MB Herald Digest | December 2020

DECEMBER 2020 MBHERALD.COM

Digest

Advent

An invitation to wait

VOLU M E 59, NO. 5

N E W M U L T I P LY B O A R D A F F I R M S TA S K F O R C E HEL LO CH URCH: BC CH U RCH E S BA N D TO G E T H E R CCMBC FINA N CIA L DAS H BOA RD

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S FO R T H E C AU SE O F C H RI ST

Sharing the life & story of the Mennonite Brethren in Canada

After several years in process, the transition of the long-standing “deposit program� of MB Stewardship Ministries from the Meet CCMBC Investments Ltd. This new Canadian Conference of MB Churches to the new organization continues the long-standing investment program of CCMBC Investments Ltd. Stewardship Ministries of the Canadian (a wholly owned subsidiary of CCMBC Legacy MB Conference.

Fund Inc.) is anticipated to be finalized on Sept. 1, 2019. Current investors have been CCMBC Investments is open to accepting advised of the changes. new funds from existing or new investors

Interested investors can contact who shouldnew contact Capstone Assetus now at legacy@mbchurches.ca or 1-888-669-6575 Management (1-855-437-7103) out the more information. to find initiate process.

1-855-437-7103

Mennonite Brethren Herald Digest is digitally published monthly 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.

Digest D ECEM B ER 2020 | VO LU M E 59, N O. 5 EDITORIAL OFFICE 1310 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6 Phone: 204-669-6575 Toll-free in Canada: 888-669-6575 MBHERALD@MBCHURCHES.CA W W W. M B H ER ALD.CO M

ISSN: 0025-9349 The Mennonite Brethren Herald is a publication of

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ADVENT, AN INVITATION TO WAIT

15

THE GENESIS CREATION STORY: MYTH OR HISTORY?

18

Kimberly McIntyre

22

Mark J.H. Klassen

Rev. Philip A Gunther

10

Pierre Gilbert

13 Sharing the life and story of Mennonite Brethren in Canada

CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS

Elton DaSilva

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

Q: How do you speak well about marriage with your neighbours, knowing that marriage can be difficult?

A: Check out the Faith and Life online pamphlets about marriage and family. www.mennonitebrethren.ca/ nflt-resources

From the editor 'TIS THE SEASON s you open this issue of MB Herald Digest, Advent has already begun.

Perhaps you have Advent traditions in your household. In the home I grew up in, each night, the four of us would gather in the living room, where mom or dad would read from a devotional book, and we would light the candles on an artificial wreath.

My parents would patiently take us through the reading. At the same time, my sister and I would exchange glances, even occasionally rolling our eyes or snickering at each other. Then one evening, much to my parent's surprise, eight-year-old Carson volunteered to close in prayer. Boy, did I pray—from Christ's birth, through the journey to the cross, with a few parables and miracles in between. This time mom and dad exchanged glances: is this our kid? Even the most cynical heart can change during Christmas.

Christmas 2020 is anything but traditional. This year may be our chance to do away with the usual trappings of the season and tune our focus on Christ and follow his example. This Christmas is tough for those who live alone, those apart from family, and those who have lost loved ones. Let's face it; this Christmas will be tough on everyone.

Perhaps we could replace our lost traditions with a new one: prayer. I'm not suggesting you aren't already the praying-type; I'm suggesting that our friends and neighbours need our prayers more than ever this year. Can we add the residents and staff of nursing homes, hospitals and clinics to our prayer list? How about the store clerks, the postal workers, the unemployed and those living on the streets or high-risk environments. Let's also pray for our MB

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missionaries serving far from home and unable to return for Christmas.

As the year draws to a close, I want to thank everyone who contributed to MB Herald from the start of the year to today.

For a time, I honestly didn't think we'd publish an issue in 2020. But then—one story at a time—the MB family came together and made the MB Digest a reality. In this Advent issue, Sandra Reimer and Mardell Neufeld, join Phil Gunther and others in bringing Christmas to the magazine's pages. Your Advent traditions probably don't include a study of the presence of evil in the world.

Still, Professor Gilbert's close reading of the creation account is too good to pass up. You'll find part two of Pierre's four-part series on page 12.

Looking ahead to the new year, I want to draw your attention to our annual Week of Prayer, January 17-23. Our next issue will have a seven-page Week of Prayer insert for you and your church to follow. We also plan on holding daily virtual prayer gatherings that week to bring us together in prayer for the country. Please look at our homepage on page 4 of this issue to see what else we have planned for 2021.

Merry Christmas, friends. May you feel the presence of Christ ever closer this year.

I pray for peace and good health to you and all who need it most this year.

Carson

CARSON SAMSON

Communications director

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

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HOMEPAGE

There's still time to sign up to receive MB Seminary's While We Wait Advent series.

A collaboration between MB Seminary and MB churches, devotions are written for individual readers of all ages, small groups and households.

Register here to have daily readings delivered to your inbox.

# SAVETHEDATE

Pastors Credentialing Orientation (PCO) will be delivered in two campuses in 2021: PCO West in British Columbia on May 26-28, and PCO East in Ontario on June 1-3. #CCMBCPCO

We want to share your favourite songs with our MB Herald Digest readers. Please send us the song titles and the artists that most inspired you in your discipleship walk over the years, and share a few words about why and how the music is meaningful in your life.

2021

Week of Prayer The 2021 Week of Prayer is January 17-23. Look for resources online and in the MB Herald Digest in the coming weeks. #CNDMBPRAY

Need help subscribing to the online digest? Email us at mbherald@mbchurches.ca, or call 1-888-669-6575 and ask for Carson or Bomba.

STUDY CONF ER ENCE NOVEMB ER 3 -5 , 2 0 2 1

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Janessa Nayler-Giesbrecht, youth and young adults pastor at Fort Garry MB Church, invites churches to join her and the FGMB congregation in lighting a candle during advent in support of front-line workers.

Read the full story in the Winnipeg Free Press.

PHOTO BY J OZ A N N A R EM PEL

A DV E N T: A WA I T I N G B E C KO N S

A waiting beckons me.

A solitude calls from the rush and clatter.

Prepare your heart for worship.

Worthy is Jesus of Bethlehem.

Worthy is the anointed Messiah, Emmanuel,

Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Prince of Peace.

It is the season of Advent, the coming.

Wait for darkness to turn to light,

woe to hope.

Wait for despair to turn to joy,

enmity to peace.

Be still, be still.

Wait for the Christ child.

Let nothing distract you from waiting,

let nothing keep you from worship.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

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NEWS

New Multiply board affirms Task Force recommendations In keeping with our commitment to update our constituencies on the developments related to Multiply and after communicating with the Multiply Executive Lead Team, Global Lead Team and Multiply global staff, the following is the latest information for your reflection and prayer. As previously communicated, both the USMB and CCMBC conferences have appointed new board members to represent each national Conference’s ownership in Multiply.

The Canadian appointed representatives are Chris Stevens (ON), Bill Seinen (BC), Wendi Thiessen (MB), and Maryanne Berge (SK).

David MacLean (BC) is also a Canadian representative but appointed by the previous Multiply Board.

The U.S. appointed representatives are Yvette Jones (CA), Aaron Halvorsen (KS), Vivian Wheeler (WA), and Fred Leonard (CA). Additionally, Ed Boschman, current ICOMB Treasurer, will be the ICOMB representative to the Multiply Board, and Don Morris (USMB) and Elton DaSilva (CCMB) represent the National Directors of the owner conferences.

At its first board meeting, November 9 – 10, 2020, the Multiply Board chose to operate with a co-chair system with each chair representing USMB and CCMBC, respectively. On day one, the board was orientated on Multiply’s current structure, including governance, finance, and current areas

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of work. On day two, the board formed committees and spent most of the day wrestling with the 18 recommendations submitted previously by the Multiply Review Task Force. In addition, elected Multiply Board officers which will comprise the Multiply Board Executive Committee are David MacLean (co-chair), Fred Leonard (co-chair), Wendi Thiessen (chair of FAC) and Aaron Halvorsen (secretary).

On day two, a motion was passed to accept and implement all 18 recommendations, including the recommendation to transition Randy Friesen out of the role of President of Multiply. The board chairs communicated this decision to Randy, which Randy graciously accepted and responded with the following, “After processing the Multiply review task force recommendations and your decision to transition to a new leader, I am supportive of your discernment. My prayers are with the board as they lead us into the next season of fruitful ministry together.”

There is an extraordinary meeting scheduled for December 1, 2020, to create a transition process that is both honoring to Randy and beneficial for Multiply as an organization.

USMB and CCMBC wish to express our sincere gratitude for the many years Randy has served as President of Multiply.

With the Multiply board’s permission and after communicating

with Multiply staff, we are releasing the 18 recommendations from the Task Force Review. They are as follows.

Board

1. That the role of the Board Chair be redefined to include qualifications of a person capable of leading a complex organization.

2. That a new Board Chair be appointed who has the qualifications and time to lead the Board of a complex organization.

3. That the composition of the Board be carefully discerned to ensure that members understand their governance responsibilities and have both the capacity and experience to exercise them. That the Board consist of a blend of experienced/ successful business leaders, veteran missionaries, invested pastors, those with financial acumen—all strongly committed. With the number of positions currently open, that the opportunity provided by term transitions be used to work at this Board reformation so that continuity and new skillsets can be balanced.

4. That the Board implement a Board Executive Committee to help lead the Board and provide regular and timely Board connection/continuity/accountability with the President.

5. That the Board seek professional development coaching.

Leadership

7. That the Multiply President/CEO job description be re-worked to include expertise in organizational leadership, team health, and stakeholder relationships.

8. That Randy Friesen be released as President of Multiply and a new President be sought as the ​ next s​tep in transition. (The current board would like to add this note that we appreciate Randy’s investment in Multiply over his term and are committed to a transition that cares for Randy and Marjorie and the future health of the Mission)

Governance

9. That there be a review of the executive limitations of the Multiply Board, clarifying

How do you describe your faith?

The MB Confession of Faith can help.

what items must be ratified by the Owners (currently not in Bylaws) 10. That there be strengthened regular reporting and accountability to the Owners – ie.

Quarterly reports designed for each Conference.

11. That the Board member nomination process be reviewed and clarified – the role of the national bodies in the nomination process and that of the Board Governance Manual appear to be in conflict. A defined Nominating Committee needs to be determined.

12. That Board member term limits be considered (currently not in By-laws) 13. That an ICOMB representative be officially included as an ex-officio member of the Board in order to ensure international voices are available pertaining to decisions made on behalf of global ventures.

Culture

14. Close attention being paid to the concerns of owners, team

members, and constituency.

15. Balanced, honest disclosure in its communications.

16. Attention to the bias impacts of having its headquarters in one region.

17. Doing regular cost and risk analysis around decisions.

NEWS

6. That the accountability measures and acknowledgment to the CCMBC and USMB conferences be reviewed and strengthened. That there be regular (e.g., quarterly) agreedupon reporting, structured for each Conference.

Senior-Level Leadership Culture (prior to demerger)

18. Inviting challenge and critique rather than seeking to intimidate into compliance.

The Multiply board has agreed to keep its owner conferences updated with quarterly reports.

Please remain in prayer for Multiply, our global workers, and its supporting staff as we enter a season of transition.

E LT O N D A S I LVA

CCMBC National Director DON MORRIS

USMB National Director

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

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A D V E N T: N O M O R E G L O O M

A season of darkness is waiting,

keening for a saving revelation.

Wait for the divine coming,

gloom dispelled from the hearts of men.

Wait for the Spirit’s miracle, the virgin’s praise,

the carpenter’s loving-kindness.

Wait for Bethlehem’s star, the angel’s chorus,

shepherds and sages who homage bring.

Wait for the Light, the Star who charts the way,

leading us from shadows to salvation.

An advent of ancient times is new again,

calling us to the heart of God.

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Advent, an invitation to wait “ YO U C A N EI T H ER WA I T O N G O D O R W I S H YO U H A D.” C H A R L E S S TA N L E Y

dvent is both a season of celebration and waiting. In homes, the Advent calendar (with its daily allotment of chocolates) and in churches, the Advent evergreen wreath (with its coloured candles) are dusted off and set in their hallowed places. These heart-warming symbols telegraph the approaching Christmas Day and also invite us to a period of waiting. Inherent in this waiting is an expectation to muse, to reconnect our hearts with what is genuinely of substance in life. As disciples of Jesus, Advent invites us to align ourselves with the values and mission of the incarnate Holy One. Here is an opportunity to reignite our worship and recapture Immanuel’s joy, peace and hope.

2020 will break new ground for us, a pandemic Advent. We enter the season with an intangible, yet palpable, heaviness – the weight of engaging with uncertainty, fear, anxiety and a long list of trampled hopes. Even the future landscape appears bleak in light of the past year’s terrain. Like much of Canada today, the citizens of ancient Israel were trudging through their own journey of gloom. Isaiah described them as “a people walking in darkness (9:2).”

Social, political and religious behemoths were crushing hopes and suffocating dreams. In their desperation they were given a prophetic word of great joy, a supernatural foreshadowing that their gloom would be lifted, and a glorious light would dawn. For the people of God, it was Advent, a waiting for divine revelation in the form of a just and righteous Messiah.

Jesus the Christ has come and now our Advent is not one of waiting for his incarnation, but rather, in the fullest sense, a waiting for his triumphant end time return. However, in this ‘not yet’ space, it is a waiting for his Spirit to bring a renewal of hope, joy

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and peace in the milieu of all that is a part of our 2020 and 2021. The predicament is that in our culture of rush and hurry, where instant everything is the demand, waiting upon God is hard-pressed to have room in our lives. Such waiting is not a passive activity, it is not sitting back and twiddling one’s thumbs. Waiting is biblical, a spiritual disciple and frankly, the wise response of a healthy disciple. God uses our waiting to reveal himself. If we open our hearts, as the young prophet Samuel did (“Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”), he works transformation and restoration. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Advent creates people, new people.”

And so... with anticipation – God is poised to act. ˚ Wait Wait with expectation – God is blessed by faith. ˚ Wait with thanksgiving – God is worthy to ˚ receive it.

˚ Wait with humility – God will lift up.

In this season let us wait, trusting that our ever-present Messiah has got us and our circumstances in his sovereign grip. Let us wait, believing that the king of peace is able to meet us at the nexus of our worries, fears and failures. Let us wait, because we can do little else. Let us wait, because, when we do, he is the God who will redeem. During this pandemic Advent, as you strike off the days on your Advent calendar and light one more candle on the church Advent wreath, hear afresh the psalmist’s cry of faith, “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him (Psalm 62:5).”

R E V. P H I L I P A . G U N T H E R

is director of ministry for the Saskatchewan Conference of MB Churches

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

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TH E S ECO N D I N A S ERI E S O F FO U R ARTICLE S BY PI ERRE G I LB ERT BASED ON CHAPTER T WO OF GOD NEVER MEANT FOR US TO DIE: THE EMERGENCE OF EVIL IN THE LIGHT OF THE CREATION ACCOUNT (EUGENE, OR: WIPF & STOCK , 2020), 28-46.

n my previous article, we saw that evil is viewed as either something that is intrinsic to human existence or purely as an illusion. There is almost a universal resignation (a capitulation?) to the idea that evil is an unavoidable and necessary component of human existence.

To a great extent, Christian tradition has failed to offer a truly distinct perspective on evil. Augustine (354-430) postulated that all instances of evil have purpose and will eventually be woven into a greater whole that will attribute significance even to the most revolting acts of human cruelty. The second-century bishop, Irenaeus of Lyons, posited that God designed the world as a “sphere of soul-making” in which evil plays a quasi-tutoring role.1 Most theologians, philosophers, pastors, and ordinary Christians comfortably live between these two poles.

I disagree with the view that evil is either a necessary part of human existence or an illusion. At the core of the thesis I offer in my recent book, God Never Meant for Us to Die, is the conviction that God never intended for humans to experience suffering and death, and that evil was never to be an inevitable component of God’s original plan for humanity.

I am sure many of you are saying: “What a crazy idea! Is it not self-evident that pain, suffering, and adversity are fundamental to the human condition? Surely there must be a purpose for all the evil that human beings have experienced throughout history.”

On the surface, the notion that there is purpose to evil makes sense and feels right. And yet, I categorically reject it, not on account of any personal feelings I may have about evil, but because of what the Genesis creation, by far the most revolutionary text ever to emerge in human history, tells us about evil and its emergence.

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For most of its history, Christians have relied on the creation story to explain the presence of evil in the world: it was all about Adam and Eve choosing to eat a forbidden fruit and being cast out of the Garden of Eden.

Every Christian knew that evil was somehow linked to the exercise of human free will.

But this consensus no longer exists.

A significant number of theologians and philosophers have sharply veered away from a historical fall to account for the presence of evil in the world.

The world-renowned philosopher, Paul Ricoeur, suggests that the significance of the creation story can only be understood if “we completely renounce projecting the Adamic figure into history.”2 Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, agrees. He contends that the Old Testament “is not concerned with origins but with faithful responses and effective coping. 3 1 John Hick, Evil and the God of Love (New York, NY: Harper & Row, 1966), 372.

2 Paul Ricoeur, “‘Original Sin’: A Study in Meaning,” in Paul Ricoeur: The Conflict of Interpretations, ed. by Don Ihde (Evanston: Northwestern University Press, 1974), 284.

3 Walter Brueggemann, Genesis, Interpretation (Atlanta: John Knox, 1982), 41.

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In fact, except for a few conservative scholars, the creation story seems to have altogether been put on the back burner as a legitimate explanation for the presence of evil in the world.

The most significant indictment against the text derives in great part from the theory of evolution, which offers an explanation for the emergence of the human race that is viewed as entirely inconsistent with an original pair of parents from which descended the rest of humanity.

Current scientific opinion also strenuously argues against the representation of humanity as a species that has “fallen” from a previously better position. To speak of the devolution of the human race rather than its evolution is an assault on some of the most preciously held scientific assumptions regarding humanity’s history.

Another important factor that leads many to reject the creation story derives from a serious misuderstanding about the nature of the text itself. Scholars generally define the creation narrative as myth, i.e., a story focusing on the gods and intended to explain the origin of humanity and the world.

While such stories may contain insights into the human condition, such accounts have no historical value. The suggestion, therefore, that the Genesis creation narrative may have some grounding in history is viewed as the height of fundamentalist naïveté.

Case closed! Or is it?

Notwithstanding the quasi-religious assent the theory of evolution happens to enjoy, it is in the end just that: a theory, or perhaps more accurately, a hypothesis. I don’t wish to sound overly Neanderthal about all this, but I find it disconcerting that one hundred and fifty some years after the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, the fossil evidence supporting the notion of interspecies evolution remains embarrassingly underwhelming.4 If there was a time to resist the urge to subsume the interpretation of a biblical text to a scientific theory, this would be it. As for the contention that Genesis 1-3 is myth and cannot, therefore, offer a perspective that is anchored in history, we need to carefully listen to how the text presents itself before arriving at any conclusion about what the text says and its implications with regard to the reality of evil.

If there was a time to resist the urge to subsume the interpretation of a biblical text to a scientific theory, this would be it.

4 Philosopher of science and author of Signature of the Cell (New York, NY: HarperOne, 2009), Stephen C. Meyer, offers a very insightful and carefully researched investigation of one of the greatest challenges to neo-Darwinism, i.e., the rapid emergence during the Cambrian period of numerous animal forms without evolutionary precursors. For more details, see also Darwin’s Doubt (New York, NY: HarperOne, 2013) and Michael J. Behe, Darwin’s Black Box (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1996).

The stakes could not be higher.

Despite the bad press the creation account receives these days, I maintain that Genesis 1–3 is essential to provide a response that neither negates the reality of evil nor radically alters the biblical portrait of God as perfect, absolutely good, and all-powerful. I would even go so far as to suggest that without a careful consideration of the creation story, the presence of evil in human history must remain an inexplicable and unsettling mystery.

Is the creation narrative simply a myth?

While Genesis 1–3 functions in a way that is similar to myth in terms of offering a basic understanding of God and the world, there are elements that strongly argue against reading this text exclusively as myth.

First, as many Old Testament scholars observe, the text exhibits a stylistic soberness that contrasts sharply with myth. In other words, it just does not feel like we are reading a myth. Second, unlike myth, the creation account does not depict a universe populated with a multiplicity of deities expressing themselves through nature. Genesis 1 states that there is only one God, and that this God created the world. This chapter proclaims the absolute sovereignty of God over creation and distinguishes the person of God from the created order.

The narrative creates a link between the events outlined in Genesis 1–3 and patriarchal history. This “organic” connection is confirmed by the Genesis

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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Why did such a seemingly innocuous act as eating from a fruit tree have such dire and farreaching consequences for Adam and Eve and the rest of humanity? narrative in the lineage found in 5:1–32 and later continued in the Table of Nations in 10:1–32, where there is an explicit articulation between Shem and Abraham in 10:1, 21 and 11:10, 26–32, and 12:1. As Old Testament scholar, Gordon Wenham observes, “The ensuing story of Cain and Abel and especially the genealogy of Chapter 5 linking Adam with Noah shows that the author understood the earliest stories to be about real people.”5 The historical anchoring of Genesis 1–3, especially as it relates to Adam and Eve, is also echoed in the New Testament.

Most prominent in this regard is Paul’s own assessment of Adam as a historical character. In Romans 5:12-21, Paul unreservedly affirms the historicity of Adam. In 5:12, the apostle associates the emergence of sin to one man’s act of disobedience. Paul clarifies the fact that sin is not just some abstract principle that has always been part and parcel of human existence. Sin is something that has a distinct point of origin: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man.”

Paul explicitly links the root cause of the human condition to a historical event.

If the Fall narrative is simply symbolic of every person’s sinful impulse, then Paul’s entire argument is no better than a house of cards in an earthquake. Without a historical fall, Paul has no case whatsoever, and the epistle’s argument collapses.

5 Gordon, Wenham, Genesis 1–15, Word Biblical Commentary (Waco, TX: Word, 1987), 91.

My own position with respect to the problem of evil is entirely contingent on the notion of a historical fall. Without such an event to anchor the intrusion of sin into human history, it is impossible to provide a coherent response to the presence of evil in the world. If most contemporary solutions to the problem of evil involve either a challenge to God’s omnipotence and goodness, or, alternatively, a banalization of evil, it is most likely because of a basic unwillingness to take into account the possibility of a historical act of disobedience at the pinpoint origin of human history.

Contrary to what some might believe, tracing the emergence of evil to human free will is not quite as straightforward as it may appear. Why did such a seemingly innocuous act as eating from a fruit tree have such dire and far-reaching consequences for Adam and Eve and the rest of humanity?

Couldn’t God just forgive and forget?

Why would God set up a test that most readers say Adam and Eve were condemned to fail?

This will be the subject of my next article.

P I E R R E G I L B E R T, P H . D.

is associate professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at Canadian Mennonite University and MB Seminary.

›› Purchase God Never Meant for Us to Die and Pierre Gilbert’s first book, Demons, Lies and Shadows at KindredProductions.com

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uring a recent virtual meeting with people from across the country, it was clear to see that several of us had decided to decorate for Christmas earlier than usual. As the conversation progressed and questions asked about the rush to decorate for the season, the typical response was to brighten an otherwise gloomy year.

Decorating for Christmas, although controversial in some Christian circles, has been an accepted practice in many Christian homes. The lights, candles and songs serve as symbols and memorials of a time and space of celebration and remembrance.

Memorials are highly encouraged in the Biblical narrative. In the New Testament, the communal use of wine and bread as a memorial of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice is one example of this Christian practice. The Old Testament often gives instructions on building memorials, such as tying knots at the bottom of garments, placing segments of the Torah in the entrance of houses, lighting candles and eating specific foods.

For me, the story of conquering of Jericho is one such significant memorial narrative. In Joshua chapter 3, during the crossing of the Jordan, God asks the people of Israel to choose stones from the river to build a memorial. Those stones, placed at the entrance of their encampment, reminded the Israelites that the great and awesome God had miraculously provided a way across the river Jordan.

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The next phase of their journey would include one of the most unorthodox military maneuvers in the history of humanity: Seven days of marching around the fortified walls of Jericho and subsequently circling the city seven times on the last day.

The task must have been tiresome and, at times, debilitating. Given the heat and geography, it is safe to assume that achieving said strategy with a travel-weary group of people must have been—to say the least— difficult. You can imagine that by the end of every march around the wall, doubts and exhaustion would have set in. But, as tired and perhaps as disillusioned as the people may have been, they would make their way back to camp where they came face to face with a pile of stones. These stones told a story of a powerful God, operating supernaturally to provide for his people. Here, these stones would renew faith and encouragement for the next march around the wall.

2020 has been a year like no other. We may be weary and uncertain of how to navigate the next leg of our journey. At Christmas, we erect memorials reminding us of the ultimate love offered to us. Our memorials tell us that Jesus is Lord, God is in control and big walls crumble at his presence. As you take time to celebrate, perhaps in a smaller way than we used to, may your Christmas memorial remind you that Jesus came because God loves you.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

A Christmas memorial

Merry Christmas,

E LT O N D A S I LVA

is the national director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Elton and Ana live in Winnipeg and have three children.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

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A DV E N T: A N C I E N T O N E

This is the advent of the King of Glory,

let heaven and earth exalt him.

This is the coming of the righteous Branch of David,

Israel’s Redeemer, Zion’s Savior.

Wait for the Christ’s appearing,

the ancient One from ages before time.

Wait for the Almighty’s consolation;

O God, comfort, comfort your beloved.

Blessed Spirit of God, prepare us in this time of

waiting, open the gates of our heart that you

might enter.

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Note: This report compares actual numbers to a forecast that has been approved by the Executive Board. Due to the current expectation of reduced revenue, expenses have been adjusted to align with the forecasted revenue for 2020.

OC TO B ER 2020

Y E A R -T O - D AT E I N C O M E

5%

CCMBC is currently $63,439 under year-todate forecasted revenue of $1,200,290

Notes: 1. One-stream funding from provincial conferences is at 87% of the year-to-date forecast ($109,877 below forecast) 2. Other Revenue includes $137,181 received or expected Canada Government Funding for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).

2500000

2000000

1500000

1000000

500000

0

-500000

Y E A R -T O - D AT E E X P E N S E S

4

%

CCMBC is currently $ 44,437 above yearto-date forecasted expenses. Cuts have been made to budgeted expenses for the balance of the year.

Notes: 1. Collaborative Model (National Director, National Faith and Life Team, National Ministry Team, National Assembly, National Assembly Executive, and the Centre for MB Studies) Staff costs, including travel have been reduced for the balance of the year but include contract staff hired to help rewrite the bylaws and some staff costs that were budgeted to Communications.

2. MB Church Planting: Expense is reported net of $153,180 of unbudgeted, designated donations.

3. MB Family Partner Suppot (ICOMB, MB Seminary, ETEQ, MB Historical Commission, and the Leadership Training Matching Grant): Reported net of $276,874 of flowthrough donations

CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD

CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

2020 Monthly Expenses

200000 150000 100000 50000 0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

28% MB church plants

15% MB family partner support

9% Administration

Jul Aug Sep Oct

35% Collaborative Model

11% Communications

2% Events

8 8 8 . 6 69. 6 5 76 I I N F O @ M B C H U R C H E S .C A | M E N N O N I T E B R E T H R E N .C A | 1 3 1 0 TAY LO R AV E N U E , W I N N I P EG , M A N I TO B A R 3 M 3Z6

15

OC TO B ER 2020 CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD

SINGLE STREAM FUNDING

PROVINCIAL B RE AKDOWN

A L B E R TA ( A B M B )

BRITISH COLUMBIA (BCMB) 400000

59110

2020 Annual

2020 Annual

Forecast $400,000

Forecast $59,110

YTD Forecast

YTD Forecast

$333,333

$49,258

YTD Actual

YTD Actual

$245,584

$33,246

0

0

S A S K AT C H E WA N ( S K M B )

M A N I TO B A ( M B C M )

270400

2020 Projected Giving

2020 Annual

$116,000

Forecast $270,400

YTD Projected Giving $96,667

YTD Forecast

YTD Actual

$225,333

$92,397

YTD Actual $237,746 0

O N TA R I O ( O N M B )

QUEBEC (AÉFMQ)

2020 Annual Forecast 6160

2020 Annual Forecast $6,160 YTD Forecast $5,133

$132,000

YTD Actual $1,650

YTD Forecast $110,000 YTD Actual $99,000

0

16

Send questions and comments to FAQ@mbchurches.ca.

8 8 8 . 6 69. 6 5 76 I I N F O @ M B C H U R C H E S .C A | M E N N O N I T E B R E T H R E N .C A | 1 3 1 0 TAY LO R AV E N U E , W I N N I P EG , M A N I TO B A R 3 M 3Z6

SEPTEMBER 2020

2020 ANNUAL BUDGET

2020 FO REC A S T

ADJ USTMENT

REVENUE CMSF

CMSF - ABMB one-stream funding

$

CMSF - AÉFMQ one-stream funding

–

80,000

$

7,941

59,110

$

7,941

(20,890)

7,700

6,160

(1,540)

CMSF - BCMB one-stream funding

469,300

400,000

(69,300)

CMSF - MBCM one-stream funding

338,000

270,400

(67,600)

CMSF - ONMB one-stream funding

132,000

132,000

–

CMSF - SKMB one-stream funding

145,000

116,000

(29,000)

1,172,000

991,611

(180,389)

411,241

510,986

99,745

Other Revenue Total Revenue

CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD

CCMBC FINANCIAL FORECAST

1,583,241

1,502,597

(80,644)

71,000

70,260

(740)

20,000

15,000

(5,000)

533,100

386,476

(146,624)

215,020

191,476

(23,544)

79,400

40,744

(38,656)

378,885

400,106

21,221

274,836

228,608

(46,228)

1,572,241

1,332,670

(239,571)

11,000

11,000

-

–

$158,927

$158,927

EXPENSES Administration Affiliation Support Collaborative Model Communications Events MB Church planting net of unbudgeted, designated fundraising MB Family Partner Support net of flowthrough donations Total Expenses

TRANSFERS Transfer to Reserve Net Income/(Loss)

$

8 8 8 . 6 69. 6 5 76 I I N F O @ M B C H U R C H E S .C A | M E N N O N I T E B R E T H R E N .C A | 1 3 1 0 TAY LO R AV E N U E , W I N N I P EG , M A N I TO B A R 3 M 3Z6

17

BUILDING COMMUNITY

18

HELLO CHURCH

BC churches band together for the cause of Christ arch 2020 brought great change to almost all Canadians due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses shut down, weddings and events cancelled, and churches moved their services to online platforms instead of meeting in person. Communities came face to face with the importance of supporting one another, and reaching out to those in need. For a group of churches in the Surrey and Langley areas of British Columbia, the challenge of not meeting together brought way for a new idea to help the local community.

Brad Sumner, pastor for 15 years at Jericho Ridge Community Church in Surrey, was very interested in keeping his community together while reaching beyond the walls of the church and fulfilling the needs of others.

“I thought, everybody is telling us what we can’t do. I’m not really interested in what we can’t do. I’m more interested in what we can do,” Sumner recalls.

Sumner began to have conversations with his team.

“We can do things like meet needs. How should we go about doing that now?” became the question on Jericho Ridge’s mind.

The answer was quite literally right around the corner. Pastor Matthew Price of North Langley Community Church was one of the first on board.

“I quickly called Brad about an idea to bring all the churches in the area I T H O U G H T, together. The way that E V E RY B O DY I S things immediately came T E L L I N G U S W H AT together was incredible,” WE CAN’T DO. Price recalls.

I ’ M N O T R E A L LY Price presented the INTERESTED IN idea to create an online W H AT W E C A N ’ T portal to act as a doorway DO. I’M MORE for all congregants and INTERESTED IN community members to W H AT W E C A N D O . walk through when there was a need to be met. The – BRAD SUMNER idea was for churches to use their regular

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benevolence fund in a different way, though an online platform. This door became Hello Church. In total, sixteen churches in the local area joined the cause. They had maintained positive relationships with each other over the years, and were ready to join together to do community work.

“I was watching my email inbox explode with churches wanting to get involved. It was like a mini viral experience.” Price remembers, “It was the church unified.”

Let’s Get Going In the early stages, four of the churches in Hello Church invested and did research into how to get the message out to the public; one even donated their media, and graphics staff to get the ball rolling. Price also used his other connections to create a website and promote Hello Church on Instagram, Facebook and other social media by using geofencing technology in select areas that they wanted to get their message to. Their efforts were successful.

“It was so fun to watch the creativity happen!” Price says.

Hello Church was quickly becoming a recognized brand of its own. The community knew it was the church reaching, and people were paying close attention.

Congregants living in the neighborhood surrounding the church put up signs in their yards that they were part of Hello Church, which matched signs on the church’s property.

Members of the churches were ready to spring into action.

“People were almost disappointed when there wasn’t a floodgate of need building up at first,” Sumner recalls, “There is still need, it’s just not coming to us in the same way.”

In the early stages of Hello Church, the program grew beyond fulfilling basic immediate needs like grocery deliveries, and shopping for others.

“We became engaged quite quickly in conversation with social services and the school district. The school district sent out a survey asking what the needs of families

Let’s Make it Work One of the pieces that T H AT N O T J U S T make Hello Church work ONE CHURCH within the community WA S TH E H E RO I N is that each church has a TH I S , IT WA S A LL certain amount of autonTHESE CHURCHES omy within the program.

TOGETHER If a church is particularly THROUGH HELLO interested in one area of C H U RC H . IT WA S need, they can tend to it, A C O O L WAY or if something is out of TO BE UNIFIED its wheelhouse, another W I T H M U LT I P L E church can step in and D E N O M I N AT I O N S . . . fill that gap. The power WE DON ’T AGREE of leaning on each other ON EVERY THING , as church families has BUT WE DO AGREE allowed Hello Church O N ‘ LOV E YO U R to become the force that N E I G H B O R .’ it is to give people what they need. There is now – M AT T H E W P R I C E an impulse and response to look around for other helpers when a need arises, and work together to fill that need, regardless of church affiliation. The congregants of the churches involved in Hello Church were already a giving community; this program gave action to it.

“It created a condition of readiness to meet a needs that were unknown.” Sumner says, “There is a thread through our own story- an impulse that would move in that [helping] direction. We banded together for the cause of Christ to meet a need. It’s not weird that Mennonite Brethren churches would be thinking this way!”

The unity of the church has been particularly touching for Price.

“It was so great that not just one church was the hero in this, it was all these churches together through Hello Church. It was a cool way to be unified with multiple I T WA S S O G R E AT

denominations, that’s what I love about it,” Price says. “We don’t agree on everything, but we do agree on ‘love your neighbor.’”

A New Season In more recent days, members of Hello Church have been sitting at the table to help resolve larger and more systemic issues in the Surrey and Langley area.

“Now we are in the thick of it. We looking into how we solve things like chronic homelessness and food insecurity. Hello Church has put us at the table with other people who want to solve problems in the city. It’s the harder piece to keep working at,” Sumner says. “It’s the harder work that’s not so glamorous, or as instantly gratifying as filling an immediate need.”

Hello Church has been able to move in a direction that brings the structure of the church into the forefront of the public minds. An area of need that has become apparent is youth needing positive mentors. The aforementioned school district was surprised and grateful to learn that within churches there are leaders who are trained to work with and mentor young peopleYouth Pastors!

Sumner gleams, “We have the opportunity to provide more impact longer term, rather than filling need short term.”

Sumner hopes that this initiative inspires others in their neighbourhoods.

“I think people can do it anywhere. If a person has a helping impulse, just look around and see where the plug in is,” he says, “The important part is bringing the values of the Kingdom into that space.”

“We talk at Jericho about how we have a responsibility for what happens in our neighbourhood.” Sumner continued, “The hyper-localness of [Hello Church] collapsed the sense of ‘I can’t do that because only big churches do that.’ Together we are all the body of Christ, and together we have all the pieces of the puzzle. This is the time for all of us to jump in.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY

were. The teachers received the surveys back and thought, “We can’t do all that, but who can?” So they came to Hello Church,” says Sumner.

In one circumstance, Hello Church was able to help a family who had experienced a fire in their apartment. One of the churches was able to donate over $10,000 to the family along with clothing, food, and other needs. The Hello Church community was relieved that this need was met!

K I M B E R LY M C I N T Y R E

enjoys writing stories of transformation, faith, and the human experience. She has a Communications and Media degree from Canadian Mennonite University.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

19

Family news

Jason Krueger, President/CEO of CCMBC Legacy Fund & CCMBC Investments

Finish lines

The Board of CCMBC Legacy Fund, Inc. and CCMBC Investments Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Krueger as President/CEO effective November 16, 2020. Jason is a Chartered Financial Analyst and also has a Master of Arts in leadership. He has formerly served as the President of the Canadian Baptist of Western Canada Foundation. Jason lives in Calgary.

“I have a deep appreciation of how Legacy supports the ministry needs of CCMBC, its churches and pastors, to encourage Kingdom growth,” Krueger says. “I understand the regulatory environment and ministry considerations that led to the creation of the framework that Legacy operates within. The objectives and activities of the organization I recently led were comparable to those of Legacy; we went on a similar journey with our staff, board and denominational leadership. Prayer-filled collaboration is paramount to accomplishing the conference’s missional objectives. Our efforts are for His glory.”

ELFRIEDA DUERKSEN Elfrieda was born into a loving home. From her father, Elfrieda learned to delight at simple beauty.

As the oldest, Elfrieda took on much responsibility during her mother’s extended illnesses. Elfrieda graduated as valedictorian from Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna, Man., in 1943. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, she became a teacher and taught in the same two-room school with her father. David Duerksen, a young bachelor teacher, first saw Elfrieda at her graduation and predicted a future marriage.

Ten years later, she received a letter from David indicating his interest as potential suitor. After some consideration on her part, she replied that there were possibilities. Many of their dates were at the hospital visiting her younger brother, Rudy; his death to cancer in his early 20s tested Elfrieda's faith and remained a point of sadness in her life. Elfrieda and David raised 4 children in East Kildonan, Winnipeg.

Elfrieda's well-planned extended-family trips earned her the nickname “Mother Moses.” She was a proponent of good nutrition and warmed her family with memorable homemade chicken noodle soup and borscht. At River East MB Church, Elfrieda expressed her faith by serving in leadership in Morning out for Mothers and Pioneer Girls programs, participating in refugee sponsorship, and giving talks to various groups. Elfrieda was genuinely interested in people and their activities. At church, she

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DECEMBER 2020

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

maintained contact with individuals from all generations, encouraging wherever she could. Her encouragement also helped David through his darker days of depression. At 64, Elfrieda developed rheumatoid arthritis, which necessitated adjustments to her activities. Six months later, a stroke left David with weakness and difficulty speaking, writing, and swallowing. David was hospitalized for seven months and then returned home. In 1996, he broke his hip and moved to Bethania Personal Care Home, where Elfrieda became a daily fixture for the last 10 years of his life. In 2016, she too moved to Bethania. When her understanding and communication became muddled, she took much comfort in a warm smile. Despite many losses, her grateful essence didn’t change. On her 95th birthday, she ended her last meal with “That was very good,” and shortly afterward slipped from consciousness. Following a few days of family goodbyes at her bedside, she took her last breath.

Birth: June 8, 1925 Birthplace: Flowing Well, Saskatchewan Death: June 26, 2020 Parents: Peter & Katherine Rempel Married: David D. Duerksen, July 17, 1954 [Dec. 10, 2006] Family: Joan (Bob Dueck), Carl (Cheryl Dyck), Donald (Janice Siemens), Mark (Kimberly); 8 grandchildren; 4 greatgrandchildren; 1 sister Church: River East, Winnipeg Baptism: South End MB (now Portage Avenue), Oct. 19, 1947

A D R A M AT I C R E A D I N G BASED ON PSALM 22

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?

2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.[b] 1

READER 2: (said in a whisper) Emmanuel READER 1

3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.[c] 4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.

5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

READER 2: (said slightly louder) Emmanuel READER 1 (with anguish)

6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.

8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him.

Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”

READER 2: (said slightly louder) Emmanuel

READER 2: (said louder still) Emmanuel READER 1 (in a gradually calmer tone)

19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me.

You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.

21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

READER 1: (spoken loudly with anguish)

READER 1 (said with contentment gradually turning to joy)

22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.

23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!

All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!

Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

READER 1 & 2: (said loudly with joy in unison) Emmanuel, God with us.

SANDRA REIMER

Glencairn Church, Kitchener, Ontario

READER 1

9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.

10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

13 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me.

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.

My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

21

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

CHURCH AT HOME Learning from Another Model came to Christ in a house church,” said Ingrid Reichard at a recent Town Hall meeting sponsored by the MB Churches of Canada. “I was discipled in that setting for the first two years of my faith journey. Since I didn’t grow up in the church, I didn’t go to Sunday school; I thought house churches were normal.”

Of course, in many settings, house churches are normal. The Book of Acts describes the Early Church as a house church movement. In fact, it was not until three hundred years after Pentecost that church buildings started to appear. Even today, in many countries around the world, house churches are the norm. As well, throughout history, many of the Church’s revivals survived and thrived as believers met in homes.

Gradually, as the Gospel spread around the world and was incarnated into more and more cultural contexts, other models of church soon became prevalent.

As Director of the MB’s National Faith and Life Team, Reichard hosted the Town Hall meeting and clarified that it was not a question of right or wrong models, but rather of being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of different models. “When I finally came into a big church,” she said, “I was blown away by bulletins, bands, and all the chairs facing in one direction. All of that was overwhelming. Now I love a well-organized big church, but I also know the many benefits of the house church.”

Reichard reminded listeners of how COVID-19 has challenged the Church and prompted us to re-think our gatherings.

Prior to the pandemic, of course, many of us were accustomed to weekly church services in the hundreds. But those gatherings are no longer happening, at least not for the time being. As big churches adjust to this new reality, many are encouraging homebased alternatives and small group initiatives.

“As churches continue to navigate

I

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DECEMBER 2020

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

restrictions,” Reichard posed, “perhaps the house church model could offer insight into how we should think not only about our gatherings but about our overall disciple-making mission.”

Reichard’s conversation partner for the Town Hall meeting was Derek Parenteau, Multiply missionary among First Nations people in Ontario, Canada.

Parenteau shared compelling insights from his own journey among indigenous peoples. “When we first started, we had all kinds of thoughts about what it would look like to plant a church. But someone told us to take it slow and pray. I noticed that every reservation had a church building on it that was empty. If it was being used at all, it was serving one or two people and the minister was coming from outside of the community. I thought there must be a better way.”

Parenteau started studying the methods of missionaries around the world and he discovered that the house church model was being used very effectively in places like China and India. He turned to the Scriptures and came to a simple realization: “Maybe house churches weren’t the consolation prize, a Plan B or any kind of downgrade, but that they actually had some major benefits in terms of both evangelism and discipleship.”

Derek and his wife, Tiffani, started gathering their First Nations friends together in homes, mostly non-believers at first. Then people started coming to faith in Jesus and they invited their family and friends into the group. “It was a very powerful experience,” said Derek, “to see whole households come to faith. It changed my life and changed my family’s life.”

In the Town Hall meeting, Reichard acknowledged that many churchgoers in North America probably had no experience with house churches. She was open about common misconceptions: “Maybe we think it’s for those who are bucking the system,

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

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

or for those who can’t afford a meeting space, some teaching, and there was lots of singing. In the group I belonged to, most of the so meeting in a home is a second option people were from Jamaica, so our singing until they can grow up and become a real was phenomenal.” church.”

However, for both Reichard and Paren“Every group is unique,” reminded Parteau, the house church model had offered a enteau. “But most groups have time for vibrant and powerful expestudying the Bible, sharing rience of authentic spiritual testimonies, praying for community and mission each other, and worshiping effectiveness. together. It’s usually very W E S AT I N A Reichard shared beaup er s on a l a nd ver y CIRCLE AND tifully about her husband’s interactive.”

DIFFERENT PEOPLE transformative experience: “In our big ger L E A D. T H ER E WA S “After I came to Christ, my churches,” Reicher shared A LWAY S S H A R I N G , husband wanted to come forthrightly, “sometimes with me to the house we get caught up in the glitz A LWAY S F O O D , church. It was so obvious and glamour of the stage.

A N D U S U A L LY K I D S that he was not a believer We get used to the profesC R AW L I N G A L L just by the questions he sionalism. When you meet OVER THE PL ACE. asked. But there was so in homes, it’s just couches much grace for him. He and chairs and an open received so much love and Bible. That’s all you need.” encouragement that he “Simple and intimate,” inevitably came to Christ.

Parenteau concluded about That community created the most natural house churches. “There’s depth to relationhighway to Jesus.” ships and it makes room for everyone to get Parenteau added, “Sometimes we forinvolved. Everyone can contribute someget how hard it is for an outsider to walk thing, whether it’s teaching, serving food, into our larger church gatherings. Since our caring for kids, or reading Scripture. EveryNorth American culture is less and less one is known. Everyone belongs.”

Both Reichard and Parenteau emphaChristian, the cultural gap for a non-believer is huge. It’s easier for them to walk sized that they were not recommending one into someone’s home and share a meal. It’s model over another. They simply wanted to much more casual, less structured, so the remind people that, during these times of cultural leap is far less.” restrictions, we can perhaps adapt our strucIn terms of discipleship, the smaller size tures and learn from a model that has been of the house church is certainly one of the historically and internationally very clearest advantages to life-on-life learning. fruitful.

For the full video recording of the conver“In that setting, it’s hard to fake it. As a leader, you’re modeling what it looks like to sation between Reichard and Parenteau, be a parent, because your kids are there. including more about leadership development You’re modeling your marriage because your and outreach, and some engaging quesspouse is there. Everything is on display for tion-and-answer with other listeners, watch here. everyone. Everyone can see what obedience to Jesus looks like for you in everyday life.”

“Our group was about twenty-five peoMARK J.H. KLASSEN ple,” Reichard said, “and we got together serves as a writer with the Multiply media team. He twice a week: on Sundays for worship and works closely with his fellow on Wednesdays for Bible study. We sat in a media specialists out of the circle and different people lead. There was Western Canadian office. always sharing, always food, and usually kids crawling all over the place. There was

23

A DV E R TI S E IN M B H E R A LD DIGEST

Promote your ministry in the pages of MB Herald Digest and online at mbherald.com.

Contact us at 888-669-6575 or mbherald@mbchurches.ca for a copy of our 2021 media kit.

Give meaningful gifts this Christmas.

multiply.net/gifts

Follow Jesus. Serve the church.

Engage the world.

Dig deep into God’s Word and build a strong Biblical foundation in Christ-centred community.

Biblical Studies Pre-University Ministry Leadership Marketplace Christian Leadership (Online) Pursuit

SBCollege.ca

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DECEMBER 2020

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

A moment in time

BL ACK CREEK , BRITISH COLUMBIA , 1983

Children's Christmas drama at Black Creek Mennonite Brethren Church

Image courtesy of the Mennonite Archival Image Database

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

DECEMBER 2020

25

OPINION

What will we be known for? our society has moved into what’s being called “the new normal”, a thought has struck me many times over: is the “new normal” actually new?

These days we are continually being reminded to stick to the guidelines requiring us to social distance, stay within our bubbles and wear a mask when going out in public places. But are these concepts really anything new? Metaphorically speaking, have these guidelines actually been our normal way of life for some time now? Perhaps without us even realizing it?

I wonder if we in the Church have been “distancing” ourselves from certain people in many ways, probably for a long time already. For instance, have we been avoiding those who are “not like us”, those who are from a different culture, a lower socio-economic standing, the lost, the lonely, the hungry, those standing alone in our church foyers or perhaps the irritable neighbour? Have we kept within our spiritual “bubbles” and spent more time in our church buildings than out on our front steps and neighbourhoods? Perhaps we’ve also been hiding behind invisible masks, keeping up appearances, avoiding being vulnerable or sharing our own struggles with others.

A recent daily reading from the “Lectio 365” devotional explained Isaiah 58 in a new light for me: “The people of Israel seem to be asking, ‘God, why are we bothering to make these sacrifices? It’s not doing any good. You’re not showing up any different.’ God’s response must have shocked them. He didn’t heap on more Bible study, more fasting, more Temple meetings, not even more prayer. Instead, He tied their desire to see God move, to God’s desire to see them move – and He sent them to move in service to the marginalized and the oppressed – people and issues they had built a lifestyle avoiding.”

During these last several months of the pandemic, as my husband and I have been moving through our neighbourhood, it has been rewarding and life-giving to meet up with neighbours who take out their ear buds or set down their sprinkler hose and are open chat. We have sensed a new openness from many of them to share freely with us as we have listened to their stories. God has given us opportunities and many divine appointments to walk alongside and

AS

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pray with people who are struggling with things like loneliness, cancer, addiction, marriage breakup and more. We’re seeing this in our neighbourhood relationships and within our own church body. These experiences are creating a new vision for us as part of the church.

A speaker I heard this year asked their church, “What do we want to be known for?” Indeed, what do we as the church want to be known for especially now during – and beyond - this global health crisis?

Will we be known for our good intentions, our busyness, our slavery to distractions and entertainment?

Will we be known for pouring energy, time and dollars into programs that function only within our church buildings in hopes that the community will “come to us”?

Or will we be known as ones who defined a truly “new normal”, one of being the Church, following the lifestyle of worship that Isaiah points us to? Will we be known for being present and walking a little closer with those in our neighbourhoods and communities as Jesus did? Will we be known for being people who bring hope, support and encouragement to those we have been praying for? Will we be known for being available and for listening to others share their stories? Will we be known for being real with one another, removing our invisible masks and responding with, “I didn’t know that. Please tell me more.” or “Me too. I’ve been there.” Will we be known for expanding our spiritual “bubbles” and be willing to learn from others – even strangers - who are “not like us”?

Could this be the “new normal” that God always inteCould this be the "new normal" that God always intended for his Church, especially now in this season of Advent? In this time of waiting and anticipation for the celebration of Christ's birth as well as his return at the Second Coming, a broken world around us is also waiting; waiting for hope, healing, love and restoration. May the truth of Isaiah 9:2 encourage and challenge us to move where God is sending us, being the light of Christ to those searching for the hope that is within us: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

MARDELL NEUFELD is a member of Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon.

A DV E N T: H O W G R E AT O U R J OY

The earth in sin and sorrow waits,

captive to the Dark One’s schemes.

Soon the dawning of redeeming grace,

souls awakened by the Light of God. Come, O come Emmanuel,

hail King Jesus, our righteous Lord.

Behold him, God in flesh appearing,

revelation for the human heart.

Advent’s wreath of evergreen, five candles standing

tall, naming hope, faith, peace, joy and Christ.

We light each candle with anticipation,

each flame signaling our emancipation.

Parting hymnals we voice our sacred carols,

adoring God with ebullient rejoicing.

How great our joy and consolation,

how great our joy and celebration.

We sing today of tomorrow’s coming,

joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Advent poems written by Rev. Philip A. Gunther.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

S U B S C R I B E TO M B H E R A L D D I G E S T W W W. M B H E R A L D . C O M / S U B S C R I B E - V I A - E M A I L