MB Herald January 2020

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WINTER 2020

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A CO M M U N I T Y P R AY E R FO R THE MENNONITE BRETHREN In the spirit of Blaine Lake Gospel Chapel (“Prayers of the people,” Fall 2019) and Fort Garry MB’s college and career group (“A Community Psalm,” March 2017), we invited our readers to submit their prayers for the MB family and we wove them into one.

Thank you for leading us to listen to one another.

May we sow peace in a world of conflict, with the humility, compassion, and wisdom of Christ himself.

May we be a church that steps boldly out of our comfort zone to cherish those who are broken, banish shame in our midst, and break bread with those who challenge us.

May we be known as people who learn how to forgive, who love honesty and justice, mercy and grace, who don’t shortcut reconciliation.

May we be trusting and gracious, patient yet persistent, visionary yet content with the still small ways God often works.

Thank you for leading us to be aware of our brothers and sisters across the country.

May longing for the good old days not detract from the joy of a meaningful present and the hope of a fruitful future.

May we be known as people committed to the Great Commission, faithful to the teaching of the Bible, lovingly counter-cultural, an undeceived and faithful remnant.

May the Mennonites of Canada – of all stripes – find ways to work together that transcend the barriers we erect in the name of politics.

May God give wisdom through stories that give us hope.

PHOTO: KRISTI LEE

May we remember the times and places we met in written word, on printed page, and never forget how connecting through these lines formed us as the people of God. Thank you for leading us through some of the most culturally tumultuous years we’ve known.

May we – who in name exemplify camaraderie and peace – find ways to be those things to one another and to the world writ large.

May our old wounds be healed.

May a new work begin that surprises us with the ways God does his good among us.

May we become true ministers of the Lord’s peace.

Amen.

MB

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Mennonite Brethren Herald is published quarterly by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, primarily for the use of its members, to build a Canadian MB community of faith. We seek to 1) share the life and story of the church by nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection; 2) teach and equip for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values, and heritage, and by sharing the good news; 3) enable communication by serving conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

Contents

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MULTIPLY MAKES CHANGES

ISSN: 0025-9349 COPYRIGHT The articles printed in the Herald are owned by the Herald or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scriptural quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE

Carson Samson

MBHERALD.COM

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A QUESTION OF FAITHFULNESS

Karla Braun

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58 YEARS OF MB HERALD THE LAST WORD

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READER MEMORIES

Angeline Schellenberg MAKING SPACE – SPREADING WINGS

Angeline Schellenberg MORE THAN 70 YEARS OF FINE PRINT

Karla Braun DRAFT REVISION OF ARTICLE 8

Angeline Schellenberg

A NEW HERALD OF THE GOSPEL

Departments

Elton DaSilva

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28 33

A WAKE-UP CALL

Karla Braun A LEADER OF LEADERS FOR BRAZIL

EDITORIAL FAMILY NEWS: TRANSITIONS, BIRTHS FINISH LINES READER RESPONSE

Angeline Schellenberg

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The Mennonite Brethren Herald is a publication of ON THE COVER Every MBH cover from 1962– 2020. Designers include John Wiens, Alexander Wijdekop, Kathy Winner of Canadian Church Press and Evangelical Press Association awards for Writing, Design, and Illustration: 1996–2018.

Nelson, Joan (Klassen) Baker, Fred Koop, Lorie Mayer, Audrey Plew, Colton Floris.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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TAKE COURAGE; FREE THE ELEPHANTS W

hat’s next for the Mennonite Brethren family?

In this last print issue of the MB Herald, we’re celebrating the past – the great gathering place of the Mennonite Brethren family this magazine used to be – by thinking about the future. Who do we want to be as a family of churches together?

Some have greeted the closure of the Herald with sadness and dismay, some with excitement for new possibilities, and others with indifference.

Why would it matter?

As former editors reminisce (page 10), the Herald used to be one place we listened to each other. That it stopped being so may only be a tragedy for staff who worked so hard on it; but that we don’t listen to each other much at all – anywhere – is a loss for the whole family.

The Herald was a place to gain not just a theological identity, but a tangible sense of being part of a family together. It’s where we practised being a communal unit whose members don’t always agree or necessarily like each other, but were committed to connectedness anyway.

Maybe there is a better way to accomplish this with the tools available today – but we need to engage.

Why did we stop talking?

Our house is filled with rooms we can’t enter.

Behind one door after another is an elephant we’re unwilling to deal with. Now, we’ve relegated the Herald to the attic. At this rate, will this house become uninhabitable?

Ironically, there is hope in this seeming decline.

As Janessa Giesbrecht points out (page 4), the church grew the most when it was under stress.

In our own history, when earlier Mennonites were in pioneering mode, the differences that had separated the closely related but sharply divided groups in the good times didn’t matter enough to keep them apart.

Once-estranged churches shared worship spaces and pastoral care until prosperity enabled independence that drove them apart again.

We can hope the Collaborative Model is a significant step toward more cooperation. Scarcity and pragmatism have motivated our agencies to share resources and work more closely together.

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

From local churches up the denominational structure, can we learn to recognize gifts in each other?

God has humbled us, leaders said at the AGM while others retorted, Don’t blame God for our ill-considered choices. Yet, our reduced condition – however you might diagnose its cause – may have positioned us to listen to who God is calling this ragtag family to be together for him.

God may not have gotten us into this spot, but if we’ll stop and listen, God may have something to teach us – and it might not be how to get out, but how to thrive differently in a new space.

The greatest threat to the church today is not the secularism we decry but the status quo of injustice, David Warkentin eloquently warns (page 4). The decay may be coming from inside.

The house Jesus is calling us to live in isn’t furnished with convenience or comfort but humility and hard lessons.

So, what’s my prayer for the MB church?

I pray this family would demonstrate that being a Christian means fostering shalom – holistic flourishing – for all. That we welcome the “other,” not merely in charity but with genuine hospitality and mutuality – be that stranger/newcomer, people of a lower socioeconomic bracket, advanced age, differently expressed gender, or those we simply don’t like.

I pray we may have the humility to learn from these teachers.

And to open our door to those who are left behind.

I pray we would become conscious of our lifestyles – of the rampant waste and consumerism we so blithely partake in, without much thought to the ripple effects on the most vulnerable who are far removed from us.

I pray that we become aware that systems are not neutral: they can privilege some and oppress others, and it’s hard to recognize when we’re benefitting from the former.

I pray we would follow God by seeking flourishing – not rule compliance – as holy living.

For us to practise this, I pray for courage.

The courage to speak the truth – and to hear it with grace.

Can we find the strength to say difficult things directly to the people with whom we need to have the conversation? Can we listen to others without becoming defensive or discounting their influence?

As we hear and speak truth, may we live it. May we become people of grace as Jacquie Block says (page 7), characterized not mainly by what we do but by how we are: patient and kind, as Jesus is.

May we exercise and encourage that grace, that truth, that resistance to the inertia of injustice right here within our MB family as we follow Jesus together.

Karla

K ARLA BRAUN

Managing Editor

Rebuilding trust – one story at a time

here have we been and how have we arrived where we are today?

These are questions we’re asking at the national office of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

As a conference, we haven’t always done the right thing – particularly in the way of communications.

Our misuse of sales and marketing language has often pushed programs and agendas ahead of storytelling and people. For that, I apologize. We can do better.

Over the last months, I have been asking myself: What does the future of CCMBC communications look like?

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BUILDING COMMUNITY

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S U P D AT E

It’s uncharted

We’re moving in a new direction, travelling new and unmapped roads, exploring new technologies and platforms for storytelling.

Do we know what this future looks like? No. We can only see so far ahead, but we rely on the One whose vision extends far beyond our own.

It’s accountable

Financial reporting: An e-newsletter delivered the last week of each month that contains a financial dashboard with key metrics, and links to stories and coming events. Reports will also reside online, accessible to all members of the MB church family. The first report is going out in February 2020.

Townhall meetings: Six bimonthly virtual public meetings with CCMBC leadership and partners in the Collaborative Model. The first taking place in April 2020.

One of our failings has been an unwillingness to share financial information on a frequent schedule. Our response (as noted in the recently released *Telling our Financial Story*), is to offer monthly reports that provide key metrics and drivers in a simple online dashboard.

We need to rebuild trust. It starts here.

It’s collaborative

As we enter this new stage, with a smaller communications department, we look to others to help. Because we are short-staffed, yes, but mostly because it’s the best way to include voices from across the country.

We need to tell the stories from every corner of Canada and give voice to those who have felt isolated from the MB family.

The small church is as vital to this family as the large church is – their story matters just as much.

With the participation of the provincial conferences, Multiply, MB Seminary, and local churches, we are building a collaborative communications team that meets regularly to brainstorm, plan, and tackle assignments.

This national team helps us to make connections, build relationships, and tell stories that inspire us.

Do you have a passion for storytelling? Would you like to have a say in where we go next?

I need your help. Join us on this new road. I need to hear from you: what does the future of CCMBC communications look like?

CARSON SAMSON

A commitment to storytelling: We endeavour to write and share stories across from across Canada and internationally on the MB Herald website.

is operations and communications director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Contact him here: carson.samson@mbchurches.ca .

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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BUILDING COMMUNITY

A QUESTION OF FAITHFULNESS: MBs LOOK TO THE FUTURE

RENÉE SEREZ

For this next generation coming up, the issue isn’t going to be “Will we pursue justice?” but “How can we pursue justice in a way that is rooted in the gospel?” What they’re learning in school – racial inequality, gender inequality – those are important things that God cares about, but the perspective is just a bit skewed. When we’re rooted in the truth of the Bible, we are able to more and better bring about justice.

ADAM GREELEY

HOW IS GOD CALLING US AS MENNONITE BRETHREN T O P U R S U E H I S H E A R T F O R J U S T I C E T O D AY, I N O U R L O C A L N E I G H B O U R H O O D S , N AT I O N A L LY, A N D O N THE GLOBAL SCENE? A M I D A L L T H E PA I N I N T H E W O R L D T H AT M AY C A U S E US TO ASK “WHERE IS THE CHURCH IN ALL THIS?” I S T H E R E A N Y T H I N G W E C A N C O L L E C T I V E LY B R I N G

The gospel is best revealed when we are aligned with God’s kingdom purposes and redemptive plans for the individual, the community, the society, the nation, and the world.

Biblically speaking, poverty is not just the absence of financial resources, it is the absence of shalom. This “wrong-relatedness” translates into social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual poverty.

We are better able to love our neighbours when we are aware of our need for Jesus to free us for “rightrelatedness” with him and others.

TO THIS?

JANESSA GIESBRECHT M B H E R A L D I N V I T E D PA S T O R S A N D L AY L E A D E R S F R O M A C R O S S T H E C O U N T R Y I N T O C O N V E R S AT I O N ON THIS QUESTION.

DAVID WARKENTIN

As MBs, we have this historical pattern of looking at culture and responding with renewal. If challenges around modernization in North America led to renewal through church planting and Bible colleges in mid-20th century, what is today’s cultural equivalent?

Among the North American church in general, the main problem isn’t secularism, but Christian complicity in injustice.

I think MBs today risk being tossed by the wind (James 1), but it’s not the wind of secularism or liberalism but the status quo of injustice.

A guiding question for faithfulness is “How do we adapt in creative, Spirit-inspired ways?”

That doesn’t have to raise alarm around a “social justice agenda.” This is a gospel agenda, a faithfulness agenda.

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

Part of our baptism and church membership class at my church is a quick survey of church history – to place MBs in that larger context. Our lead pastor called us to notice patterns in history. It didn’t really lend itself for thriving when the church was quite comfortable. When the church is under pressure – even persecuted – that’s when you see growth.

Right now, we’re exiting a time of comfort in the church where our growth was because it was acceptable to be there.

We’re entering into this phase of increased secularization. I don’t necessarily view it as a terrible thing.

I see God calling us to figure out how to navigate the discomfort of losing some privilege. As we find our way into this new space where we’re not the default – there’s no assumption that people are spending time in church, I see it as an opportunity to disciple people into authentic faith.

BRAD SUMNER

The challenge is that there are a lot of local discrepancies in terms of where our hearts beat – think about the 96 churches in B.C.

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By virtue of geography, leaders, and other dynamics, issues will come to congregations at a different pace, in a different way. When churches are in step with issues in our broader culture, it’s because it’s presenting in their local congregation.

It’s okay for some people to be right on the leading edge working through these issues hard and long. (I think about some of our churches who work with people on the margins in inner cities – One88, Winnipeg, and Metro Community, Kelowna, for example.)

According to their heart beat, some churches take a lead. Are we well structured to help each other lift those responses to need and advance them together?

JACQUIE BLOCK

As Anabaptists, we are part of the holiness tradition which focuses on transformation of the heart. If you try to do justice or peace work but it is not coming out of a place of compassionate love for God, others, and yourself, it could “gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13: 3–7).

If people’s hearts are in the right place, they can see God in any place of need and be drawn to it. People go after what their heart beats for. If we do that, we will be in all these places collectively because God will lead us differently.

CONNECTING WITH MCC OR ANOTHER MB CHURCH M I N I S T E R I N G W E L L – I S T H I S PA R T O F W H Y I T M AT T E R S T H AT W E ’ R E A D E N O M I N AT I O N ?

DAVE NAVARRO

One of the biggest ways we do peace and justice work is through individuals within our church getting involved with these agencies. MCC is probably the biggest one, and MDS as well. Knowing we’re not starting

from zero when we want to be peacemakers in the world, I think we value that deeply.

It would be a real challenge to have the same impact if every church were working on their own.

A re-engaging between heartbeat and agency partners is what I hope will come out of the current national conversation on the collaborative model.

BRAD

How much is pragmatism playing into this conversation? As leaders come into our family who don’t share a history of working with our agency partnerships and family members, they reach for what is familiar.

They don’t call KP and ask what Anabaptist resource is best; they look around. If what they find happens to have Anabaptist flavour, that is a consideration but not the consideration. Individualism is institutionally prevalent in our churches as well.

Our challenge is to help each other understand and address these dynamics.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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“ L O C A L , N AT I O N A L , G L O B A L” : W H AT I S T H E VA L U E O F THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE AS A VEHICLE TO CONNECT WITH ICOM B AND M ENNONITE WORLD CONFERENCE?

JACQUIE

We hear lots of global news, but at the same time, there’s a trend to think more locally. That’s tangible – you can see the impact you are making. So, making international connections is a huge part of the picture for me as someone who has served globally.

In the West, we seem to have this crazy divide between community development (with all that goes into the well-being of people) and spiritual development. For those I’ve met from the Global South, these are two sides of the same house.

Canadians might be “wealthy,” but we are not very well; I think the state of our mental health speaks to this reality.

We have split our house and we are not whole because of it.

If shalom is about completeness, we have to stop thinking these pieces don’t impact each other.

DAVE N

BRAD

This reminds me of the map that [MWC general secretary César García] showed us at EQUIP. The next Sunday after, preaching on Ephesians 2, I told my congregation: “We saw this map showing the most Anabaptists are in Africa now. We need to expand our consciousness and realize how wide and how diverse this family is.”

I think we’ve been through this white Christendom era as MBs. We need a deeper theology of diversity, and maybe a more diverse self-image as Anabaptists.

Our self-consciousness is still quite ethnically based. The global picture challenges that.

The role of a national organization is to bring groups together to help them understand where they are alike, and where they need to learn from differences that exist beyond their locality.

For some churches, if there’s a groundswell to respond with peace and justice, it’s Let’s work with MCC. Other churches have an impulse to find another church doing this kind of work and pursue a relationship.

The global church can help us position ourselves to receive. We can learn helpful dynamics when we don’t hang out with people like us.

DAVID W

In our local context, we try to incorporate global perspectives with our intentional approach to be a multicultural community.

One of our challenges is to deeply engage. Representation is one step, but that’s not the only step.

We have a diverse leadership team, we have practices like songs and prayers in other languages, but it’s just scratching the surface in what it means to integrate global perspectives.

For our church, and MBs more broadly, this integration could involve looking at regular practices such as service start times or the structure of meetings and ministry programming.

How do the regular rhythms of North American church life perpetuate the status quo of a divided community?

I also think this is a good time to ask, What is our MB philosophy of leadership? Are we prepared to incorporate diverse perspectives? Will we maintain the status quo or take the opportunity for real learning?

JANESSA

My dream is for us to be defined by diversity, not because it’s mandatory but because it’s simply present in who we are.

There’s a need for us to have exposure to the world around us,

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but we need to do it with integrity.

In my studies in international development, there was a lot of emphasis on local community development as the best way. Nevertheless my youth group partnered with another church to do a mission trip to Mexico.

It was quite a powerful experience for us – mentioned in baptism testimonies over several years.

But three years later, there was nothing there in Mexico. Of the three houses we built, one was empty because the family had to move, another one was empty because the family split up, and the third one was occupied by a different family.

It’s great for the youth to be exposed to a different culture, but we didn’t help in the end. It’s hard to acknowledge out loud – especially given the money the church invested.

ICOMB should be taking centre stage. Through partnerships across MB churches, we can expose ourselves to other cultures and do good work in areas of need – for ourselves and our partners.

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

DAVID W

We need to be telling stories of the global reality of our family.

This will be stories of forming relationships in Northern Saskatchewan, serving alongside traumatized individuals in downtown Winnipeg or Vancouver, and of the MB churches doing trauma healing in refugee camps in Malawi. These stories can inspire faithfulness in our local contexts.

DESPITE A CONCERTED CHURCH PLANTING EFFORT OVER ALMOST A DECADE, WE HAVE ROUGHLY THE SAME NUMBER OF CHURCHES IN THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MB CHURCHES AS WE DID AT THE OUTSET. THE CHURCH OF THE FUTURE MAY BE SMALLER, LESS INFLUENTIAL. SHOULD WE FEAR THIS?

KRIS PETERS

Vision, mission, justice, causes, and strategic plans presume upon the local churches, but do not nourish them.

To endure will require leaders who are lovers and fighters. It is not “mission” or “vision” that churches follow, but

BRAD

Bigness vs. smallness – it’s not a uniquely church challenge.

There’s a movement in our culture to get really big and do a bunch of things or become focused and do one thing well.

Neither approach to church scares me.

JANESSA

I’m aware there’s benefit to size: I’m paid because we have a certain number of people.

Yet, there’s a part of me that feels restless trying to keep people happy. We have ideas of how church should be, but rarely do I hear people articulating that church is a place we meet Jesus and are challenged.

It’s discouraging to decrease, but I don’t want 400 people if 350 want to marionette me to fit a need that isn’t a hunger for the gospel.

ADAM

What has happened so that the numerical size of our churches has been the greatest metric of success?

Our priority must always be faithfulness over fruitfulness. Faithfulness to Jesus will bear the fruit of the kingdom in God’s time and shape.

God have mercy on us when we prioritize our ways of comfort and convenience over laying down our lives, picking up our cross, and following Jesus as King and Saviour.

CONTRIBUTORS JACQUIE BLOCK

lives in Saskatoon, She leads the developmental leadership team in Saskatchewan, Leaders Collective, and attends West Portal Church.

She serves as co-coordinator for Canadian Foodgrains Bank in Saskatchewan.

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credibility. Caring for churches will take attention and responsiveness to the churches as they are, but it will be worth it.

DAV I D WA R K E N T I N

lives in Abbotsford, B.C. He is part of The Life Centre, known as the church with the flags. He teaches theology and culture at Columbia Bible College.

DAV E N AVA R R O

lives in Langley, B.C. He is lead pastor of South Langley Church.

JANESSA GIESBRECHT

lives in Winnipeg. She is youth and young adults pastor at Fort Garry MB Church. A mother of one, she is working on her MA at Canadian Mennonite University.

DAVE N

We’re coming to the end of a generation that was prosperous, able to support non-profit work.

With the economic pressure on my generation, it’s going to be tough.

Over the last decades, we as MBs have lost ourselves in a push for bigger and better. I wonder if what we’re called to in the future is smaller, less powerful, but more relational, more community oriented.

Maybe it will happen because of these demographics.

Maybe it’s God moving us.

RENÉE

Something that has come out of heavily staffed WMB adopting lay-led KMB was seeing the beauty of lay leaders, serving together.

JACQUIE

Be openhanded, discern the Spirit in community, and do the best we can.

We need to balance confidence in calling people to repentance and purity of heart with grace and compassion – and with patience. May we stay true to these characteristics of God’s heart.

RENÉE SEREZ

lives in Waterloo, Ont. She is intern coordinator at WMB Church. She is working on an MDiv from Tyndale Seminary, Toronto.

BRAD SUMNER

lives in Langley, B.C. He is pastor of Jericho Ridge Community Church, Surrey, B.C. KRIS PETERS

lives in Linden, Alta.

He is pastor at Linden MB Church.

ADAM GREELEY

lives in Dartmouth, N.S. He is pastor at The Well.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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71st Canadian convention report, Three Hills, Alta.

by John Longhurst and Gordon Nickel, July 16, 1982 BUILDING COMMUNITY

58 YEARS OF MB HERALD JA N UA RY 1962 — JA N UA RY 2020

Banff ’77 MB youth convention report

by Allan Siebert, Jan. 22, 1978

Mar. 5, 1976

First full-colour issue September 2008

Letter to the editor, Apr. 19, 1963

Five ink drawings by then 17-year-old Wanda Koop, Dec. 13, 1968 Koop won a Governor General’s Award for Visual Arts in 2016

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

First Encounter evangelistic insert, Spring/Summer 1997 BUILDING COMMUNITY

Excerpt from the prospectus stated in the first issue of MB Herald, Jan. 19, 1962

Oct. 22, 1982

Feature about MB Communications TV program that would became Third Story, Nov. 26, 1976

“The Herald’s future in light of its past”

by Frank H. Epp in the 20th anniversary issue, Jan. 15, 1982

Comic by Ray Dirks, Sunkist youth insert, July 21, 1978

Painting from “Studies in (Im)mortality”

by Max Funk, January/February 2017

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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The last word Fourteen people have occupied the editor’s chair at the MB Herald. Each person brought a unique perspective and a distinct voice to a particular time in the life of the magazine and the Canadian MB conference. Here, some reflect on the legacy of the magazine over its 58 years.

In the first issue of the Mennonite Brethren Herald, January 19, 1962, the Canadian MB moderator Jacob Quiring stated that this new church paper was a “silent messenger, charged to perform a great mission and to proclaim a glorious message.” Throughout the 18 months I was the Herald’s first editor (73 issues), I found these words powerfully challenging and encouraging.

I believe it was this work of making a 16–24 page “messenger” every week, received by more than 7,000 subscribers, which helped me discover a lifetime of writing.

It taught me the many exacting disciplines of words: of speaking, reading, writing, and also the enormous responsibility of publishing – of making words public.

To be invited to edit the Herald was a gift for which I am profoundly grateful.

Now CCMBC has decided the Herald’s message is finished.

I have been an MB member since my baptism in August 1950, and I want to accept this decision in good faith. Nevertheless, I remember The Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach (Apocrypha, Sirach 28:12): “If you blow on a spark, it will glow; if you spit on it, it will be put out; and both come out of your mouth.”

May our church be blessed with the wisdom to recognize what we have done.

—Rudy Wiebe was editor 1962–1963.

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

It was 1964. We were young, I was a newly married high school teacher when I was approached to become the second full-time editor of the Mennonite Brethren Herald. A challenging task: editing a weekly 16-page magazine, alone, with all the details of content, layout, advertising, subscriptions, and more in my lap. It involved sacrifices for Neoma and me. But I loved it – perhaps too much.

I viewed the Herald as standing between readers and would-be writers, who might come from anywhere in the church (leaders, yes, but many others too) and sometimes from writers without. We understood ourselves to be working within the confessional understanding of the church.

We tried to tell the story of the church and its ministries as truthfully as we could.

We viewed ourselves as nurturing community across the country – informing, teaching, supporting, questioning.

Our advisors were engaged board members and an editorial committee. I felt trusted, though from time to time controversy surrounded us. We tried not to shield our readers from hard issues. Many entered the discussions.

In time, we became a fortnightly magazine and added more staff. I’m enormously grateful for the privilege given us to edit such a vehicle of communication. Am I a dreamer to hope it will be resurrected?

I can’t imagine how we can do without it.

—Harold Jantz was editor 1964–1985.

We lived and breathed the Mennonite Brethren church: its growth and failures, good intentions and short comings – coast to coast in Canada, into the U.S. where our seminary was located, and beyond to the global MB family.

The MB Herald team published statements about our educational institutions and reported how our camps fared. We filled 32 pages every two weeks with church news, commentary on larger issues, family notices, and gave voice to emerging writers.

We travelled to conventions, provincial, national, and general; we received news from our church reporters about baptisms, births, deaths, and significant church events. In turn, we sent them a Herald coffee mug to reward their work (I still have one 30 years later).

We edited a lively letter column where people could freely comment on both MB Herald and the larger church.

We addressed the issues of the day: education, aging, abuse, adoption, evangelism, the death penalty, depression and suicide, abortion, and even national unity.

Sometimes we were appropriately chided for our mistakes, other times we laughed together.

We served the Creator and the MB church with all our strength and energy. I lament MB Herald’s ending.

—Herb Kopp was editor 1985–1988.

I started my tenure with the MB Herald with some trepidation that I was to be the conference dart board.

But my experience was the exact opposite. The Herald became a delightful forum for the exchange of ideas. We didn’t always agree, but that was okay.

We reflected the wholesome diversity of the MB conference, despite challenging debates (women in ministry, demise of MBBC).

Independence of the Herald was a key value that permitted the broad exchange of ideas that enriched us all.

—Ron Geddert was editor 1989–1994.

My wife Jackie and I joined our first MB church in 1980. When our daughter was born two years later, a lady in the congregation asked me for details.

She was the “reporter” and wanted the information for the Births column in the Herald.

That was when I realized we were part of not just the local congregation but of a larger church family.

I found the Herald full of interesting, helpful, and informative articles.

Later, I was privileged to contribute to the ministry of the Herald and of the MB church for 19 years.

The MB Herald has been an important vehicle for conference leaders to communicate to the grassroots.

Perhaps even more importantly, it was vehicle for members to communicate to the leaders and to each other. It played a significant role in helping Mennonite Brethren to be a family.

From my perspective, in recent years, as conference leaders have cut back the Herald, they have become disconnected from the grassroots, and the overall conference budget has shrunk as a result.

RIP MBH. —Jim Coggins was editor 1995–2003.

The MB Herald has been in my life since my young adult years. It was heartening to read about additions to churches, the impact of our schools and camps. Negative news was cause for prayer. Columnists challenged our thinking and helped us come to consensus.

In Letters, anyone could express a concern or joy.

When these features were replaced with conference promotional articles, interest waned and readership dwindled.

With the Herald ceasing publication entirely, the bit of glue that held us together is gone. It is imperative that we strengthen the conference and retain its communication arm for the ongoing health of our churches.

—Susan Brandt was editor 2003–2005.

During my decade as editor, I viewed the magazine as sacred space for the Mennonite Brethren family. When I was hired, I told the board I believed the editor’s role was similar to that of a pastor. For 10 years, I felt truly pastoral as our team shaped each issue, inviting a variety of writers, photographers, and theologians to share their gifts with the family.

And when the magazine finally went to press, the Herald became our denominational living room, our kitchen table. It was a place to converse, argue, lament, wonder, dream, celebrate. A place to nourish ourselves through word (and Word) and image and story. A place to encounter Jesus as he poured out his Spirit among those gathered – both in print and online. I celebrate the legacy of the MB Herald and bid it a sad farewell.

—Laura Kalmar was editor 2005–2015.

Fifty-seven years ago, realizing that a rapidly assimilating community would not stay cohesive in German, Canadian Mennonite Brethren began an English periodical. At its best, the paper became a dynamic place in print to gather and talk, and yes, critique. It kept many of my generation and beyond it engaged in the church. We read, we agreed or disagreed, we cared. In its pages, we could “imagine” the depth and national width of us. The Herald was, issue by issue, the larger MB church. I’m deeply grateful for it and grieve its end. I’m not sure how in the world we’ll manage without it.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Times change.

The internet’s blessing is also its curse. Ease of access allows us to choose material that reinforces our biases and facilitates a mushrooming of social solitudes.

I am saddened, therefore, whenever print and traditional broadcast media succumb fully to digital media. Though not necessarily free of bias, traditional media force at least some exposure to a range of ideas. Without them, I fear the splintering of communities will be expedited.

I hope this will not characterize the Mennonite Brethren community.

—Dora Dueck was interim editor in 2009.

As a boy, I remember my heart quickening as I looked at pictures of baptisms in MBH. In my teens and 20s, the Herald broadened my thinking; it was the place for national conversation about Canadian Mennonite Brethren theology and experience.

As I sat in the editor’s chair in my 30s, I sensed I was stewarding something that – despite all of its limitations – shaped the Canadian MB church more than any gathering, seminary, or mission agency.

The demise of MBH is part of a much larger work of dismantling the Mennonite Brethren house. For decades, Canadian MBs have been pushing out Anabaptist convictions and practices for a generic, American-style evangelicalism. This process was accelerated in 2012 when our executive director and other leaders declared we needed to “lower the MB flag.”

We now have a seminary that is starved, and a mission agency and national conference structure that are hobbled because we spent millions of dollars on a church planting initiative that injected an alien theology destructive to Anabaptism.

I’m now a 43-year-old pastor. Having witnessed the strangling of MBH, do I want to stick around to see more? And will there even be a Mennonite Brethren house worth calling home for my congregation and my children?

—J Janzen was interim editor 2010–2011.

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BUILDING COMMUNITY

Reader memories

I have always enjoyed reading the obituaries of people coming from Russia, for the history and how their move to Canada has impacted our country. True stories of faith and God’s leading.

Soon there will be no more of that generation, but many of us are here because of them.

—ANNELIESE FRIESEN

MCC has long been and continues to be a ministry partner of the Mennonite Brethren church in Canada. We value this partnership deeply and are grateful for the role the MB Herald has played in sharing the needs and the stories of responding that have happened in part through the generosity of the MB community. Thank you staff of the Herald for your years of dedicated service. May the peace of Christ be with you.

The obituaries are always thought provoking and instructive. An article may challenge me to a closer relationship with our Lord. I used to read the Herald from cover to cover.

executive director, MCC Canada

—RICK COBER BAUMAN,

—J OH N G IE SB RECHT

The MB Herald will be sorely missed by this household. The magazine connected Mennonites, especially Mennonite Brethren, throughout Canada. I loved the obituaries, births, and changing lifestyles the best. I could remain current with my cousins and see the churches as they evolved to different leadership. The insights of ministers or columnists were quite informative. The ads for MB tours broadened our horizons. I always looked forward to every new issue.

I have been an MB my whole life; I attended an MB Bible school, MB summer camp, and participated in three MB Mission overseas service opportunities. When I read the Herald, I get a sense of connection to my MB family.

I see how wide the MB family is. I grew up with MB Heralds lying around the house; my children won’t have this as part of their story. I am not sure how I will pass on to my three young children this sense of being part of a larger community.

— C . A . VA N M I L ,

Coaldale (Alta.) MB

I’m so sorry, even after those who cared so deeply gave it their best effort, that this is the way the Herald ends. That we financially and spiritually neglected building a community that could support and sustain new churches for many more years to come. I pray for the folks left out of work by this change. Karla, Angeline, Rebecca, and Colton have been a gift to us, helping many find their voice and place in this family. May the crannies of connection that fill in for the Herald contribute to a cohesive sense of church family that spans our regional and theological discrepancies.

—ELISE NEUFELD,

Crossroads MB, Winnipeg

JANUARY 19, 1962 •

— K E V I N K O O P,

1980 •

MB Herald begins with Rudy Wiebe as editor; published every Friday by Christian Press.

1963 •

1964•

1962

A summer intern begins a Frenchlanguage insert that becomes independent magazine Le Lien.

1988 •

George Derksen and Peter Klassen serve as interim editors.

1969 •

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past pastor of Crestwood MB, Medicine Hat, Alta.

1963

John Wiens designs “a modestly revised format”; “weekly” publication schedule (37-50) changes to 24-26 issues per year.

Board of publications ceases to exist; (MBH moves under Board of Faith and Life until 1994, to Board of Communications until 2002).

1989 •

Ron Geddert becomes senior editor. He serves until 1994.

Harold Jantz becomes editor.

He serves until 1985.

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The year I finished high school, Gordon Nickel wrote about Bruce Cockburn, a prominent Canadian musician who had recently become a Christian. Nickel’s article (May 25, 1979) was important to me because he was engaging popular music culture (something that I was unsure how to navigate in my conservative upbringing), describing a surprising (to me) kind of Christian, and addressing a topic of significance to young readers like me. Years later, I still remember that article because it introduced me to an inspiring, provocative artist and represented a national MB magazine and denomination interested in young adults.

— M A RVI N DYC K ,

Crossroads MB, Winnipeg

BUILDING COMMUNITY

I remember the arrival of the first MB Herald in our home in 1962. I was in Grade 2 at the time; I thought it strange that the magazine was spelled Herald with an “e” instead of with an “a” like my uncle Harold. The Herald has been a source of inspiration and information for me for many years.

— A N D R E W D Y C K , MB Seminary

and Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg

A Christmas issue (Dec. 3, 1993) totally changed the way I understand the nativity. The article, “The Manger and the Inn” by Kenneth Bailey, had me re-read Luke 2; I realized Christ came as a normal human baby. Having grown up on the other side of the world, for me, the article made extremely good sense culturally. Stories in church – like the inn/hotel, no one to help Mary except Joseph – are hard to accept when that is not what the Bible says.

Thank you so much for helping me understand things better!

— K A T H Y B A E R G , Winkler (Man.) MB

My favourite memory goes back to 1996: all year, letters to the editor were discussing the merits and dangers of dancing, since at the national MB youth convention, Banff 95, I had scheduled a dance (with a Christian DJ). I never felt attacked in the letters. The MB Herald was a great vehicle for people to get things off their chest – even be creative to make their point. I always felt this forum enriched our body life immensely and the MB Herald was a better magazine for providing this context for us to interact. With the demise of the print MB Herald, I hope the online version becomes that kind of recognized forum. Honest engagement with issues still can happen – and should – if we’re going to continue our pathways of discipleship together as a Mennonite Brethren community in Canada.

— DAV I D W I E B E ,

1993 •

CCMBC executive minister/director 2000–2010, ICOMB director 2011–2018, Winnipeg

Biannual evangelistic insert “Encounter” begins.

2003 •

2005 •

Laura Kalmar becomes editor.

She serves until 2015.

Publication schedule changes to monthly.

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2015 •

Publication schedule changes to quarterly. And subscription drive calls for voluntary re-subscription.

Executives reverse decision to close magazine after reader outcry; publication schedule changes to bimonthly.

• 2007

Issue redesign for full colour.

1993

2018 •

Publication changes to 17 issues per year; “Encounter” ends; Jim Coggins leaves. Susan Brandt is first woman to become editor.

2007

CCMBC communications director Carson Samson leads publication redesign.

• 2008

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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• 2019

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BUILDING COMMUNITY

A NEW HERALD OF THE GOSPEL O

ver the past weeks, I have read many emails, and Facebook and Twitter comments from concerned constituents. A common concern is a fear of separation from the larger MB family. For some people, the MB Herald is the only way of receiving information outside of their local church.

The MB Herald has a rich history and legacy, making it all the more difficult for readers to see it come to a close. The reality, however, is that the Herald is not disappearing.

Yes, the print magazine will cease production, but the Herald lives on.

As I write this article, there are meetings taking place with people across the country. CCMBC is forming a broad and robust communication team, joining national staff and contributors from provincial conferences, partner agencies, churches, and individuals.

Our new communication strategy is a commitment to storytelling and information sharing. We will not abandon our role to inform, challenge, and uplift the MB family. The methods and media may change, but the vision and commitment remain.

I want to acknowledge the many people who have made this publication a vibrant part of our history: from editors, writers, reporters, proofreaders, graphic designers, circulation and advertising staff, and our long-time printer, CP Printing Solutions. Too many names to mention here, but all have made significant contributions to the Herald.

PHOTO: KRISTI LEE

PHOTO: KRISTI LEE

I specifically wish to recognize Karla Braun, Angeline Schellenberg, Colton Floris, Rebecca Watson, and Ron Wood and his team. As we say goodbye to them, we thank them for their work and dedication to MB Herald and CCMBC. Times of change, such as these, present opportunities for deep reflection and introspection.

I have been pondering the causes of the print magazine’s closure, the consequences of this action, and the future direction of MB communications.

For years, we have existed in friction: some see the Herald as a free press, while others look to the Herald to represent the conference. These views are sometimes in opposition to the other which can be harmful to the MB family.

Moving forward, we will build our communication platform around our Confession of Faith, anchored in 1 Corinthians 14:1–12. Our purpose will be to: • Edify the church: Storytelling that helps to build up the church (vv. 4, 12).

• Call people to mission: A clarion call to fulfill the mission of the church (v. 8).

• Speak with clarity: Information sharing that brings clarity and unifies us as a denomination and as followers of Jesus (vv. 7, 9–11).

In the coming months, CCMBC will highlight new stories and platforms for two-way communication. I invite you to join us in writing a new chapter for the MB church in Canada.

E LT O N D A S I LVA

is the national director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. He and Ana live in Winnipeg.

They have three children.

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

“W

hat is God doing? What is my posture? What step of obedience will lead us into a new direction?” national director Elton DaSilva called delegates to walk into the future with these questions, as he opened the annual general meeting of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, Oct. 23, 2019, at WMB, Waterloo, Ont. Responses to “Telling our financial story” dominated the discussion.

The narrative outlined eight factors that contributed to a decrease in the CCMBC reserves from $17.7 million to $2.9 million over 2013–2018.

The document constitutes an apology from leadership, reiterated from the stage, as moderator Bruce Enns said God had humbled the Canadian conference.

“I want all of us to see this as a wake-up call,” said Janessa Giesbrecht, Fort Garry MB, Winnipeg. “It breaks my heart…. We need to let go of things that speak to our division. I’m a youth pastor; I want them [youth] to see hope in the future.”

Brian Cooper, South Abbotsford (B.C.), offered a personal apology, as he was on the Board of Faith and Life during the period. “We need to recapture a sense of leadership not as telling people what we should be doing but modelling what we should be doing.”

“I’m grieving for what is in report,” said Harold Froese, Fort Garry MB, moderator during the period. He called for monthly financial reports.

“The churches are the owners. We are responsible to them.”

Reg Toews, Greendale, Chilliwack, B.C., called the delegation to stand to acknowledge the apology.

“We need to respond. I don’t want to miss this moment.”

AGENCIES AND ACCOUNTING

President Mark Wessner reported on MB Seminary. The donation that allowed the seminary to reverse two staff cuts “is not a long-term solution,” he said. “We’re ringing the alarm bell.”

Multiply (formed after the merger of MB Mission and the C2C Network) staff and board reported on its $1.5 million spending gap. “We’re not the same mission we were six months ago,” said Multiply president Randy Friesen. Board and staff apologized for not listening well regarding C2C’s church planting strategy. (See mbherald.com/agm-2019).

COLLABORATIVE MODEL

Under the Collaborative Model, decision making will be an 18-month circular process as the National Ministry and National Faith and Life Teams work out ideas to take to the provincial conventions for a vote, said DaSilva. Provincial representatives will represent their province’s decision to the National Assembly.

“This circular process will have many voices speaking into it,” said DaSilva, citing the 700 voices via the combined attendance at provincial conventions.

“I’m excited that the national church is willing to give up some of its power,” said Richard Lougheed, Quebec representative on the executive board.

A suggested amendment to implement the operational side of Collaborative Model minus the National Assembly was deemed unfriendly and defeated. The vote approving the model rendered this AGM CCMBC’s last church-delegate meeting.

BUDGET: NO MONEY FOR MB HERALD

The budget discussion circled around the MB Herald line item which read $0 for 2020.

“It is clear the funds are not there,” said DaSilva of the $100,000 needed to print the Herald. He said the Herald’s 3,500 print subscribers represent weak engagement.

“Many partners have robust communication tools we can bring into this model,” he said.

“Given that you’re trying to rebuild trust, an entity which tries to speak to churches is vitally important,” said James Toews, Neighbourhood,

Nanaimo, B.C. “To cut this at this time is setting precisely the wrong direction.”

“We’ve been given so many good stories [from leaders] to persuade us the way to go,” said long-time Herald editor Harold Jantz, River East, Winnipeg, but “we needed a good give and take…. We ought to be able to speak to one another… whether leaders or people in the pews.”

The proposed budget of $1,172,000 passed.

“The Collaborative Model answers many of the questions you have raised here today,” said DaSilva.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

A wake-up call

K ARLA BRAUN

EQUIP Summary What community has shaped you?

EQUIP study conference emcee Sarah Whyte urged participants to ask this while meeting new people at EQUIP Oct. 23–25, 2019, at WMB, Waterloo, Ont. “Interpreting Scripture Today” was not only a time to hear Bible teaching but to practise it.

MB Seminary president Mark Wessner and professor Doug Heidebrecht explained the hermeneutical model they have developed for an “MB way” of reading Scripture in community with the inspiration of the Spirit.

Around tables together, participants worked through the model with a textual and issue-based approach.

Columbia Bible College academic dean Gil Dueck cautioned against the potential to let identity drive hermeneutics and override a capacity for Spirit-led unity. James 1:19–20 directs our attention “beyond the immanent frame and back to God,” said Dueck.

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary professor Tim Geddert spoke on the authority of Scripture. “We don’t ground Scripture in inerrancy but in the centrality of Jesus.”

Asbury Theological Seminary professor Craig S. Keener gave two plenaries on biblical interpretation.

The study conference wrapped up with an address by Northview pastor Kristal Toews on “Reading and preaching Scripture with Christ at the centre.”

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DEVELOPING LEADERS | ICOMB

Global Scholarship Fund empowers a leader of leaders for Brazil “I

’ve been called by God as a shepherd-teacher,” says master of theological studies student Rodrigo Justino.

“The formation I receive from MB Seminary will enable me to think in new ways to improve the leadership training of our denomination.”

Justino is one of this year’s beneficiaries of the Global Scholarship Fund, established in 2010 by ICOMB (International Community of Mennonite Brethren) and Multiply (then MB Mission) to equip institutions and students in less-resourced countries for leadership in their national MB conference.

ICOMB equipping coordinator Vic Wiens calls Justino, “a conference-endorsed trainer of church workers among the rapidly growing churches in Brazil.”

After graduating from seminary in November 2020, Justino plans to build up the Brazilian MB family (COBIM) by pastoring, teaching in the MB seminary in Curitiba, and serving on COBIM’s boards.

This year, the Fund awarded 151 collective scholarships to schools, training centres, and conferences in the areas of theology, medicine, and mission, and 10 individual scholarships to students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

“Life in B.C. is extraordinarily expensive for a family of five, and our income would not pay the tuition,” says Justino. (He and Marissandra, a Kindergarten teacher, have 3 children.) “We are so thankful for the Global Scholarship Fund and for the people we don’t even know who made this fund possible.”

A church leader mentored him for nearly a year. “I came to understand I was a sinner and desperately in need of a saviour.” He was rebaptized in 1994.

The Diadema church sent Justino to Bible college from 1996–2000, and, after graduation, called him to pastor them. He went on to co-pastor Comunidade Crista das Boas Novas (Good News Christian Community), an MB church in São Paulo, Brazil, for 12 years. He has been a trainer and leader at Brazilian Bible schools and on outreach in Brazil and Mozambique.

As Justino met with more and more MB pastors, he became aware of the need for leadership training in Brazilian churches. “I am concerned to see a stronger denomination and filled with the conviction that the spiritual health and maturity of a church is heavily linked with the spiritual health and maturity of its leader.”

A time of refreshing

Since arriving in Canada in December 2016, the Justino family has attended North Langley Community Church. “From them, we have learned more about what it means to be a Christ-centred community,” says Justino. “At NLCC, it means trying to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and faithfully – with joy.”

Having felt the signs of burnout since 2013, Justino is grateful for his family’s pause from formal ministry to “refresh our souls and become disciples again as members of a church,” while earning his master’s at an Anabaptist school.

“The ways God has been present – blessing our journey with good friends and a good church – have confirmed that this was the right decision.”

To support the Global Scholarship Fund or learn more, go to icomb.org/education.

ANGELINE SCHELLENBERG

A burden for the health of leaders

Baptized at 12 in a São Paulo church of more than 1,000, where he felt like “one among a multitude,” he did not receive discipling. In 1991, at a smaller MB church in his new home of Diadema, Brazil, Justino discovered he didn’t have much to say about his beliefs.

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

ICOMB exists to facilitate relationships and ministries to enhance the witness and discipleship of its member national churches.

We connect, strengthen and expand. icomb.org

GIFTS TO SHARE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

As I have met and become friends with international Anabaptists from other traditions and locations, I’ve been inspired by their maturity and energy, and reminded of the scope of God’s kingdom. The global church is a foretaste of John’s vision: “…a vast crowd, from every nation and tribe and people and lan­ guage,…[shouting] ‘Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb’” (Revelation 7:9–10 NLT).

Together we are a mosaic of a growing church.

How often have you heard that we all have gifts to share in the body of Christ? This is also true in the global family of faith.

Every church has gifts to share, and every church has gifts they need, whether biblical perspectives, faith experiences, prophetic witness, musical expression, prayers of intercession, practical skills, or financial contributions. MWC provides a structure for a post-colonial global community of faith where Western and Southern churches are brothers and sisters as we share our lives and gifts with one another (Hebrews 10:24–25).

“You will pray, yes?”

On a trip with MWC leaders in Kenya, I sat with a local man on an eight-hour bus ride. In the course of conversation, he shared about his family and the challenges he was experiencing in his business.

Gerald Hildebrand meets villagers after

MWC

From stadium to the throne

R E A L P H O T O K E N YA / M W C

|

recall sitting on the grass in the middle of the Winnipeg football stadium with my young family and friends close by. The open-air venue was needed to accommodate the crowd who gathered to celebrate their faith in Christ alongside our global community at the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Winnipeg in 1990.

This experience left a deep impression on our family, as we resolved to raise our children to be global citizens and followers of Jesus.

Mennonite World Conference is called to be a communion (Koinonia) of Anabaptist-related churches linked to one another in a worldwide community of faith for fellowship, worship, service, and witness. The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is one of 107 national churches that comprise MWC, which has a global membership of 1.5 million.

You may be aware that only 17 percent of MWC members find their home in the U.S. and Canada. Meserete Kristos Church of Ethiopia was founded in 1959 and is now the largest national church in MWC, with more than 310,000 members and 600,000 worshippers (compared to the approximately 36,000 members of CCMBC).

Does our relationship with the global church matter?

What can we learn from our sisters and brothers in our global communion?

BUILDING COMMUNITY

I

church outside Kisumu, Kenya

At the end of our visit, he said, “You will pray for me, yes?”

Since that “chance” meeting, I have prayed for Moses and his family.

The MWC Prayer Network (mwc-cmm.org/prayernetwork) shares stories/news from Anabaptists around the world and helps us remember that our challenges and successes are not unique. MWC members who are struggling with issues of faith and life or ministering to congregations experiencing persecution give us a larger picture of the kingdom of God. Through prayer, we share each other’s burdens and encourage each other (Colossians 1:9–11).

I recently participated in a research project in which we interviewed people experiencing homelessness. I learned from them – about poverty and homelessness, but also about faith and resilience. We all come to faith in Christ with limited understanding and perspective. I believe we need to hear the experiences and guidance of our global sisters and brothers – the entire body of Christ – to understand what it means to be devoted followers of Jesus.

There is a deep mutuality in following Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:20–23).

GERALD HILDEBRAND

is the North America regional representative for Mennonite World Conference. He previously served as pastor in MB churches.

MWC provides opportunities to worship collectively in person or in spirit: worship and pray together with the global family of faith for Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday (mwc-cmm.org/awfs); witness to the way of Christ on Peace Sunday (mwc-cmm.org/peacesunday); and join us in a life-transforming experience of fellowship, worship, service and learning at the next Global Assembly in Semarang, Indonesia in July 2021 (mwc-cmm.org/article/indonesia-2021) (1 Chronicles 16:23–25).

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RESOURCING MINISTRY

Kindred Productions turns the page “W

e want to do more,” says Carson Samson, Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches operations and communications director, regarding CCMBC’s resource department, Kindred Productions.

Until now, Kindred has been primarily a book distributor, but the dream is expanding into practical online video and audio resources for churches.

“A human resources training series for our churches is already in the works,” says Samson.

Karen Grace-Pankratz, CCMBC executive board member-at-large and director of human resources for Mennonite Central Committee Canada, leads sessions on HR issues for CCMBC’s annual Pastors Credentialing Orientation.

When National Faith and Life Team director Ingrid Reichard approached Grace-Pankratz with the idea of making this training accessible to every pastor through an online series of two- to five-minute videos, she agreed.

“These are the kinds of things we’re dreaming of publishing in coming years,” says Samson. “We have this valued platform, and for a while, we’ve just been running maintenance. We want to utilize Kindred to the best of our ability.”

In the new communications strategy in the Collaborative Model, CCMBC’s role will include sharing resources from provincial conferences and partners, including online interviews and podcasts.

PHOTO: KRISTI LEE

While video and audio are growing, bookselling isn’t going away: “We’d love to be more service-minded and track down hard-to-get titles for people,” says Samson.

He would also like to get Kindred back into the business of helping people self-publish: “There are stories that need to be told. We want to be able to support our ministries and help Christian authors get their message out.”

ANGELINE SCHELLENBERG

When was the last time you checked out what’s available through Kindred? The Confession of Faith Commentary and Family Matters are valuable pieces of learning about what it means to be Mennonite Brethren. kindredproductions.com

Beef up your Bible study or personal devotions with a Luminaire study guide.

Buy these books and more at

kindredproductions.com

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Letkeman (3rd from l) with teammates

MULTIPLY MAKES CHANGES “W

e can’t outsource leadership development,” says Ewald Unruh, a church planting coach with Multiply. “It belongs in the local church.”

In June 2019, Multiply – the mission agency formed after the 2018 merger of MB Mission and C2C Network – released its interdenominational North American church planting component in response to a $1.5 million deficit. Mennonite Brethren church plants (previously supported

by C2C/Multiply) are now under the provincial MB conferences.

Multiply also moved the remainder of their short-term mission (STM) staff in North America to the relational funding model.

STM mobilizers – who previously had their salaries and expense accounts guaranteed through general donations to Multiply – are now raising their own support, as though they were missionaries in their home countries.

In Canada, the STM mobilizers, who oversee discipleship programs such as TREK, ACTION, and SOAR, are Carol Letkeman (Central Canada), Sam Dick and Fred Sutherland (Western Canada), and Philip Serez (Ontario).

Many STM mobilizer expenses are travel related; for example, each year, Carol visits one international mission site, one national conference, and at least two meetings each in Alberta and Saskatchewan. She also raises funds for bursaries for STM participants unable to raise their costs on their own.

The process of moving Multiply’s STM program under the relational funding model to address the program’s growth and support needs began years ago with STM coordinators, interns, and apprentices raising support for their salaries. Since June 2019, the 12 Canadian staff in these roles are responsible to fundraise their ministry expenses as well.

Administrative staff and the regional mobilizers (e.g., Lloyd Letkeman in Manitoba, Robyn Serez in Ontario, and Greg Laing in B.C., who focus on strengthening church partnership with global projects) will continue to be paid through Multiply’s essential services.

Since 2006, all international workers with Multiply have been responsible for raising their own support.

Strengthening connections

With the de-merger, responsibility for the MB church plants C2C and Multiply started in Canada has now moved to the provincial MB conferences (with CCMBC continuing to have these churches under its charitable status).

M U LT I P LY I N G C H U R C H E S

Lloyd (l) & Carol

In this transition period, to help church plants become more connected into the MB family, Multiply has retained regional directors Unruh (Canada East) and Reg Toews (Canada West).

Their role is to coach or arrange coaches for church planters, consult with provincial MB leaders and pastors, and serve on task forces (external boards) for church plants as necessary. (Toews and Unruh’s positions have also come under the relational funding model.)

“The desire has always been to plant each new church in concert with provincial denominational leaders,” says Unruh. “With the merger and its dissolution, that relationship has strengthened.”

Although it was painful, good is coming out of the de-merger as well: “As Multiply embraced a mission ‘from everywhere to everywhere,’ newcomer church planters in Canada felt a stronger connection to Mennonite Brethren,” says Unruh. “And there is more dialogue now between their work here and mission work in their home countries. We hope that will continue.”

Coming back to the churches

Church planting ministry is coming back to the churches and provincial conferences. “There’s a review of what church planting is about,” says Unruh, “that is: prayer, renewal, disciple making, raising up leaders, then church planting, rather than starting with church planting and reverse engineering these things.”

During the merger, Multiply started integrating short-term ministry and mobilization with church planting. “Multiply is applying to North American ministry the same holistic mission strategy that characterizes our international work,” says president Randy Friesen.

“The big emphasis that came out of the de-merger is that we are a family-rooted mission,” says Lloyd Letkeman. With the new Collaborative Model adopted by MB partners across Canada, Multiply has been meeting with provincial conferences and MB Seminary about how to work together more closely.

“Through the new National Ministry Team, which links provinces and agencies into a unified ministry strategy, for the first time, our global mission work is represented at the national strategy table,” says Friesen.

“Instead of us primarily providing short-term mission programs and inviting churches to join us,” says Lloyd Letkeman, “we’re asking, ‘As a family, what do you need; what programs do we want to do together?’”

ANGELINE SCHELLENBERG

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

WINTER 2020

19

DEVELOPING LEADERS

Making space – spreading wings CO - PILOTS IN GOD’ S KING DOM

fter 20 years as lead pastor of South Langley Church (SLC), Wes Dahl felt it was nearing time for him to resign. But he knew of churches that had not fared well after long-serving lead pastors resigned. He wondered: was there a healthier way of transitioning?

A

Wes and Doreen stayed at SLC as members. After a few months away (so people would get used to his absence), Wes returned to serve as a “civilian.” In fact, he preached last month.

To learn SLC’s creative answer, MB Herald copy editor Angeline Schellenberg spoke to Wes and his successor Dave Navarro.

What support did Wes offer during the co-lead period?

Tell us how your leadership transition came about.

Dave: Wes really let me run with the ball. We did some re-focusing and vision work as a church, and Wes encouraged me to be hands-on about guiding the process.

Wes: I had always hoped for an internal transition of leadership. In July 2016, then-moderator Randy Wollf proposed a season of co-leading the church with then-associate pastor Dave Navarro. The idea was processed by church council in September and brought to our congregationally led church in October. I agreed to co-lead until the end of 2018.

Dave: A lead pastor role was my career destination, given my giftings and passions, but I was 29 years old: I wasn’t ready for a lead pastor role – and I knew it. The co-lead model was a huge encouragement and an opportunity to try a lead role with a seasoned co-pilot whom I trust.

We were clear that moving to co-lead didn’t mean I would automatically become the lead pastor when Wes resigned, but I could candidate for that position. I did so, and in September 2018, the congregation called me to the role. Wes finished Dec. 31, and Jan. 1, 2019, I began as lead pastor.

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I made some missteps along the way that I’m sure Wes saw coming. But he let me find my way without micromanaging. Wes shared lots of wisdom during our weekly co-lead pastors’ meetings. And he put his support behind me publicly, so that people who trusted him could see that he trusted me.

What were the positive aspects of the process?

Wes: The biggest positive for me was continuity.

Dave understood the culture and ethos of the community.

Dave: I was thrilled to continue the relationships and momentum I’d built at SLC, while moving forward in my vocation. I got to make an initial foray into a lead role at a young age, with a safety net and mentor.

Were there challenges?

Wes: Though the workload was shared, the burden of responsibility was still there. When you have led and loved a people for 20 years, the weight of that stays with you.

Dave: There were some reality checks. I was optimistic about ideas I had. But some things that work well in theory are less effective when you bring in the human component.

We had to be very clear about how the process was unfolding. Because this was the first time the congregation had done a co-lead arrangement, we were adapting the way we did due process and followed our bylaws. We put a lot of effort into communicating that.

How was the wider church included in this process?

Wes: We needed the church’s support for the co-lead model to work. Not everyone believed this was the way forward.

At the end of our two years, the church still had to decide if Dave would be their lead pastor. A team monitored and guided us through the two years.

Dave: Since this team was tasked with listening to the church, the church’s involvement was giving feedback. This was an ongoing, informal conversation, and at key transition points, we invited more structured feedback.

Wes, what in your training, experience, or worldview empowers you to make room for other leaders?

Wes: When God called me to pastoral ministry, I was the most unlikely person. I had to trust him for everything.

Nothing came naturally. Out of my weakness, God has done more than I could possibly ask or imagine. Because of this, I have always been open to sharing leadership. I have looked for people who can help accomplish the mission of the church: to help people know and follow Jesus.

Dave is a person with great gifts. He feels called by God to serve the church. It was easy to say yes to co-leading with

him. It wasn’t about position or power; it was about serving the church together.

Should churches be waiting for people to step forward or looking for people to affirm as leaders?

DEVELOPING LEADERS

When we began the co-lead model, we were able to divide up the workload according to our giftings and abilities.

Being able to share the responsibilities with Dave was a huge plus. I had renewed energy to keep going.

Wes: It’s a combination.

You have to show initiative so people know you are willing to serve.

And the church should always be looking for people to affirm. In my early 20s, I had the opportunity to be a summer camp director. It was so encouraging to have someone say they believed in me.

Dave: In Acts, you see both models playing out.

There are big advantages to raising up leaders from within. Churches can move forward by hiring talented staff from outside, but there’s something right about moving forward together, long-term, relationally, as a team.

Why is it important to be intentional about making space for people to step into leadership?

Dave: I’ve often seen potential leaders shy away from leadership because they were intimidated by the shiny, perfect environment. They didn’t feel good enough; they felt they would be judged if they fell short. I benefitted from the freedom to try things and fail in a supportive environment. I’ve tried to maintain that environment, now that several staff are even younger than me. Making space is a good way to phrase it.

What is your advice for how other church leaders can transition well?

Wes: It’s such a gift to the church when the older generation is willing to give the younger generation the support and encouragement they need to lead.

Yes, they will do it differently. We may not always like it. But it is not about us. It’s about God’s church and his kingdom coming to earth as it is in heaven.

Dave: Community matters – precisely because a leadership transition means methodological shifts. If the only thing holding us together is that we like the same worship and preaching style, then we’ll fall apart at any transition point. But if we’re bound together as brothers and sisters, we stay committed to each other.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

WINTER 2020

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CARSON SAMSON

RESOURCING MINISTRY

PHOTO:

More than 70 years of fine print

“W

hen your name is Christian Press, you’d better live up to it,” says Ron Wood, general manager. Now called CP Printing Solutions, the printing company CCMBC fully purchased in 1964 to print the Herald will close in February 2020 as its general manager retires.

With no more Heralds to print and Wood’s retirement, CCMBC evaluated its ownership of the business and determined that concluding it would make the most sense, says Legacy CFO Bertha Dyck.

“My favourite part of the job has been customer relations,” says Wood. “We make sure our customers are happy.”

Wood says CP has a gold standard rating with many suppliers for CP’s commitment to paying bills on time and honest dealing on job bids. “We do what’s right.”

STATS

Printed more than 70 million sheets on 2 machines since 2005

Industry change

Over Wood’s 40-year career in printing, the last 27 at CP, he’s seen “gigantic change” in the industry.

When he began in 1993, CP was behind the curve, not even operating a fax machine.

By 1995, they were producing negatives in house; in 2004, they introduced a fourcolour press “which changed business dramatically”; their 2005 shift from negatives to computer-to-plate technology eliminated most of the chemicals used in the process; 2008 introduced a digital press – at this point, MBH started printing full issues in colour; and in 2010, CP started doing larger format printing like signs and banners.

“The fun part has been initiating new technology,” says Wood. CP followed about two years behind the cutting edge so costs of new equipment could be 40 percent cheaper. They received a green printing award in 2006.

In the early 1990s, MBH produced more than 30 issues a year. “There was always a Herald in the plant: one going out the door, one coming in,” Wood says.

Work on the Herald and other print jobs for the conference and partner agencies comprised about 70 percent of CP’s work. CCMBC began to out-source work to other printers in the 2000s, so in recent years, with MBH’s reduced frequency, less than 20 percent of CP’s jobs were conference work.

By 2012, much of CP’s business came from outside of CCMBC and its partners, raising concerns that its operations could jeopardize the denomination’s charitable status, says Dyck. CCMBC asked Wood to close the business under the name Christian Press, incorporate as CP Printing Solutions, a for-profit company, and purchase the equipment. CP continued to rent the building from CCMBC. Three press room staff were released at the end of December as operations wound down. Wood and his assistant Val Wood will oversee the closure of CP Printing Solutions to the end of February.

“I’m grateful for 27 years here,” says Wood. “It’s been a great place to work.”

Processed more than 51 thousand job dockets since 1993

Close to $25 million in sales in 25 years

Over 25 years, returned $2 million to CCMBC in rebates, interest, rent, etc.

K ARLA BRAUN

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

WINTER 2020

23

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M B H E R A L D.C O M

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

WINTER 2020

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Hellos FA M I LY N E W S

Konrad Loewen Title & congregation: lead pastor, Elm Creek (Man.) MB Church Start: Jan. 1, 2020 Education: BRE, MB Bible College, Winnipeg; BA University of Winnipeg, MDiv, MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal. Previous ministry: pastor, Linden (Alta.) MB Church; lead pastor, Westside Community Church, Morden, Man.; interim pastor, La Salle (Man.) Community Fellowship Family: Karen; 1 daughter, 1 son On the church: It’s an honour and a joy to be part of people’s faith journey as they discover and respond to God’s activity in their life and take part in a much larger story.

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Community News

Valerie Rempel was appointed vicepresident of Fresno Pacific University July 1, 2019. Interim vice-president since August 2018, Rempel also became dean in 2014. She is also an associate professor at the seminary, holding the J.B. Toews Chair of History and Theology. She joined the seminary faculty in 1996 and has a doctorate from Vanderbilt University, master’s degrees from both Vanderbilt and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (FPBS) and a bachelor’s from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan.

FAITH TODAY. Canada’s Christian magazine.

IS CANADA MORE RELIGIOUS THAN THE U.S.? P.21

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS WHY SOME CHURCHES FLOURISH P.41

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SEXUAL ETHICS IN A CONFUSED CULTURE P.24

CHRISTIAN REFUGEES CALLING CANADA HOME

P.39

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PENTECOSTAL? THE FT INTERVIEW P.30

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHRISTIAN CAMPS P.44

STACKHOUSE ON CHRISTIAN JARGON P.54

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RECON CILIA TION

MARCH / APRIL 2019

THE GRACE OF

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“What we need is a new story. A fresh beginning.”

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THE GRIEF OF LOSING A PARENT P.21 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

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TECH Has Facebook replaced real friendship? How do we engage with Scripture in this new age? Are we living the “abundant life”?

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Goodbyes

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Lance Odegard, pastor, Artisan Church, Vancouver, 2010–2020

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WHY SMALL CHURCHES ARE SO BEAUTIFUL

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SELF-CARE, WELLNESS AND SPIRITUALITY. THE FT INTERVIEW P.22

HOW FITNESS AND FAITH FIT TOGETHER P.30 JULY / AUGUST 2018

Karla Braun, MB Herald editor, Winnipeg, 2008–2019

SURVIVAL HABITS OF THE SOUL Slow down.

Breathe deeply.

It will be okay. p.26

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Angeline Schellenberg, Winnipeg, MB Herald copy editor and writer, 2010–2019

Out of print – and at your fingertips

Colton Floris, MB Herald and CCMBC Communications designer and illustrator, Abbotsford, B.C., 2015–2019

You’ve loved the MB Herald all these years. Now you can mine its resources.

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2018-06-13 10:40 PM

2019-11-18 2:51 PM

Births Bohn – to Brad & Christine (Giesbrecht) of Steinbach, Man., twins: a daughter, Alice Taylor & a son, Brooks Allan, Oct. 17, 2019.

Continued from Letters on page 33 some instances, to drift from our Anabaptist theology.

I believe that to a considerable degree the radical restructuring which happened in 2004 is responsible for our financial dilemma, the loss the Herald, and the general weakening of our conference.

Clearly, there are no easy answers. We all know that situations and times change.

Even so, if a convention is interesting, important, and invites involvement, delegates will come. Delegates are not much interested in being told what the leaders and staff have decided.

Even with severe financial constraints, the Herald should be relaunched in both hard copy and online. But this can be successful only if a semi-independent board of publications is elected and the periodical carries relevant articles and stimulating columnists.

Further, I believe that we should reestablish the board of management.

I have been candid but also tried to be fair and thorough. I readily acknowledge my inadequacy. Where my statement is incomplete, I ask for your understanding.

Where it is faulty, I humbly ask for grace and forgiveness.

Boschman – to Nick & Erica of Edmonton, a son, Samuel James, Sept. 9, 2019.

Bunk – to Leon & Gladys of Steinbach, Man., a son, Noah Daniel, July 16, 2019.

Dueck – to Rendy & Claudia of Steinbach, Man., a son, Jayden Tyler, Nov. 7, 2019.

Elia – to Leitu & Chelsey (Neudorf) of Dalmeny, Sask., a son, Roman Samir, Aug. 22, 2019.

Enns – to Marius & Sabine of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Aleah Quinn, Oct. 15, 2019.

Krahn – to Christopher & Amanda (Pauls) of Saskatoon, a son, Winston Everett, Aug. 3, 2019.

McFie – to Braden & Jaclyn (Boomsma) of Saskatoon, a son, James Elliot, Aug. 16, 2019.

Neufeld – to Branden & Ashlea of Saskatoon, a daughter, Celia Bronwyn, Aug. 1, 2019.

Nyuli – to Mark & Candace (Pawliuk) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Heidi Rose, Aug. 30, 2019.

Schmidt – to Steven & Kirsten (Seipp) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Natalie Jaylyn, July 11, 2019.

Stein – to Tyler & Allyscia (Hamilton) of Saskatoon, a son, Zdeno Arthur, Aug. 11, 2019.

Swan – to Nigel & Josie (Ens) of Saskatoon, a son, Herschel David, Aug. 13, 2019.

Wearing – to Colin & Kyla Holoboff of Saskatoon, a son, Sawyer Douglas Emmanuel, Sept. 5, 2019.

Wollf – to Josh & Rachel (Laird) of Hague, Sask., a daughter, Adelynn Kristine, Oct. 20, 2019.

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

WINTER 2020

27

Finish Lines Alyce Vera Hiebert FA M I LY N E W S

28

Aug. 12, 1932–Mar. 19, 2019 Birthplace: Sardis, B.C. Parents: Abram & Katie Redekop Marriage: Victor Hiebert, Apr. 24, 1954 Church: Grace MB Church, Kitchener, Ont. Family: Victor; children Cheryl, Philip, Cynthia (Ludwik Meissner); 2 grandchildren; 2 siblings Alyce grew up in Winkler, Man., where she won first prize in a piano competition at 9. After the war, the family moved to Winnipeg while her father studied in Detroit. Her mother rented rooms to Bible college students and lasting friendships began, a notable one being Katie Funk Wiebe. When her family moved to the Niagara region, Alyce met Victor at a youth event. She attended business college in Winnipeg while living with her grandparents Abraham and Tina Unruh. She did secretarial work at Kitchener Button Factory for 3 years before starting a family. In 1960, she and Victor helped launch a Sunday school at Brighton Public School, Waterloo, Ont., the forerunner to Waterloo MB Church.

Alyce returned to work in the 1970s, first in the engineering department of University of Waterloo; later, at the Waterloo Regional Food Bank.

She enjoyed singing in church and community choirs and a trio with Esther Regehr and Doris Redekop. In retirement, she and Victor travelled Europe and Russia, visiting their parents’ hometowns. In 2004, she coauthored The Unruh Ten Family Book with Peggy Unruh Regehr and Nicholas Dick. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren Gabriel and Isabelle. As Alzheimer’s disease took its toll, she moved into long-term care at The Village at University Gates, Waterloo, Ont., where she cared for everyone as the “mother” of the neighbourhood. She never lost her cheerful disposition. Alyce leaves a legacy of kindness. She will be remembered for her musical spirit, zany sense of humour, and disarming smile that flashed ever more readily as her cares slipped away.

WINTER 2020

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Theodore (Ted) Jacob Goossen Sept. 7, 1948–Mar. 31, 2019 Birthplace: Winkler, Man. Parents: Jacob & Helen (Braun) Goossen Marriage: Mary Dueck, June 26, 1971 Baptism: Manitou (Man.) MB Church: Forest Grove MB, Saskatoon Family: Mary; children Jonathan (Cindy), Jodine (Kimbal) Siebert, Sara (David) Stobbe; 14 grandchildren; 6 siblings Nurtured in the faith by his parents, Ted accepted Jesus as Saviour at 5 and was baptized while attending Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. After graduating from University of Manitoba, he married Mary. Feeling called to ministry, he enrolled at Providence Theological Seminary, Otterburne, Man., earning an MDiv in 1975 and becoming director of Winkler Bible Camp. He was ordained in Winkler MB Church in 1983. Ted and Mary were called to serve Grace MB Church and Simonhouse Bible Camp, Cranberry Portage, Man., in 1985. After 14 years at Simonhouse, Ted became Winkler MB Church’s associate pastor.

Their 21-year-old son Joshua died tragically in 2001. The following year, Ted resigned and fulfilled a lifelong dream by working 2 years as a longhaul trucker. Ministry was never far from his heart; in 2005, he returned to northern Manitoba to pastor Thompson Christian Centre Fellowship for 10 years. After 40 years of distinguished ministry, Ted and Mary retired to Saskatoon, near 2 of their married daughters. Ted’s retirement consisted of playing with his grandchildren, cycling and playing pickleball, ushering at Forest Grove MB Church, preaching in area churches, and volunteering in a hospice. In January 2019, Ted was diagnosed with cancer in his brain and spine. His decline was swift; 2 months later, he died peacefully at home.

Ted’s exuberance and love for people and his Lord profoundly affected those who knew him. Ted loved the MB conference, serving under the church extension umbrella in northern Manitoba 24 years.

Jacob Konrad Dec. 10, 1926–May 28, 2019 Birthplace: Omsk, Russia Parents: Peter & Louise Konrad Marriage: Elizabeth Reimer, Aug. 17, 1950 Baptism: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. Church: Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C.; South Langley (B.C.) MB Family: Elizabeth; children Philip (Barb), Walter, Tony, Ruth (Al), Eric (Barb); 2 grandchildren; 5 siblings Jacob managed Dueck Building Supplies and Lumber City Sales, Abbotsford, B.C. He enjoyed landscaping, family vacations, and travelling with Elizabeth to Asia, Europe, Australia, and across North America. He was an avid skier, hunter, and fisherman, and despite quadruple bypass surgery in 1996, continued all these activities into his 80s. Jacob taught Sunday school at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. At Brookswood MB (now South Langley MB), he led Boys Brigade and youth group, taught Sunday school, and served as a deacon and board member. He also enjoyed volunteering with The Gleaners and The Gideons. Jacob loved his family and modelled faith to all who knew him.

Leni Zacharias Mar. 16, 1941–July 25, 2019 Birthplace: Filadelfia, Paraguay Parents: Gerhard & Helena Penner Marriage: Jacob Zacharias, 1965 [d. 2012] Church: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. Family: children Karl, Konrad, Wilma, Lucy; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren Leni was the ninth of 12 children.

She and Jacob married and started a family in Filadelfia, Paraguay. They immigrated to Canada in 1974, living in Winnipeg for 2 years before settling in Abbotsford, B.C. For 32 years on Janzen Street, Leni devoted her time to making a home for her family. She loved playing Skip-Bo and other games with her grandchildren. After Jacob’s death, she moved from their beloved home to an apartment. Leni looked forward to visiting with family and friends. She

Peter Gerhard Dyck May 14, 1924–July 26, 2019 Birthplace: Ohrloff, Ukraine Parents: Gerhard & Luise (Unruh) Dick Marriage: Lillian Louise Fehderau, Sept.

16, 1950 Baptism: Kitchener (Ont.) MB, Apr. 15, 1945 Church: WMB – Kitchener Site, Ont. Family: Lillian; children Dianne (Albert [d.]) Friesen, Randy (Ruth), Jamie VanDyck; 4 grandchildren; 5 greatgrandchildren Peter was one and a half when the family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Leamington, Ont. They lived through the Depression, sharecropping and moving from farm to farm. In 1941, the family moved to Kitchener, Ont., where work was available. With his discharge from the Medical Corps in 1945, Peter was able to train for the electrical trade. Peter served in the Kitchener MB Church choir for more than 50 years and then in the Jubilation Male Choir during his retirement. At choir practices, Peter noticed the pianist, Lillian. They were married and raised 3 children. Peter worked as an electrician for 20 years before establishing his own electrical contracting business in 1967. He was in business for 25 years, cultivating long-lasting friendships with his employees and business associates.

Peter’s legacy is one of integrity and generosity. For his family, he was a source of ongoing support and blessing.

His quiet and steady faith and faithful prayer support shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Helen (Penner) Wohlgemut Dec. 6, 1920–Aug. 5, 2019 Birthplace: Ignatwyka, Russia Parents: John & Sara (Schellenberg) Penner Marriage: Albert Wohlgemut, June 9, 1940 [d. 2013]

Church: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. Family: children Esther (Allen) Andres, Evelyn (Michael) Newton, Irene (Dan) Small, Elma (Ron) Falk, Herb (Sue); 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren Helen and her family immigrated to Winkler, Man., in 1926. She accepted the Lord at 14 and was baptized at 19. She met Albert in Winnipeg. After they married, they moved to the parents’ farm in Landmark, Man., later to Niverville, Man., and finally to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1971, where they joined Bakerview MB Church. Helen was a caring wife and mother, supporting her husband, working hard alongside him, and providing a wonderful home environment for her 5 children. When her nest emptied, Helen enjoyed more than 25 years volunteering at the MCC Thrift Shop and making lasting friendships. She lived her faith and impressed on her children the importance of accepting Christ and being born again. Her prayers for her family were constant. She was known for her love, great cooking, and welcoming home. She accepted her children and grandchildren unconditionally.

at South Abbotsford Bible School. At church, he met his sweetheart Kit. To raise funds for their life together, he ran an elevator grader in Grande Prairie, Alta., until 3 weeks before their wedding.

Jake and Kit were charter members of South Peace Centennial Museum.

They enjoyed retirement: camping, gardening, picking berries, visiting relatives, spending summer days in Yukon and Alaska, winters in Arizona.

Jake loved entertaining. Drinking coffee and watching hockey were his “favourite indoor sports.” He took every opportunity to be with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

When Kit entered care for Alzheimer’s disease, he visited and fed her every day until her death. After a stroke in January 2018, Jake used a walker and gave up his licence. In February 2019, he was admitted to Beaverlodge Hospital, where he reported looking forward to waking up each day. Jake always looked at the sunny side; he’d laugh until tears ran down his face. Toward the end, he spoke with longing of his coming reunion with Kit and his enduring wish for all to experience the assurance of salvation he enjoyed.

Jack (Jake) Janzen May 6, 1928–Sept. 20, 2019 Birthplace: La Glace, Alta.

Parents: Aron & Helena Janzen Marriage: Katherine (Kit) Stobbe, Dec. 4, 1949 [d. May 3, 2017] Church: La Glace (Alta.) Bible Family: children Jack (Cheryl), Evy (Vic) Siebert, Bob (Sharon), Milt (Filomena), Lavonne (Stephen) Petkau; 14 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters Jake walked or rode horse 4 miles to school. His favourite pastimes were hunting, trapping, and fishing. At 7, he contracted scarlet fever, which scarred his eardrums, resulting in partial hearing loss. His older sister Margaret fell ill after a day of stooking grain together; she died a week later at 19. In 1946, the family moved by train to Arnold, B.C., where they raised livestock and grew raspberries. Jake attended a year

FA M I LY N E W S

enjoyed travelling, playing musical instruments, singing, making puzzles, and telling jokes. Leni loved the Lord and was ready to go home.

Eunice Joyce Schmidt July 16, 1937–Oct. 1, 2019 Birthplace: Bridgewater, S.D. Parents: John & Mary Hofer Marriage: Marvin Schmidt, July 23, 1957 [d. May 25, 2001]

Baptism: Oct. 10, 1948 Church: Highland MB, Calgary Family: children Colette (Lorne), Bevan (Darlene), Bryan; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters Eunice recalled with relish her early years on the farm in Yale, S.D. At Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., she met Marvin. Together they pursued a love for the church, travelling and opening their home to countless visitors. They pastored Lendrum MB, Edmonton (1973–78); Mill Woods MB (now Sunrise), Edmonton (1978–83); Red Deer (Alta.)

MB (1983–88); South Langley (B.C.) MB (1988–96); Saanich (B.C.) MB (2000–01).

They retired to Pender Island, B.C. After

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FA M I LY N E W S

Marvin’s unexpected death, Eunice remained vivacious and socially active.

She continued to be involved in church activities, volunteer work, cooking, card-making, scrapbooking, sewing, displaying her handiwork at craft sales, visiting family and friends, and hosting dinner guests. Eunice took pleasure in interacting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cancer ended her life abruptly. She will be lovingly remembered.

Peter Wall Gunther Aug. 10, 1931–Oct. 8, 2019 Birthplace: Chortitza, Russia Parents: Peter & Anna Gunther Marriage: Melane Kroeker, June 2, 1954 [d. Oct. 20, 2016]

Church: Abbotsford Community, B.C. Family: children Peter (Marita), John (Ingried), David (Teresa), Philip (Janine), Edward, Ruth (Craig); grandchildren; great-grandchildren Peter immigrated to Canada at 16, settling in Prairie Rose, Man. In 1966, Peter’s family moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where he spent the rest of his life. He was man of many trades and experiences, but his main labour of love was poultry farming. Deeply committed to the church and community, Peter was ordained as a lay minister in 1959, serving whenever called on and for as long as he was able. He preached primarily in German, but also enjoyed sharing the gospel in English. His messages often spoke of the love and grace of God. The person and work of Jesus remained central in his life, testimony, and ministry. Peter loved connecting with people, making friends, and being a source of encouragement.

Nowhere was this more evident than in his relationship to his grandchildren.

In good and hard times, Grandpa told them he loved, prayed for, and believed in them. He felt “humbly proud” of his family. Peter constantly recounted the love and blessings of God, believing that in all things there was purpose and meaning. His refrain: “I simply need to trust him.” As their earthly father and grandfather, Peter pointed his family to their heavenly Father.

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Peter Isaak Aug. 5, 1933–Oct. 16, 2019 Birthplace: Niverville, Man. Parents: Franz & Maria Isaak Marriage: Hildegard Peters, May 15, 1957 Church: McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg Family: Hildegard; children Jon (Mary Anne), Chuck (Corinne); 5 grandchildren; sister Agatha Peter was the last child born to a farming family of 12. In 1942, he and his mother moved to Winnipeg where he finished junior high at Lord Kitchener School and high school at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute. After one year at MB Bible College, Peter finished a BA at United College (now University of Winnipeg). After marrying his high school sweetheart Hildegard, he landed a teaching job at West Kildonan Collegiate Institute in 1957.

Peter finished a BEd in 1959 at the University of Manitoba, studying during the summers and continuing to teach. Always wanting to keep learning, he applied for and won a National Science Foundation stipend to study mathematics at Rutgers State University in New Jersey for the 1965–1966 academic year. That year, together with more graduate studies at U of M, earned him an MA in educational administration. Peter will be remembered for his strong leadership in education, first as a math teacher and then as principal at West Kildonan Collegiate and West St. Paul School. After 30 years with Seven Oaks School Division, he retired and found joy helping organize the Good Neighbours Active Living Centre in East Kildonan.

At McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg, Peter and Hildegard were charter members. He loved church.

He taught adult Sunday School and helped plan monthly seniors’ meetings. Peter’s life of service was grounded in his Mennonite heritage and faith. The family cherishes his memory as a man of faith, family, and service.

Elizabeth (Betty) Lenora Wagemakers July 11, 1936–Nov. 2, 2019 Birthplace: Gnadenthal, Man. Parents: Abram & Anna Suderman Marriage: Anthony (Tony) Wagemakers, Apr. 3, 1961 Baptism: Kronsgart (Man.) MB, age 9 Family: Tony; Michael (Lorraine), Julianna (Bradley Horne); 3 grandchildren; sister Ruth Betty grew up in Kronsgart, Man. She received Christ as Saviour at an early age. Music was an inspiration and joy throughout her life. Betty learned to play piano, organ, and cello, and used her gift to bless the church. After high school graduation in 1954, Betty attended Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute where she met her future husband, Tony. Betty earned a registered nurse’s diploma from St. Boniface School of Nursing in Winnipeg in 1959. Betty and Tony married, welcoming a son in Chilliwack, B.C., and a daughter in New Westminster, B.C. In retirement, Betty assisted nurses in hospitals and footcare clinics in Kinshasa, DR Congo; Georgetown, Guyana; Bucharest, Romania; and Bangkok, Thailand. She travelled Europe extensively, collecting carvings and textiles and delighting listeners with her piano and cello music.

Bruno Franz Toews May 11, 1942–Nov. 20, 2019 Birthplace: Winnipeg Parents: Isaac & Frieda Toews Marriage: Helen Dueck, June 5, 1965 Church: Bethesda Fellowship, Spragge, Ont.; Coaldale (Alta.) MB Family: Helen; children Yvonne (Darryl) Groenenboom, Sheldon (Lynn), Laurali (Carlin) Fehr; 15 grandchildren; 4 siblings Bruno enjoyed a memorable childhood in North Kildonan, Winnipeg, with many friends and family. He dedicated his life to Christ at Camp Arnes at 10 and spent many summers returning to camp as both camper and counsellor. He met Helen while attending Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute.

Shortly after their marriage, Bruno planted Bethesda Fellowship (MB), Spragge, Ont., which he pastored for 7

Jake Balzer Sept. 14, 1929–Nov. 27, 2019 Birthplace: Eyebrow, Sask.

Parents: Daniel & Sarah Balzer Marriage: Esther Sukkau, Aug. 20, 1965

Church, where he led a Bible study and care group. When Alzheimer’s disease prevented him from teaching, he served the church as elevator operator. At 89, after Esther’s death, Jake could no longer live alone. At Valhaven Home, he served by offering the grace in the dining hall. A faithful husband, father, brother, and friend, Jake was known for his humble, generous, servant heart. Looking back, he said, “The Lord’s ways are far better than anything I could have chosen.” Jake died from complications of cardiopulmonary disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. He wanted everyone to know by his life that he loved his Saviour Jesus Christ.

ONMB February 21-22 Cornerstone Community Church (Orchard location), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

MBCM March 6-7 Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg

SKMB March 13-14 West Portal Church, Saskatoon

ABMB April 3-4 Dalhousie Church and Highland Church, Calgary

AEFMQ April 18-19 Montreal

BCMB May 1-2

Correction: Finish Lines, Fall 2019

Central Heights, Abbotsford, B.C.

Abram G. Konrad died Nov. 7, 2018. The date was printed incorrectly in the fall issue. We apologize for the error.

Columbia Bible College

National Assembly June 5-6 PCO May 26-28 Columbia Bible College

[d. Feb. 15, 2019]

Church: Central Heights, Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. Family: daughters Roxanne, Renee, Ramona; grandchildren; siblings Jake accepted Christ as Saviour at 17 and sensed God’s call to ministry.

He resisted because he wanted to be a farmer; however, at 20, he was in a near-fatal accident. Before the truck stopped rolling, he told God, “Alright, you win!” Jake had left school early to help on the farm. At 22, he attended Prairie High School, followed by Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta., where he met Esther. Jake graduated from MB Bible College, Winnipeg, then earned a BA in behavioural science from Pacific College, Fresno, Cal. He pastored in Winnipeg; Fresno, Cal.; Kamloops, Armstrong, and Mission, B.C. Jake had a passion for church planting and became director of the MB board of church extension, overseeing some 50 church plants in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Bellingham, Wash. He worked with many language groups. Jake served Central Heights Church as Bible teacher, care group leader, elder, and moderator. When he was 80, Jake and Esther moved to Clearbrook MB

2020 Events FA M I LY N E W S

years. In 1973, they moved to Alberta, where their family was completed by a third child and Bruno fulfilled his lifelong dream of farming. He owned and operated a dairy farm in the Sunnyside area, where he remained until 2017.

Bruno’s pastoral heart was evident as he engaged in church life at Coaldale MB Church and participated in many agriculture boards. He treated exchange student Nozomi Inoue like a daughter; through his influence, she became a missionary in Myanmar. After his move to town, Bruno continued to show his love of community at his tri-weekly Burger King gatherings.

Where shall I find obituaries now?

Although this is the final print issue of the Herald, we will continue publishing obituaries from our MB family at mbherald.com/obituaries.

For a flat rate of $30 for up to 400 words and a photograph, we will prepare an obituary compliant with our inhouse style.

Please submit obituaries to obituaries@mbchurches.ca within 10 months of the date of death. Please consult mbherald.com/obituarysubmission for a guide for information to include.

Churches, individuals, or historical societies may request a print-ready PDF of published obituaries emailed every quarter from obituaries@mbchurches.ca.

Peacemaking: A Community Workbook Matt Balcarras Small Change Publishing A resource created by an average-sized local church is a treasure.

Peacebuilding: A Community Workbook emerges out of a series of Bible studies, reflections, and conversations at Cedar Park MB Church, Delta, B.C., during Lent 2016. It moves participants from internal to external evaluation, from individual reflection to communal action.

Six sections start with an essay to stimulate analysis and dialogue. Discussion questions and online resource suggestions spark imagination and equip for peacemaking efforts. This book calls readers to go the extra mile of thinking creatively, living sacrificially, and working collaboratively to live generously and love wholeheartedly for the sake of others and the sake of Christ’s kingdom.

J JANZEN is pastoral elder at Highland Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Read more: mbherald.com/peacemaking-

community-workbook

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ARTICLE

RESOURCING MINISTRY

“Baptism is both a looking back to conversion, faith, and the Holy Spirit’s coming and a looking forward to life as part of the new community centred on Jesus,” says Esau. “Any description of baptism’s meaning must do justice to both.”

A choice to testify

BAPTISM AND BELONGING NFLT seeks feedback on draft revision of Article 8

“B

aptism is a gift from God and possibly the singular highlight in the life of a local church,” says National Faith and Life Team (NFLT) director Ingrid Reichard.

After a year of soliciting questions from churches through online surveys and 2019 provincial MB convention workshops, the NFLT has drafted a revision of Article 8 of the Canadian MB church’s Confession of Faith on “Christian Baptism.”

The two main concerns the NFLT heard revolved around 1) the link between baptism and participation in the church and 2) the requirement of rebaptism for those who were baptized as infants.

As they considered the rewrite, the team wanted a tone that is more invitational and joyful, says Reichard, and “that highlights God’s and the local church’s agency in baptism.”

From membership to family welcome

At a NFLT Summit in May 2019, the team searched through Scripture and could find little evidence of a separation between baptism and church involvement in the New Testament church.

Although pre-baptism preparation and post-baptism mentorship will differ from congregation to congregation, “We discourage churches from a process which disconnects participation, belonging, and discipleship from salvation and baptism,” says Reichard.

The larger question, says NFLT member Ken Esau, is why are baptismal candidates and churches desiring to separate these horizons? “If new believers are hesitant about joining the local church family, what does that say about how the church has been functioning as a family?”

“Inviting people to baptism is firstly God’s work through the Holy Spirit. The church encourages people to listen to the Spirit,” but, says Esau, “the church’s primary role is to recognize that divine invitation and joyfully respond to it.”

Addressing the concern that the previous confession’s “receive into membership” sounded too cold and institutional, the revision uses the language of “celebrating what God has done in a person’s life and their welcome into the church family,” says Esau.

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On the question of infant baptism, the team agreed that Mennonite Brethren still understand baptism as “chosen by a believer to testify to what has already happened to them and to demonstrate commitment to an ongoing life of discipleship and mission in the family.”

Therefore, it is not something “done to them by others which they later can choose to embrace or ignore,” says Esau.

“We realize that walking with people in such cases takes much pastoral time, care, and teaching,” says Reichard. “We are working on resources to help with this task” including a new pastoral application to the confession in a convenient question and answer format.

“God is mysteriously and powerfully involved in baptism,” say Esau, but sign, symbol, and sacrament are not used for baptism in Scripture, so the draft revision prefers testify. “Baptism is not simply about a person’s emotional experience, but rather a rich community event that reflects the testimony of God, the person, and the local church.”

God was at work in the NFLT’s conversations, says Esau. “While there were moments of disagreement, it often felt like Acts 15: ‘it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.’” But, he says, “the real test is whether we live out our calling to make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded us (Matthew 28:18–20).”

“Our hope is that this revision encourages that mission,” says Reichard.

ANGELINE SCHELLENBERG

The NFLT is seeking feedback on the draft revision until the end of the spring provincial MB conventions. Compare the 1999 version and 2019 draft revision and post your comments here: mennonitebrethren.ca/article-8

As an online-only platform, mbherald.com will no longer have a Letters section, but every article we post includes a comment box where we welcome you to join the conversation. We also invite you to respond to articles and photos on Facebook and Twitter.

Printed pages needed Re “MB Herald goes out of print” (online, Nov. 6, 2019).

The concern of the printed MB Herald being discontinued stirs up many other issues.

Some elderly people are familiar with websites, Facebook, and emails. But, as a pastor of care in a church with mostly elderly sisters and brothers, I do not believe this will meet the needs of the majority of my spiritual family.

As an older congregation, Clearbrook MB Church has more funeral services than most churches. Over the summer and fall 2019 editions of the MB Herald, 12 of the people in the “Finish Lines” were from our church family.

What better way to give testimony to God’s faithfulness and to inspire us to remain steadfast than reading about God’s grace and mercy in the lives of his people?

What better way to honour our elders?

Posting obituaries on the website certainly will not address the needs of those looking to see the obituary of their loved one in printed form.

I also think of two things that involve the printed page in our church. The first is a Christmas party our church is hosting for a secular agency at which I will provide about six different Christmas booklets as well as Bibles. The second is the Christmas booklets and digests I set out each year at first Advent, including our MB Seminary’s “As We Wait – Advent Devotionals.”

Our goal is that people will be inspired by this literature and give it to friends and family members.

What if I told people to go to a website, or Facebook, or Instagram to search for the stories of Christmas instead?

I want to say on behalf of the seniors in our church family and all who come through our doors, CCMBC’s new communications strategy will not

communicate the most important message we have to these people.

Clearbrook has its own TV station so people who are unable to attend a service are able to watch the services of the church they love deeply. We are committed to using the best avenue possible to share the best message ever given.

There is ample ministry literature for children, youth, and young adults. But there is no literature geared for elderly people even though the largest demographic group in our society is those over 65.

I urge our MB leaders to consider the many people who cannot receive the message they are sending out if they eliminate the printed page.

WA LT E R W I E N S ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

Thanks

In 2010, we sensed God calling us to leave a megachurch in Dallas to plant City Church in Montréal. God used you – people we will never meet in person – to bless us, encourage us, and to help us establish this new church.

We were attracted to the MB family because of your kingdom-sized vision to reach Canada for Christ with new church plants.

The C2C Network was a tremendous source of encouragement through training, retreats, regular staff visits, and phone calls. Having dozens of church planting brothers and sisters was a massive blessing – and those relationships continue today.

In any change, there is hurt and there can be a tendency to turn inward. We encourage our MB family to maintain a posture of boldness and urgency wed with following the Holy Spirit. Whatever the strategy, whatever the label, let us walk with big faith and prayerful expectation.

This fall, six years into our church’s history, we saw seven people get baptized including new believers from other

religious backgrounds. God is using all of us to reach the lost, train the found, and release new missionaries to his beloved world.

Thank you for the incredible sacrifices that you have made to fund churches like ours. We are proud to be a small part of the MB family, and we know that God will continue to lead us forward so that our cities, nation, and world will know the Name above all other names.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Reader response – Winter 2020

C H R I S A N D YA N C I M C G R E G O R MONTRÉAL

What are we losing?

Re “A wake up call” (online, Nov. 12, 2019).

Having been involved in conference work continually from 1969 until 1993, serving on various boards and as moderator, and as an MB Herald columnist, I am greatly interested in what happens to our conference.

We are setting aside the glue which unites our Canadian MB conference.

A few decades ago, we lost our main denominational college.

We are now losing our only remaining denominational periodical.

We are now losing our delegate conventions.

I remain to be convinced that with less membership participation there will be greater membership interest and commitment, financially and otherwise.

We are losing much of that which unites us not because there is no longer a need or because we do not have the resources, but because we have established seriously flawed structures, been weak in creating and projecting visions, mismanaged finances, starved our main periodical of discussion and controversy, and allowed ourselves, in Letters continued on page 27

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After several years in process, the transition of theCCMBC long-standing “deposit program�

Meet Investments Ltd. This new of MB Stewardship Ministries from the organization continues the long-standing Canadian Conference to the new Stewardship MinistriesofofMB theChurches Canadian investment program of CCMBC Investments Ltd. MB Conference. (a wholly owned subsidiary of CCMBC Legacy Fund is anticipated be finalized on As of Inc.) September 1, 2019,toCCMBC Sept. 1, 2019.isCurrent have been Investments open toinvestors accepting new advised of the changes. funds from existing or new investors who should contact Capstone Asset

Interested new investors can contact us now at legacy@mbchurches.ca or 1-888-669-6575 to initiate the process. to find out more information.

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1-855-437-7103