The Messenger November/December 2016

The Messenger a publication of the

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Volume 54  No. 10 November/December 2016

Benefits of Christmas: Our Hope in Christ INSIDE:

ISTOCK

lief in the e B r u O g in t c Resurre ody page 6 B e h t f o n io t Resurrec rlasting page 10 e v E e if L : d e e ' Cr The Apostles riences page 13 e p x E g in g n a For Life-Ch As We Gather

$2.00

Editorials

A Clash With Christmas

W

hile North Korea’s Sept. 9 test of a nuclear weapon was condemned around the world, the focus should be on opposing nuclear weapons, not on who can have them.

It’s curious logic for those countries possessing nuclear weapons to disallow them elsewhere. How likely is it that sanctions and other punishments will help North Korea to feel less isolated and give up a weapon that some others have?

Make no mistake. North Korea should not have, test, or use nuclear weapons; no country should under any circumstances. The use of such weapons involves indiscriminate, long-term harm. It is an offense against God and people made in his image. Nations need to protect themselves, but not in this way.

The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

were horrific acts. Yes, they shortened World War Two, freed many people in POW camps (including three of my relatives), and prevented more war crimes by Japanese forces. They also spared many Allied and Japanese soldiers who would have died in further ground fighting.

However, the basic purpose of having soldiers is to protect non-combatants.

Something is amiss when civilians are killed to protect soldiers. In this instance, soldiers killed non-combatants, elderly men, women and children, including some Catholics and Protestants.

No nuclear weapon is so precise that it will not kill civilians; even much smaller missiles, even used in drone strikes, cannot do so.

Nuclear weapons clash with the good news of Christmas.

– Terry M. Smith

••

The In/Visible God

N

o innkeeper refused a room to Joseph and Mary.

The Greek word for the “inn” (KJV) used by Joseph and Mary in Luke 2:7 is not the same as the “inn” used by the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:34 (Dr. John Stafford). The former word can mean lodging or guest-chamber as well as inn; the latter means inn (Mounce and Mounce).

Stafford points out that if people were travelling to a home area, they would stay with family. If the guest room was already full, latecomers would share the space used by animals (K. E. Bailey and others).

What’s this mean? While the “innkeeper” didn’t exist, Jesus was, indeed, born in a humble setting used by animals.

It’s significant that Jesus was born in this setting. God sometimes seems to be invisible; at times, his works can seem difficult to locate and observe. Yet at Christmas we proclaim that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14)—the invisible God became visible!

Jesus is “the human face of God” (J. A. T. Robinson). To

say this fully, we affirm Jesus as true God and true man.

Augustine said he had read elsewhere of the Word (Logos), but never that “the Word became flesh” until St. John spoke of Jesus. Augustine (AD 354-430) followed our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12). Does this verse say that the invisible God is also revealed by how we Christians live? If so, may we this Advent season help travellers to see the invisible God who became visible.

– Terry M. Smith

Stafford points out that if people were travelling to a home area, they would stay with family.

2 The Messenger • November/December 2016

For further study, see John Longhurst, “Exonerating that ‘mean old innkeeper,’” Canadian Mennonite (Dec. 21, 2009) and the article it draws upon: K. E. Bailey, “The Manger and the Inn: A Middle Eastern view of the birth story of Jesus,” Presbyterian Record (Dec. 21, 2006). This editorial is indebted to these writings.

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

16 An Education App

Resurrecting Our Belief in the Resurrection of the Body – Paul Walker

Diverse Worship Styles Within the EMC – Terry M. Smith

21 Focus On 10 The Apostles' Creed: Life C2C and God's Calll Everlasting – Charles Koop

– David Thiessen

13 As We Gather For LifeChanging Experiences – Dylan Barkman

Departments

page

19

26 Further In and Higher Up Distracted in Two Directions – Layton Friesen

29 Poetry

page

23

A Carpenter's Son – Eleanor Lee Gustaw

2 Editorials 3 Pontius’ Puddle

31 Window on Missions

4 Letters 17 With Our Missionaries 22 With Our Churches 27 News 33 Shoulder Tapping

Come Celebrate God's Work in Nicaragua!

– Ken Zacharias

32 Writings Shared 34 Here and Far Away

page

30

Fall On Your Knees – Jocelyn R. Plett

35 Stewardship Today page

31

When a Little Becomes a Lot – Darren Pries-Klassen

36 Kids’ Corner

The First Visitors – Loreena Thiessen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger

Volume 54 No. 10 November/December 2016

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

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

The Messenger is the publication, published nine times per year, of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

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

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

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

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

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362

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

Letters God Himself Corrects Israel

I agree with Don Plett (An Ill-Advised Resolution Against Israel, October 2016) that Scripture tells us that Israel is a nation chosen and loved by God. I disagree with Don Plett about how to bless Israel. God has spent all of history loving and drawing unfaithful Israel back to Himself through correction and discipline, often getting very angry! I do not feel that blessing the nation of Israel means turning a blind eye to the atrocities taking place in Palestine.

Scripture is clear about how Israel is expected to behave toward the alien and stranger. Leviticus 19:34: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love

Conflict and Friends

I appreciate the balanced approach featuring a column by Senator Don Plett and a response from Dan Dyck, representing Mennonite Church Canada [Oct.].

I agree with brother Plett that as Christians we have a connection with the Jews and are called to seek the blessing of Israel and pray for her peace. I certainly affirm her right to exist as a sovereign people in the land.

With brother Dyck, I deplore the violence that has been perpetrated against Israel by groups such as Hamas.

While brother Plett warns that the resolution affirmed by Mennonite Church Canada delegates is “an extreme position against Israel,” he offers no alternative solution to address the ongoing conflict. Granted, no simple solution exists. But I believe that as Christians seeking to be peacemakers, we have an opportunity and an obligation to start somewhere.

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 02 - Feb. 2017 issue (copy due Dec. 08)

4 The Messenger • November/December 2016

them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” Exodus 22:21: “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him....”

Deut. 10:19: “So show your love for the alien....”

I don’t know if sanctions on Israel are the appropriate Mennonite response to the oppression being wrought on Palestine. But I certainly feel that Mennonites can despise the ungodly actions of the Israeli Defense Force and ought to support some form of non-violent response to illegal settlements and brutality.

– Jen Kornelsen Winnipeg, Man.

The resolution in question may in the long run achieve very limited results. But it is a way of responding to the pleas of our Christian Palestinian brothers and sisters, and can raise awareness of the issues. To do this does not mean that you are antiSemitic or against Israel.

I would hope that to be a friend of Israel includes being willing to challenge her on current destructive policies, and encourage her to take steps that make for peace and dignity for all within her borders. True friends tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

The biblical record shows that Israel’s occupation of the land was always conditional on her faithfulness to God, including the treatment of the alien and stranger in her midst.

– Ward Parkinson Morris, Man.

Letters Restoration

The October 2016 issue hit on some important issues the couple back together assuming that this is the biblical hopefully precipitating further discussion: forgiveness of answer! sins (Harvey Plett), The Gospel defined (Darryl Klassen), Some of us have also experienced cases where the and policing (Layton Friesen). Two of the articles touch on church has intervened to protect the wronged spouse. an issue needing further clarification—reconciliation.

These actions have at times lead to a healthy and happy Dr. Plett states at the end of his article that after forremarriage or contented “singleness” opted for while the giveness, “reconciliation and renewed relationship should abuser usually finds little in the way of healing. happen” (my emphasis). Layton Friesen similarly states “we We are left with the question, then, “What is the have to find more peaceful, humane and effective ways of church’s responsibility in bringing about reconciliation resolving conflict. For example ‘restorative justice’….” Dr. and healing?”

Klassen also hints at “reconciliation” in his last paragraph.

– Ray Hill These statements tantalizingly imply processes that MacGregor, Man. are involved and far from automatic. My concern is that where there is offence, for example, in domestic abuse that there is also a justifiable loss of trust that is not easily repaired (Do we put a thief back in charge of accounts receivable?). The April 4-11, 2017 loss of trust often makes it pragmatiEMC Missions began ministry in Nicaragua in 1966. The Nicaragua FIEMN, which concally impossible for a relationship to be sists of 33 churches and outreaches, will celebrate this anniversary on April 8, 2017. restored to where it once was.

You are invited to attend this anniversary!

The church has sometimes forced (coerced?) an abused and vulnerable Anniversary Celebration: April 8, 2017 spouse back to a partner who cannot The FIEMN churches and invited guests will meet for a one-day celebration at Camp be trusted, and it is predictable that the Maranatha, the FIEMN church camp. This will be a full day of celebration with at least offence will recur. This puts a double onus two services and additional prayer services through the night. on the person wronged—to forgive the abuser again and then to refrain from law- Anniversary Learning Tour: April 4-11, 2017 suit against the church for foreseeable Lester and Darlene Olfert will lead this tour visiting FIEMN churches and ministries. harm done. It is not enough merely to put You will be introduced to FIEMN conference committee leaders and pastors, and will

NICARAGUA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND LEARNING TOUR

appreciate the strong faith clearly evident in believers’ lives.

Cost: about $1,800, including flights (more exact pricing will follow).

For information on the Anniversary Celebration and Learning Tour, contact Ken Zacharias at the EMC national office: kzacharias@emconf.ca.

Join in the

joy and

generosity of this holiday season

Mennonite Central Committee’s

Christmas Giving Catalogue is now available: mcccanada.ca/joy-giving

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Quarterly Financial Report 2016 Receipts and Transfers Disbursements Excess/Shortfall

Jan-Sept 2016 1,133,237 1,332,691 -199,454

Jan–Sept 2015 1,206,811 1,545,695 -338,884

The Board of Trustees is grateful for the faithful giving of churches and individuals to the Conference budget. Thank you for giving generously to the work we are doing together. Here are the results for the third quarter of 2016.

Tim Dyck General Secretary www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

ISTOCK

If we say too little, we risk missing out on the truth; if we say too much, we risk distorting the message of hope.

6  The Messenger • November/December 2016

The Apostles’ Creed Through 2016

Resurrecting Our Belief in the Resurrection of the Body

by Pastor Paul Walker

W

hat happens after you die? We might say, “You go to heaven when you die.” But that leads to other questions.

What is heaven like? There is no shortage of speculations. Some people imagine the Pearly Gates of heaven suspended high in the clouds.

Those who are welcomed past the Pearly Gates are treated to bright lights, smooth Jazz, halos, and harps.

Others think of the lyrics of vacating this earth: “To that home on God’s celestial shore. I’ll fly away.” And still others struggle with any sort of vision of life after death.

How will we ever find clarity and understanding? As a starting point, we should resist the urge to say too little and too much about life after death. If we say too little, we risk missing out on the truth; if we say too much, we risk distorting the message of hope.

This is why we need to recapture a fresh vision of what both the Creeds and Scriptures teach us on life after death, and life after life after death. Faithfulness to Scripture and Creed can help us navigate the rough waters of confusion and caricature.

What Do Scripture and Creed Teach Us?

For starters, they teach the resurrection of the dead as the ultimate hope of the Redeemed.

Our bodies will be glorified and recreated in the same manner that Jesus’ crucified body rose from the grave on Easter morning. This is not a disembodied soul going to heaven when you die. The resurrection of the body is properly not about life after death, but life after life after death. It is the promise of New Creation.

Now you might think, “How does that fit in with going to heaven when you die?” Well, while heaven may be a temporary place for the soul, heaven is not the ultimate destiny of the redeemed. As N. T. Wright notes, “Heaven is

important, but it is not the end of the world.”

Let’s explore this further.

The Nature of Heaven

Heaven was created alongside earth in the beginning (Gen. 1:1) and will be “recreated” alongside the earth for union at the end of the age (Rev. 21-22). An ancient Jewish thinking saw Heaven as a physical place above the earth, and the abode of God. It’s perhaps best to view Heaven as not so much a physical location, but a realm and a dimension that exists both alongside and separate from ours in a mysterious interlocking relationship.

Heaven is a place where believers go in death.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of this when he writes “to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8), or speaks of his desire to “be with Christ” upon death (Phil. 1:23).

While heaven is the dwelling place for the soul, the weight of Scripture points to an eventual future embodied resurrection of the dead, and not a disembodied existence apart from the earth. Heaven is a temporary resting place for the souls of the saints. Heaven and Earth will one day be joined as one in the culmination of the New Creation. John, the writer of Revelation, describes such a union with his description of the new Jerusalem descending from heaven to launch the new age (Rev. 21-22).

The Biblical Hope of Resurrection

The resurrection of body does not imply a disembodied soul escaping to heaven for eternity.

As N.T. Wright puts it, “Resurrection isn’t a fancy way of saying, ‘going to heaven when you die’. It is not about the ‘life after death’ as such.

Rather, it’s way of talking about being bodily alive again after a period of being bodily dead.

Resurrection is a second-stage postmortem life: ‘life after life after death’.”

The Creed says that our bodies will become

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

like Christ’s resurrected body. It is a bold reminder that the New Creation that was launched on Easter morning, as Jesus burst forth from the tomb, will no longer be the “not yet” for those who wait upon the Lord. As the Apostle Paul makes clear, Christ “will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil 3:21).

The resurrection of the body is God creating for us physical, glorified, and immortal bodies that can participate in the New Creation in which there is no longer any death or decay. This is why the Apostle Paul writes, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54). This will take place when Jesus comes again to judge the living and the dead at the end of this age (Is. 65-66, 1 Thess. 4:16-17, Rev. 20-22).

Does the Resurrection of the Body Matter?

Firstly, it teaches us that God has not given up on the mission of rescue and renewal. The biblical hope boldly proclaims God has been in the process of putting the world to rights, bringing order to chaos, and establishing shalom to our violent disordered world. The resurrection of the body is God’s supreme act of rescue from the curse of death.

8 The Messenger • November/December 2016

Christmas reminds us of this! We are reminded that, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) to rescue and renew us. God assumed the likeness of sinful human nature (Rom. 8:3) in the person of Jesus Christ to heal us of the curse.

As the Christmas carol Joy to the World declares, “He comes to make His blessings flow, Far as the curse is found!” Christmas reminds us that Christ came to overthrow the curse of death by entering our cursedness and overcoming it in the power of resurrection. We who are united with Christ, our rescuer, now await our final rescue through the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

Secondly, it reminds that this world matters. Unlike the Gnostic inclination to devalue the material world around us, Christians confess that this is our Father’s world. A belief in the resurrection of the body is also a belief in our restored relationship to rightly rule and reign with Christ over God’s good creation.

This is why the Apostle Paul so closely connects the liberation of creation to the redemption of the children of God in Romans 8.

When humans are put right, all of creation will be put right. God’s rescue project is more than just for individuals, but for all of creation.

This has huge implications for how we treat our Father’s world today. God’s work of New

Creation has already been inaugurated in the resurrection of Christ, and in us through our baptisms. We as Christians ought to begin to live now in this age, the “not yet” promise of the age to come. This should challenge us to adjust our actions and attitudes towards the material world.

Lastly, it is a blessed hope for those whose are grieving the loss of their health. Our current bodies are wasting away, corruptible, and

Resources Consulted Justin S. Holcomb, Know the Creeds and Councils, 2014 Michael F. Bird, What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine through the Apostles’ Creed, 2016 N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, 2008; Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense, 2006; Surprised

by Scripture: Engaging Contemporary Issues, 2014

susceptible to disease and destruction. As a pastor I’ve sat with many people whose bodies were in various stages of giving out on them. The resurrection of the body reminds us that though we may grieve our current bodily failings, our future resurrected bodies will not fail us nor hinder us. Instead, let us look forward to the day where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev 21:4).

Thanks be to God! Maranatha!

Paul Walker is blessed to serve Roseisle EMC as their pastor. He is a graduate of Horizon College and Seminary, a father of two, and a husband of but one wife. Nothing excites Paul more than helping people discover Jesus in thought, word, and deed. Paul also has interests that include theology, travel, philosophy, art, music, history, good food, and all things that cause wonder and awe.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

DESIGNPICS

The Apostles’ Creed Through 2016

The Apostles’ Creed: Life Everlasting

by David Thiessen

“I

believe . . . in life everlasting.” The present Christian Church is waiting for the realization of our future hope, or are we?

The book of Habakkuk in the Old Testament Scriptures encourages us to be a people who wait. In Hab. 2:3 it says, “For the revelation waits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

I believe the Lord is speaking to Habakkuk about “life everlasting.” It is arriving, but it has not arrived yet! So we wait.

How do we speak of something that is not here yet? Perhaps little, and certainly not in terms of rigid dogma. We should think and speak with some caution, seeking to keep an open mind. We need to continue a careful reading of Scripture and not jump to quick conclusions—especially since the conclusion is not here yet!

But “life everlasting” has begun. We speak of it in the words of George Eldon Ladd as “inaugurated eschatology.” However, what we have so

10 The Messenger • November/December 2016

far is only the beginning, as important as that is (Luke 4:16-21).

I want to write about this eternal life in terms of New Testament teaching on a new heaven and a new earth. I will make reference to a number of texts and make comments on each one.

I also want to acknowledge the writings of N. T. Wright and J. Richard Middleton. They have been instrumental in awaking in me the anticipation of “life everlasting.”

How do we speak of something that is not here yet?

Revelation 21:1-5

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.

They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every

tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

This passage speaks about what is known as the final state. The disappearance of the sea suggests the removal of evil and its influence. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, is the post-resurrection Church, the bride of Christ, coming down out of heaven to the earth.

God himself will be with the people. Death, mourning, tears, and pain have passed away, along with the old order of things. Everything is being made new.

He who was seated on the throne Acts 3:19-21 said, “I am making everything new!” Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may Then he said, “Write this down, for be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come these words are trustworthy and true.” from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Here is Peter, shortly after Pentecost, preaching the good news of Jesus.

The recently ascended Christ must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything. Here, “life everlasting” is about the restoration of “everything.”

Ephesians 1:9-10

ISTOCK

And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Here in this amazing salvation text, beginning in verse three, Paul says some of the most startling words in the New Testament.

God will bring all things in heaven and on earth together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ! Salvation involves the task of unifying everything that has been fragmented or alienated, thereby bringing oneness and wholeness and healing! How comprehensive is that?!

This is the nature of “life everlasting.”

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

Colossians 1:19-20

2 Peter 3:10-13

DESIGNPICS

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Paul does not limit the efficacy of Christ’s atonement to humanity. It speaks of peacemaking and reconciliation as all inclusive as possible in heaven and on earth!

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.

The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

The text has the language of judgment and fire. But notice “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” It seems the fire will have a cleansing or purifying purpose. This suggests that the new heaven and new earth refer to renewal and restoration, rather than replacement and starting again from scratch. I think the language of destruction does not apply to the creation, but to the judgment of sin.

Romans 8:19-23

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Here we have the imagery of labour pains in

12 The Messenger • November/December 2016

childbirth and the imagery of the Israelites groaning in the slavery under Pharaoh. These images are applied to the human condition, but moving well beyond that to the entire created order.

This is creation itself experiencing the liberation and freedom from the bondage brought on by the sin and rebellion of sinful humanity. It’s another salvation story of God, repairing what was broken in all creation, along with the redemption of the children of God. Since the creation story of Genesis 1 and 2, followed by the heartbreaking results of human sin and autonomy in chapters 3 and following, it has always been God’s intention, motivated by His matchless love and mercy, to see heaven and earth come together, so that God’s will would be done on earth as it is in heaven! This is the Kingdom of God that Jesus announced at His first coming and it will be fulfilled and completed when He returns!

Then we can joyfully and gratefully repeat the words spoken at creation: “It is good; it is very good!”

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

David Thiessen (BA, BTh, MCS) has done a lifetime of pastoral ministry together with his wife Merna.

He served as the EMC Conference Pastor from 2000 to 2011. While he is toying with retirement, he is currently the part-time interim pastor at Mennville EMC in Manitoba’s Interlake.

ISTOCK

Convention 2017

As We Gather For Life-Changing Experiences

by Pastor Dylan Barkman

P

lease open your Bible and refer to Rev. 3:14-22 to the Church in Laodicea. Notice that in verse 14, this “evaluation” or “report card” is not written to unbelievers; it is written to the Church, arguably a group of people that already ought to be “advancing Christ’s kingdom culture”!

In verses 15-16 Jesus judges their deeds as “lukewarm” and as a result is about to spit them out of His mouth!

They were wealthy and tempted to look to their wealth as their source of strength. Like them, we are likely the richest generation of Christians to date, proved by our abundance of “toys” and “wants.” And whether we admit it or not, we take pride in our wealth even as a conference.

In verses 17-18 Jesus says, “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”

We will understand what “the gold refined in the fire” is once we see the five steps Jesus lays out for us.

This attitude in the Church infuriates Jesus (the Ultimate Judge, 1 Tim. 4:1), who is about to “spit them out” as a result.

Lukewarm

Consider what “lukewarm” refers to in terms of a hot tub. We naturally consider the water to be hot. However, hot water is 100oC and cold water is 1C. We enjoy sitting in water around 38C, which is “lukewarm” in comparison to hot or cold water. The effect of this “lukewarm” water puts us in a place where we are content, relaxed, exert little effort, want for nothing, and desire to stay that way forever, nearly asleep.

This attitude in the Church infuriates Jesus (the Ultimate Judge, 1 Tim. 4:1), who is about to “spit them out” as a result.

Jesus quotes them as saying, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.”

Repent!

The first step is “be earnest and repent.” Because this letter is written to the gathered church it begs the question, “Does your church, or the conference, have something in place where people can intentionally repent and deal with sin?”

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

Truthfully, many churches assume people deal with all their sin on their own, when what typically happens is that we get really good at sweeping certain sins under the rug and still present ourselves as “good Christians” on Sunday morning. The weight of unconfessed sin just feels normal. Yikes!

Then in verse 20 Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Remember Jesus is speaking to a movement of people that ought to be advancing His kingdom culture! However, the obvious question is, “What is Jesus doing outside of the door of the Church?”

To answer that question, consider the following diagram. The circle represents your life.

In your life is a throne on which whatever is “Lord” or “King” of your life sits. Before receiving Christ, your life is ruled by “self ” and Jesus is not part of your life. At the time when you accept Jesus as Lord of your life through faith, He becomes ruler of your life. He is truly Lord and King and you no longer are number one in your life. This is as it should be.

Frightfully, for the rest of our lives, unless we are intentional about keeping Jesus as Lord, our selfish tendencies kick in and we drift back onto the throne. Although Jesus is still in our lives, He no longer has true function as the

actual Lord of our life. As Jesus’ own analogy goes, He is still nearby; however, He is on the wrong side of the door.

What is it that competes with Jesus as being the true Lord or King of our churches and our conference? It does not have to be obvious sins like pornography or alcoholism that replace Him as Lord.

It can be subtle things like a focus on money, intellect, education or tradition.

Ultimately anything at all, even good things, that replaces Him as the true King and Lord is rebellion against God and sinful.

Frightfully, for the rest of our lives, unless we are intentional about keeping Jesus as Lord, our selfish tendencies kick in and we drift back onto the throne.

14 The Messenger • November/December 2016

Hear His Voice!

Jesus is the one who knows the correct answer to this question, which is why we need to listen to Him in prayer. In other words, we need to “hear His voice,” which according to verse 20 is step two.

If we do not follow through with step one “earnest repentance,” we will not make it to step two “hear His voice” (see Ezekiel 12:1-2). Rebellion against God (unconfessed sin) is the reason for not being able to hear even though we have ears to hear!

It should also be noted that just because Jesus is omnipresent, it doesn’t mean that hearing His voice is inescapable. Consider Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19:11-12. The Lord was not in inescapable things like the wind, earthquake or fire. Rather, the Lord came as a gentle

DESIGNPICS

whisper, which is easy to escape. In fact, one has to be intentional in order to hear it.

Open the Door

This leads us to the third step: “Open the door.”

Like the Laodiceans, it is alarming that a barrier (the closed door) has come between us and Jesus. Something we have control over, like resistance to His Holy Spirit (Isaiah 63:10, Acts 7:51, Eph. 4:30, 1 Thess. 5:19) prevents us from experiencing the presence of Jesus.

We Open the Door

The Holy Spirit is God and convicts us of sin.

He is gentle, good, gives good gifts, and is a deposit guaranteeing what is yet to come (2 Cor. 1:22, 5:5; Eph. 1:14). If we justify resisting the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us, we believe a lie.

The truth is that everything that the Holy Spirit has for us is for our benefit, and, therefore, we should welcome Him with open arms.

Or as in the analogy of Jesus outside the door, in order for the fourth step (Jesus’ “coming in”) to occur, the responsibility lies with us to “open the door”! Jesus doesn’t force his way in.

Experience Intimacy

The fifth step is to experience a personal, intimate, two way communicative relationship with Jesus, as though you were sitting down to a meal of your choice with Him in person. This is what it means to truly know Jesus, which is very

different than just knowing about Jesus (Matt.

7:21-23)!

The presence of Jesus is the “gold refined in the fire” (v. 18) because it is the presence of Jesus that: • We can only get from Jesus.

• Cannot be purchased with money, but will make us truly rich.

• When we experience it, it will take away our shame unlike clothes that only mask our shame.

• Will be far more satisfying than anything our fat bank accounts can ever buy because it will open our eyes to His truth.

• Is something that we can expect to be in Heaven! (And is actually what makes Heaven great anyway!)

The communication (prayer) that our churches and conference have with Jesus should reflect this kind of personal and real relationship with Him. When we take these five steps, our conference will be victorious (vv. 21-22).

Dylan Barkman is the teaching pastor of Pansy Chapel in S.E. Manitoba. This article is adapted from his Convention 2016 message shared on Sunday morning, July 3.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

Column • An Education App

Diverse Worship Styles Within the EMC

A

t Christmas, Jesus will be praised within many worship styles. That’s

DESIGNPICS

Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

great.

The EMC has increasingly diverse worship styles. As variety develops, are we thinking about why we choose what we do?

Certainly, the exuberance of some churches, expressing cultural or Pentecostal influences, can be contrasted with a quieter style elsewhere; and the formal liturgy of Fort Garry EMC differs from the relaxed style of the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel. We can expect even more of a range in the future.

Many shifts in worship styles have occurred in the EMC. Just ask elderly members. For instance, early Kleine Gemeinde (now EMC) ministers opposed four-part singing because, they said, it moved from unity and simplicity in Christ. Later, four-part singing became a mark of Mennonite spirituality.

Today four-part singing is considered by some people to be “old school.” PowerPoint, choruses, and praise bands are in. (Generations ago some First Nations communities had drums taken by missionaries; today some non-Native churches use a complete set.)

Does diversity in worship styles surprise us?

There are variations in worship among Anabaptist churches around the world, charismatic and formally liturgical being only two. A one-stylefits-all form of worship is too limiting within the Anabaptist communion and the EMC. To reach out, our conference—not every individual—is wise to become comfortable with many worship styles, including charismatic and formally liturgical. St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, as John Longhurst tells us, has been called the fastest growing Mennonite church in Winnipeg. Accurate or not, it challenges us to examine what we do in some locations.

Our larger churches need not keep dual services identical in format; varied styles reach a broader cross-section of society.

To reach out, our conference is wise to become comfortable with many worship styles, including charismatic and formally liturgical.

16 The Messenger • November/December 2016

The Board of Church Ministries has developed a Worship Committee. This is more than a spot for musicians and singers. The committee will assist churches to look at their worship theology reflected, partly, within their order of service. Worship educates; and, in turn, education helps us in worship.

What are some possible issues and questions? These are my thoughts.

• All EMC churches have a liturgy, an order of worship that is effective on some level. What enters, or doesn’t, into your church’s liturgy?

How is this decided?

• How is Scripture used, how much is used, how well read is it? Contact professors Patrick Friesen (SBC) and Christine Longhurst (CMU) for their analysis of the use of Scripture in evangelical church services.

• What’s the difference between entertainment and worship? If worship leaders and a sound system overpower the congregation’s voices, where does leading stop and performing start?

• Canadian middle-class white evangelicals have advantages of race, location, wealth, and power.

Why are few current Christian songs about change, social justice, and peace in God’s world?

• In reaching inactive mainliners might a pastoral prayer, use of the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed, a prayer of confession and an assurance of pardon, and a benediction each play a part? Ah, but these are my thoughts.

With Our Missionaries

Activities, relationships continue

Conference Pastor Sought

The EMC is in the process of seeking whom God is calling next to join in ministry with us as our Conference Pastor.

The person we feel God is leading to us will have strengths in: Job Skills, Knowledge and Requirements: mediation/conflict resolution, relationship and relationship building with a variety of people, effective communication both written and oral, strong support of the conference vision, a background in Anabaptist understanding, agreement with the EMC Statement of Faith, credentialed or able to be credentialed with the EMC. Personal: willing to travel to visit pastors and churches; an emotionally balanced disposition, especially in times of conflict; actively and passionately involved in pursuing growth in own personal faith; actively pursues and exhibits Christian leadership attributes as defined in the Scriptures (1 Tim. 3, 2 Tim. 2, Titus 1, Gal. 5, 6).

If you feel that God is leading you to minister with us in this role, please submit your resume and cover letter to: efehr@emconf.ca.

BOM

POPLAR HILL, ONTARIO

It was with great enthusiasm and excitement that the seven of us boarded the WINGS King Air 100 in St. Andrews, Man. The volunteer staff who came with me were Don and Ev Wiebe, John and Marlene Friesen, Mona Soucy and her daughter McKenzie.

Chris Lerm from Lorette, Man., was not able to come with us this time due to a recent health issue; however, he was there to see us off and pray for the staff.

The pilot had to remove some fuel to make the plane a bit lighter because we came with lots of supplies (about 360 kgs). After a 45-minute flight we landed on the gravel runway located about four kms north of Poplar Hill.

Charlie Moose, administrative director of the band, had reserved four nice suites for us in the hotel. Chief Jacob Strang and council member Bobby Moose came to the airstrip to pick us up.

I had asked Chief Strang what he would like me to bring along for him, and he asked for chicken. So I had brought along a box of 75 pieces of chicken for him. He was happy to serve this at a birthday celebration that afternoon.

Edna and Albert Martens

Our pre-planned activities for Aug. 14 to 20 all worked out very well, even though we did not know how it would.

Our basic activities were daily children’s Bible lessons, crafts, and games.

Baseball was a good part of each afternoon. Because the old school was being demolished, we had access to a community hall only for three to four days.

Some of the children’s activities were held outside under the trees. The men’s breakfast was held outside our hotel in the shade at 10 a.m. Forty-five men came to enjoy the pancakes, ham, and coffee.

The ladies tea was new for us to prepare in Poplar Hill, and 23 ladies came to the community hall for this event. Each lady received a prepared gift bag. Our group also presented two 20 to 30 minute radio broadcasts.

The hotdogs and ice cream served at the community hall were a lot of fun as about 100 people came to eat.

Most of our days it was very warm, so we did take the children for some swimming.

We received a tour of the new and beautiful school (grades one to eight) that was going to be finished in two weeks.

A highlight for me was to join Gary Owens for his church service one evening. Our group did some singing, and I shared some personal stories and testimonies about my gift of running. I was enriched and encouraged by the speaking of Albert, Arnold, and Gary from their church.

– Albert Martens Albert Martens (Steinbach EMC) serves with Athletes in Action.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

Moving beyond near-sightedness ways, we separate and define ourselves as much by what we are not as by what we are.

We complain when others (especially superiors) don’t acknowledge what is clearly important for us. We are all subject to this short-sightedness in our interactions.

In our delivery of the gospel message, for example, do we really understand what others are hearing and seeing?

Brenda and Harvey Thiessen In the ethnically, culturally, denominationally, linguistically diverse community in OM where I serve, we have an advantage in seeing things from the vantage point of others. It is, however, not a natural tendency.

We have to try hard to think outside of our experience and understanding. While in the context of the gospel these divisions don’t apply (Gal. 3:28), they are still barriers to understanding. The best antidote is to develop the posture of Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45). It takes time to understand others.

In our modern world we have a greater challenge as we often live in different worlds in our home, work place and that new realm called the cyber world. Our little communities are no longer isolated, and the words and terms that we understand are often misconstrued by others.

There is even greater diversity of positions, histories, and experiences to understand in the new world the Internet has opened up. We can either run from it or find it as an opportunity to grow and be present as a witness in this world.

What happens when you continually feel marginalized, unimportant, or misunderstood? The best answer I have found is not to talk louder and more often to make sure I am noticed and understood, but to spend time understanding others. This is especially important in today’s new missions era.

More than ever, we have the opportunity to learn from the rich experiences of the global church, to understand the vast variety of God’s creation, and learn to work with it.

– Harvey J. Thiessen BOM

ONTARIO

During the recent Olympics, I watched with interest the women’s 100-metre freestyle swim. History was about to be made; there was excitement in the air. The commentators were hyping the athletes and setting the stage for viewers.

As the racers neared the finish, the excitement increased. Then our athlete won and history was made to exclamations of “never before,” “incredible,” and visions of a bright future for swimming.

Glancing at Facebook, I was confused. Posts of victory and history-making about the race appeared, but a different athlete was celebrated. I had cheered Canadian 16-year-old swimmer Penny Oleksiak. Others cheered American Simone Manuel, the first black female swimmer to win an Olympic gold.

It was the same race, but different athletes were being celebrated. They had tied for the gold medal, and yet Canadian commentators barely mentioned Simone and Penny was an afterthought for the Americans.

Neither country was wrong for celebrating different athletes, but they missed what else was going on. What we value and celebrate is greatly determined by our identity, who we are.

Whether by nationality, tribe, gender, sports team, profession, ethics, religion, political party or endless other

Harvey J. Thiessen (Wymark) serves as the North American Area Leader of Operation Mobilization.

18 The Messenger • November/December 2016

With Our Missionaries

Taking those hurdles straight on CONGO

BOM

I have never liked hurdles.

In the eighth grade I used to run track. Once during a hurdle race I had a bad fall that tore up one side of my face and knocked out two of my front teeth. I still have some scars from it. Not a good memory!

A hurdle race is tricky to run. I watched a couple of races during the Olympics, and cringed every time someone jumped, hoping no one would fall.

You either confidently jump over them, or you hesitate and most likely will trip and fall. I usually just rather avoid them.

Coming to Congo this time has felt like a hurdle run. Hurdles are pretty much a norm for Africa. Some of them these past days were very concrete, like having no electricity last night or Internet when I wanted to connect with my family. To take my African colleague’s wife to the hospital to get a malaria treatment, it meant driving down the streets of Kinshasa dodging potholes, broken down cars, and piles of trash on the road.

Other hurdles are more mental and emotional. Mine these days were finding out that two of my colleagues were refused entry into Congo, and that I am now here alone and responsible for doing the teacher training. My initial reaction was to call Phil, cry a little, and tell him I want to come home.

That is what I felt like doing! But a strange thing is happening tonight and I can only explain it as “Christ living in me.” All of a sudden I have peace. Yes, the one that “passes all understanding” that we read about in the Bible (Phil. 4:7).

I read dozens of emails, What’sApp and Facebook messages that came in from friends encouraging me and praying for me. Tonight I don’t feel alone.

So I’ve decided and I am going to take those hurdles straight on with confidence and courage because “He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

While sitting in the Addis Ababa airport on my way to Congo, I read these verses. They came just at the right time. Maybe some of you are running a kind of hurdle race right now. Go for it!

Tamera Peters with friends

“The Lord you God is with you, he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zeph. 3:17).

I wrote this over a month ago (it’s now October). It was an incredible week of experiencing not only the Lord’s strength in my weakness, but him using exactly what I was afraid of for good.

Because of being alone I was able to spend intensive time training not only the teachers of the FATEB Kinshasa Academy, but also spend time with teachers from war torn Central Africa Republic. They too hope to start a school with the help of TeachBeyond.

Not being able to depend on my human resources made me dependent on the Lord’s guidance and leading to equip these teachers who will mostly work with traumatized children.

So yes, jumping hurdles is scary, often difficult, and I still wouldn’t choose to do it; but when you have the Lord with you, He equips us with “Wings like Eagles” and that makes hurdle jumping amazing!

– Tamera Peters Tamera and Phil Peters (Steinbach EMC) live in Germany and serve with Teach Beyond.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

With Our Missionaries

Changing My Mind

Living in God’s Kingdom: a practical study guide on the Christian life is an introduction to the Christian faith, suitable for baptism/ LIVING IN membership and other classes.

Lessons include: God and revelation, Jesus Christ and salvation, Holy Spirit and discipleship, the kingdom and the future, church and mission, and Anabaptist history. A leader’s guide is available.

Order yours today!

GOD’S KING[ DOM] a practical study guide on the Christian life

te Conference Christian Mennoni , MB R5G 0J1 478 Henry St, Steinbach .ca www.cmconference

te Conference Evangelical Mennoni , MB R5G 1Z5 440 Main St, Steinbach .ca www.emconference

To order, contact the conference office. ce/Go Mission! te Mission Conferen Evangelical Mennoni , MB R2N 4G6 757 St Anne’s Rd, Winnipeg www.gomission.ca

20 The Messenger • November/December 2016

BOM

WINNIPEG

Like many of you, I grew up not knowing many Indigenous people, having absorbed the stereotypes and superior attitudes most settler Canadians consciously or unconsciously hold towards our Indigenous neighbours.

However, over the past 15 years living and serving in Winnipeg’s North End, a predominantly Aboriginal inner city neighbourhood, my wife Amie and I have been blessed by wonderful friendships with our neighbours who have entrusted us with their life experiences, hopes, joys and sorrows.

When we begin to see our First Nations neighbours as friends and family, it becomes much more difficult to distance ourselves from their grief and pain.

I have been invited to sit and pray at the hospital bedsides of friends in their times of vulnerability. I have grieved with families at wakes and funerals, sometimes of beloved elders or of loved ones who died too young. Teen gang members in jail—guys judged, condemned and written off by pretty much everyone—have entrusted us with their stories and their longings for God to help them change.

Residential school survivors have shared with me experiences that they have only begun to talk about after 50 years. Meanwhile, most of the youth and young adults I know are experiencing the intergenerational effects of the trauma their grandparents suffered.

Some of our friends have expressed disconnection, confusion and even shame about their Aboriginal identities, while some are holding onto and reclaiming their cultural identities, values and traditions. I have listened as friends have voiced sadness anger about the injustices and continued oppression and suffering of their people.

Andrew and Amie Reimer and family

Questions come up about where God is in all this. I have talked with people who are struggling to reconcile faith in Jesus with their Indigenous identity.

I have had the privilege of learning from First Nations leaders what the Good News of Jesus sounds like from an Indigenous perspective. I have discovered the good news of a colonized, rejected and suffering Jesus who identifies with the experience of Aboriginal people.

Friends of mine have modelled trust in God and love for Jesus and have made courageous, against-the-flow choices because of their commitment to Christ. Indigenous youth have been amazing examples of compassion and generosity.

God has been changing my mind about First Nations people. Changing my mind means taking a posture of humility and prioritizing relationship, facing my paternalistic impulses to see people as problems that I need to fix, asking uncomfortable questions about who has the power in our relationships.

It means listening in order to understand and to value a different way of life, to laugh at myself, to not excuse the fact that my people thrive while my Aboriginal friends struggle.

I am saddened by the great rift of pain, mistrust, and misunderstanding that still exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Settler people tend to value “solutions” and “results” but too often rush towards our idea of solutions to First Nations issues when what we really need to do is take time to develop relationships and build trust with First Nations people. For me, this has meant humbly coming near to Indigenous neighbours listening, grieving, learning and relating on the level of our common humanity.

Andrew Reimer (Steinbach EMC) serves as a community minister in Winnipeg’s North End with Inner City Youth Alive.

Column • Focus On

C2C and God’s Call

T

he Vision Statement of the EMC specifically states that we want to focus on urban areas for church planting. That’s a bit of a departure from our usual way of doing things. To help us make it happen the Church Planting Task Force has been pursuing a relationship with C2C, and an official agreement has just been made.

C2C is a church planting organization with extensive experience in urban church planting. It has staff in all the major Canadian cities who are available to support EMC church planters. They also work with prospective church planters to help them assess their abilities for church planting and to coach them in growing those abilities.

Another benefit of our association is the annual gatherings organized by C2C. These are a tremendous boost for church planters as they are able to network and learn from each other as well as enjoying the teaching provided. Our agreement with C2C has been in the works for a number of years so we are very excited about arriving at this point.

Along with that development we are also hearing God call us to join his work in a number of communities.

One of these is our growing association with a Chinese group meeting at Fort Garry EMC. Fort Garry is supporting and assisting this young church of approximately 20 believers and another 20 or so seekers. It is really exciting for us to think of having our first Chinese EMC church!

We are also thrilled that God has answered our prayer and brought a church planter couple to Two Hills, Alta. John and Helen Froese, who recently returned from ministry in Bolivia, have

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca www.emconfer ence.ca

by Charles Koop, Canadian Church Planting Coordinator

committed to a two-year term serving as pastoral couple to this young church group. There are six committed couples at Living Faith Fellowship with a lot of energy to grow this church and be involved in their community.

Another ministry opportunity has developed in Airdrie, Alta., where the Emanuel church family has been leading a Bible study. It has developed to the point that they are prepared to launch this church plant in fall of 2016. There are five committed families in Airdrie, including two leadership couples from Emanuel. This will be a real challenge for Emanuel both financially and in the “loss” of leadership.

There are additional possibilities developing in Winnipeg and communities around Winnipeg so stand by for more to follow.

Seeing new church plants develop like this generates a lot of enthusiasm for us. If it draws you, why not go to c2cnetwork.ca and find out if you’re called to be part of church planting or call me for information specific to the EMC. We’d also love to have you partner with us financially by contributing to the Church Planting Training and Support Fund through the EMC office; and always, of course, continue to pray that God will grow his church in Canada and the world, and that we can be a part of this.

See if you’re a church planter.

Partner with us through the Church Planting Training and Support Fund.

Pray that God will grow his church in Canada partly through us.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Rosenort Fellowship Chapel

Church picnic, baptisms ROSENORT, Man.—On Sunday, June 5, our RFC congregation gathered for our annual Sunday School Picnic at the local arena. God graciously granted a gorgeous spring day and we enjoyed the morning church service outdoors under the shelter.

The service began with songs of praise preparing our hearts for the stirring message by Jacob Ginter. A barbeque lunch was followed by an afternoon of family fun with races, kiddies’ train rides, tug of war, and family baseball.

Refreshments with rolled cookies (roll kuchen) and watermelon topped the picnic once again!

RFC was anticipating another baptismal service down by the river, but disappointingly, it was a cold rainy morning on June 12. However, the service inside the church was warm and exciting.

Two young ladies, Rhonda Friesen (Reg) and Laura Cornelsen (Craig), chose to obey the Lord’s command to follow Him in baptism; their testimonies clearly identified their love for God. Rhonda Friesen is serving as our church secretary, and Laura, together with her husband Craig, are our youth leaders. Another young lady, Josie Cornelsen (Braden), transferred her membership to RFC from Rosenort EMC the same morning.

Pastor Brian McGuffin stressed that the main idea in baptism is that we are embodying the reality as disciples of Jesus and have decided to live our future lives for Christ.

We welcome these ladies into our fellowship and pray God will bless you as you join our fellowship and follow wherever God needs you to serve Him. Two of our missionary families have come home from their respective fields. Marvin and Heidi Schmidt were home from Spain for the summer and, hopefully, got some much-needed rest.

Rolf and Angela Kruse have returned from their service in Ethiopia and have settled into their home in Rosenort.

Rolf is studying at Providence Theological Seminary this year, and their children are attending school in Rosenort.

Our church held a fellowship lunch as a welcome to these missionary families and heard them share from their hearts. It is painful for missionaries to adjust from one culture to another, so we pray God will bless you. You have been a blessing to us and the people you served and loved.

Summer has gone, and our Sunday morning services reflect the return of regular attendance. The first Sunday in September was the kick-off for another term of Sunday School with teacher introductions, special music, and treats for everybody. The children’s program is using Kids for Christ curriculum once again, and the adults are watching a series of videos, “Balancing Life’s Demands.”

To start an exciting fall season, the Junior Youth met for games around a bonfire with their leaders, Harley and Brooklyn Siemens and Braden and Josie Cornelsen. The Senior Youth tackled the A Maze in Corn on St. Mary’s Road with their leaders, Craig and Laura Cornelsen and Anders and Janelle Kornelson.

On Sunday, Sept 18, we were reminded by our Pastor Brian that the Church is the body of Christ, according to Eph. 1:22-23, of which Christ is the Head. We closed the service by celebrating communion. What a blessing to belong to the family of God! – Rose Cornelsen

RFC

Weddings Pastor Brian McGuffin (far right) leads in prayer for new members, Laura Cornelsen (baptism), Rhonda Friesen (baptism), and Josie Cornelsen (transfer).

The church council supports them: Harvey Schellenberg, Cam Cornelsen, Brad Kornelson, Paul Rempel, Karl Klassen.

22 The Messenger • November/December 2016

REIMER-BARKWELL—Kara Reimer and Sean Barkwell were married on Sept.17, 2016. The couple lives in Winnipeg.

With Our Churches Portage Evangelical Church

Proclaiming Jesus in Portage

PEC

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man.—How do clowns, horses, and bouncy castles share the love of Jesus, change the atmosphere in the heavenlies and bring glory to God? Saturday, Aug. 24, was a day for this to happen in the city of Portage la Prairie.

Portage Evangelical Church had planned their annual Western Carnival months ahead of time.

Volunteers had been summoned (around 60 people of all ages). Hot dogs and pop were donated.

Fun activities and special musical talent were planned and prepared.

It is our way of moving outside the four walls of their church to the parking lots, playground, and street to rub shoulders with their neighbours and to share the love of Jesus. We want to be a church that would be missed if it would suddenly be taken from their neighbourhood.

Unknown to us when we had planned the event, another event was scheduled for that day in the city of Portage la Prairie. It was to start one hour prior to PEC’s scheduled set up time. It was broadcast and announced in the local paper. The mayor was invited, as were other

governmental leaders. Portage la Prairie was hosting their first Gay Pride Parade.

Portage Evangelical Church holds that marriage is to be between a man and a woman. Our King Jesus is victor. He loves this city and its people. His desire is that he becomes famous in the hearts of his people, who in turn proclaim his fame and glory to their neighbours. As we met to pray for God to be exalted, praise music from our church began to fill the airwaves.

That same music continued to be piped into the community for seven hours. People came to our Western Carnival. They were met with loving, friendly, and servant-hearted Christians.

Hot dogs were handed out. Horse rides were given, great conversations happened, and connections were made.

A few days later a friend questioned me as to whether we had purposely planned the Western Carnival to coincide with the Gay Pride Parade. We did not, but Jesus did. All glory to Him. She had heard far more about the carnival than she did about the parade. The next week we were on the front page of the local paper! Thank you, Jesus.

– Mary Loewen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Kleefeld EMC

Six baptized in Oct.

KEMC

KLEEFELD, Man.—Six young people were baptized on the confession of their faith at the Kleefeld EMC on Oct. 2, 2016. The church was filled to capacity as family and friends came to witness and celebrate their desire to follow Christ and become official members of the congregation. The testimonies they shared before participating in baptism were unique and meaningful. After the service a large number of their family and friends gathered in the lower auditorium to share a lunch. As a church family we want to uphold them in prayer and wish them the Lord’s richest blessings as they grow and Associate Pastor Pete Ascough, Samantha Krahn, Tyruss Friesen, mature in their faith.

Jordan Dueck, Abby Toews, Scott Warkentin, Pastor Darryl Klassen, and – Dennis and Louella Friesen Emma Wiebe.

•• Straffordville EMC

Baptisms, picnic, and ground-breaking

SEMC

STRAFFORDVILLE, Ont.—On June 19 we gathered at the Froese Vegetable Farm in the cold storage for the baptismal service of eight young people and the membership reception of one young man. The room was filled to capacity with about 250 people present.

For the service Pastor Abe had chosen to share from Romans 6:1-10. What a blessing to hear the testimonies

of the struggles and victories of the young people. After the service, we all walked to the large pond and gathered around to watch each of the young people get baptized by Pastor Abe with each of their fathers assisting.

It was a beautiful warm and sunny day, and it made one think of the time when Jesus was baptized. We sang “To the River” as we were gathered around the pond. Then we had a disco lunch all together.

We had Vacation Bible School at the Straffordville Park on July 11 to 15; and on Sept. 4, we enjoyed our Sunday School picnic at the park in Brownsville. Some people played baseball while others sat under the pavilion visiting and eating sunflower seeds.

And then on Sept. 25, after the church service, we went to our church lot for the ground-breaking ceremony of our new church building! We are excited to finally see some progress made, and look forward to once again being able to have our own building.

– Kathy Klassen

New members by baptism or transfer: Alex Friesen, Michael Redekop, Jeremy Blatz, Eric Friesen, Amy Friesen, Melissa Fehr, Andrea Froese, Joey Thiessen, Joe Thiessen (transfer). Pastor Abe and Margaret Berg stand with them.

24 The Messenger • November/December 2016

With Our Churches Taber EMC

Dedications, baptisms, VBS, and landscaping

TEMC

TABER, Alta.—Spring and summer have been busy and exciting here in Taber. In May we had baby dedication that included 12 families!

April and Andy Klasen dedicated their daughter Sydney and their son Zachery; Peter and Marianne Neufeld dedicated their son Donavon; John and Linnea Dyck dedicated their son Dominick; Jake and Susie Quiring dedicated their son Emmett; Rudy and Sandra Friesen dedicated their daughter Alysha and their son Colton; Lyndon and Naomi Klassen and their daughter Carmen; Jake and Eva Koethler and their son Lucas, Benny and Darlene Penner and their daughter Sofia, Abe and Eva Klassen and their son Ivan; Ike and Margaret WIebe and their son Caylan; Henry and Anna Klassen and their son Adam and Jaime and Susie Thiessen and their daughter Sophie.

It was a very busy baby dedication and although the babies didn’t always cooperate, it made for an entertaining dedication service for those watching. All the families were presented with a framed photograph and certificate of dedication for their child.

We also had the pleasure of having a large baptism class this spring with 10 new members and another two people transferring their membership. It is always encouraging to see these young people take this public step of declaration and dedication for their faith in God. The baptism candidates were John Zacharias, Martha Bueckert, Martha Friesen,

Taber's baby dedications included 12 families.

Henry Zacharias, David Dyck, Cornelius Fehr, Verna Fehr, Mary Wiebe, Heinrich Peters and Susie Neustaeter. Membership transfers were Peter and Susanna Neufeld.

This summer we also held Cave Quest VBS at our church during August. We had the pleasure of teaching 116 children about God and the ways that Jesus helps us through giving us hope, courage, direction, love and power.

The VBS committee did an amazing job decorating the church to look like a cave, complete with stalactites and all! There were many hard working volunteers that helped make our VBS a huge success again this year.

The other project that has been going on this summer is the landscaping around the church. In spring the church received a donation specifically to complete some much needed landscaping on the churchyard. The church voted to match the donation and a committee was created to take on the large task. They have put many hours into making the churchyard look beautiful.

Improvements include planting perennials around the outside of the church building, creating a lawn and seating area and also planting trees and new grass on the west side.

The project also included adding an in-ground sprinkler system to keep all these beautiful new additions looking green.

The project is now complete and we are waiting for our new grass to grow. We are hopeful that by next summer we will be able to see the children outside playing on the lawn and maybe even add some picnic tables so we can use it for summer potlucks.

– Naomi Klassen

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

Column • Further In and Higher Up

Distracted in Two Directions

C

DESIGNPICS

by Layton Friesen

hristmas is upon us and with it all the distractions that so quickly encumber and the busyness that so thoroughly wears. That’s a bleak midwinter way of starting off, but here we go a drearily. I have noticed two ways the Devil diverts our attention from the birth of Jesus.

The first distraction is familiar to us: all the parties, the decorations, the family kerfluffles, and the ho, ho, ho that gobble our time and drain the bank, leaving little of our lives as gifts for the Saviour.

But the second distraction is trickier simply because it comes more sanctified.

It’s the December-long war against distractions, which has now become its own cottage industry. We can spend the entire Christmas season scolding the world about how they are abusing Christmas. We preach sermons against the busyness of Christmas, or against the evils of Santa. We write blogs against the consumerism of Christmas, haranguing shoppers for being in malls. We put on Sunday School musicals in which distracted, annoyed revelers have last-minute conversion experiences and finally realize “the reason for the season.”

We get involved in political campaigns to “save” Christmas, tallying references to Christmas at our public school “holiday concert,” relieved that once again our secularist world has given us something to be angry about. We stage “buy nothing” Christmases and make sure everyone knows.

I don’t think the Devil cares much whether we forget Jesus via the first distraction or the second. He might even prefer the second one since the more holy he can make people feel in their neglect of Jesus the better for him. The devil has always had to rely on the imitation of holiness since naked evil is pretty hard to swallow even for the worst of us.

The point is, whether we forget Jesus because we are so wrapped in tinsel, or because we spend

I don’t think the Devil cares much whether we forget Jesus via the first distraction or the second.

Get the main thing right, and then relax and enjoy the lights.

26 The Messenger • November/December 2016

our time condemning people for being wrapped in tinsel, either way we forget Jesus.

Remember the parable about fitting rocks and sand into a jar? He puts the sand in first and now he can’t fit the rocks. Then he starts with the rocks and all the sand fits in fine.

Take some time to read the story of the birth of Jesus. “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

Attend church and sing aloud with the carols of the season. Give a gift you can’t afford to a local charity that helps the poor in the name of the homeless Christ. Say a prayer of thanks to God “that those who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isa. 9:2).

Thank God for not forgetting us in this dark, cold world, for loving us so much as to send his only begotten Son. In short, worship Jesus with your heart, voice, mind, and bank account.

And then party like it’s AD 1. Cook good food. Surprise your uncle with a gift too late in the season for him to return the favour. Go to the mall and be amazed that all these thousands of harried, tired people are buying expensive gifts for other people! It’s all a vast expensive, convulsion of love that’s good news for the economy. Go carolling at your neighbours in the hope that they invite you in for drinks.

Get the main thing right, and then relax and enjoy the lights.

News

National office staff fan out in Region 3 Techie helps group with photo finish!

By Sunday evening Gerald and Terry were in Swan River for supper with CBF’s youth leadership team. Doris Reimer and Region Three leaders and guests Fred and Charlotte Evans then hosted them overnight.

On Monday morning Terry and Gerald joined the Region Three Pastors’ Meeting held at CBF. Fred Buhler asked what it was like for Terry to be back in the region.

Terry, a pastor in Creighton for 11 years, said Gerald might have to tie him to the vehicle to get him to leave.

After discussing connections, resources, and challenges, the leaders met for lunch, enjoying food remaining from the Beth Moore event. Pastor Hyoungjin (Frankie) Kim, from Pelly Fellowship Chapel, then arranged people and a camera. He’s a techie!

EMC TERRY SMITH

SASK. AND MAN.—Ken Zacharias, foreign secretary, arrived in Region Three first on Sept. 13, meeting jointly with Community Bible Fellowship leaders and Guadalajara workers John and Connie Reimer in Swan River. (On Sunday, Sept. 18, people from Christian Fellowship Church, in nearby Birch River, came to hear the Reimers, CBF’s former pastoral couple.)

Gerald Reimer, conference youth minister and missions mobilizer, and Terry Smith, executive secretary, arrived in Region Three on Sept. 17.

Terry was dropped off in Endeavour where he visited with Pastor Brad Steppan. (Carol was at a Beth Moore simulcast in Swan River, arriving home in late evening.) In the morning Terry joined the Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in its kick-off event, a pancake breakfast; during the worship service he gave the children’s lesson and sermon.

Gerald Reimer travelled to Hudson Bay; during part of the way two vehicles ahead of him flushed deer off the road. He visited with Kelvin and Jessica Young, Pineridge Fellowship Chapel’s youth leaders, and then stayed with pastoral couple Fred and Irene Buhler. The next morning he led a Sunday School discussion on the conference’s work and gave the sermon.

••

Ralph Unger appointed interim Conference Pastor Four days a week STEINBACH, Man.—Ralph Unger is serving as EMC Conference Pastor on an interim basis. The Board of Leadership and Outreach appointed him on Sept. 23, 2016, to serve four days a week. Ralph is willing to continue in this role until June 2017 or until a full-time Conference Pastor is appointed.

Ralph is well known within the EMC, having served as a pastor in Winnipeg (Crestview), Birch River, Ridgewood, and most recently as an interim pastor at Rosenort EMC. He has also been the EMC moderator for four years in the mid-nineties. Ralph and his wife Mary Lynn currently attend the St. Vital EMC. We are delighted that Ralph has agreed to serve as Conference Pastor and believe that he

will be an encouragement to EMC churches.

The Search Committee is continuing its search for a full-time Conference Pastor. The committee is still receiving applications for this position. Anyone interested is encouraged to submit a resume to Erica Fehr.

– Peter Doerksen, BLO chair

Ralph Unger

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

IMC’s 50th anniversary shows faith living still MORWEENA, Man.— Many former students of the Interlake Mennonite Collegiate (IMC) gathered at Morweena, Man., on Aug. 21, 2016, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding.

Former students, and their spouses, came from throughout western Canada to celebrate and re-establish friendships. What a time of visiting and celebration it was!

Some people had not seen each other in 40 to 50 years.

Mrs. Levina Friesen, widow of IMC’s teacher, Mr. Harry Friesen, also came and shared memories as well as encouraged all of us as we continue onward in faith. The event hosted a wonderful banquet and closed with a Southern Gospel and Country concert by Wilmer Reimer, the husband of Pearl, a former IMC student now living in Strathmore, Alta.

The school was established in 1966 during an era when the province had increased the mandatory age of education to age 16 and the country schools were being consolidated.

SHEILA BARKMAN

Formed to provide a Christian high school

Former students gathered in Morweena.

IMC was started in response to parents in Riverton, Morweena, and Fisher Branch desiring to send their youth to a Christian high school.

In 1970 Christian schools covering Grades one to 10 were established in Mennville/Riverton and in Morweena/ Arborg, absorbing the students who would have attended IMC; and, thus, IMC was closed.

Ron and Judy Plett

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

Graduate School of Theology and Ministry

A Graduate School of the Church rooted in the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Enrol now. Scholarships and bursaries available.

Find out more at:

cmu.ca/gstm

28 The Messenger • November/December 2016

Births REIMER—to Neil and Crissy of Coaldale, Alta., a daughter, Allaya Silver, on Aug. 17, 2016.

KLASSEN—Paul and Mari Garcia, a son, Alexander Diego Klassen Garcia, on Aug. 20, 2016.

PENNER—to Martin and Tina of Shaughnessy, Alta., a daughter, Gracie Rose, on Aug. 26, 2016.

FEHR—to Henry and Susie Fehr of Taber, Alta., a daughter, Kayden James, on Aug. 29, 2016.

KLASSEN—to Jakie and Eva Klassen of Coalhurst, Alta., a son, Liam Bryce, on Aug. 29, 2016.

WAMARA—to Chantale and Gerry Wamara a daughter, Gabriella , on July 28, 2015.

HUGHES—to Rachel and Chris Hughes, a son, Joshua Francis, on May 3, 2016.

LEAL—to Lorel and Jamie a son, Matias Alexis, on May 14, 2016.

UNGER—to April and Greg, a daughter, Sadie Valentina , on Aug. 7, 2016.

ZACHARIAS—to Janet and Nathan twin sons, Adam Christopher and Caleb Ryan, on Aug. 31, 2016.

News

‘Digging for Treasure’ in Jesus’ parables MennoMedia 2017 Bible school curriculum ready for orders KITCHENER, Ont.—The parables of Jesus contain rich hidden gems. With the theme Digging for Treasure: Parables Revealed, the 2017 Vacation Bible School series from MennoMedia gives children tools to find treasures of God’s kingdom.

“This year’s theme responds to a survey in which people said they would like to study parables during VBS,” writes project director Mary Ann Weber. “The parables reveal things about the kingdom of heaven, about God, and about how much God loves us.”

The five-day curriculum brings children both stories and activities about the sower and the seed, the lost sheep and lost coin, the mustard seed, and others. Through drama, worship, creative activities, and song, children will find the spiritual wealth in these ever-new stories from Jesus.

Children’s booklets, Treasure Map and My Book of Stories, and a CD of energetic worship songs help draw children into exploring the world of Jesus’ stories and teachings. Leader’s guides help teachers lead VBS for children from age 4 through grade 5. Adaptations for grades 6–8 are offered on a resource CD, a new feature in this

year’s curriculum.

The CD provides additional helpful tools to publicize VBS, a Bible memory slide show, name tags, and other resources designed to equip leaders in implementing an effective, dynamic VBS program. Digging for Treasure includes leader’s guides for active response, Bible response, creative response, and worship and drama.

Digging for Treasure may be ordered in an all-in-one boxed set including everything needed for planning and preparation. All items are also available separately. More information is at: www. mennomedia.org/vbs.

– MennoMedia

••

A Carpenter’s Son

Column • Poetry

The wonder of Christmas came one eve, the glory of love in a virgin conceived.

The gift of His coming, the blessing so true, that came in a manger for me and for you.

For He is the Saviour so precious to me, Who taught in the temple and preached on the sea.

Who died on a cross and in victory rose, a love so adorning it sets each heart free!

The joy that He brings each day to my soul, hold riches untold that makes my life whole.

A carpenter’s Son, and yet, He is God, how can I not thank Him, in joy offer laud!

That night was the greatest when Christmas was born, and God became man yet in man He was God. For the glory He is shall ever live on because Jesus is Lord and in Him lives this song.

– Eleanor Lee Gustaw Riverton, Man.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

Drought in southern Africa continues to be severe Has uneven impact on children, people with HIV/AIDS need to help their families either by working or by getting water.

The Foodgrains Bank is responding to needs in southern Africa through its member agencies. In Zambia, CFGB member World Renew is responding to the crisis by providing 4,500 families, with a total household population of 31,500, with seven months of emergency food in return for their labour on community projects. This emergency food is helping families survive until they can harvest a crop again.

Households that depend on small-scale farming are also receiving seeds to help them re-start production.

– CFGB CFGB

SOUTHERN AFRICA—The impact of the El Nino-related drought on people living in southern Africa continues to be severe. That is the message being shared by Barbara Macdonald, who directs International Programs for Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB).

Poor harvests and crop failures that have come as a result of the drought have left many people dependent on buying food from their local markets, where high food prices have put pressure on family incomes.

Over half a million children are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition in seven countries in the region, and over three million have had their access to safe water reduced by the drought.

Also at high risk are people being treated for HIV/ AIDS; southern Africa is home to one-third of all people living with HIV/AIDS in the world.

Meanwhile, a World Food Programme survey in the southern Africa country of Zimbabwe found that about 80 percent of households in some regions of the country had either reduced the number of meals they ate each day or the amount of food eaten. Around 6,000 children have dropped out of school due to hunger, or because they

••

EMC Archives gains from partnership with MHC Progress made in EMC collection, more needed WINNIPEG/STEINBACH—New happenings with older items! These are the benefits of the EMC’s partnership with the Mennonite Heritage Centre (MHC) in Winnipeg, Man. Two recent Plett Foundation grants have allowed work on EMC materials. One grant covered data entry for about half of the EMC materials; more work is needed. A second allowed printed photos to be transferred to a digital format; Emilie Bartel (Kleefeld) was involved with this project.

On Sept. 12, 2015, most of the EMC’s archival holdings were moved from the vault in the EMC’s national office in Steinbach to become part of the collection at MHC in Winnipeg. The EMC Archives Committee, which operates under the Board of Church Ministries, agreed to transfer the storage of the materials, not their ownership. The materials remain within the control of the EMC.

30 The Messenger • November/December 2016

The EMC now has its archival holdings located in a suitable space, one shared with MC Manitoba, the EMMC, and MCC. This makes it easier for wider research purposes.

How has MHC helped the EMC? Director Korey Dyck and archivist Conrad Stoesz helped transfer EMC Korey Dyck archives to MHC’s site. MHC has spent more than 300 hours working on EMC material, says Dyck.

The Archives Committee members are Don Kroeker, Loren Koehler, and Glen Klassen. Terry Smith is connected as BCM’s executive secretary. MHC’s key people are director Korey Dyck and curator Conrad Stoesz.

– Terry M. Smith

Columns • Window on Missions

Come Celebrate God’s Work in Nicaragua!

A

by Ken Zacharias Foreign Secretary

You are invited to attend this anniversary!

It will be inspirational and educational.

You will be encouraged in your faith.

BOM

total of 33 churches and outreaches—that’s only part of what a half-century of our EMC ministry in Nicaragua has contributed toward! And that’s why the EMC is planning to join the celebration and a learning tour (April 4 to 11, 2017).

EMC Missions began ministry in Nicaragua in 1966 with the efforts of Fred and Doris Friesen. Our sister FIEMN conference, which developed, celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 8, 2017.

Two of FIEMN's church leaders: Gerardo Chavarria (presiDoris Friesen writes, “Can it be that it was dent) and Arnulfo Vado (pastor in La Paz) 50 years ago that Fred and I did that long trek to Nicaragua, over 5,000 miles by land in our white The story of the FIEMN is one of planting, camper truck, with our two little girls, to a land political revolution, and growth within one of the unknown with only a map and the Holy Spirit as poorest countries in Latin America—yet you will our guide!” hear from believers how Christ has blessed them.

There was “no one at the other end to meet Lester and Darlene Olfert, former missionaries us!” she says. “We were either courageous or to Nicaragua, will lead the Learning Tour as it visfools! But we are never fools when we obey the its FIEMN churches and ministries (April 4-11).

Lord. And how the Lord blessed us so richly in You will meet FIEMN committee leaders and spite of many difficulties!” pastors, and appreciate the strong faith clearly eviThe FIEMN churches and EMC guests will dent in believers’ lives and in church life. hold a one-day celebration at Camp MaraYou will meet Pastor Gerardo Chavarría, natha with at least two services and additional FIEMN’s president, and be challenged by his prayer services through the night. As part of the faith story and ministry example. Gerardo pasevent, the FIEMN and the EMC Board of Mistors the Diriomito congregation. He is one sions have approved a special project for Camp of two Pastoral Supervisors who visits, every Maranatha to help replace 80 bunk beds and 160 three months, the churches for which he is mattresses. (This will greatly assist the FIEMN responsible. These churches are located in the and its retreat ministry. mountaineous region east of Managua, Boaco You are invited to attend this anniversary! It province, where there are bad roads or no roads. will be inspirational and educational. You will be No roads means walking or riding a mule. Ever encouraged in your faith. ridden a mule?

Local pastors, visited in different regions, will share how the Lord has blessed them. You will encounter cultural interests—perhaps the Masaya volcano or a coffee plantation. Do you prefer lava or caffeine?

The trip will cost about $1,800, including flights (more exact pricing will follow). For information on the celebration and tour, please contact Diana Peters (dpeters@emconf.ca) or myself (kzacharias@emconf.ca).

Doris and Fred Friesen and family

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

Columns • Writings Shared People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality is Not Just an Issue, Preston Sprinkle (Zondervan, 2015). 224 pp. $19. ISBN 9780310519652. Reviewed by Jessica Wichers, BCM chair.

“T Sprinkle upholds marriage to be between a man and a woman (as I do). The book is a wellbalanced exploration of a most urgent and essential topic.

he Bible is very clear.” When confronted with the hotly debated topic of the Church and homosexuality, evangelicals may be tempted to quote Bible verses and come to hasty conclusions. But do they really know what the Bible says? It’s too important an issue for quick answers.

Preston Sprinkle’s book People to Be Loved is an in-depth biblical analysis of homosexuality, which employs historical context to study scripture passages used to affirm or condemn homosexuality. Sprinkle demonstrates both affirming and non-affirming arguments, making the reader work for the conclusion that marriage was designed to be between a man and a woman.

He then discusses whether same-sex attracted individuals were “born this way” and the factors that contribute. Sprinkle gives stories of people who have gone through the struggles of same-sex attraction. He identifies ways that believers can show love to LGBT individuals, acknowledge their humanity, and make the church a safe place for them to experience

the love of Christ. Sprinkle reminds pastors that their pews are filled with more same-sex attracted people than they realize, and they need to choose their words carefully when they teach.

Sprinkle suggests that evangelical believers may need to modify their attitudes about certain things. For instance, same-sex attracted individuals may choose to glorify God by remaining celibate., but the Church tends to overlook unmarried people. An environment that values singles will also be a place where same-sex attracted people may find a chance to thrive.

People to Be Loved is a helpful addition to the conversation about homosexuality and the Church. It is written by a person who upholds marriage to be between a man and a woman (as I do), and I believe the book is a well-balanced exploration of a most urgent and essential topic. It deals thoroughly with what the Bible says about same-sex attraction and marriage in a tone that is engaging, humble, and respectful. It is a recommended read for any believer.

1 and 2 Chronicles, August H. Konkel (Herald Press, 2016). 522 pp. $30. ISBN 9781513800011. Reviewed by Russell Doerksen, MDiv (Fort Garry) and BCM member.

K

onkel’s commentary of 1 and 2 Chronicles sets out with an ambitious agenda: to not only show how an often overlooked book of the Bible is important to the biblical story, but also to show how it is particularly relevant to the Church today. Straight from beginning of the commentary, with the story of his grandparents’ first years in Canada, Konkel succeeds in showing how it is through the eyes of the Chronicler that we can better understand our church and our community.

The book is written in three major parts: the first part an introduction and overview to the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, the second a commentary on the text itself, and the third a collection of short essays written on the different discussions surrounding 1and 2 Chronicles (as well as several other valuable resources).

32 The Messenger • November/December 2016

It is important to remember when reading Konkel’s commentary that it exists to serve as a guide for the Bible study leaders, students, and pastors of the Believers church (15-16). To this end, Konkel’s commitment to making the text both accessible and applicable shows through brilliantly. Rarely is a commentary as quotable as this one.

For the readers who may wish to go deeper than a commentary in the Believers Church Bible Commentary series is intended, Konkel’s collection of essays and resources will be of particular value. In this section the reader will find an excellent primer to the discussions surrounding 1 and 2 Chronicles (the essay on genealogies I found of particular value), as well as a wonderful suggested readings section for any who wish to delve even further.

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

EMC Positions* Mennville EMC, a rural congregation with an attendance of about 90, located in Manitoba's Interlake region, seeks a full- or part-time pastor. The pastor will work within a ministerial team as the church seeks to renew and grow. College or seminary training and pastoral experience are definite assets.

Starting date is flexible and salary will reflect EMC guidelines. A candidate should be a collaborative leader (team player), comfortable in the pulpit and in pastoral care, familiar with the EMC Statement of Faith, and respectful of various cultures and rural living. Contact minister Terry Dueck at frontier104@ hotmail.com.

Treesbank Community Church is a small rural church in southwest Manitoba that is seeking a pastor to lead our congregation and outreach in our community. This could be on a full- or part-time basis. It

could be on a flexible schedule to allow a student to do some practicum while still in college, or to allow someone to transition to retirement on a part-time flexible schedule. If you are interested in church leadership and outreach and feel God calling you to this type of ministry, please contact Leonard Plett at 204-824-2475 or at lplett@mts.net.

Picture Butte Mennonite Church, a Low German and English-speaking church in southern Alberta with 220 people attending dual Sunday morning services, is seeking an experienced, full-time senior pastor.

The ideal candidate should be characterized by an attitude of servant leadership and personal integrity in a close walk with Jesus. This candidate needs to have an openness and sensitivity to the diverse cultural differences within our Mennonite church.

This position would focus on discipleship training, mentoring, teaching and coaching leaders within the church. This position would also include preaching, teaching and strengthening individual personal commitment to faith in Christ, challenging each one to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus. This candidate needs to be a team player as he will be working alongside the existing leadership team. Contact Willy Neudorf, 403-894-7615, wjneudorf@gmail.com or Isaac Thiessen, 403-308-5093, isaact@genicadev.com.

Other Positions A long-term pastor is sought for the church in Hacienda Verde, Bolivia, a small but vibrant congregation with about 70 to 80 people attending.

Requirements: Speak and write Low German and Spanish, good Bible knowledge, some pastoral experience, and good references from congregation and wider community.

For information, please contact Bill Kehler, Bolivia field director, bill@gomission.ca; Abe Giesbrecht, missions facilitator, abe@gomission.ca; 204.253.7929.

Winnipeg Logos Church is a one-year-old evangelical Chinese church being planted in the Fort Richmond area of Winnipeg. In partnership with the Fort Garry EMC, it is seeking to reach out to the new Chinese immigrants in southwest Winnipeg. We are diligently praying for a pastor. Bible college or seminary education is required. The applicant must be fluent in Mandarin. For more information or to submit a resume, contact Helen Wang (204-509-2628 or wang90@hotmail.com).

Where are position ads to be sent?

Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited.

Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Column • Here and Far Away

Fall On Your Knees

I

It’s Christmas!

Who wants to dwell on personal sin?

In Kingdom fashion, we must go down to go up.

34 The Messenger • November/December 2016

DESIGNPICS

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

n my experience, to build “Christmas spirit” I must spend time thinking of sin.

We are, all of us, so infected with sin and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Looking about, we shake heads in dismay at the nonsense and depravity around us, out in the world, inside our churches, among our own family … and in us. It is pervasive and debilitating. We are totally at the mercy of sin and its effects. Without Christ.

Without understanding our true predicament—our utter helplessness, filthy with sin—we cannot hope to understand how Good the Good News is! Why celebrate the birth of a Saviour if we are not in need of saving? If we don’t comprehend the gravity of sin in us we cannot hope to sing with Mary, jump with baby John, chorus with the angels, nor worship with the shepherds.

Why did Elizabeth’s babe-in-utero jump for joy and later declare with unveiled awe, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)?

There is no Joy to the World without the understanding of what brings Joy: freedom from sin and the separation from God that sin causes. For, long lay the world, in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

Self-awareness of sin and error is unpleasant, to be sure, yet reflecting honestly upon my sin allows for the reception of Christ’s gifts. I am the most sinful person I know because I know the secret sins of my thoughts: my pride, all the times I think I can do life on my own without the life-giving grace of God, the ways I allow my unclean heart to spill out in unkind words and actions toward others.

Once accurately aware of the worth of my spirit, I will be able to experience the thrill of hope as the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Glory! No more a slave to sin! Not receiving what I deserve, but what Christ deserves! Church—that is something to carol about!

In Kingdom fashion, we must go down to go

up: confess that the same we see around us in lives within us. We are all capable of heinous sin.

How marvelous that this understanding brings an outpouring of grace and love for fellow “sinners” in our midst. We cannot judge when we are just as lost.

Good Lord, we are so fallen, in need of forgiveness and saving! Fall on your knees, Church, for we cannot experience the euphoria of Messiah-worship unless we know that we need what he came to bring! Worship requires bending the knee and bowing the head. In submission.

Acknowledging our fallenness and inability to save ourselves.

It’s Christmas! Who wants to dwell on personal sin? Yet, truly, unless we dwell on our sinfulness and how hopeless we are to save ourselves we will never truly experience the thrill that comes from realizing that Christ the Saviour is born!

Column • stewardship today

When a Little Becomes a Lot

A

DESIGNPICS

nother of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”(John 6: 8-9).

I’ve always loved the story of Jesus and the disciples feeding the 5,000. Crowds of people have been following Jesus. Upon seeing the crowd, Jesus asks Philip where they can buy bread to feed these people, and Philip responds that it would take six months’ wages to buy enough bread so that each person could have one bite. It’s clear to Philip that there aren’t enough resources to feed this crowd.

Then Andrew speaks up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Andrew knows that this isn’t the solution they need— the loaves and fish won’t even give each person a taste. It’s not enough.

And yet Jesus takes the boy’s meager offering, gives thanks and distributes it to the crowd.

Somehow, there is more than enough; twelve baskets were filled with leftovers!

The boy that shared his food is only mentioned in passing. Have you ever wondered what prompted his generosity? Had he grown up with a little or a lot? How did he learn to share?

In my work at Abundance Canada, I meet people of all ages and income levels. Many of them have had generosity and the value of sharing

demonstrated and encouraged by their family of origin. Often, but not always, this demonstration and encouragement was given by a parent. Some watched their father or mother carefully set aside a portion of the family’s income for the church each week before determining how the rest of the money would be used.

Some recall getting their first job and how this inspired conversations about how they needed to begin giving. Others recall deciding to be baptized, to join a church, and conversations about sharing their financial resources.

Some people divide their allowance into Sharing, Saving, and Spending categories as their first experience with the concept of sharing their financial resources with others.

Occasionally, AC staff speak to baptismal and membership classes about finances and generosity. Following one class, a young adult reflected, “if I don’t decide to start being generous now, even though I am still a student, I will always find an excuse not to give.” Wise words.

Examples alone are not enough. We still have to decide to share our financial resources, and then take action.

Our culture trumpets greed and scarcity. As people made in the image of God, we are invited to copy God’s generosity by sharing what we have, much like the little boy offering his bread and fish. To explore financial generosity or the many ways Canadians can support the causes they care about, AC has resources and staff who can help. Find out more by visiting our website or by contact the office nearest to you.

Sherri Grosz is a stewardship consultant at Abundance Canada serving generous people in Ontario.

For more information on generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest AC office or visit AbundanceCanada.ca.

by Sherri Grosz Stewardship Consultant

Our culture trumpets greed and scarcity. As people made in the image of God, we are invited to copy God’s generosity by sharing what we have, much like the little boy offering his bread and fish.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Column • kids’ corner

The First Visitors

W They were shocked, but they were ready for the angels’ message and did not doubt.

they set out to find him.

They brought gold to show he was a King.

They brought frankincense to worship him.

They brought myrrh to show that he would suffer.

There were people in the temple who wanted to see Jesus too. Anna had waited for many years. Now she was old.

Finally she saw him. She honoured him with a blessing. She knew he was the long waited for Messiah.

Another person was Simeon. He was old too and had waited a long time for this moment.

Simeon was thankActivity: ful that he had lived Find the answers. long enough to see Jesus. He said Jesus Need: would be a light Bible and a pencil. for all people and warned that Jesus Do: would suffer and die.

Read again Luke 2:4, 5, 7, 8, 25, and 36 to find the answers.

Jesus’ first visitors tell the story.

Mary and Joseph travelled to ________________________.

He was born a King even though he They went to be ___________________________. arrived in a hidden stable. He came for Mary laid baby Jesus in a _______________________. everyone no matter who they are. He The __________________________ heard the angels’ message. died for all so that we could live with _____________________ was a prophet in the temple who lived to see Jesus. him. And he wants our worship. _________________ was the widow in the temple waiting to see Jesus.

Read Luke 2:1 to 38.

36 The Messenger • November/December 2016

ISTOCK

by Loreena Thiessen

hen you know visitors are coming, you prepare. Your Mom says, “Clean your room!” She wants it to look neat. No clothes lying around. She begins to vacuum. She may plan a special meal.

What if visitors surprize you? There’s an unexpected knock at the door and there they are.

You’re surprized and happy all at the same time.

When Jesus was born it was the visitors who were surprized. Although they had been waiting for a long time the announcement came as a shock. It came first to the shepherds. Hundreds of angels suddenly appeared in a blinding bright light turning the night into day. And they sang loudly. The shepherds were frightened.

The shepherds were poor common people.

They were shocked, but they were ready for the angels’ message and did not doubt. Instead they hurried to find Jesus so they could see him for themselves. And they told others.

The Magi were sky watchers. Around the time of Jesus’ birth they spotted a new star. This star told them a new King had been born. So

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