PM 40063104 R09613

May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10

Portraits of Jesus pages 8 and 9

Baptisms 13 years in the making page 17 DeskTop

Drinking the new wine how difficult it is to make our outward lives show we are followers of Jesus on our own strength. “I had been carrying aving just gotten married, my mind is still spinning the bag around long enough and I was getting thirsty, and with all the things my wife Myrna and I needed to maybe it was time to take some sips,” he said. H think about that day. One thing we did for fun was to “So much of Jesus’ experience in Mark is with the forms. have her outfit match the old English rhyme, “something Jesus is always going to exceptions: to women, the poor, the old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” sick. God’s love can’t be contained by the forms,” he contin- Since then, old schedules have been changing and new ued. “Our churches can continue to exist by just holding the habits have been forming. bag. Jesus invites us to taste the wine.” Our union with God is an even deeper bringing together We’ve just celebrated Pentecost, one of the great moments of two things than marriage is: “For it is said, ‘The two shall in the church where God filled the church with new wine. In be one flesh.’ But anyone united to the Lord becomes one fact, some in Jerusalem thought that those crazy disciples spirit with him,” as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6. In this had simply been emptying too many wineskins! joining of spirits, the old and the new rub shoulders awk- Being transformed by God outwardly and inwardly is wardly. Uniting with the Lord involves major changes to the hard. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:83, some days we way things used to be. feel like old blackened wineskins! Those days especially are It’s a warning Jesus makes clear to us:“No one puts new ones when God invites us to call on his spirit for new life. wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine Call for faith stories and testimonies: will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and One source of new life for me is hearing people so are the skins; but one puts new wine into tell their stories of faith. It’s a very moving fresh wineskins,” Jesus said. experience to be a witness to someone’s public “New wine, new wineskins” (right) was the testimony of their commitment to Christ and theme of the MC Eastern Canada spring the church. Easter and Pentecost are often conference held last month (see pages 15-16 for times these stories are shared publicly. our report). Readers (and the churches that hear these), “There is a fundamental incompatibility we would welcome your accounts of what God between the old kingdom and the new king- has been and is doing in your lives. dom,” said Scott Brubaker-Zehr, pastor at Our thanks to Natasha Krahn, who has Rockway Mennonite Church, preaching during been the magazine’s administrative assistant one of the worship services at the conference. for the past three years. We welcome Lisa Brubaker-Zehr said that the substance in Jacky, of St. Agatha Mennonite Church, into our wineskins had to take precedence over that role. She’ll be the person you’ll be reach- their form. When the wine changes, the ing when calling about subscription or address wineskin must change to accommodate its new changes. contents. He shared from his own experience —Tim Miller Dyck

Mission statement: Published by Canadian National correspondent: Leona Dueck Penner, Mennonite Publishing Service, Canadian Mennonite Winnipeg. Phone: (204) 888-6781, x178 serves primarily the people and churches of E-mail: [email protected] Mennonite Church Canada and its five area Regional correspondents: conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ Mennonite Eastern Canada: Maurice Martin, Phone: (519) 662-1031 periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the E-mail: [email protected] church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate Manitoba: Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Phone/Fax: (204) 745-2208 and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, E-mail: [email protected] news and analysis of issues facing the church. Saskatchewan: Karin Fehderau, Phone: (306) 933-4209 E-mail: [email protected] Head office: 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7 Alberta: Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Phone: (780) 436-3431 800-378-2524 Phone: (519) 884-3810 Toll-free: Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] British Columbia: Angelika Dawson, Phone: (604) 870-0494 Editor/Publisher: Tim Miller Dyck E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Board of directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld, John W. Goossen Staff: Ross W. Muir, managing editor; Lisa Jacky, admin. assistant; Alberta: Brenda Tiessen-Wiens, Jan Wilhelm. Saskatchewan: Bernie Tim R. Dyck, art director; Barb Draper, editorial assistant. Thiessen. Manitoba: Aiden S. Enns, Bernie Wiebe, Paul Krahn. Advertising: Barbara Burkholder Phone : 800-316-4052 Ontario: Mary Lymburner, Brice Balmer, Ester Neufeldt, Larry Cornies. Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.canadianmennonite.org Postmaster: Send returns to head office. PAP Registration No. 09613. Agreement No. 40063104. We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward mailing costs. Contact head office for subscriptions and address changes. Order form on inside back cover. ISSN 1480-042X

2 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 ThisIssue

May 16, 2005 4UpClose Volume 9, Number 10 Miracles everywhere 4 Sasha’s story 4

6 Faith&Life A positive theology of law 6 Peace officer defends choice 7

8Arts&Culture Passion Play Jesus 8 Mennonite Jesus 9 Page 21 11 InConversation An incredible mess 11 Letters 11 Page 8 Seeking unselfishness 12

14 WiderChurch Church school attendance 14 Extending Christ’s peace 15 Easter baptisms 17 Web site preview Get a preview of the next 23 LocalChurch Canadian Mennonite 16-year-old soccer teacher 21 Page 7 before it comes in the mail. Selections are posted on Transitions 25 our web site at www.canadianmennonite.org on the Thursday before the 26 TheChurches issue date. So you can check out the May 30 issue by May 26. 30 ToMorrow

Cover: Glenn Edward Witmer, right, with Dr. Maureena Fritz, president of the Bat Kol Institute, are pic- tured at the security wall extend- ing past the Bethlehem checkpoint near the MennoJerusalem office at Tantur. See story on page 16. Photo submitted by Glenn E. Witmer.

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 3 UpClose

Winnipeg Labour camp survivor sees miracles everywhere… Especially in the Ukraine! espite a childhood and youth election in an effort to eliminate moment in the history of Ukraine, the marred by war, starvation, exile election fraud in this emerging birth of a new nation.… I know that D and family separations, Ella democracy. some of us, if not all, were praying for Federau—who was born in Ukraine in Federau, who now attends this election. God answered our the midst of World War II—has not Springfield Heights Mennonite prayers. Praise the Lord!… My prayer lost her capacity to believe in, and Church in Winnipeg, writes passion- is, God bless Ukraine, the president recognize, miracles when she sees ately about the joy of being chosen to and the many little Sashas!” (Sasha is them. Indeed, she sees them every- witness the birth of democracy in her a child Federau helped in Kyiv on where, and insists that her whole life homeland and the emotional impact Christmas Eve. See sidebar story has been a miracle. this had on her: below.) The most recent example occurred “There were well over 4,000 applica- However, miracles were part of late last year when Federau (who tions, but only 20 were chosen from Federau’s life long before this event. speaks seven languages, including Manitoba. I was one of them. A They began with her survival of “a Russian and Ukrainian) experienced miracle!… It was great to have the childhood of starvation” when so many the miracle of returning to the land of opportunity to participate in this others didn’t. Her older sister starved her birth. On Dec. 26, she and 400 historic event, witness the critical to death at 14 in a labour camp in other Canadians served as observers during the Ukrainian presidential

Ella Federau, front right, was one of 400 Canadian electoral observers overseeing the federal election in the Ukraine. They all signed a Canadian flag as a memento of their contribution to democracy.

Kyiv, Ukraine Sasha’s Story n December 24, while serving as a Canadian observer during the O Ukrainian presidential elections, Christmas Eve. Eve. I told Sasha, “Never give up.” I went to the city’s Independence I bought Sasha a blanket, toque, mitts Later the same evening, a group of Square. There was a beautiful illumi- and food. He was so happy to see me, and 20 observer team members took the nated Christmas tree with many wore the scarf, toque and mitts, and train to Odessa. decorations in the middle of the square. covered his frozen tiny body with the We spoke about Christmas and I Speaking Russian (the language spoken blanket, and happily took the bag with shared my story about little Sasha and in Kyiv) I shared a smile and a joke food. we sang Silent Night. Somebody with people who had no idea where I I told Sasha that 55 years ago, exactly to suggested we go carolling on the train. was from. the day, that Santa had given me a piece of So we did. All together, we sang Silent Close by, I discovered a six-year-old bread for Christmas. I was also six years Night in English…then I sang it in boy begging. I gave him some money, old, hungry and starving in a Soviet labour Russian…and the others were hum- but he took me by my hand, looking camp. ming…. People listened to the Christ- straight in my eyes, pleading, “Please Sasha was my biggest Christmas mas message with contentment in their bring me something to eat. I am very present. God gave me the opportunity to do language.” hungry.” I promised. After all it was something for a hungry child on Christmas —Ella Federau

4 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 UpClose

Tadjikistan, Central Asia; Federau’s ing seven trips to Ukraine and one to to people who are biblically illiterate mother and two daughters had been Russia. because of their atheistic upbringing. exiled there in 1946 by the Red Army, She speaks passionately about “I can understand where they come after they lost track of her father “experiencing one miracle after from,” she says, “since I, too, knew and brother, who were working in another” as she spends several weeks nothing about the Bible aside from the various places in Germany during of her yearly holidays travelling things my mother taught me.... But World War II. around the Ukrainian countryside now I see a revival coming!” But thanks to a mother who “prayed together with local hosts, sharing her Federau not only believes in mira- with hope” throughout those long faith testimony and handing out cles, she helps make them happen. harsh years of exile, while working on Bibles and other Christian literature —Leona Dueck Penner a collective cotton farm, Federau’s faith was kept alive. Without a Bible Donetsk, Ukraine or church in the formerly atheistic The staff at DCU received clothing country, she says her mother “taught and canned meat to share with their me the Lord’s Prayer and told me bits MCC aid arrived families in time for the country’s and pieces from the Bible she remem- this winter Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. bered by heart.” Since the start of the new semester, In the early 1950s, they learned that in Ukraine soap from the shipment has been used Federau’s father and brother were for the students’ laundry and bathing actually alive and had immigrated to round the same time that Ella needs, and the canned meat has been Federau of Winnipeg was Canada in 1948. “My mother was so given to the DCU cafeteria to be used A travelling to Ukraine to help for their meals. thankful to God for answering her monitor the presidential election, a In a letter to MCC, DCU students prayers.… Father started to send container from Mennonite Central wrote, “We prayed that God would help letters and parcels…and words of love, Committee (MCC) arrived at Donetsk our families and he has answered which warmed our hearts with hopes loaded with clothing, soap and 4,800 through you. Your act of kindness is a that one day the family would be cans of turkey. huge blessing for us and is an example reunited….” But sadly, that never After receiving permission from of God’s response to our prayers.” came to be. Ukrainian customs officials, staff and DCU is one of the many recipients of In 1956, Federau and her mother students from Donetsk Christian MCC aid in Ukraine. Last year, the were released from exile; she grew up University (DCU) worked quickly to value of MCC material resources— unload the entire container in less than and received a master’s degree in including 45,495 pounds of clothing, two hours, all the while singing songs 17,760 pounds of soap (laundry and bar biology in Tadjikistan, where she later and distributing tea. Their positive soap), and 11,327 school, health, worked as a laboratory supervisor in a attitude impressed onlookers who sewing and newborn kits—sent to large hospital. represented several government Ukraine totalled $471,446. After the deaths of her father (1971) organizations. —MCC release by Tara Tharayil and her mother (1974), Federau, now a divorced mother of two young daugh- ters, immigrated to Canada in the mid-1970s with the assistance of her brother, whom she hadn’t seen for 30 years. She settled in Winnipeg, where she remarried and had another son. She retrained and was registered as a medical microbiologist in Manitoba, working for the government, and later the private sector, for many years. After a couple of decades in Canada, Federau got “very homesick” and began looking for ways to re-visit

Ukraine. Providentially, she came sity photo across a short-term mission brochure at Springfield Heights Mennonite highlighting the work of Disciple Making International (DMI), which coordinates door-to-door visitation campaigns in over 30 countries, including Ukraine. Donetsk Christian Univer This program proved to be a good fit Denis Sidorov, a student at Donetsk Christian University in Ukraine, braved for Federau, who, since 1997, has been winter weather to help unload a shipment of material aid from MCC. on eight mission assignments, includ-

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 5 Faith&Life A positive eeing “law and civil institutions there can be no society without a as part of the demonic,” with the theology of public orthodoxy of some kind. Even S church being “over against” this those who argue most vociferously for seemingly unholy pair, is a distorted pluralism or diversity, have a public view of reality, according to A. James orthodoxy that drives their agenda, he Reimer. law suggested. This puts the religion and theology Some at the meeting wondered if professor at Conrad Grebel University their loyalty to the state by perform- “the rights of the individual” and College in Waterloo, Ont., and the ing ritual worship to their many gods, Canada’s “multicultural society” are Toronto School of Theology at odds as they had done in the past, Reimer the “public orthodoxy” of this country with many of his peers, both past and noted that loyalty was now deter- today. present. Anabaptist theologians have, mined by their allegiance to the “In short,” Reimer said, “religious for the most part, assumed that the Christian God. pluralism and democratic tolerance birth of the church-state under the Constantine originally had good end up being not nearly as tolerant as Roman emperor Constantine in the intentions of not using violence or they claim to be,” because their 4th century A.D. was the beginning of force in religious matters. But eventu- proponents often will not tolerate the fall of the faithful church. ally concerns for the defence of the those they see as intolerant! “It’s an Reimer put forth his case during a empire became a moral and ethical illusion that we have a neutral police recent meeting with a group of law- obligation, particularly for Christians. force and legislative body,” he main- yers, police officers and others, where Reimer postulates something tained. he shared his long-term work-in- radically different than Constantine’s The church may have a continuing progress—A Positive Theology of Law, “public orthodoxy” or Augustine’s “just role to play in encouraging the govern- Order and Civil Institutions. The war theory” that followed it. According ment to be consistent with its goals, meeting, held at Grebel, was part of a to him, the centrality of Trinitarian such as those stated in the Charter of continuing series called “The Practice thought is the foundation for law and Rights and Freedoms, however. Some of Law and Faith,” co-sponsored by public order. Reimer assumes that wondered, though, if the values MCC Ontario and the university everything begins with divine agency, expressed in the Charter are too college’s Peace and Conflict Studies not human action. That is why reli- liberal for the church to support. Is program. gion, particularly Trinitarian thought, there anything that “trumps” law? a In the Roman Empire up to is a critical foundation for law and participant asked. Constantine’s time, there existed a public order, especially since the Fall. Reimer replied, “God does. Divine policy of official pluralism, based on It was then that “the boundaries of agency trumps human agency. We polytheistic political theologies, law [became] even more essential for begin and end with God.” Reimer explained. While implying a the preservation of life from total What might this mean in terms of policy of “toleration,” the emperors annihilation.” the practice of law and faith? Human were quite ready to use force against Reimer stated, “It isn’t not killing laws—created by politicians or other groups whose religious practices the enemy, or loving your enemy, that members of civil society—have to do threatened their loyalty to the laws of makes one Christian, it is loving the with ordering society for the common the empire. enemy as a form of faith in, and good. Such laws need to be enforced by Constantine’s Edict of Milan in 313 obedience to, the living Creator of all those who have the care of the commu- A.D. gave Christians and others the things, revealed in Christ Jesus, nity, including the legal and judicial freedom to follow whatever religion empowered by the Holy Spirit, that systems. they wished. But 11 years later, when makes not killing Christian,” Reimer If such laws are just—designed for Constantine established Christianity said, quoting from “Trinitarian the common good, and equal for all— as the official state religion, what Foundations of Law and Public Order,” they are binding on people’s con- seemed to be inclusive turned to the opening chapter of his work-in- science, according to Anabaptist exclusivism, as Jews and other progress. theology. Early leaders, including dissenting groups were increasingly “To follow the human Jesus of Menno Simons, held this view. But if treated harshly. Nazareth in itself is not a Christian laws are unjust, today’s dissenters, Thus the religious pluralism and ethic. It is the confession that ‘Jesus is like the early church, may find them- tolerance prior to Constantine was the Christ’ that makes the ethic of selves required to declare “we ought to replaced by a Christian “public loving the enemy Christian.” obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). orthodoxy.” Instead of demonstrating As a theologian, Reimer believes —Maurice Martin

6 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 Faith&Life Peace Officer defends career choice or Rob Schroeder, the recent ents and elders, we won’t always see eye to eye,” he says. killings of RCMP officers in The fact that Schroeder has to carry a firearm is an issue FAlberta has been personally he realizes causes the greatest difficulty for some. He also difficult. Schroeder is a brand new understands that there is no easy way to answer those who RCMP officer in B.C. and the tragedy would challenge him, as he struggles with this too. a province away brings the potential “To tell you the truth, I struggle every day with this cost of his choice of work close to issue,” he says candidly. “There is something inside me that home. gives me the sense that this is where I need to be, and I The decision to become a Peace believe my heart is right to trust in what I feel is a call from Officer—and Schroeder uses that term God.” very intentionally—was not made Schroeder believes firmly that his role as a Peace Officer lightly. He and his wife Angela had is to bring peace to violent situations, and he hopes that spent several years considering people will not be quick to dismiss him simply because he lifestyle changes. Schroeder wanted a carries a gun. career that enabled him to make a “ I believe that we are quick to judge each other. I do it difference in the lives of others. While too,” he admits, adding, “…we all want things to be black being a Peace Officer was not a and white, but they are not. I know that at times I must use childhood dream, police work has force in arresting someone for a crime they’ve committed or always been an interest of his. in keeping people safe from themselves or others. But part “Policing is so much more than of my call in bringing peace in violent situations is not to be writing tickets and putting drunks in violent and in not using excessive force and jail,” he says. “It’s holding people always using the least amount of force accountable to the values that hold necessary.” our country together.” He also believes that he cannot have He points to the main values of the a “holier than thou” attitude with the RCMP as Christian values: honesty, issue of carrying a firearm, recog- integrity, professionalism, compassion, nizing that violence can come in accountability and respect. Schroeder many forms. As he reflects on sees his role as a direct reflection of the tragedy in Alberta, his life as a Christian, standing for Schroeder says he realizes his job what is right and just and doing so can be dangerous, but it has also with integrity. made him proud to wear his uniform Still, the ideal is not always the as he considers the ultimate sacrifice reality, and Schroeder approaches his that these officers made. work with a great deal of humility, “I see my role as a Peace Officer recognizing that he isn’t perfect. Life, actually defending the peace he says, is not black and white, and he position,” he says. “My call and knows that his choice of career is duty as a Peace Officer…is to difficult for some. bring peace in violent situa- “The support I received has been tions, actively seek justice, unbelievable. My extended family has protect the innocent and been an excellent support,” he says. victims, and be an example “My relatives in South America could in our communities,” he says. not understand, because the federal “I know there will be times police is military and not that friendly. when I will fail. And that is But I see the RCMP as an organiza- all the more reason for me to tion that defends the rights and lean on [Jesus] and my privileges that our parents came to Christian family to support Canada to enjoy in the first place.” and challenge me.” Schroeder’s church—Sherbrooke —Angelika Dawson Mennonite in Vancouver—has also been a place where he feels safe and The views expressed above are those of supported in his decision, even though P.O. Schroeder and do not necessarily reflect those of the RCMP. not all members may agree with his choice. “[Sherbrooke] is home. And like any home with brothers, sisters, grandpar-

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 7 Arts&Culture

Winkler, Man. Passion Play’s lead role a demanding one t first glance, Don Martens very difficult…in my workplace and in very serious, sombre kind of a role. “It might seem an unlikely candi- my home.” has been that to some extent, but I A date for a major role in any sort Martens also recalls his experience also have really enjoyed portraying the of theatrical production. The mild- the first time he ever laid his body on lighter side of Christ,” he says. “[Jesus] mannered Winkler resident is married the cross. “I found myself thinking, was a magnetic personality, and that with two children, has a career in ‘Who am I to be in this holy place?’ I doesn’t come from just being serious human resources and attends Winkler viewed the image of the cross to be a and sober. It comes from someone who Mennonite Brethren Church. very holy image. And after a few enjoyed life and enjoyed people. He But each summer, Martens portrays practices, wrestling with that, I think taught in parables and stories, and I Jesus Christ in The Carpenter, Manito- it was God’s quiet little voice in my think often those stories were very ba’s outdoor Passion Play. Volun- amusing and very intriguing to teer actors and crew stage the people. So I think to that extent spectacle annually against the my expectations changed, and I open-air backdrop of Manitoba’s started to see more the real Christ Pembina Valley near La Riviere. in scriptures.” “I think we all have an expecta- “My personal faith impacts the tion, or a picture, of what Christ way I see the role of Christ,” would have looked like or would Martens explains. “I believe very have sounded like…how he would strongly in the story, but more so I have walked or how he would have do believe in the person of Jesus smiled,” Martens muses. “And I Christ. I was raised in a home with think through paintings or produc- the beliefs I carry today, but I have tions people have come to a gained a greater appreciation for preconceived notion as to what what Christ did for me. And this Christ might have looked like. We has caused me to think about could all be very wrong,” he admits Christ as a real person—as with a laugh. “But I think someone who lived on this earth. producers…are looking for a As Christians, we often have some particular voice, a particular look. real distance with that thought.” And I guess they probably felt that Martens has gone home after a I fit that to some degree.” performance with a few scrapes “I didn’t have to tell a lot of and bruises on occasion. “I’m not people initially that I was involved nailed onto the cross as Christ in The Carpenter,” Martens says was, but it does take some physical with a chuckle. “I have spent most strength to maintain that position, of my life clean-shaven, so sud- Don Martens of Winkler portrays Jesus Christ and to try to make it look believ- denly people were encountering me in The Carpenter, Manitoba’s Passion Play, at able and make it look real. So I with a beard and with longer hair. La Riviere, from July 8-10 and 15-17. often go home with very tired arms It forced me to tell people what and legs. that all meant.” heart that finally opened my eyes. I “I remember one time…when the Martens admits the role is a difficult realized that this cross is not a holy production was over, I said, ‘You know, one, although not in the way most place at all. This was my place, and if I could choose a time in life when I would imagine. “The first time I because Christ sacrificed his life, then could die, now would be the time.’ It’s committed to playing the role of I don’t have to be on there. So it has not as though I desired to lose or end Christ, I wrestled with that a lot, become a holy place because of what my life, but I think if one wants to end because I am by no means a perfect Christ did for us. When we see it life on a positive note, with the feeling person, and Christ was perfect, in the empty, we don’t see our bodies on of having accomplished something, sense that he was without sin in his there—we just remember the person that would be the time.” life here on earth. I have said to many that sacrificed for us.” For more information about The that playing Christ onstage for me is When he first accepted the call to Carpenter, visit the website at: relatively easy. For me, it’s playing the play the role of Christ, Martens’ www.passionplay.ca. part of Christ off the stage that is very expectations were that it would be a —Manitoba Passion Play release

8 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 Arts&Culture

Winona Lake, Ind. Pop-Mennonite surrealism? ith his Pop-Mennonite series Bugs stands triumphant on the of paintings and drawings, beard of Menno, pushing his hand WIndiana artist Don irreverently against the preacher’s Swartzentruber shatters any notion of forehead. Both the old-fashioned an idyllic concept the general public preacher and the contemporary rabbit might have concerning the Old Order have their large incisors exposed— Mennonite and Amish people. He Menno in order to sink his teeth into a portrays the shortcomings of his own small book, symbolic of his intense ethnic community, confronting and piety to devour the scriptures (with even caricaturing their systemic allusions to Revelation 10:9), and Bugs problems and troubling aspects, so to exhibit his voracious appetite to that sins, temptations and depravities chew his carrot. are not only characteristic of the In this jarring juxtaposition of the secular world outside. sacred and the secular, Menno’s Over the past decades, tokens of tongue offers only doctrine, while Bugs What’s Up Menno? American mass culture have infil- Bunny, as the jester, suggests—rather trated the largely isolated world of dubiously—a remedy to “life’s mo- spected community elder. these rural religious groups. These notony and melancholy.” By placing himself in a central alienating elements of the popular Despite a general Anabaptist position in this work, the artist cultural climate are represented by prohibition of portraiture as an art deliberately ignores an ancient the artist in the form of “pop” icons form, Swartzentruber—in his 2002 tradition, deriving perhaps a sense of taken from cartoons or comic strips. Self Portrait: The Grotesque Facing the gratification by breaking the ban. These figures appear in the artist’s Sublime—portrays himself with a There seems to be no sense of guilt or drawings and paintings at odd angles, large balding head and a sober, self- remorse on the artist’s part, unless the in jarring positions and in overlapping confident facial expression. He is absence of caring and sensitive human configurations alongside his images of dressed in the traditional plain coat hands—replaced by a pitchfork and “old-fashioned” community life and that he had inherited from his grand- axe—can be seen as self-condemna- moralizing family traditions—with father, a common item of clothing that tion, as if the very making of images of often startling effects. gives him the appearance of a re- art can be counted among the other A rather revealing—and disturb- destructive human activities that ing—portrayal is called Mennonite have already depleted the earth’s Jesus: A Publishers Perspective. resources. Swartzentruber depicts Jesus as On various occasions Don a dark-bearded and ordinary- Swartzentruber has both verbally looking white male. His large head and visually expressed his troubled is encircled by a headband of relationship to his own church and twisted rope instead of a crown of community, as we learn from the thorns, while he seems lost in commentaries that accompany the gloomy meditation, chewing on a work on his website gallery large stalk of grain. Jesus rests his (www.swartzentruber.com, then child-like body on “a Stonehenge of follow the links to Pop-Mennonite.) hay bales,” with each bale featuring One wonders if such a dark a grotesquely grinning or shouting confessional art, exacerbated by mouth. Could this be the artist’s elements of pop culture and irreverent way of suggesting that surrealist nightmares, yields a “the stones will cry out” when more honest perspective of Old humans fail to recognize the divine Order life. Or are such images a image? pessimistic—even embittered— In his drawing What’s Up Menno, reflection of a very private bias, so for example, a figure of Bugs Bunny that the artist is not only “seeing has been inserted into an otherwise through a glass darkly,” but conservative portrayal of Menno through a broken mirror? Simons. In this surprising way, the —Ilse E. Friesen cheerful rabbit is contrasted with The author is professor of art history and the cheerless founder of the coordinator of fine arts at Wilfrid Laurier Mennonites. Mennonite Jesus University, Waterloo, Ont.

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 9 Arts&Culture

Altona, Man. Greeting card and poster reproductions of De Traijtmoaka Ribbons of Life, a quilt designed by Judy Gascho-Jutzi of Kitchener, Ont., specifi- a Mennonite hit cally for the 2004 Canadian Heritage Rivers System Conference, are now e Traijtmoaka, the Low German available from the quilt artist. She says play written by the late Ben the idea for the cards and posters came D Dueck of Steinbach, was from requests by those who have viewed presented as part of a dinner theatre the quilt over the past year, which visually—in rich hues of blue, green and at New Hope School, west of Altona, on brown—tells the story of the role March 17. The event has been a Canada’s rivers have played in the tradition at New Hope for about 25 development of the country’s history and years as a means of supporting the culture. “I feel privileged to have had the school in this rural community. opportunity, in creating this quilt, to The play, which featured 16 capable contribute to the Canadian Heritage acting performances, portrays what Rivers System,” Gascho-Jutzi says. “I happens when patients go to the support their efforts to preserve and traijtmoaka (chiropractor in English), protect the great natural resource that is with various ailments like migraine the Canadian river.” To order the cards or the 18”x22” posters, contact the artist at headaches, arthritic pain and what- 519-743-9836. ever else the medical profession deals with today. Edwin Dueck did a masterful Arts notes Monday to Friday on CTS (Crossroads portrayal of the role of the Television). LifeLine is an hour-long traijtmoaka, Mitien Boakmaun. Mitien show featuring interesting guests who must be a counsellor and a massage Media award winner have incredible life-impacting stories therapist as well as a “bone-setter,” on the miracles that God has per- Mennonite Media productions earned and the stress of his work leads him to formed in their lives. With the music Crystal Awards of Excellence for utter frustration when problems arise of the Miracle Praise Band, testimo- programming in radio and TV produc- that he cannot solve. nies, and live on-air prayers for the tion. Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Joel Klassen played Vellim, Mitien’s needs of the viewers, LifeLine has Shadow of Suicide was named a son who has turned 18 and is totally opened a gateway into the spiritual winner in the Broadcast/Cable Pro- frustrated with all the farm work he is realm, imparting awareness to viewers grams division along ABC News’ required to do. as they get to know the true, living program 20/20 and other national and After a heated exchange between Christ. LifeLine also offers viewers a regional productions. Mennonite Vellim and his father, Mitien realizes personal link to its prayer centre Media’s Glimpses of Hope radio spots that maybe his son should go to through interactive prayer lines. also picked up a Crystal Award of medical school, something Vellim —CTS release would like to do. Excellence in the radio competition. Despite Mitien’s own poverty, he There were 923 entries in the audio gives his son a tin box of money as a competition, and about 13 percent of Publishing note gesture of good will. the entries won the top award of Comic relief in the play is provided excellence. The annual international Thermostat: How Can We Turn Toward by the English lady, Mrs. Donna awards program founded by communi- Peace in a Time of Fear is a new DVD Simpson from Steinbach, played by cations professionals recognizes and study guide released by Roxanne Reimer; it was difficult to excellence in the communications Mennonite Central Committee. The know whether she had a sprained field. The organization makes awards 100-page study guide organizes the ankle (which means “uncle” in plaut of excellence, distinction and three hours of video clips and activi- dietjch) or a hurt toe (“tee” in plaut honorable mention. ties into 33 sessions in seven units. dietjch) or she just wanted a plain cup —MC Canada release Themes include peacemaking, dealing of tea. by Melodie Davis with situations of conflict, trust and The play proved that rural security, terrorism, military recruit- Mennonites love their theatre as much LifeLine now in Ontario ment messages and nonviolence. While as their urban counterparts. designed for youth, the material is —Ken Braun LifeLine, a Canadian television suitable for Grade 7 to adult. To program hosted by Dr. Dick and Joan purchase or borrow this material, The reviewer attends Altona Mennonite Church, Dewert, made its debut in Toronto and contact your local MCC office or call Man. other regions of Ontario last month. 888-622-6337. LifeLine airs at 6 a.m. EDT each —MCC release

10 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 InConversation

Letters This section is a forum for discussion and discernment. Letters express the opinion of the writer only, not necessarily the position of Canadian Mennonite, any Scripture is clear of the five area churches or Mennonite Church Canada. Letters should address issues rather than criticizing individuals and include the writer’s contact informa- about women pastors tion. We will send copies of letters discussing other parties to the named indi- How is it possible that something that viduals or organizations to provide the opportunity for a response. Letters can be was a no-no in our Mennonite sent to [email protected] or to “Letter to the Editor,” Canadian churches a few years ago has now Mennonite, 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7. become respectable? In the March 21 issue of Canadian mand. In 1 Timothy 2:12, Paul says, “I you want to believe. Mennonite, there are seven women permit no woman to teach or have Another pastor said Paul was not pastors listed in articles. I would like authority over men.” Some say this is inspired when he wrote that. If Paul to hear and see what scriptures these not a command. How can this be? put that in the Bible by himself, then pastors use to now say that it’s okay I asked a lady pastor how she the Holy Spirit was more than likely for them to preach to our men in the worked around that verse. She said, sleeping! church. “O, that was a tradition at that time. It Is it possible that Satan is still In Genesis 3:3, Eve says, “God said, doesn’t apply now.” working? Like he said to Eve, “Did ‘You shall not eat…lest you die.’” In So you can call anything in the Bible God say…?” now people ask if God this verse, “you shall not” is a com- a tradition? You then follow only what Continued on page 12

An incredible mess vomited his breakfast in the middle of keep at arms length those whose lives Sunday school. Yes, mess! There stooped are too messy for us to deal with. he incredibly animated movie The teachers, parents and unfortunate by- No prostitutes and tax collectors Incredibles begins with an standers cleaning, disinfecting, caring— allowed! “Why can’t the world just stay T incredibly revealing truth. During doing the ministry of the incredible mess saved?” we mutter discouragingly as a television interview Mr. Incredible in the gathering best suited for it. The our once “Christian” culture revolts vents the pent-up frustration all moment was a metaphor for the super- against our rather bland attempts at superheroes must undoubtedly feel, heroic call of the Body of Christ. rescue. I think we need super-suits! Are saying, “Why can’t the world just stay We each come sick, messy, broken, our fellowships so untainted by the saved?” unclean and unrighteous, but we are world that the world is left untainted I suppose the role of a superhero is declared righteous, not guilty, washed and by us? Have we forgotten the mess was, not unlike that of mothers who healed in the sight of God because of the and is, found in us too? perpetually seem called to the ministry mess of Good Friday. Then we rise to a new Jesus’ ministry was incredibly messy. of mopping up messes, which may very life in the Spirit as children of God, and He washed feet, healed disease, well mean that mothers are uncovered religiosity, touched the superheroes. Just when you think outcast, associated with the despised, you’ve got things straightened out, discipled smelly fishermen, forgave sin. sanitized, and put back in order, you Outside The ministry of the incredible mess— end up right back where you started: the box that is what we are called to, too. dishes get dirty, kids need baths, and Called to kneel, to embrace those governments need prayer. Why can’t Phil whose lives are weighed down, whose the world just stay saved? Wagler honesty disturbs those of us who are We all nod our heads thus far, used to guarded deception, whose mess acknowledging the reality of a world makes us nauseous and leaves us somewhere between the manure pile wondering how on God’s green earth and bleach. Life’s like that, we admit, discover (gasp!) that mess, clutter and filth this will ever be cleaned up. and resign ourselves to the task of remain. What is this horrific irony? Why And that’s the point. Only our great keeping things somewhat presentable. can’t we just stay saved? God can clean up the mess we make of However, enter the world of the local Well, of course, we are still saved; our super sanitized sanitoriums we call church and mess is scorned and nothing can separate us from the love of church. But with him, something denied. Here is the one place that God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, and incredible is certainly possible! should stay saved, we reason, arranged our new identity is that of Christ himself. The writer, after having his dream of a like last we left it, perhaps even as However, the Spirit’s presence reveals professional hockey career ended by reality, Menno left it, and never, ever get out of mess that still needs grace and abundant has gone outside his box to serve Christ, now sorts again. mercy, and this we too quickly forget. So, to labouring as the leading servant (pastor) of How grateful I was for that holy compensate, we wear masks to match our Zurich Mennonite Church, Ont. moment a few months ago when a boy starched Sunday best, and self-righteously

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 11 InConversation

Scripture From page 11 What we read needs local to MWC? more careful study I recently noted a sidebar in The really said women shall not preach to Mennonite that reported on a survey of men in the church. Satan told Eve she On reading your preamble to the non- or inter-denominational book would be smart if she ate the fruit of letters section of the March 21 issue, I publishers. More than 80 percent of the forbidden tree. Is Satan still using realized that the letters are very their books were classified as self- the same line today? important, but sometimes, as you note, help. What does this mean? I realize In Matthew 7:20-23, Jesus says that we get hung up on one topic to the that most of the publishing houses in not everyone who calls him Lord will exclusion of others. We need a steady the study are profit centres and do not enter his kingdom, not even everyone flow of suggested topics. have ties to a theological perspective who prophesied in his name or cast Here is one which might garner other than evangelical. What is the out devils. He then tells these people, future discussion: How do you deter- evangelical theological perspective? Is “I never knew you; depart from me….” mine the books to include in your it defined by the profit motive and the Can anyone tell me who these church library? How widely do you self-interests of their reading public? people might be? read within the category of Christian We should have a discussion about Women can work day and night for literature? Do you enjoy reading intellectual property rights and the God, teaching their children and outside that domain and why? Do you Christian book market. What about Sunday school and doing club work. value reading clubs and what do you the religious book divisions of major They can bring more people to God choose to read together? Does your publicly traded publishers such as than pastors. faith community read and study books Time/Life? How much do high volume I suggest you read these Bible at a definable “grade level”? How do sales affect theological development? verses and then discuss them with your answers affect the various One further tidbit of information. God. God will be your judge, not me. ministries and services of the church— The Westminster Handbook to Evan- —P.J. Rempel, Rosthern, Sask. understood as including all levels from

about. Amazing! I now have to live with a few contra- Self-indulgence We all have issues that make or break dictions over technology. On the one seeking our conscience. For me, the issue of hand, I’m a progressive Mennonite. I’m integrity is becoming more and more sitting here, typing on a portable unselfishness important. A friend who rides his bike computer that will send this article to virtually everywhere helped me decide to Ontario by electronic mail. And I like it. took the bus to a meeting last year. take the bus. “Integrity is the currency of On the other hand, I’m also a new Normally that’s not a big deal—a change,” he said. “old order” Mennonite. I’m distrustful of Icouple of bucks for bus fare and an In this time when we are over-saturated technology. I want to shun innovation extra 10 or 20 minutes of travel time. with words, action is critical. So, I’m and settle for life in the 1960s or ’70s, But what if you live in Winnipeg and working on my integrity, trying to bring just after the hand-held calculator and your meeting is in Montreal? my actions closer to my ideals. I know this electric coffee grinder. I stepped on the bus at 10 in the can sound heavy-handed. Self-righteous For now, I’ve chosen to abstain from evening, spent two nights in my seat even. But I didn’t take the bus to be a saint air travel. I’m a modified conscientious and arrived at 10 in the morning on or to alleviate guilt. I’m in the middle of an objector (CO). The fast pace and high the third day. The meeting started in flying are symbols of our triumph over the middle of one day and was over the nature and gleeful destruction of our next. Then I went home, another 35 New Order habitat. In sympathy with other COs, I hours on the bus. Voice see our hunger for oil as fuel for ongoing Why all the hassle for a work- war. related meeting just a couple provinces Bus travel has become part of my away? Why not just fly? Everyone else Aiden Christian witness; it’s a spiritual at the meeting who came from points Enns discipline. beyond Toronto flew. When I arrived in Montreal, after 35 The problem for me was that it was hours on the bus, I was the most relaxed a meeting of environmental groups. We traveller. It is a luxury to sit with people knew travel by jet was the most fuel- experiment in the pursuit of pleasure (coughing, sleeping, smoking, eating) intensive way to go. Many of us, myself through clarity of conscience. and see the landscape. I was moving included, were encouraging Canadians When I act in accordance with my toward the sacred. Finding the gentle to use less fossil-fuel-intensive conscience—which stems from my evan- spirit of life that is unwelcome in the transportation options. gelical, Anabaptist, peace-loving, cult of speed. So, while it took me a little extra communitarian, frugal-living, charity- Aiden Enns is publisher of Geez magazine, time and effort, I took the bus to the minded heritage—I feel more alive. I guess coming Fall 2005 (www.geezmagazine.org). meeting. And I was a bit of a celebrity I’m doing what the apostle Paul called, He is a member of Hope Mennonite Church in for doing so. I got special recognition “work[ing] out your salvation with fear and Winnipeg and is on the board that publishes and polite applause. Wow, here’s a guy trembling” (Philippians 2:12). It’s a self- Canadian Mennonite. who actually did what we’re talking indulgence that seeks unselfishness.

12 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 InConversation gelical Theology struggles mightily in trying to come to a definition of Menno Air splits men at their seats and facilitate all evangelical theology. The surprising to form PlettsGo clean-up after, while the male passen- result is a severe reduction of the gers are encouraged to tilt their areas of consent as the variances This just in. After only one week of seatbacks to the fully reclined position between groups and individuals using operation, Menno Air announced today and enjoy the complimentary issue of that it will split into two similar but the Messenger conveniently located in the term are so many. distinct airline carrier services. Citing the seat flap, beside the culktosh. Ultimately, there are only three internal differences as the reason, a No headphones will be offered as in- areas of doctrinal agreement: “the spokesperson for the new entity said flight entertainment will include a ultimate authority of scripture,” “that this morning that the decision will group hymn sing. Hymnals are located God is supremely revealed in Jesus make it easier for both groups to behind the culktosh. Christ,” and “… a strong focus on deliver the order of service they believe At least once during every flight, the personal salvation by repentance and best suits their customers. pilot encourages an open mike time for faith.” Is there a clue here that the The new entity is to be named sharing. Smoking and drinking are authority of the evangelical tradition PlettsGo. allowed in the washrooms but not in the to lead the faithful into the whole PlettsGo makes no apology for the cabin where others might see you. similarity to its predecessor. Company PlettsGo says it’s okay for their word of God is suspect? president Martin Plett says, “It makes female flight attendants to point out We have 24 articles in our current no sanse to let vhat already exists go safety features of the aircraft as long as Confession of Faith and many of our for jonk. Minor changes to much of the they are not actually teaching from a sister denominations have even more. invantory will allow us to re-use position of authority. Why would we rely on evangelical averyting from basiness cards to jats. PlettsGo’s security policy is simple. If publishing houses for reading mate- Friesen Signs and Roofing of Kola, anyone threatens the safety of any rial? Wouldn’t we be limiting ourselves Man., will handle all the changes to the passengers, including a hijacking from opening up the whole scripture logos on da planes, while Martha’s scenario, simply submit. “Passivity is for study? Sewing Circle of Arborg, Man., will be always the best policy,” says PlettsGo —Dan Jack, Calgary re-stitching da names on uniforms and security commissioner Rudy Hiebert. “If making skirts longer. Changes to all vie blow up in da sky, we just have a basiness cards, forms and vehicles will shorter trip to havan!” Kudos, criticism be made by hand at the Easter Plett Perhaps the biggest surprise awaiting for April 18 issue Fest this koming veekend in Land- PlettsGo passengers is the fact that mark. Wiss all da cousins togather it there is no charge for the flight. Midway Beginning with DeskTop in the April makes for cheap labour,” Plett says. through the flight the pilot will lead the 18 issue, I was inspired. Most noticeable change will be the passengers in prayer (for a safe landing) Jewel Showalter’s account of Cheryl unique PlettsGo monogrammed head and then two male ushers will pass Derksen’s foot-washing experience coverings for all female employees and around the offering bags. Special music moved me to tears. Tony Campolo’s all pilots must sport beards. Ties are no will play during the offering, but never longer mandatory. In fact, they are in 3/4 time. Giving is voluntary but observations challenged me, as did discouraged, although no disciplinary highly encouraged. Both guilt and fear Charlotte Shristi’s peace reflections. I action is planned for non-compliant provide suitable motivation for most was glad for Dan Nighswander’s employees. Shunning is being consid- passengers. response, on our behalf, to Pope John ered, but has yet to be approved by the MennoAir says it “bears no ill toward Paul II’s death. company elders. our PlettsGo brothers,” but rather Then I read about MCC reps The in-flight experience promises to wishes them “all the bast in their new meeting in New Hamburg! I hope it be nothing short of “cultural” as many andavours.” was just an unfortunate slipping into changes will make PlettsGo a true According to Corny Harder (he the world’s jargon, but really! pioneer in customer service. For married Gerty Plett), elder for the new Mennonites looking into a crystal ball instance, gone are the “potluck” meals airline, “It’s not dat vie don’t love each offered by MennoAir. Instead, all udder. It’s just dat, to live at peace, it’s for direction? I have faith to hope that female passengers will be invited to bast dat vie do tings each ar own vay. listening for the Spirit’s direction is a help in preparations at the front of the PlettsGo is da only vay to go.” more accurate portrayal of what was cabin. All women will then serve the —InterMenno NewsWire being done at that meeting. Perhaps you will have slept on it and realized it was not the most appropriate headline for the article, or for how MCC or the church seeks direction for its future. I do enjoy Canadian Mennonite and value the information that keeps me in touch with what is happening in the larger church. Blessings. —Ruth Nighswander Smith, Ailsa Craig, Ont.

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 13 WiderChurch

Kitchener, Ont. Why don’t more kids attend church schools? wenty Mennonite Church East- Rockway comes from the MCEC MCEC child is $5,860 annually, but ern Canada (MCEC) pastors met constituent churches. It was a drop decreases to $4,750 for a second child Twith Rockway Mennonite Colle- from an earlier high of about 55 in the same family and to $1,685 for a giate principal Terry Schellenberg and percent that prompted the survey. third child. This compares to $9,420 staff last month to discuss findings of A similar percentage of the student for a student from outside the MCEC a survey entitled, “What prevents population at UMEI comes from family of churches. The difference is MCEC families from sending their MCEC churches. In addition, another the result of student aid plans offered children to Rockway?” 20 percent to 25 percent are drawn by the school and many MCEC The survey, conducted by the school from other Mennonite congregations churches. in January in light of declining (Mennonite Brethren, EMMC, EMC, etc.). Some of the pastors talked about the enrolment from MCEC families, asked Winters observes that, over the tension caused in their congregations respondents to prioritize 15 stated years, UMEI has produced many as families worry they may be strain- reasons why some families choose not students who became ing their church budgets to send their children to Rockway. Half teachers in the public to help pay for their of the respondents have sent children elementary schools of One pastor wondered children’s education. to Rockway, the other half have not. rural Essex County, aloud about the values One pastor noted that Vic Winters, principal at United carrying Christian there may also be a Mennonite Educational Institute values—or “salt and of people who could degree of elitism in the (UMEI) in Leamington, Ont., was light”—into their high “performance/ interviewed by telephone and invited classrooms. This is one easily afford to send perfection” mentality; to offer his anecdotal perceptions on reason UMEI does not their children to a for some students who the same key question. offer senior elementary have trouble with their For families who do send their classes. Christian school such studies, coming to children to Rockway, high tuition was On the question of Rockway could be rated first on the list of reasons why whether family and as Rockway, but intimidating. they think their peers don’t send their church should be the choose rather to spend Schellenberg replied, children to the school. In descending proper focus and “We need our best order, other reasons included: priority for faith it on finer homes. students to sit beside • Friends determine the choice; development—as those who are less • Children decide whether to attend; opposed to school—it was overwhelm- capable.” • Course offerings are limited; ingly clear that a Christian school Clearly both Rockway and UMEI • Distance is a factor; and such as Rockway does have a legiti- focus on the arts and more “academic” • Post-secondary education costs are mate role to play in faith development, course offerings. It is simply too more of a priority. the survey indicated. Eighty percent of expensive to broaden their programs Families who do not send their respondents who don’t have children into areas such as business, technology children to Rockway not only used the attending Rockway agreed that school or the trades. The problem is com- school’s list of reasons, but added some is important in a child’s faith develop- pounded because provincial funding of their own. In descending order, their ment; that number jumped to 96 changes mean it is no longer possible list of reasons included: percent of respondents with children for Rockway students to take some of • Friends determine the choice; who have attended the school. these additional courses in neighbour- • Tuition is too high; Rockway is well aware that cost is ing high schools. • Children decide whether to attend; an issue, and that it creates a percep- One pastor wondered aloud about • Distance is a factor; tion of elitism. Winters shares this the values of people who could easily • Special needs programming is limited; concern for UMEI. afford to send their children to a • Course offerings are limited; It costs UMEI $10,000 to educate Christian school such as Rockway, but • Post-secondary education costs are each student, but MCEC and congre- choose rather to spend it on finer more of a priority; and gational support allows the school to homes. It was clear, though, that for • It is important to attend the public cut the amount families pay in half. some families the Christian school school to be “salt and light” in that Winters believes the support comes option is an essential choice for which setting. from the local churches because they they will make some sacrifices. Approximately 50 percent of the see the school as part of their mission. —Maurice Martin student population now attending At Rockway, the cost for a single

14 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 WiderChurch

Kitchener, Ont. MC Eastern Canada: Extending the peace of Christ new vision for Mennonite blessing to those around Extending the peace Church Eastern Canada them, and extends to of Jesus Christ... A (MCEC), along with some concerns for the earth and uncertainty over how upcoming the environment. restructuring will affect the confer- Delegates passed the new Making Disciples ence, marked the annual spring ministry framework motion GrowingGrowing CongregationsCongregations delegate sessions at Rockway and gave approval-in-principle Forming Leaders Mennonite Collegiate on April 22-23. to a new organizational staff “Extending the Peace of Jesus structure; both motions came from Christ…Making Disciples—Growing the MCEC Executive Board. There Congregations—Forming Leaders” is were a significant number of absten- the new identity and purpose state- tions on the latter motion, however, key is a directional shift away from ment adopted by MCEC delegates. The reflecting delegates’ uncertainty over expert staff providing resources, to statement is framed by the “Vision: what changes they were specifically helping congregations grow their God- Healing and Hope” document of MC approving. given ministries,” noted Brubacher. Canada and Ephesians 2:17, “So he “We are wanting to write a check, (Canadian Mennonite regional corre- came and proclaimed peace to you who but not a blank check,” said Ed spondent Maurice Martin and were far off and peace to those who Janzen, chair of the delegate session Marianne Mellinger worked with were near.” Listening Committee. MCEC to help plan the new structure.) David Brubacher, MCEC minister to Presenting the new ministry Delegates expressed support for this conference, noted that this statement framework, Brubacher identified shift to a greater emphasis on congre- is rooted in scripture and the existing staff work overloads, owner- gational-level ministry. Concerns were Anabaptist tradition. The core state- ship by the next generation and raised, though, about how existing ment—“Extending the Peace of Jesus finances as motivating factors in valued programs—especially young Christ”—speaks of each members’ proposing this new way of working. adult and mission and service minis- personal relationship to Jesus Christ “We have come to realize that working tries—would be cared for in the new and it addresses their being at peace harder is not the answer. It is time to structure. And there were fears that with others. It invites them to be a do things differently,” he stated. “The the new structure might lead to greater isolation for churches without significant local resources or network- Does MCEC want ing opportunities. ‘cookie cutter’ pastors? that varying circumstances call for a certain amount of flexibility. “We have to remember the different n an effort to address issues of Training is one part of the equation, kinds of fringes we have in MCEC,” pastoral licensing and ordination, a as some Bible school programs are not stated one attendee. “We want places Iworkshop conducted by the really geared toward pastoral ministry. like St. John’s [Nfld.] and New Bruns- Licensing Commission at the MCEC Participants were also asked if it wick to be equal participants. The spring delegate session asked the matters if candidates agree with the same applies for Chinese, Lao and question, “Do we want to have a historic peace position of the Spanish congregations.” ‘cookie cutter’ approach to require- Mennonite Church? It was noted that Increasing expectations about what ments for persons who seek to be the commission often recommends that pastoral ministers in MCEC?” a new pastor be paired with an local churches will do for themselves, In small groups, the workshop experienced pastoral mentor. or for one another, might lead to examined two case studies, typical of Participants were asked how they reduced conference giving, a number of the kinds of ministry candidates who would respond to the two hypothetical attendees suggested. appear before the Leadership Com- candidates—both affirmations and “Our commission has been on the mission for licensing. recommendations for further study or cutting edge…. We feel good about Muriel Bechtel, Pastoral Services mentoring with a senior pastor. that,” said Elvin Martin, chair of the minister, pointed out, “We don’t have At one point in the workshop the MCEC Stewardship Commission. “If the authority to tell congregations Leadership Commission turned the things will be more grassroots…things whom they may hire as pastors. But “cookie cutter” question on its head. will be more on a user-pay aspect, and we can discern what we, as Leader- Using a whimsical visual aid, it was ship Commission working on behalf of suggested that the candidates them- that will affect the MCEC budget.” conference, require of candidates to be selves often need to ask, “Am I ‘cut out’ Larry Martin, chair of the Finance credentialled in licensing or ordina- for ministry?” Commission, and Ester Neufeldt, tion.” In this matter, she suggested —Maurice Martin MCEC’s accountant, presented a Continued on page 16

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 15 WiderChurch

Extending From page 15 “giving narrative,” describing the programs of MCEC and the funds allocated to each. In a funding formula with the wider church, MCEC retains 60.16 percent of all congregational giving it receives, while MC Canada receives 36.84 percent and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) receives 3 percent. MCEC ended the 2004-05 year in the black and was able to use its surplus to eliminate a small deficit from 2003-04. Giving by MCEC congregations was $2.4 million, up 1 percent from 2003-04. MCEC’s total revenue was $1.7 million, with actual expenditures of $1.69 million. The budget passed by delegates for 2005-06 anticipates $2.5 million in church giving, an increase of 3 percent over this past year’s actual giving, with a projected year-end surplus of $12,125. Marv Friesen, pastor at Welcome Inn Church in Hamilton, noted cuts to the Mission and Service line item in

the proposed budget will place a MCEC photo by Bev Raimbault greater fundraising burden on these Speaker Scott Brubaker-Zehr called on delegates to not focus on outward ministries. “I’m not sure what the forms, but to drink the new wine Jesus offers. sacred cows are, but perhaps some of them are sacred for a good reason, Brian Bauman, MCEC minister of Bequest fund and encouraged church because they began as a way to reach mission, stated during the finance members to consider supporting the out to communities with the good question period that part of the cut fund in their wills. news of the gospel,” he said. was due to a diminishing Mission —Maurice Martin and Tim Miller Dyck

Jerusalem But if Jesus tried it now, he probably of more than a hundred Palestinian couldn’t get there from here. and international demonstrators set You can’t get The world media needed to know the out on a walk from Bethlehem toward truth, but how? Jerusalem. For the first part of the there from here An idea was hatched by Palestinian trip, some of the group—including George Rishmawi of the Holyland Trust in about 50 children—rode on donkeys. any more Bethlehem and Pennsylvanian John Then yes, right on cue, as we Stoner of the Every Church a Peace approached the checkpoint a bevy of he story goes that a lost driver Church movement. They decided to hold a army jeeps raced up to block the road stopped to ask directions from a demonstration, knowing the likely outcome while a dozen soldiers locked arms to Tfarmer by the roadside. He of their efforts. Heading north from block the demonstrators who sat down enquired about the town around here Bethlehem on the road to Jerusalem, they on the roadway. somewhere. “Do you know where it is?” could expect to be stopped at a military A statement of “peaceful intent and he asked. The old man looked intently checkpoint, Rishmawi explained, noting, vivid description of the injustice” was at the traveller and said, “Oh I know “There is a military base, with patrols read, then everyone rose and left where it is, but you can’t get there from going back and forth. Rooftops in the area peacefully. The world media had its here.” are camouflaged, and Israeli snipers are photos and journalists their interviews. The same can be said about Jerusa- all over the place.” Internationals would Most will never be seen or read in the lem and Bethlehem these days, likely be allowed through, but locals— West. following the construction of an eight- those whose land this had been for —Glenn E. Witmer metre-high concrete wall (see front centuries and generations—would prob- cover). Two millennia ago, Jews under ably be stopped again, forbidden to go to The author is a Mennonite Church Canada Roman occupation could walk or ride the Holy City for worship! Witness worker in Israel and publishes donkeys to Jerusalem from Bethlehem. So it was on Palm Sunday, when a group MennoLetter from Jerusalem.

16 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 WiderChurch

Obihiro, Japan Easter baptisms 13 years in the making ollowing the funeral of a church member and friend last Septem- Fber, Mayumi Noto told her husband Hideo that she wished she could have seen their friend off as a member herself, and not just an outsider. After 13 years of faithful attendance at Obihiro Mennonite Church, this death triggered something in the Notos. Hideo and Mayumi finally realized the extent of their commit- ment to the church and to Christ, and decided it was time to make that commitment public. The Notos were baptized together on Easter Sunday at Obihiro Mennonite Church. As a child, Hideo attended Sunday school at a church in his neighbour- hood. When their own children were elementary school age, the Notos took them to Sunday school as well. Hideo said that although he was not ready to commit to attending church himself— preferring to spend time with his wife

Photograph by Miyoko Kanno on their organic farm—his own children helped keep him in touch Mayumi Noto (seated, right) was baptized on Easter Sunday along with her with Jesus. husband, Hideo. Mary Beyler, Mennonite Mission Network worker, stands “There is some understanding that behind her. to be a Christian—to be baptized and to be an active member of a church— [The Notos], who felt that they didn’t commitment that had been holding takes time and effort as well as just want to bother or commit themselves her back from baptism. belief,” said Mary Beyler, a member at to relationships within the church, had “I learned through the baptismal Obihiro and a Mennonite Mission actually become committed.” preparation that I had been too Network missionary in Japan since The Notos announced their decision indulgent on myself,” she admitted. “I 1974. “I have friends who think well of in February, following the death of had been stubborn. The entrance to the Christian faith, but say that they another church member, this time in a salvation was nearby all this time, but do not have enough time to become neighbouring town. I was too stubborn to pass through it,” Christians now.” Hideo, tired of waiting for his wife to she said. Aside from time commitment, find the right time, announced their Beyler believes Mayumi Noto’s accepting the Lord is rarely a quick decision to a church leader during a stubbornness may have been a good decision for the Japanese. “To come to meal following the service. Mayumi, thing. “I think that [the Notos’] slow Christian faith in Japan usually unaware that her husband had and deliberate decision speaks well of means starting from scratch, from zero already spoken, leaned over to Beyler the Mennonite emphasis on the knowledge of God and Jesus that are as they washed dishes from the meal discipleship that goes along with revealed in the Bible,” said Beyler. and whispered, “I want to be baptized.” faith,” said Beyler. “I think by the time of the funeral, After the Notos made their commit- “Baptism is not something that is Mayumi was beginning to recognize ment public, they asked for baptismal requested or done lightly at the first the depth of her own faith,” Beyler preparation, even though they had profession of belief, but rather an said. “She was becoming willing to tie attended church for many years. A expression of willingness to enter into herself up in the human relationships church leader led them in 12 study correct relationship not only with God of the church, including death, in a sessions over the next two months. but also with sisters and brothers more formal way, and not just relate Through those sessions, Mayumi within the church.” on the fringes or as an outsider…. realized it was not only time and —Laura Kraybill

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 17 WiderChurch

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Church worker ______released A new position with outstanding potential ______fter serving 10 months of a one- year sentence, Le Thi Hong The Organization: A Lien, a Vietnam Mennonite Mennonite Savings and Credit Union is a progressive and visionary organization. From ' ' Church (VMC) worker, was released our beginnings as a shoe-box operation in 1964, we have grown in size to rank 7th from Bien Hoa Mental Hospital on among credit unions in Ontario and 30th in Canada.With the experience and momentum April 28. we have gained, the organization is well positioned for continued growth.We provide a She was met by a group of 15 church full range of services to our members and have taken a leading-edge role as a founding members led by Le Thi Phu Dung, the partner of Meritas Mutual Funds. wife of pastor Nguyen Hong Quang, The Opportunity: who still remains in prison. Lien As CFO, you will have strategic responsibility for capital and profitability levels, sources happily greeted her family and church of liquidity and all financial matters. Applying your values-based leadership behaviour, friends. you will engage with management, staff, directors, members and other key stakeholders According to a church report, police advised Lien’s father before her on a regular basis. Your financial and managerial influence will extend beyond senior release that she should not go to the management to the Board and across the entire organization. This is a pivotal position Quang home, the church’s meeting wherein your creativity, judgment and strategic thinking will directly affect the financial place, and should not “cause any direction and success of the Credit Union and its members. difficulties for the local government The Candidate: authorities.” In response, he declared Based on a relevant post-secondary education,professional qualifications and experience, that his family would continue to you will have demonstrated the ability to accept and succeed in progressively more worship God and participate in the senior financial management positions.Based on an understanding and commitment to activities of their church. cooperative values and principles, your leadership style will engender confidence Lien was arrested and jailed on through an open and collaborative approach to people and ideas. As a strategist, you June 30, 2004, for “resisting persons will have a solid track record in conceptual thinking that has led to successfully carrying out official duties” during an implemented financial advice and decisions. incident four months earlier. She was convicted and sentenced to a year in The Community: prison on Nov. 12, 2004. Our credit union has grown up in Southwestern Ontario and its head office resides in a During her incarceration, Lien was recently constructed and well-equipped facility in Kitchener-Waterloo. Employees live beaten (to the point her jaw was and work in a region that boasts a strong economy renowned for high tech research and broken), abused and tortured, which innovation. The region has two universities and a community college, and is served by all contributed to her mental break- two major hospitals. In addition the area is home to an abundance of diverse cultural down. and sporting events and facilities. The Vietnam Mennonite Church believes Lien’s release was due to the Your Next Step: considerable attention paid to her case This position has a comprehensive compensation package and relocation support as by many foreign governments, human needed.Our search process will be thorough in an effort not only to ensure that we have rights organizations and international selected the ‘right’ candidate but also provided the selected candidate with enough media, as well as Mennonites and information about us to make an informed career decision. other Christians around the world. Friends are now seeking to raise Our website www.mscu.com has considerable background information about who we money for her medical treatment. are, what services we provide and the values that govern our credit union. If you would Lien was one of several political or like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Nick Driedger, CEO, in strict and human rights prisoners granted professional confidence at 519-772-5219 or [email protected]. amnesty on the occasion of Vietnam’s Liberation Day. Please forward your resume to: Pam McCartney, Human Resources Manager The Vietnam Mennonite Church is Mennonite Savings and Credit Union now calling on government officials to 1265 Strasburg Road • Kitchener, Ontario, N2R 1S6 free the remaining two church leaders, Telephone: (519) 772-5228 • Fax: (519) 746-1045 • E-mail: [email protected] evangelist Pham Ngoc Thach and Quang. Following an unsuccessful appeal of their sentences, the two were moved on April 26 to the Bo La Prison. A tradition of trust. —MWC Vietnamese Ministries ELMIRA • KITCHENER • LEAMINGTON • MILVERTON • NEW HAMBURG • WATERLOO • www.mscu.com

18 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 News ‘n Not 

From the Moderator’s Pen The General Refl ections Our delegates accepted in principle, a vision statement Council meeting Henry Block, Moderator, MC Sask called, “Vision for 2010.” Our Vision 2010 is a dream that on April 2,’05, we will open ourselves to God and to one another so that began the work The annual delegate session of MC Sask was held at Rosthern our life and ministry together has the following characteristics: of transforming Junior college on February 25 - 26. Our theme for this • We are Christ-centred. Like our Anabaptist forbearers,we our Covenant year’s session was “Celebrating Who We Are.” The topics are learning that, “No one can know Christ except by following into an actual discussed at our worship sessions depicted who we believe Him, and no one can follow Him except by knowing Him.” vision for 2010. we are in Christ Jesus. We are a people chosen by God. • As churches we have heard God’s call to be Christ’s body. The outgoing We are a people with a high calling. We are God’s instruments. This body transcends boundaries of age, race, class or gender. • In relationships we have accepted the biblical mandate to members and To help us to be who God is calling us to be, our conference equip and to send us into our world as ambassadors for those replacing has gone through a process of envisioning. This process Christ. As we follow the great commandment and the them (pictured was under the leadership of our conference minister, Ken great commission we seek to grow together to maturity, above) met Bechtel. At our delegate session the process by which the to the full measure of the stature of Christ. together for covenant was developed was reviewed. This covenant is continuity’s sake based on our understanding of scripture as stated in Our In the past several years we have worked well, and hard, to begin forging Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. The importance together. We feel we are at the dawn of great things to follow. the basic of scripture was illustrated by reading a paragraph from the As a faith community we have covenanted to let Jesus Christ structure of that section on scripture. Table groups discussed the application be our centre and to work together with the exciting as well as vision. of this Covenant to various church situations. This Covenant the diffi cult issues that may come our way. In the coming was formally approved by our delegates. This approval year we will be working at understanding where our covenant was followed by a moving “Recovenanting Service.” Our and our vision will take us as a regional conference. Mennonite Covenant reaffi rms our common centre in Jesus Christ and Church our commitments to living faithfully together. Saskatchewan Mennonite Church Saskatchewan “Sticky Wickets” • to explore confi dentiality, including different kinds and Jake Nickel Mennonite uses of confi dences. Church • home/work boundaries (on time/off time) Saskatchewan On Tuesday, April 5, Wildwood Mennonite Church, • power: balancing our expectations with those of the congregation. May 2005 Mennonite Church Saskatchewan pastors and other church • how to handle friendship in congregations. Volume 2 leaders gathered to explore appropriate ways of dealing • Number 2 knowing our professional limits (when to refer) with issues of confi dentiality and other appropriate ways of Mennonite facing “Sticky Wickets.” The workshop was led by Pamela The thirty persons present worked hard exploring what this Church Thomas and Frederick Seller of the United Church of Canada, means for them in their ministry. The workshop became an Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Conference program staff. The purposes of opportunity to form peer liaisons and support systems in 116 LaRonge the workshop were defi ned by the participants as: their individual ministries. They found that many of them Road • to hear questions and concerns re: pastoral boundaries. faced similar issues and so could fi nd among their peers Saskatoon SK S7K 8E5 • to explore our own boundaries in ministry. help, support and encouragement in bringing the message • to seek ways of strengthening those boundaries. of Christ to their relationships. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. . . How Vast Bey ond All Measure

Mass Choir CAMS Choral Festival Celebrates and dedication to the rehearsals, and his youthfulness at the CAMS Rosthern Junior College’s Centennial connected well with the adolescent singers. John brought Concert Erwin Tiessen to the weekend an understanding of, and appreciation for, what this was all about, which undoubtedly added to the event. Six Mennonite High School Choirs from Ontario to British Columbia found their way to Rosthern Junior College on Bethany Place could have seated many more people. As Friday, April 29, for two days of rehearsing in preparation the CAMS Choral Festival Concert unfolded on Sunday for the Choral Festival Celebration on Sunday afternoon afternoon, those in attendance had little reason to doubt at Bethany Place in Hepburn. The gathering was a very their attendance. This was a once-a-century event. Never intentional decision by CAMS (Canadian Association of again will Mennonite school choirs gather with RJC to Mennonite Schools) administrators to meet in Rosthern to celebrate the legacy of 100 years of RJC’s history. Beyond celebrate RJC’s Centennial. Along with RJC, participating the honouring of a school’s story, the two hours of music schools included United Mennonite Educational Institute proved to be a spiritual high for those moved by what (Leamington, ON), Rockway Mennonite Collegiate they heard. Among the seven schools’ varied repertoire (Kitchener, ON), Steinbach Christian High School I will long remember the passion of the singing and the (Steinbach, MB), Westgate Mennonite Collegiate choreography of many of the numbers. Then the 260-voice (Winnipeg, MB), Mennonite Collegiate Institute high school choir led by John Wiebe moved everyone. The (Gretna, MB) and Mennonite Educational Institute opening piece, Pentatonic Alleluia, captured us in its frenzied (Abbotsford, BC). Included in the weekend rehearsal alleluias. Singet dem Herrn, the German equivalent of Sing to schedule were a visit to Batoche National Historical Site, the Lord a New Song, brought a touch of nostalgia to the a social of choirs performing for each other, a jazz band generation whose mother tongue was German. A signifi cant concert and a wind down square dance. concert highlight was the inaugural performance of the commissioned piece, Faithfulness. Adding signifi cance The weekend highlighted the network of Church Schools were the comments made by Audrey Falk Janzen, the across Canada that serve as reminders of the commitment composer and accompanist. “How deep the Father’s love of many churches to join with families in nurturing their for us/How vast beyond all measure,” the opening words students from Kindergarten through to seminary. As well, of the song by the same title, confi rmed for everyone what the weekend, and in particular the Sunday afternoon this was all about. Probably the translation of the number, concert, profi led the role that choral music plays in Locus Iste, says it best. Its content refl ects aptly upon the schools, churches and families in our supporting constituency. history of RJC, along with the other participating The celebration certainly found its epiphany in the concert Mennonite schools, and just as importantly, upon the at Bethany Place on Sunday afternoon. It was there that experience of the afternoon. the decision to hold this weekend encountered its greatest affi rmation, both from participants as well as attendees. The translation reads, Area churches welcomed the high school singers into their church and their homes. All schools led in the worship Locus iste a Deo factus est/This place was made by God, service at their host congregations Sunday morning. inaestimabile sacramentum./an inestimable holy place. irreprehensibilis est./It is without blame. John Wiebe, Edmonton, proved to be a fi tting choice for guest conductor. His energy, his competency, his commitment To that we can only say, AMEN. Centennial Year Grad Joel Thiessen Once I started attending the school I found that everyone was very welcoming of me as a new student. It didn’t Joel Thiessen lives in Rosthern with his parents. He plans to matter who I was, I was part of a group that included all enrol in Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan in the fall. students in all parts of school life. Everyone had their own -Editor’s note stories and they all came from interesting backgrounds. It seemed like nothing about school life was monotonous After three years of attending Rosthern Junior College, I am and that every day had its new and exciting challenges. about to leave the school as a member of the 100th graduating The school year starts busy and gets busier until the year class. For three years RJC has been a big part of my life, is over. But that’s one of the reasons RJC is so interesting taking part in sports, music, drama, coffee houses, guys’ and rewarding. I am only now beginning to explore what nights out, musicals, service projects, retreats, and when it means to be a member of not only an RJC graduating time allowed it, even school. The inclusion of almost the class, but of the 100th RJC graduating class. Walking entire student body in all of these events, and the close through the halls looking at all the alumni, I think about all relationships that are made are what this school is all the memories that I have made in the past three years. about. I think those are the values that RJC was built upon. I also think about what going to RJC has meant to so many other people over the past 100 years. I feel very privileged “ I feel very In grade nine, my parents and I made the decision to to be a part of a group of people from over 100 years with privileged to be a enrol and give the school a shot. For me it wasn’t as big common values and beliefs. Being a part of the 100th part of a group of a decision to make as it was for others, probably because year’s graduating class is going to be very special. I will people from over I wasn’t leaving home. Many of my friends were either join my fellow classmates in celebrating the conclusion of 100 years with going to go to RJC or would be close by in town. It wasn’t our high school education, as well as the achievement of common values as if the school was foreign to me anyway. Being the son 100 years of an education with a plus. It will be a time of and beliefs. of an alumnus, attending drama productions, open houses joy no other RJC graduating class will experience. Taking a Being a part of and concerts at the school had already made RJC quite a look at 100 years of alumni while walking through the halls, the 100th year’s familiar place. The biggest reason why I chose to go wasn’t I begin to suspect something that is special to RJC. Once graduating class because there was a better class selection or that there you leave, you are more than just a picture on the wall. You is going to be were better music, arts or sports programs. The reason I become part of a greater community that seeks to shape very special.” chose RJC was to meet and get to know new and exciting the world with the same values that helped shape it. You people. Looking back, I think I made the right decision. become part of a tradition that won’t soon be forgotten.

News n’ Notes Camp Coordinating Commission orientations, updating camper applications, organizing joint Editor Dan Richert, CCC chair fundraisers and any issues that the camps have. The CCC Jake Nickel encourages consistency between the camps wherever 306.373.3390 The CCC (Camp Coordinating Commission) is a possible and wherever it makes sense. Design commission under Mennonite Church Saskatchewan that Lynda Derksen exists to build strong and longlasting relationships All of the camps receive the same curriculum for their between the three camps that MC Sask owns and operates. summer program. It’s exciting to see what the three camps Each site is very different. Camp Elim is located southwest can do when they come together. This has been seen at of Swift Current. It’s situated around a lake and the campers the joint orientations. For two days all of the staff from all are able to take part in a variety of water sports. Shekinah the camps comes together to worship and to learn more is located about an hour north of Saskatoon. Some of the about each other. Each year the joint orientation is held at features it has are a climbing wall and many hiking and a different camp. This means that everyone gets to see the bike trails through the valley forest. The Youth Farm Bible other camp settings and how each site is breathtaking in its Camp is located 45 minutes northeast of Saskatoon. It has own way. The hope of the CCC is that each camp continues a number of different animals on its farm and one of the to build strong relationships with each other in order to everyday activities is horseback riding. serve God.

CCC meets four times a year with representatives from each camp board. They discuss and plan things like joint “We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

Mennonite Church Canada

Assembly July 4-9, 2005 Charlotte, North Carolina

Shout the good news Spread the excitement Come to Charlotte Celebrate the church !

Delegates to Charlotte will provide insight and counsel to the following decision and discussion topics: „ Issues in Funding the Ministries of the Church: How will we build sustainable, long term ministry support amid changing patterns and priorities at the individual and congregational giving levels. „ Continuing Relationships between Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA: What is important about this relationship? Should we continue to have joint assemblies? „ Definitions and Expectations of Membership in MC Canada: How can we accommodate the desires of some congregations to be affiliated with some parts of the church body (area conferences) but not with other parts (national church), and vice versa? „ What is the purpose of Mennonite Church Canada? Delegates will be asked to identify ministry priorities and to approve a Statement of Identity and Purpose. Put yourself in „ Proposal for a Faith & Life Committee: Delegates will be asked to endorse the creation the picture! of a Faith and Life Committee to lead the church in discerning matters of theology, ethics, polity and practice. … and more.

Visit http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/events/charlotte/, or better yet, plan to attend!

Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them...so also the fish, as much as they wanted. John 6:11 LocalChurch

Floradale, Ont. 16-year-old teaches soccer in Ecuador annah Redekop, a 16-year-old from Floradale Mennonite HChurch, spent her March break teaching soccer skills to children in Duran, Ecuador. The soccer camp was part of a Bible school outreach to children in the community. Last year, Redekop spent 10 days working with the Duran church community as part of a short-term mission team from Floradale Mennonite. She had taken along a soccer ball as a gift, and spent her spare time playing with the kids. “I imagined what it would be like to share one ball. I just wished I had brought more,” she said. When Redekop returned home and talked about her experience, her

friend, Nikki Martin, said she had Photo submitted by Hannah Redekop always wanted to go to Africa and Hannah Redekop, left, and Nikki Martin, students at Elmira District Secondary hand out soccer balls. At that moment School, spent their March break leading a soccer camp in Ecuador. the two youths began to dream about going back to Ecuador. Last year, Redekop played soccer they divided the children into three Redekop suggested the idea to with the children on a field covered in teams and held a tournament. Federico Sanchez, a young man from clay and rocks, but she was pleased to “The kids really enjoyed it,” Redekop the Duran church she had come to see wonderful improvements upon her said, but there was a tough side to it know during her first visit. His return this spring. Since last year, a as well. “When my team won the enthusiasm for the project made it church in the United States had tournament, we gave soccer balls to seem possible. Redekop and Martin donated money to prepare a flat field those kids and other kids cried.” began planning and raising money; with grass, painted lines and nets. Their tears turned to smiles, though, they booked airplane tickets and sold The two biggest challenges Redekop when they handed out the Bibles, one key chains and pens to pay for soccer and Martin faced were dealing with to a family. balls and Bibles to take with them. the language barrier and the crowds of Many of the children were not The youths were pleased with the kids who wanted to participate. regular church-goers, so Redekop and support they received from their home Redekop remembers one scary Martin were pleased to see how many community. Not only did the local situation. During an exhibition match children came to church on Sunday, Woolwich Minor Soccer organization she could only put half her team on proudly wearing their “Keri’s Kids” pay for 31 soccer balls, but the Cana- the field at a time, but everyone jerseys. The soccer camp was named dian Bible Society donated 30 Spanish wanted to be in the starting line-up. Keri’s Kids in memory of Keri Bibles. The two used the money they Suddenly she felt something hard Versteeg, a soccer teammate of raised to buy jerseys for the Ecuado- poking in her ribs and looked down to Redekop’s who died of cancer in 2003. rian kids. see one of the unhappy players holding In reflecting on her experience in Redekop admitted that it was a a gun. Ecuador, Redekop believes it was very little scary to travel so far away from “I couldn’t believe it!” she said. “I worthwhile, in spite of the language home, but her experience of the couldn’t tell him anything because I difficulty. previous year made it feel as though didn’t know enough Spanish!” “You can still feel the love of others she was returning to old friends. The When she realized it wasn’t a real and the love of Christ, even if you can’t Canadians were hosted by families gun, she lost some of her fear, but it understand them. You can just sense from the Duran church, and the soccer was distressing that he was laughing it,” she said. camp was part of a Bible school run by and thought it was a joke. —Barb Draper young people from the church. On the last day of the soccer camp

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 23 LocalChurch

News brief

MCC sends school kits to Afghani students Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is sending some 16,000 school kits to students in Afghanistan this spring. The shipment, which will be distrib- uted by a partner organization, Help the Afghan Children, also includes 1,782 heavy comforters, 240 cartons of laundry soap, and items such as shoes and winter coats that students and their families need. It is expected to arrive in late May. In the past, MCC has provided funding through Help the Afghan Children for schools and for teacher training. Help the Afghan Children has educational and voca- tional training projects that are part of a wider effort to rebuild an educa- tional system devastated by years of conflict.

24 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 LocalChurch

Jodie, North Leamington People & Events United Mennonite, Ont., April 16.

Kitchener-Waterloo—When I Deaths began as pastor of Youth and Family Ministry at Waterloo- Bergen—Esther C. (nee Kitchener United Mennonite, I Klaassen), 83, Bethel was busy trying to think of Mennonite, Winnipeg, March 1. ways that the family ministry Braun—William (Bill), 70 (b. component could be addressed. Sept. 5, 1934), Coaldale The idea was put to me that, Mennonite, Alta., April 16. with my background in Brown— Jacob, 79, North musical theatre production, it Leamington United might be appropriate to take a Mennonite, Ont., April 7. project like the musical Julie Ellison White, pastor of Wellesley Mennonite Church, Derksen—Edward, 63, North Godspell to the congregation. left, presents Herb Schultz with a certificate of achieve- Leamington United The idea of a church musical ment honouring the 50th anniversary of his ordination, Mennonite, Ont., March 28. has really caught on at W-K, while his wife Shirley looks on. During the April 10 service, Friesen—Benno E., 84, with 40 people—from children tributes were offered by White and his daughter, Ann Tiefengrund Rosenort to seniors—busy rehearsing Schultz. His wife recounted the story, “Most Ministers Mennonite, Laird, Sask., songs, scenes and dance steps, Wear Sneakers,” proving that pastors are very much like March 15. side by side. It is a truly multi- their congregants. Schultz expressed an appreciation for Harder—Jacob, 100 (b. April generational project. The his family and the role of the scriptures and hymns in his 6, 1905), Hanley Mennonite, production team consists of life of service to God. Sask., April 6. Hilda Krotz, producer; Gerry Klippenstein—Erna Steingart and Janice Harder, United Mennonite, Ont., a son, Mennonite, Ont., a son, (Sawatsky) Neufeld, 79 (b. Feb. musical directors; and myself Cameron Edward, April 27. Alejandro Oscar, Feb. 17. 12, 1926), Trinity Mennonite, as director. We chose Godspell Enns—to Natalie and Phil, Peters—to Lori (nee Fast) and Calgary, April 14. because of its catchy songs and North Leamington United Jason, Bethany Mennonite, Mathies—Hilda, 85, Grace the story it tells. And what Mennonite, Ont., a son, Hunter Virgil, Ont., a son, Ethan Mennonite, St. Catharines, better place to tell this story of Philip, Feb. 14. Austin John, April 25. Ont., April 21. Jesus’ life, death and resurrec- Enns—to Shelley and Steven, Roth—to Yvonne and Dennis, Neufeld—George, 77, North tion than in our own sanctu- North Leamington United Poole Mennonite, Milverton, Leamington United ary, with members of our Mennonite, Ont., a daughter, Ont., a son, Connor Ray, April 18. Mennonite, Ont., Feb. 13. congregation? Godspell is Madelynn Elizabeth, Feb. 7. Salese—to Karla and Steve, Regier—John W., 78, suited to people of any age and Wichert—to Gayle Friesen East Zorra Mennonite, Tiefengrund Rosenort faith experience. Godspell runs (Tiefengrund Rosenort Tavistock, Ont., a daughter, Mennonite, Laird, Sask., Feb. 14. June 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., Mennonite, Laird, Sask.) and Olivia Mae, April 19. Reil—Dennis, 79, Salem with a matinee performance at Doug of Calgary, a son, Kade Schellenberg—to Teneille Mennonite, Tofield, Alta., 2 p.m. on June 11. For tickets, Benjamin, April 7. Friesen and Dennis, March 25. contact the Waterloo-Kitchener Gualtieri—to Nancy and Tiefengrund Rosenort Schmidt—Nick, 82, North United Mennonite Church Ivano, North Leamington Mennonite, Laird, Sask., a Leamington United office at 519-578-0660. United Mennonite, Ont., a son, daughter, Maya Dalaine, Mennonite, Feb. 19. —Chris Steingart Evan Graviele, Jan. 2. March 18. Shantz—Melvin, 84, Krueger—to Tracie and Dave, Singkhaew—to Denys and Mannheim Mennonite, Ont., Transitions North Leamington United Maa, North Leamington United March 20. Mennonite, Ont., a son, Adam Mennonite, Ont., a daughter, Stauffer—Harry, 84, Salem Alexa Sunee, Jan. 15. Mennonite, Tofield, Alta, Births/Adoptions David, March 4. Lichty—to Bonnie and David, Suderman—to Shauna and March 31. Boonstra—to Kristy (nee Poole Mennonite, Milverton, Dale (Houston, Tex.), Winkler Wideman—Inet, 90, Salem Braun) and Albert, Ont., a son, Tyler David, April 1. Bergthaler Mennonite, Man., a Mennonite, Tofield, Alta., Schoenfelder Mennonite, St. Metzger—to Miriam and Rick, son, Cade Ryker, April 11. March 23. Francois Xavier, Man., a son, Poole Mennonite, Milverton, Wichert—to Gayle Friesen Brady Isaac, April 25. Ont., a daughter, Kylee Jade, and Doug, Tiefengrund Baptisms Rosenort Mennonite, Laird, Bringleson—to Amy and April 18. Springstein Mennonite, Alen, North Leamington O’Rourke—to Wendy and Sask., a son, Kade Benjamin, April 7. Man.—Andrew Kroeker, May 1. United Mennonite, Ont., a Ron, Crosshill Mennonite, Zoar Mennonite, Langham, daughter, Annika Marie, Ont., a daughter, Gracie Ruth, Sask.—Thomas Epp, April 17. March 9. March 5. Marriages Brubacher—to Becky and Pedersen—to Dionne Baergen Bergen-Shalom—Dallas Canadian Mennonite welcomes Luke, St. Jacobs Mennonite, and Jonathan, Tiefengrund (Grace Mennonite, Regina) and Transitions announcements within Ont., twin daughters Katie Rosenort Mennonite, Laird, Rinat, in Israel, April 14. four months of the event. Please Richelle and Hailey Louise, Sask., a daughter, Hannah Harder-Jongejan—Kendall send Transitions announcements April 16. Kathryn, March 27. and Charleen, Toronto United by e-mail to Derksen—to Audra and Pena—to Martha and Oscar, Mennonite, Ont., March 12. [email protected]. Matthew, North Leamington North Leamington United Scherer-White, Mark and

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 25 TheChurches

Mennonite Church ship Commission (LC). expectations for MCEC pastors. 895-2267 or at Canada Leadership Commission (See page 15 for an accom- www.mennochurch.mb.ca. chair Leroy Shantz notes that panying article on how MCEC Camps with Meaning is a initial interviews with those is trying to address the issue of ministry of Mennonite Church Praise and prayer who seek to minister in MCEC a “cookie cutter” set of criteria Manitoba. churches sometimes reveal for pastors.) —Bob Wiebe Please give thanks for the gaps in their training. Candi- early release of Le Thi Hong dates are then referred to the Lien, a Mennonite church Mennonite Church Pastoral Leadership Training Mennonite Church worker in Vietnam who was Manitoba Commission to seek an Saskatchewan arrested last June and appropriate remedy. sentenced to a year in prison. “PLTC believes in ongoing She was released on April 28, Fellowship and faith Carrot River church continuing education for after serving 10 months of her at CwM retreats experiences renewal pastors; seminary training is sentence. only part of it,” says chair Fellowship and faith will be Carrot River Mennonite Continue to pray for Lien, Marilyn Rudy Froese. underlying themes at three Church, which has a member- her family, and others in the A question raised by both retreats planned for the spring ship of 151, recently held Vietnamese Mennonite commissions is, “At what point at Camps with Meaning. These renewal services. John Church, as they seek to in the training process should retreats include two 55 Plus MacGregor, director of Revival provide healing and hope to an ‘early assessment’ of events and a birding retreat. Fellowship Canada, spoke at a her. Lien’s mental and physical readiness for pastoral ministry The 55 Plus events are an series of meetings at the health deteriorated due to the take place?” occasion for seniors to gather church from March 13-15. conditions of imprisonment. Mellinger cites five core for three days of recreation, Members were encouraged to Arrangements are being made principles that guide her work: worship, biblical teaching and consider complete submission to assist Lien with needed • Life-long learning is needed interaction. Retreaters at in Christ. medical support. for effective ministry; these 55 Plus events in the Two weeks later, during the Nhien Pham, president of • Pastors need pastoral care past have appreciated the Easter weekend, the congrega- the North American Vietnam- and wider support for their sense of camaraderie and tion met together with the ese Mennonite Fellowship, personal and spiritual health; fellowship experienced. United Church for a Good expressed thanks on behalf of • Congregations are vital in The Moose Lake session Friday service. The two Lien, her family and the the calling out of young men runs from May 30-June 1. Jim congregations take turns Vietnamese Mennonite and women for ministry. A Brown of the Mennonite hosting the service on alter- Church, to all those who have “culture of calling” needs to be Foundation will speak on the nate years. prayed for her during this developed within MCEC theme, “Our story as part of On April 10, a letter from difficult time. congregations; God’s story.” Pastor Craig Hollands was Please continue to remember • Flexible programs are needed The theme for the Camp presented to the congregation. two other Mennonite leaders for pastoral training; and, Koinonia retreat is “Parables Hollands stated that he was who remain in prison: Nguyen • Forward thinking is needed of Jesus.” Two western “Jakes” not planning to pursue Hong Quang, pastor, and Pham to determine what kinds of provide the input: Jake another term as pastor with Ngoc Thach, evangelist. pastoral qualities, aptitudes Neufeld and Jake Harms; both the Carrot River church. and training will be required have lifelong roots and Holland’s term will be finished Mennonite Church as MCEC moves further into pastoral experience relating to at the end of this year. He Eastern Canada this century? the Whitewater Mennonite began at the church in 1999. At the MCEC spring Church of western Manitoba. Carrot River is located four delegate sessions in Kitchener, The birding retreat will also hours northeast of Saskatoon. Changes to training a workshop conducted by take place at Camp Moose —Ethel Classen and calling of pastors Leadership Commission had Lake, from May 27-29. This event will bring together a As part of the new ministry participants examine two case fellowship of people interested framework for MC Eastern studies typical of people who Mennonite Church in identifying and sharing Canada, Marianne Mellinger might appear before the LC for Alberta information about birds. This has become the coordinator of an initial interview. Partici- retreat has grown over the past Leadership Formation, pants were asked for Conference, camp staff four years, and encompasses employed jointly by Conrad affirmations they could give to changes underway both novices and seasoned Grebel University College and these candidates and for birders. While the common Some major staffing transi- MCEC as partners in the recommendations about bond is birding, a shared faith tions are currently in the training of pastoral leaders. further specific training, in the Creator of the birds also works at Mennonite Church One of the facets of this including being assigned to a permeates the event. Alberta. partnership is the interplay mentor. Further information about MaryAnn Van Oeveren, between the current Pastoral Leadership Commission also these events is available from youth activities coordinator, Leadership Training Commis- asked whether it should Camps with Meaning at 204- has resigned her quarter-time sion (PLTC) and the Leader- formulate specific education

26 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 TheChurches position as of this month. Van from June to August. The held on May 27-28 at Peace problems, as well as support- Oeveren and her husband Pim summer of 2005 is their eighth Mennonite Church in Rich- ers or would-be supporters, to own and operate a nursery and at Valaqua. mond, and the second is on come together and learn more garden centre close to Olds. On The camp board already has June 3-4 at Cedar Valley about how to be part of a the weekend of April 30-May 1, some volunteers in place for Mennonite Church in Mission. caring church community. they held a grand opening to the manager and director Lunch and coffee are included Toews will also present a showcase the business and its positions, and is working to fill with the $10 registration fee. workshop specifically for beautiful new tea house. Van the remaining gaps. pastors, to help them learn Oeveren resigned her confer- Nourishment part of how to better support those in ence position in order to spend mental health retreat their congregation who may more time with the business. Mennonite Church have mental health issues. Camp Valaqua directors Don British Columbia On the weekend of June 3-5, This all-day workshop will be and Tanya Dyck Steinmann MCC Supportive Care Services offered twice: at CBC on June have resigned effective Aug. Missional training in will hold its sixth annual 7, and at Willingdon Church on 12, and will be moving to Mental Health Retreat at June 8. Kitchener, Ont. The summer of Richmond, Mission Columbia Bible College. The For information and 2005 is their fourth as camp MCBC is putting on missional theme will be “Courage to registration forms, contact directors. Don has accepted a training seminars, “Walking in overcome.” It is an occasion Peter Andres, MCC SCS, by e- job teaching technology at mission,” in late May and early when Christians with mental mail at [email protected] or Rockway Mennonite Colle- June. Jack Suderman, execu- health issues, caregivers and by phone at 800-622-5455. giate. While reluctant to leave tive secretary, Christian pastors worship and enjoy —Marja Bergen Alberta and Camp Valaqua, Witness Council, and other workshops and recreational the job offer fits their dreams Mennonite Church Canada activities together. The keynote Unless otherwise credited, the for the future and was too good Christian Witness staff will speaker will be Dr. John articles in TheChurches pages were to pass up. lead the seminars. Their goal Toews, a psychiatrist from the written by: Leona Dueck Penner Camp Valaqua is also University of Calgary and (Mennonite Church Canada), is “empowering your congrega- Maurice Martin (Eastern Canada), looking for volunteer mainte- tions to effectively witness the author of No Longer Alone: Mental Health and the Church. Evelyn Rempel Petkau (Manitoba), nance/managerial workers to love of Jesus…in the family, Karin Fehderau (Saskatchewan), fill in for Jeff Schellenberg and across the street and around The CBC retreat will be an Donita Wiebe-Neufeld (Alberta), Ingrid Janssen. They will be on the world.” opportunity for all who Angelika Dawson (B.C.). See page 2 a three-month sabbatical leave The first seminar is being experience mental health for contact information. From our What are the criteria for commitment experience of 3,000 define who “our people” really leaders are. In order for true and mutual Christian fellowship? people on Pentecost, recognizes that they were adopted into the lasting fellowship to be the A recent experience, in the context of body of the universal church on that norm, we need to embrace an authorita- the greater Mennonite Church, jarred exciting day. I would suggest that the 3,000 tive scripture and a Christ whose me with feelings of misunderstanding predominantly Jews operated within an primary focus was to reconcile individu- and discouragement. One of the understanding that made their adoption als to God through the passion event. participants in the meeting made effective. Do let me declare: I am not denigrat- disparaging comments that these “new First, these converted Jews would have ing cultural characteristics. I am happy pastors” were having a negative effect understood that the law, history and to say that I have adopted faspa and upon “our people.” prophets (Old Testament) were regarded medaschlop as delightful traditions My feelings leapt to my defence: I as an authoritative document. This that make life all the more appealing! guess that means—as one of those new perspective would have long been incul- However, they are not the heart of my pastors (five years)—that I’m not part cated in the common heritage of Israel, fellowship with other believers, of “our people.” The response of friends whether personally appropriated or not. Mennonite or otherwise. around me was immediate, embar- Hence, their fellowship was made real A number of years ago, a Presbyte- rassed and strained. They rejected the because they shared this strong historic rian church in Ontario conducted a ideas of the individual and spoke conviction. study as to the viability of its future. words of affirmation to me. Second, they would have understood a The response of the report was that the The whole experience, though common conviction as to who the Christ church had little or no future because it unpleasant and frustrating, gave rise was and what his purposes were. They had become “a Scottish preservation to reflection upon the questions of: would clearly have understood the society,” rejecting the biblical mandate • Who are “our people” in the effectiveness of his cross (verse 36); his of its founders. Mennonite context? literal bodily resurrection from the dead Let us be a people seeking common • What are the criteria we need to use (verses 31, 32); and his ascension into fellowship on the essential truths that to determine who qualifies for inclu- heaven (verse 34). Their continuing, bring all Christians together, thus sion into “our people”? committed and moving fellowship is then forging the experience demonstrated in I turned to Acts 2 for insight and described in verses 42-47, setting in place Acts 2. encouragement. the definitive model for the church today. I believe that these doctrinal, “centre- Phil Wheaton, pastor of Criteria of belonging set” truth models remain the criteria for Bethel Mennonite Church, Langley, B.C. This passage in Acts, describing the our fellowship as believers and most truly

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 27 Advertising

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28 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 Advertising

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 29 ToMorrow

arts, music and worship, the committee seeks to nurture a Calendar relationship that honours the past, acknowledges the need British Columbia for healing wounds, and June 7, 8: One-day workshop contributes to the mission of for pastors on supporting the church. people with mental health “This event, the first one of issues. Speaker: Dr. John its kind we’ve sponsored, is Toews. Columbia Bible College very significant in that it (7); Willingdon Church, focuses on the earliest North

Photo by John Sharp Photo by John Burnaby (8). E-mail American Mennonite mission First Nations Mennonite Conference planning committee [email protected] to register. effort by any denomination,” members pictured at Koinonia Mennonite Church, Clinton, Okla., June 10-11: “Wholeness Sharp says. “And it will help to include, from left to right: Lawrence Hart, pastor of Koinonia through Christ” prayer retreat inform us about this early Church; Blanche White Shield, his aunt; Raylene Hinz-Penner of at First United Mennonite impulse for missions in General Topeka, Kan.; Betty Hart; and the Harts’ granddaughter. Church, Vancouver. For more Conference Mennonite history.” information, e-mail Grace Epp: Activities will include a [email protected]. Native conference set The conference will cel- keynote address by Donald L. ebrate and review the histori- for spring 2006 Fixico of Arizona State Alberta cal relationship and intercon- University entitled “American Clinton, Okla.—“Cheyenne, nected faith stories of the First Indian leadership.” The June 5: MCC fundraiser Arapaho, Mennonite: Journey Nations and the very first committee hopes participants “Glimmers of Hope.” An from Darlington”—a joint First Mennonite mission begun 125 can help dedicate one of the evening with Stephen Lewis, Nations/Mennonite confer- years ago, when Mennonites burial sites that are part of the UN Secretary General’s special ence—is being planned for were called as educators to the repatriation movement in the envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. March 30 to April 2, 2006, in Darlington Agency in Okla- United States through a Menno- 4 p.m., MacEwan Hall, Clinton. The Historical homa, says John Sharp, nite Central Committee project University of Calgary. Call Committee and Archives of historical committee director. called “Return to the Earth.” MCC Alberta at 403-275-6935 Mennonite Church USA is the Through storytelling and —MC Canada/MC USA release for tickets. sponsor. other presentations, various June 7-9: Seniors heritage Housing retreat at Camp Valaqua. Employment opportunities Guest speaker: Rick Plett of the Refuge Range, Linden. June 10: Grade 9 graduation at Menno Simons Christian School, Calgary.

Saskatchewan June 4: Bethany College alumni golf tournament at Moon Lake Golf Club, For rent Saskatoon. June 5: The Great Shekinah Adventure Challenge camp fundraiser. June 10-11: MCC relief sale and auction in Saskatoon including “Passing on the Comfort” quilt exhibit. June 17-19: Youth Farm Bible Camp 40th anniversary celebrations. June 23-25: Spring musical at Rosthern Junior College. June 25-26: Camp Elim 60th anniversary celebrations. June 26: Graduation at Rosthern Junior College.

30 Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 ToMorrow

Manitoba house, 2-4 p.m. [email protected] Bible literacy quiz answers May 29: Elias Chacour at for more information or to May 30- June 1: Plus 55 Waterloo-Oxford District register. 1. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Retreat at Camp Moose Lake Secondary School, Baden, 9:45 June 10-12: Homecoming at 2. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, with speaker Jim Brown. a.m. Topic: “The Beatitudes as Breslau Mennonite Church. Numbers, Deuteronomy. Theme: “Our story as part of Jesus taught them.” Call 519-569-8637 or visit 3. Israel (northern kingdom), God’s story.” May 29: Elias Chacour at www.breslau.org/homecoming. Judah (southern kingdom). June 1: Westgate Mennonite Marshall Hall, Bingemans, June 14: Annual chicken 4. Saul. 5. David. Collegiate Grade 7-Senior 1 Kitchener, 7 p.m. Topic: “New barbecue at Hidden Acres 6. Saul (not to be confused spring concert, 7:30 p.m. at initiatives for peacemaking.” Camp, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Bring with Israel’s first king of the Bethel Mennonite Church, May 29: UMEI spring concert, your own mug. Call 519-625- same name). 7. Esther, Ruth. Winnipeg. Leamington, 7:30 p.m. 8602 for tickets. 8. Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5. June 4: Open Circle launches May 30: Elias Chacour at June 23: MEDA breakfast meet- 9. I Corinthians 13. a new Community Integration Tyndale University College ing at St. Jacobs Stone Crock. 10. Matthew 18. 11. Matthew 5-7. Initiative with a barbecue at and Seminary, Toronto, 12 Speaker: Dr. James Snider. 12. 66; 39 in O.T., 27 in N.T. Kildonan Park, Winnipeg, 3-6 noon. Topic: “Faith: A source of June 23: Fundraising banquet 13. Goliath, David. 14. Saul. p.m. Guest speaker: Alf Bell. conflict or peace?” for the Lebold Endowment for 15. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes. Music: Walle Larson (jazz). May 30: Elias Chacour at Leadership Training at Conrad 16. Mark, John. 17. Judas. RSVP to 204-772-5317. Yorkminster Park Baptist Grebel University College, 6:30 18. Passover. 19. Psalms. June 4: House of Doc concert Church, Toronto, 7:30 p.m. p.m. Speaker: Jim Lapp, 20. Solomon. 21. Moses. at Canadian Mennonite Topic: “New initiatives for Franconia Conference Minis- 22. James—because of its University. Donations will go peacemaking.” ter. For tickets, call 519-885- emphasis on works (when Luther toward the band’s trip to May 31: Elias Chacour at 0220 ext. 223. had just discovered grace)! Charlotte 2005 Assembly. Brock University, St. June 6-8: Plus 55 Retreat at Catharines, 7 p.m. Topic: Camp Koinonia with speakers “Educating for peace.” Jake Neufeld and Jake Harms. June 1: Elias Chacour at Theme: “Parables of Jesus.” Conrad Grebel University June 6-10: Congregational College, Waterloo, 7:30 p.m. peacebuilding training with Topic: Educating for peace.” Nan Cressman and Dean June 2: Elias Chacour at St. Peachey at CMU. Contact Jacobs Mennonite Church, Shirley Plett at 204-487-3300. 7:30 p.m. Topic: Living and June 12: Eden Foundation, dying with conflict in Israel: Big Brothers/Big Sisters How should a Christian charity golf tournament, respond?” Winkler. For information or to June 3: Elias Chacour at register, call 866-895-2919. United Mennonite Educational June 17-18: MCC Festival and Institute, Leamington, 11 a.m. Relief Sale at Canadian Topic: Living and dying with Mennonite University campus. conflict in Israel: How should a June 25: Camp Koinonia golf Christian respond?” tournament, Winkler Golf June 3-4: 15th anniversary of Club. Contact Matthew at 204- MennoFolk at Hidden Acres 534-2504 for more information. Camp. Friday: Musicians June 27: Westgate Mennonite showcase; Saturday: Family Collegiate Senior 4 graduation festival/gala celebration. Call at Bethel Mennonite Church, Mark Diller Harder at 519- Winnipeg. 650-3806 for more information. June 4: Meet the MEDA Ontario international board at a May 24-27: Quilt exhibit at St. dessert night at the Healing Jacobs Mennonite Church Barn, St. Agatha. Free. featuring Deborah Beirnes and June 4: Community sale at “Passing on the Comfort.” UMEI, Leamington. May 25: MCEC retreat for June 4: Hac Attack 3-on-3 retired and retirement age basketball tournament at pastors and their spouses at Hidden Acres Camp. To Hidden Acres, 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 register a team, call 519-625- p.m. 8602. May 28: Ontario Mennonite June 4: Ride for House of relief sale, New Hamburg. Friendship motorcycle May 29: Willowgrove Primary fundraiser. 10 a.m. start from School, Stouffville, Ont., 10- Kitchener Auditorium. year celebration and open Barbecue and music to follow ride. E-mail

Canadian Mennonite May 16, 2005 Volume 9, Number 10 31 In our last issue, Canadian Mennonite profiled the popular Bible Quizzing event that takes place among church youth groups in southwestern Ontario. To give our readers a chance to test their own Bible IQ, MCEC regional correspondent Maurice Martin has devised a quiz just for you. Total marks possible: 40. See answers on page 31. Don’t peek first! How biblically literate

1. Name the four gospels. (4 marks; bonus mark if you can put them in the right order) are you? 2. Name the “five books of Moses”— also called the Pentateuch. (5 marks; bonus mark if you can put 14. Who kept watch over the coats of them in the right order) the men who stoned Stephen? 3. Name the two kingdoms into 15. Name the two Old Testament which Israel divided. (2 marks) books usually called “Wisdom” 4. Who was the first king of Israel? literature. (2 marks) 5. Who was Solomon’s father? 16. Which two gospels do NOT have 6. What was the apostle Paul’s other accounts of Jesus’ birth? (2 marks) name? 17. Which of the 12 apostles betrayed 7. What two books of the Old Testa- Jesus? ment are named after women. 18. What Jewish festival was Jesus (2 marks) observing with his disciples when 8. Where are the Ten Command- he instituted the Lord’s Supper? ments found? (2 marks; books and 19. What is the name of the Old chapters) Testament hymn book? 9. Where is the “Love Chapter” 20. Who wrote the Song of Songs? found (book and chapter)? 21. Which Old Testament leader 10. Where is the “Rule of Christ” on brought the people of Israel out of church discipline found? (book slavery in Egypt? and chapter) 22. Of which New Testament book did 11. Where is the Sermon on the Martin Luther complain, “It is an Mount found? (book and chapters) epistle of straw”? (bonus mark if 12. How many books are there in the you know why.) Bible, excluding the Apocrypha? (2 bonus marks if you know the number in each testament.) 13. Who was the Philistine giant killed with a slingshot? (bonus mark if you know who killed him.)