MB Herald Digest | August 2021

AUGUST 2021 MBHERALD.COM

Digest

The pandemic pastor Joe Welty navigates the new normal

VOLUME 60, NO. 8

S E E K I N G A P O S T- C O V I D P E A C E A N O P E N TA B L E

Sixty years of sharing the life & story of the Mennonite Brethren in Canada

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

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 AUGUST 2021 | VOLUME 60, NO. 8 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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FROM THE EDITOR

Carson Samson

Connect

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HOMEPAGE

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SEEKING A POSTPANDEMIC PEACE

Rev. Philip A. Gunther

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“ When the pandemic first hit and lockdowns became the norm, there

Sixty years

of sharing the life and story of Mennonite Brethren in Canada

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was a part of me that was afraid

THE PANDEMIC PASTOR

Joe Welty

of what it might reveal about the Christian community we are a part of.”

– Manitoba pastor, Joe Welty page 10.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

AUGUST 2021

From the editor ow can it be August already? Summer is fleeting in Canada, the winters so long in many parts that we cling to every hour of warm weather. This summer has been sweltering, with temperatures in the mid to high thirties and little rain in sight. Forests are ablaze, communities face water shortages, and farmers are seeing their crops shriveling up in the fields.

If the physical environment weren’t hot enough, we also feel the heat from COVID-19 related conflicts. Voices on both sides of the quarrel clamour to be heard. Whether it be vaccination, mask-wearing and personal rights and freedoms, the threat of dividing congregations feels eminent.

In Seeking a Post-COVID peace (page 6), Phil Gunther opines: Phil Gunther opines: “In my tenure as an MB pastor and Conference minister, rarely have I seen a greater need for peace and reconciliation within our own house.” With the help of Wendy Sawatzky and Scott Siemens, Gunther identities the issues splitting churches and presents a roadmap to reconciliation.

Today the word reconciliation doesn’t so much bring me hope as it does hurt. Over the summer, we have awoken to numerous gruesome discoveries on the grounds of former Canadian residential schools. How can we as a country reconcile hundreds of years of inflicting pain and suffering on the Indigenous people, whose land we claimed, and whose culture we tried to extinguish. I am no expert, but I pray that we wholeheartedly seek forgiveness from our neighbours and God. Navigating this road of reconciliation requires wisdom greater than I possess. It requires a mighty effort to build relationships with people we fail to understand. As in most cases, love is the marrow of healing and forgiveness.

This issue of the MB Herald Digest is a little lighter than usual; in addition to regular columns, you’ll find Joe Welty’s first-person adventure into entering a pastoral role at the heart of the pandemic (page 10). Canadian missionary to Mexico, Joan Goddard, speaks to the richness and diversity of the family of God in An open table (page 12). She and her husband Trevor have recently returned to Canada, bringing with them a heart for acceptance and belonging that so richly graced the community at the Matthew Training Center.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer; may they be a blessing to you as you consider the road ahead.

H

With respect,

Carson

CARSON SAMSON

Communications director

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HOMEPAGE

MDS Canada, MCC complete office renovation In light of the news about the unmarked graves of children at former residential schools in B.C., Saskatchewan and other parts of the country, the work of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Canada at the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Indigenous Neighbours office in Timmins, Ont., took on new resonance for volunteers.

The project to renovate and upgrade the office began in March and came to an end in mid-July— much later than planned due to pandemic travel restrictions in the province.

“Even before we knew about the graves, working here was reconciliation work,” says Nick Hamm, chair of MDS Ontario. “But now it is even more significant, as we put our hope for being reconciled with Indigenous people into action.”

Through the project, MDS Canada volunteers from the Markham-Waterloo Mennonite conference and the Matheson Old Order Mennonites, both located near Timmins, along with some volunteers from southern Ontario, renovated and upgraded the century-old office building recently purchased by MCC. The work included demolishing existing walls, building new office spaces, redoing the front entrance, assisting with updating the wiring, insulation, and finish carpentry and flooring. >> Read full story here.

M B S E M I N A R Y, W I L L I N G D O N CHURCH AND NORTH LANGLEY COMMUNIT Y CHURCH TEAM UP T O O F F E R N E W C E R T I F I C AT E

MB Seminary’s new four-course Ministry Foundations Certificate helps leaders grow in their love for God and ministry effectiveness through graduate-level instruction and student interactions. “This certificate was birthed out of many conversations with churches across the country as we imagined how we could come alongside churches more effectively than we had in the past.”

Says MB Seminary Mark Wessner.

The certificate focuses on helping leaders interpret and apply Scripture, lead with integrity and excellence, share the gospel, and make disciples in a maximum way—all from a Mennonite Brethren perspective. Churches will benefit as leaders apply what they learn, resulting in stronger leadership, relationships, and ministries.

This certificate is available through MB Seminary directly or through participation in their Teaching Church initiative. You are invited to explore becoming a Teaching Church or consider sending your leaders to a current course offering in your area. >> V isit mbseminary.ca for more information.

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HOMEPAGE

Songs that shape us “Brother” Album: Brother (2015) The Brilliance One of the albums that have most inspired my discipleship walk over the years is Brother, by The Brilliance. I’m drawn to it partly because I find the lyrics engage some biblical topics that are not typically approached in worship music. The lyrics and music manage to evoke worship and reflection out of me that I wouldn’t necessarily have expected, for example, from a song about loving your enemy or a song about the experience of sometimes feeling unheard by God. If I were to choose the song that most consistently hits my heart in the feel strings over the years, it would be the hymn “The Love of God.” In particular, I am always touched by how beautifully and poetically the third verse expresses the inexplicable breadth of God’s love for us.

MCC Peace Sunday packet available online This year, MCC’s Peace Sunday materials center on the theme of “Defending Hope.”

In a world of violence and oppression, living into hope is a faithful, courageous witness. Learn more and get your Peace Sunday materials here.

You can use this helpful packet to help you prepare for Peace Sunday coming in November.

“Living Hope” Album: Living Hope (2018) Phil Wickham And the newer worship song I find myself connecting with these days is “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham. It’s a solid and personal expression of our faith that runs through my head as I go about my day.

JEREMY PENNER

Director of Worship and Music Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg

Tell us, what songs shape you? mbherald@mbchurches.ca

Pastors Credentialing Orientation (PCO) will be delivered in two campuses in 2021: PCO East in Ontario on October 27-29, and PCO West in British Columbia on November 3-5 #CCMBCPCO

COOKING COMPETITION CHALLENGES MEN T O TA K E A R O L E I N TH E KITCH EN Whose job is it to do what around the household, and why? Depending on your culture and tradition, the answer to that question is often complex. Vurayayi Pugeni, MCC area director for Southern Africa, Central Africa and Nigeria shares a story of how a cooking competition in Zimbabwe challenged these norms and empowered men to take ownership in the kitchen. Watch the video to hear more about the competition.

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Seeking a post-COVID peace The church’s need for in-house reconciliation and restoration

“ I F I T I S P O S S I B L E , A S FA R A S I T D E P E N D S O N Y O U , L I V E A T P E A C E WITH E V ERYO N E .”

ROMANS 12:18

he more I ponder the negative impact of the pandemic on the church, the more deeply I am convinced that the church suffered its greatest blows not from outside forces but rather from internal conflict. Most churches witnessed divergent pockets of stakeholders anchoring themselves to convictions around defining the pandemic. Often, strong opinions were expressed on how, and if, the governing authorities’ church-gathering limitations should be received.

The most striking collateral damage – much of it still to surface – is the cost to pastors and lay church leaders who served as under prepared and ill-equipped peacemakers. The growing lament among our faithful leaders is palpable and is articulated in comments like “I’m totally exhausted and deeply hurt,” “I will never serve in this way again,” “No matter what I say or do, half the church is always mad at me,” “I’m burned out,” “I’m depressed and on medication,” and sadly, “My resignation is in my desk.”

As the church emerges from this pandemic, in many quarters it faces a daunting task of in-house reconciliation and restoration that must take place before it can plan for ministry and mission in a post-COVID reality. The pandemic brought to light the depth of spiritual immaturity and self-centeredness of some among our ranks. It was truly heart-wrenching to witness how quickly the battle lines were drawn, grace tossed, and mission and love trumped for the sake of rights and being right. In my tenure as an MB pastor and Conference minister, rarely have I seen a greater need for peace and reconciliation within our own house.

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A roadmap to post pandemic congregational peace

I am under no illusion; the way of peace is often complex and arduous. When I engage people who contribute to divisiveness, I often encounter prickly realities and hidden emotional minefields. However, I cannot allow the possibility of being uncomfortable, or others being uncomfortable, to dissuade me in this effort. But where to from here?

As a means to assist churches, I am sharing my thoughts concerning a healthy roadmap to post pandemic congregational peace.

What can happen if I don’t act (possibilities)?

ill will ˚ Festering Unresolved ‘family’ fractures ˚ Flagging fruitfulness ˚ A fiendish foothold (Ephesians 4:25-27; 6:10-12) ˚ A likely future ‘round two’ ˚

Where can I start?

Begin by conducting my own heart assessment (‘plank check’ – Matthew 7:3; checking motives – Psalm 139:2324; Proverbs 16:2; James 4:3), praying for understanding and wisdom (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6-7; 1

Timothy 2:1; James 5:16) and sharing what I learned with church leadership. Invite leadership to do their own heart assessment, pray for wisdom and then share what they have learned with church members. Lastly, invite the congregation to do the same and bring shape to a time of corporate sharing and response.

What are my biblical signposts?

David – “Turn from evil and do good; seek ˚ King peace and pursue it” Psalm 34:14.

Solomon – “You will never succeed in life if ˚ King you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give

them up; then God will show mercy to you” Proverbs 28:13 GNT. – “...be at peace with each other...I pray also ˚ Jesus for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one....” Mark 9:50; John 17:20b-21a.

Paul – “If it is possible, as far as it depends ˚ Apostle on you, live at peace with everyone...Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification” Romans 12:18; 4:19. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:3. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” Colossians 3:15.

Apostle John – “Dear friends, since God so loved us, ˚ we also ought to love one another” 1 John 4:11.

What are my hoped-for outcomes?

of sin ˚ Repentance Reconciliation of broken relationships ˚ Restoration of community unity ˚ Re-engagement of the mission ˚ The Anabaptist Menno Simons wrote, “The Prince

of peace is Christ Jesus; His kingdom is the kingdom of peace, which is His church. His messengers are the messengers of peace; His Word is the word of peace; His body is the body of peace; His children are the seed of peace; His inheritance and reward are the inheritance and reward of peace. In short, with this King, and in His kingdom and reign, it is nothing but peace. Everything that is seen, heard, and done is peace.” His children are the seed of peace. Can we be seeds of peace while harbouring dissension? Can a church stand if it is divided (Mark 3:25)? Can it genuinely be a beacon of hope to the world if among its light-keepers peace is absent?

We would be wise to heed the counsel of the psalmist: “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

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

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Points of divergence P H I L I P A . G U N T H E R A N D W E N DY S AWAT Z K Y

As the pandemic emerged and became consuming, and even now as it subsides, there are ideas and opinions within a congregation that can undermine unity and fellowship. Widely differing viewpoints among those in the church also have resulted in a dramatic elevation of stress and anxiety among pastors and lay leaders. Following are some possible points of divergence.

The pandemic is a conspiracy with evil roots and we are being fed information that is untrue.

The pandemic is a legitimate health concern and we need to trust medical science information as we observe the events in the community.

COVID-19 is no more serious than other flu variants.

COVID-19 is a very serious virus which has had a devastating health impact on some, including death, and the medical community is still discovering its long-term impact on the human body.

The government health-based restrictions were unfair to the church and could be seen as a means to persecute the church.

The health mandates are issued to protect the community from serious illness, and the church is one of many organizations required to follow restrictions and find ways to meet differently.

Obeying the government health restrictions is an affront to God.

Adherence to the instruction of Romans 13 to obey governing authorities is God honouring.

God wants people to worship freely, without masks.

God is not concerned about worshippers wearing masks; He is concerned about the condition of their hearts.

The church will witness to the community by continuing to meet in spite of restriction.

Taking the virus seriously and not spreading it shows love for the community and responsible citizenship.

The church should fight for its rights.

For the sake of the Gospel, the church should sacrifice rights, suffer being wronged, even persecuted, following the counsel of Scripture and example of Jesus.

We need to voice our beliefs around the pandemic to honour God.

Fellowship with believers is important, and unity in the church will honour God.

The COVID–19 vaccination endeavour is part of an evil conspiracy.

Vaccines are an historical, legitimate medical response to viruses.

We need to all return to pre-COVID style of worship and ministry immediately now that restrictions are lifted.

We need to have a measured return to the way things were pre-COVID and be kind and gracious to those who want to continue measures such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Being right and fighting for my rights is most important.

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6).

W E N DY S AWAT Z K Y

is a member of Parliament Community Church (Regina).

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What can I do in times of “household” turmoil?

Just as our nuclear households, workplaces, or our places of play occasionally find themselves in states of discord, so too our households of faith (Galatians 6:10 NASB) can find themselves internally fractured.

As a Federal Labour Relations mediator, I am confronted daily with friends and colleagues who see things differently to where relationships are broken—broken to the extent of parties needing to be separated, sometimes even dismissed. The costs of “household” discord are immense. As I’ve worked with church leaders over the years, I attempt to leave people with a few key thoughts to help guide their paths toward reconciliation in times of internal church conflicts.

1. Adjust my posture: inevitably, when someone disagrees with me on something I feel is important, I gravitate to a position of judgement—judging the “other” to be incorrect, misguided, ill-informed, or simply obstinate. Changing my position to one of curiosity and away from judgement finds me seeking to understand the other person’s perspective and uncover what factors led to their position on the issue. We do well to embody St. Francis’ prayer to “not seek to be understood, but to understand.”

2. Acknowledge my biases: whether we believe it or not, whether we like it or not, we are all biased – prejudiced into one position or another. Some of these biases are baked into our DNA virtually from birth; our life and circumstances shape others. Regardless, it’s essential to recognize and acknowledge that we don’t possess 100% of the truth. Our fellow believer’s positions are also framed from their experiences and, although potentially divergent from our understandings; they were also formed from something real to that person. Know that the strength of your convictions may be just as firmly embedded as the other person’s convictions are.

3. Find our “interests” amid the story: as we engage with people and hear their thoughts, look for those points of common interest, the places where your ideas and passions align. Every mediator will tell you that the ability to find solutions to even the most intractable conflicts rests in uncovering the deeper interests.

Interests are NOT predetermined positions, arguments, or solutions. Interests are those beliefs, fears, needs, etc., that lie beneath the waterline and are at first unseen. Common interests are the building blocks of restored relationships when we see them as something to be embraced rather than feared.

As you engage with people in your “household”, adjusting your posture, acknowledging your biases, and searching for common interests may just hold the key to being able to joyfully share in the Lord’s Supper with that sister or brother knowing that . . . “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. (Rom 12:18 NIV) SCOT T SIEMENS

is a professional mediator and member of Parliament Community Church (Regina)

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sung and prayed and eaten together? Or until you see I know, everyone who serves in a pastoral role has how they respond to an expressive child during a reflecbeen a pandemic pastor for a while now. But I am a tive moment? Or how they slide over to make room for sucker for a strong opening line. And I feel like I can someone they know, or don’t know, or know too well? say it a little more emphatically than most. You see, I Or how they look at each other and the elements in their am pastoring a community I have never known outhands as they pause for the briefest of moments while side of the pandemic. passing the communion plates.

It happened like this.

I don’t know these things.

In the fall and early winter of 2019 my family and And yet, in a unique way I am learning to know I began to sense the need for a transition from the comthem. One at a time. Like a person backing away from munity we had been serving for the previous decade. a painting, the individual brushstrokes blending to 2020 came and we began to work though this aloud form the whole, rather than the other way around. It with the community’s leadership. On March 1 it was is not the usual way we get to know our communities. official and we began the process of tying up loose ends We usually start with the whole. The large group and and saying goodbye. experience of Sunday morning slowly being broken And then 2020 became … 2020. down into individual names and stories. But my expeFast forward to August. rience is the opposite. I am left trying to imagine what It is our first Sunday in a new comit is like having all these individual munity. It is a transitional role, helping names and stories there in the same a congregation walk through their own room. Yet, I am learning to see this for leadership transition as I continue the unique gift it has been. walking through my own. That first When the pandemic first hit and Sunday my family and I are met by lockdowns became the norm, there I N A U N I Q U E WAY I A M many smiling faces. At least, I think was a part of me that was afraid of what LE ARNING TO K NOW THEM . they were smiling - it can be hard to it might reveal about the Christian O N E AT A T I M E . L I K E A tell behind the masks. Person after community we are a part of. I was P E R S O N B A C K I N G AWAY person comes forward to introduce afraid it might be like a fire that burns FROM A PAINTIN G , THE themselves and say welcome. All but down a building, leaving little if anyINDIVIDUAL BRUSHSTROKES one stops short suddenly as if they thing in it wake. Instead, it feels like a BLENDING TO FOR M THE walked into an invisible wall roughly fire that burns through the Canadian W H O L E , R AT H E R T H A N T H E six feet away. The one exception, an Shield which many of us live on or OT H E R WAY A R O U N D . elderly saint with his mask askew, nearby. The visible face is changed. It breaks through the invisible wall and, bears little resemblance to what we with sincere eyes, extends his hand have always known. Gone are the easy and says, “If it is okay, I would rather die than not shake to see signs of life – the full nurseries, team meetings, my pastor’s hand on his first Sunday.” and event calendars. But now exposed is the communiAnd the next week it is a whole new set of eyes and ty’s deep bed rock of faith and commitment to each other masks to greet and learn names and connections to. and the One we are all united in and growing up on.

And then the next week and the next and the next as So no, I don’t know what it looks and feels and we work through our attendance rotation. And then sounds like for us to all be in one place together. after a few more, it is just me and a camera in an empty But one day soon I will. And when that day comes, room as the lockdown settles in once again. perhaps I, and you as well, will be able to step out and It is common to speak about a first year in any pasfeel in a new way the firmness of the ground that we toral role as a honeymoon year. There is a lot of truth are planted on. to this as both parties are nervous and excited about After all, we have all been pandemic pastors. exploring life together. This past year, however, has felt instead like a long series of first dates as I feel less like J O E W E LT Y I am pastoring a community and more like a collection is the lead pastor at Crossroads Mennonite Brethren of individuals.

Church in Winnipeg’s downtown and diverse I know the connections are there. I hear them. But St. Boniface neighbourhood. He and is wife, Ang, I don’t see them. I don’t know them. I know many indiare parents to three teenagers plus one more who viduals in the congregation. But I have never heard wants desperately to be one. An avid reader, skier, them sing together. Nor shared a meal with anyone. and paddler, he would never say no to a day spent Nor even shared a cup of coffee. on a trail or a river talking about a good book or Can you really know a community until you have even nothing at all.

I am a pandemic pastor.

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

One of Trever and Joan’s legacies: a spiritual family at the Matthew Training Center in Guadalajara, Mexico.

AN OPEN TABLE n August 1984, Trever and I loaded up an old, green Chevy van and started a journey from Canada to California to Costa Rica to Colombia. We lived and served for fifteen years in Colombia and another fifteen years in Mexico. In March 2021, we once again packed our vehicle (not the same green van) with belongings and drove back to Canada.

The largest item in that vehicle was a table that symbolized something special for us, something that our thirty-seven years in ministry had taught us.

When we originally responded to God’s invitation to mission so many years ago, we were confident we could make a home anywhere in this wide world. Over the years, we have lived in many places and painted the walls of numerous rental houses, always seeking to make a little nest for our family, whether it was in steamy valleys or high elevation plateaus. But what about our extended family? For many of us as global workers, even the most adventurous ones, living separated from family is one of the most difficult parts of cross-cultural life.

There wasn’t one year of those thirty-seven that living far from family hasn’t felt like a chosen sacrifice. But I use the word “chosen” because we had the right to choose. We have missed out on big and little happenings within our extended family, yet we have stayed connected, even if through a phone call, letter, or message. And in the many places we have settled, we have welcomed new expressions of family—neighbours, friends, disciples, shepherds, rogues, and religious leaders, and more than a few strangers. Even enemies have become family. Though we have been foreigners in other lands, without our families of origin near us, we learned to embrace God’s family. Instead of sitting down for borscht and buns at the tables of our own mothers, we have enjoyed sancocho or tortilla soup at the tables of other mothers. God’s family is diverse and beautiful; it’s a place of belonging.

Yet I grieve the lack of family that I see everywhere.

I grieve the number of children and adults living on the same streets of big cities that we lived on, walked, shopped on, parked our cars on. It is absolutely jarring to see state orphanages full of abandoned children, or ragged, unprotected children on the streets of Cali, Bogota or Guadalajara. Over the years, we’ve heard the devastating stories of far too many students in our discipleship programs who grew up as fatherless children, or were abandoned by their mothers, which to

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

them was far worse. Even back in our “home and native land” (from the first lines of Canada’s national anthem), it is horrifying to hear stories of First Nations children being taken away from their families, only to be buried in unmarked graves at residential schools. Again, and again, this truth has seared my mind—our deep human need is for family.

Those of us who have enjoyed the shelter of a loving family, do we see the despairing and ghost faces of the lost and abandoned all around us, yearning to belong in family? Those who have experienced the care of the Shepherd and his Church, do we see the lonely sheep who are wandering around our shelters, wanting to be included within the fold?

W E A LWAY S S O U G H T TO M A K E ROOM FOR STRANGERS, ENEMIES, GOD -SEEKERS, AND FRIENDS A R O U N D O U R TA B L E .

When our children were growing up, we desired to teach them God’s expression of family, so we prayed together for eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to love those who didn’t know a loving Father. That desire led us into some Christmases with street-dwellers. It also led us to rent larger homes to accommodate young men from gangs who were disillusioned with family. Later, we gathered a community together to build dorm rooms for disciples. We always sought to make room for strangers, enemies, God-seekers, and friends around our table.

The table became our symbol of family. It was, and continues to be, the place where we pass peace and forgiveness along with meat and bread. It is the place where stories are shared, and we are nourished by tears and laughter and love. It is the place where we all partake of the Word of Life who brings healing to our bodies and souls. It is the place where everyone belongs.

So, it was important and fitting that, when we returned to Canada this year, we brought a table with us. It is a piece of live-edge Mexican hardwood that has become the heart of our new home. Around it, children and grandchildren, foreigners and guests, and hopefully a few rogues, will come to dwell together as God’s family.

JOAN GODARD

and her husband, Trevor, have moved back to Canada after three decades of experience as missionaries in Latin America. They now find themselves in part-time roles with Multiply: Joan in Member Care and Trever in Missional Leadership Training. They are living in Keremeos, BC.

Joan asks a probing question, “Do we see the despairing and ghost faces of the lost and abandoned all around, yearning to belong in family?” Is God calling you to engage the lost and invite them into his family?

To explore opportunities in growing God’s global family, go to multiply.net/go or speak with a Regional Mobilizer at 1.888.866.6267.

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Finish lines PETER JOHN SUDERMAN Peter was born in a sod house in Pilot Butte, Sask., but grew up in Regina.

Growing up during the depression was tough, but he loved to tell stories of his adventures as a boy. He was a hard worker, selling newspapers on the street corner, delivering groceries on his bicycle, and doing accounting at City Dairy. When his father was ready to sell his electrical business in 1954, Peter was ready to take on the challenge of business ownership.

He grew Globe Electric from residential to commercial and industrial contracting and was a respected member of the business community. Peter developed an electrical estimating course, travelling across Canada teaching hundreds of contractors until he was 75. Athletics played a big part in Peter’s life, whether taking on 10 of his Sunday school class boys on a hockey rink or playing competitive volleyball and racquetball. Most Saturday mornings, you could find him on the course honing his golf game, winning many trophies. With a strong faith in God, Peter was always ready to share his faith. He was a committed member of Parliament Community Church, serving in multiple roles and volunteering many hours.

He was instrumental in creating the Saskatchewan Prayer Breakfast, working closely with the Lieutenant Governor from

1971 until retiring from the committee in 2017. He spent many hours with Christian Business Men’s Connection, Athletes in Action, and the Regina male voice choir. He was a member of the Regina Electrical Contractors Association. Later, he delivered Meals on Wheels. His volunteerism was recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2017. Peter married Martha Wieler in 1948 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage. They had 4 children and family was a great source of joy. Peter and Martha built a loving home. They often hosted guests for a meal and offered a helping hand to those in need. Peter left an indelible mark on many lives, always encouraging them to love and serve God, love family, work hard, and be honest.

Birth: March 18, 1928 Birthplace: Pilot Butte, Sask.

Death: December 14, 2020 Parents: Peter & Sara (Klassen) Suderman Married: Martha Wieler, Sept. 20, 1948 [d. Oct. 23, 2012] Family: Martha; children Peter (Donna), Robert [d.] (Wendy), Linda (Jim [d.]), Valerie (Stephen); 11 grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; siblings Helene, Jake (Betty), Henry (Bette), Mitzi (Helmut) Church: Parliament, Regina

O B I T UA R I E S H AV E LO N G B E E N A VA LU E D PA R T O F T H E M B H E R A L D. F R O M T H E F U N E R A L B U L L E T I N S , EU LO G I E S , A N D N E WS PA P E R O B I T UA R I E S YO U S E N D, O U R E D I TO R S C R A F T L I FE S TO R I E S O F O U R M E M B E R S T O I N S P I R E A N D E N C O U R A G E O U R R E A D E R S , C R E AT I N G A M E M O R I A L O F M B S A I N T S .

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AUGUST 2021

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

A moment in time

C A M P A R N E S S TA F F, A R N E S , M A N I T O B A , 1 9 5 1

A group of Camp Arnes staff line up for a photograph. The outreach ministry of camps like Arnes were (and remain) particularly important for Mennonite Brethren across Canada. Camp Arnes (formerly known as Lake Winnipeg Mission Camp), is located on Lake Winnipeg, 70 miles (112.5 km.) north of the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is owned and operated by the Lake Winnipeg Mission Camp Society Inc. Courtesy of the Mennonite Archival Information Database Learn more about Camp Arnes at Global Anabaptist Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO)

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

AUGUST 2021

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S U B S C R I B E T O 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