May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Desktop

May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 DeskTop

structed a caricature of the church against which to rail? Writers and the church Have they frozen the church in a particular place and time for literary effect, or are they taking into account the new life his was the title of a course offered last fall by Conrad that keeps emerging amidst the old they so decisively expose? Grebel University College and the Pastoral Leadership At points the articulation of newness and hope broke Training Commission of Mennonite Church Eastern T through the publishing process which had accented the Canada. The course brought together pastors and other problematic—for example, when seminar leader Hildi students for a monthly seminar to explore the conversation Froese Tiessen noted that Tomorrow Gives Rain had been between “Mennonite literature” and the church. Patrick Friesen’s preferred title for the book we have come The course “texts” included three novels by Rudy Wiebe to know as The Shunning. (Peace Shall Destroy Many, The Blue Mountains of China, The church and the writers somehow connected to that Sweeter Than All the World) and one each by Patrick church—novelists, poets, journalists, letter-writers—need to Friesen (The Shunning), Armin Wiebe (The Salvation of keep exploring the possibility of a two-way conversation.— Yasch Siemens), Di Brandt (questions i asked my mother) Ron Rempel, editor and Sandra Birdsell (The Russländer). I enrolled partly because of the intriguing course prospectus which noted that many Mennonites read the work of “Men- New art director nonite” writers, “but few of our churches pay this literary n mid-April, Canadian Mennonite appointed Tammy work any attention.” Sawatzky of Waterloo, Ontario, as art director. In this I wanted the chance to explore that observation. Why is the Iposition, she works with the editorial staff in selecting church ignoring these writings? Why have some of the writ- photos and other graphics, in designing ers opted out of the church? What might be gained with a and laying out each issue, and in updat- more lively writer-church exchange? ing the web site. What was all the fuss about? I wondered when re-reading Tammy comes to the position with a books like Peace Shall Destroy Many. I recall the explosive- longstanding interest in art and design. ness of that book from the early 1960s when Rudy Wiebe She graduated from Bethel College in wrote—in English, at that—about the less than exemplary Kansas with a major in art and history, inner life of a German-speaking prairie Mennonite commu- and from Associated Mennonite Bibli- nity that was trying to keep itself separate from the sur- cal Seminary with a Master of Arts in rounding “English” and “Indians.” Theological Studies. Her work-related Sawatzky Did this book really deserve the initial wave of censure experience includes design projects for which included Wiebe’s firing from his position as editor of the church, for art galleries and for the seminary. a Mennonite magazine? He simply described the tension be- Tammy replaces Rob Langlade, who served as art director tween what the community aspired to be—Christian, loving, for the past two years. Welcome, Tammy, to the Canadian redemptive—and the actual imprint it left on some of its Mennonite team. And thanks, Rob, for your good work dur- members. On second thought, that’s still explosive stuff. ing your time on staff. At points I found myself objecting. Have the writers con-

Mission statement: Published by Mennonite Publish- National correspondent: Leona Dueck Penner, ing Service, Canadian Mennonite serves primarily the 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, Man. R3P 0M4. people and churches of Mennonite Church Canada and Phone: (204) 888-6781. Fax: (204) 831-5675. its five area conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi- E-mail: [email protected] weekly Anabaptist/ Mennonite periodical which seeks Regional correspondents: Eastern Canada: to promote covenantal relationships within the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). Maurice Martin, 97 Riverside Dr., New Hamburg, Ont. N3A 2H6. It provides channels for sharing accurate and fair information, faith profiles, Phone: (519) 662-1031. E-mail: [email protected] Manitoba: inspirational/educational materials, news and analysis of issues facing the Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Box 1191, Carman, Man. R0G 0J0. Phone/Fax: church. (204) 745-2208. E-mail: [email protected] Saskatchewan: Karin Fehderau, 99 MacLean Cres., Saskatoon, Sask. S7J 2R6. Phone: (306) Head office: 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, Ont. N2L 6H7 933-4209. E-mail: [email protected] Alberta: Donita Wiebe-Neu- Phone: (519) 884-3810. Fax: (519) 884-3331. Toll-free: 800-378-2524 feld, 8707 44 Ave., Edmonton, Alta. T6K 0Z9. Phone: (780) 436-3431. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] British Columbia: Angelika Daw- Website: http://canadianmennonite.org son, 2443 Lilac Crescent, Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 1P5. Phone: (604) Staff: Ron Rempel, editor/publisher; Margaret Loewen Reimer, 870-0494. Fax: (604) 870-0366. E-mail: [email protected] managing editor; Tammy Sawatzky, art director; Barb Draper, Board of directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld, Aiden S. Enns. editorial assistant; Natasha Krahn, administrative assistant. Alberta: Brenda Thiessen-Wiens, Jan Wilhelm. Saskatchewan: Bernie Advertising: Barbara Burkholder. Phone: 800-316-4052, Thiessen. Manitoba: Ron Loeppky, Bernie Wiebe, Paul Krahn. Fax: (519) 884-3331, E-mail: [email protected] Ontario: Lloyd Koch, Mary Lymburner, Betty Dyck, Brice Balmer.

PAP Registration No. 09613. Contact head office for subscriptions and address changes. See order form on inside back cover. ISSN 1480-042X We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing cost. 2 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 ThisIssue

May 5, 2003 4 UpClose Volume 7, Number 9 Somali leader 4 Grebel award 4

6 Faith&Life Whose ministry? 6 Christian vocation 7 9 Arts&Culture Theatre company 9 Vietnamese quilts 10

11 Books&Resources Page 11 Mennonite writing 12 Page 4 Spring listing 13

18 InConversation Protecting others 18 Letters 18 21 WiderChurch Iraq relief 21 Botswana ministry 26

Website preview 28 LocalChurch Bible quizzing 28 Get a preview of the next Canadian Mennonite before Transitions 30 it comes in the mail. Selec- Page 30 tions are posted on our web site (www.canadianmen- 32 TheChurches nonite.org) on the Thursday before the date of the issue. This means you can check 38 ToMorrow out the May 19 issue by May 15.

Cover: Joann Sommers with

quilt tops she commissioned while working with MCC in Hanoi, Vietnam. See page 10. Photo by Paul Hunt.

3 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 UpClose

Akron, Pa.

Somali leader links peace and healthy environment hen Fatima Jibrell was a of the nomads’ respect for their fragile, One of Horn Relief’s successful pro- child in northern Somalia, drought-prone environment. grams teaches children how to build Wshe often woke at night to a With no government to stop them, small rock dams to prevent water run- lion’s roar outside her tent. Her par- these displaced urbanites cut down off and create moist soil. ents were nomadic herders, living in trees to make charcoal to sell. The “You can see the difference in the ar- delicate balance with the grasslands situation has been worsened by Saudi eas where we’ve worked,” says Jibrell, and wildlife. Arabia’s ban on importing Somali who in 2002 received the San Fran- Jibrell is now a grandmother, and the livestock—allegedly because some cisco-based Goldman Environmental lions are gone. So are the edible and animals carry disease—coupled with a Prize, the largest award for grassroots medicinal plants she learned to recog- high demand for charcoal. environmentalists. nize before she could read, and many The severe deforestation has led to “The acacia forests are starting to of the acacia trees that provided shade erosion, loss of plant and animal life come back.”—From MCC release by and housing. Like the people of this and more frequent droughts, Jibrell Rachel B. Miller Moreland country, nature is a victim of Somalia’s said. long-running civil war. In addition, Somalia’s Jibrell’s mission is to lack of a central govern- help Somalis build ment has drawn illegal peace—with their fishing fleets to Soma- environment and each lia’s rich coastal waters. other. During a recent Foreign ships are also visit to Mennonite Cen- dumping hazardous tral Committee (MCC) waste along the coast. headquarters here, she A Swiss company Waterloo, Ont. noted Mennonites’ his- was accused in 1992 of tory of friendship with negotiating a 20-year her people. dumping rights contract Grebel award to Alluding to the pov- with a warlord’s aide peace worker erty and desperation claiming to be Soma- that can breed terror- Photo by Benjamin Krause lia’s Minister of Health. onrad Grebel University ism, she urged North Jibrell After a United Na- College presented Josie Americans to view her tions investigation, the CWinterfeld with its 2003 Dis- tinguished Alumnus Service Award at country’s future as company abandoned the the convocation ceremony on April 13. important to their own. plan, but environmental organizations Winterfeld graduated in 1983. “Your peace is dependent on the peace say that similar abuses are rampant. Marcus Shantz, alumni repre- of the world,” she said. “And when The ever-increasing scarcity of clean sentative on the Board of Governors, Somalia’s resources are destroyed, the water, trees and other resources feeds introduced Winterfeld. For almost 15 whole world is impoverished.” the cycle of violence, Jibrell says, as years, she and her family have lived Jibrell heads the Horn of Africa Relief warlords and ordinary people scramble in a community of Jubilee Partners in and Development Organization, work- for their share. Georgia, United States. This commu- ing closely with MCC for the past While Somalis have traditionally es- nity, an outgrowth of Koinonia Farms, eight years. She outlined how war poused a moderate form of Islam, the has been on the cutting edge of peace and justice issues, while rooting itself and environmental disaster have gone current state of lawlessness and pov- firmly in a biblical vision of disciple- hand in hand in Somalia. erty could become fertile ground for ship. In 1991, clan-based militia overthrew anti-Western sentiment, said Jibrell. Members live and work together, the government and then turned In the face of these overwhelming sharing a common vision and econom- on each other, plunging the country problems, Jibrell and her organiza- ic resources. Since 1979, Jubilee has into anarchy as it splintered into tion work with those who live closest focused efforts on refugees and vic- warlord-controlled fiefdoms. Fleeing to the land and suffer the most from tims of war. Over 2,500 refugees from the violence, people from large cities warlords’ violence—camel- and cattle- more than 20 countries have found a ended up in isolated villages with no herders, coastal people, the elderly, warm welcome at Jubilee. way to make a living—and with none women and youth. As a student at Conrad Grebel, Josie (Winter) became committed to issues

4 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 UpClose

Regina, Sask. Driedgers recognized for international work n February 8, Otto and Florence Since 1991, the Driedgers have trav- Driedger from Peace Mennonite elled to Ukraine once or twice a year. OChurch here received a Glo- They first began working in Odessa bal Citizens award from the Sas- with mental health in 1989. katchewan Council for International “We assisted them to develop in the Cooperation. The pastor-couple-with- areas of social work, education and big-hearts were among six recipients community development,” said Otto. awarded for involvement in “global He works with agencies in Ukraine cooperation, peace and justice.” to develop extension education and in “We felt very good about it,” said community life and agriculture after Otto. “It was an acknowledgement of the disintegration of state farms. the work we’ve done on an interna- In 1994, the University of Zaporoshye Otto and Florence Driedger receive tional basis.” invited the Driedgers to help develop a global citizens award from Senator The award comes after many busy community based services. Florence Mobina Jaffer at the annual meet- years, but the Driedgers show no signs has worked as a social development ing of the Saskatchewan Council for of slowing down. They have a list of consultant to government staff plan- International Cooperation. ning trips to Ukraine and has hosted responsibilities as long as your arm. Their passion for social work has As well as pastoring, teaching at the Ukrainian delegations in Saskatch- ewan. Overseas, she has taught social taken Florence to Bolivia as well. For university and working on endless four years in the late 1980s, she re- committees, they do an incredible work students and worked on community development in the Ukrainian searched social needs in Paraguay and amount of volunteer work overseas. twice a year travelled to the Chaco to They see a need in Ukraine that they cities of Odessa, Kherson and Zapor- izhzhye. guide communities creating programs have the skills to fill. and services. In October 2000, Flor- ence helped arrange a palliative care conference in Ukraine. Initially the Driedgers paid for all the travelling themselves, but later received some grant money from Mennonite Central Committee. The Canadian International Develop- ment Agency has helped to pay travel of peace and justice and to the ideal of expenses to Ukraine. living in community. The Driedgers, who obtained their She was also active in Masters in Social Work degrees at student leadership and McGill University, do a lot of work served as a residence together. In the justice agenda of their don in her second year. Ukraine work, Otto takes the lead. In Responding to the their Canadian efforts, Otto sees his award, Winterfeld strength as being in restorative justice recalled the inspira- while Florence works more with chil- tion she received from Josie Winterfeld with the Distinguished Alumnus Serv- dren and families. classes, the peace ice Award presented by Grebel president Henry Paetkau At Peace Mennonite Church, where society and choir, and (left) and Marcus Shantz. the community she they pastor, Otto takes responsibility experienced among for teaching and Florence handles ad- Language program, organized visiting students and professors. She was deeply ministration. Both enjoy working with church and college groups, and coor- challenged by fellow students to think refugees. Here again, Florence’s gift is dinated a Central American exchange about issues of faith and how to live in planning and advocacy but both car- program. “justly” in this world. To this day, she She accepted the award on behalf of ry the load in their home when hosting maintains friendships with many of the Jubilee community. She applauded students and others. these Grebelites. Grebel for not only encouraging service Florence notes that hosting volunteers Winterfeld’s work at Jubilee Partners and accountability, but recognizing it as from various countries was modelled includes community leadership, refugee well.—From Grebel release advocacy and resettlement. Over the in both of their homes. years she has coordinated volunteers, “It created an interest that has carried directed the English as a Second on in both of us.”—Karin Fehderau

5 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Faith&Life

Whose ministry is this anyway? “Gifted and called” was the theme of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada sessions in April. In two sermons on that theme, Maurice Martin reflected on ministry and leadership in changing times.

hose ministry is this anyway? This question we are invited to join as Christians needs to be taken seriously as we discuss (ambassadors) and as congregations how we raise leaders for the missional (embassies). church. In I Corinthians 12, Paul describes the We can get pretty caught up in “King- church as Christ’s body in which all Wdom building” endeavours. Sometimes it is not clear whose parts function together for the com- kingdom this is, as we construct our own little “fiefdoms” all mon good. Let me illustrate. During over the place! We use words such as “establishing“ or “ex- World War II, a statue of Christ that tending” God’s kingdom as though it is some kind of social stood in the centre of a French village project. was shattered in the fighting. Villag- Wherever the New Testament ers saved the pieces until the war was describes the reign of God, it does not over, then rebuilt the statue. Only the use the verbs “to build” or “to extend.” hands were missing. They weren’t Rather, it speaks about “receiving” and sure what to do. Should they leave the “entering.” Jesus says in Luke 18:17: incomplete statue standing or take it “Truly I tell you, whoever does not down? Then someone placed a sign at receive the kingdom of God as a child the base which read: “Christ has no will never enter it.” hands but ours....” God’s gift to us, like God’s reign, Whose ministry is this? It is Christ’s precedes and supercedes all human ministry, and it is our ministry as we constructs, offices and structures, even become his agents of healing and hope the structures which have come to in a hurting world. define the church. This gift is a “new creation” that reconciles us to God (II Reformation question Corinthians 5:16-20). Whose ministry is this anyway? So whose ministry is this? The first was a big question during the Ref- answer is: It is God’s ministry to the ormation. The church began with an world. The second answer: It is our understanding of God’s gifts of grace. ministry.... Each person who has About that, there was no debate. received the gift of reconciliation is The debate was regarding how called to become a minister of recon- the gifts are given, and by whom. ciliation. The traditional belief was that these All who have been received into the gifts come to people only through the reign of God are called to invite oth- ordained clergy properly conducting ers to enter and receive. All who are the sacraments. In response, Luther called to be disciples are also called to proposed “the priesthood of all believ- make disciples. So we do what we have ers” by which he meant that each become—disciples making disciples. Christian can receive the gifts of grace This is the life of the church in which without the priestly mediator. we have all been invited to participate! We have often misunderstood Note that Paul uses political lan- Luther’s intentions. He never intend- guage to describe our witness. When ed to do away with ordained leader- he says “we are Christ’s ambassadors,” ship. For him, the church continued to is he not also saying that every congre- be defined by the clergy in Word and gation is an outpost, an “embassy” in Sacrament. the Kingdom of God? Whose ministry Anabaptists agreed with reform- is this? It is God’s ministry, which ers who said that grace is received 6 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Faith&Life not through physical elements but through proclaiming the Word, and that is something the laity can do as well as ordained clergy. They were drawn to I Corinthians 14:26 where question, Whose ministry is this anyway? Paul says to the Paul says: “When you come together, young Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth.... Do not everyone has a hymn, or a word of neglect the gift that is in you” (I Timothy 4:12). Timothy’s instruction, a revelation, a tongue or ordination did not come overnight, but rather at the end of an interpretation.” an apprenticeship. Here is a strong “democratizing” of Paul and Barnabas developed an apprenticeship pat- leadership in worship, which our fore- tern in their missionary work, kind of a CILT (Counsellor bears embraced. Often illiterate, they in Leadership Training) program like our camps have. In confounded the authorities with their Acts 13:5 we read that John Mark went with the apostles to grasp of scripture! Persecuted and on Cyprus “to assist” them. For whatever reasons, he “dropped the run, they baptized others without out.” That soured Paul on him, but Barnabas was ready to waiting for an ordained minister to do give him a second chance! it. How many of us needed that second and third chance to But the Anabaptists also believed prove ourselves in ministry? How many of us, like Barna- in the “ordained ministry” of the bas, are prepared to be encouragers to young people as they church. As quickly as their pastors ponder their call to ministry? were decimated by persecution, they Acts 16:5 reports the results: “The churches were replaced them. “The sheep should not strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily.” be without a shepherd” they said in That’s what happens when we take risks to call all kinds of the Schleitheim Confession of 1527. people—men and women, young folks and older folks—into It is significant that all the Anabap- the ministry of the church, and equip them to do the work to tist confessions speak about leader- which they are called.—Maurice Martin ship as an “office.” Dordrecht (1632) declares: “…the church cannot exist or prosper…without offices and regula- tions.” The Ris Confession of 1766 suggests that Christ himself “instituted Christian vocation: various offices and conditions in his church.” Church work and daily work So, from the early church on, we he heart of the issue for many today is the relationship move from gift, to function, to institu- of clergy and laity in the church. Our Mennonite polity tion (or office). As we think of clergy states: “All members of the body of Christ are bestowed and lay leadership in Mennonite T with ministering gifts, and the word ‘ministry’ can be right- history, it is more a “yes-and” than an fully used in reference to the service to which the gathered “either-or.” We have had an emphasis people of God (the church) is called. However, on the offices of ministry (leadership we also affirm some members are called to a roles), but we also had a levelling in variety of ministerial offices.” the sense that ministers were not to One thing has become clear to me as I have be seen as part of a hierarchy separate worked in lay leadership development with from the rest of the congregation. Mennonite Church Canada this past year. In its broadest sense, ministry is We do not “raise” the mandate of the laity by to be shared by everyone, for all are “lowering” the role of pastors. Rather, it seems ministers and servants within the to me that the more creatively we work at kingdom of Christ. In a second sense, engaging the laity in the work of the church, Maurice Martin however, ministry refers to the insti- the more engaged our pastors need to be in tutional forms which this service may carrying the vision of the church in a way that “builds the take. So some are called to distinct body of Christ” (Ephesians 4). roles within the congregation, includ- When talking about gift discernment we often refer to Ro- ing pastoral leadership. mans 12 which talks about “one body with many members.” From this emerged the three-fold We tend to think of gifts to be used in “church work” which ministry of bishop (Aeltester), preach- is separate from our “daily work.” We even separate people er (shepherd) and deacon (care-giver), into “church workers” and “other workers.” defined by the time of Dordrecht in To offer a corrective, we must also read the first three 1632. Continued on page 8 Let me give one more answer to the 7 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Faith&Life

One thing has become clear to me as verses of Romans 12. In view of God’s the church, we recognize that life lived in I have worked in lay mercy (the gift of reconciliation), God’s presence does God’s work wherever leadership develop- our first response is worship. We are we are. called to “offer our bodies as a living The story is told of a woman who con- ment with Mennonite sacrifice....” Here I think Paul speaks sidered the desk in her office as her altar. of living all of life in the presence of It was there she daily dedicated herself Church Canada this God (from Sunday worship to Monday to God, that she confessed and was recon- past year. We do not work). Here we are called to our Chris- ciled, that she celebrated life and delivered tian vocation. messages of God’s love to others. ‘raise’ the mandate of The list of spiritual gifts in Romans What people want is not better struc- 12:4-8 (as well as I Corinthians 12 tures, more programs, better worship. the laity by ‘lowering’ and Ephesians 4) has first to do with What they are looking for is to be loved the role of pastors. ordering the life and leadership of the unconditionally, and for the church to be a church (our churchly work, not our “safe place” where their real questions of daily work). These gifts are “to prepare life and faith are addressed in an atmos- God’s people for works of service, so phere of caring love. that the body of Christ may be built Hubert Schwartzentruber, a former Ontario church leader, up” (Ephesians 4:12). reflected on church structures in his memoirs: “I recall a These “works of service” extend, I story of our neighbour on the farm in Zurich. He had a silo believe, to our daily ministry in the no longer used to store silage. The silo had only small holes world. Thus Paul invites us to connect where one could enter to fork out the feed. This farmer put our churchly work (and leadership a little calf into the silo to feed it during the summer. Come offices) and our daily work under the fall the calf had grown so much he could no longer get it out banner of Christian vocation. through the small hole! We need to be careful we do not get We can see our daily work as a ourselves locked into the silo of bureaucratic structures.... “job” or as the Christian vocation to We can grow nice fat calves in the board rooms of institu- which we have been called. We can tions, but the real test comes when we try to get them out of see elected positions in the church as the hole.” “jobs” to be done or as part of a greater In the Leadership Project survey I conducted of MC Can- work—God’s work. As we recognize ada congregations last fall, I saw many creative models of both the notion of being “sent” into the ministry emerging “for times like these.” I think it is healthy world in Christian witness, and being when congregations start thinking of their leadership struc- “gifted and called” for ministries in tures not as “committees” but as “ministries.” And instead of thinking only of pastors constituting the “ministry team,” we could think of “mixed team” ministry—pastors and lay people working together to fulfill their Christian vocations. For all of us who have received the gift of reconciliation are called to be ministers of reconciliation in the world, in our church work, and in our daily work. —Maurice Martin The writer has just completed an assignment as director of Congregational Leadership Development in MC Canada, with special attention to the role of the laity.

8 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Arts&Culture

Winnipeg, Man. Drama has echoes in today’s conflicts e that troubleth his own house Kay Klassen, former shall inherit the wind” (Prov- actor in the company Herbs 11:29). The Winnipeg Men- and member of First nonite Theatre Company chose Inherit Mennonite Church. the Wind for three performances in The tension between March. The timing was apt. reason and deep-rooted The crisis of faith represented in the faith oozed from the play has echoes in today’s war-threat- play’s lines, effectively ened climate. Director Alfred Wiebe brought to life by the says that the play is primarily about actors. tolerance, even in the face of seemingly Language—as com- irreconcilable opposites. munication and how Inspired by the 1925 Stokes Monkey it defines human Trial, Inherit the Wind centres on the relations—provided an- conflict between evolution and the Gen- other layer. The script, with its jargon of sci- Drummond (Henry Schroeder) confronts Brady (Gerhard esis account of creation. Bert Cates is Wiebe) in the production of “Inherit the Wind.” being tried for teaching Darwinian evo- ence and faith, bulged lution in school. He is ostracized and with possibility for condemned by the whole town. Only fulfilment and betrayal. achingly played by Margaret Stanger, Rachel, his sweetheart and daughter of As in many conflict situations, argu- felt loyal to her father and her under- the reverend, tries to understand him. ments were made from uninformed standing of biblical truth. However, she The Darwin-creation conflict provides a perspectives. Brady, the prosecutor, had felt Cates was unjustly condemned. For backdrop for questions on many levels. never even read Darwin. How can you her, the intellectual language hopelessly The science/faith dichotomy is the most “whoop up a holy war” about something tangled the issues. obvious one. you know nothing about? asked the Her father publicly condemned her for “It’s a controversial topic. People still defence. siding with Cates. Unexpectedly, Brady, feel strongly about science,” observed Personal conflicts surfaced. Rachel, quoting Proverbs 11:29, urged the reverend to forgive. In the end, he was unable to reconcile his own “truth” with that of others. Theatre company has rich history A third layer spoke to power relations eginning in the 1930s, youth often by the director. The company and the role of the media in swaying from the Schoenwiese welcomes new people. popular opinion. The battle between BMennoniten Gemeinde, now First Is there a relationship between the evil and good was presented in lan- Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, came Mennonite faith and the productions? guage that resonated with today’s together to perform dramas. Many of Originally most actors were Mennonite, rhetoric about the war on Iraq. The rev- these were in the German language. but secular dramas have always pre- The minister, Johann H. Enns, received vailed. The experience is an opportunity erend called Drummond, the advocate for freedom of thought and speech, an criticism from church members on what for the youth to explore their abilities in they considered insufficient Christian this art form. “agent of darkness.” content. In the 1960s, the company took a Cathleen Enns, a treasurer of the board, Ironically, demonstrators against evolu- break for about five years. Then, to spare points out that current membership tion were exercising the same right the church from further criticism, found- is diverse and the “Mennonite” in the to free speech that they abhorred in ing members John Enns, Paul Neus- name reflects more the cultural heritage Cates. The presence of reporters and taedter and Gerd Neuendorf incorporated than the faith. the fact that the trial was the first to the company in 1971. The company’s productions include com- be taped for a radio audience showed The Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre Com- edy, contemporary and classic drama, the influence of the media in the mix of pany is run by volunteers. operettas, and musicals. Enns gives ex- “It’s really a labour of love,” explains amples of “tricky” pieces they have done, perspectives. John Enns. The group rehearses in like Peter Schaffer plays and Hamlet The combination of a powerful drama a downtown warehouse or at First with its “great big ideas.” David Riesen saturated with meaningful text Mennonite. Although auditions are an- has directed several ambitious operetta and acting provided a worthwhile nounced, actors are chosen subjectively, productions.—Anita Ens evening.—From review by Anita Ens 9 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Art&Culture

Akron, Pa. Quilt tops from Vietnam omen in Ohio and Indiana are using quilt tops pieced Win Vietnam in the quilts they are preparing for auction at Mennon- ite Central Committee Relief Sales later this year. Joann Sommers of Hartville, Ohio, recently returned from five years in Vietnam where she served with MCC as a handicrafts designer and teacher. She asked women’s groups she worked with to piece five quilt tops. The Viet- namese women incorporated fabrics and designs traditional to their ethnic Dirks Photo by Ray groups—Hmong, Nung, Black Thai Students gather outside a school near the offices of the Meserete Kristos and Kinh (see cover). (Mennonite) Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The school is in a former Men- Sommers first made a connection nonite church building which was confiscated by the communist government between Vietnamese sewing and in 1982. Now the church again meets there on weekends. Ray Dirks of the Mennonite quilting when she noticed Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg took the photo on his last trip curtains pieced in a “flower garden” to gather art for the globoal “Our Family” exhibit he is compiling for the Men- pattern identical to a familiar quilt nonite World Conference Assembly in August. design. The Vietnamese women “were sur- prised that I took interest in it,” Som- Arts notes mers says. “They said, ‘It’s just scraps.’ To them, having to use scraps showed that they were poor.” MennoFolk in Ontario One of the quilt tops features the MennoFolk 2003 will take place at flower garden pattern. A group of Hidden Acres Camp near New Ham- nuns in central Vietnam pieced it burg, Ontario, on June 6-7. The event by hand. The background fabric is a combines music performances on the pale lavender—a fabric often used to outdoor stage, camping, outdoor activi- sew the traditional long tunic that ties and games. Performers this year Vietnamese women wear over loose include 300 Degrees, No Discernable pants. Sommers has also collected tiny, Key, The Peach Pickers, Souls Journey bowl-shaped hats for young children and MennoValley Sound. Those who covered with intricate applique and would like to perform or volunteer can embroidery. contact Mark Diller Harder, phone Sommers will travel with the quilts (519) 650-3806, ext. 112, or e-mail: this summer and speak with quilting [email protected]. groups who are finishing the quilts for relief sale auctions. She will share sto- Christian Endeavour reborn ries from her experiences, especially about women’s lives in Vietnam. A youth ministry with a 120-year In fall, Sommers plans to return to history is being reborn. Christian Vietnam to teach art at an interna- Endeavour is launching a Canadian tional school. She hopes to compile chapter and an on-line youth ministry a photo booklet that documents the resource known as “TeamCE.” Chris- quilts’ travels—from their beginnings tian Endeavour began in 1881 when a in Vietnam to quilting circles in the Canadian-born pastor, Frances Clark, U.S. midwest to MCC auctions.—From pondered how to follow up a revival MCC release by Maria Linder-Hess in Portland, Maine. The organization promotes service and fellowship. The web site is at www.cecanada.org. 10 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Books&Resources

Intercourse, Pa. Cookbook top bestseller in U.S. he bestselling trade paperback in mous, said Merle. the United States in 2002 was a “People assume we want to leverage Tcookbook by a Mennonite pub- this into a publishing empire of sorts, lisher. but Phyllis and I are determined to Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook: Feast- stay small, to keep choosing only 30 or ing with Your Slow Cooker, published so books we want to publish each year, by Good Books, sold over 1.8 million and to not be wagged by the market- copies last year, double the sales of place.” the second-place seller, Two Towers by Good Books has published around 300 J.R.R. Tolkien, which sold 967,000 cop- titles since its beginning in 1979. ies. (“The Lord of the Rings” re-issued “Our focus has always been the gen- series ranked second through fifth in eral marketplace,” according to Phyl- the bestseller list.) lis. “Our largest account for years has A companion cookbook published by been the Barnes & Noble chain. But Good Books last October, Fix-It and we’re happy we’re also selling so many Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining, books to the religious trade these days, placed 15th in the bestseller list, sell- too. Having integrity in both the secu- ing over 600,000 copies. (This book lar and the religious bookstores and followed on the heels of Chicken Soup Good Books photo libraries has been our goal.”—From for the Mother’s Soul II, and was just Merle Good with the two best-selling releases ahead of Desecration: Antichrist Takes cookbooks of Good Books. the Throne by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, from Tyndale.) “We’re overwhelmed,” said Merle Good, publisher for Good Books. “We knew how phenomenal the sales of these two Fitting tribute to Erland Waltner books have been, but we had no idea June Alliman Yoder, ed. The Work is is refreshing: “even when full of strug- we were the #1 trade paperback in the Thine, O Christ. In honor of Erland gle, life as God gives it is good.” For me, nation.... We feel very fortunate that Waltner. Institute of Mennonite Studies, these two sections and the epilogue our marketing has been so successful.” 2002, 148pp. by Waltner would have made the book The Fix-It and Forget-It books are complete. compiled by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyl- he first section of this book covers The third section of the book, “His In- lis Pellman Good. Phyllis is senior edi- Erland Waltner’s life from begin- fluence,” did not have the same impact nings in South Dakota to his cur- tor at Good Books. To date, the original T on me. It contains sermons in honour of rent life as an active senior in Elkhart, Waltner as a former professor. The diffi- Fix-It book has sold 2.5 million copies, Indiana. Waltner’s life includes a broad culty I have is that these sermons were with the companion volume topping range of involvement: Bible teacher, not preached with Waltner’s influence 800,000 copies. pastor, president of Mennonite Bibli- in mind. None makes any reference to “What makes me especially excited,” cal Seminary and of Mennonite World him. As I read these sermons, I thought said Merle, “is that the run-away Conference, executive secretary of the more of the writers (most of whom I success of these two books of ours has Mennonite Medical Association, writer know) than of Waltner. opened so many doors for the rest of on 1 Peter, and spiritual director for Reading this little volume enables our publishing list, including our other many. us to “remember one of our leaders” cookbooks...our Children’s Bibles and The second section presents 11 of his (Hebrews 13:7) with gratitude. It is well writings or addresses given over his related books, even books about Men- worth reading and a fitting tribute to a lifetime of ministry. To read the address grace-filled leader in our midst. nonite identity....” he gave at his inauguration as seminary —John H. Neufeld Good estimates that about 50 percent president was inspiring. His article on of sales were through discount chains “Aging as grace?” includes the challenge The reviewer, from Winnipeg, is a retired pastor and former president of Canadian such as Costco and Wal-Mart. Another of “seeing a full lifespan as an expres- Mennonite Bible College. source of sales was Checker Distribu- sion of grace to be celebrated rather tors, which distributes Good Books’ than a burden to bemoan.” quilt pattern books. His positive approach to the older years The pressure of such success is enor- 11 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Books&Resources Provocative analysis of Mennonite writing Douglas Reimer, Surplus At the Bor- caping into comfortable sentimentality For me, the major tension revealed der: Mennonite Writing in Canada. or otherwordly language. For example, within this ambitious work of criticism Turnstone Press, 2002, 206pp., $22.95. at the end of Armin Wiebe’s The Sal- is succinctly expressed in Dori Previn’s vation of Jasch Siemens, the “terri- “Mythical Kings and Iguanas,” a song eading this book could motivate tory,” at the expense of Jasch, escapes of several decades ago: “I have flown us to re-read some Menonite into the safety of a “divine purpose,” to star-stained heights on bent and Rwriting in Canada, and draw thereby denying itself the potential battered wings in search of mythical some first-timers into the reading for integrating the “earthliness” of its kings, sure that everything of worth circle as well. daily existence. is in the sky and not the earth, and I It’s been 40 years since the publica- Delbert Plett is able to “disturb and never learned to make my way down tion of Mennonite Canada’s first novel, entertain” in part because he is oblivi- where the Iguanas play.... Isn’t going Rudy Wiebe’s Peace Shall Destroy ous to writing conventions expected of home such a such a low and lonely Many. Since then, numerous novelists a novelist. Sarah Klassen is a lyricist ride?” and poets nurtured within a Mennon- apologist for the Mennonite terri- —John A. Harder ite environment (especially the Prairie tory, according to Reimer. Expanding The reviewer is a retired English teacher and provinces) have richly gifted the liter- on Sandra Birdsell’s fictional space member of Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church ary landscape. Reimer writes: “...deterritorialized in Kitchener, Ontario. Douglas Reimer introduces us to 14 subjects, Mennonite and Aboriginal... of them, with particular attention to are left entirely alone...convinced of Rudy Wiebe, Armin Wiebe, Patrick nothing but the hopelessness of their Friesen, Di Brandt, and Sandra efforts to belong.” Birdsell. Surplus at the Border will On a more complex level, Reimer plac- be of interest to a variety of readers. es his discussion within the critical Although this volume is not an “intro- theory formulated by French philoso- Mennonite duction to” in the usual sense, it can pher Gilles Beleuze and psychoanalyst publishers serve that purpose. Felix Guatterai. Simply stated, they This is especially true for the chapters propose that writers who write out of CMBC Publications on Patrick Friesen (“Growing a Men- a minority culture can step outside of Winnipeg, Man. nonite poet”) and Di Brandt (“Father, our notions of how literature should be Phone: (204) 487-3300 [email protected] Mother, and Mennonite Me”). Here fashioned, and to what purpose. The Reimer provides a careful reading primary role of major literature is to Faith & Life Resources of texts, often scanning lines and entertain, while minor literature often Phone: (800) 743-2484 identifying rich biblical and classical breaks with literary conventions and allusions. Such care with detail can introduces subject matter that has the Good Books awaken an appreciation for poetry. potential to transform. Intercourse, Pa. USA Another attraction is Reimer’s careful- Reimer’s analysis illustrates the ten- Phone: (800) 762-7171 ly constructed thesis covering the en- sion evident in choices made by Men- [email protected] tire body of writing that he’s selected nonite writers along that major/minor for analysis. That thesis offers several continuum. Herald Press Scottdale, Pa. USA layers, covering style (language) and Reimer’s writing itself is delightful to Phone: (800) 245-7894 content (themes). read, sometimes surpassing the au- [email protected] On a basic thematic level, the book thors he discusses. But it may prompt compiles a portrait of Mennonite “ter- others to give up too early (one para- Kindred Productions ritory,” understood not as place but as graph, for example, compresses over Winnipeg, Man. a minority culture with recognizable 200 words into three sentences). My Phone: (800) 669-7322 codes of behaviour, texts and language. advice is to keep reading. Reimer is a [email protected] Central to that culture is a system of teacher in love with his subject and he patriarchy. The writers expose self- treats all 14 writers with respect. Pandora Press deception and exclusion, which often Readers will disagree with some Kitchener, Ont. Phone: (519) 578-2381 grows out of a tension between what is conclusions, but he will have ac- [email protected] affirmed doctrinally and what is lived, complished what every good critique what of Earth is embraced and yet should do: encourage us back to the Pandora Press U.S. (Cascadia) denied. sources, stimulate debate, and occa- Telford, Pa. Protagonists and artist messengers sion some helpful introspection for Phone: (215) 723-9125 are the easiest targets as the “terri- both territorialized and deterritorial- [email protected] tory” responds by retrenching and es- ized Mennonites.

12 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Books&Resources

Theology, Spirituality S p r i n g Li s t i n g o f MB R2K 3N3. Boers, Arthur Paul. The Neufeldt, Leonard, ed. Yarrow, Rhythm of God’s Grace: Un- British Columbia: Mennon- covering Morning and Evening ite Promise, 2 vols. Heritage Hours of Prayer. Paraclete Group of Victoria, B.C., 2002. Press, 2003, 165pp. books & The Yarrow Research Com- A guide for fixed-hour mittee, a collection of scholars, prayer from a Mennonite pas- teachers and writers, compiled tor now teaching at Associated resources this cultural history of Yarrow Mennonite Biblical Seminary. during the years it was mostly This easy-to-read little book Mennonite: 1928 to 1958. Schipani, Daniel S. and Anton Schwarzschild. Volume 1, Before We Were Wessels, eds. The Promise the Land’s, tells the story of of Hope: A Tribute to Dom Yoder, June Alliman, ed. the settling in the area. Volume 2, Hélder. Institute of Mennonite Work is Thine, O Christ: In Village of Unsettled Yearnings, Studies, 2002, 148pp., $10.00 Honor of Erland Waltner. consists of essays that provide US. Institute of Mennonite Studies, a cultural mural of the com- A tribute to the Latin 2002, 148pp., $10.00 US. munity. To purchase, contact American theologian of libera- This Festschrift for Erland David Giesbrecht at (604) tion and nonviolence written Waltner includes a biographi- 853-0382, e-mail: dg@paralynx. by scholars who have par- cal sketch of his long-time com. ticipated in the Dom Hélder career in the church, a sample Câmara Chair at the Free of his writings and sermons by Peters, John. The Plain People. University in Amsterdam. The some of his students. Waltner Pandora Press with Herald writings reflect the ecumenical has been a pastor, seminary Press, 2003, 83pp., $15.25. and multi-disciplinary import teacher and president, and A booklet exploring Old Or- of Dom Hélder’s contributions. mentor to many. der Mennonite life in Ontario, Schipani teaches at Associated introduces Christians to the with photographs by Carl Mennonite Biblical Seminary. tradition of regular prayer History and Biography Hiebert. The author is a soci- time and gives suggestions for ologist who has been intrigued Yeatts, John R. Revelation. Harder, John A., ed. and trans. daily prayers. with Old Order life for the past From Kleefeld With Love. Pan- Believers Church Bible Com- 20 years. Proceeds from book mentary Series, Herald Press, dora Press, 2003, $21.96. Reimer, A. James. The Dogmat- 2003, 524pp., $38.99. A collection of letters writ- ic Imagination: The Dynamics The latest volume in the ten by Mennonite women in of Christian Belief. Herald commentary series explores the Soviet Union from 1925 to Press, June 2003, 112pp., Revelation’s themes of mar- 1933. Most of the letters were $15.79. tyrdom, service, hope, the written by Mariechen Harder An imaginative explora- triumph of Christ and the role to her relatives in Canada. tion of the fundamentals of of the church in bearing wit- They chronicle the story of per- Christian faith, based on the ness to this Christ. The author, secution, loss and dislocation “Dynamics of belief” columns who teaches psychology and during the turbulent years of that appeared in the Men- religion at Messiah College in Soviet Russia when Mennonite nonite Reporter from 1993-95. Pennsylvania, has also been colonies were disintegrating. Included are also some previ- a pastor and educator in the ously unpublished writings. Brethren in Christ church. Klassen, Peter P. The Men- The author teaches theology nonites in Paraguay, Vol. 2. at Conrad Grebel University Yoder, John Howard. The Translated and published by College and the Toronto School Jewish-Christian Schism Gunther H. Schmitt, 2002, of Theology. sales will go to Mennonite 403pp. Revisited. Eerdmans, 2003, Central Committee. 280pp., $30.00 US. Peter P. Klassen, who came Roop, Eugene F. Ruth, Jonah, This volume brings together to Paraguay in 1931 as a Esther. Believers Church Bible Rempel, David G. with 10 essays written between 5-year-old, was a teacher in Commentary Series, Herald Cornelia Rempel Carlson. A 1971 and 1996 that have pro- the Fernheim Colony and has Press, 2003, 304pp., $38.99. Mennonite Family in Tsarist found implications for Jewish- published several historical This commentary on three Russia and the Soviet Un- Christian relations. Mennonite works. The first volume in compelling “short stories” ion, 1789-1923. University of theologian John Howard Yoder this history, which will be from the Bible focuses on their Toronto Press, 2003, 352pp., makes the case that Jesus did published in English later this narrative characteristics and $70.00. not reject Judaism and the year, emphasized the develop- significance for us today. The This book by historian David schism did not have to occur. ment of the faith community in author is president of Bethany Rempel of California combines Editors Michael G. Cartwright the colony. This volume places Theological Seminary in Rich- his first-hand account of life and Peter Ochs situate Yoder’s the Mennonite story within the mond, Indiana, a Church of the in Russia (he was born there position in relation to his other context of native peoples and Brethren school. in 1899) with the story of six Paraguayan history. The book writings and his dialogue with generations of his family, from rabbi-philosopher Steven is available from Mennonite Books, 57 Flett Ave., Winnipeg, 13 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Books&Resources the founding of the Khortitsa the first woman ordained in lent crime. It draws upon the The author is a former youth settlement in 1789. The book the Virginia Conference (in author’s experience of dealing pastor at Bethel Mennonite was prepared for publication 1989 when she was 74 years with her daughter’s murder Church in Aldergrove, B.C. by his daughter. old). 18 years ago. Wilma Derksen is director of Victims’ Voice, a Penn, William, Some Fruits of Schwartzentruber, Hubert. Je- Literature and Art program of Mennonite Central Solitude. Herald Press, 2003, sus in Back Alleys: The Story Commtitee Canada that as- 168pp., $14.29. and Reflections of a Contem- Christner, Dianne. Keeper of sists people affected by crime A book of “wise sayings on porary Prophet. Pandora Press Hearts. Herald Press, 2003, and homicide. Her earlier the conduct of human life” U.S. (now Cascadia Publish- 304pp., $23.49. book, Who has Seen Candace?, by the 17th century Quaker ing), 2002, 152pp., $20.95. An “Anabaptist romance” set is also available from Kindred preacher and founder of Penn- This book spans the author’s in 1545 in the political turmoil Productions. sylvania. Penn wrote these ministry from rural Ontario to of Europe. This is Book 3 in the snippets of wisdom while hid- the inner city to retirement in Crossings of Promise Series. Dyck, Arthur J. Life’s Worth: ing from authorities who had Pennsylvania. This seasoned The author, of Mennonite The Case against Assisted Sui- accused him of treason. His pastor/prophet is not afraid to background, is fascinated with cide. Eerdmans, 2003, 120pp., words have been translated speak his mind, conveying his church history and genealogy. $20.00 US. into today’s English by Eric K. passion for justice both for the The author, an ethicist at Taylor. broken and those who break Wiebe, Armin. Tatsea. Turn- the Harvard School of Public them. stone Press, 2003, 256pp., Health, explores the history of Stackhouse, John G. Church: $18.95. law and philosophy in making An Insiders Look At How We Staples, John R. Cross- Set in Canada’s Subarctic a Christian case against assist- Do It. Baker Book House, 2003, Cultural Encounters on the in the 1700s, this novel is an ed suicide. In arguing his case, 192pp. Ukrainian Steppe: Settling the adventure story revolving he represents opposing views This book takes a candid Molochna Basin 1784-1861. around Tatsea, a young woman with scrupulous accuracy. and witty look at many aspects University of Toronto Press, of the Dogrib tribe. It is also of church life, from money to 2003, 256pp., $50.00. the story of the clashes that Good, Merle and Phyllis Pell- renewal. The author, a theolo- Using Ukrainian and Rus- come with European culture man Good, eds. What Mennon- gy professor at Regent College sian archives, this historian and weapons. The Manitoba ites Are Thinking 2002. Good in B.C. as well as a popular compares how Mennonites, author, known for his comic Books, 2002, 318pp., $11.95 columnist and speaker, is not Nogais, Russians, Ukrainians novels, earlier taught and lived US. afraid to reveal the underside and other groups transformed with the Dogrib people in the The fifth volume in an of the church, along with that their environments and Northwest Territories. annual series. This volume col- which he loves. adapted to life in the Molochna lects a variety of essays, short Valley. The author teaches at Children’s books fiction, poetry and articles by Stiller, Brian C. Jesus and Cae- State University of New York, Mennonites from all over. sar: Christians in the Public Fredonia. Vernon, Louise A. Doctor in Square. Castle Quay Books, Rags, The King’s Book, Peter Govier, Trudy. Forgiveness 2003, $19.95. Stoltzfus, Ruth Brunk with and the Pilgrims. Herald and Revenge. Routledge, 2002, This work, with a foreword Eve B. MacMaster. A Way Was Press, 2003, $12.49. $34.95 (paper). by Preston Manning, distills Opened. Herald Press, 2003, Another three reprints in A Canadian philosopher and the author’s insights from his 376pp., $38.99. the series on people and events popular speaker examines so- 20 years as a key public voice A memoir by a pioneer from church history. The books ciety’s thinking about revenge in Canada for people of faith. leader in the Virginia Confer- retell events through the eyes and violence, both personal He offers a blueprint for how ence of the Mennonite Church. of a young observer. Doctor and political. She makes the to bring the light of the gospel Born in 1915 into a family of in Rags is the story of famed case for forgiveness and recon- to the public square. The evangelists and educators, physician Paracelsus who was ciliation on philosophical and book is distributed by Augs- Ruth Brunk Stolfzfus began a Hutterite in 16th century secular grounds. The author burg Fortress Canada, phone the “Heart to Heart” radio Moravia. The King’s Book of 10 previous books, Trudy 1-800-265-6397. broadcasts in 1950. She was explores the mystery behind Govier is a founding member the printing of the King James of the Project Ploughshares Publishing notes Bible in 1611. Peter and the chapter in Calgary. She is co- Pilgrims is set during the time editor of Dilemmas of Recon- From Anabaptist Seed, a of the Black Plague and fol- ciliation (WLU Press, 2002) booklet by C. Arnold Snyder, lows young Peter as he makes which presents case studies has been translated into Ger- his way to the Americas. There from history. man by Wolfgang Kraus as are 12 books in the series. Täuferische Saat—Weltweites Jersak, Brad. Can You Hear Wachstum. The booklet was Other books Me?Trafford Press, 2003, commissioned by Mennonite World Conference and first Derksen, Wilma. Confronting 248pp., $22.00. This book chronicles a young released in 1999. It presents the Horror: The Aftermath of basic Anabaptist doctrines and Violence. Kindred Productions, man’s search for meaningful prayer, drawing on his principles of identity. It is also 2003, $27.75. available in Spanish, French, This book seeks to help evangelical roots as well as the contemplative tradition. Dutch, Korean and Indonesian, people deal with the shock with upcoming translations and emotional pain of vio- 14 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Books&Resources in Chinese, Japanese and an church.ca. in Ontario. The lessons, which India dialect. The booklet is Resources invite children to follow Jesus’ available from Pandora Press A new Mennonite Central way in pursuit of happiness, at (519) 578-2381; e-mail: pan- Bread to Strengthen the Committee video, “A Voice are based on a Workshop [email protected]. The German Heart: A Study of Biblical on the Hill,” explores how Rotation model where children booklet is available from Agape Banquets by Heidi Regier advocacy for justice grows out hear stories and respond in a Verlag, c/o Atempause, Enge- Kreider is a new resource for of service. The 28-minute video variety of creative ways. The land Esch 33, D-46325 Borken; small groups or Sunday school chronicles how Mennonites curriculum is available from phone 02862-4179626, e-mail: classes. Lessons include stories have spoken to government The Bookshop at Pandora [email protected]. of present-day meals around over the years, and describes Press, phone (519) 745-1560, the world, questions for discus- the founding of the MCC U.S. e-mail: bookshop@pandorap- Children’s Books that Nurture sion and table prayers. Women Washington Office. “Advocacy ress.ca. the Spirit explores the wide Together: Ideas for Groups, became a way for MCC to variety of children’s literature Vol. 2 features practical, crea- address the root causes of that can supplement Christian tive ideas for women’s groups, problems such as violence and education and spiritual devel- along with holiday programs. poverty,” explains J. Daryl opment of children. Over 450 Writers include Ann Weber Byler, director. “A Voice on the books are presented. Author Becker, Bertha Landers and Hill” is available for borrowing Louise Margaret Granahan, a Lynette Wiebe. Both resources or purchase from MCC offices. teacher with a PhD in multi- are published by Canadian cultural children’s literature, Women in Mission and Men- Kids and Blessings: Living the is currently studying at the To- nonite Women USA. They can Beatitudes is a new curricu- ronto School of Theology. The be ordered from the Mennon- lum for Vacation Bible School 256-page book is available for ite Church Canada Resource or other settings written by $34.95 from Northstone Pub- Centre, phone 1-800-665-1954, Sandi Hannigan and Eleanor lishing, phone 1-800-663-2775. e-mail: resources@mennonite- Snyder, Christian educators

Aldergrove, B.C. had initially looked like very different Eclectic theology comes together streams.” His father’s family tree includes a in ‘listening prayer’ stream that stretches back through ver thought of prayer as leaving chapters on inner healing and intercession, the Czech Baptists, Moravian Breth- a message on God’s answering as well as praying with children and pray- ren and Hussites. Czech reformer Emachine? “Hi there, it’s me, sorry ing as a church. John Comenius (17th century) was a I missed you.... just Jersak writes in a personal spiritual father to the family. calling to let you know style, with stories from his Jersak tells of dreams he had after I’m here.” For many own experience and from his- asking God to “unlock the blessings of people, prayer is just tory. He says that the book is [his] spiritual heritage.” These dreams that—posting a mes- for disillusioned churchgoers included labyrinths and an image of sage without expec- and the spiritually hungry, Comenius. He asked his father about tation that God will as well as Christians. He them. answer in a tangible describes his theology as He discovered that when the family way. “eclectic.” was exiled, the only books they could This fatalistic attitude “I grew up with a solid evan- take along were the Bible and The toward prayer prompt- gelical foundation in scrip- Labyrinth of the World and Paradise ed Brad Jersak to write ture [in the Baptist church of the Heart, a narrative of Comenius’ Can You Hear Me? in Manitoba], then adopted spiritual journey. (Trafford Press, 2003). some of the renewal flavour “I was inheriting forgotten truths, re- His focus is on trans- of the Vineyard and the digging ancient wells,” Jersak noted. forming prayer into social-justice of the Mennon- He hopes his book will inspire read- “a real conversation Brad Jersak with his new ites throughout the 90s,” he ers to grow in their own spiritual with a living friend,” book on prayer. says. (He was youth pastor at journeys as they practise the art of he says. “To get there, Bethel Mennonite Church in listening to God. one needs some encouragement and Aldergrove for nearly 10 years.) The book is available from the author: practice in being a good listener.” “As I looked for deeper spiritual wells, I [email protected]. Jersak is Each chapter offers practical exercises found that the contemplative tradition a pastor at an interdenominational to help the reader listen to God. The offered a stable and well-tested source for church in Abbotsford.—From release book deals with how to handle distrac- my spiritual journey. Teresa of Avila and by Angelika Dawson tions, how to discern whether you are John of the Cross (and others) became hearing the voice of God, how God a wellspring for both my charismatic speaks through dreams and memories. experience and my justice concerns. They And there is an interesting chapter became my mentors, bridging easily what on the imagination. The book also has 15 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Books&Resources

Books & Resources

What’s wrong with the church? A whole lot of what’s wrong with the church is wrong with me, said John Stackhouse in a recent lecture at Re- gent College. A professor of theology and culture at Regent, Stackhouse has just released a book called, Church: An Insiders Look At How We Do It (Baker Book House).

John Stott called us “to cultivate a holy discontent with the church,” said Stack- house, noting that Canadians do not complain enough and work for change. He endorsed multi-denominationalism, comparing it to multi-culturalism.

“People do not cease to be different when they enter the church; they are different...differences among churches should be expected and celebrated,” he said. Stackhouse himself grew up in the Plymouth Brethren and now attends an Anglican church.

Denominations institutionalize differences. “When we say our way is the only way and the complete way, that’s scan- dalous; the scandal is not that there are Catholics, Anglicans, and Baptists....” He encouraged churches to learn from each other. “Where is the occasion to ask the Mennonites about peace, to ask the Anglicans about how they use the Book of Common Prayer?” What’s wrong From page 16 Continued on page 17

16 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Books&Resources

he asked. “Let’s foster multi-denominationalism.”

Stackhouse sees two crises facing churches: leadership and finances. He encouraged pastors to speak less often and have shorter sermons. He stressed the need for prayer for leaders, noting that no one is spiritually safe.

Stackhouse was critical of the “child- ish and consumerist” attitude of church people. He pointed out that the pastor is not the centre of the church, God is. Christian churches do not have clergy and laity; the gifts are all through the church.

“There are to be no martyrs and no slackers,” he said. “The New Testament emphasizes that all members are important and expected to serve and edify the body.” His reflections were provocative, his intentions to make the church a better and more inviting place.—From report by Henry Neufeld

17 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 InConversation Are we responsible to protect other peoples? Letters s there a place for military inter- us to embrace the report as a way of Letters express the opinion of the vention if it is intended to stop ensuring that there would be no more writer, not necessarily those of Ca- genocide or ethnic cleansing? holocausts. nadian Mennonite or the church. We I publish as many as space permits, un- This question was discussed at a At the same time, I wonder whether recent roundtable sponsored by military intervention can protect vul- less they attack individuals or become nerable people without creating more too repetitious. Letters are edited for Project Ploughshares and the World length and style. This section is meant Federal Movement in Ottawa which hostility and resentment in the long to provide opportunity for discussion Bill Janzen and I attended on behalf of run. There are few positive examples and discernment. Mennonite Central Committee Can- we can point to. ada. The two-day conference brought We have just witnessed the world’s together about 25 representatives only superpower waging war against a from non-government organizations country decimated by years of sanc- Need to be church (NGOs) to discuss the Report of the tions. One of the reasons given was in time of crisis International Commission on Inter- to “liberate” the Iraqi people from vention and State Sovereignty called their brutal dictator—in other words, The news of financial woes within “The Responsibility to Protect.” to “protect” them. Could the U.S. or Mennonite Church Canada has come Lloyd Axworthy, former Canadian for- other powers use the “responsibility to in a series, reaching the climax, or eign minister, created this internation- protect” paradigm to justify military perhaps nadir, with the cutting back al commission in response to the chal- escapades around the world? of programs and positions (persons let lenge of the United Nations Secretary The report has strong cautions against go). General to find ways to ensure that the idea of one country undertaking a This is all deeply distressing; and it there would “never again” be geno- “protection mission” by itself; could the raises concerns which I want to put to cides like Rwanda in 1994. The report concept be used as an excuse for a new my sisters and brothers in the church argues that when states are unable or form of imperialism? that I love. unwilling to protect their citizens, the What about non-military means of Cutting programs rates high in my international community through the protection? Christian Peacemak- concerns. What are we saying to young United Nations has a responsibility to ers Teams offers a model whereby people when we cut Voluntary Service? protect them. unarmed peacemakers intervene Consider how many have been chal- The report sees intervention hap- between belligerents to prevent or lenged, enriched, and had the direction pening by prevention, reaction and reduce violence. Can one imagine an of their lives changed through VS. reconstruction. The hope is that suf- international unarmed peace force of- What will we do with that energy, with ficient emphasis on prevention— de- fering protection to the vulnerable? calls from God to serve? velopment assistance, human rights Besides all these “rational” questions, The cutback in mission-related ef- monitoring and support for legal there remains the question of faith. forts deserve a similar litany of ques- reforms and law enforcement—will Can pacifist Christians accept the notions. In a world reeling under fear, make reaction unnecessary. tion of military intervention to protect mistrust, misinformation, renewed However, if a situation escalates, the others? If we say yes, we may find racism and now war, retreat does not document suggests implementing ourselves on a slippery slope to other feel like the will of God to me. military embargoes, focused economic forms of militarism. The effect on people who have lost sanctions, and political restrictions. In If we say no, what responsibility do we their positions is painful in a different a worst case scenario, the UN should take upon ourselves to protect the vul- way. For some, it will create financial authorize military intervention to nerable? Is it our task to make history stress and the potential for unhappy protect vulnerable people. come out “right”? effects on families. For some, it may How does an MCC worker respond to There is much within the “Responsi- bring a crisis of faith—perhaps not this report? I came away with many bility to protect” document that one faith in God but in the church. This more questions than answers. can support. The tasks of prevention may affect the next generation. On the one hand, the “responsibility and reconstruction are, in fact, the We were short of funds in the early to protect” framework is committed to tasks that MCC engages in all the 1990s when I was on staff. I recall the preventing fiascos of either non-inter- time. The question of intervention is heavy struggles we as executive staff vention (Rwanda) or botched interven- a thorny one that will require more had over where to cut. We all got a bit tions (Srebrenica and Somalia). I was discernment.—Esther Epp-Tiessen “territorial” and feelings got raw. Was deeply moved by a Jew who begged it a coincidence that I had to have a pacemaker installed after that jour- 18 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 InConversation ney? That shortfall was not nearly in sinful. higher education? Our churches need the order of the present crisis. It is implied that to be human is leaders. Our communities need young There is a danger of “we-they” bad, and we need to become something people who are enthused about serv- dichotomizing in our present situation. other than what we are to protect us ing in Christian ministries, and who We who do not work at 600 Shaft- from our own evil nature. I say that are committed to peace and to building esbury can say: “Isn’t it awful! They without all the structures (church, God’s kingdom in the world. Reducing should have known better.” But finger Bible, etc.) human beings are good. My support for Christian education is not pointing has its limits. proof? Jesus was one of us...human.— the answer to those needs. This is not to say that all was well. Glenn Schroeder, Winnipeg, Man. We sincerely hope that church There has to be accountability, and I members will talk with each other and believe that message has been re- with the leadership at MC Canada ceived. The General Board and the Does church want and CMU about these issues. There is Councils have tried to be responsible cut to higher education? an opportunity in the midst of crisis. and showed it by drastic action. But Let us seize it!—Jake Harms, co-chair In recent issues we have been reading we, the members and congregations of CMU board, Winnipeg, Man. about the budget cuts at Mennonite MC Canada, must also give an account Church Canada. But little has been of our stewardship. written about the cut to funding for Why have we cut back on our giv- higher education. ing? If it is in protest, can we justify Canadian Mennonite University’s that Christianly? Does it not resemble funding was not increased when MC sanctions? Canada increased its budget to absorb How do you balance the budget binational programs, and it was not against unbalancing 21 staff and their increased to reflect the projected rev- families? I fear the General Board and enue increase for 2002-03 that did not Councils acted too precipitously, or materialize. But now it is faced with a too drastically. I say that because $2 major cut of $231,000 from $581,000 million in a denomination our size is projected at the Saskatoon assembly surely not that daunting. last summer. The debt belongs to all of us, and for This reduction is disproportionate health to return we should all dig in. to both the overall reductions at MC Are we not a conference held together, Canada and the decrease in donations. not only by a common faith, but by If funding for CMU were reduced sim- a covenant we have made with each ply to reflect the decrease in donations, other? Just imagine if we all sent in it would be $480,000 for 2003-04, not an extra half day’s wage or retirement $350,000 as announced. benefit. This funding cut has implications Let us also assume that our Gen- not only for the MC Canada constitu- eral Board and Councils are doing the ency, but for the broader Mennonite necessary, not forgetting that they give church. CMU is a partnership that their time gratis. We must give them is also supported by the Mennonite and the staff our prayerful support Brethren Church of Manitoba and the and encouragement. Friends of Menno Simons College. In other words, more than money is There are different ways of under- needed. We need to be the church.— standing the funding cut. A hopeful Bill Block, Winnipeg, Man. way is that the cut is temporary, and meant only to address a short-term Being human crisis. From this perspective, we could expect that funding will be restored is good when the crisis is over. I have noticed that in the Mennonite But what we fear is that a much church and communities, and in the lower level of funding for Christian letters to the Canadian Mennonite, higher education is being established. it is common to use the Bible, the The extent of the cut to CMU funding church, the community, theology, etc. represents a significant shift in pro- to keep us from doing wrong. It feels gram priorities, a shift that occurred that what is being said is that if we in the context of budget woes, but are left to ourselves—to our feelings, without debate within our churches. perceptions, thoughts and impulses— Do our congregations really want we would inevitably become bad or to reduce their support for Christian 19 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 InConversation

Letters Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This plan of salvation on the cross, the Holy appears to be a safe area with little Spirit was sent to empower us and to Must be hungry room for dissension and contradic- manifest himself through us if we al- tions. low him. for the Holy Spirit However, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 ad- “Blessed are those who hunger and I appreciate the letter of March 10, dresses the balance of the Trinity in thirst for righteouness for they will be “Why should we control ‘far out’ claims the church. This is where the gifts of filled” (Matthew 5:6).—Abram Dyck, of the Holy Spirit?” the Holy Spirit cause the church prob- Winnipeg, Man. There appears to be a deep hunger lems. Verse 4 states there are a variety among Mennonites, particularily the of gifts but the same Spirit, and varie- younger generation, for the Holy Spir- ties of services but the same Lord, it. Many Mennonites are migrating varieties of working but the same God. to Evangelical churches. This seems “Mennonites tend to begin with to be verified by the minimal growth Christ, who makes known the things in Mennonite Church Manitoba: 143 of the Spirit,” says Helmut Harder births, 167 baptisms (March 10, p.15). (Jan. 27). This is our way of control- Tomy Tenny, in The God Chas- ling “far out” claims about the work of ers, says that God is coming back to the Holy Spirit. Oh, we might let God repossess the church. As far as I can speak prophetically to us a little, but tell, there is only one thing that stops we get nervous if he tries to break us him. He is not going to pour his spirit out of our schedules. We can’t let God where he doesn’t find hunger. Hunger out of the box too much because he can means you are dissatisfied with the ruin everything. way it has been because you have been As Mennonites, let us embrace the forced to live without God in his full- full Gospel, recognizing the impor- ness. He only comes when you ready to tance of the Trinity: Father, Son and turn it all over to him. Holy Spirit. God the Father speaks, The Mennonite Church feels com- the Lord Jesus Christ finished the fortable expounding on the fruit of the

Finding contentedness living in the same community). I added a likable son-in-law and a grandchild to In Philippians 4, Paul offers a spiritual daily family relationships. In my relation- the clan, and that helped. nugget for family relationships when ship with my mother, I’ve experienced both Certainly my heart was softened and he declares that he has learned the truths—the one from the minister and the warmed by my mother’s love for those I secret of contentment in any circum- one from Paul. love. Maybe, too, I became more secure stance. While Paul spoke of physical Not that my mother is a miserable in my first family as I added the roles hardship and abundance, we may person. Nor do I think I am. But for many of wife and mother to my identity. We find parallels in the tribulations and drew closer together after my dad’s rewards of families. death, a surprise to me. I physically Our attempts to follow Jesus’ dy- yearned to be with her—my surviv- namic compassion might be severely Family ing parent—and found comfort as we challenged on the home front. We can Ties decorated the grave, swapped stories go to church on Sunday, volunteer at and recalled memories. the thrift store, attend the peace vigil Melissa Paul speaks of Christ-given strength and even write columns on healthy Miller as the source of his contentment. I family relationships, and still be swiftly would say the gift of God’s grace that and powerfully derailed by a parent’s transformed my daughter-mother trou- criticism, a sibling’s jealousy, a spouse’s bles is acceptance. Over time and with irritation, or a child’s sulk. lots of struggle, I learned to accept her As one minister wryly opened a decades, it was a relationship of strain and for who she was, giving up my insist- wedding sermon, “Marriage is learning misunderstanding. Sometimes such puz- ence that she accept me first. When I let to live with another miserable person zling tensions dog our best efforts. go of my expectation that she change, I just like yourself,” a concept equally Given our history, I marvel at the pleas- relaxed. And then she changed. Imagine applicable to other relationships— ant contentedness we’ve settled into in re- that. with mothers, for example (given that cent years. Time has benefitted us. I moved In this Easter season, may you know Mother’s Day is fast approaching). away from home and the distance helped contentment, Christ-given strength, After all, weddings and Mother’s Day my mother and me define the boundaries acceptance and other forms of grace as are both subject to the sentimentality between us (though I know many who you learn to live peacefully with another that smothers the grit and scrabble of successfully negotiate boundaries while miserable person—just like yourself. 20 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 WiderChurch WiderChurchWiderChurch

Abbotsford, B.C. B.C. churches contribute to Iraq relief effort refugee camps. s the war in Iraq winds down, Fred Kaarsemaker, manager for the Mennonite Central Committee MCC B.C. warehouse, says the gift aid is beginning to find its way A represents many things. into the country. Some aid has been “Obviously the donations of these distributed in Baghdad and other cit- buckets represents a significant ies. Most recently a truckload of MCC amount of money, but it also repre- blankets and canned meat arrived in sents the way in which individuals Mosul in northern Iraq. can make contributions of all sizes,” MCC had positioned relief materials in he says. “Many of us are motivated to Iraq and neighbouring Jordan prior to reach out in a practical way to make the war. These materials include over the lives of Iraqis—who have suffered 12,000 relief buckets, 33,000 blankets for so many years—a little easier. As as well as tents, water bladders and

individuals we often feel powerless to MCC Photo release food. MCC is requesting an additional do a great deal, but each individual 16,000 relief buckets. Menno Wiebe perches on the edge contribution makes a difference.” Churches in British Columbia have of a truck that had just arrived in For information on relief kits and Iraq, been responding. Five Mennonite Amara, southern Iraq with buckets check MCC’s web site at www.mcc. churches in Langley made their facili- and comforters for distribution by org.—From MCC B.C. releases ties available for several Sundays to the Iraqi Red Crescent Society. receive materials for relief kits and cash gifts. Henry Krause, pastor of Langley Mennonite Fellowship, said the kits are a way the community can Kolkata, India respond to something that feels out of their control. Indian Christians join first anti-war protest “It’s a way for people to respond re- gardless of their political views or how olkata (Calcutta) is a politically peace doves on their headbands. Teenag- active city and since the war in ers in blue jeans and T-shirts walked they feel about the war,” he said. Iraq began, the streets have been alongside middle-aged women in saris The MCC B.C. warehouse here has K clogged with demonstrators. But the and men in traditional kurtas (long been busy with volunteers packing demonstration on April 11 was unique shirts). Spirits were high, even though hygiene items and relief materials for because, for the first time, the minority temperatures soared. A few protesters Iraq. Christian community was speaking out held placards; many spoke to people Thanks to the local Cloverdale Paint against the war. along the way. Sometimes we broke out Store and ICL Plastics, MCC has 500 Ed and I decided that Mennonite Central in song. new buckets, worth about $2,000. Committee should be there as a Christian Walking through Muslim communi- In a recent letter from Amman, witness for peace. Five Indian MCC staff ties was especially meaningful for Ed Jordan, MCC representative Menno also chose to participate. By 8:30 a.m., and me. We were proud to be walking two truckloads of protesters had gath- with Indians and to be identified as Wiebe said that Iraqis could sense ered. Police escorts arrived and excite- Americans who oppose the war. Organ- that this aid comes “from real people ment grew. izers later delivered a letter to the U.S. who are aware of our situation and Women, children, clergy and many Consulate asking the U.S. government want to share out of solidarity and teenagers joined the throng of 200 people. to stop the war. compassion.” Wiebe added that “the A Sunday School choir sang a Bengali After about an hour of marching, we buckets are indestructable (falling off peace song, and church leaders welcomed observed two minutes of silence, then trucks; people standing on them; being the crowd with prayers. Ed and I were concluded the event by singing “We shall thrown; etc.) and the object of much asked to say a few words as well before a overcome” and enthusiastically chanting interest.” marching band of children, wearing jaun- peace phrases. We felt privileged to be Aside from holding the relief items, ty black hats with red feathers, signalled part of a crowd that stopped the traffic that it was time to start walking. in Kolkata and made a strong, visible buckets are also used to carry water The singing group wore white with head- statement for peace.— MCC release by or other items, and are often used to bands decorated with peace doves. Twila Miller sit on in the absence of furniture in 21 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 WiderChurch

Kitchener, Ont. Eastern Canada delegates consider call to ministry he theme, “Gifted and called,” was the introduction echoed through the Mennonite of MC Eastern Cana- TChurch Eastern Canada delegate da program staff. sessions here April 11-12. On Friday, “They have a pas- speaker Maurice Martin spoke on sion for people and “Whose ministry is this anyway?!” the church, and often On Saturday, his topic was “Creative go beyond the call of disarray—leading the church through duty,” noted David changing times.” Brubacher, Minister The Mission and Service Commission to Conference. introduced new church plants, includ- There are a number ing the intercultural church of the of staff changes. Korean ministry at Toronto United James Watson, Mennonite Church. administrative as- “I want to praise the Lord first, be- sistant, began a new cause he hired me, not MCEC!” said position with Out-

Bo Ki Kim, the pastor, adding that reach Canada at the Photo by Maurice Martin “church planting is hard work.” end of April. Andy The team that led worship at the assembly: Ed The Community Mennonite Fellow- Brubacher-Kaethler Janzen, Marilyn Rudy-Froese (back to camera) and ship in Stouffville was received into ends his assignment Margaret Nally. full membership. The Toronto Chi- with Youth Ministries nese Mennonite Church has planted in June and will be teaching in that Christian Education as the end of an English Chinese congregation in area at Associated Mennonite Bibli- August, and Toronto; a Cantonese work has begun cal Seminary (AMBS). Ilene Bergen in Markham, and now a Mandarin- completes her service as Minister of speaking ministry is taking shape in Toronto, with assistance of $20,000 from the Churches Planting Churches program (formerly City on a Hill). Teaching circle’ offers new Two congregations closed in 2002: the Toronto Taiwanese Revival Mennonite education program Church and the Abundant Life Men- new Christian education program jointly sponsored by Mennonite Church nonite Fellowship in Waterloo. was unveiled at the Mennonite Canada (Maurice Martin and Samson Another evidence of “gifted and called” AChurch Eastern Canada sessions Lo), Pastoral Leadership Training Com- in April. The Teaching Circle, a group of mission of MC Eastern Canada and As- five experienced teachers, is offering a sociated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. program called SAFARI (Shaping Adult The SAFARI acronym evokes images of Faith: Action, Reflection, Integration). journey, risk and discovery. The program Although the group is independent, invites people to: courses are offered in cooperation with •deepen their personal faith MC Eastern Canada. •reflect critically on faith and life issues The Teaching Circle includes Eleanor in the church and community Snyder (coordinator), Miriam Frey, Brice •gain skills and confidence in their vol- Balmer, Lydia Neufeld Harder and Mau- unteer ministry within the church rice Martin. •relate with authenticity to themselves, The new program stands within the tra- God and others. dition of adult education in Eastern Can- Courses are designed to be mobile and ada, including efforts such as the Ontario flexible. They can be hosted by clus- Mennonite Bible School, Project Teach, ters of churches, congregations, or by ACT, Winter Bible Schools and Blenheim the area conference as a series of four Bible courses. In addition, a multi-cultur- sessions, a weekend event, or a Sunday al leadership training program has been morning event. started, with Hmong, Laotian, Chinese Contact the Teaching Circle through The Christian Education and Nurture and Korean participants. Eleanor Snyder, phone (519) 570-7795; Commission hoists a symbol of its The Spanish-speaking groups of First e-mail: [email protected].— task. Each program area took a sym- Mennonite (Kitchener) and the New Life From report Centre (Toronto) have begun a “School bol from the “gift box” on the stage of Discipleship.” These two programs are as part of its report. 22 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 WiderChurch

Mary Mae Schwartzentruber ends engage in explicit stewardship talk in of Faith. The Exectuive Board will an- her work as Minister of Missions in congregations. nounce its decision later this spring on September. Sam Steiner, secretary of Mennonite the licencing of a homosexual pastor in As each program commission re- Church Canada General Board, out- Toronto. ported, they drew an appropriate sym- lined eight things that “went wrong” David Brubacher reported on the bol out of a “gift box.” Muriel Bechtel, in MC Canada financial planning. Executive Board’s visioning process Minister of Pastoral Services, moder- Delegates appreciated the candor of this past year. The board is suggesting ated a presentation on initiatives in his report. that youth and Christian education leadership development. She noted Ester Neufeldt, MC Eastern Canada positions be limited to half time for an that “the shortage of pastors” is not accountant, noted that the financial interim period, freeing half time for a new phenomenon. Martin Luther, woes of MC Canada have an affect on a person to lead a review and bring a aware that parents were no longer planning but internal shifting of funds new model on ministry and structure sending their children to the monas- will allow MC Eastern Canada to pro- to next year’s sessions. teries, called people to raise children ceed with a 3.5 percent increase. The A number of delegates spoke in for God’s service so that the pulpits budget for 2003-2004 is $2,571,787, favour of the plan but were concerned of the Protestant churches might be with $1,834,953 being spent within about cutting back youth ministry. filled. How do we respond to that call MC Eastern Canada. MC Canada will This year’s “Peace Mug” was given to today? receive 38.5 percent of the budget, and Lena Weber in honour of her husband, Campbell Nisbett described how AMBS 3 percent. George, who died in a car accident in Mennonite camps train “ministers.” The Season of Discernment on areas January while in Iraq with Christian Tom Yoder Neufeld described minis- of disagreement continues, reported Peacemaker Teams. He was on the try training options through Conrad Matthew Isert Bender, chair of the Peace, Justice and Social Concerns Grebel University College. Reynold Reference Group guiding the discus- Commission of MC Eastern Canada Friesen introduced the CALD program sion. He outlined the core issues that from 1994-98.—From a report by Mau- (Church and Leadership Development) influence differing views on homo- rice Martin for youth. LeRoy Shantz described sexuality, such as how we read the several initiatives of the Leadership Bible and how we use the Confession Commission. This year there were four persons in the Ministry Inquiry Program and extra funds are making more opportunities available. Shantz concluded with the question, “What are you doing in your circles to encourage people to enter ministry as a vocational choice?” As Paul Penner presented the slate of officers, he noted the blanks that have yet to be filled. He wondered who among us might yet feel “gifted and called” to serve. Elected as moderator was Darrell Fast, pastor of the Leam- ington United Mennonite Church. Fast was pastor of the Toronto United Men- nonite Church for many years before moving to Bethel College Mennonite Church in Kansas in 1986. He was moderator of the General Conference Mennonite Church from 1992-99. Assistant moderator Barb Draper recognized the leadership of outgoing moderator Andrew Reesor-McDowell. “His quick wit helped to transform some tense moments!” she noted.

Money matters Concern for money matters was also evident. The Listening Committee suggested that it may be time again to 23 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 WiderChurch

Winnipeg, Man. MCC responding to fetal alcohol disorders s the impact of fetal alcohol the inability to understand consequenc- mendous amount of professional help disorders becomes clearer, es—are a direct result of damage to but it wasn’t what our kids needed,” AMennonite Central Committee the brain by alcohol. Secondary disa- says Barb. “The years have been very Canada is exploring ways to help. bilities—like poor self esteem, anxiety difficult.” Counsellors helped them Approximately 3 in every 1,000 births and aggression—result as individuals establish consequences for their chil- in North America are affected by fetal develop defensive behaviours to help dren’s behaviour, but their children alcohol syndrome (from mothers ingest- them cope, says Schwab. never “caught on.” ing alcohol while pregnant), while Children with a fetal alcohol disorders Following continued incidents of theft 30 to 50 infants per 1,000 have fetal will always need someone to help them and violence, their son moved into a alcohol effects, according to experts at a deal with daily life. There is no stand- foster home. Eventually their daughter workshop organized by MCC Manitoba ard approach because of the wide range was suspended from school and moved in March. of symptoms. out as well. “Alcohol is a solvent. It can literally dis- MCC Canada has developed a pam- “Our son looked like an 18-year-old but solve brain tissue and that can mean phlet titled “Come Walk with Me—A he had the comprehension of someone inconsistent growth in the brain of the Christian response to fetal alcohol- much younger than that. Our daughter unborn fetus,” said Dorothy Schwab, related disabilities” for church and wanted independence but she was un- a community liaison for alcohol and community groups. MCC Manitoba able to keep a job,” says Barb. drug-exposed children at Health Sci- is currently exploring program ideas Schwab says there is an increasing vol- ences Centre. related to fetal alcohol disorders. ume of material available as more par- “It affects everything from the ability Ike and Barb Brown (not their real ents share their stories. Intervention to learn to knowing how to act ap- names) have three adopted children. includes allowing the affected individ- propriately in a social setting.... It is a Given the struggles their family has ual to be part of the process, adapting permanent condition.” dealt with, they suspect that two of to individual needs, providing concrete Primary disabilities—like slower cogni- their children have fetal alcohol effects. concepts and creating structure.—MC tive processes, memory problems and “We have sought and received a tre- Canada release

Strasbourg, France Alternative assembly sites reserved ennonite World Conference officers, meeting in March, Magain agreed to Zimbabwe as the site for the assembly in August, but are holding alternative sites near Johannesburg, South Africa, because difficulties in Zimbabwe continue. If it becomes clear after May 31 that no meetings can be held in Zimbabwe, MWC will cancel the assembly and switch the smaller meetings to South Africa. Assembly registrants could be observers at these meetings. MTS Travel and MWC have determined that lodging and transportation could be arranged on short notice. Ef- forts would be made to arrange some visits to Zimbabwe. MWC encourages people to plan for Zimbabwe, realizing the financial risks should a late change be required. The MWC website (www.mwc-cmm.org/ mwc) will carry updates, and information will be mailed no later than June.—From MWC release 24 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 WiderChurch

Waterloo, Ont./Scottdale, Pa. Snyder appointed director of resources leanor Snyder of Kitchener, church leaders in congregations and grow as Christians through worship, Ontario, has been appointed area conferences to identify priorities community life, formal education and Edirector of Faith & Life Re- for curriculum that will undergird serving God in mission.” sources, a division of the Mennonite faith formation. Snyder will take over from Levi Publishing Network. She will work “My vision for the Miller, who has directed Faith & Life from an office in Waterloo, Ontario, church includes Resources since last June alongside beginning May 15. developing an his work as director of Herald Press. According to Ron Rempel, recently integrated, holistic Rose Stutzman directed Faith & Life selected as executive director, Snyder’s approach to the Resources from 2000 to 2002. appointment fills a position crucial educational tasks of Mennonite Publishing Network is a to the vision guiding the transformed the congregation,” ministry of both Mennonite Church publishing ministry: “to provide mate- she added. “This USA and Canada, with offices in Scot- rials that equip the church to experi- means developing Snyder tdale, Pennsylvania, Newton, Kansas, ence and share the gospel from an curriculum that Waterloo and Winnipeg.—Mennonite Anabaptist perspective.” Faith & Life helps children, Publishing Network Resources gives leadership in develop- youth, young adults and adults to ing curriculum and other resources for the church. A key part of the new vision is a plan Winnipeg, Man. to hold regular church-wide consulta- tions. The first, slated for September 19-21 in Pittsburg, will focus on con- Manitoba churches focus gregational resources. on lay leadership Rempel noted that Snyder brings the n unseasonable snow storm Abe, said the theme was pertinent to experience and training needed for interfered with attendance but many churches in that cluster. the position. He also noted her broad Adidn’t stop the April 3 Leader- “Several are without pastors and some understanding of Christian formation, ship Seminar sponsored by Mennonite rely heavily on lay leadership.” She and her conviction about the need for Church Manitoba at Charleswood Men- appreciated the emphasis of the confer- a close working relationship between nonite Church. ence, “We are all called to be ministers. education and publishing. Maurice Martin, director of Congrega- We all have a calling once we decide to Snyder will supervise a dispersed tion Leadership Development for Men- be a disciple of Christ. We then have to team including editors and a market- nonite Church Canada, was a resource disciple others.” ing person, and will take the lead in person for the seminar. He was also Martin would like to see the line be- speaker the following weekend at the tween church work and the vocational developing affordable new resources annual western cluster Lay Leadership work of parishioners less distinct. He called for by the church. Conference (formerly Ministers and noted that some congregations have From 1994-2002, Snyder directed Deacons Conference) in Winnipegosis. changed their committees to ministries. Children’s Education for the General “Numerous churches have talked to us “It’s a reminder that we are all engaged Conference Mennonite Church. Prior about how to engage laity,” said John in the work of the church....The church to that, she served for six years as Klassen, director of Leadership Min- needs to be shepherded by pastors minister of Christian Education for istries. “They are asking, How can we whose role it is to draw out the gifts for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. more effectively foster the gifts of the the collaborative work of the church.” She has also done extensive curricu- laity in the work of the church?” “People are aware that we are in lum writing. Martin spoke on the theme, “Whose min- changing times,” said Martin. “There is istry is this anyway?” at both events. despair, a shortage of people in church Snyder has completed a Doctor of “He spoke of a very collaborative ap- leadership. But the church can lead in Ministry in Christian Education from proach...of all working together at the new and creative ways. We need to keep Toronto School of Theology and a Mas- same vision,” said Klassen. “He em- looking at our structures to see that ter of Theological Studies degree from phasized that we need a bigger vision they are serving us well.” Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. She of what ministry is, a vision that goes The conference helped refocus the issue. attends Erb St. Mennonite Church in beyond the walls of the church and At Nordheim church, finding volunteers Waterloo. does not just include worship or church to work with the girls’ club is often “Providing quality curricular resources activities.” a challenge. Rather than looking for for a relatively small denomination The Nordheim Mennonite Church in people to fill positions, they are asking where ‘one size does not fit all’ re- Winnipegosis hosted the lay leader- where people’s passions and gifts are, ship conference. Nearly all the western what people are really interested in quires creativity and collaboration,” cluster was represented. Esther Krahn, and able to offer, said Krahn.—Evelyn said Snyder. “I look forward to forming co-pastor at Nordheim with her husband Rempel Petkau strong relationships with agencies and 25 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 WiderChurch

Winnipeg, Man. Dirks family ends assignment in Botswana fter seven years of working with and respect churches in Botswana, Rudy for people Aand Sharon Dirks and their and working three children (Nathan, Shawna and together in the Stephanie) have returned to Canada. face of differ- The work was challenging and re- ences is having warding as they walked with African a great effect Independent Churches (AICs) to on their wit- figure out how to apply the Bible to ness for Christ. life in Botswana. A big part of their AIC leaders work, supported by Mennonite Church appreciate Canada Witness/Africa Inter-Mennon- that Mennon- ite Mission, was to help communities ite workers deal with the physical and spiritual are not out to dimensions of the AIDS epidemic. establish Men- Working in an AIDS ministry was dif- nonite church- ficult. Their first three years, Rudy and es, but rather Sharon attended funeral after funeral. to walk along- Sharon Dirks (right) says farewell to the staff of Tshepong There was “a feeling of hopelessness,” side them in Counselling Network, an AIDS counselling centre in Gabo- says Rudy. Not everyone understood their spiritual rone, Botswana. AIDS has infected 37 percent of adults in the causes of AIDS; some people be- journeys, say that country. lieved it was spiritual judgment. Oth- the Dirkses. ers politicized it as a Western issue, “Batswana tell us that over the years recognized across Botswana,” added saying that AIDS stands for “American they have come to understand the Rudy. “It’s interesting that that name Invention to Discourage Sex.” Ba-Mennonite—‘Ba’ is the plural is synonymous with people who are Not all church leaders supported their form in Setswana—as church work- willing to work in a non-judgmental AIDS ministry. Some felt it was inap- ers who care for people, who demon- way with churches and yet not com- propriate for sexuality to be discussed strate respect and non-judgmental promise on the centrality of Christ.” in church. One female pastor had her attitudes toward African culture, and The Dirks are members of Bethany ordination taken away for speaking who have been willing to respect AICs Mennonite Church in Niagara-on-the- to a youth group about sex. She was as partners in the fellowship of the Lake, Ontario.—From MC Canada re- reinstated after church leaders came gospel. Mennonites continue to be the lease by Allison Peters and Dan Dyck to realize the necessity of the church only church workers willing to work dealing with HIV/AIDS and sexuality. alongside the AICs in Botswana,” said Mennonite involvement with the Afri- Sharon. can Independent Churches began with “The irony is that even though Men- Mennonite Central Committee work, nonites in Botswana never have prior to the country’s independence planted Mennonite churches, the Men- in 1966. A leader of the largest AIC, nonite name is just about universally the Spiritual Healing Church, said of MCC, “This is very good in terms of what you’re doing in development work, but our churches also desper- ately need our leaders to be trained in studying the Bible.” MCC invited Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission to get involved. The Dirkses, along with couples from Mennonite Brethren and Evangelical Mennon- ite churches, worked to help foster discipleship among Christians and inter-denominational cooperation. The AIDS counselling centre that the Dirkses helped to establish was an inter-church endeavour. Showing care

26 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 WiderChurch

Winnipeg, Man. New workers to carry on Botswana ministry od is calling us, and when God Glyn. “It was time for us to consider calls you got to answer.” That’s a change, and the question we had to Ghow one daughter explained ask was where should we now serve.” why her family is going to Botswana. The family will leave in mid-summer Her mother, Susan Allison-Jones, for a three-year term. For the first adds, “Through a series of events and months they will live in a village set- conversations it became obvious that... ting while studying the Setswana lan- God was opening a door for us as a guage and in December they will move family to serve in an international set- to Gaborone to work with the African ting. Mainly we are eager to be where Independent Churches. God wants us to be.” “Our congregations are excited about Susan and her husband, Glyn Jones, this step of faith that we are taking are pastors in Mennonite Church and looking at concrete ways in which Eastern Canada, Susan most recently they can support us while we are serv- at Breslau Mennonite Church and ing with MC Canada,” said Susan.— Glyn at Wilmot church. They had in- MC Canada release ternational experience with Mennonite Central Committee in Egypt (1985-88). They believe their decision to go to Botswana is a direct response to Glyn Jones and Susan Allison-Jones the prayers of people at MC Canada with daughters Maeyken, 9, and International Ministries, Africa Inter- Adriana, 6. Mennonite Mission, and the recently returned Dirks family. several friends and colleagues for a “In the late fall we brought together prayer discernment evening.... it be- indeed leading us to Botswana,” said came clear to us that God was

27 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch LocalChurch

New Hamburg, Ont. Ten teams face off in Bible quizzing teinmann Mennonite Church Although it was a competi- was buzzing with excitement on tive day, the quizmasters SMarch 29 as 10 Bible quiz teams worked hard to encourage from 8 churches met for a day of com- everyone and emphasized petition. The teams of youth came pre- having fun. Thank you to pared to answer trivia and questions Andy Brubacher-Kaethler of interpretation from Genesis 1-30. and his team of quizmas- Bible quizzing is an event planned by ters and judges for provid- the Youth Ministries Commission of ing this format for biblical Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. learning. The teenagers had an amazing knowl- —Barb Draper edge of these chapters. Naming the

sons of Noah was easy; it was more of MC Eastern Canada photo a challenge to answer which son was The winning East Zorra team concentrates on a the youngest (Ham). Everyone knew Bible quiz question. who was hairy and who had smooth skin (Esau and Jacob), but the nation- ality of Hagar was more difficult. Most Vancouver, B.C. of the teams had spent weeks, even months, learning the material. The interpretative questions were a Revived coffeehouse real challenge both for the teams and raises funds for Squeah for the judges who evaluated their answers. The questions forced the irst United Mennonite Church several had been campers and sum- quizzers to apply the Bible stories to here decided to resurrect its mer staff. Music styles ranged from life today by asking for such things as FHomegrown Coffeehouse to raise Celtic to contemporary worship music modern parallels to the Tower of Babel money for Camp Squeah’s “Returning to blues and rock and roll. A highlight and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Thanks” fundraising project. The cof- was the debut of a song written by Isaac. It was impressive to see the feehouse used to be an annual event. LaVern Klassen, administrative as- young people make these applications The idea turned out to be a good sistant at Camp Squeah. after only three minutes of prepara- one as nearly 100 people packed the The youngest member of the audience tion. church basement to hear great music reminded everyone why the event was For some youth groups, Bible quizzing and donate over $2,700 for the camp. taking place. Holding six-week-old is a yearly event, while for others it is When Laura Penner, church chair, Zachariah Teichroeb, Dawson said she a new adventure. The Steinmann and contacted Angelika Dawson, who had wanted to be sure that Squeah build- Floradale congregations had so many organized the previous coffeehouses, ings and grounds would be ready when youth interested in participating that Dawson was sceptical. Zachariah goes to camp for the first they each entered two teams. Each “Traditionally, we were thrilled if we time in 2010. The appreciative crowd, team has four members and up to broke even and could cover the costs of who clapped and sang along with the two substitutes. Most teams included sound equipment rentals,” said Daw- music, did their best to ensure that it substitutes to replace players who son. “But Laura was sure that the nos- would happen. “quizzed out” after correctly answering talgia associated with the coffeehouse “Returning Thanks” is a capital four questions. and the fact that many people support fundraising project for Camp Squeah, At the end of the day, the top teams Squeah would make it a success. I was which is hoping to raise $400,000 over were East Zorra with 915 points floored when I found out how much three years. More than $100,000 has and Zion with 910 points. Most of money we raised!” already been raised to help the camp the other teams were in the 600-700 Humour was a big feature of the remodel buildings, upgrade hydro point range. Other youth groups evening. The event featured three lines, and purchase needed equipment. involved were Steinmann, Bethel, bands: Slow Children Playing, Three For more information visit the web Bloomingdale, Breslau, Floradale and Albinos and a White Guy, and White site at www.campsqueah.bc.ca.—Camp Nith Valley. The top six teams contin- Moses and the Prophecy. Band mem- Squeah release ued the competition on April 12. bers shared their camp memories, as 28 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch

Winnipeg, Man.

Retreats offer ‘quilt therapy’ Pankratz described that prayer and spiritual renewal often emerge in the very November for the past six process even though this is not often years, Camp Moose Lake has verbalized. Ehosted retreating quilters. They ‘What we do is ‘quilt therapy,’” quipped gather for an uninterrupted weekend Pankratz. Quilting builds community. to work on personal projects or to Pankratz recalled the friendship of learn a new one. two women, one of whom had cancer. The idea of a quilting retreat came to They came to the quilting retreat “as Val Pankratz and Christine Epp in one last thing they potentially could 1997 as a way to realize their dreams do together.” The second year, with the of learning to quilt. Epp, together with cancer in remission, the two women her husband Don, managed Camp returned and the group celebrated Moose Lake. Bob Wiebe, director of together. The following year, only one Camps with Meaning, gave them women returned. Candles burned that the go-ahead. They invited Esther weekend in memory of her friend who Hildebrand from Crystal City to offer had passed away. instruction and Pankratz organized Quilting provides connectedness in the weekend. Sally Steingart of Steinbach, Mani- toba, works at her quilting. other ways. Pankratz remembers her The first three retreats were full with mother as a quilter. “She made practi- 20 participants. purpose is to come away invigorated cal quilts out of fortrel. Those quilts “By the fourth year, we filled up within and refreshed.” will never die. My grandmother made three days of the brochures com- Pankratz plans the devotionals keep- ‘crazy quilts.’ Now my sister and I are ing out,” said Pankratz. “We quickly ing in mind that some participants are continuing a quilting tradition.” tacked on another weekend,” and they non-Christian. Last year she gathered Quilters, some in their twenties and have been offering two weekends ever thought-provoking quips, quotes and others close to eighty, come to immerse since. anecdotes and pasted them through- themselves in their passion or to learn “It’s more than a place to learn to out the camp, with the hope of nudg- something entirely new. Pankratz quilt,” said Pankratz, the mother of ing people “and pulling them into a is planning the retreats for this fall. four children. “It’s also a retreat: an different zone. The devotionals and Look for the brochures in May.—Eve- opportunity to leave home at home worship are geared to give us some- lyn Rempel-Petkau with nothing else required of us. The thing to think about as we work.”

Warman, Sask. Doerksen appointed honorary consul for Mexico Fundraiser for Loeppky family he Mexican government recently oup, buns and pie was the menu ily and friends, raised money for travel appointed Al Doerksen as at the recent fundraising supper and anticipated expenses during reha- THonorary Consul of Mexico for Sfor Shirley and Martin Loeppky bilitation. Despite the cold weather, more Manitoba. The volunteer position and their 18-year-old than 1,200 people came to show their provides services such as process- daughter Jenn, who is support. ing passport renewals for Mexican on the waiting list for The Leoppky’s home church, Neuanlage citizens residing in Manitoba. a double lung trans- Grace Mennonite, has been a constant There are about 200 students from plant. support to the family, both in prayer Mexico attending Manitoba universi- Jenn has cystic and donations, including money from its ties or high schools. There are also fibrosis, an inherited Christmas Tree Fund last year. Jenn has several hundred farm labourers in disorder characterized appreciated visits from her youth group. Portage and Carman annually. And by progressive lung “The generosity of those that attended the Mexican Mennonites who have moved disease. Jenn was able fundraiser, as well as those who have sent back to Manitoba frequently have to cope on medica- Jenn Loeppky donations...has enabled us to focus on the documentation issues to work out. tions until a few years transplant without having to worry about Al and Agatha Doerksen, members of ago when the disease future expenses involved,” said Shirley, Charleswood Mennonite Church, lived advanced rapidly. She and her family have adding, “We have been richly blessed by in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 1974-76. been travelling to Edmonton for assess- the concern and prayers that have been Currently, Al oversees Palliser Fur- ment, and once a donor becomes available conveyed to us at this difficult time.”— niture’s manufacturing operations in the surgery will be done there. From report by Joyce Unger Saltillo, Mexico.—From Charleswood The fundraising supper, organized by fam- newsletter 29 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch

used these profit distribu- Mennonite Church Canada and Evan, Toronto United People & Events tions for prison ministries, and USA. Helbert was a staff Mennonite, Ont., a daughter, missions, church planting and member of Christian Commu- Alak Jane, March 14. Chicago, Ill.—Christian Peace- scholarships.—From Mennon- nity, a long-standing program Martin—to Tamara and Joel, maker Team members have ite Trust release partner of New Life Ministries. Altona Mennonite, Man., a son, returned to Baghdad. Lisa The New Life Ministries office Alexander Luke, March 26. Martens of Winnipeg, forced Goshen, Ind.—Nicole Bauman has moved to Fort Wayne, with Neufeld—to Diana and to leave the city in early April and Rebecca Fast of Ontario the phone number remaining: Sean, Whitewater Mennonite, because of the war, returned on are among the 14 recipients 1-800-774-3360.—From New Boissevain, Man., a daughter, April 18, along with and Jerry of Goshen College’s 2003 Life release Elena Joy, April 16. and Sis Levin of Birmingham, Presidential Leadership Award O’Rourke—to Wendy and Alabama. They joined Stewart for incoming students. The Ron, Crosshill Mennonite, Vriesinga of Lucknow, Ontario, scholarship covers half the Ont., a daughter, Emma Jean, and Scott Kerr of Downers yearly tuition and recognizes April 11. Grove, Illinois, who had come students who demonstrate Schroeder Kipfer—to Anita to Baghdad two days earlier. outstanding leadership in their and Bryan, Stirling Ave. Men- The CPTers had been in Am- schools, churches and commu- nonite, Kitchener, Ont., a son, man, Jordan, since April 1. nities. Nicole, daughter of Rick Markus Richard, Kerr reported a large U.S. mili- and Louise Cober Bauman, is a March 17. tary presence in the Baghdad member of Tavistock Mennon- Shantz Neufeld—to Andrea neighbourhood where the team ite Church. Rebecca, daughter and John, Stirling Ave. Men- is staying. Communication of John and Esther Fast, is a nonite, Kitchener, Ont., a son, is difficult because of power member of Erb St. Mennon- Micah John, March 22. shortages and destruction of ite Church in Waterloo. Both Smith—to Valerie (Charles- the telephone system. CPT students are graduating from wood Mennonite, Winnipeg) has maintained a presence in Rockway Mennonite Collegiate and Michael (Osler Mennonite, the area since October.—CPT this spring.—From Goshen Sask.) of Bosnia-Herzegovina, release College release a daughter, Alayna Katherine, March 28. Steinmann Klassen—to Val Fort Wayne, Ind.—Kristen Julian Snyder Grove, a grade Steinmann and Brent Klassen, Waldheim, Sask.—Mennonite Leverton Helbert has been seven student at West-Mont Toronto United Mennonite, Trust Ltd. is giving $1,500 appointed director of New School in Metchosin, B.C., Ont., a son, Joel David, April 8. to each of its owning confer- Life Ministries, replacing shows the crokinole board he Wiebe—to Jill and George, ences this year. These include S. Joan Hershey. New Life made in workshop class. He First Mennonite, Burns Lake, Mennonite Church Saskatch- Ministries, an outgrowth of a donated the board to a school B.C., a daughter, Claire Jes- ewan, Saskatchewan Confer- Church of the Brethren min- raffle which raised money for sica, Feb. 10. ence of Mennonite Brethren istry, provides congregational Mennonite Central Commit- Churches and The Fellowship tee. Winner of the raffle was resources in evangelism and Deaths of Evangelical Bible Churches. church vitality for Anabaptist Ivan Hoetzel (right). Julian In the past, the conferences and other churches, including sent $100 to MCC from the Leis—Viola, 86, Wellesley proceeds of his fundraising.— Mennonite, Ont., March 16. West-Mont school release Pauls—Nick, 73, Waterloo- New volunteers begin assignments Kitchener United Mennonite, Akron, Pa.—Thirteen Canadians attended orientation here Ont., April 13. in January for North American assignments with Mennonite Reimer—Waldemar H., 78, Central Committee. Heidi Braun, Yarrow Mennonite Brethren, Transitions Waterloo-Kitchener United Chilliwack, B.C., will coordinate the Praxis Project in Vancou- Mennonite, Ont., April 7. ver. Oscar Carvajal, First Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont., will be Births projects coordinator in Kitchener. Roberta Fast, Hope Men- Baptisms nonite, Winnipeg, will work as a graphic designer in Winnipeg. Enns—to Alison and Robert, Kristal Heppner, St. Vital Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Waterloo-Kitchener United Altona Mennonite, Man.— Winnipeg, will be receptionist/secretary in Winnipeg. Nina Mennonite, Ont., a son, Wil- Carol and Ken Penner, Kesel, Highland Mennonite Brethren, Calgary, will be a peace liam Jacob (Liam), April 20. worker in Calgary. Peter and Tina Klassen, Winkler Evangeli- March 29. Brussels Mennonite, Ont.— cal Mennonite Mission Conference, will work in Akron, Pa., Enns—to Lori and Phil, To- John Reid, April 20. Peter with Ten Thousand Villages and Tina as administrative ronto United Mennonite, Ont., St. Jacobs Mennonite, assistant. Gwen Plett of Calgary will serve as receptionist a daughter, Maria Jessica, Ont.—Andrea Baker, Donna in Calgary. Charles Porter of Saskatoon will be finance and March 27. Johnson, Devin Martin, computer coordinator in Saskatoon. Isabella Sellar, Waterloo- Enns-Bogoya—to Lisa and April 13. Kitchener United Mennonite, will coordinate the “In-Exile N. Raul, Bethel Mennonite, Canadian Mennonite welcomes for a While” refugee simulation in Kitchener. Barbara Wiebe, Winnipeg, a daughter, Natasha transitions announcements within Sommerfeld Mennonite, Lowe Farm, Man., will serve as finance Fe, Feb. 13. four months of the event. When administrative secretary in Akron, Pa. Lisa and Randy Wiebe, Guenther—to Jan and Steve, sending by e-mail, please identify MacGregor, Man., will serve in Harlan, Kentucky.—MCC Osler Mennonite, Sask., a son, congregation (name and location). release Micah James, March10. Heise—to Florence Latabu 30 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch

School notes Schools Directory

UMEI explores amazing grace Leamington, Ont.—The theme for Deeper Faith Week at United Mennon- ite Educational Institute in February was “Amazing grace how sweet the sound—yeah, right, whatever.” Speak- er was Dave Tiessen, pastor of Man- nheim Mennonite Church. To illustrate grace, Tiessen handed a student $20 to keep with no strings attached. Tiessen challenged students to live lives that share God’s grace with the world. Tiessen shared a class period with each grade. Fellowship aspects of the February 26-28 event included a volleyball tournament, a staff and student breakfast, and a lunch provided by the parents on Friday.—From UMEI release by Ruth Harnadek

Goshen, Ind.—The Goshen College community held a “hymn sing vigil during wartime” for 24 hours, April 7 and 8. The song, “For the healing of the nations” was sung at least 14 times during the vigil according to Ryan Rit- tenhouse, a senior who attended 20 of the 24 hours.

To advertise your school in this directory, contact

Barbara Burkholder Phone: 1-800-316-4052 e-mail: advert@canadianmennonite. org

31 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch TheChurches

MennoniteMennonite Church Church itechurch.ca. Mennonite Church Canada is needs, they identified train- CanadaCanada Prints are also welcome. seeking volunteer writers to ing for their leaders. Not all of If you want them returned, help report on assembly this them are prepared to venture include return mailing informa- summer at St. Catharines. into college or graduate level Your pictures tion. Please identify the names MC Canada communica- theological studies. needed for assembly of individuals in the pictures, tions staff produce a daily news Thus Mennonite Church Mennonite Church Canada the photographer, and the sheet on concurrent sessions Canada, under the direction needs photographs reflecting activity. and events. of Maurice Martin (director the places, spaces, work and Deadline for submissions is If you have a knack for words of Congregational Leadership lives of people from area confer- May 15.—MC Canada release and enjoy communicating news Development), supported by ences for a welcome presenta- with journalistic flair, contact Samson Lo (director of Multi- tion at the annual assembly in Last chance for Dan Dyck, e-mail: ddyck@men- Cultural Ministry), developed St. Catharines July 9-13. logo assistance nonitechurch.ca, or phone (204) a study program. The content Examples are images that 888-6781 or 1-866-888-6785. is based on the five-unit series reflect the geography and na- Congregations wishing to Writer’s guidelines are used in the Pastoral Studies ture of the places you live and incorporate the dove logo available.—MC Canada Distance Education program of work, church buildings (prefer- will continue to receive free Associated Mennonite Biblical ably with people in the image), assistance from logo designer Mennonite Church Seminary (AMBS). folks going about their activi- Glenn Fretz until September. Eastern Canada Sixty-five persons from the ties of daily living, Mennonite Whether it’s your church let- Asian groups (Hmong, Korean, businesses and people, worship, terhead, envelopes, bulletins or Mennonite Church Laotian, Chinese) in MC East- congregational activities, etc. signage, Fretz can help. He can Eastern Canada ern Canada met at Steinmann The images should feature be contacted by phone at (519) Mennonite Church on March good composition and sharp 883-4164, or e-mail: gfretz@rog- Courses address 1 for an opening session on focus. Unusual angles are ers.com, or write to 276 Beech- multicultural groups Anabaptist history and thought. welcome. Colour is preferred. lawn Drive, Waterloo, ON N2L Lectures in English were fol- 5W7.—MC Canada release When the various cultural lowed by small group discus- Digital or scanned images (150 groups in Mennonite Church to 200 dpi resolution in jpg Call for writers for sions in the various languages. Eastern Canada were asked Each group will work to- format preferred) are welcome. St. Catharines 2003 about their most pressing Send scans to ddyck@mennon- gether in the next few months From our Errors that contributed to financial crisis leaders These have been difficult times for both of commission and omission. structure. The first major Mennonite Church Canada—for staff, 1. The long-time head of the conference planning error occurred when the MC for the General Board and Councils, finance department made a transition in Canada budget was built for 2002/03. and for the constituency—as we come 2000 to Canadian Mennonite University It failed to include about $450,000 in to terms with our financial situation and the assistant head of finance was expenses mostly related to the new Sup- and, more important, work at how we granted a study leave during crucial times port Services Council. This error was can move forward to a renewed vision in 2001/02, which resulted in a lack of discovered before the 2002 Saskatoon as a missional church. experienced staff. delegate assembly and was presented at You have already seen information 2. The General Board executive commit- that time. about how we got here and where we tee took on the responsibility of overseeing 5. General Board, with encourage- are going. (The March 24 Canadian transitional financial issues during the ment from program councils, made Mennonite identified some factors.) It final year between Conference of Men- adjustments to the 2002/03 budget is important to look once more at what nonites in Canada (CMC) and the new that were ill conceived. Originally we precipitated this financial crisis. I, as MC Canada structure, and we did not give planned for a 10 percent decline in moderator of MC Canada, along with adequate supervision to this transition. donations, recognizing it would take the General Board, take responsibility 3. MC Canada’s Finance Department time for members to understand the for the situation we find ourselves in as was understaffed and under experienced new structures and rebuild ownership MC Canada, and also take ownership through the transition period. In an effort Continued on page 35 of the difficult decisions that have been to be financially prudent we as Gen- made in the last few months. eral Board did not fund the department Henry Krause, moderator, Mennonite Church Can- Our auditors, KPMG, have assured adequately. We knew that there was not ada, with thanks to Sam us that there is no evidence of misap- adequate financial reporting but failed to Steiner, General Board propriation of funds. But that still press this concern hard enough. secretary, whose report to leaves the question of how we came to 4. The budget planning was very MC Eastern Canada on be here. The following are factors that complex as we merged CMC and bina- April 11 was the basis for played into the financial crisis—errors tional programs in the new MC Canada this article. 32 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 TheChurches to complete readings. The course which will be part of an open- teens helped out with service the leading of the Holy Spirit, will conclude with another one- ing procession and display. projects in the community, serve as a unifying body, work day session. More units will be Worshippers can take in including litter pick-up, quilting to spiritually enrich pastors, taught in fall. The partners in another celebration in the comforters for Mennonite Cen- provide opportunity for fellow- the program are MC Canada, afternoon. The Faith and Life tral Committee, collecting food ship and sharing, test direction MC Eastern Canada and AMBS. Women’s Chorus and Male for the Saskatoon Food Bank and explore understandings, On April 26, approximately Choir will be presenting a and going on a peace walk. For help pastors develop skills for 20 persons from First Mennon- “Faith and Life Spring Cel- not eating anything, they ac- dealing with issues in con- ite Church, Kitchener and New ebration” at Bethel Mennonite complished a lot in a short time. gregations, process issues of Life Centre, Toronto began the Church at 3:30 p.m.. This will A total of 96 teenagers conference wide significance, first of five units of study for be the last concert by the Faith and 12 sponsors participated and serve as an advisory body the Spanish-speaking persons and Life Male Choir under the in the event, held at Mount to the General Council. in MC Eastern Canada. The direction of Henry Engbrecht, Royal Mennonite in Saskatoon. program is called “School of who is retiring from this posi- Almost $1,000 was raised dur- Mennonite Church Discipleship.” tion at the end of May. ing the Hungerfest; the money British Columbia Noe Gonzalia and Rebecca Yo- was divided between Westridge der Neufeld conducted the first Mennonite Church Village and MCC relief kits for course in biblical studies. The Saskatchewan Iraq. Mennonite Church other courses are on Anabap- Westridge Village is a low- British Columbia tism, spirituality, Sermon on the Mennonite Church income housing complex man- Mount, and Work of the church. Saskatchewan aged by three organizations, Funds stretched for one of which is the Saskatoon church plants Mennonite Church Pastors’ course on Mennonite Care Services which Manitoba ‘Dogmatic imagina- also operates Bethany Manor. With funding stretched tighter Mennonite Care Services pro- than at any time in recent tion’ vides a community worker at history, the Evangelism and Mennonite Church Church Development Commit- Manitoba The annual professional the Village two days a week. development course for Men- tee (ECDC) has asked indi- Churches invited to nonite Church Saskatchewan Mennonite Church viduals and congregations to May 25 worship pastors is being held this year Alberta respond to the needs of church June 17-20. In other years, the plants as they begin new All 48 congregations of Men- Associated Mennonite Biblical ministries. nonite Church Manitoba are Mennonite Church Seminary course was held at Yoshi and Mari Yoshiyuki invited to the Winnipeg Con- Alberta the Central Pentecostal College. are pastoring the Mennonite vention Centre on May 25 at This year, the location has been Retreat for Pastors’ Japanese Christian Fellow- 10:00 a.m. to worship together. changed to First Mennonite ship. They have Bible study The service is entitled, “Faith Council in June Church in Saskatoon. groups in Surrey, West Vancou- Alive—Rejoice!” The last joint The week-long class, taught The Mennonite Church Al- ver and North Vancouver. The worship service was held three by A. James Reimer of Conrad berta Pastors’ Council will be North Vancouver group wants years ago. Grebel University College, will meeting for a retreat at Camp to begin a church group. One Henry Loewen has been focus on “The dogmatic imagi- Valaqua June 3-5. The retreat of their needs is an overhead planning this event since nation.” It will include pointers is being held to allow pas- projector; others are music February. “If we call ourselves for church leaders on how to tors to get to know each other resources and Bibles. a church and not a confer- speak meaningfully to today’s better; to pray for each other, Fort St. John Fellowship ence then we need to worship culture and especially to young the Alberta congregations and needs funds for teaching together,” he said. “We hope people. conference; to continue to work aids and materials. Jon and this worship unites us in the The classes will run every through council agenda as out- Virginia Corbett are planting presence of God and helps to morning with an additional ses- lined by the constitution; and a church in this northern B.C. build the body of Christ.” sion on Wednesday afternoon. to relax and rejuvenate. city and need funds to cover Stories of “living a bibli- This course is planned by the The retreat will feature the costs for Alpha Program cal Anabaptist faith” will be Pastoral Leadership Commis- worship, sharing of life stories materials as they begin a central to the service. These sion. and testimonies, as well as second group. stories will come from Martyrs recreation. Sven Eriksson, And ECDC reports that Mirror and from the Korean Mennonite Church Canada there is no longer sufficient Church. Ray Loewen of Altona Hungerfest denominational minister, will funding to cover the small sti- will share a faith response sto- raises awareness be joining the pastors at this pend given to Arturo Nacho for ry and Korey Dick, a member Saskatchewan Mennonite youth retreat. his role in developing Spanish of Project Peacemakers who spent April 11-12 “doing with- The Pastors’ Council is part leaders. Funds for books and has served in Palestine, will out” in an effort to experience of the new Mennonite Church materials for spring classes speak about how the Spirit is what others in the world have Alberta constitution which was are in question. leading us in 2003. to endure. The Saskatchewan accepted in March 2002. It is Anyone wishing to respond Four choirs, a worship band Mennonite Youth Organization made up of the conference pas- to these needs can contact and instrumental music will be Hungerfest began at 6:00 p.m tor, and all lead, associate and Chris Arney, phone (604) part of the worship. Churches on Friday and ended with a youth pastors of MC Alberta 850-6658, e-mail: ecdc@mcbc. are asked to bring a banner simple meal the next evening. congregations. Its purposes in- ca. with the name of their church During the 24-hour event, clude: assist pastors to discern 33 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch Canadian Mennonite Yellow Page

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34 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 Canadian Mennonite Yellow Page LocalChurch

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Financial crisis From page 32 was $600,000 below expectations. Fully mittee are Bruno Friesen, Clare Schlegel in programs with different names. To re- 25 percent of MC Canada’s revenue comes and John A. Wiebe. The General Board spond to the first planning error we took during January. This was not an “error” has also insisted on detailed monthly out this 10 percent cushion and built in but added to the gravity of our problem. financial reporting. There is also an an increase in donations. This decision 8. Finally, when the General Board first increase in staff in the Finance depart- was faulty. worked on the budget for 2003/04, we built ment. 6. In early December 2002, we learned in an unrealistic increase of 7 percent As planned in 1999, a major review of that a second major planning error of above the overly optimistic 2002/03 budget. MC Canada structure will take place in $500,000 had been made. A revenue line This increased the magnitude of our finan- 2004. of “designated income” was understood cial crisis. These changes and increased finan- as designated for MC Canada programs As a result of these errors, and dona- cial scrutiny are designed to rebuild when in fact these were “flow through” tions being lower than expected, MC the financial health of MC Canada. On dollars intended primarily for U.S. Canada ended the 2002/03 year with a behalf of the MC Canada Board and its Mennonite agencies such as Eastern deficit of $575,000 which will be covered Executive Committee, I apologize for the Mennonite Missions and Associated from bequests and reserves. (See April 7 is- errors that were made. Mennonite Biblical Seminary. This error sue.) This also forced drastic actions by the This is only part of the story. MC occurred within an under-staffed finance General Board in early March which cut Canada’s continuing mission and vision department. almost $2 million from the 2003/04 budget. remains the same, as do the positions 7. As a General Board we set “bench- The General Board has worked hard to of many dedicated staff persons. As we marks” for tracking 2002 revenue. We correct its mistakes. The bylaws have been celebrate the resurrection of Christ and met our benchmarks through Decem- changed to make the Financial Policy and the renewal of all things, we trust that ber; however, in January 2003, the last Audit Committee directly accountable to God will continue to renew MC Canada. month of the fiscal year, our revenue the General Board. Currently on the com- 35 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch

Employment Opportunities

36 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 LocalChurch

For rent

Announcement

MCC is heaven The U.S. Postal Service decided that Mennonite Cen- tral Committee is “heaven.” A letter arrived at MCC headquarters in Pennsyl- vania addressed only: “God and his son Jesus, Heaven.” No town or postal code. The letter came from a prisoner in California who was seeking God’s mercy. MCC U.S. will respond.

sorrow. A gift of love from the enemy The only words I could find were, “I am so arch 21 was New Year’s Day floor stood to welcome us. We joined the sorry for what my country is doing to the in Iran, normally celebrated circle, where the leader was explaining Iraqi people and to your family.” Mwith festivals and traditional some difficult Arabic phrases in the Quran. She reached for her purse and pulled out customs. But this year, a dark cloud hov- Following the discussion, she walked over a torn piece of paper and a pen. She wrote ered overhead as we watched television and introduced herself as an Iraqi who is something, then placed the paper within reports of war in Iraq. currently living in Iran. my hand, saying, “Here is my name and At the same time, my life was touched “And where are you from?” she asked. I telephone number, my sister. Please feel by love from an unexpected source—the told her I am from the United States. At free to call me any time, and we must pray enemy. I was reminded again of the pos- that moment we were both very aware that for one another.” Her kind words lifted the sibilities of new creation. we represented countries at war with each heavy burden I was feeling. A Muslim friend invited me to a weekly other—enemies. When I returned home, I reflected on the “sisters meeting” where women study After a brief silence, she told me that her words of Jesus, “Love your enemies.” I have the Quran, the Muslim holy book. I mother, father and other family members been striving to live those words. But I gladly accepted, eager to fellowship with are living in Baghdad and her family has had not pondered the idea of receiving love a group of women. suffered much. Tears filled her eyes as she from an enemy. What a powerful gift to We arrived late, but as we entered the talked, and my heart cried as I felt her hold onto during these days of war.—Evie room about 20 women seated on the concern for her family. I tried express my Shellenberger 37 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 ToLocalMorrowChurch

Workshop for AMBS graduation it be dedicated to MDS work Squeah with speakers An- church leaders on May 23 primarily? Might it provide gelika Dawson and Benita travel options to church work- Warkentin. Waterloo, Ont.—“Revitalizing Elkhart, Ind.—Thirty students, ers or mission workers? How November 1: MCC B.C. an- congregations: Starting where including three from Canada, formally structured should it nual meeting. we are, becoming who we’re will gradu- be? Should there be chapters November 7-9: Scrapbook- called to be” is a training event ate from in each region or province? ing retreat at Camp Squeah. for congregational leaders on Associated People can share their Contact Christa Lynn Nikkel, June 17-20 at Conrad Grebel Mennonite visions and ideas with Clare e-mail: [email protected]. University College. Workshop Biblical Neufeld, e-mail: [email protected] leader is Terry Foland of the Seminary or Dan Miller, e-mail: DanM@ Alberta Alban Institute. on May 23 hesston.edu.—From release This annual workshop is in a service May 24-25: Songfest at sponsored by Conciliation at College Bergthal Mennonite Church, Services of Canada. Usually Mennonite Didsbury. Mass choir conduc- the events focus on managing Church in tor: David Regier Sawatzky. conflict, but this one focuses Goshen. Janzen June 3-5: Pastors retreat at more broadly on the core Jean Jan- Camp Valaqua. vitality of the congregation. zen, a poet who teaches writing Calendar June 7: Camp Valaqua Hike- For information, contact Nan at Fresno Pacific University a-thon. Call (403) 637-2510. Cressman at 1-866-782-0287, and Eastern Mennonite Uni- June 14: Open house at Camp e-mail: [email protected].— versity, will address the gradu- British Columbia Valaqua. Call (403) 637-2510. Conciliation Services release ates. Janzen has published June 20-21: MCC Relief Sale May 18: “Singing down life’s in Didsbury. four collections of poems and road,” Mennonite music for received the Creative Writing June 28-29: Springridge Men- Seniors retreat special occasions at Central nonite Church 75th anniver- Fellowship in Poetry in 1995. Heights Church, Abbotsford, at Hidden Acres Of the 30 students graduat- sary, Pincher Creek. Call (403) 3:00 p.m. Tickets: Mennonite 627-4130, e-mail: ljanzen@ New Hamburg, Ont.—The ing, 18 will receive the Master Historical Society of B.C. of Divinity degree.—AMBS telusplanet.net. Seniors Spring Retreat at Hid- May 24: Black Creek World July 25-27: 100th anniversary den Acres Camp will include Relief Fair at Community of Northwest Mennonite Con- stories of Anabaptist forebears Association Hall, 8:00 a.m. to Plans to resurrect ference at West Zion Mennon- told by Werner Packull of Con- 3:00 p.m. ite Church, Carstairs. rad Grebel University College. pilots’ association May 24: 50th anniversary July 26-27: Bergthal Men- Gerald Good, pastor at Hager- celebration of Menno Place at Kelowna, B.C.—There are nonite Church, Didsbury, man Mennonite Church, will Columbia Bible College, Ab- plans to resurrect the Mennon- 100th anniversary. Call (403) speak about changes to the botsford, 5:30 p.m. ite Pilots’ Association (MPA). 337-2223 or 335-9421. church over the past 50 years. June 5-7: First Nations and Dan Miller, director of Aviation Seniors, ages 55 or older, are First Settlers in Fraser Valley at Hesston College in Kansas, Saskatchewan invited to come either May 12 conference at University Col- took over leadership of the or May 13. The program will be lege of the Fraser Valley. May 31: Prairie Falcon Motor- organization in 2002 and is the same both days. Call (519) June 6-7: LEAD conference cycle Rally for MCC. working with Clare Neufeld of 625-8602 or (519) 888-9642 for and Mennonite Church B.C. June 4: MEDA Breakfast at British Columbia to revitalize more information. annual sessions at Cedar Grainfields, Saskatoon, 7:30 the organization. Valley Mennonite Church, a.m. The MPA began primarily Mission. June 7: Youth Farm Ride-a- as a way to transport Men- September 12-13: MCC B.C. thon (horseback). nonite Disaster Service (MDS) Mediation training Festival, Auction and Relief June 7: Shekinah Bike-a-thon. leaders to disaster sites. At an in Pennsylvania Sale at Tradex, Abbotsford. June 8-10: Pastor’s retreat at MDS meeting in Hesston, it September 14: MCC B.C. Shekinah with Ken Bechtel. Akron, Pa.—Mennonite Con- was agreed that aviation en- Festival of Praise at Central June 13-14: MCC Relief Sale ciliation Services, MCC U.S. thusiasts’ skills and interests Heights Mennonite Brethren in Saskatoon. Office on Crime and Justice, be organized once again for the Church, 2:30 p.m. June 17-20: AMBS course and Eastern University of ministry of MDS and, perhaps, September 27: MCC B.C. Fall with James Reimer at First St. Davids, Pennsylvania are the larger church. MDS has of- Fair at Civic Centre, Prince Mennonite, Saskatoon. sponsoring a Mediation and fered some administrative and George. June 19-22: Rosthern Junior Restorative Justice Train- financial support for revital- October 6-8: Pastor/spouse College musical (19-21) and ing Institute on July 13-18 in izing the MPA. retreat. Contact MC B.C. for graduation (22). Valley Forge, Pa. For details, Neufeld and Miller are details. July 4-6: Rosthern Mennonite visit www.mcc.org/us/peace- currently soliciting opinions October 17-19: Women in Church centennial celebration. andjustice/mcs, call (717) on what the new organiza- Mission retreat at Camp July 26-27: 75th anniversary 859-3889, e-mail: mcs@mccus. tion should look like. Should org.—MCS release of Hoffnungsfelder churches. 38 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9 ToMorrow

Call (306) 824-2081. gate Mennonite Collegiate. den Acres Camp. Call (519) July 9-13: Mennonite Church August 9-10: 100th an- June 28: Camp Koinonia golf 650-3806, e-mail: markdh@ Canada assembly at Brock niversary at Hague Men- tournament at Winkler Golf mcec.on.ca. University, St. Catharines. nonite Church. Call (306) Course, 8:30 a.m. June 7: Mennonite Commu- 225-4550, e-mail: dave.duane@ July 5: Cycle Spruce Woods nity Sale in Leamington. United States sk.sympatico.ca. for MCC. June 15: Jubilee homecoming September 5-7: Junior high July 10: Eden Foundation at North Leamington United May 16-18: Women Doing The- retreat. “Ironman” golf marathon. Call Mennonite Church. ology conference at Eastern (204) 325-5355. June 19: MEDA breakfast at Mennonite University, Har- Manitoba July 16: Fundraising golf tour- Stone Crock, St. Jacobs, with risonburg, Va. nament for MCC at Quarry David Brubacher, 7:30 a.m. May 16-18: Work Day and Oaks Golf Course. June 21: Day of Quiet Prayer Other countries Canoe Trip for young adults July 20: Memorial stone at Valleyview Mennonite August 11-17: Mennonite at Camp Koinonia. Call (204) placement at Lena Mennon- Church, London. 896-1616. World Conference Assembly in ite Church site. Call (204) June 21: Graduation at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. May 23, 30: Spring concerts 885-2425. United Mennonite Educational of Westgate Mennonite Col- September 20: Morris MCC Institute, Leamington. legiate. Relief Sale. June 21: Graduation at Rock- May 25: Celebration 2003 for September 26-27: Brandon way Mennonite Collegiate, MC Manitoba churches at Con- MCC Relief Sale. Kitchener. vention Centre, Winnipeg. October 17-18: Women in June 28: Aylmer Auction for May 25: Faith and Life Male Mission fall retreat at Camp Relief at Aylmer Fairgrounds. Choir and Women’s Chorus Assiniboia. Speaker: Kathy at Bethel Mennonite Church, Giesbrecht. Winnipeg, 3:30 p.m. May 26-28: Plus 55 Retreat at Camp Moose Lake with Ontario speaker Peter Wiebe. Call May 10: Springfest at Niagara (204) 896-1616. United Mennonite Church, May 27: Mennonite Church 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Bake sale, Manitoba meets with church auction, music, food. reps at Carman Mennonite May 10: Fundraising Gospel Church, 7:00 p.m. concert with Summit and Una- May 30-June 1: Birding shamed at Listowel Mennonite Retreat at Camp Moose Lake. Church, 7:30 p.m. Call (204) 896-1616. May 12 or 13: Seniors’ retreat June 2-4: Plus 55 Retreat at at Hidden Acres on “The Camp Koinonia with speaker changing faces of Mennonite Menno Janzen. Call (204) ministry” with Werner Packull 896-1616. and Gerald Good. Call (519) June 8: Eden Foundation/Big 625-8602. Brothers Big Sisters Charity May 15: MEDA breakfast at Golf Tournament, Winkler, Stone Crock, St. Jacobs, with 1:30 p.m. Call (204) 325-5355. Steve Rannekleiv, 7:30 a.m. June 13-14: Winnipeg MCC May 15, 16: Bel Canto Singers Festival and Relief Sale at Ca- of Hesston College at Wideman nadian Mennonite University. Mennonite Church, Markham June 21-22: Bike the (15) and Listowel Mennonite Whiteshell for MCC. Church (16), 7:30 p.m. June 23: Graduation of West- May 16-19: Alumni Weekend at Fraser Lake Camp. May 21: Day of Quiet Prayer at Blenheim Retreat Centre, Are you moving? New Dundee. Make sure you May 25: Spring concert at take your United Mennonite Educational Canadian Mennonite Institute, Leamington. along! May 27-30: Quilts for the World at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church. Send your change of ad- May 31: Ontario Mennonite dress to Natasha: Relief Sale, New Hamburg. Phone 1-800-378-2524 June 6: Spring concert at ext. 221 Rockway Mennonite Colle- [email protected] giate, Kitchener. June 6-7: MennoFolk at Hid- 39 Canadian Mennonite May 5, 2003 Volume 7, Number 9