic, learning how to be good citizens of Canada, and much involvement, influ ence, and training in the church and the Bible.

In 1971, Ben and Helen, along with the youngest six of their nine children, relocated to Birch River, Manitoba, where another farm became their principal residence and livelihood. Dad loved farming and passed on his knowledge to his family, leaving a wonderful and lasting legacy filled with love for God and His Word.

Dad loved people. Together, Mom and Dad formed many lasting friend ships, with the underlying desire that everyone they knew would also come to love the Lord Jesus Christ, whom they trusted for their salvation and eternal life. They were an integral part in the work of the Birch River Chris tian Fellowship, associated with the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.

Besides farming, Dad also invested much time in carpentry projects, especially taking pride in building things for his grandchildren. He made many crokinole boards in this journey and loved playing crokinole even to the end of his life.

After Mom died in 2004, Dad was very lonely. After five years of being a widower, he met Miriam Barcsik. The two prayed about God’s will for their lives, and God lead them to be mar ried on June 27, 2009. Together they moved into a lovely home in Swan River and enjoyed life there.

Eventually Dad’s health deterio rated to where he needed a lot of care and he moved into the Swan Valley Lodge where he was living when Jesus came to take him to his eternal home on April 7, 2022, at the age of 96.

As a family, we will forever be grateful for our loving, faithful, gen tle earthly father, who made it easy to trust a heavenly Father, whom he so well exemplified in the home, church, and community. We still love you Daddy and thank God for you.

Leaving to mourn his passing are his beloved wife, Miriam and her family, as well as five sons and four daughters: Amanda (Dennis) Ander son, Helen (Ed) Harms and family, Wilma, (Ken) Foster and family, Alvin (Diane) Kroeker and family, Ray (Mary) Kroeker and family, Vio let (Tim) Steinert and family, Leroy (Rhona) Kroeker and family, Charles (Roxanne) Kroeker and family, James (Hazel) Kroeker and family.

– The Family

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 senior, associate, youth, and interim pastors than are identified on this page. For information on additional openings, contact Director of Canadian Church Planting Gerald D. Reimer (greimer@em conference.ca). The national office phone number is 204-326-6401.

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

Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (RFC) is seek ing an associate pastor whose primary task will be youth ministry with secondary tasks to be determined. Our vision is to build a junior youth ministry (grades 7–9) while assisting in senior youth programs in the community.

EMC Positions

Children’s Ministries Director: Westpointe Community Church (Grande Prairie, Alta.)

Westpointe Community Church in Grande Prairie, Alta., is looking for a children’s ministries director. This is a full-time po sition. Wages will be dependent on quali fications and experience. For a detailed description of the position and how to apply please follow the link https://west pointecc.churchcenter.com/registrations/ events/1375014 or email your inquiry to westpointe@hotmail.com.

The applicant will be a person who loves Jesus Christ and aspires to help oth ers know Christ. This person will be highly motivated to make an impact among youth with his/her own dedication to Christ and to lead, influence, and prepare our youth for life today. The applicant will have some Bible college and skills in com municating biblical truths. This person will work in cooperation with the leadership team.

RFC is a multigenerational congrega tion of 100 persons 30 minutes south of Winnipeg. We are theologically 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.

The EMC National office is seeking an individual with a passion for Christ and the church and a desire to see people mobilized to cross cultural ministry, to fill the position of Director of Global Outreach (DGO).

The DGO will provide leadership, guidance and direction to EMC global ministries, while promoting missions to EMC churches throughout Canada. The DGO will also serve as a member of the Executive Team which will support and enhance all ministries and boards of the EMC. Qualifications include cross-cultural missionary experience, availability to travel and strong communication skills. This position offers equitable pay and benefits with opportunity for profes sional development.

For more information on this position and how to apply, go to our website  http://www.emconference. ca/serve. Applications will be ac cepted until December 31, 2022.

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

Senior Pastor: Taber EMC (Taber, Alta)

Taber EMC is actively searching for the senior pastor whom God has chosen to lead us into the future. Taber EMC is a unique, growing, family-oriented church. Our regular Sunday attendance is about 250. If you feel the Lord leading you in this direction please send to: taberemcpsc@ gmail.com.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship is in Vanderhoof, located on the banks of the Nechako River in the heart of British Columbia. Our mission is to love God, love our neighbour, and make disciples. Our vision is to serve our neighbour through loving, encouraging, and caring. We have a full Sunday program and both junior and senior youth programs. We have an active weekly seniors Bible study as well as weekly youth Bible studies. We are

active in various community events. We are seeking a full-time senior pastor for our congregation to replace our re cently retired pastor couple. 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 would be an asset.

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

EMC national office (Steinbach, Man.): Director of Global Outreach

Shoulder Tapping

Pastor of GermanSpeaking Ministry: Picture Butte Men nonite 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 cur rently holds an English and a Low German service each Sunday morning which both connects us to our cultural heritage and gives us a unique outreach opportunity to more traditional, Low German-speaking communities.

We are looking for a man that is expe rienced 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.

church’s ministry. The person taking this role needs to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively on a small ministry team.

Previous applicable experience work ing with youth is essential. The position will require approximately 16 hours of time per week. A resume, with cover let ter, can be sent to: Oswald at ozzy_wald@ hotmail.com.

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 a multigenerational congregation and have great existing ministries. We work hard at developing relationships in the community.

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 min isters 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 under standing and general agreement with our Anabaptist theological background. Contact psc@straffordvilleemc.ca.

Other Positions

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

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

The successful candidate will demon strate a passion for Christ through their vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus. Demonstrable leadership and influ ence 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 scope of the

Communications Coordinator: Menno nite Community Services of Southern Ontario (Aylmer, Ont)

Mennonite Community Services of Southern Ontario (MCS), based in Aylmer, Ontario, is a not-for-profit charity provid ing services to newcomers and the com munity through its programs of settle ment, education, employment, ethnic media and thrift store. MCS is owned by several area Mennonite Churches, includ ing EMC, who send delegates to serve on the board of directors. MCS is currently looking for a communications coordi nator. The communications coordinator will be responsible to provide and coor dinate public relations on behalf of MCS, provide oral and written communication for staff and constituents and maintain social media sites in alignment with the MCS Vision, Mission and Values. A full job posting can be found under www.mcson. org/employment-opportunities. Those interested in joining the team can send a detailed resume and cover letter to hr@ mcson.org.

By Karla Hein

It started with the zucchinis

Sixteen zucchinis were piled haphazardly on my counter. Excessive growth for an average household! I seasonally forget how much time a garden harvest demands from me every summer. Preserving vegetables, mak ing jam, searching for ways to use zucchini (surprisingly, no one asked for a repeat of the zucchini oat meal recipe). My garden yields enjoyment, but confiscates time.

As per our regular summer routine, the children and I trooped out to the garden late in August to investigate what needed our attention. A gorgeous sunny morning, the garden offered a personal grocery produce section. Car rots, peas, pumpkin, raspberries—the children ran delighted picking samples from vines and bushes. The plants seemed to have synchronized a last hoorah, evidence that, indeed, hard work is rewarded.

As I bent down to pull strawberries from the freshly weeded patch, my thoughts turned to other responsibilities that I struggle daily to cul tivate. Who benefits from all the work I pour into my children? I mused.

participating in my children’s spiritual maturation in order that the Father may receive more praise!

By faith, I envision their fruitful futures after this adolescent season of growth finishes. Obviously, their spiritual harvest and growing character is not for my gluttonous consump tion. I thought about Jesus’ words in John 15 about bearing much fruit and how without him we “can do nothing” (v. 5). Then I realized the magnificent truth that their fruit (like my own) is for the praise and glory of God. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (v. 8).

My heart filled with joy, triumphing over the weariness I had felt as I dutifully trudged to the garden a few moments earlier. I was

I often struggle with contentment in the thankless, mundane tasks of feeding breakfasts, correcting errors, and training in righteousness. These ordinary tasks seem relatively unim portant in the moment (like pulling one pesky dandelion from a long carrot row). I want to see immediate results for my service. I want to know now that my life is meaningful and fruitful.

Recently, I read about Marie Durand of France. In 1730, she was arrested at the age of 18 because of her and her family’s Protestant views in a Roman Catholic country. She spent 38 years imprisoned, refusing to recant her faith. Marie entered the Tower of Constance in her youth ful prime and was released eight years before her death.

Was her life of any value to Christ’s king dom while it wasted away in captivity year after excruciating year? Yet who am I to question the Creator on his plan (Job 38; Romans 9:20)?

I wish for significance and purpose. He says I am to “live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7; see also Hebrews 11:1). It is enough. Abiding in Christ’s perfect love results in obedience and completed joy (John 15:9–11). His love compels me to tend to my daily responsibilities because it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (2 Corinthians 5:14; Galatians 2:20)! What more do I require, but the learned contentment of daily faithfulness (Philippians 4:11)?

I want to see immediate results for my service. I want to know now that my life is meaningful and fruitful.

Parent them into the kingdom

I’m trying to learn how to parent young adults. How much does one say to an eigh teen-year-old about choices? My tendency is to say very little, until I shouldn’t say anything, and then I say a lot. But three things I heard lately make me wonder.

First, I heard two long-term professors in Christian higher education say on separate occa sions a major challenge facing Christian colleges today is parents discouraging their children from attending. Young adults interested in learn ing about the Bible or a Christian worldview are steered by their Christian parents toward “use ful” schooling that will get them into secure jobs sooner.

Second, I heard a missionary reflecting on leaving her Christian family to serve overseas. Her family would have said they supported mis sions. But they earnestly tried to convince this eager young missionary she could serve God just as well at home as in Africa. Is missionary recruitment being hampered by Christian par ents opposing this life for their children?

Third, I heard George Barna, the American pollster of religion and guest on the “Faith, Par ents, Children” episode of First Things Podcast (July 21, 2022). He said data shows that parents are the biggest factor influencing the religious beliefs of their children and young adults. But, he said, most parents spend more of their influ ence on children’s emotional well-being than on

Further in A nd higher

moral and theological development. It seems— if we had to pick—we would rather have happy children than Christian children.

Now, I admit this column is coming from some defensiveness over criticism the church has faced for young adults leaving the faith. Maybe young adults leaving the church has as much to do with parental influence as church failure. Maybe it’s both. Of course, church and family cannot be separated; they are both the product of the other to some extent.

But I, at least, need to be told: “Parent, you are not responsible to raise financially secure children. God will not judge you for failing to produce successful participants in the consum erist market economy. Further, the Bible shows little concern that your parenting produces emotionally bal anced, self-confident children. God simply asks you to use what influ ence you have to direct your children to love Jesus utterly.”

Now, this must all be nuanced for sure. Giving children emotional support is part of raising them in the Lord. A great way to fight poverty in society is to teach our children to enjoy working for a living. Jesus leads people into “secular” work as well as missions. The church also has a part in discipling children, not just parents. Children have a fierce free will, and parents dare not set their security on children “turning out” emotionally or spiritually. Yes to all this and more.

But it’s good to keep asking: what is our cul ture already teaching my children? What good things will they have caught with little effort on my part just by living life: being online, attend ing school, hanging out with friends? What will no one else teach them unless I do? Who else will compel them to say “Yes” to the kingdom in baptism and then surrender their money, time and last breath to Christ? What powerful voice is urging my children to lose their lives for Jesus? If that good news is not coming from me, who do I think will tell them?

By Layton Friesen

LIGHTSTOCK

Who else will compel our children to say

“Yes” to the kingdom in baptism and then surrender their money, time and last breath to Christ?

By Loreena Thiessen

Christmas, a season of joy

Anew Christmas season is here. What makes Christmas special? First, lights go up. Recorded Christmas music is everywhere, reminding us that Christmas is near. Shop owners are excited to see all the shoppers. Families prepare traditional and new activities. You make a Christmas wish list for your parents. All of these preparations make us feel hope ful, dreaming of possibilities. It is an exciting time. But Christmas was not always celebrated.

It was 300 years after the birth of Jesus before this event began to be celebrated as Christ mas. Over time, Christmas became a time for extravagant feasts and wild parties. To stop this, the British government created a law in 1647 forbidding Christmas celebrations. Not even decorations were allowed. Fines were handed out for breaking the law. This law was repealed in 1660 when King Charles II took the throne. Christmas music existed from the begin ning. The first and oldest songs were simple, often only one line being repeated, in Latin and French. Much later the songs became more complex and were performed as carols on street corners and in churches.

Which carol is your favorite? “Away in a Manger” is one of the most popular and may be the first one you learned. It first appeared in the late 1800s. No one knows who wrote it. Likely someone in the United States. Although it is known as the cradle song, it tells the story of the greatest man who ever lived on earth, God’s own Son, Jesus. Jesus is the King of heaven and earth,

but he was born in a stable, a shelter for cows and sheep. The words are a prayer asking Jesus to bless all children, and for his protection and care. It is based on Matthew 19:14, where Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me … the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them” (NIRV).

“Silent Night” is the most popular carol of all. It has been recorded twice as many times as even the second most popular carol. “Silent Night” was written and composed by two friends, Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber. It was written for a Christmas Eve Mass in 1818, to be accom panied on the guitar. The melody and the words of “Silent Night” match. As you sing, can you feel the calmness of that night? Can you feel the excitement and awe the shepherds felt? Both melody and words make us feel calm, reverent and worshipful.

•

•

• Write the words or draw a picture to show each action in Psalm 98. Share with your family.

“Joy to the World” is the second most popu lar carol. It is the oldest of these three, published in 1719 by Isaac Watts. At first it was a poem, a rewriting of Psalm 98, and not intended to be sung. It was more than 100 years later that “Joy to the World” got its melody and became the carol we sing today. The melody is bouncy; the notes soar and fall like the peal of joyous church bells. As you sing “Joy to the World” you feel the joy of Christmas.