April 30, 2012 Volume 16 Number 9

Paddling for dollars See story on back cover

inside Take care 4 MCC programming control shifts north 19 Focus on Books & Resources 23 2 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Editorial

in our multicultural society? Are we hopelessly stuck in an outdated notion of Big box churches smaller communities of faith, holding to Dick Benner a standard of adult conversion, the “cost” Editor/Publisher of discipleship, and the sharing of bread and wine with each other throughout pringtime was in full theatre as we “information packet” and a loaf of freshly the week, while being change agents for travelled back from Virginia on a baked homemade bread. peace and justice in a world torn apart SSunday morning recently after a Distracted from my mesmerization with violence and greed? week’s break. Viewing the redbud, dog- with the splendour of nature momentar- When did the paradigm shift from wood and lilacs providing the backdrop ily, my mind wandered to the wonder spiritual “commitment” to spiritual “con- for lush green meadows was as much of religious commercialism in the 21st sumerism” occur? From going to church worship as meeting with the saints century, symbolized by the big box to give something of myself, rather than in song, scripture and sermon. We churches such as Fellowship Bible. going to get my personal needs filled—in turned off the radio and drove in I wondered what it was that drew effect, purchasing my well-being (sha- silence, soaking in all the beauty. the faithful away from those small, lom) from a full inventory of self-help Inspirational as it was, some- struggling churches to the dazzling goodies rather than getting the same by thing else about the landscape sanctuaries. Was it the sounding being part of an intimate group of Christ- struck me on another level as we of a prosperity gospel interspersed followers? traversed through the rolling hills of with nationalism, the elaborate praise After three decades of selling the Virginia and Pennsylvania before cross- bands, or the multiple offerings of “min- mega-church model around the world, ing the border into southern Ontario. istries,” such as financial planning and Bill Hybels, the founder and promoter It was the parking lots of the various parenting support groups? of Willow Creek Community Church, churches in which worshippers were As my friend Dave cynically com- outside of Chicago, is not so sure it is a gathered. mented when hearing my ruminations, spiritual success. In a recent public apol- Small Presbyterian, Baptist and United “Go to Row 7 for forgiveness, take a num- ogy to a leadership summit, he said: “We Methodist churches, neatly tucked into ber and proceed to the end of the line for made a mistake. What we should have the foothills, had half-filled parking lots, a premium package of apocalyptic end done when people crossed the line of while the large mega-churches, such as time scenarios.” faith and become Christians, we should Fellowship Bible Church just outside With declining attendance in some of have started telling people and teaching of Winchester, Va., had every parking our own Mennonite Church Canada con- people that they have to take responsibil- space filled, some with motorcycles and gregations, it is easy to have mega-church ity to become ‘self feeders.’ We should RVs. A sprawling complex of buildings, envy. In some cases, we are borrowing have gotten people—taught people—how including a family life centre and a fully what we perceive are the healing rem- to read their Bible between service, how equipped children’s outdoor gym, filled edies of this model to stop the bleeding. to do the spiritual practices much more several hectares of land. It had a striking Our cousins, the Mennonite Brethren, aggressively on their own.” resemblance to a shopping mall. have successfully adopted the Willow After doing a survey of his flock, A quick data check on this religious Creek prototype and built a huge facility Hybels admitted that the data suggested enterprise showed a paid staff of 40 and called Willingdon Church in Vancouver, “they weren’t helped [spiritually] all that an annual budget of $5 million. The attracting 5,000 congregants weekly. much.” These age-old spiritual practices reviews detailed a warm welcome to Is this what it takes to grow our of prayer, Bible reading and relationships, visitors under the auspices of an “as- churches? Are these the new Great he said, ironically, do not require multi- similation committee” that saw to it that Commission tools with which to take million dollar facilities and hundreds of each new person went away with a full the gospel “to every tribe and nation” staff to manage.

About the cover: Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at In this wrap-around photo, Scott Alexander (front cover) gets a free ride 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ from Camp Squeah program director Tim Larson (back cover) after the canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- canoe Alexander and Colin Charron were paddling tipped in a whirlpool dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at during the camp’s annual fundraising paddle-a-thon. The event raised our web site. We acknowledge the financial support more than $45,000 for student staffing bursaries. of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund for our publishing activities. ISSN Photo: Barb Bruce 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 Take care 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsAlberta correspondent Donita Wiebe-Neufeld explains how safety 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 policies impact church ministry: from increased administration and the WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 dampening effect on potential volunteers to a limiting of spontaneity, Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 especially in youth programs. Web site: canadianmennonite.org Please send all material to be considered for publication to: ‘We want to be Anabaptist’ 14 General submission address: [email protected] Brian Bauman, MC Eastern Canada mission minister, reflects on a Readers Write: [email protected] meaningful trip he and his wife took to Myanmar, where 23 adults there Milestones announcements: [email protected] were re-baptized saying, ‘We want to be Anabaptist.’ Obituaries: Graeme Stemp-Morlock, [email protected] Calendar announcements: [email protected] MCC partners aid Afghans suffering from war, poverty 17 Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/Obituaries/ Read the moving accounts of how the Help the Afghan Children, Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. Medair and the Women’s Activities and Social Services Association are Reprint requests: [email protected] improving the lives of Afghan citizens with the help of MCC.

Mission statement: To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing Tragedy to triumph 21 Mennonite Church Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Howard Willems of Nutana Park Mennonite Church, Anabaptist perspective. We do this through a regular publication and other media, Saskatoon, is not only fighting cancer caused by exposure working with our church partners. to asbestos, but the system that allowed it to happen. Guiding values: Focus on Books & Resources 23 Hebrews 10:23-25 • Accuracy, fairness, balance • Editorial freedom • Read about Sue Clemmer Steiner’s experience at Seeking and speaking the truth in love • Open hearts and minds in discerning God’s will • Mennonite/s Writing VI, plus reviews of new books by Covenantal relationships and mutual accountability Arthur Boers, Jodi Nisly Hertzler, Jeremy M. Area churches and MC Canada financially support 44 percent ofC anadian Bergen, A. James Reimer, Ervin R. Stutzman and Mennonite’s annual budget. Barb Draper. Board of Directors (by appointing body): Rock band asks fans for help with recording costs 33 MC Canada: Ed Janzen, Les Klassen Hamm, Doreen Martens; Aaron Epp reports on the unique ‘crowdfunding’ efforts of Oh Village, MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: James Moyer; a teenage rock band from Abbotsford, B.C., to raise $7,000 so they can MC Saskatchewan: Marianne Harder; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; record a CD this summer. MC Eastern Canada: Tim Reimer; CMPS: Carl DeGurse, Roger Epp, Tobi Thiessen Board Chair: Tobi Thiessen, [email protected], 416-622-7850 Regular features: For discussion 7 Readers write 8 Milestones 12 Head Office Staff: Pontius’ Puddle 12 Yellow Page 37 Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Calendar 38 Classifieds 39 Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Big box churches 2 Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Dick Benner Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Emily Loewen, Young Voices Co-Editor, [email protected] Worship as drama 9 Rachel Bergen, Young Voices Co-Editor, [email protected] Arlyn Friesen Epp Advertising Manager: Graeme Stemp-Morlock, advert@canadianmennonite. Learning generosity 10 org, toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Dori Zerbe Cornelsen Correspondents: Our mothers’ wombs 11 Will Braun, Senior Writer, [email protected]; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], 604-854-3735; Melissa Miller Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, [email protected], 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan Correspondent, sk@canadianmen- nonite.org, 306-933-4209; Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, Register your opinion [email protected], 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, [email protected], 519-579-7258. on the northward shift of MCC’s programming control Award-winning member of the at canadianmennonite.org Canadian Church Press Take care How safety policies impact church ministry

By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Alberta Correspondent

ntario pastor Kevin Peters-Unrau tells a Kafkaesque story of what happened when he volunteered to work with children in his community. “I had difficulty getting a police check because last July they changed the laws . . . so if you have the same birthday as a registered sex offender, you have to now be fingerprinted,” he says. “The earliest appoint- ment was for six weeks later. So then I show up there, I have questions: ‘Does this mean I’m now in the RCMP database?’ ‘Who has access to this biometric informa- tion now for all time?’ ” ‘We had to take extra care to be He was told his fingerprints would be compared above reproach. The safety thing with those in the registry and returned to him with no copy kept. “Now it’s all digital, so it’s not like I can prove just forced us to be more healthy.’ that they haven’t kept a copy, but presumably this is the (Rob Brown, case,” he says. “So if I trust the system, I trust that I won’t be in it.” Eden Mennonite Church pastor) A month or so after the fingerprinting, which he understood was a free police service, he got a call say- ing, “ ‘You need to come in and bring a certified cheque to pay for them.’ By this point we’re so far along in the [church] program . . . I never went in and paid for it or picked it up.” Despite his experience with police bureaucracy, Peters-Unrau is firmly supportive of church safety policies—even ones that require fingerprinting. “A good safety policy helps point the direction for people who are wondering what they can and can’t do. There should be information [in the policy] that helps people do their job better,” he says. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 5

Photos by Tim Wiebe-Neufeld

Windows in doors and walls between offices are a requirement in most church safety policies, according to Donita Wiebe- Neufeld, co-pastor at First Mennonite Church, Edmonton.

Frustrations with safety policies not trusted the way they used to be. faithfulness to Jesus really looks like,” he In 2012, safety policies are commonplace Larry Jantzi has served with says. “They don’t know that we can be in churches, and so are the accompanying Mennonite Mutual Insurance (MMI) in trusted. If we care about our neighbour- frustrations: increased administration, Alberta for 30 years, and has witnessed hood and want to reach our neighbour- volunteers reluctant to “jump through the the changing attitudes. “The shift I see is hood, we’re doing it [creating a safety hoops” for proper approval, false posi- that, historically, Mennonite congrega- policy] for them, so that they can look at tives with police checks, extra expenses, tions have been fairly rural based,” he us and . . . know that if they bring their and a limiting of spontaneity, especially says. “You didn’t see a lot of change in the children, they bring them to a safe place. in programs dealing with youths. people. You kind of knew them from way . . . It’s not about your church family or Cheryl Dyck, office administrator back when and knew who their parents the people who know you trusting you, at Cedar Valley Mennonite Church, a were. Nowadays, church membership is it’s about people who don’t know you Mennonite Church B.C. congregation, not as prevalent. You’ve got a lot more trusting you.” knows the difficulties of implementing a people church shopping. . . . There’s a lot Increased awareness of incidents of safety policy. “It’s been a mixed response, more changeover in the composition of abuse in recent media coverage and en- due to the fact that it’s one more thing congregations, and that leads to some couragement for victims to speak out are they have to do in order to volunteer,” she additional challenges when it comes to pushing churches to consider that there says. “Others think that it’s a wonderful at what point they can be involved in may be both victims and abusers in their thing for the safety of our children. Of certain ministries in the church.” pews and among their leadership. Even if course, you get both sides always.” this is not the case, congregations have a Safety policies are meant to help the An opportunity for outreach responsibility to both prevent abuse and church consciously and consistently While the high mobility of church to be ready to minister to hurting people be a place where people are physically, members may be a cause for lament, it who may attend their programs in the emotionally and spiritually safe. On its can also be viewed as an opportunity for future. website, MC Saskatchewan states that, outreach. In 2003, MC B.C. mandated Ten years ago, Mennonite Central “In addition to spiritual commitment, its congregations to adopt a “take care” Committee compiled a resource packet the church has moral, legal and societal policy, a policy that area church minister called “Making Your Sanctuary Safe,” obligations to ensure a safe environment Garry Janzen sees as helping to welcome which acknowledges that “incidents of for children, youth and vulnerable adults strangers to church. molestation can occur in any church— participating in church programs.” “If we want to invite the children from including yours. . . . Churches are by The implementation of new policies, the neighbourhood, the people in the nature trusting and unsuspecting institu- however, can leave long-time church neighbourhood don’t know that we have tions. . . . These qualities can make a members resentful and feeling they are this long history, they don’t know what church susceptible to incidents of child 6 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

molestation.” procedures may allow former perpetra- and congregants. Pastoral work involves Good safety policies demonstrate tors to experience healing as part of a being with people in crisis, and because trustworthiness, instead of assuming it. faith community. pastors often find themselves alone A congregation working with a past with vulnerable people, the possibility Safe policies protect everyone, offender displays its safety policies of boundary-crossing in relationships— not only children along with committee member names or of being misunderstood or falsely Kirsten Schroeder, MC Canada’s direc- on a bulletin board. There are agree- accused—is high. tor of human resources, says that safe ments between this individual and the Karen Martens Zimmerly is MC policies are important “because we are committee about where he may go and Canada’s denominational minister. “As the church. . . . We’re a model to the rest several people are assigned to befriend pastors, we don’t always see ourselves of the world about how community could and observe him while he is at church. as in a position of power, particularly in look. And so, of course, we want our He regularly attends a circle of support the Mennonite church,” she says. “In the vulnerable people to be safe, but we also and accountability outside of the church intensity of helping the person, we are not want to provide safety for those people and is doing well. “Often people who are always necessarily thinking about that who have encountered problems with offenders are isolated,” the church pastor difference in power and how our help will these kinds of issues.” says. “This gives them a chance to belong be perceived. Yet the onus is on us, in that While safety policies often focus on and be accountable.” leadership as the pastor, to not only care protecting children, Schroeder points out Good policies can also function to for the crisis, but take care for the relation- that they also function in the process of help pastors and lay leaders set visitation ship in that crisis, and that we provide the redemption. Firm boundaries and clear practices, minimizing risk to themselves healthiest leadership and boundaries.”

Food safety bureaucracy proves a minefield for MCC Relief Sale By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Alberta Correspondent

nne Wiens is determined to avoid food safety in- made. “The ladies at the bake table were just waiting Aspection hassles like those experienced the last for him to come by and give them a hard time,” Wiens time the annual Mennonite Central Committee Relief says. Sale was hosted in Didsbury, Alta., in 2009. The inspector also wanted everything ready first thing Even though regulations were complied with accord- in the morning, even though food for the noon meal ing to information the sale committee had received, a would not be started until later. zealous inspector made things difficult. The inspector After the 2009 sale, Wiens made a call. “It seems the focused on the Lao church booth, which had made its Calgary inspection process may have been due to a high- spring rolls at a Calgary restaurant and froze them for handed inspector who took himself very seriously, and transport to the sale. The inspector demanded to see will not be involved this year,” Wiens says, adding that the restaurant owner’s licence and health certificate. He the inspector’s superior promised to call her back, but shut the booth down while the church volunteers sent never did. to Calgary for the paperwork. This year, Wiens has proactively requested a meeting “We took two hours to acquire it on a Saturday, and with the Calgary inspection office, but she was told to they lost at least 50 percent of their potential sales.” just submit the paperwork. “Now when I try to call a Wiens says. meeting, they don’t have staff,” she laments. “So I wonder The inspector also demanded that food temperatures why I’m beating my head against a wall to volunteer!” be monitored hourly with a probe, whereas Wiens had “We are aware of the fact that we are feeding a large documentation asking for this every two hours with number of people and do not want anyone to become ill, a digital thermometer. Hand-wash stations were ac- so careful procedures are good and we want to comply cessible—one station per every two booths—but the with that thinking,” Wiens affirms, but ever-changing inspector said there should be one in every booth, even standards, increasingly stringent requirements and though space constraints made this awkward. overly zealous application of rules all make it more dif- Demands that everything be cooked onsite were also ficult to run the food portion of the sale. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 7

Policy roadblocks in youth ministry Chilliwack, B.C. When the “take care” it’s about more than “butt-covering,” It is in youth ministry that safety poli- program came into effect, he saw the that adequate coverage is part of respon- cies are in the most danger of becoming awkwardness of implementation and sible ministry. If someone was seriously roadblocks to ministry. Providing full acknowledged the vast amount of work harmed during a church event, “I want details of events, requiring parents to churches had to do. In spite of the hassle, to make sure that money is there to help sign permission forms, finding enough Brown says, “I don’t think it ever blocked them out,” he says. approved youth sponsors and drivers, [ministry to youth]. It’s being very While they may cause significant and assuring teenagers are not inappro- proactive about having it become a safe hassles that have to be worked out, safety priately alone with an adult or each other place and being a good steward of your policies also have the potential to be are daunting tasks and can raise the ire of commission, your ministry. You have to powerful enablers of ministry. They can parents, youths and youth workers. be a good steward of providing that as a help welcome and witness to strangers by Such hallmarks of youth as spontaneity safe place. It’s very necessary.” clearly demonstrating a church’s desire and creativity can be severely limited by Like Rehan, Brown notes that trans- to be a safe place for the vulnerable and safety policies, according to Anna Rehan, portation for youths is a complication. those in search of redemption. They can MC Saskatchewan youth minister, who “We had to take extra care to be above be a catalyst to conversation on difficult notes that youths often show up at the reproach,” he says. “The safety thing just topics. And they support leaders as they last minute for events, making it difficult forced us to be more healthy.” strive to model healthy relationship to ensure all the permission and super- boundaries and protect them from false vision requirements are met. Safety policies are here to stay accusations. The thing that most frustrates Rehan, That safety policies are critically im- “They are a very good thing,” Schroeder however, is how policies can inhibit one- portant is widely acknowledged among concludes. “It was one of the things on-one conversations between adults church leadership, and the policies are that used to keep me up at night when I and teens. “Policy says you can’t be alone here to stay. “They are quite important started working here and knowing that with someone,” she says. “When it starts because of the increased litigation so we had created the perfect storm for po- inhibiting ministry, there’s a problem.” prevalent in our society, and the higher tential misuses of power. I am so grateful Rehan has found that young people responsibility and duty of care that insti- to churches for picking up on this topic are more likely to open up about impor- tutions like a church owes to minors in and overcoming their uncomfortableness tant issues when they are with a trusted particular,” Larry Jantzi of MMI says. with it. . . . We encourage those churches adult and peer pressure is not at play. While fulfilling insurance require- who don’t yet have a policy, to undertake Mentorship programs and pairing adults ments is not the foremost reason for the this task because it really is a very good and teens are valuable as places where adoption of safe policies, it is an impor- thing to have in place for all members.” l youths can speak to adults other than tant consideration. Peters-Unrau says their parents about faith and life issues. These programs are especially problem- atic for safety policies and difficult for Rehan, as she tries to help congregations set them up. ΛΛFor discussion There are ways to ensure safety and still have one-on-one encounters, but 1. Does your congregation have a safe church policy? Whose responsibility is it to extra thought and preparation are neces- implement and review the policy? What has been the effect of the policy? How does sary. When Rehan is alone with a young it relate to Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:5-7? person, she tries to meet in a public place, 2. How important are safe church policies? Do they hinder volunteers from get- such as a coffee shop, but transportation ting involved? Do they hamper youth programming? Do they help neighbours for youths who do not drive complicates feel comfortable that their children are safe? Do they remind church leaders of the matters. Rehan checks with parents to implications of abusing the trust of others? make sure they agree with her driving or meeting with their child. “It becomes so 3. Have you personally encountered the Canadian Food Inspection Agency? How cumbersome, even with people driving important is the work that it does? In what situations do food safety inspection laws kids,” she says. “You always have to have apply to churches? How concerned should we be about food safety? How much of two adults. It just gets to be so cumber- our safety is ultimately dependent on God (Psalm 4:8)? some that you can’t do ministry, and then 4. Is the push for safety/food policies and laws primarily driven by fear of lawsuits? it’s not helpful.” What changes in society have led to an increase of such regulations? How effective Rob Brown was a youth pastor for are policies and laws in bringing about desired behaviour? Are there other things 13 years, and has been lead pastor for our churches could be doing to improve safety? four years at Eden Mennonite Church, 8 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Viewpoints EE Aid funding redirected to international trade ΛΛReaders write The hammer that had earlier fallen on faith-based We CreateWe welcome yourHealthy comments and publish Smiles most letters sent organizations$ such as Kairos and Mennonite Central by subscribers intended for publication. This section is Committee (“On shaky ground,” March 6, page 20) has largely an open forum for the sharing of views. Letters are now fallen on the Canadian Catholic Organization for the opinion of the writer only—publication does not mean Development50 and Peace (D&P), which heard recently endorsement by the magazine or the church. Keep letters that the fundingOFF proposal made to the Canadian to 400 words or less and address issues rather than indi- International Development Agency (CIDA) back in viduals. We do not countenance rancour or animosity. July 2010 for funding projects over the next five years Personal attacks are inappropriate and will not see the had beenZOOM cut by two-thirds. light of print. Please send letters to be considered for publi- For D&P, which had been running 186 projects in 30 cation to [email protected] or by postal mail of theTeeth world’s Whitening poorest countries, the cut from $44.6 or fax, marked “Attn: Readers Write” (our address is on million to(Reg. $14.5 ONLY million $350) over five years is devastating. page 3). Letters should include the author’s contact infor- This reflects the government’s intention to refocus We accept credit cards, interact mation and mailing address. Letters are edited for length, its aid budgetand insurance on trade, plans. rather than aid to the poorest style and adherence to editorial guidelines. Preference will of the poor. And it’s not like there is no money left in be given to letters from MC Canada congregants. the development envelope; it’s just that the govern- ment is seeking new partners. Last fall, while D&P and other agencies were anxiously awaiting their fate, CIDA minister Bev Oda was signing contracts worth $26 million with Canadian mining companies to undertake a number 181 Park St. Waterloo of “corporate responsibility” projects. In Burkina Faso, IAmGold’s519.954.9092 project is said to offer skills training to young peopleExpires working July 31/12 in the mining industry. One wonders why mining companies need money from Healthy Gums - Healthy Body the Canadian government to provide job training. The • Professional Dental Cleaning • Sensitive Teeth Treatment CEO of Barrick Gold, which will also receive CIDA money, took home $9.9 million in pay in 2010. • Mouthguard Fabrication • ZOOM and Tray Whitening The$ policy of our federal government in the area of human rights and international aid is becoming Highly experienced team of Registered Dental Hygienists clearer if we follow where the money will be spent. In the federal25 budget the Harper government proposed pamper you in a relaxed atmosphere a 7.5 percentOFF cut in foreign aid. Oxfam Canada called the move a sign that “the Harper government is turn- SATURDAY & EVENING APPOINTMENTS ing its back on the world’s poor.” However, there are still Takebillions available Home for building prisons and buying fighterTeeth jets. Whitening If you are like me and feel that this is not the direc- tion we want(Reg. our ONLY country $150) to go, mention it to your MP theWe next accept time credityou speak cards, with interact him or her. Louis andBalcaen, insurance plans.La Broquerie, Man.

EE Disturbing implications to CIDA cuts for MCC

181 Park St. Waterloo Re: “On shaky ground,” March 5, page 20. The denial of Canadian International Development 181 Park St. Waterloo 519.954.9092 Agency (CIDA) funding for Mennonite Central Committee519.954.9092 (MCC) has disturbing implications. It www.uptowndentalhygiene.com might includeExpires a reductionJuly 31/12 of MCC programs due to a funding shortage. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 9

MCC’s application did not meet government cri- EE MCC ‘affirms the centrality teria, which might well be code for “don’t be critical of of faith in Jesus Christ’ this government.” A further concern is the impact of the CIDA decision Re: “No religion superior to another,” March 19, on MCC staff: it silences them. MCC staffers working page 36. in areas of peace, refugees, justice or aboriginal affairs It is unfortunate that the “No religion superior to will need to be careful about what, if anything, they say another” headline was used to describe the interfaith about government policies. Speaking out could result in youth event held in Winnipeg and supported by MCC administrators reprimanding or dismissing staff, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba. all because staff comments might jeopardize the pos- MCC Manitoba peace coordinator Steve Plenert is sibility of future government funding. accurately quoted as saying, “There was no sense that When this happens, the prophetic insight of MCC one of these religions or faiths is superior or better.” is diminished or lost completely if the soul has been But the statement was intended to show the attitude compromised in the hope of pleasing the government of respect which prevailed among conference partici- and getting money. This is sad. Very sad. pants as they talked about faith. It was not a statement Henry Neufeld, Delta B.C. about the equality or inequality of religions.

From Our Leaders We almost need a dramatic pause after the telling of Scripture, an intermission Worship as drama to transition ourselves back to “horizon- tal speech” again. As the preacher hum- Arlyn Friesen Epp bly embraces the mood and tempo of the service, and engages the text, the sermon ccasionally, because of my in one voice. “When in our music God is extends God’s unfolding story of grace, background in dramatic arts glorified,” hymn writer Fred Pratt Green compassion and hope, that we might all Oand pastoral ministry, I have acknowledges, “it is as though the whole beg to become actors in the narrative. been asked how well worship and drama creation cried.” And the transformation, After moments for silence, song, prayer, mix. The query often assumes a discon- the dramatic metamorphosis of worship, movement and offering, our participa- nect between the two, or, at best, a sense unfolds. And that’s only Act I. tion here has ended, and we hear the final that if the “dramatic element” is missing, In the compelling rhythm of a sacred benedictory address. The music subsides it can simply be added to an existent wor- dance, the “arc” of the service continues and we leave the sanctuary filled, whole, ship outline with a skit, reading or other to grow and develop, from confession to to step again onto the stage of life. piece. praise, from lament to joy. We engage Wow! Is this your experience? Has the I prefer to see the discus- sion differently and encour- We engage our primal selves—emotion, intellect age churches to understand their entire worship experi- and soul—with the movement of God’s Spirit. ence as drama. Imagine the following scenario: our primal selves—emotion, intellect and flare of God’s Spirit dramatically moved The first chords of the worship band or soul—with the movement of God’s Spirit. in your midst? Have you embraced the the piano prelude ring through the sanc- And we have yet to reach the pinnacle drama of worship? I pray that the next tuary, evoking the same anticipation that moment of worship: the focused hear- time you receive your Sunday morning accompanies the dimming of houselights ing of God’s Word. Do we not almost bulletin, the order of worship will send a in a theatre. Well chosen and meaningful, tremble when Scripture is sung, spoken tingle of anticipation down your spine! the music sets the stage for what fol- and proclaimed? “Blessed are the poor in Mennonite Church Canada Resource lows. A call to worship, possibly a psalm, spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Centre has a large collection of worship and a prayer of invocation wrestle us to Blessed are the merciful . . . , the pure in resources available online at our knees before the Creator. There’s no heart . . . , the peacemakers . . . .” mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/187. mistaking who we have come to wor- At that moment, the flow of communi- ship! The emotive power of song draws cation reverses and God speaks to us. Do Arlyn Friesen Epp is Mennonite Church us to our feet, joining the congregation not our ears almost burn! Canada’s Resource Centre director. 10 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Canada is a multicultural, multi-faith country. MCC affirms the centrality of faith in Jesus Christ in the participated in the conference to encourage respectful work that we do . . . .” This statement is in accord with conversation about faith among Canadian youth from the shared convictions of global Anabaptists, which various religions. It was an opportunity for Mennonite MCC accepted in 2010, that states, “Jesus is the Son youth to hear other youth describe their faith and to of God. Through his life and teachings, his cross and articulate their Christian faith to peers from five other resurrection, he showed us how to be faithful dis- religions. Overall, we believe it was a good event ciples, redeemed the world and offers eternal life.” and that MCC’s participation was consistent with its Ernie Wiens, Winnipeg beliefs and values. Plenert is also quoted as saying, “MCC certainly Ernie Wiens is the MCC Manitoba board chair.

God, Money and Me spiritual changes in solidarity with others, MFC offers the study guide “God, Learning generosity Money and Me.” For small groups desir- ing to make concrete lifestyle changes in Dori Zerbe Cornelsen order to increase the potential for gen- erosity, a guide is available from Simple enerosity doesn’t just happen. It as a means of transition from anx- Living for Just Giving at economicdis- can be learned. ious scarcity to grateful abundance.”) cipleship.wordpress.com/resources. G ZenithOptimedia projects Brueggemann’s call is for Christians to For church leaders, J. Clif Christopher that advertisers in Canada will spend best practise faith by living gratefully, has written two provocative books, Not $11.3 billion in 2012, hoping that con- rather than anxiously. Your Parents’ Offering Plate and Whose sumers will learn to spend money on There are resources that describe op- Offering Plate Is It? Rather than simply their products. Rather than just suc- tions for integrating biblical principles hope for the best in the face of declin- cumbing to this tide, why not commit with economy. The Sabbath Economics ing donations to churches, Christopher to engaging with at least one generosity Collaborative uses Sabbath-keeping as advocates that churches need to be clear resource this year? a core ethic, weaving this together with about their vision to change the world, Devotional guides can help explore current economic investment possi- not just raise more money. the spiritual significance of our relation- bilities (sabbatheconomics.org). Using Check your church library or area ships with God and money. “Generosity: stories from intentional community life, church office for what generosity resour- Moving toward life that is truly life” is a Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove envisions an ces are available. The Mennonite Church four-week guide by Gordon MacDonald. economy in which the poor find bread, Canada Resource Centre at “There’s No ATM in the Wilderness” by the rich find healing, and both rediscover mennonitechurch.ca is a great place to various United Church of Canada writers the other as friends in God’s Economy. start. MFC staff are eager to assist in the is set up as a series of daily reflections for Especially set up for families who want process of learning generosity; our own Lent, but can be used year-round. to counteract the crush of advertising print resources are free and are available Authors use various helpful metaphors culture, Money Sanity Solutions: Linking online at MennoFoundation.ca. Let the to describe the generous life. Christine Money & Meaning by Nathan Dungan of- learning continue! Roush personally reflects on lifestyle choices in her book Devotional guides can help explore the spiritual Swimming Upstream: Reflections significance of our relationships with God and money. on Consumerism and Culture. Randy Alcorn suggests that giv- ing unlocks the treasure box of joy in his fers many conversation starters. Couples book The Treasure Principle. who are either starting out or wanting Dori Zerbe Cornelsen is a stewardship With new technology, we can take in to have a conversation about faith and consultant at the Winnipeg office of events we are not able to attend, such as money in their relationship can use the Mennonite Foundation of Canada Walter Brueggemann’s 2012 lectures at the “First Things First” workbook from (MFC). For stewardship education and Eastern Mennonite University’s School the Mennonite Foundation of Canada estate and charitable gift planning, for Leadership Training on podcast. (MFC). contact your nearest MFC office or visit (Visit emu.edu and search for “Sabbath Because we can make more significant MennoFoundation.ca. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 11

EE Compelling story of loss anger, healing, unanswered questions, the justice sys- prompts tough question tem and forgiveness. In her writings Wilma Derksen shares with us about Re: “Beauty from loss,” March 19, page 30. the times when she went to a federal prison to talk I thank you for sharing with us this update concern- with offenders, especially those who are in for murder. ing the Derksen family. The death of their daughter She shared with us how much it was beneficial for Candace in 1984, the many years of unanswered ques- both her as a victim and the offender. I realize that my tions, and the eventual arrest, trial and conviction of question may be rather direct and may be painful, but the offender make for a very compelling story. Their I wonder if she or anyone else has visited the man who testimony compels us to evaluate how we understand is responsible for the murder of Candace. the topics of suffering, crime, revenge, grace, guilt, David Shantz, Montreal Que.

Family Ties understandings of God, who is ultimately unknowable and more mysterious than Our mothers’ wombs anything we can imagine. In the video She Rob Bell offers the Melissa Miller opinion that anytime we see a mother “in action” we see a little piece of God’s love. ecently, I watched a young the female imagery. The Hebrew word Says Bell, “When you see a mother doing mother and her family seated for compassion is rehemel, which sounds her mother thing, when a mother’s heart Rnearby in an airport restaurant. similar to rehem, the word for womb. breaks for her children, she is tapping The mother was calmly multi-tasking: Isaiah’s question, “Does a woman show no into the very nature of who God is, and feeding her son small bites of food, compassion for the child of her womb?”, what God is like, and that is a gift. That is wiping her daughter’s face and carry- would have sounded more like, “Does a grace. That is divine.” ing on a conversation with her husband. woman show no rehemel for the child of On this Mother’s Day, is it too much Just before the kids ran off to play at the her rehem?” Likely the two words share of a stretch for us to remember and toy structure, they raised their faces for a common root. It is easy to see links give thanks for the wombs that gave Mommy kisses. The daughter skipped between the compassion a woman feels us birth? What is more basic—more away a few steps, and then returned for and the physical sensations of compas- primal—to mothering than the strong, another kiss. Delightful. A pleasure to sion that may register in her body, in her tough, marvellous shelters of muscle and behold. The mother’s wheelchair, which womb. Isaiah invokes these very power- blood that held us in our beginning days? appeared to be normal for her, added to ful, basic life experiences and mother- How might Mother’s Day reflections on my admiration of her smoothly skilled child bonds to describe God’s never- our mothers’ wombs lead us to appreci- caregiving. We’re approaching the [A]nytime we see a mother ‘in action,’ season when we tradition- ally remember our moth- we see a little piece of God’s love. ers. Pretty flowers, pleasant dinners and thoughtful cards are given ending steadfast love. ate God’s compassion and mother-like as expressions of appreciation for the Perhaps these thoughts that offer qualities? Let’s remember the wombs of nurture that Mother provided. Might our images of God as a woman make you a our mothers—all of our mothers—those remembrances be deepened by consid- bit nervous. We are more familiar with who gave birth to us, those who raised us, ering God’s mothering qualities? The male language to describe God and many those who brought us along the path of prophet Isaiah turns to such images by of our songs reflect that imagery. The faith and those who blessed us with their asking, “Can a woman forget her nursing rhetorical God-descriptive question that wisdom along the way. child, or show no compassion for the child Job asks, “From whose womb did the ice of her womb?” (49:15). In doing so, he come forth and who has given birth to the Melissa Miller ([email protected]) lives calls people to remember what they have hoarfrost of heaven?” (38:29), can sound in Winnipeg, where she works as a pastor seen in the love of a mother to help them quite strange to our ears. Perhaps the and counsellor. Her family ties include hold onto a comforting vision of God. strangeness can be an invitation to open that of daughter, sister, wife, mother and In fact, Isaiah uses word play to deepen ourselves to experiencing new, expansive friend. 12 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

ΛΛMilestones Births/Adoptions Marriages Barkman—Makai Siegfried (b. April 3, 2012), to Darnell and Dyck/Giannakouras—Carrie Dyck and Nikolaos Christina Barkman, Emmanuel Mennonite, Abbotsford, B.C. Giannakouras, Leamington United Mennonite, Ont., Dec. Bergman—Rafael Jack (b. April 9, 2012), to Donovan and 3, 2011. Andrea Bergman, Seeds of Life, Altona, Man. McCutcheon/Smythe—John McCutcheon and Carlee Derksen—Maranda Ruth (b. March 13, 2012), to Andrew Smythe (Tavistock Mennonite, Ont.), in Runaway Bay, and Mary Derksen, North Leamington United Mennonite, Jamaica, Feb. 22, 2012. Leamington, Ont. Driedger—Dallas Ann (b. March 6, 2012), to Greg Driedger Deaths and Maida Tiessen, North Leamington United Mennonite, Leamington, Ont. Balzer—Peter, 85 (b. June 23, 1926; d. Jan. 17, 2012), Funk—Sophya Isabelle (b. Jan. 27, 2012), to Herb and Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. Nicoley Funk, SpringfieldH eights Mennonite, Winnipeg. Fast—Henry, 92 (d. Jan. 17, 2012), Springfield Heights Green—Anna Margaret (b. March 23, 2012), to Gloria and Mennonite, Winnipeg. Justin Green, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Frey—Murray, 65 (b. Dec. 12, 1946; d. April 3, 2012), Kehler—Tristen Ray (b. March 1, 2012), to Randolf and Steinmann Mennonite, Baden, Ont. Fanny Kehler, SpringfieldH eights Mennonite, Winnipeg. Lebold—Elsie (nee Lichti), 84 (b. March 17, 1928; d. April 1, Marcovecchio—Hailey Frances (b. March 2, 2012), to Jason 2012), Wellesley Mennonite, Ont. and Melissa Marcovecchio, North Leamington United Neufeld—Irma Susan, 80 (b. July 21, 1931; d. March 13, Mennonite, Leamington, Ont. 2012), Emmanuel Mennonite, Abbotsford, B.C. Morris—Emily Catherine (b. March 15, 2012), to Keith and Rempel—Ernest, 79 (b. Dec. 21, 1932; d. Feb. 15, 2012), Amanda Morris, First Mennonite, Edmonton, in Winnipeg. Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. Peters—Hazel Lynn (b. Feb. 29, 2012), to Roderick and Amy Walter—Anna, 92 (d. April 3, 2012), SpringfieldH eights Peters, Hamilton Mennonite, Ont. Mennonite, Winnipeg. Wagler—Norah Kathryn (b. April 4, 2012), to Katie and Wiebe—Maria (nee Berg), 93 (b. Feb. 12, 1919; d. April 5, Ryan Wagler, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. 2012), Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. Wiens—Anna (nee Loepp), 85 (b. Aug. 25, 1926; d. March Baptisms 31, 2012), Sargent Avenue Mennonite, Winnipeg. Woelk—Irene, 72 (b. Aug. 1, 1939; d. Dec. 22, 2011), Eric Hansplant, Christine Hansplant (nee Fiss)—First Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. Mennonite, Calgary, April 8, 2012. Heather Epp—Zoar Mennonite, Langham, Sask., April 8, Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones 2012. announcements within four months of the event. Please send Milestones announcements by e-mail to [email protected], including the congregation name and location. When sending death notices, please include birth date and last name at birth if available. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 13

Life in the Postmodern Shift Arabian proverb reminds us, “Sunshine all the time makes a desert.” The truth is that much of life doesn’t make sense. Much of what happens on Embracing this planet is terribly horrible and dark. Is saying “yes and amen to all things” the answer? The same question could be directed at Paul’s command: “In everything the absurdity give thanks, for this is the will of God.” By Troy Watson Could there be anything more absurd? Sufi mystic Rumi brings some clar- ow can life, according to Camus. ity to the preposterous gratitude Paul so much This sounds similar and Nietzsche propose: “If God said, “Hevil and to the first chapter of ‘Rumi, pay homage to everything that has suffering exist in a world Ecclesiastes: “Meaningless! helped you enter my arms,’ there would created by an all loving, Meaningless! . . . Utterly not be one experience of my life, not one all knowing, all-powerful meaningless! Everything is thought, not one feeling, not any act, I God?” meaningless. . . . All things would not bow to.” This question is often are wearisome, more than One evening last fall I realized for the cited as the Achilles heel of one can say. . . . There is umpteenth time that all my attempts to Christian theology and the nothing new under the sun. understand God, life and ultimate reality reason many ex-Christians . . . What a heavy burden were all meaningless, a “chasing after the no longer believe. I, too, God has laid on humanity! w i n d .” As I embraced the absurdity of have found no resolution I have seen all the things existence, something profound hap- to this haunting riddle, yet explaining the that are done under the sun; all of them pened. All my worries, expectations, fear, existence of so much goodness, beauty are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” doubt and desires were stripped away. In and love in this world without the exist- Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard the abyss of absurdity I had nothing left ence of some kind of benevolent Creator believed that the only way to find mean- to prove, figure out or accomplish, to feel is just as problematic. ing in life is by saying yes to the absurdity adequate, worthy and whole. I was fully I agree with atheists that my belief that of the world. What could be more absurd, present, truly still . . . and I knew God. God, existing outside time and space, he writes, than “that the eternal truth As divine grace and peace permeated created the universe, sounds like a fairy tale. Yet the notion that some sort of pri- mordial soup or dense bundle of energy What drew me to existentialist philosophy in gave birth to everything in existence is my early 20s was that it acknowledged and just as absurd. Where did this pre-ele- mental concoction come from? Aliens? embraced the absurdity of existence. Where did they come from? It seems any attempt to explain the origin of the has come into existence in time, that my mind, heart and soul, everything in universe is ostensibly laughable. To quote God has come into existence, has been the universe made sense—until I tried to singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn, “You born, has grown up . . . indistinguishable rationalize it and put it into language. can’t tell me there is no mystery!” from any other human being”? Faith, to The Bible informs us that divine wis- What drew me to existentialist Kierkegaard, is a leap into the absurd that dom is absurdity or foolishness to natural philosophy in my early 20s was that it ac- transforms the absurd. human ways of thinking. God’s thoughts knowledged and embraced the absurdity For German philosopher Friedrich are not our thoughts. God’s ways are of existence. French philosopher Albert Nietzsche, the only meaningful response higher than our ways. Camus compared our attempts to make to the absurdity of the universe is to say Although I continue to theologize and sense of the world to the mythological “yes and amen to all things,” and hope the place great value on intellectual pur- Greek figure Sisyphus, who was eternally world in all of its absurdity might forever suits, I’ve learned faith—leaping into the condemned by the gods to the endless repeat itself. absurdity with humility and gelassenheit task of pushing a huge boulder up a hill, I realize many people might view (yieldedness to God’s will)—is the only only to watch it tumble back down as this existentialist perspective as overly key to some doors. l he was about to reach the top. Over and pessimistic and dark, but darkness is es- over, Sisyphus returns to the bottom of sential to life. Seeds, for instance, require Troy Watson is pastor of Quest Christian the hill to start again. This is our lot in darkness to germinate and grow, and an Community, St. Catharines, Ont. 14 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Photo courtesy of MC Eastern Canada God at work in the Church

Personal Reflection ‘We want to be Anabaptist’ By Brian Bauman

Brian Bauman, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada mission minister, and his wife Nancy Brubaker, interim pastor at Shantz Mennonite Church, Baden, Ont., travelled to Myanmar earlier this year at the invitation of Truth Biblical College and Seminary to speak at its 13th convocation service in Kalay. This grew into a week of teaching an Anabaptist understanding of the Bible and faith to 60 students and faculty, and preach- ing during evening services.

he Chin are an unknown people in Christian. Peace, servanthood, disciple- Brian Bauman and Nancy Brubaker a forgotten land. Burma, renamed ship, justice and community are biblical re-baptize Jordan Rochullova, vice- TMyanmar by the hard-line military concepts that they want to understand president of the Chin-run Truth Biblical regime, has been driven to the edge of and practise. College and Seminary in Burma during poverty and ruin despite the nation’s vast The students kept pushing, “Tell us their visit earlier this year. resources. My journey with the Chin how to be an every-day disciple. What began when this oppressed minority does it look like?” imaginations and would not let go. No began arriving as refugees in Canada near I responded with the example that, as amount of caution or hesitancy on our the beginning of this century. Pastor Jehu a Mennonite, I’m a man of peace and part was going to deter them. So later Lian was my introduction to this quiet, in- because of this I would never hit my wife. that day 23 adults were immersed in the dustrious and unassuming people. He was Nancy chimed in that, as a woman of cement laundry tub outside the rustic one of the first to arrive after spending 10 peace, she would never hit her husband. kitchen at the school proclaiming their years in India eking out an existence and During a question period at the end commitment to follow Jesus Christ every starting a new church that now has more of the lecture one of the female faculty day of the week. It was a humbling and than a thousand members. members stood up and said for all of her overwhelming experience. Jehu’s passion for his newly discov- students to hear, “If being Mennonite The Chin refugees in Canada, the ered Mennonite theology, history and means that a husband does not hit his United States, India, Malaysia, Australia practical faith prompted an invitation wife, then all Chin women want to be and Denmark, as well as the Chin in from the Chin-run college and semi- Mennonite.” Burma, want to hear and understand the nary for someone to come and give the I didn’t know how to respond. I had to Mennonite faith. The school’s president convocation address to the graduating trust that our silent recognition in the declared that the 140,000 members class of 2012. After much deliberation, it face of such a powerful declaration re- who support this school want to be was decided that I and my wife would be garding the unspoken abuse in too many Mennonite. sent to teach and preach the Anabaptist homes was enough. What do we do with this passionate understanding of the gospel. On another occasion, their fervour invitation from an oppressed people in It is difficult to convey to Mennonites provided us with a glimpse into the a forgotten land? I’ve come to unabash- in Canada who have been Mennonite passion of the first Anabaptists. After edly believe that, as a church, it is our forever the power and appeal of the four days of interacting with the stories privilege and responsibility to share Mennonite faith. The Burmese student of the “re-baptizers” from the 1500s, the the Mennonite beliefs and history with body, faculty and supporting community school’s vice-president came to us and others. The things that God has taught want to know more about Mennonites. proclaimed, “I and 20 others want to be and entrusted to his Mennonite people They can’t get enough. They are fasci- re-baptized by your hands. We want to over the past 500 years are to be shared. nated with a theology that places Jesus be Anabaptist.” No doubt it will be an exhausting and Christ at the centre of everyday life for a The story had caught their exhilarating journey. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 15 Making up with cousins more difficult than with strangers Bechtel Lecturer focuses on Mennonite identity in North America and beyond

Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent Waterloo, Ont.

nder the overarching title, “Blest be to congregation—would be the form of Uthe ties that bind: In search of the Mennonite interconnectedness. global Anabaptist church,” John Roth, this In this way, resources and information year’s Bechtel Lecturer, provocatively sug- can flow back and forth between the parts gested the need for significant work by of the plant that have varying resources Mennonites of European origin to his lis- and needs. He suggested that the DNA of teners at Conrad Grebel University College, such a plant would include Psalms 24:1: Waterloo, over two days in March. “The earth is the Lord’s.” This verse has been Bert Lobe of Mennonite World In his first lecture, “The challenge of used by Anabaptists from the beginning Conference, left, discusses the 2012 church unity in the Anabaptist tradition,” to suggest that governments and nation- Bechtel Lecture at Conrad Grebel the Goshen (Ind.) College history professor alities do not have a prior “political claim University College, Waterloo, Ont., with made the point over and over again that, regarding sovereignty and authority.” lecturer John Roth of Goshen College, although the work of reconciliation with To say with the Psalmist that “the earth is Ind., on March 16. other Christian groups is important and the Lord’s,” is not only an affirmation about essential, Mennonites really have a larg- political sovereignty or economic steward- These are aspects of Anabaptist er task in making peace with their fellow ship; it is ultimately a recognition that God Mennonite identity that are shared around Anabaptists of many kinds. has entered history in the person of Jesus the world, and that need to be strength- Making peace with a stranger on a plane Christ, that Jesus rose victorious from the ened and balanced through the world is much easier than making peace with a grave in victory over the forces of sin and fellowship, he concluded, as each part of cousin down the street who worships at a death, and that the outcome of history has the larger whole does this in connection church that, although having “Mennonite” already been settled, so it is “a statement of with the other parts. l in its name, espouses a political view of so- praise and worship,” according to Roth. ciety that we cannot support. He believes this to be an essential part of the Mennonite peace witness in the 21st century. In the question and answer session after- ΛΛBriefly noted ward, Roth was challenged by speaker after Anglicans, Mennonites learn more about each other speaker on what he admits is a new per- spective for him as well, that Mennonite EDMONTON—Throughout the season of Lent, a small group of Anglicans and divisiveness is not a good witness of the Mennonites met in Edmonton to learn about each other’s faith traditions. The gospel of peace. Edmonton Anglican-Mennonite Dialogue was first conceived by members of the In his second lecture, “What hath Zurich Edmonton Ecumenical Peace Network, including Art Dyck (a Mennonite who to do with Addis Ababa? Ecclesial iden- became an Anglican) and Werner De Jong, pastor of Holyrood Mennonite Church, tity in the Global Anabaptist church,” which hosted some of the gatherings along with Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Roth used the image of rhizomic plants Old Strathcona. “We opened ourselves to examine and learn from each other’s his- that grow by pushing roots through the tory and traditions, and in the process were reminded of our common calling in soil and then pushing up a new, connect- the teachings of Jesus, a unifying calling that precedes and overrides our separate ed plant, as a model for the global church. histories and accumulated traditions,” says Ike Glick of the experience. Participants Instead of a hierarchy or visible structure in the dialogue are now prayerfully considering what the next step might be as they connecting and supporting the various seek to walk more closely together as disciples of Jesus and participants in his mis- Mennonite groups around the world, a sion to the world. decentralized and living set of connec- —By Tim Chesterton tions—nation to nation, congregation 16 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Langham church visits sister ΛΛStaff changes Rockway grad, teacher to congregation in Brazil assume principal’s role By Karin Fehderau KITCHENER, ONT.—Ann L. Schultz Saskatchewan Correspondent has been chosen to assume the role of principal of Rockway Mennonite ast October, a group of eight congre- Collegiate commencing January 2013. Lgants from Zoar Mennonite Church, Schultz will replace outgoing principal Langham, Sask., left the looming cold of a Betsy Petker, who is retiring this June. prairie winter and headed south to Recife, Currently head of the music depart- Brazil, on a learning tour. ment at Rockway, Schultz is a graduate Visiting Lagoa Encantata Mennonite, of the school and she has been teach- Zoar’s sister church, was their top priority, ing there for 21 years. She will leave a but the trip also included stops at various lasting legacy in the music department, destinations to learn about the Brazilian Abe Buhler, left, pastor of Zoar Mennonite as she has worked to establish a widely people and culture. Church, Langham, Sask., speaks with a acclaimed music program, led award- Abe Buhler, pastor of Zoar, acted as tour local man in the neighbourhood sur- winning choirs, produced a music CD, guide since he had ministered in Brazil in rounding a new church in Recife, Brazil. and travelled to performances around the 1990s and knew the local language well. the world with generations of music Many of the people the tour group met were destroyed by a mudslide. students. Schultz is passionate about friends of Buhler from his time in Brazil. Doreen Nickel loves to travel and was Christian education and is committed About a year-and-a-half ago, Zoar part of the learning tour. “You go down to “forming faith and building charac- Mennonite started the sister church rela- there expecting them to live differently ter” in Rockway students. A Waterloo, tionship with a church plant started in 1989 than us, but they live the same lives we do,” Ont., native, Schultz also fills a pivotal during Buhler’s years in Brazil with the for- she says. “They have cell phones and ac- leadership role in the area of recruit- mer General Conference’s Commission of cess to computers, but in other areas [they ment at the school. She will conclude Overseas Mission. have] a lot less than we do.” her role as a teacher and department “Our visit focused on this congregation, Of a tour to a poor neighbourhood, head in July 2012, and then take a leave along with visiting two other Mennonite Nickel says, “It’s sad the way some people of absence before assuming her role as congregations and a new church plant have to live.” However, she was surprised principal next January. in Caruaru, an hour-and-a-half into the at how content a family they visited there —Rockway Mennonite Collegiate interior from Recife,” Buhler says. “We seemed to be. also stayed at the [Mennonite Central Carrol Epp, who had several personal Columbia Bible College hires Committee] unit house and learned connections to the area, agrees. “What I new director of development about MCC’s work in Brazil,” where one noticed was how friendly and open people of the church buildings had recently been were,” she says. “You see how people live in ABBOTSFORD, B.C.—Blaine Maryniuk the slums, yet they were happy.” has been hired as the new director Photos courtesy of Abe Buhler One of the highlights of the trip was a of development by Columbia Bible visit to Iguassu Falls, a tourist destination College. He comes to Columbia from that surpasses Niagara Falls. the Canadian Cancer Society, where he Krisha Bueckert, 21, who kept a blog for served as manager of revenue develop- friends back home during the trip, was the ment for the Fraser Valley Region for youngest member of the group. The two- four-and-a-half years. Included in his week tour made a deep impression on her. experience is senior management in “We were inspired, moved and encouraged both the transportation and Internet by the amazing people,” she says. “Being able technology software industries. to connect with each church, hear their sto- Maryniuk has also volunteered for his ries, and help them purchase building sup- local church and the non-profit organ- Elaine Nemanishen of Zoar Mennonite plies is truly a blessing. Their devotion to ization Samaritan’s Purse; for many Church, Langham, Sask., tries to learn God, even after all that they’ve been through, years he was a board member and chair some new words from girls at a chil- is the greatest inspiration. . . . I know that at Langley Christian School. dren’s program sponsored by the Junga each and every one of us felt closer to God, —Columbia Bible College Mennonite Church in Recife, Brazil. to one another, and even to ourselves.” l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 17

God at work in the World Photo courtesy of Medair

To deliver nutritional care to young children and expect- ant mothers in remote areas of Afghanistan, the staff of Medair, a Swiss faith-based nongovernmental organiza- tion and a Mennonite Central Committee partner, have to travel by horseback in the winter.

an MCC partner. Through the lessons, stu- MCC partners aid Afghans dents learn how to apply the principles of listening, understanding, mediation, and suffering from war, poverty respect for elders and for one another in their own conflict management. By Emily Will Mennonite Central Committee MCC’s Global Family education spon- sorship program supports Help the Afghan Children’s peace programs and computer espite war’s obstacles and disrup- challenging countries in which MCC has and environmental education. These eight Dtions, Mennonite Central Committee program,” the Williamsons wrote from schools were chosen because they encour- (MCC) partners in Afghanistan continue Kathmandu, Nepal, where they are based. age the attendance of girls. to provide life-enhancing and empowering “Land degradation, poor governance, pov- Global Family also supports the effort of services to Afghans. erty, malnutrition, war, gender inequality— another partner, Le Pelican, which provides Traumatized women receive counsel- in any category of human development, schooling for children who would other- ling. Students learn skills to constructively Afghanistan is struggling. God’s love and wise be working, literacy classes for older deal with conflict among their extended compassion is sorely needed here.” girls and women, education for people who families. Malnourished children are fed, are deaf and mute, and vocational trade and their mothers are offered health, nutri- Peace education for children classes. tion and childcare information. In eight middle schools in Paghman District, John and Lynn Williamson, MCC an outlying area of Kabul, classes of seventh- Supporting mothers and children representatives for India, Nepal and and eighth-graders role-play or use puppets Under tents in the remote, deforested Afghanistan, visited Afghan partner agen- to enact common daily conflicts, which they Badakhshan province, Ruhulla and his cies late last year and reported on the work discuss afterwards. Sixteen role-plays are wife Gul (pseudonyms) work together to they observed. contained in a peace education curriculum conduct a nutrition clinic. Ruhulla assesses “Afghanistan must be one of the most developed by Help the Afghan Children, malnourished infants, measuring weights, 18 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

heights and arm circumferences. In a near- Instead of having an extended family to minutes to participate in a celebration by tent, Gul checks and counsels pregnant rely on, she needed to find food for herself dinner put on by several members of the and lactating women. and her children. She told the Williamsons church for the women and their children The couple has been working for nine that she became so stressed that she beat who live at the residence. Church members years with MCC partner Medair, a Swiss her children and forgot that she put food prepared several lasagnas, loaves of garlic faith-based nongovernmental organiza- on the stove to cook. bread, salads, desserts, appetizers and bev- tion. The love and care they demonstrate The Women’s Activities and Social erages for the residents. while working with mothers and children Services Association chose Afsana as one These women all have struggled—or are is evident, the Williamsons said. of 45 women in five districts to participate currently struggling—with homelessness, The need, too, is obvious: “We were in a trial women’s trauma-healing project. poverty, reintegrating into society after be- told that this area has the highest mater- As a result of counselling and medication ing incarcerated, drug addiction or abuse. nal mortality rates in the world and that she received at a different clinic, Afsana They receive around-the-clock support at 60 percent of babies under one year are told the Williamsons that she no longer the residence. malnourished,” they reported. beats her children and she remembers MCC’s work with Medair is supported what she’s doing. She reaches out to other Yamasaki regularly saw by MCC’s account with the Canadian women to share what she is learning, de- the progress being made Foodgrains Bank. spite community leaders who discourage women from meeting together. and was reminded of Trauma healing for women The association was founded in 2002 by a those who are seeking Afsana (pseudonym) was forced to separ- graduate of Eastern Mennonite University’s ate from her husband, and she and her chil- Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, healing and peace. dren had to move out of her in-laws’ home. Harrisonburg, Va. l “I want you all to know that there is a whole community of people out there who are rooting for you,” executive direc- A welcome meal tor Dorothy Heneveld told those who sat down to dinner. “This place was built with Emmanuel Mennonite Church invites low-income housing love and you live here in love.” unit into the community, prepares meal for residents At the dinner Yamasaki said that Emmanuel Mennonite “is more than a Story and Photo by Rachel Bergen building. We are happy to be the church Young Voices Co-editor and Reporter-at-large here,” explaining that the dinner was an Abbotsford, B.C. intentional first step in a relationship with the residence and those who live there. or April Yamasaki, lead pastor of the Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser “We hope that there will be a longer-term FEmmanuel Mennonite Church, it is a Valley. relationship between our church and the mere eight-minute walk from the church On April 12, Yamasaki walked the eight people at the residence,” she said. l to the Christine Lamb Residence, a sup- portive care, low-income housing unit on Clearbrook Road in Abbotsford. Until she read about the building of the residence in an issue of the Abbotsford Times, she had no idea that such a place existed or that more than 40 women and their chil- dren moved in on March 1. As construction began, Yamasaki regularly saw the progress being made and was reminded of those who are seeking healing and peace. The residence is named after Christine Lamb, who was a victim of spousal abuse and had to take her children and run away to Vancouver; there, she managed to get Dorothy Heneveld, left, executive director of the Christine Lamb Residence, chats work as a bookkeeper and worked her way with April Yamasaki, lead pastor at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, up to become the first female city council- B.C., after a dinner women from the church put on for the women and children who lor in Abbotsford. The residence is a part of live at the new residence, located a few minutes’ walk from the church. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 19

News Analysis representatives.” All MCC bodies agreed to joint new vision and purpose state- ments, although they contain no notable shifts in emphasis. MCC programming Another focus of the process was a push to make MCC more accountable to its global partners. The only significant control shifts north outcome in this area is a consultation process among global Anabaptist service By Will Braun agencies initiated by Mennonite World Senior Writer Conference. I have spoken with many people close to he four-year, $2.5-mil- negative impact.” She provided the Wineskins process, both on the record lion Mennonite Central few details and did not mention and off. Accounts vary. A tangle of factors TCommittee (MCC) review the May 2007 meeting. and agendas were at play. Few say the process is over, and the single most That meeting was intended process went well. MCC spokespeople say significant outcome is a power to avert an outcome like the that most of the 2,000 people consulted shift from MCC’s Akron, Pa., of- current one, in which MCC had no interest in MCC restructuring, and fice to its office in Winnipeg. Binational was disbanded with yet that was the main outcome. MCC Binational, the arm of a clearer line drawn between Some people are surely pleased that MCC that administered international MCC on either side of the 49th Parallel. MCC Canada got a bigger role. Others programming out of Akron, was dis- No such breakthrough occurred. The say the family of faith should rise above solved on March 30, and its work handed next year, as Wineskins began, MCC administrative jostling based on national to MCC U.S. (also in Akron) and MCC Canada board chair Neil Janzen noted identities. Still others are baffled by a Canada, which had long wanted a role in that two-thirds of the money raised by process that created commotion within overseas programs. MCC offices in Canada was handed MCC, but did not ignite a broader debate These two bodies will jointly own and over to Akron. Janzen told me that MCC about MCC’s evolving role in an increas- administer international programming, Canada wanted “a more direct say in how ingly unequal, polarized and warming while continuing their own work at home. those resources [were] used.” world. One MCC staff person said the MCC spokespeople say the changes are In fact, the MCC Binational board process should have focused on “how to internal; neither donors nor recipients of approved an MCC Canada request to best respond to the needs of the world,” programming should notice a difference. administer programming in Cuba, North not on “which powerful North American A recent MCC news release about the Korea and Afghanistan. But a meaningful country gets to have control.” New Wine/New Wineskins review, as transfer never happened, and Canadian Despite the differences, and despite the it was called, acknowledges that cross- aspirations and grievances carried over defects in the process, everyone seems to border conflict over control of program- into the Wineskins process. hold a common, ongoing commitment to ming was one issue behind the process. It Now MCC Canada has gained sig- the work of MCC. says the restructuring has “equalized the nificant new control. It will no longer Oddly, in legal terms there is no such decision-making power” between MCC forward money to Akron for others entity as MCC, only MCC Canada, MCC Canada and MCC U.S. to spend, although the two MCCs will U.S. and the regional MCC bodies. That Tension had been simmering for cooperate closely. An eight-page cove- is fitting, for MCC itself is something years. In May 2007—13 months before nant sets out the new relationship. broader. It is an ethos, a web of relation- Wineskins was launched—senior MCC Thirty-one MCC Binational staff lost ships. It is donors, staff, volunteers, part- leaders from Winnipeg and Akron met to jobs, mostly in Akron. Nine positions ner organizations, recipients of program- explore ways to address various stresses were created in Winnipeg and several ming and, in it all, the Spirit of God. among the 12 regional, provincial, positions were transferred overseas. MCC is something beyond organiza- national and binational MCC bodies. Of the cost of Wineskins, $1.4 million tional structures or national borders. It is Among those tensions was a Canadian was spent on severance packages and the something beyond the control of boards desire to have a more active role in the other $1.1 million on travel, facilitation or staff, however they are configured. The administration of international programs. consultants and meeting costs. people and relationships that make up In a 2011 interview, Arli Klassen—then Other changes to come out of the MCC are imperfect, like the Wineskins head of MCC Binational—told me that, process include more control for church process, which means that MCC is, prior to Wineskins, MCC was “be- bodies over board appointments. Two- among other things, an ongoing struggle ing pulled apart” by internal tensions thirds of the MCC Canada and MCC U.S. of imperfect people to follow God in an that could eventually “have had a very boards must be “Anabaptist church body imperfect world. l 20 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Additionally, he noted that, while some Christ at the checkpoint Christians tend to look at the Middle East through the lens of end-time prophecy, Hope is found in the midst of Middle this conference focused on the gospel that Eastern conflict: Palmer Becker Jesus proclaimed: that the kingdom of God is here. “We can live in it today,” Becker By Deborah Froese said. “We were challenged to be prophets Mennonite Church Canada that call for justice with love, rather than merely people who dwell on end-time t a time when conflict and injustice The conference manifesto clearly out- prophecy.” Acontinue to plague the Holy Land, lined a theology of peace and reconcilia- The conference included a broad spec- more than 600 people from around the tion, and called for people to recognize trum of evangelical believers who met lit- world gathered to focus on hope and op- God’s image in each other. It denounced erally at the “checkpoint.” They engaged tions in Bethlehem from March 5-9 at the any form of racial superiority or exclusive biblically on issues that have historically “Christ at the Checkpoint” conference. claims to biblical land, cautioned against divided them, such as Christian Zionism, Palmer Becker, on special assignment religious stereotyping, and stated that the Islamism, justice, nonviolence and for Mennonite Church Canada with “suffering of the Palestinian people can no reconciliation. Bethlehem Bible College, was among them. longer be ignored. Any solution must re- “The practice of nonviolence was af- “[It] exceeded all expectations!” he said in spect the equity and rights of Israel and firmed again and again,” Becker said. “Ron an e-mail update. “The presence of nu- Palestinian communities.” Sider, Sami Awad, Jonathan Kuttab and merous Messianic Jews brought new hope Becker’s report reflected the successful others spoke like Anabaptists, inviting us and possibilities to the gathering. . . . [This adoption of those policies throughout the to love our enemies and to overcome evil conference] was a profound attempt to event. He noted that, although the pain with good.” help evangelical, Palestinian and Messianic of the Israeli occupation was clearly rec- Hope, Becker said, was highlighted Christians explore nonviolent options for ognized, a sense of compassion was also throughout the conference: “New rela- understanding and reconciliation.” extended to the Israelis. “Both Palestinians tionships are being established between and Israelis are suffering from post trau- Messianic Jews and Christian Palestinians, matic stress syndrome,” he said. “They need and in the growing unity of the church and CALL FOR APPLICATIONS to be listened to, counselled and helped to in the willingness of the church to address a new future.” injustice in a direct but loving way.” l

Photo courtesy of Palmer Becker

Wilfred Schlegel Memorial Fund supports visionary initiatives & leaders of the Mennonite Church within Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. We are now accepting applications for 2012, the final granting year. • one-time venture capital grants • deadline June 1, 2012 • for more information visit www.mcec.ca Send applications to: MCEC The 2012 Christ at the Checkpoint conference brought together 30 speakers from ATTN: Margaret Oakey around the world to address more than 600 participants. ‘Ron Sider, Sami Awad, 4489 King Street E Jonathan Kuttab and others spoke like Anabaptists, inviting us to love our enemies Kitchener, ON N2P 2G2 and to overcome evil with good,’ reports Palmer Becker, who attended the conference while on special assignment with Mennonite Church Canada.

Canadian Mennonite Ad b/w 2.25” x 4.5” copy deadline: APRIL 17, 2012 publication date: APRIL 30, 2012 Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 21

God at work in Us explains. A very telling statistic is the number of asbestos-related deaths in Quebec, which, Willems says, has the highest rate From tragedy to triumph in Canada. Other areas, like Sarnia and Windsor, Ont., have high rates in part be- Mennonite takes on activist role in fight with cause of the amount of asbestos products province over health and safety issue used there.

By Karin Fehderau The activist emerges Saskatchewan Correspondent Willems doesn’t just want the federal and Saskatoon provincial governments to care. He also wants the broader church community, in- ore than a year after be- there are in the workplace,” he cluding Mennonites, to bring their pres- Ming diagnosed with lung says. “We’re taking the existing ence to bear on the issue. cancer, Howard Willems is in regulations and pushing it one “The faith community can have a huge the mood to fight. He’s not fight- step further.” Willems and his impact on the government,” he says, not- ing the disease as much as the organization are not alone; the ing that governments aren’t motivated to cause of his cancer, an illness Canadian Cancer Society also change until there is public pressure. But that he believes could have been wants a registry established. churches don’t usually come to the table prevented. with political agendas. In the course of a 30-year career Willems The politics of asbestos There is another reason that Mennonites as a Canadian Food Inspections production should care, he says. And that reason lies worker with the federal government, Willems suspects that politics is playing a closer to home. Many worship in older the member of Nutana Park Mennonite role in the attempted re-opening of an as- buildings that may have asbestos in them. Church, Saskatoon, came in contact with bestos mine in Quebec at a time when the The future health of members could be asbestos spores while inspecting food European Union has banned asbestos. compromised because many Mennonite processing plants or supervising their re- Willems believes Canada has been drag- churches are older, Willems says. pairs. And that exposure led to contracting ging its heels on the matter by claiming, In his own quiet way, Willems is walking mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused by in- along with the asbestos industry, that the the path seemingly set out for him. And haling asbestos fibres. product is safe when used properly. he is doing it with the same patience and Having lost one lung already, the 59-year- “Canada didn’t sign on to the Rotterdam endurance that he has brought to bear in old is using his acquired knowledge of the Accord [in 2011],” he notes. The United finding God through this faith-strength- disease and its causes to help others avoid Nations accord has created a global haz- ening journey of endurance. the same fate. “It has been a learning, heal- ardous-chemicals blacklist that Willems Willem’s efforts to have a registry es- ing journey,” he says, admitting that he has would like to see include asbestos. If as- tablished were profiled on CBC’s The struggled with a sense of frustration. “It bestos was on the list, it would mean that National newscast back in February. To would have been simple to prevent with all products containing asbestos would be view, visit www.cbc.ca/video/watch/ a face mask or respirator. Had I been in- marked with a warning label that the prod- Shows/ID=2203668746. l formed, I would have avoided it.” uct is hazardous to a person’s health, he All of that is little consolation now. But Willems is turning the tragedy into a tri- umph. As a leader of the Saskatchewan Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (www.sadao.ca), he is lobbying for a prov- incial registry for buildings containing asbestos. As well, he wants those same buildings to be clearly labelled for people, who, in the course of their duties, might easily come in contact with asbestos fibres, people like contractors, boiler operators and even first responders like firefighters and emergency medical technicians. “You should know, according to the Health and Safety Act, what hazards 22 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Artbeat

Photo by Rachel Bergen

Soprano Becky Hill, left, is the winner of the 2012 Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition, held on March 29 at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg. She is pictured with sponsor Peter Janzen. Pianist Rebecca Klassen- Wiebe came second, while third place was awarded to soprano Anna Bigland-Pritchard.

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Focus on Books & Resources the self in Mennonite garb? And to whom or where does the writing go?” She noted that Mennonite literature Personal Reflection is prominent in the Canadian writing scene, and that it has been produced and received as ethnic writing, part of the ‘Self in Mennonite garb’ Canadian government’s multicultural- ism emphasis of the 1970s and ’80s. Now, By Sue Clemmer Steiner Froese Tiessen posited, “Mennonite writers” locate themselves in the worldly e Mennonites are not going choices of her Old Order present and most of their Mennonite to run out of stories anytime great-grandparents con- readers are in the same place. So we Wsoon! tinue to spark her poetic are left with “tracings . . . what remains How could we, after the resplend- reflection, as do her of what doesn’t remain . . . the absent ent feast of Mennonite creative writ- childhood experiences present,” as Mennonite writing becomes ing enjoyed by 170 of us in Virginia’s at Elmira Mennonite more mainstream. Shenandoah Valley over Palm Sunday Church. The familiar conversation popped weekend at the “Mennonite/s Writing It would have been up at various points about there being VI: Solos and harmonies” event hosted more than enough to writers who self-identify as “cultural by Eastern Mennonite University. see Vern Thiessen, one of Canada’s most Mennonites,” those who are “religious Best described as a festival, organizer prolific playwrights, perform his own Mennonites,” and those who are both. Kirsten Eve Beachey called these pe- one-person play, Back to Berlin. “Every Winnipeg writer David Elias danced riodic conferences “the gathering place play,” said Thiessen post-performance, around these themes playfully and for the virtual community of Mennonite “should pose a good question.” He based provocatively in his reflection, “If I am writers” who identify by birth or choice. his play in the story of accompanying his a Mennonite writer.” When being part The Canadian presence and influence “on elderly father, a post-World War II immi- of a collective consciousness, said Elias, stage” was huge. One American hinted at grant, back to Berlin, where he spent the one can’t always easily decide whether to an “occupation by Canada.” war years as a courier. The play poses the swim upstream or down. The first “Mennonite/s Writing” questions: What did the father actually I would love to see Canadian conference came into being in 1990 as do during the war? How much did he Mennonite creative writing blossom in the brain child of Hildi Froese Tiessen of know? The son both wants to find out, the many ethnicities that now make up Conrad Grebel University College, and and doesn’t. Thiessen masterfully plays Mennonite Church Canada. Yet at the her passionate influence continues. father, son and narrator in this gripping same time I celebrate the 50 years of I basked in the wonderful writing that exploration lightened by humour. Canadian Mennonite writing so evident continues to emerge, with stories and It would have been enough to think at this conference. poetic reflections from so many kernels of about new dimensions of novels I’ve read Froese Tiessen noted, “Each of the experience. In “People Who Understand,” through academic papers, such as Daniel six conferences since 1990 has had a Kristen Mathies, a writer from Kitchener, Shank Cruz’s study of Miriam Toews’ distinctive feeling. This one . . . offered Ont., delicately explored intercultural re- comic novel, Summer of My Amazing an unusually rich and invigorating range lationships in a story set in New York City Luck (Turnstone Press, 1996). Cruz of new and old voices, visions, and sen- and Swaziland, both places where she has referred to this novel as “narrative ethics,” sibilities among writers and literary crit- lived. Rudy Wiebe overwhelmed us with a more “cheerful” way of teaching ethics ics alike. While recognizing substantial passion as he read “Broken Arrow,” his than the Martyrs Mirror of his youth. The diversities, everyone involved [expressed] story about a 19th-century peacemaking novel draws much better attention to the a common urgency to support creative Cree leader (Collected Stories, 1955-2010, difficulties of being a welfare mother than writing among Mennonites.” University of Alberta, 2011). In contrast, a CBC documentary. Mennonites can I took home with me not only the Dora Dueck read gently from her novel read an “extra layer” into it about how to formal presentations, but also the joy of This Hidden Thing (CMU Press, 2010), live, how to be compassionate. Texts like connections made with former profes- the story of a Mennonite domestic in this can provide safe ground for secular sors, distant cousins who write or publish Winnipeg in the 1920s. and religious Mennonites to dialogue, books, memoir writers I’d like to emulate, It was a special treat for me to hear Cruz said. and other appreciative readers. l Cheryl Denise, who grew up Swiss Ah yes . . . secular and religious Mennonite in Elmira, Ont., read from Mennonites. In her state of the art ad- Sue Clemmer Steiner, Waterloo, Ont., her new poetry collection, What’s in the dress concerning Canadian Mennonite is an appreciative reader of Mennonite Blood (Cascadia, 2012). The values and literature, Froese Tiessen asked, “Who is creative writing. 24 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Book Review hospitality, crafts and prayer. Much of the book is about ways in which contemporary technology “draws us away from the things we value most.” Too busy for Not that Boers is a Luddite—he has a computer, car, TV and iPod, but no cell phone—he just thinks we should under- stand the pros and cons of our plugged-in life’s priorities existence. It’s easy to name the benefits Living into Focus: Choosing What Matters in an Age of Distraction. of technology, he writes, but how does By Arthur Boers. Brazos Press, 2012. technology shape our awareness? Where Reviewed by Will Braun does it attract our attention? He believes our techno-gadgets, which wish e-mail took up less of my life. I He slowed down. “The act of hiking was serve legitimate purposes, also make us wish I could remember the last time knitting me together, making me whole,” “less tolerant of any kind of waiting,” en- II savoured a sunset. I wish I prayed he writes. courage us to divide our attention, offer more. Boers has taken up urban hiking as endless distraction, displace human-to- “I do not understand my own actions,” well, regularly walking to work, a 65- to human contact, overwhelm us with stim- wrote the Apostle Paul, “for I do not do 75-minute iPod-free trip. uli, suck up time and fuel a craving for what I want.” Arthur Boers explores this Drawing on the thought of Albert connectivity, all while addicting us to “the conundrum in his new book, Living Into Borgmann, an American philosopher, rush of a new e-mail or fresh messages.” Focus: Choosing What Matters in an Age Boers frames his hiking—and the book— Boers calls for collective discernment of Distraction. in terms of “focal practices.” These are of the implications of contemporary “I keep running into people who sense practices that “centre, balance, focus and technology. He encourages readers to set something awry with life,” Boers writes, orient one’s life”—an antidote to self- limits that prevent gadgets from occupy- “yet we rush on,” too busy, too inundat- preoccupied busyness. ing the centre of their lives. “Rather than ed, too technologized to live according His account of a kitchen renovation being perpetually available to others far to our “deepest and highest priorities.” proves an oddly instructive example of away, let us choose to be present and Boers, who holds the R.J. Bernardo focal re-orientation. A renovation made attentive to the person nearby,” he writes. Family Chair of Leadership at Tyndale the kitchen and eating area in his family’s And he invites us all to be drawn by the Seminary in Toronto, was a Mennonite home a place to which the family natur- alternative allure of a life more abundant, pastor for more than 20 years. ally gravitated. Impromptu conversations more focal. He shares his own story of emerging between parents at the counter and kids The book helped me evaluate my own from the rhythm of oppressive busyness. doing homework at the table took place. life. I reluctantly concluded that some of But first he confesses his workaholic The kitchen became the “nucleus” of my pastimes—like indoor rock climb- tendencies, propensity to TV addiction the house, a focal point that ing and unicycling (a bit and a history of stress. Then he talks often won out over TV and wonky, I know)—are more about his discovery of hiking in his early computers. hobby than focal practice. 40s. A casual decision to hike Ontario’s Other examples of focal They improve well-being, Bruce Trail began a slow conversion. practices include garden- but don’t have much focal Despite an aversion to athletics, he writes ing, cooking, birding, mak- value, a distinction that de- that he discovered natural wonder and ing music with others, serves more attention than the satisfaction of “bodily engagement.” board games, letter writing, Boers gives it. (Is golfing in

On e-prayer

rthur Boers doesn’t like blanket e-mail prayer re- Boers doesn’t think prayer should be “mediated Aquests “circulated routinely and casually.” through a screen.” A prayer request ought to have “a How exactly is one to respond? different format than the daily solicitations that invite “Do I wing or whisper a quick prayer heavenward,” he us to experiment with Viagra,” he writes. “If you want asks, “along with all my other multi-tasking?” me to pray, ask personally, don’t spam me.” Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 25

Arizona a focal practice?) There is no one I would rather be with. to whom these questions come, and for Other activities, like spending time This I will remember well.” the sake of the non-Internet audience she with my young kids, gardening, canning The exercise serves both as critique has gathered 50 questions that, she says, and cooking for others align with my core and invitation. Boers wrote Living into “provide others with insight to the ques- values and knit me together much better Focus out of the belief that, in a world tions people ask about Mennonites.” than my inbox does. filled with grace, we can indeed choose to So what are people asking about Boers recounts hearing Borgmann ask live according to our deepest and highest Mennonites? Besides many questions that members of an audience when they were values. l confuse Amish and Mennonites, modern last able to affirm the following state- and Old Order, are questions about salva- ments: “There is no place I would rather Will Braun is Canadian Mennonite’s tion, the nature of God and other beliefs, be. There is nothing I would rather do. senior writer. Anabaptist history, pacifism, and, “Would it be okay if I became a Mennonite?” Researching her answers from home— Book Review she’s a full-time mom—Hertzler quotes from the Bible, the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, and anything else she needs. She is not the first Third Why write a book Way Café staffer to answer online ques- tions, and for this book she has depended on previous people in her position for about a website? information. Ask Third Way Café: : 50 Common and Quirky Questions about Mennonites. Every question sent to the site is an- By Jodi Nisly Hertzler, Cascadia Publishing House, 2009. swered, even ones that seem sarcastic or Reviewed by Dave Rogalsky purposely pulling someone’s leg. With its 50 short sections this book ust type “Third Way you’ve imbibed. would be a fun read on a trip or to give to Café” into your search Run by MennoMedia, Third a high school student in a faith explora- Jengine—you don’t Way Café is a portal into the tion class. Alternatively, it might be a even need the accent on Mennonite world for many good book for an adult class to dip into the “e”—and you will soon around the world. As such, with their theological cookies and sip the be sipping today’s brew of it is the recipient of many Anabaptist brew. l Mennonite stories; read- questions, quirky and other- ing blogs; viewing videos; wise, about Mennonites and Dave Rogalsky is the Eastern Canada cor- and buying books, CDs and Mennonite beliefs, practices respondent for Canadian Mennonite and DVDs. There’s even a link and culture. the pastor of Wilmot Mennonite Church, to donate for the “brews” Jodi Nisly Hertzler is the one New Hamburg, Ont. Protecting children is critical for churches By Melodie Davis Mennonite Church Canada / MennoMedia

s disturbing as sexual misconduct book, published in 2010 by Herald Harder is also one of the found- Aheadlines are in the media, the tragic Press, can be used as a study guide ers of Dove’s Nest, a Mennonite- scandals provide a good opportunity to ad- for adult Sunday school classes and based organization formed for dress this critical issue in Christian homes small groups. “This needs to hap- “faith communities to keep chil- and churches. Mennonite churches have pen within our own families and dren and youth safe,” according several resources to help in that regard. churches, as well as in the commu- to its website (DovesNest.net). Jeanette Harder, author of Let the nities in which we live, work, vol- Harder encourages churches to Children Come: Preparing Faith unteer and play,” says Harder, who draft child-protection policies Communities to End Child Abuse and is on the faculty of Grace Abbott and enforce them, such as doing Neglect, says, “Churches need to do every- School of Social Work at the University of background checks on anyone—including thing they can to protect children.” The Nebraska. pastors, youth ministers, Sunday school 26 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

teachers, custodians, bus drivers, and nurs- of the kids.” memories and “way-finding”; her work ery workers—who has access to children. “The church, unfortunately, in my ex- was featured in “Printing places,” Canadian Dove’s Nest offers “Circle of Grace,” a perience, is in denial about child abuse,” Mennonite, June 13, 2011, page 35. “I had a Christian safe-environment curriculum Harder says. “They tell me, ‘We’re good lot of fun making all the illustration panels that helps to form and educate children people here, it doesn’t happen here.’ And fit together so that the whole long journey about the value of positive relationships yet I’m hearing from so many survivors became more apparent,” she says. with God and others. It teaches children and victims of abuse saying, ‘Yes it does The small South American country of and youths how to identify and maintain happen here.’ In fact, they’re saying the Paraguay—the subject of her book—has appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual church sometimes re-victimizes us by not played an important part in Mennonite and sexual boundaries. It also helps them responding, by not listening.” history since the early 20th century. recognize when boundary violations are “So I’m trying to raise awareness in the about to occur and demonstrates how to church to say, ‘Hey, child abuse does exist, take action when boundaries are threat- within your church community as well as ened or violated. in your neighbourhoods,’” says Harder, who Harder emphasizes, though, that “it is feels that churches, of all places, need to be the responsibility of adults to keep chil- protecting children. l dren and youth safe, not the responsibility CMU Press releases new children’s books By Nadine Kampen CMU Press Winnipeg “Moving around seems to be a com- mon Mennonite theme,” says Rudolph. “I wo new children’s books—On the hope that the book might put Paraguay TZwieback Trail by Lisa Weaver, Julie on the map for some people, since it is Kauffman and Judith Rempel Smucker, rarely talked about. I often get asked, ‘So and David’s Trip to Paraguay by Miriam where exactly is Paraguay and what is it Rudolph—were released by CMU Press at like?’ Maybe the book will at least partially the end of 2011. answer that question. It is such a beauti- David’s Trip to Paraguay is written and ful, but also poor, forgotten little country. illustrated by Rudolph, a professional artist I wanted to somehow show it to people.” and printmaker from Winnipeg who cur- On the Zwieback Trail is an alphabet rently resides in Minneapolis, Minn. The book, with each letter devoted to a differ- book follows the true story of Rudolph’s ent aspect of Russian Mennonite history, grandfather’s immigration from Altona, including the origin of Mennonite Central Man., to Loma Plata, Paraguay, in the and creatures in Paraguay, where Rudolph Committee, the history of Mennonite 1920s. was born. people in Russia and the role of nonvio- Rudolph’s illustrations are constructed “I put some of my own love for Paraguay lence in the Russian Mennonite tradition. from acrylic paint and handmade coloured in the book, although I must admit that I’m It also includes a number of personal papers that beautifully demonstrate the quite at home in Canada now,” she says. anecdotes, unique historical artefacts, and contrast between the white Manitoba win- The illustrations display Rudolph’s unique songs and recipes compiled by the author ter and the lively, bright buildings, forests visual style, a style influenced by maps, and designers. “We hope that this book will spark family Rudolph’s illustrations are constructed from acrylic conversations about faith and cultural paint and handmade coloured papers that heritage,” says Weaver, who authored On the Zwieback Trail. “We made the infor- beautifully demonstrate the contrast between mation accessible to children, but inviting the white Manitoba winter and the lively, bright to adults as well.” l buildings, forests and creatures in Paraguay . . . . Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 27

Book Review memories, or the difficulty of embodying a repentant spirit. Acknowledging The book itself yields consider- able rewards to a sinful past readers who are able to enter into Ecclesial Repentance: The Churches Confront Their Sinful Pasts. both the depth of By Jeremy M. Bergen. T&T Clark/Continuum Press, 2011, 338 pages. the prose and the Reviewed by Maxwell Kennel spirit of the book’s goal: to examine the church examining n the eyes of the watching world the and divine forgiveness and reconciliation itself on matters of past wrongdoings. Christian church is often seen for its differ. For this reason I heartily recommend Imistakes, and as the church looks Having been a student of Bergen’s, I see it to anyone interested in how the church upon itself it must acknowledge this sin- the same clarity of thought and written should look upon itself, and how it ful past. While the church is not defined word in Ecclesial Repentance as I did in should progress in the often-accusatory solely by these wrongs, the body of Christ his classroom. face of the watching world. l must take responsibility for sinful actions With that said, the book is not for the committed in the name of Christ. For a faint of heart. A reader looking for easy Maxwell Kennel is a student of rhet- real and robust Christian faith, it is essen- answers about how the church is to re- oric and philosophy at the University tial that the church repent and turn away pent would be advised to look elsewhere. of Waterloo and an associate student from sin, and that this repentance be In both its content and form, Ecclesial at Conrad Grebel University College, done through public doctrinal statements Repentance does not shy away from Waterloo, Ont. as well as concrete redemptive action. the difficulty of talking about painful Jeremy Bergen, an associate profes- sor of religious studies and theology at Conrad Grebel University College, Book Review Waterloo, Ont., communicates this dual need in Ecclesial Repentance. As the revised form of his doctoral dissertation, the book is a systematic and meticu- Policing: A form of lous treatment of some major ways in which the church has sinned alongside the equally important ways in which nonviolence? the church has repented, and is still Christians and War: A Brief History of the Church’s Teachings and Practices. repenting. By A. James Reimer. Fortress Press, Minneapolis, Minn., 2010, 208 pages. The first half of the book offers a de- Reviewed by Harry Huebner tailed account of the historical misdeeds of the church, including an examination n this wonderfully crafted booklet, nonresistance of Guy F. Hershberger of general Christian disunity; offences the last before his untimely death, and then, with a nervous nod to John H. against Aboriginal Peoples; complicity IA. James Reimer gives his readers a Yoder’s peace theology, he briefly pre- in the Holocaust; involvement in racism gift with his succinct summary of a topic sents his own “pacifism” under the head- and slavery, including apartheid in South that has preoccupied much of Christian ing, “Policing, human security, and the Africa; participation in war; discrimina- theology. The genius ofChristians and responsibility to protect.” Here he argues tion against women; and the ill-treatment War lies in a careful and eminently fair for an account of peacemaking that tran- of homosexuals. This section culminates portrayal of how warfare has been under- scends both Hershberger and Yoder. “My with a positive look at the unprecedented stood in church history. He situates each position would be that Christians should Day of Pardon event, held by the Catholic perspective on war—pacifism, just war support policing as an alternative to war, Church on March 12, 2000. and crusades—in its social, political and even though the threat of lethal force may The second half of the book asks dif- theological setting, showing the many occasionally be necessary,” he writes. ficult questions about the unity of the nuanced twists of meaning through time. While I enthusiastically recommend church over time, the role of sin in the Reimer also places his own view on this book, I raise two questions for fur- identity of the church, and how human the subject in context. He rejects the ther reflection. 28 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

The first has to do with the force, adopts too much of • Since we confess that God is in charge, distinction between policing the logic that currently has we stand in solidarity with, lament over and just war. I question whether residence in the house of just and agonize with the suffering ones this distinction is as significant war thinking. as signs pointing to a hope in God’s as Reimer proposes. Quite apart The second question has redemption—as did Christ in the Garden from its danger in underwriting to do with Reimer’s language of Gethsemane; or the current logic of American of faithful Christian action. • We explore the responsible use of international politics, which is His passion for those who are violence. premised on the notion of the caught by powers of violence In opting for the second approach, it superpower as international and injustice leads him to the seems to me that Reimer undervalues police, I suggest that the dis- conclusion, unwarranted in the vision of the Christian gospel, which tinction is theologically significant only my view, that we must do what is neces- he in so many of his other writings pas- when policing is unpacked as a form of sary to change their lot. sionately affirms, namely, the mysterious nonviolence. It is the phrase, “do what is necessary,” redemptive presence of God in ways be- Given Reimer’s rather general descrip- that leads Reimer to a view of respon- yond the human imagination. In a way, I tion of policing, which includes the sibility that I believe is in tension with am asking that the Trinity—the subject of threat and possible use of lethal force, Christ’s call to his disciples to take up the his last chapter—do more work in shap- one wonders whether this is not merely cross. It is certainly true that there are ing his view of moral agency, for I wonder a refinement of just war logic. I would times when we cannot see how policing whether our mysterious, crucified God argue that the promise of policing as an without the threat and use of lethal force looks that kindly on human necessity. l alternative to war, especially in assisting will overcome injustice, as it is equally defenceless populations, lies in its ability true that we cannot always see how non- Harry Huebner is professor emeritus of to be conceived as a pacifist option. So violent strategies will do that. philosophy and theology at Canadian policing as an alternative to war, which This then leads to two fundamental Mennonite University, Winnipeg. carries with it the threat and use of lethal options: Does the Book of Joshua justify war? MennoMedia releases 25th volume in Bible commentary series

By Steve Shenk MennoMedia

ver the years, Christians “This commentary imagines Christians to not settle for easy answers Ohave often used the Old the Book of Joshua as a partici- or to give up too soon, says Matties. “This Testament Book of Joshua pant in an intra-biblical con- commentary is a plea to pay attention to a to justify warfare, conquest, versation in which Joshua in- difficult text, a text we might well call a ‘text colonialism and even ethnic terprets other texts, and other of terror,’ ” he says. “In a time of religious cleansing. So what would a texts interpret Joshua,” says justification for terrorism and counter- Bible commentary from a pub- Matties. “Viewed that way, the terrorism, Joshua may be a book for our lisher in the pacifist tradition Bible itself bears witness to a time.” have to say about this book? lively, if painful, debate about Matties is professor of biblical stud- First of all, there are fresh the relationship between vio- ies at Canadian Mennonite University, new ways to look at this age- lence and the identity and mis- Winnipeg, where he has also served a term old and often misunderstood sion of God’s people.” as the dean of humanities and sciences. book, says Gordon Matties, the commen- Matties cautions Christians about hear- He holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament from tary’s author. And, second, he says the ing what they want to hear when they read Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., and reader must engage in “a difficult conver- Joshua and other difficult sections of the his doctoral dissertation, Ezekiel 18 and sation, even an argument, with the text.” Bible. This includes those who believe the Rhetoric of Moral Discourse, was pub- MennoMedia is releasing Joshua under Joshua justifies war, as well as those who lished by the Society of Biblical Literature. its Herald Press imprint, making it the reject war. “We do well to foster an open- He also contributed to Abingdon Press’s 25th volume in the Believers Church Bible ness to the unexpected,” he says. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible. l Commentary Series. Reading Joshua carefully will push Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 29

Book Review comparison in chart form. Although Exploring complexities Stutzman focuses primarily of peace on what was happening From Nonresistance to Justice: The Transformation of Mennonite Church Peace Rhetoric, 1908-2008. among MCs By Ervin R. Stutzman. Herald Press, 2011, 424 pages. in the United Reviewed by Barb Draper States, Mennonites he way Mennonites talk about South German Mennonites, but he does in Canada peace has changed in the past include information about the former have had similar experiences. It is fasci- T100 years. While our grand- General Conference (GC), who were nating to see how our church has changed parents talked about “nonresistance,” predominantly descended from Dutch/ over the years, something we often don’t today we are apt to relate peace to North German/Russian Mennonites. His realize until shown by this kind of study. “justice.” Stutzman, executive-director of assessment of the differences between I found Stutzman’s explanation of the Mennonite Church U.S.A., takes a careful these two groups explains some of the Mennonite connection with fundamen- look at what was written, especially in challenges in amalgamating to form MC talism a bit oversimplified, but very much church periodicals, to trace how and why U.S.A. and MC Canada. appreciated his analysis of the last 50 these changes happened. He has some good insights into the years. He recognizes that beliefs about Through the 20th century, the articles fact that MCs had been accustomed to peacemaking are very complex. l written in Gospel Herald show many a more centralized authority, while GCs heated debates over the role and mean- expected congregational autonomy. His Barb Draper is Canadian Mennonite’s ing of “peace.” In the early part of the Appendix 2 provides a concise MC/GC Books & Resources editor. century, Mennonites who read Gospel Herald generally saw themselves as very separate from the world and their peace theology meant they were conscientious objectors in time of war. In the second Newfrom MennoMedia half of the century, partly influenced by John Howard Yoder, they came to believe that a more active role in society was im- Dive portant. Mennonite Central Committee Devotions for Deeper Living established an office in Washington, by Cindy Massanari Breeze D.C., and Mennonites began more active peacemaking. Peace became associated This book for youth grew out of the author’s with social justice. experience as a school teacher and pastor to young As Mennonites became more involved people. All the topics were suggested by members in the broader society, and invited those of her youth Sunday school class and at a Men- who were not raised Mennonite to join, nonite youth convention. Woven through more the question of Mennonite identity than 100 meditations is the guarantee of God’s loomed large. The church has struggled unconditional love and acceptance. Published through MennoMedia’s with the question of whether or not all $19.54 CAD • www.MennoMedia.org/Dive book imprint, Herald Press. members are expected to be pacifists. Can a Mennonite work for the military? 800-631-6535 At the same time, there were always those Waterloo, Ontario office who questioned whether an emphasis on justice and peacemaking ignores the importance of evangelism and salvation. Stutzman focuses his study primar- MennoMedia is the publishing agency serving Mennonite ily on the former Mennonite Church Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA (MC), who were descendants of Swiss/ 30 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Book Review Uncovering our first roots The Mennonites of St. Jacobs and Elmira: Understanding the Variety. By Barb Draper. Pandora Press, 2011, 378 pages. Reviewed by Levi M. Frey coins across hundreds of miles of wilder- n order to write this book, Barb became a separate people group per- ness to pay off mortgages on vast tracts Draper did a lot of digging among secuted for its faith. She tells us where of unseen far-away territory. Finally, Iher roots. She performed an excel- we picked up the language that is still we come to Ontario and to Woolwich lent job of searching out the reasons used in many homes today. She fol- Township. for some of the traditions and practices lows the path through several European Draper spends some time exploring the of the Mennonites of St. Jacobs and countries and explains the split with the history and progression through most of Elmira, Ont. Because she is a woman, a Amish. She gives us an idea of what life the 19th century, when the Mennonite Mennonite and locally grown at that, she was like for Mennonites in 17th-century church was mostly one entity. She ex- was able to add a flavour which is differ- Europe. Then came the migration to plains faith and community life in those ent from that of many writers of church Pennsylvania! pioneer times, gives us good descriptions history. We are told who some of the early of common practices that developed in Draper uncovers the first roots in the Pennsylvania settlers were, especially home and church life, and explains how Mennonite story in 16th-century Europe those whose descendants came to some of these practices came about. during the Reformation. This is where it Ontario a century later. Those were the She is very thorough and sympathetic all began! She explains why Mennonites days of hauling barrels containing gold in explaining some of the more obscure traditions, and obviously spent much time in researching these topics. I find it especially fascinating how she takes certain clothing articles and explains the progression from European peasant garb to present-day Old Order usage. Theology and Religion In further chapters Draper explains how outside pressures changed many things in the Mennonite church, and eventually various factions went their separate ways. She explores the current theology, practices and other factors in Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, the Old Order Mennonites, and a few other more or less conservative groups that co- exist in the St. Jacobs and Elmira area. Her writing is much more accurate— (l-r) Desert Spirituality and Cultural Resistance by Belden C. Lane; Peace and Justice: Essays from the Fourth Shi’i Muslim Mennonite Christian Dialogue by Harry Heubner and and less judgmental—than that of most Muhammed Legenhausen, eds.; The Gift of Difference by Chris K. Huebner and Tripp York, other writers. She has the true inside eds.; The Free Church and Israel’s Covenant by Peter Ochs story. All in all, Draper has used her unique CMU Press offers academic and general interest titles on theology, religion and perspective to compile an accurate, read- biblical studies from a Mennonite perspective, as well as fiction and children’s able, balanced account on a subject that books. Visit our website at www.cmu.ca/cmupress for more information. can be very confusing, while proving that history can be interesting. l

www.cmu.ca/cmupress | [email protected] | 500 Shaftesbury Blvd | Winnipeg MB Canada R3P 2N2 Levi M. Frey is an Old Order Mennonite from the Mount Forest community, Ont. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 31

Present Tense: A Mennonite Spirituality. Gordon Houser. Cascadia Publishing House, Spring 2012 List of 2011, 174 pages. houser explores what spirituality means for his Mennonite community and for himself. Books & Resources Reading the Bible after Theology, spirituality Christendom. Lloyd Pietersen. Atonement, Justice and Peace: The Herald Press, Message of the Cross and the Mission of 2012, 259 pages. the Church. Darrin W. Snyder Belousek. Wm. Pietersen, B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2012, 668 pages. short essays by a variety of contributors who an Anabaptist Belousek explains in great detail why he be- comment on things they learned from the living in England, lieves the penal substitution theory of atone- Kreiders about what it means to be Christian explains how ment is faulty. He believes that nonviolence is in the world. Christianity be- the message of the cross if God’s justice and came a powerful atonement are understood properly. Go to Church, institution in Change the western society. Since it has lost its domi- Desert Spirituality and Cultural Resistance: World: Christian nance, Christians should interpret the Bible From Ancient Monks to Mountain Community as more like the early church and the 16th- Refugees. Belden C. Lane. Canadian Calling. Gerald century Anabaptists. Mennonite University Press, 2011, 69 pages. J. Mast. Herald This booklet comprises the three lectures Press, 2012, 190 Widening the Circle: Experiments in of the J. J. Thiessen Lecture Series held at pages. Christian Discipleship. Joanna Shenk, ed. Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, Mast argues Herald Press, 2011, 246 pages. on Oct. 19-20, 2010. that community In the last 50 years, a variety of Mennonites is an important and other Christians have tried to live out The End of part of spiritual- their faith in radical discipleship. Among the Sacrifice: ity and explains individuals and communities featured are The Capital the importance of the rites and practices of Reba Place Fellowship, Christian Peacemaker Punishment congregational life. The 15 chapters come Teams, Mennonite Voluntary Service, Writings of John with questions for reflection and discussion. Winnipeg’s Little Flowers Community and Howard Yoder. Hedy Sawadsky. John C. Nugent, Killing Enmity: Violence and the New ed. Herald Press, Testament. ThomasR . Yoder Neufeld. Baker History 2011, 287 pages. Academic, 2011, 192 pages. This collection Participating in the conversation about Alfalfa to Ivy: Memoir of a Harvard brings together whether Christians are called to nonviolence, Medical School Dean. Joseph B. Martin. The John Howard Yoder Neufeld explores the meaning of vari- University of Alberta Press, 2011, 458 pages. Yoder’s writings ous troublesome biblical texts. Among them Joe Martin’s memoir gives a brief overview about capital punishment, some not previ- are Jesus cleansing the temple, Jesus’ death of his Mennonite family and his early years ously published. Yoder wrote various articles and some parables that include coercion. on a farm in southern Alberta. He gives a about the need to end the death penalty detailed perspective of the challenges of from the late 1950s until his death in the The Nonviolent Atonement,Second Edition. working in medical research and in the U.S. 1990s. J. Denny Weaver. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, healthcare system. 2011, 346 pages. Forming Christian Habits in Post- In this expanded and revised second Among the Ashes: In the Stalinkova Christendom: The Legacy of Alan and edition, Weaver argues that the satisfaction Kolkhoz (Kontinusfeld) 1930-1935. Peter J. Eleanor Kreider. James R. Krabill and Stuart theory of atonement with its divinely sanc- Rahn. Pandora Press, 2011, 300 pages. Murray, eds. Herald Press and the Institute of tioned, retributive violence is problematic. In This book contains letters sent by theR ahn Mennonite Studies, 2011, 234 pages. its stead, he offers a narrativeC hristus Victor family in southern Ukraine to relatives in as well as some biographical informa- image of atonement. Canada during five difficult years of the Soviet tion about the Kreiders, this book includes regime. The letters appear in both German 32 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

and English, and have lots of commentary to St. Catharines, Ont. Available from Millrise for children aged 4 to 8. show what is happening in this village in the Publishing, 140 Millbank Close, Calgary SW, Molotschna colony. AB T2Y 2E5, or by e-mailing the author at Resources [email protected]. From Nonresistance to Justice: The With the Word: Luke. Faith & Life Resources. Transformation of Mennonite Church Roots and 56 pages. Peace Rhetoric 1908-2008. Ervin R. Branches: This Bible study and devotional guide Stutzman. Herald Press, 2011, 424 pages. A Narrative based on Luke is designed for groups or Stutzman examines how Mennonite History of the individuals. There are suggestions for group beliefs and vocabulary about peace have Amish and leaders, as well as seven daily devotionals for changed in North America in the past hun- Mennonites in each of the eight sessions. dred years. He traces the various influences the Southeast on the church and how peacemaking was United States, With the Word: Psalms. Faith & Life expressed in the 20th century. 1892-1992, Resources. 68 pages. Volume 2. Martin This Bible study and devotional guide Heirs and Joint Heirs: Mission to Church W. Lehman. based on Psalms has a format similar to Luke, Among the Mennonite Brethren of Andhra Cascadia but with 10 sessions. Pradesh. Paul D. Wiebe. Kindred Productions, Publishing House, 2010, 408 pages. 2011, 246 pages. CDs/DVDs The author, who was born and raised in carrying on the story from Volume 1, India, not only explains the history and setting Lehman describes the Southeast Mennonite Escape Via Moscow, 1929 and The of Mennonite Brethren mission work there, Conference from the 1960s to the 1990s. Women’s Burden Under Stalin. Otto but also identifies challenges for the future. During these years, many non-traditional Klassen. 2011, DVD, 45 minutes. Mennonites joined these congregations. otto Klassen continues the story of Howard Raid: Man of Faith and Vision. Mennonites in Russia. In 1929, thousands of Elizabeth Raid. Pandora Press, 2011, 266 pages. Children’s Books Mennonites waited near Moscow, hoping howard Raid was a long-time professor of to emigrate. Although some escaped, many economics and business at BlufftonC ollege David’s Trip to Paraguay: The Land of men were imprisoned, which made life and a founding member of the Mennonite Amazing Colours. Miriam Rudolph. CMU especially difficult for the women.A vailable Mutual Aid Association. He served the Press, 2011, 32 pages, hardcover. from TheT ext to Terabyte Project online at Mennonite church faithfully over the years, The large and colourful pictures in this mbconf.ca/cmbs. writes his daughter. book tell a story from the author’s grandfa- ther in both English and German. The move Leaving Eden. Cheryl Denise. 2012, CD, In Another Day of the Lord: The Mission from Altona, Man., to the Menno Colony in spoken word poetry with music by Ben Days of the Mennonite Brethren Church of Paraguay is told as a child’s adventure using Regier. India in Pictures. Paul D. Wiebe and David A. vibrant colours. The 13 spoken poems in this collection Wiebe. Kindred Productions, 2010, 155 pages. are from Cheryl Denise’s poetry published by The many photos in this collection tell the On the Zwieback Trail: A Russian Cascadia Publishing House’s DreamSeeker story of Mennonite Brethren missionaries Mennonite Alphabet of Stories, Recipes Series. TheC D is available by e-mail from the working in India between 1899 and the 1970s. and Historic Events. Lisa Weaver, Julie poet at [email protected]. Kauffman and JudithR empel Smucker. CMU Just a Kid Press, 2011, 72 pages, hardcover. Mysteries of Grace and Judgement. Jack Without a using the alphabet, Weaver displays a series Dueck. Re-released 2011. Computer: of vignettes of Russian Mennonite history. Through music, stories and poetry, various Unformatted The illustrations and design by Kauffman and performers tell the story of the Mennonite Adventures. Smucker show historical photos in collage sojourn in Russia, including storyteller Jack Hugo Neufeld. format. While many old photos are black and Dueck and the Sojourn Singers led by George Millrise white, the pages also have colour. Wiebe. The performance was recorded some Publishing, 2011, years ago and is now re-released on DVD or 178 pages. Quills. Aaron J. Ratzlaff.H erald Press, 2011, 38 CD. Available online at MysteriesOfGrace. Neufeld tells a pages, hardcover. com. variety of stories This illustrated children’s book is about about himself Porcupine, who feels sad and unlovable when —Compiled by Barb Draper, Books & as an adven- her quills begin to fall out, but is reassured by Resources editor. turesome child growing up on a farm near the acceptance of her friends. It is designed Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 33

young voices Rock band asks fans for helpyoung with recording costs ‘Crowdfunding’ voicesreplaces traditional arts patronage By Aaron Epp Special to Young Voices Photo by Abbye Dahl t takes a village to make an album. Oh “I looked into it and it seemed like a real- IVillage, a four-piece rock band from ly effective way to fund an album,” Currie Abbotsford, B.C., is planning to pay for says. “It’s a lot of fun to do because the its upcoming EP by “crowdfunding” the prizes are a lot of fun to put together.” project. The band, whose members range in age Scott Currie, the band’s lead singer and from 17 to 19 and who all attend Emmanuel pianist, came up with the idea after see- Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, is hoping ing one of his favourite bands, popular to raise $7,000 in order to record a six-song Christian ska act Five Iron Frenzy, fund EP in July at The Sound Suite, a studio in one of its albums in a similar way. Over 90 Abbotsford. RocketHub.com takes 4 per- days, Currie and his band mates—guitarist cent of the money raised if the band reach- Jake Janzen, bassist David Dueckman and es its goal, and eight per cent if it falls short. drummer Stephen Dahl—are raising funds The website says it does this to encourage Oh Village, a rock band from via RocketHub.com, a website dedicated to people to set a reasonable financial goal Abbotsford, B.C., is composed of teen- crowdfunding initiatives. and then work hard to meet it. agers Stephen Dahl, left, Scott Currie, “Crowdfunding [or micro-patronage] is Fifteen days into its campaign, the band David Dueckman and Jake Janzen. The a new way to support creative people and had already raised $700. The musicians are band is ‘crowdfunding’ its next EP, a six- endeavours,” according to RocketHub.com. confident they will meet their goal by the song disc to be recorded in July. “In ages past, wealthy patrons would com- time their 90-day campaign is over at the mission works of art, such as symphonies, end of June, but they are planning to record from the recognizable artists and musi- the EP no matter what. The musicians are confident they will meet their goal by the time their 90-day campaign is over at the end of June, but they are planning to record the EP no matter what.

cians of the day. Crowdfunding is the same “If our RocketHub numbers and sup- idea, but rather than looking for a large port don’t hit seven grand, we’re going to contribution from a wealthy patron, art- make something work,” Janzen says, add- ists and entrepreneurs . . . look for small ing that the band is working odd jobs and contributions from lots of people.” organizing other fundraisers, like a bake Anyone can make a donation, and the sale, to help cover the costs of recording band is rewarding different levels of dona- and manufacturing the disc. tions with different items in return, from Crowdfunding has become increasingly a copy of the EP to an Oh Village T-shirt. popular in recent years, with a diverse list 34 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

of musicians, including Juno-nominated novel idea: ‘crowdsource’ a little business Winnipeg singer-songwriter Cara Luft and acumen and produce something people seminal New York hip-hop group Public actually want to give you money for.” Enemy, using it to fund recording projects. Janzen points out that Oh Village isn’t The film adaptation of the popular Donald simply asking for a handout, as everyone Miller book, Blue Like Jazz, was also fund- who makes a donation of at least $10 will ed in part by a crowdfunding campaign receive something in return. on Kickstarter.com, a website similar to Dueckman agrees, adding that crowd- RocketHub. funding is a way to involve fans and sup- A recent op-ed piece published on porters in a recording project from the Vancouver alt-weekly The Georgia ground up. “We’re trying to involve people Straight’s website was critical of crowd- in something that could be really awesome,” funding, with the writer arguing that “no- he says. “If people are excited about this tions like suffering for your art and put- and they want to support our music and be ting your money where your mouth is have a part of it, we’re excited about them being been replaced by sickeningly safe-and-easy a part of it.” websites that allow you to turn your band To watch a video about Oh Village’s into a charitable cause in five minutes. fundraising campaign, and read updates, . . . Instead of panhandling online, here’s a visit ohvillage.com. l

Personal Reflection Navigating a complicated world By Stephanie Coughlan Ens Special to Young Voices

Photo courtesy of s a recent graduate of the workplace. Now, after a year of being em- Stephanie coughlan Ens University of Manitoba with a ployed at the same agency, I am starting Adegree in social work, I consider to realize that my faith has influenced my myself to be quite lucky with the type work and also that my work has influ- of employment I’ve landed. I received enced my faith. a job offer straight from my practicum My faith community has taught me as a “community development social that everyone deserves unconditional worker” for a non-profit co-op agency in love because everyone is created by God. Winnipeg. Through my work in running an after- It was everything I could have hoped school youth centre, though, I have real- for: working mostly with youth, but also ized that respect for, and commitment with families, program development and to, other’s safety, and the right to have implementation, individual and group fun, are conditions that individuals must counselling, and consultation with a meet. But I can still show unconditional multidisciplinary team. Plus, the agency love to those who are hardest to love. stands for much of what I believe in, There is one boy who often attends, and my co-workers are friendly, warm, who will barge in, take the time to point welcoming and funky people. out who has lice and who has bedbugs, I never stopped to consider how my make fun of someone’s flaws, and then upbringing in a small town Manitoba usually get into a physical fight with Mennonite church, or how my faith another boy. He is not meeting the condi- in Jesus, would come into play at my tions of the youth centre and it would Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 35

be so easy to ask him not to return, but, your neighbour”—and neglected the instead, we have chosen unconditional “as you love yourself” ending. My work regard, recognizing his inherent worth as has forced me to realize that if I cannot a human being, and have decided to work accept my whole self—my strengths and on a one-to-one level with him and his weaknesses—I can never fully accept family. others either. I thought that faithful living I never stopped to consider how my upbringing in a small town Manitoba Mennonite church, or how my faith in Jesus, would come into play at my workplace. Now, after a year of being employed at the same agency, I am starting to realize that my faith has influenced my work and also that my work has influenced my faith.

Society screams at me to have a good meant sacrificing my own self-care, but job, nice clothes, money to spend, and to now I am starting to understand that always upgrade lest I be left behind. I am having compassion for myself, knowing thankful that my faith has enabled me to that God lives in me, is a big part of what dull these messages with reminders to be Jesus is asking us all to do. generous and humble. In closing I would like to share I John In my work, I have seen poor people 4:17 from The Message: “God is love. struggle to keep up with these societal When we take up permanent residence pressures. Some of them are overworked, in a life of love, we live in God and God others are addicted to substances. Others lives in us. This way, love has the run of give up, but many of them have hope. the house, becomes at home and mature Funders want us to respond by teaching in us, so that we’re free of worry.” them “employable skills” and offering As I navigate this complicated world in them employment options. I have often a career that is as fulfilling as it is terrify- learned that the better response is to ing, I try to keep this in mind for myself listen to their story, knowing that money and for the people I serve. l does not equal happiness, and draw out their hopes and dreams. Stephanie Coughlan Ens attends Jesus taught us to “love your neighbour Springstein Mennonite Church, Man. She as you love yourself.” In my own faith graduated with a degree in social work journey I have embraced this, but often from the University of Manitoba in May only focused on the first part—“love 2011.

Canadian Mennonite is now on Facebook Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/Canadian.Mennonite 36 Canadian Mennonite April 30, 2012

Confessing our fossil fuels sins By Rachel Bergen Young Voices Co-Editor

hristians are taught that taking a Central Committee (MCC) Ontario and CSabbath from work is an important purveyor of the Creation Care Crossroads spiritual discipline, but some Mennonites blog, Earth Day provides an opportunity in Winnipeg organized a Sabbath from for the church to connect with the ideas consumption. of creation care. “Earth Day is invaluable,” Consumption Sabbath, which took place he said. “It is an annual opportunity to re- on Earth Day (April 22), included a time new our commitment to creation and it for people to “confess” their fossil fuel sins, connects us with the global movement of “testify” to the healing power of living sim- seeking sustainability.” ply, and make pledges for the future. On this Earth Day, Consumption Sabbath It was a serious event with a playful hoped to do just that. “Communities twist. around the world combine their voice in “There’s some principalities and powers, creating a future where creation flourishes there’s some structures of injustice, there’s and all people have access to its life-giving some patterns of living that are taking a resources,” Kropf said. downward turn, an over-consumptive turn. That was the point of Consumption . . . This is a social sin,” said Aiden Enns, Sabbath. New Order Voice columnist, in a promo- “We want to emphasize that we’re all in Neufeld tional video for Consumption Sabbath. this together,” said Josiah Neufeld, who at- Enns spoke at the Consumption Sabbath tends Hope Mennonite Church. service that also included a march from The Consumption Sabbath idea was to Omand’s Creek Park to Memorial Park, shake people from their daily living and and a traditional tent service where there bring them together in a collective endeav- was also a gospel choir singing. The focus our, to think about their consumption in a was on over-consumption. new way and to make conscious choices to The concept of taking a Sabbath is a rad- work together, said Neufeld, 31. ical concept to grasp, said Maraleigh Short, Both Neufeld and Short make daily one of the coordinators of the event. As a personal choices on what to consume or fourth-year peace and conflict transforma- not to consume, but they believe that this tion studies and biblical and theological event existed beyond the level of personal studies student at Canadian Mennonite choices. University, it’s difficult to take a rest “With Consumption Sabbath, it becomes from school work, let alone take a break what we can do, how are we going to en- from entrenched consumption habits. gage with one another, the church and the “[Consumption] is something that I myself community of faith, which in some spheres feel a bit lost in and it’s so easy to not see does proclaim that they are concerned with how damaging it can be to self and com- creation care,” Short said. munity,” she said. “To take a break from it “Change has to be a collective endeavour, is not an easy thing.” which requires people to come together Because Short is at a point in her life on a mass level to work together,” Neufeld where she feels disconnected from her faith said. “Our faith communities are essential and from the messages at church, she felt in bringing about that collective change.” it was important to get connected with a The coordination of Consumption message of social justice that is intertwined Sabbath was a collective effort of repre- with her faith. “Maybe [a Consumption sentatives from Charleswood Mennonite Sabbath] is what I need to have a revival of Church, Hope Mennonite Church and St. my faith,” Short said. Benedict’s Table, among others. According to Darren Kropf, a commu- For more information, visit Short nity engagement associate with Mennonite consumptionsabbath.com. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 37

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Retreat Centre, Sylvan Lake, from 403-242-7370. June 18-29: Canadian School of ΛΛCalendar noon till noon. Speaker: Lee Klaassen, June 8-9: Mennonite Central Peacebuilding at CMU. For more British Columbia life coach. Theme: “Balancing act.” For Committee annual Relief Sale, in information, visit csop.cmu.ca. more information, call Ev Buhr, First Didsbury. July 21: Camp Squeah 50th- Mennonite Church, Edmonton, at June 16: Camp Valaqua hike-a-thon Ontario anniversary event, beginning at the 780-436-3431. at Cox Hills, Kananaskis. For more May 5: Hidden Acres Mennonite camp at noon. For more information, June 6: Heritage retreat at Camp information, call 403-637-2510. Camp hosts its 17th annual road visit Squeah.com/50th-celebration, Valaqua, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. hockey tournament. Puck drops at join the Camp Squeah alumni page on Speaker: Mary Ann Kirby, author of I Saskatchewan 7:30 a.m. Teams of four to six players Facebook or call 1-800-380-2267. Am Hutterite. Topic: “Understanding May 22-25: MC Saskatchewan are welcome. For more information, and respecting people with different continuing education course at call Jeff at 519-272-2261 or e-mail Alberta practices in faith and life.” For more Wildwood Mennonite Church, [email protected]. information, or to register, call Kurt May 26-27: Mennonite Women Saskatoon. May 5: Shalom Counselling Services Janz at 403-271-7477 or Jake Wiebe at Alberta spring retreat at Sunny Side May 26: RJC fundraising golf annual fundraising breakfast, at St. tournament, at Valley Regional Park. Jacobs Mennonite Church, at 8:30 a.m. June 8-9: MCC Relief Sale and annual Speaker: Michael Wilson, mental health general meeting in Saskatoon. advocate, and former MP and federal UpComing finance minister.T opic: “Mental illness: ΛΛ Manitoba The cost of doing nothing.” Second annual Wild Goose Festival announced May 5,6: Soli Deo Gloria Singers May 12, 13: Faith and Life Male Choir present their annual spring concert, and Faith and Life Women’s Chorus Returning to Shakori Hills, N.C., this spring, the Wild Goose “Peace in our Time”; (5) at Leamington spring concerts; (12) Sargent Avenue Festival seeks to inspire conversation and action at the inter- United Mennonite Church, at 8 p.m.; Mennonite Church, Winnipeg; (13) section of justice, spirituality and art. Among the many speak- (6) at UMEI in Leamington, at 3 p.m. Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church. ers for this year’s festival, scheduled for June 21 to 24, are Tickets are available in advance from Both concert begin at 7 p.m. Frank Schaeffer, Phyllis Tickle, Shane Claiborne and Brian choir members, Mennonite Savings May 30: Westgate Mennonite McLaren, while music will be provided by the likes of Aradhna, and Credit Union, or UMEI by calling Collegiate Grade 7 to 9 spring 519-326-7448. Alexander and the Grapes, Jennifer Knapp and Michelle concert, at Bethel Mennonite Church, May 6: Inter-Mennonite Children’s Shocked. The theme for this year is “Exile and return (exile Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. Choir presents its 45th-anniversary from, and return to, God; each other; ourselves).” For more May 31: Westgate Mennonite concert, “United in Song,” at Floradale information or discounted advance tickets (available until Collegiate Grade 10-12 spring Mennonite Church, at 3 p.m. For more June 20), visit wildgoosefestival.org. Last year, about a dozen concert, at Bethel Mennonite Church, information, e-mail imcc.conductor@ Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. Canadian Mennonites attended the festival, and organizers rogers.com June 1-2: “Youth Ministry as School hope that more will make the trek south this summer. May 6: Pax Christi Chorale’s 25th of Love,” an Institute for Theology and —Wild Goose Festival anniversary gala concert featuring Church conference at CMU.

Urban Missionary / Church Planter Trinity Mennonite Church in Calgary has identified an opportunity to make (new) disciples of non- churched people in the Southeast area of Calgary. This area consists of several rapidly growing communities – and attracts primarily urban young professional families.

This lifetime opportunity is for someone who loves to minister to people -- to introduce them to Jesus, to baptize them, and to teach them to obey Jesus’ teachings. In essence, to make disciples.

It is recommended that interested candidates read The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren, The End of Religion by Bruxy Cavey, and The Naked Anabaptist by Stuart Murray before considering this position.

Christian Theological Studies at a Bachelor or Masters level would be an asset.

If you feel the Holy Spirit leading you towards this challenging opportunity, please e-mail indication of your interest along with details about yourself to: [email protected] Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 9 39

Elgar’s The Kingdom, at Koerner Hall, St. Jacobs Mennonite Church; (22-24) Toronto; pre-concert chat at 2 p.m., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; (25) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PASTOR concert at 3 p.m. With the Youth Choir, Guest artists: Needle Sisters of Elmira. Carrot River Mennonite Church Carrot River, Sask. full orchestra and soloists. For tickets, Gift boutique on site. All proceeds to visit paxchristichorale.org/tickets. MCC. We are a healthy congregation of 100+, with a diverse range in : Spring seniors retreat at Hidden : Hidden Acres Mennonite ages. We hold to the Anabaptist theology, and are a member May 7 May 29 of Mennonite Church Saskatchewan and MC Canada. We are Acres Mennonite Camp. Theme: Camp, New Hamburg, is hosting a located in a stable community of 1100, in the parklands area “21st century mission: It’s new and retreat for retired ministers. Speaker: with mixed farming and many recreation opportunities. different.” Speakers: Palmer Becker and Don Morgenson. Theme: “Wonder, We are seeking a pastor with skills for spiritual leadership and Ron Mathies. For more information, wisdom and spiritual growth.” a heart for pastoral care. Ministry education and experience call 519-625-8602 or e-mail info@ June 3: Sixth annual Harmonia Sacra would be an asset. Housing available. hiddenacres.ca. Sing, at Detweiler Meetinghouse, Interested candidates may contact the Search Committee May 9: 37th annual community prayer Roseville, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. For chair, Herman Enns, at 306-768-3146 or [email protected] breakfaster sponsored by the KW more information, call Will Stoltz at Council of Churches and Interfaith 519-696-2805 or Laurence Martin at Grand River, at the Waterloo Inn, 519-208-4591. Waterloo, at 7 a.m. Speaker: Marlene June 10: Hagerman Mennonite Epp. Theme: A“ re we eating ‘just’ food? Church 75th anniversary. Past and Reflections on food, faith and culture.” present congregants are invited to May 12: “Spring Fling” with Menno a special worship service at 10 a.m., Youth Singers, at Waterloo North followed by lunch. The celebration will Mennonite Church, Waterloo, at 8 p.m. continue with music and storytelling May 12: Greening Sacred Spaces offers from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church a renewable energy trade show and To ensure timely publication of invites applications for a 75% FTE* workshops at St. John the Evangelist upcoming events, please send PARISH NURSE Anglican Church, Kitchener, from 1 to starting January 1, 2013 Calendar announcements eight 5 p.m. For more information, call 519- weeks in advance of the event Key Job-Related Elements: 747-5139. Elmira Mennonite Church • Parish Nurse is a member of the WKUM Church Pastoral Team date by e-mail to calendar@ will receive a Greening Sacred Spaces • Works closely with the WKUM Health and Wellness Commitee canadianmennonite.org. Award during the event. • 30 hours per week: 20 hours per week with WKUM Church and 10 hours per week at Waterloo Mennonite Homes – May 22-25: Quilts for the World, at operated by a board of members from WKUM Church and located next door to the church. Classifieds (* NOTE: subject to final confirmation on financing) ΛΛ • For a detailed job description or further information, please For Rent Travel contact: [email protected] For Rent: Dunromin cottage. Visit Europe the Mennonite Essential Personal Qualifications: Way! Mennonite Heritage Tours • A vibrant faith, spiritual maturity and a compassionate nature 3 bedroom cottage at Red Bay 2012: 10-18 day Hotel Tours fo- • Excellent communication and assessment skills; ability to on Bruce Peninsula, nestled cussing on Mennonite heritage promote wellness through the integration of faith and health among the maple trees. Short in Holland, Germany, Poland, – Body, Mind and Spirit! walk to sandy beach and small Belgium and Switzerland. www. • Strong counseling, organizational, problem-solving and park. Includes a rear deck. mennoniteheritagetours.eu interpersonal skills Available June 30 through July • A demonstrated ability to work in a team situation 28, and August 11 through • Agreement with the mission of WKUM Church. See: September 1. Call Diane at Announcement www.wkumchurch.ca 519-746-4920. Professional credentials of the successful applicant at Special Offer for beginning of contract (Jan. 1, 2013): MOTHERS & GR.MOTHERS • An experienced Registered Nurse DAY • Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario • Registration with Registered Nurses Association of Ontario See (RNAO) www.mysteriesofgrace.com • Member of the Parish Nurses Interest Group of the RNAO • Post-Graduate Education in Parish Nursing. Note: The otherwise qualified successful candidate may also Employment Opportunities attain the requisite Parish Nursing Certificate at a course avail- able July 13-19, 2012. See: http://www.stpetersseminary.ca/institute/parish_nursing/ Lezha Academic Center in Lezhe, Albania, seeks • Membership with Canadian Association of Parish Nursing MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND ESL TEACHERS, beginning Ministry (CAPNM) August 2012. Employment through partnership with Virginia Mennonite Missions. First-year, experienced, and retired edu- Please forward applications by May 15, 2012 to WKUM Church cators encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Contact Rita Health and Wellness Committee: Steiner: [email protected] or 540-421-7166. [email protected] Annual event raises money for Camp nduring fatigue, light rain and wind, and even a capsized canoe, E29 people paddled their way down the Fraser River for two days Squeah’s summer support staff in mid-April in Camp Squeah’s annual fundraising paddle-a-thon.

By Amy Dueckman Two kayaks, five tandem canoes and two 10-person canoes B.C. Correspondent comprised the “fleet” that traversed the waters from Hope to Fort Hope, B.C. Langley, garnering pledges and raising money for Squeah’s bursary fund to assist volunteer summer staff members with their continu- ing education. This year’s efforts netted more than $45,000. The only mishap occurred when a canoe carrying two people overturned, but they took it in stride, quickly recovered and were reported none the worse for wear. The group began the trip near Squeah’s location at Hope, went as far as Chilliwack the first night, then continued on the next day to the end point in Ft. Langley. Saturday supper and Sunday lunch and supper were supplied along the way by volunteers from Mennonite Church B.C. congregations. Camp committee member Jerry Goertzen-Loeppky of Abbotsford, participating for the fourth time, said that enduring a few sore muscles was worth it for enjoying the scenery and camaraderie of the trip. “It’s a good way to support the church and promote the causes of Camp Squeah,” he added. l

Photos by Barb Bruce

Scott Alexander, left, and Colin Charron recover from the shock of going in the cold river after tipping their canoe in a whirlpool on the first day of the Squeah paddle-a-thon.