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June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12
The Lord’s Supper DeskTop
The Lord’s Supper about how their communion practices reflect what they ow do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper in our believe about the community of faith. churches? What theological convictions lie behind our The next issue of Canadian Mennonite will focus on Hpractices? This issue focuses on these questions in a mental health issues in the context of the church. The larger-than-usual feature section (pages 4-14). feature will include an article from last fall’s Canadian To set the stage, John Rempel traces the theological roots Mennonite Health Assembly in Winnipeg. A panel at that and development of Anabaptist-Mennonite communion assembly talked about ways that congregations and practices (page 6). As a pastor and scholar, Rempel has a individuals can respond to Jesus’ call to “heal the sick.” passion for this topic and has written extensively on it. Some of his historical work is collected in his 1993 book, The A mother’s death Lord’s Supper in Anabaptism: A Study in the Christology of Balthasar Hubmaier, Pilgram Marpeck, and Dirk Philips am writing this just hours after the death of my mother- (Herald Press). Rempel also in-law. She was 86 years old and had been ailing for wrote the section on the Iseveral years before a massive stroke rendered her ‘The Lord’s Supper is Lord’s Supper in the current immobile just over two weeks ago. I was able to spend a our most profound and Minister’s Manual (Faith & week at her bedside in Manitoba before she died (time I had Life/Herald Press, 1998). expected to spend in Europe on vacation). formative symbol.’ “The Lord’s Supper is our It was a week out of time—strange and disorienting, but most profound and forma- full of unexpected richness. My husband’s family was tive symbol,” says Rempel. fortunate—all five siblings were able to keep watch together, “How we practice it reveals more of what we believe about while getting reacquainted with each other. grace, the church, and mission than any other aspect of As many have observed, our culture does not easily congregational life; it is our theology incarnate.” incorporate the fact of death into our daily living. It’s often a If that is true, are we giving enough thought to how we struggle to set aside one’s own routines, both physical and observe communion? Are we aware of how our practices psychological, to attend to a person’s dying. express our faith? Questions about whom to invite to the The questions that one faces are suddenly so ultimate— Lord’s table, how to include children and how to serve the how can we judge what “quality of life” is present, or when elements are not easy to answer—they depend on what we to remove the intravenous lifeline? How can we plan for a believe about the nature of the church and our life together. funeral when we have no idea when death will come? The other articles in this section survey the variety of It’s a stark lesson in realizing the limits of our control. All ways in which our churches currently observe communion we can do is acknowledge that the days of our life and the (beginning on page 4). Many still follow traditional patterns, moment of our death rest in the hands of God. while others are including new ways of observing the Lord’s Mary (Zacharias) Reimer, rest in peace.—Margaret Supper. Perhaps these articles can help churches think Loewen Reimer
Mission statement: Published by Canadian National correspondent: Leona Dueck Penner, Mennonite Publishing Service, Canadian Mennonite Winnipeg. Phone: (204) 888-6781. serves primarily the people and churches of E-mail: [email protected] Mennonite Church Canada and its five area Regional correspondents: conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ Mennonite Eastern Canada: Maurice Martin, Phone: (519) 662-1031 periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the E-mail: [email protected] church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate Manitoba: Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Phone/Fax: (204) 745-2208 and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, E-mail: [email protected] news and analysis of issues facing the church. Saskatchewan: Karin Fehderau, Phone: (306) 933-4209 E-mail: [email protected] Head office: 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7 Alberta: Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Phone: (780) 436-3431 800-378-2524 Phone: (519) 884-3810 Toll-free: Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] British Columbia: Angelika Dawson, Phone: (604) 870-0494 Interim Editor/Publisher: Margaret Loewen Reimer E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Board of directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld, John W. Goossen Staff: Betti Erb, associate editor; Natasha Krahn, admin. assistant; Alberta: Brenda Thiessen-Wiens, Jan Wilhelm. Saskatchewan: Bernie Tammy Sawatzky, art director; Barb Draper, editorial assistant. Thiessen. Manitoba: Aiden S. Enns, Bernie Wiebe, Paul Krahn. Advertising: Barbara Burkholder Phone : 800-316-4052 Ontario: Mary Lymburner, Brice Balmer, Ester Neufeldt, Larry Cornies. Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://canadianmennonite.org Postmaster: Send returns to head office. PAP Registration No. 09613. Agreement No. 40063104. We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward mailing costs. Contact head office for subscriptions and address changes. Order form on inside back cover. ISSN 1480-042X
2 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 ThisIssue
June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 4UpClose Communion services 4 Variety of observances 5
6 Faith&Life The Lord’s Supper 6 Communion in Alberta 11 Shifting practices 13
15 InConversation Two desks 15 Letters 15 Pilgrim Pieces 16 Page 19 Emke Retro 17
18 WiderChurch Sudan 18 MCC youth program 22 Aid to Gaza 24 Page 31 Bomb clearance 25
26 LocalChurch Wingham closes 26 Web site preview Toews lectures 27 Get a preview of the next Meat canning 30 Canadian Mennonite before Transitions 32 it comes in the mail. Selections are posted on our web site at www.canadianmennonite.org 34 TheChurches on the Thursday before the Page 35 issue date. So you can check out the June 28 issue by 38 ToMorrow June 24.
Cover: Coloured pencil drawing by Karmen Krahn.
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 3 UpClose
Winkler, Man. Emmanuel has various communion services ommunion at Emmanuel is celebrated is in midsummer, when means, have a prayer of confession Mennonite Church here is a the church family is more scattered. and then pass the peace of Christ.” C sacred event celebrated eight or “In a time when we’re all going Sometimes the two pastors and lay nine times a year. different ways it serves to draw us minister invite participants to come to Every Maundy Thursday, just before together,” said Koop. the front in small groups to receive the Good Friday, the church holds a love Emmanuel Mennonite also brings in communion elements and a blessing. feast. The evening begins with a meal the new year with a communion service. Other times the deacons serve the of soup and bread, followed by the In addition, Easter Sunday, World elements to members in the pews. story of Jesus’ betrayal and the last Communion Sunday in October, and “Sometimes, especially at our Easter supper. Seated around tables, mem- the first Sunday of Advent are always Sunday communion service, we have a bers break bread for one other and celebrated with communion. Every more celebratory communion,” said Koop. “We have a banquet-type of display with special fruits. We have a large communion banner which we display at all communion services.” —Evelyn Rempel Petkau Natural altar call ommunion symbols point to God’s greatest expression of C grace and forgiveness. Com- munion is therefore the most natural “altar call” opportunity that the church has. We don’t need to guard the
riesen gate of grace; we need to open it for all. While communion is for those who confess Jesus as Lord, I have always used it as an occasion to invite any who hear God calling them to make a confession of faith to come and receive the bread and wine. In this way they make their intentions known that they
Acrylic painting by Chad F want to become disciples of Jesus. I have found that having people share grape juice. baptism service includes a communion come forward as households, blessing The story of Jesus washing his celebration. the children, and having pastors and disciples’ feet in John 13 leads to an “In 2002 we had four or five baptism elders who are offering the symbols use invitation for members to demonstrate services, but usually there aren’t more people’s names as they give commun- their willingness to serve one another, than two,” said Koop. Emmanuel ion, make for powerful connections. I sometimes have a quick prayer and accept service, by participating in Mennonite has two worship services with a person I know is experiencing footwashing or hand washing. every Sunday to accommodate a difficult times. If new people come, I A rugged cross is a focal point. membership of over 200. ask them their names. “People are invited to pray at the Koop recalled that when he came Communion should not be less than cross,” said Marvin Koop, pastor. nine years ago, communion services four times a year, and preferably more. “There is continual movement to the were sometimes held Sunday evenings. For me, Good Friday has been a time cross. We try to connect our Lenten Attendance, however, was low and now to include a service of healing. As theme to the service. One year we had communion is part of morning worship, people come forward, they have an a broken pot and the pieces were except for Maundy Thursday. opportunity to have an anointing placed on each table. People brought “At our communion services…all service first, then communion.— Lawrence Martin, Minister of Pastoral these pieces to the cross as symbols of who are baptized are invited to Leadership Training, Mennonite their brokenness.” partake,” he said. “We begin with an Church Eastern Canada Another occasion when communion explanation of what communion
4 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 UpClose Variety of observances in Ontario s an incoming pastor from the manger for nourishment (the bread of communion. Each person takes a piece General Conference out west, I life, living water); at church retreat in of bread and a cup. It is not served. A asked a lot of questions in February the theme is community, We practice “open” communion. All anticipation of presiding over com- being part of the body of Christ; who follow/believe in Christ or who munion at Hawkesville Mennonite at the Good Friday inter-Mennonite wish to make a commitment to do so Church. service the theme is remembering the can take bread and juice. We have The responses: “Anything goes!” “We last supper and passion of Christ; at grapes for children and for those who love variety!” “Tell us what you’d like Easter, the theme is the resurrected do not take communion. The grapes to do.” Christ being revealed. are a sign of God’s blessing, with the So, for our communion this past Sometimes another communion hope that some day they will respond October we invited everyone to come service happens around the theme of to this blessing by committing their forward to a table set with homemade healing. The preferred way is for lives to God.—Gord Alton, pastor bread, grape juice, grapes and crack- people to come to the front to receive ers. Those who felt comfortable could help themselves. In addition, I as pastor offered anointing oil as a blessing. The result? A community “feast” of Communion traditions in Saskatchewan everyone coming for at least some- thing that was offered (the response ommunion takes many forms elements are used and how they are among Saskatchewan used. In Hague Mennonite and Grace apparently sought after in gospel C Mennonites. Some sit; others walk Mennonite, Prince Albert, for example, parallels of kingdom as banquet to the front to receive the elements. In there are both formal and informal table). some churches members receive the expressions of communion. During the At our next communion, the day of bread and cup from the pastor; in others, formal times, juice or wine is used in a our annual congregational meeting, we they serve each other. somber, reflective service, along with will worship, commune, wash feet, sit Whether or not to include children in traditional baked biscuits or bread. The down to dinner, and talk business. communion is also handled differently elements are carried through the “Being community” will be our by different congregations. sanctuary and served by deacons or theme.—Perry Bartel, pastor Some churches, like Grace Mennonite other members. in Regina, welcome all children to the In a less formal setting, such as an table. In this congregation, a number of evening service or a church retreat, a t Waterloo-Kitchener United families come from different faith French bread loaf is shared around the Mennonite we have a tradi- backgrounds where children have group. Sometimes even cinnamon buns A tional “Russian Mennonite” participated in communion. are used. service most of the time. We use a Grapes and fish-shaped crackers are Hague Mennonite observes a “love baking powder biscuit for the indi- given to those children who “anticipate meal” twice a year in the evening. First vidual wafers and wine. We supply making an adult decision for baptism in Mennonite in Saskatoon has a healing grape juice as well. The deacons serve the future,” said Grace co-pastor Terry and communion service once a year in the bread and then wine, in individual Zimmerly. January. cups. Each person holds the element Carrot River Mennonite allows Deciding who serves the communion until all have been served. children to be involved according to the can sometimes be a struggle. At one parents’ discretion. “If the parents feel larger church in Saskatoon, deacons The invitation we give is to all that their children understand the help the pastors serve the 200 members. baptized who are in a good relation- significance of communion, they can In other churches, some women deacons ship with God and their fellow human include them in the service,” said pastor feel they should not be in that role. beings. Craig Friesen. Sometimes, in more relaxed settings, We have had “alternative” services “I have invited parents to educate teenagers may serve the sacraments or on Maunday Thursday and Christmas their children about the significance of people partner up and serve each other. Eve. Maunday Thursday is usually this service,” noted Ed Olfert, pastor of For communion on Maundy Thursday, designed to include non-baptized Grace Mennonite in Prince Albert, who some churches use a cross, a crown of people.—Dave Rogalsky, pastor allows the children to take communion, thorns and palm branches as visuals to citing the constitutional qualifier of “all enhance the worship. Grace Mennonite believers in Jesus Christ are welcome to in Prince Albert includes a Christ t Community Mennonite in participate.” candle in this service (although allergies Stouffville, we celebrate com- Where ailing seniors are unable to are becoming an issue). In Carrot River, A munion five to six times a year. come to a communion service, the pastor the church moves the pulpit over and Around Labour Day we celebrate and deacons take a communion kit to the puts the table in the centre. Covenant Sunday in which members care home and administer the elements Churches differ in using wine or juice. recommit for the coming year; during there. Some churches offer both.—Karin Advent the theme is coming to the Other variations pop up in which Fehderau
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 5 Faith&Life The Lord’s Supper in our tradition How we practise the Lord’s Supper ‘reveals more of what we believe about grace, the church and mission than any other aspect of congregational life; it is our theology incarnate,’ says John Rempel. This article traces its practice through Mennonite history.
n the New Testament, we have only hints of how the through a liturgical act. Its most Lord’s Supper or Eucharist was practised. I have trenchant criticism of the existing concluded that this sparse record is a blessing, lest we order was not a document but the imitate the form rather than the spirit of the event. ceremony of baptism. I The same is true of Anabaptism. Anabaptism retained a positive role Anabaptism came into existence by means of its renegade for ceremonies but changed the actor. celebration of the Holy Supper in 1525. It did not become a It was not the priest but the congrega- church through a political or theological declaration but tion that “consecrated” the bread and wine. At the same time, the Anabaptists never got over their fear that outward signs easily become a substitute for inward faith. The only complete service is that of Balthasar Hubmaier, a Catholic liturgical scholar before he became an Anabaptist. He compiled a “reformed mass,” a purified version of the medieval liturgy, with a preparatory service, preaching on the sacrifice of Christ, simple prayers of thanks for the bread and cup. The outcome is that believers are set free to lay down their lives for their neighbours, as Christ laid down his life for them. Ulrich Zwingli, the great reformer of Zurich, and Conrad Grebel, his rebellious disciple, had an interesting . New York, Dover. York, New . debate on distributing the elements. Zwingli saw nothing wrong with communicants coming forward to receive from the minister, as of old. But Grebel insisted that the supper must be served in the rows with the members passing the elements to one another, to symbolize the communal nature of the event. Other Anabaptist writers note only that believers met for the breaking of bread as often as they could. For them, the supper was a participatory meal, the bond of their unity—and the event from which they excommunicated one another. Some Anabaptists tried to overcome the medieval dread of unworthy partaking. In the end, the Anabaptist tendency toward perfec-
The New Testament: A Pictorial Archive From nineteenth-Centruy Sources From Archive A Pictorial Testament: New The
6 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 Faith&Life tionism led to a different dread of unworthy communion, and Anabaptists reverted to communion only once or twice a year. Anabaptists carried over medieval There is tension in Anabaptism concerning liturgical traditions such as the preparatory ceremonies. Do they signify only the faith of the believers or service in which congregants went also the grace of God? Protestants, especially Anabaptists, before the priest and declared whether agreed that grace is the cause but faith is the or not they were at peace with God condition. But even in Hubmaier’s and and their neighbour. They had to seek Menno’s theology, something transformative reconciliation before they could come happens in the supper; grace is at work. In Anabaptism retained a to the Lord’s Table. Pilgram Marpeck’s thought, a sacrament is In the Prussian-Russian stream, it the point of intersection between grace and positive role for was customary to bring along a fine faith. cloth in which to hold the bread. In the How did the Anabaptists’ practice of ceremonies but Amish tradition, there is the practice communion incarnate their theology? Their changed the actor. It of bending one knee when receiving practice suggests that they had an unbounded the cup. There is no theological vision of mission. They created simple, was not the priest but warrant for such practices, but these inviting forms for new converts. ancient acts of reverence remained But after believers were baptized, the the congregation that meaningful. community was closed. Only fellow believers ‘consecrated’ the There was no uniform theology of in the narrow sense were welcome at the the Eucharist in Anabaptism. The Lord’s Table—and in the kingdom of God. bread and wine. most anticlerical pronouncements Grace was not unconditional; it had to be come from court hearings of manifested in holiness of life. Anabaptists who refused to bow before the elements or to confess that Christ Establishing practices is physically present in them. Menno By the beginning of the seventeenth century, Anabaptism Simons denounced idolatry, seeking had changed from a protest movement into a settled de- salvation in outward things, but he nomination. Everywhere but in Switzerland ministers were also said that the Lord’s Supper is “a writing prayer books and sermon collections. communion of the body and blood of Leonard Clock published a collection with a number of Christ.” communion prayers (one abbreviated in Hymnal: A Worship The term “body of Christ” in Book, #787). Hans de Ries’s book of communion sermons Anabaptism signifies the historical included an order of service for communion (Form 2 in person of Jesus, the bread of the Minister’s Manual, 1998). sacred meal, and the church. The body Christ on the cross is the heartbeat of these prayers. of Christ is those who have covenanted There is “real presence” but it is not clearly related to the with Christ and fellow believers in breaking of bread itself. baptism. In the breaking of bread, this The Dordrecht Confession of 1632, adopted by the Dutch, community is recreated. The transfor- South Germans and Amish, emphasizes remembrance and mation that happens is of people, not fellowship in its article on the supper. The High German things. Confession of 1660, the mother creed of Prussian and Further, the supper is a “communion Russian Mennonite strands, adds union with Christ as a of the body and blood of Christ.” It is a mark of the sacred meal. Both confessions emphasize relational event. Christ is present not footwashing. in the bread and wine, but in the act of Handwritten manuscripts reveal a normative pattern but their being shared. In a gathering of with much variation in wording. Common to most is an believers who break bread in faith and emphasis on preparation and on reverence. Most of them love in the power of the Holy Spirit, talk of a counsel meeting or preparatory service. Baptism there is an assured union with Christ and holiness of life are the door to communion. (Pilgram Marpeck). Preaching texts are usually from the Passion accounts of While Anabaptist writers argue that the Gospels, Isaiah 53, and 1 Corinthians 11. Prussian and the bread remains bread, the empha- Russian sources contain references to a thanksgiving service sis on the Spirit as the agent of for the work of Christ on the Sunday after communion, and Christ’s presence leads to an under- to the fact that the supper is held apart from worship, often standing of the supper as the mystical Sunday afternoon. communion of the body and blood of In these circles, Good Friday and Pentecost (with baptism) Christ, as in John 6 (Dirk Phillips). Continued on page 8
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 7 Faith&Life
Lord’s Supper From page 7 are common communion days. In the Swiss-South German realm there was a practice of spring and fall communion. All references I have seen speak of the bread being served by the bishop to each communicant in the rows. In lished another manual. His goal was the Swiss tradition, he also served the cup. In the Russian not to innovate but to preserve. Eby tradition, the deacons passed a cup through the rows, with included no prayers—only instructions each partaker nodding assent to the next person before on how to pray. This suggests the passing the cup along. Swiss Mennonite aversion to written How did the practice of communion in this era incar- prayers. Eby’s work was translated nate the theology of the time? The only mission the into English in 1890 and remained the community was permitted to pursue was to its own norm into the 1960s. offspring. Thus, forms of worship became routine and were In 1860, a revolution in communion understood only by insiders. The gateway to the Lord’s practice took place in Russia with the Table was conformity more than sanctity. formation of the Mennonite Brethren. They protested the tradition-bound Nineteenth century practice of the supper, its graceless- In 1807, Valentine Dahlem, a South German minister, ness and its admission of all baptized published the first Mennonite minister’s manual of which members whether or not they exhib- copies remain. In more than 300 pages, Dahlem included ited holiness of life. instructions and prayers for every Sunday and for all Because of their missionary vision, occasions. He created two sections on the Lord’s Supper. the Brethren simplified the order of The first included elaborate prayers of thanksgiving service, emphasizing grace and the and consecration, clearly adapted from Lutheran formu- assurance of salvation. Ministers as laries. The second section preserves the old practices well as bishops could officiate. Mem- referred to above. bers passed the bread and the cup Dahlem explained that he had created these liturgical through the rows. They celebrated the resources to bring new life to worship. My sense is that he supper monthly. turned to Lutheran forms because these were richer than In North America, Mennonites were Mennonite ones and because Mennonites were assimilat- reinvigorated (and assimilated) by ing into a Lutheran culture. revivalism. It kindled the missionary In Canada, three decades later, Benjamin Eby pub- impulse and, with it, the transition from German to English. In revival- ism, the emphasis was on inward conversion, and theology had a rationalist bent. “Outward” religion, including sacraments, was suspect. Two developments added fuel to the fires of suspicion. One was a wave of anti-Catholi- cism; the other was a scientific worldview that attacked reli- gion—especially ritual—as magical. Both conservative and liberal Protestantism shared these suspi- cions. Both left an enduring mark on the Mennonite theology of the Lord’s Supper. How did communion practice incarnate the theology of this era?
Photo by Sue Careless There was more
8 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 Faith&Life diversity and the wall around the that the meaning of communion is not exhausted by the Mennonite church was less firm, Last Supper. The meals Jesus held during his ministry although open communion was became an essential part of the church’s understanding of inconceivable. A sense of missionary the breaking of bread. responsibility was rising and the Jesus’ meals were wildly inclusive: he ate and drank with language God spoke was changing. sinners. They were also acts of justice: he fed the hungry. Believers were becoming conscious of These insights established a direct link between Eucharist the fact that their rituals had to be and mission. The church gathers to eat “the bread from accessible to newcomers. heaven” and scatters to offer that bread to the world. Not only that, outsiders are invited in. This rereading of Scrip- Communion today ture inspired both evangelistic and social mission. The mid-twentieth century was a Yet both approaches have had to come to terms with a time of liturgical assimilation and tension in the meal accounts. In the Last Supper and the contraction. Conservatives tended to resurrection meals, Jesus’ compan- gravitate toward Baptist practices and ions were only those who had liberals toward Presbyterian ones. The accepted his call to mission (Judas outcome was communion as a simple is the startling exception). The Christ is present not in the memorial service appended to Sunday tension between these meal morning worship, shorn of a prepara- accounts mirrors that of the bread and wine, but in the act tory service and footwashing. Gone church’s ministry: unconditional of their being shared. was much of the theology of the body grace and holiness of life. of Christ and the real presence. How does our practice of com- I think that reasons for this shift munion incarnate the theology of were more pastoral than theological. our time? First, baptism is seen The passion for a church “without spot less and less as the door to the table. In the mid-nineties the or wrinkle” had led to a legalistic Mennonite Brethren, influenced by the church growth nonconformity. The preparatory movement, officially decided that all believers are welcome meeting had become a day of judg- to the bread and cup. ment. The breaking of the bread had Mennonite Church Canada and USA still link baptism become burdened with a fear of and communion in their confession of faith and minister’s unworthiness. manual, but encourage a completely open Lord’s Table. The An evangelical confidence in grace decisive weight is on unconditional grace, but we differ in and forgiveness rightly challenged the our understanding of how grace and obedience fit together. old forms but had few liturgical On the one hand, grace alone saves us. On the other hand, resources consistent with a Mennonite the encounter with grace always wants to make relation- understanding of the church to offer in ships right. The decisive factor is not being an insider or return. outsider, but being willing to be changed. The process accelerated with the As I understand the sources, baptism initiates us into the upheaval of the 1960s. Three trends covenant with Christ and the church, and therefore to the affected the shape of the Lord’s Lord’s Supper, which is the renewal of that covenant. I Supper: the charismatic movement, would make the case for a pastoral exception to this norm. the liturgical movement, and the Someone seeking faith might be drawn to the company of “Anabaptist vision” movement. For all Jesus and his friends as they gather at the table. of them the big issue was what to But accepting the offer of grace implies a decision—not make of diversity (different cultural agreement on the contentious theological and sexual expressions and gifts of the Spirit) and questions of the day—but a decision for Christ. Thus, the inclusivity (welcoming unbaptized participation of an unbaptized believer in communion is an Christians, opening the table to exception on the way to baptism. divorced and gay people). Our practice of the Lord’s Supper enacts the competing Particularly in the Mennonite claims at work in our midst—between grace and sanctity, Church and General Conference, the boundary and inclusion. How we celebrate the Lord’s congregation’s voice was restored— Supper profoundly shapes, and is shaped by, our belief about through spontaneous prayer and the work of grace and the nature of the new humanity. singing, and through liturgical re- —John D. Rempel sponses. Ordinary members took up The writer teaches theology and Anabaptist studies at Associated Mennonite roles as worship leaders and commun- Biblical Seminary (AMBS). The above is a shortened version of his article in ion servers. Vision: A Journal for Church and Theology, Spring 2001. Vision is pub- The revolutionary biblical insight lished by AMBS and Canadian Mennonite University. that changed ecumenical and Mennonite eucharistic theology was
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 9 Faith&Life
Do this in remembrance of me… most memorable communions I have experienced were not formal or even he communion services that I’ve decades. “religious.” They were times when we found most memorable,” my A similar thing happened at the shared “bread and wine” with people Thusband told me recently, “were MWC service. “The inter-cultural in ways that changed us. both outdoors: a United Church of singing was spectacular and the bread For example, I remember a farewell Zambia annual meeting I attended in and wine, offered in tiny disposable supper given by the Christian Council 1970, and the Mennonite World cups and bits of bread, reinforced that of Mozambique. In the midst of war Conference (MWC) service at the feeling of belonging, this time in a and famine, they prepared a lavish Winnipeg Stadium two decades later. worldwide Mennonite communion. feast for us. It was a humbling experi- “What really moved me at the That was very satisfying.” ence for us, the “rich givers,” to receive Zambian service was the diversity and For me, too, the experience of food from the poor. breadth of the church universal. There worshipping and working in cross- Another experience was a sumptu- was such a feeling of being part of cultural settings has widened my ous lunch we shared with Chipewayan something very large, very impor- understanding of what communion friends on an island on Reindeer Lake, tant…. Suddenly I was more fully “means.” Any restrictions about who near the 60th parallel. The lives of our aware of being part of a community of could or could not participate flew out northern hosts had been disrupted by faith circling the globe which had been the window as we fellowshipped with flooding because of the ever-increasing around for 2000 years.” Salvation Army workers in Zambia hydro needs of their southern Mani- He also noted the incredible sense of and Quakers in South Africa, neither toba neighbours. acceptance—no feeling of being an of whom celebrate communion (or They served us fresh fish (from the outsider. baptism) in a traditional way. flooded land), deep-fried bannock and “We stood together among thorn Instead, they sought to embody the strong tea, prepared over an open fire bushes and acacia trees on a hot essence of the Eucharist in their daily and served on “platters” of spruce afternoon, surrounded by red dust and lives. The Zambian Salvationists boughs. It was a delicious and deeply children and dogs running all over frequently shared bread with each significant meal reminiscent of Jesus while people were singing in such other in their tightly knit mission cooking breakfast over a fire for errant incredible harmony! It was my first community and with the poor around disciples long ago. real experience of that African sound.” them. They healed broken bodies in And finally, an experience of foot- Everything was wide open: blue sky, their leprosy and HIV/AIDs work, washing in Zimbabwe: no walls, no benches. The Zambian some of the best in Africa. That day, pastors walked around offering bread Although the South African Quakers having walked together and wine—“well, coke and ordinary shared regular “bring and share” in the greening rain- bread, actually, the same kind of bread meals after worship, they also gave wet hills of the eastern highlands, the students would share with me in their bodies to be broken quite literally my Zimbabwean host the boarding school dormitories when as they were imprisoned and harassed (who became a friend in I did my nighttime checks. There too, I because they opposed apartheid or the space of one brief hour) had a sense of being welcomed into refused to do military service. knelt before me with a bowl of warm their circle.” Though there were times when my water So that communion service wasn’t husband and I missed the traditional and a bar of aloe- just one experience on a special communion service during those years, scented soap in her hands Sunday. It was an entry point into how we also realized that by focusing our lovingly (in spite of my red- a Mennonite man from Manitoba, “remembering” too much on a formal faced protests), where solemnity and separateness rite, we might be in danger of mistak- she lathered characterized communion at that time, ing the the ritual for the thing itself. and rinsed began to experience the openness and Even though I deeply cherish many and dried, welcome of Africa over the next few Mennonite traditions, some of the first one mud-spattered foot, then the other, until tear-stained, I rose from that fragrant cleansing, and continued on my journey.—Leona Dueck Penner
10 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 Faith&Life
Communion in Alberta churches Many congregations assume that parents will take responsibility for their sk middle-aged or older uncommon, as communion is generally children’s understanding of communion. Albertans about their baptism held during Sunday morning worship. Ken Buller, pastor at Hillcrest A and first communion, and the The invitation to participate has Mennonite in Grande Prairie, articu- responses are likely to be fairly changed noticeably from the past. Now lates this clearly for his congregation. uniform. most congregations invite all who “Communion is a part of the wor- Baptism was traditionally held on believe and confess Jesus Christ as ship service, and we ask parents to Pentecost Sunday morning. Candi- Saviour and Lord. instruct their children and participate dates dressed formally—women in It is interesting to note that this with them,” he said. white dresses and men in suits. After widespread practice is contrary to the Congregations such as Calgary First candidates shared testimonies and Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Mennonite, which has a regular answered a few doctrinal questions, Perspective, which states: “All are children’s church, generally does not the pastor asked them to kneel. Water invited to the Lord’s table who have have younger children present during from a pitcher was poured or sprinkled been baptized into the community of communion. on their heads in the name of the faith…” (page 51). Congregations tend to celebrate communion at least four times annually, especially on the first Sunday of Advent, Good Friday and Pentecost. Hillcrest celebrates communion regularly on the second Sunday of alternate months. In general, pastors officiate at the services, while deacons and others pass the elements or invite participants to come forward in small groups. A few congregations occasion- ally have a separate service such as a Sunday evening communion. Edmonton First Mennonite recently held an evening communion service in the “Taize” style, incorporating silent meditation, music, candles, confession, sharing and group prayer. The service was in a multi- purpose room to allow for chairs to Artwork by Rita Corbin Artwork be arranged in a circle. The Springridge congregation Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “This raises interesting questions has had joint services with other local The pastor then extended the right for me,” said Marvin Thiessen, pastor churches, among them United and hand of fellowship, welcoming the at Calgary First Mennonite. Although Anglican. candidates into the fellowship of the issue has been discussed in a “This is a good way of testing our Christ and membership in the church. number of settings, nothing formal has beliefs about communion and testing After lunch, baptized members been done. our tolerance,” said Buhler. “It particu- returned for the afternoon communion Incorporating communion into the larly caught my attention when I was service. regular worship service and inviting serving wine in the Anglican Church This service was solemn and quiet, all believers to partake makes it out of a cup that was dedicated to a with male deacons/elders assisting the necessary for churches to consider how military personnel.” pastor in distributing the bread and children fit in. Edmonton First A number of congregations also hold cup. Small white handkerchiefs ap- Mennonite and Springridge services for the homebound, sometimes peared from between the pages of Mennonite in Pincher Creek occasion- with a group from the congregation. women’s Bibles to receive the bread. The ally include explanations for the “Communion continues to have a newly baptized, not having seen a children. somber note, yet is combined with joy,” communion service before, watched Sometimes the children are served summed up Buller. Buhler remarked carefully, imitating the actions of others. grapes along with anyone who might that communion “is one of the few Since then, communion services in not prefer full participation, said Jerry rituals we have in our tradition and Alberta Mennonite churches look quite Buhler, pastor at Springridge. “Always that makes it even more important.” different. Separate services are now they have the privilege of observing.” —Donita Wiebe Neufeld
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 11 Faith&Life Communion meals in British Columbia n Maundy Thursday evening, Usually communion is held on baptized, and fully participatory in the First Mennonite Church in Sunday mornings, about four times a life and work of the Christian faith, at O Kelowna met for a fellowship year, and is led by the pastor and peace with God and neighbour,” he meal and communion. The service was deacons, says pastor Clare Neufeld. says. begun a few years ago by John and They always serve juice. A loaf is At First United Mennonite Church Grace Kroeker. The simple meal was symbolically broken and then pre-cut (FUMC) in Vancouver, the same followed by a service of readings and pieces of bread are passed around. expectation holds true, but they song, and the evening ended with Sometimes music accompanies the include children and those who are not communion around the tables. distribution of the elements; other baptized by using grapes. It is a way of Led by the pastor, the bread was times it is done in silence. acknowledging that everyone is on a symbolically broken and then each As for who can take communion, journey of learning to know Jesus person at the table shared the bread Neufeld says that the constitution more. and cup with those around them. says nothing about that matter. “We say…that just as the grapes People left the service in silence when “It is generally understood, and become the juice or wine, so it is our they were ready. expected, that persons should be hope that as people hear the Good News of Jesus and experience his love in the congregation they will come to a decision to follow Christ and be baptized,” says pastor Ingrid Schultz. “Each time we have communion it is an invitation to that commitment…. People have said they appreciate the grapes as a way of saying that they are important to us and a part of us.” At FUMC, the form of the commun- ion service varies. Sometimes people remain seated as the elements are passed around; at other times they come to tables at the front of the sanctuary to receive the elements. “Communion is given out by leaders in the church. We do try to mix it up with married and singles and people from different cultures,” Schultz says. “The grapes are given out by a mix of youth leaders, people who have been newly baptized, and Sunday school teachers.” A highlight for Schultz is bringing the communion elements to those who cannot come to church. This is done twice annually, during Lent and Advent, and usually involves 8-10 homes. “We go with a group of people from the church and meet around the person’s table in their home or a care home,” she says. “We do prayers of healing for the person and share in table fellowship (tea and coffee and baking). This brings people into the circle of prayer and leading who might not do it from the front on Sunday mornings…. We have had some very deep and meaningful times of shar- ing.”—Angelika Dawson
Photo by Lynette Wiebe Photo by Lynette
12 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 Faith&Life
Steinbach, Man. Communion at Grace reflects shifting practices or the past two or three years our give more information to the congrega- and people are instructed to come practice has shifted to a more tion head of time,” said Bergen. “We forward to receive communion or a Fopen one,” says Dave Bergen, offer an open invitation and encourage blessing. The inter-church nature pastor of Grace Mennonite Church families with children to sit together. makes these differences more accept- here. “We extend the invitation to all This gives them an opportunity to able,” said Bergen. those who have a living relationship decide amongst themselves how to Grace Mennonite anticipates a with Christ and are living in right respond.” celebrative communion service with relationship, not necessarily to only Communion is usually served in the baptism this spring. those who are baptized.” pews. “It is like the icing on a huge In earlier years, recalls Bergen, “Generally the pastors officiate but celebration,” said Bergen.—Evelyn those who would not be participating in our absence it is not an issue for the Rempel Petkau in communion were told at a certain board of deacons or past members to point in the service that they were free serve…. We use grape juice to leave. and the last while we have “It seemed we were missing an cut up a loaf of bread opportune time for education, for instead of using the thim- We offer an open invitation and modelling and discipling, and so we ble-shaped cubes. People have discontinued that,” he said. know it is not about the encourage families with children to Communion is celebrated four times externals but sometimes sit together. This gives them an a year at Grace—on World Commun- slight changes disturb ion Sunday in October, Advent, Good their experience.” opportunity to decide amongst Friday (together with other churches Last fall, the communion in the community), and in spring (with service had a multi-cultural themselves how to respond. baptism). It is generally celebrated focus. An array of breads during morning worship. reflecting ethnic diversity There has been some discomfort and a variety of grains were about including unbaptized young displayed on an African people. Although they are believers, cloth. Drums played as people came including them does not reflect the forward to receive the bread and cup. position of the Confession of Faith and “This was one way we could bring the church constitution, explained back some of what we experienced at Bergen. the Mennonite World Conference last An adult Sunday school class summer,” said Bergen. studied the issue this winter. They When communion is celebrated with invited speakers to help them look the three or four other congregations on tradition and a more open practice. Good Friday, more than 800 people “Essentially, this study has not participate. changed our present practice except to “There we have an open invitation
Artwork by George Onsy Artwork
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 13 Faith&Life Communion in three Ontario churches ith what words should we things. It is strong in its invitation to down experience or a symbol of inclu- invite people to participate in Christ—to come and commune with sion? Wcommunion? him, live in him and find our home in Harrow has explored the matter of Some believe the invitation should him. how to include children. For a short be “to all who hunger after a relation- In all three congregations, the time they offered pretzels and grapes. ship with Christ.” Others believe it pastors conduct the service, though Some people felt uncomfortable with should be only “to those who are elders or lay persons assist in the it. Now they invite children to come baptized.” Some persons are caught up distribution. Harrow specifies that forward to receive a blessing from the in the issue of their worthiness, as servers can be anyone who has been pastor. On Good Friday past they described in I Corinthians 11:27. baptized. handed out “Veggie Tales” bookmarks St. Jacobs Mennonite Church opts “The act of communion is not so holy for the children. for an “open” communion, understand- that ‘common folk’ can’t help out as All three congregations use music ing it in the context of grace, meeting well!” says the pastor at Harrow. for reflection. There is are also occa- Jesus at the table with our sin and How the elements are distributed sions for silence during the service. brokenness. varies. At Stirling, Flowers and “household of faith” Members believe half loaves are candles, or a Christ candle, are that the table sometimes passed included on the communion table at belongs to Christ. The focus at St. Jacobs... is along the pews, Stirling Avenue. St. Jacobs has a Is the church then strong in its invitation to and people tear off strong visual ritual of pouring the a co-host with a small portion juice from the pitcher to the cup, and Christ, or are we Christ—to come and com- and wait to eat of holding and breaking the bread. guests at Christ’s together. The “cup” Other symbolic rituals accompany table? mune with him, live in him consists of dispos- the practice of communion. At Harrow, Stirling Avenue and find our home in him. able glasses, the pastor is available for anointing Mennonite Church passed on a tray and prayers for healing as part of in Kitchener through the pews. communion. Footwashing, a tradi- invites persons with these words: “We Sometimes people are invited to come tional part of Swiss Mennonite invite now to the table of our Lord, forward to receive the elements, and services, is no longer universally those who have confessed Christ as serve the person in line behind them. practised. St. Jacobs on occasion Lord and Saviour and have resolved to At St. Jacobs, servers come to the invites people to a ritual of hand follow him in life.” It is assumed that pews with the cup; they break a piece washing in the communion service. children and non-baptized persons will of bread and offer it to the people who —Maurice Martin not participate, but this is not “policed.” stand pew by pew until the entire Harrow Mennonite Church tends to congregation is standing. This is a Who leads communion? say “all those who have accepted powerful visual image, a wave of 2002 survey of Mennonite baptism on confession of faith.” This standing in commitment, solidarity, Church Canada congregations includes several persons in the congre- hope and hunger. Sometimes they A asked questions related to gation who were baptized as infants. invite people to come to tables in leadership of communion services. What is the focus of communion—a groups of 10-12 and share communion Over 80 churches out of 250 re- memorial? a covenant? a gift of grace? around a circle. sponded to The Leadership Project, At Stirling and at Harrow, each Harrow most often uses small led by Maurice Martin. communion service has a slightly communion cups served in the pews, How often does someone other than different (seasonal) focus. On World and individuals tearing off a piece of the pastor lead worship? was one Communion Sunday, the focus is on a bread from a basket held by the server. question. About 50 respondents said common bond in Christ. During They sometimes share communion “every week;” 16 said every other week; 2 said “rarely.” Advent, on the gift of Christ given to around a table, one group at a time, as How often does someone other than us. On Good Friday, the passion of music is played. They have also on the pastor conduct communion? Here, Christ. And at baptism it is on cov- occasion had people file past two 62 said “never;” 14 said “sometimes;” enant and commitment to Christ. servers, tear off bread and dip the 8 said “always,” though some added The focus may be in memory of bread in a goblet of juice. “with the pastor.” Jesus, or it may be a commitment to At St. Jacobs, children are invited to How often does someone other than following in his steps. stand alongside the adults and receive a pastor conduct baptism? Here, 76 The focus at St. Jacobs includes a verbal blessing or a symbol tying said “never;” 4 said “always,” some as memorial, and the thanksgiving, into the scriptural emphasis of the assistants to the pastor. repentance, commitment and celebra- service. They have chosen not to offer So while lay people frequently lead worship, the communion service, like tion of the hope we have in God, and grapes or crackers because they are baptism, is primarily the reserve of the the promise of full reconciliation of all not sure what that means—a watered minister.
14 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 InConversation
Kelowna, B.C. A tale of two desks he night last August when the Okanagan Mountain Park fire Tburst across Bellevue Creek and into our area of Kelowna, Marg and I were safely across the lake, having been offered hospitality by good friends. During the day we had seen the dramatic progress of the fire north- ward along Okanagan Lake and towards the homes. During a restless night, I was overwhelmed by a flood of images. In the morning, two images remained: a desk that my father had built around the time I was born in the “dirty thirties,” and another desk— my first effort as a teenager, built with dad’s help. As we heard the news about the devastation—over 80 homes destroyed that night—we prepared for bad news about our home. I thought again about the two pieces of furniture. Why? They were only “things,” covered by insur- Vic Doerksen took this photo of the fire nearing his home in Kelowna last August. ance, though hardly replaceable. I had not seen my father make his ment, and it was only after his early last August, when fire swept through desk out of apple box ends and scraps death that several of us began further our district and we assumed our home of wood during a time when he could studies. The desk was consigned to the was lost. I thought of many things, but not get work and had a large family to basement and there it is today, the my imagination would not let go of two feed. And yet he had built a desk that centre of operations for “Opa’s rail- desks that told so much about me and stands in our front hall and is the envy way.” Father’s, meanwhile, greets my relationship with my father.—Vic of my siblings. It tells a story of courage visitors in the entrance hall. Doerksen and imagination during a difficult time. Perhaps these pieces of furniture The desk’s intricate construction are “just things,” but they have taken Letters symbolizes the resourcefulness and on a rich symbolism for me. They tell caring of our parents, who came out of me about my family and about myself. Don’t confuse want and danger in Russia only to find I have been brought closer to my GenX and GenY themselves in the prairie dustbowl of father by meditating on the love he the thirties. demonstrated in making things. He The article, “Young adults find commu- The other desk, a double pedestal did not always succeed in communicat- nity in non-traditional ways” (May 17, desk built from two sheets of plywood ing in words, but when I consider how page 24), seems to confuse GenX and without hardware, is neither as he helped me to make something that GenY (Millennials or Echo Boomers). intricate nor as beautiful as my was really mine, I begin to understand Either the article writer or the thesis father’s. It was my own design. Father what was beyond my perception earlier. writer has lumped together two showed me how I could use materials As Christians we know about the groups of people who see the world economically. When my finished power of symbolism—the power of the very differently. product threatened to break in half if cross, for example—but we are in- Supposedly the people being talked lifted, he showed me how to build in clined to take it for granted. Images about are my generation, GenX the necessary framing—the infrastruc- too often become clichés. And so it is (typically those born between 1964 ture—to keep it together. remarkable when a comparison or and 1981), who are described as self- I don’t know how much my desk metaphor suddenly appears in our centred and individualistic (don’t helped in my studies. Father wanted imagination, in all its power. forgot cynical!). However, the article his children to have gainful employ- That is what happened that night refers to GenX as those aged 18-30
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 15 InConversation
and those born after 1981, so that Help available to link The three challenges that Derek even within the article there are faith and investments issues in his article are exactly what mutually exclusive (both incorrect) Meritas tries to help people with. definitions of GenX. A number of staff at Mennonite As Derek suggests, we should not There are many similarities and Foundation of Canada (MFC), includ- get tangled in guilt or hair-splitting, differences between these two genera- ing me, appreciated Derek Suderman’s but focus on what each of us can do to tions. For example, Millennials know article, “A goring ox and a wealthy effect change. Resources are at our the Cold War only as history, whereas man” (May 17, page 6). fingertips to make conscious, life- GenXers grew up with the very real Far too often we don’t do the diffi- changing decisions about our invest- awareness that only a half hour might cult work of minimizing our blind ment portfolios. separate us from nuclear oblivion. And spots to ensure that our deeds and What is stopping us from connecting there are a host of other factors that investments are consistent with our our faith to our investment practices? distinguish the generations. beliefs. Derek is to be commended, and Thanks for a thoughtful and challenging I agree with the overall point that we need more of these conversations article.—Robert Veitch, Winnipeg, Man. young adults are finding community in in our communities of faith. MFC non-traditional ways. Many in both consultants have the privilege of GenX and GenY have found the helping congregations get started with Low German Bible traditional church wanting (GenX some of these important conversations. deserves more coverage tends to mistrust it and GenY tends to Recognizing the need to do more in find it irrelevant). the area of informed investing, MFC Thank you for the full-page coverage There is definitely room for these was happy to join with the Mennonite of the Samogho language Bible stories generations in the church (lots of room Savings and Credit Union and developed by Mennonites in Burkina judging by the empty pews), but the Mennonite Mutual Aid to form Faso. question is whether those of us in these Meritas Financial Inc.—a mutual fund Try to understand my disappoint- generations will find anything salvage- company with a family of socially ment that with regard to the hundreds able in the current model of church or responsible investments. This Cana- of thousands of Latin American just go and start something new.—S.K. dian faith-based company is accessible Mennonites, you chose to sensational- Funk-Froese, Edmonton, Alta. to those who want to ensure that their ize their problems (“The Mennonite investments aren’t working at cross- Mob,” May 3), while never giving more purposes with their beliefs. than two sentences (one in each of two
I arrived just in time for a huge break- before I did anything drastic. I enjoyed All in a day’s work fast: bacon and eggs, quiche, toast, fruit, the trip to the nuisance grounds and My cousin Joel and I have a long- cereal and lots of goodwill. Thus fortified, I reflected on how good the weekend had standing joke. It usually starts with a bit looked for the lowest-tech job possible. been so far. Emily was with the other of dialogue. That turned out to be raking detail with youth on raking detail and Steve was “Tim! I need to come over to your the young people. Trying to appear hip and helping a few carpentry types re-panel a place and pick up a few tools. People are youthful, I kept up with the teenagers as cabin. bugging me to do some major repair best I could. Once we reached the dump, I jumped work.” In the morning, I made a Mennonite lithely off the trailer, began pushing off “Sure thing, Joel. They’re yours as connection as we raked the yard of a long- the leaves—and stepped on a rake that soon as I’m done with the engine time Moose Lake supporter. In the had fallen from the vehicle. The rake overhaul I’m planning.” straightened, smashed me in the face, We usually continue in our borderline and re-arranged my glasses to an off- construction/mechanical vein for quite center locale. (I will not indicate left or some time, before breaking down in Pilgrim right of centre lest someone infer a laughter. Neither of us, you see, is a Pieces political bias.) particularly handy fellow. There was no major harm done. In Given this information, I was a little Tim fact, I was rather proud of my injury. I reluctant at first to accept Joel’s Wiebe felt as though I’d sacrificed something to invitation to join him at Camp Moose take part in the weekend. I felt even Lake, in Manitoba’s Whiteshell region, more proud, however, in a self-effacing, for its annual work-a-thon. Joel, Mennonite sort of way when I saw however, was not to be denied. cousin Joel cutting lumber as part of the “Tim,” he said, “this experience will afternoon, I observed the cottage culture in cabin panel crew. put you in touch with the real you. On action as we helped an upwardly mobile As he took a break between pieces, he top of that, the food is fantastic.” doctor and his family get ready for the looked at me, grinned, and shrugged his Well, that clinched it. I filled a booklet summer. His kids were bouncing on the shoulders as if to say, “Who’dda thunk?” with sponsors’ signatures, sent two of trampoline and said “thanks!” in so many I grinned back. I smelled the farmer our kids off on Friday evening with varied and irritating ways that I was ready sausage supper that would mark the friends who had signed up for the event, to do something actively nonviolent to end of our working day and thought to and began my own journey to the east disciple them. myself, “Now a knife and fork—those are early on Saturday morning. Fortunately, we filled our leaf-trailer two tools I know how to handle.”
16 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 InConversation different issues) to the completion of the Plautdietsch Bible. Celebrating family at the Of course, I should not be surprised, “That’s Lloyd and Millie’s boy, isn’t it?” given that the funding for that project, summer reunion Someone else counters with, “Nope, completed last November, is still not hey start arriving in the mail he’s allergic to cows.” covered.—Ed Zacharias, Winkler, Man. around April. Brightly-coloured Then a third chimes in, “You know, Tannouncements, with a drawing he looks like that second cousin I met Church needs of people playing softball or running at World Conference in France.” And the Holy Spirit races. I’m talking, of course, about so on until Uncle Frank flips to a new invitations to family reunions. slide of a different cow, with a different Unity in Christ. What a wonderful (Here in Newfoundland, when I tell unidentified person. challenge! (“Many members of one people I’m Mennonite, they think for a Then, to remind us of the impor- body” by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, April minute and then ask, “Does that mean tance of competition among friends, 19). It’s true we need each other. But you have two wives?” Imagine the there are the mandatory games and there is something else we need. reunions I could go to if I did!) races. The perfect game is one that can In a 1946 book, The Way, E. Stanley I realize that my combine some Jones writes, “In our faith, in our unity experience may not useless skill (such as and in our virtues, the Holy Spirit is be the same as walking with a spoon central. But the Holy Spirit is not yours. Then again, in one’s mouth) with Emke Retro central in our present-day Christian- there may be a few a messy item (such ity. The emphasis…has been pushed universal character- as an egg). Anything from the mainstream of Christianity istics of family Ivan Emke with a water balloon into the cultic. There the teaching has reunions. will be an instant hit. been thrown out of balance, often The site of the And who can identified with rampant emotionalism. reunion is decorated forget the conversa- That queers it. The queers have with the ever- tion that brightens a quenched Pentecost for many.” expanding family tree (although it’s a family reunion? As a child, I got tired 1 Cor. 14:39 tells us, “So, my breth- child or two behind and has some of the dizzying monotony of the same ren, earnestly desire to prophesy, and unsightly blemishes where cousin comments over and over. do not forbid speaking in tongues; but Leroy’s divorce and remarriage is The first 18 years of my life I all things should be done decently and documented). listened to the comment,” Oooh, my, in order” so that God may be glorified. Behind the tree are the pictures of but he’s growing like a weed, isn’t he?” On May 23, pastor Ken Quiring ancestors, solemn women with sensi- or “So what grade are you going into from North Star Mennonite Church in ble shoes and stern bearded men who next year?” But nowadays, caught in Drake, Saskatchewan, had a remark- look like they’d split a conference at the midst of yet another debate on the able sermon on the Holy Spirit. the drop of a hat (or a head covering). “homosexuality issue,” I wouldn’t mind “When the Spirit of truth [counsellor The first order of business is the a bit of monotony about grades or in the RSV] comes, he will guide you food. The available selection illustrates growth rates. into all the truth; for he will not speak the familiar anarchy of the potluck. Clearly, one of the most jarring on his own authority but…will glorify Dishes range from macaroni and elements of any family reunion is me” (John 16:13,14). sardine casserole to a jello-pretzel meeting those cousins who were once The time for refreshing in the Holy salad that proves harder to get rid of little urchins you scorned, but who are Spirit is at hand. “Many waters cannot than old copies of Sing and Rejoice. All now responsible members of society. quench love, neither can floods drown of this is washed down with institu- I walk around shaking my head, it” (Song 8:7). tional-strength koolaid in some bright thinking, “Little cousin Eddie couldn’t “Do not quench the Spirit, do not colour that stains. stack two boards without getting a despise prophesying, but test every- Then there is the after-dinner splinter, and now he’s running a dairy thing; hold fast to what is good, abstain entertainment, as promised by the farm,” or “Cousin Emma never had the from every form of evil…. The grace of invitation. I’m not suggesting that it money for a popsicle, and now she’s a our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (1 isn’t of some interest, but how many stock investment analyst!” Thess. 5).—Wes Epp, Calgary, Alta times can one stand to see Uncle I always thought of family reunions Frank’s slides of his trip to Switzer- as Sunday school picnics without the This section is a forum for discussion land? Especially when each one looks sermonette. But I suspect that, despite and discernment. Letters express the like the previous one—slightly out of their shortcomings, people go to opinion of the writer, not necessarily focus scenes of cows with bells stand- reunions, year after year, with even that of Canadian Mennonite or the ing on hills, accompanied by a person more anticipation than they attend church. We publish most letters, unless whose identity becomes a source of Sunday school picnics. they attack individuals or become lively debate. I guess that just proves once again unnecessarily repetitious. See page 2 But we dutifully watch them. From the old adage, “Blood is thicker than for address information. the muggy darkness a voice offers, baptismal water.”—August 1, 1994
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 17 WiderChurch
Akron, Pa. Sudan reeling from recent massacres s reports of massive suffering and slaughter emerge from the A Darfur region of western Sudan, church leaders who partner with Mennonite Central Committee are requesting prayer and advocacy. While the Sudanese government has been battling southern Sudan rebels for decades, violence in Darfur is more recent. The conflict pits militias from the area’s Arab herders against the farmers of black African origin. Both groups are Muslim. Tension over scarce land and water resources has long been high. African villagers demanded that the govern- ment stop favouring Arabs.In re- sponse, the Arab militias are attacking villages, killing thousands of civilians and driving a million people from their homes. Jan Egeland, a United Nations official, has described the conflict as MCC Canada photo “ethnic cleansing.” Militiamen are Two orphaned Sudanese boys and their uncle arrived in Winnipeg on April 9, employing mass rape, burning villages assisted by Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba. They are living with to the ground and destroying crops, he Henry and Bettie Bergen of North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church. At the said. airport, from left: Henry Bergen, Walter Thiessen, Monynuer Monywach Daw Harold Miller of MCC Sudan (age 13), James Bilen Monywach Daw (15), Gew Mony Buony Ater (20), and recently heard eye-witness reports Mukai Muza and Ionka Hristozova of MCC. during meetings with agencies active in Darfur. A member of the Sudanese over the world to “pray and advocate the rest are foraging for themselves in parliament confirmed that “genocide for the suffering people of Darfur so the countryside.—From MCC release and gross human rights violations” are that God may give them peace.” occurring in Darfur. Bill Janzen of MCC’s Ottawa Office The Sudanese government denies joined with representatives of other that it is supporting the Arab militias. agencies in signing a letter to Prime Supporting the Until recently, humanitarian groups Minister Paul Martin. and reporters were denied access to the “It has been 10 years since the CANADIAN MENNONITE genocide in Rwanda and many Cana- region due to government restrictions. NDOWMENT UND Meanwhile, peace negotiations dians are still tormented by the E F continue between the government and international community’s lack of helps create a solid the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, concern and response to the early foundation for the the southern rebel army. Fear of warnings of mass killings,” the letter communication ministry jeopardizing this peace process has left states. “Humanity cannot afford to of this magazine. some international leaders hesitant to repeat these mistakes in Sudan.” speak out against abuses in Darfur. MCC is exploring options for For more information, call Sudan’s civil war has claimed two providing food and relief supplies in Mennonite Foundation million lives in the past two decades, neighbouring Chad, where some of Canada at and driven more than one million into 120,000 to 160,000 people from Darfur 1-888-212-7759 exile. have taken refuge. Only seven percent A statement from the Sudan Council of these refugees, mostly women and of Churches calls on Christians all children, are living in protected camps;
18 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 WiderChurch
Winnipeg, Man. Yoder Neufeld named partnership facilitator ebecca Yoder Neufeld from most transformed during her role as congregations is attractive, as is the Waterloo, Ontario, has been pastor of the Spanish-speaking part of the job that has to do with Rnamed Mennonite Church congregation at First Mennonite making connections and partnerships Canada’s missional formation and Church in Kitchener. There she was between the global church and local congregational partnership facilitator able to integrate her training and congregations,” she said. for Eastern Canada. international experience to help break She succeeds Jim Loepp-Thiessen, In her half-time job, Yoder Neufeld down cultural barriers within the who has been working in that role for will invite MC Canada congregations church. the past two years. to connect with Her new job with MC Canada will Rebecca is married to Tom Yoder missional church allow her to extend her transformation Neufeld. They have two teenage ideas and with experience to others. children, David and Miriam.—From partners in the “I’m very much a teacher at heart, MC Canada release global church. The and the opportunity to work with organized church is important to international church partner- ships, said Yoder Yoder Neufeld Neufeld. “To be visible and incarnated [the church] needs to be organized in a way that allows it to do its work, that allows it to use the gifts of people.” It’s crucial for the church to have a corporate life, to be an organic community, not just “a program that individuals drop in on,” she said. Through church-to-church partner- ships around the world, congregations in vastly different cultures can begin to grasp the challenges and tensions of living a faithful Christian life. Yoder Neufeld has plenty of interna- tional experience to draw from. A childhood in France and later French studies provided her with ability in that language. As a young adult in Argentina, she became fluent in Spanish. She has also lived in Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Jerusalem,
Guatemala and the United States. h She has taught theology in Latin America, and English as a second language in the U.S. and Canada, and has done immigration and paralegal work with Central American, Mexican and Puerto Rican people. She organ- ized translation services at the Photo by Larry Guengeric Mennonite World Conference assembly In a camp for displaced people in Bosnia, three-year-old Amira Martic clutches a in Zimbabwe. blanket made by children from Elmira Mennonite Church in Ontario. Beside her is Jan Yoder Neufeld has a master of Adams, MCC Ontario material resources coordinator. Last fall, the grade 2/3 Sunday divinity degree from Associated school class made the blanket with their teacher, Judy Martin. The children drew interpretations of Old Testament stories on fabric patches, and helped sew the Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a blocks and knot the layers together. The children were delighted when Adams came master’s degree with specialization in to their church with this picture. “It was almost like as soon as she [Amira] got it, bilingual education. she thought it was going to be her best friend,” said eight-year-old Rebecca Bauman. But Yoder Neufeld says she was
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 19 WiderChurch
Schools directory School notes
New music scholarship Winnipeg, Man.—Alisa Wiebe, a music nurturing disciples... training leaders student at Canadian Mennonite University, is the recipient of the new Myrna Friesen Music Scholarship. The $1000 scholarship is awarded to a Get Ready... student who has demonstrated outstanding ability in music and to achieve excellence in a worship, “with a particular emphasis Christian university on congregational and choral singing in a church setting.” The award was 500 Shaftesbury Blvd.Winnipeg, MB. R3P 2N2 created this spring from funds donated Ph: (204)487.3300 | [email protected] | www.cmu.ca by alumna Myrna Friesen. Wiebe has Box 160 Hepburn, SK S0K 1Z0 1-866-772-2175 performed in a variety of musical info@ bethany.sk.ca • www.bethany.sk.ca ensembles and had several opportuni- ties this year to direct the choir.— Now offering From CMU release TESOL
Box 1420 Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0 1-800-230-8478 www.sbcollege.mb.ca
Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary
Proverbs 22:6 Schools
Providing quality, Christ-centred education integrating faith and life within a caring school community.
250 Bedson Street Winnipeg, MB R3K 1R7 Phone (204) 885-1032 26 Agassiz Drive Winnipeg, MB R3T 2K7
www.wmes.ca Phone (204) 261-9637
Advertising Information Contact Barbara Burkholder at: 1-800-316-4052
20 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 WiderChurch
Waterloo, Ont. Project will benefit farmers in Tajikistan housands of rural families in the Tajikistan was the remote central Asian country of poorest republic of TTajikistan will benefit from a new the Soviet Union. project of Mennonite Economic Since independence Development Associates (MEDA). in 1991, civil war and MEDA has a contract with the economic collapse Canadian International Development have reduced 84 Agency (CIDA) to boost fruit and percent of the vegetable production among impover- population of 6.4 ished people in Tajikistan, a land- million to poverty. locked, mountainous country that was More than 70 percent part of the Soviet Union. of people live in rural The four-year program (worth $6 areas that have been million) is to help poor families further devastated by through technical assistance and floods, landslides and training, farm credit and the estab- a major drought in lishment of small businesses to 2000. process and market agricultural “Interventions products. have focused largely “Northern Tajikistan has been on relief, but the known historically for the magnificent country is ready for fruits and vegetables of the Ferghana innovative strategies Valley, and this provides a rich oppor- for development, tunity for effective agricultural especially in agricul- Women in Tajikistan shape dried apricots for sale. programming,” says Jerry Quigley, ture,” says Quigley.— MEDA believes that there is rich potential to expand MEDA’s director of production- From MEDA release agricultural output. marketing linkages. The first part of the assignment is to help farmers adapt to a market “The great deceit of the economy. The program will provide globalizing model is that the technical assistance, affordable micro- only things spoken about irrigation, and help in organizing are … macroeconomic farmers into associations that promote indicators that never get to their needs. the stomach of the farmer One MEDA partner will be the and the indigenous.” National Association of Business Women of Tajikistan. This group “has — Abel Barrera Hernández achieved considerable success in lending to micro-entrepreneurs, 75 percent of them women,” says Linda Jones, Canadian project manager. MEDA will provide the technical Coffee, Corn expertise for the group to expand into rural programs. and the Cost of Globalization At the processor level, MEDA will 17-minute video with study guide, available in VHS and DVD format. partner with a local organization to Borrow or purchase this resource to explore some of the effects of promote enterprises to process and economic globalization through the stories of small-scale farmers raising market the agricultural output of coffee and corn in Mexico. For grade 10 to adults. Sogd’s rural population. “This will fill an important gap To order this DVD/video: between primitive farm-based process- Mennonite ing that meets the needs of local In Canada call 888-622-6337. Central markets, and the antiquated and In the United States call 888-563-4676. Committee inefficient mega-processing facilities Order on the Web at www.mcc.org/catalog that remain from the Soviet era,” Jones says.
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 21 WiderChurch
Montreal, P.Q. Harmonie encourages youth to share abilities ineteen-year-old Nicole Cober Bauman didn’t realize the N extent to which Harmonie, a Mennonite Central Committee cross- cultural youth program here, would open her eyes to the needs of the world. “It’s shown me how much more there is to discover,” said Bauman. Harmonie is an MCC Quebec initiative that promotes relationship building among French-speaking youth between the ages of 18 and 24. For eight months, from September through May, participants share their musical talents, study theology and work for local community organizations. The experience encourages them to use their gifts, discover the relevance of their Christian faith and meet the marginalized of society. Participants MCC Canada photo spend at least 16 hours a week Harmonie participants, from left: Christina Horst from Stratford, Ontario; Jean working with refugees, the homeless Calvin Kitata, theology instructor; Garrett Zehr from Tavistock, Ontario; Nicole and poor. Cober Bauman from Shakespeare, Ontario; Karim Traore from Burkina Faso; Bauman was one of three partici- Cornelia Kocker from Switzerland. pants from Ontario. The other two were from Switzerland and Burkina Faso. Eritrea Bauman provided administrative services at Refuge Juan Moreno, a Eritrean Christians suffering persecution Catholic-run agency. Here she met on’t pray that the persecution ings. people from a variety of countries, will stop, Eritrean Christians “We went from house to house after including China, Congo and Afghani- Drecently told an American dark. Doors were locked and lights stan. Many had left everything behind. missionary. Instead, “Pray that we will were turned out for secrecy. It was like Some afternoons we would just sit be strong.” nothing else I have ever experienced,” and get to know each other, she said. The missionary visited Eritrea in he said. Three mornings a week were spent April to learn how believers with ties “Up to 18 people would pack into a singing and practising their instru- to Mennonites are faring in the small room. The order of service ments. They shared their music with current situation. It’s been 12 years started with about one hour of prayer people in prisons, churches and since Eritrea achieved independence for personal repentance, followed by nursing homes. from Ethiopia, and 2 years since many repentance for the nation and prayer For many Harmonie participants, it churches were “deregistered.” for the infilling of the Holy Spirit and was a first experience living away The Eritrean government maintains power to resist evil. A teaching fol- from home. Bauman noticed how small that it has not closed churches; church lowed, and then another hour of prayer, events could create conflict. They offices, in fact, are allowed to remain before moving to another area and couldn’t always agree on the grocery open. However, Christians who meet to home to start the same process over. list, or the difference between a basic worship and pray are likely to be “At times, when someone knocked and luxury item. Eventually, we came arrested. The government views them on the door, people seemed a bit to an understanding, said Bauman. as extremists—a Christian equivalent anxious. The believers left two by two “It can be a challenge to spend eight to Muslim fundamentalists. over a period of about a half hour, to months living and working with Over 350 Christians are being held, avoid the appearance of a large people you’ve never met,” said Annie many in shipping containers in gathering.” Brosseau, Harmonie coordinator and tropical heat. Persecuted groups maintain de- MCC Quebec co-representative. “We “We want you to tell the world about nominational identities but cooperate had a good group of young people to us,” they said. They cautioned against freely. Orthodox, Catholic and Evan- work with. I think it was good for all of using names. The missionary experi- gelical Lutheran churches are not us.”—From MCC report by Jonathan enced something of the danger as he under legal restrictions.—From Tiessen accompanied leaders to prayer meet- Eastern Mennonite Missions release
22 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 WiderChurch
News briefs Winnipeg, Man. New web site on conscientious objectors Canadians support n May 26, the Mennonite more than a reference in the public refuge for war resisters Heritage Centre launched a record. A growing number of Canadians— O web site that tells the story of At www.alternativeservice.ca, among them David Suzuki, Naomi the 10,000 Canadians who said “no” to visitors can hear the stories through Klein and Anton Kuerti—are demand- fighting in World War II—and chose letters, interviews, photographs, audio ing that the federal government help an alternative. recordings, historical documents and American war resisters find sanctuary They became known as conscien- archival film clips. The content in Canada. “From the time of the tious objectors (COs). A majority were converges with curriculum that United Empire Loyalists who fled to Mennonite. From 1941 to 1946, they Manitoba students study from grades Canada in the eighteenth century, to built roads and bridges, fought fires, four to eleven. Lesson ideas for the draft resisters of the Vietnam era taught school, mined, logged, farmed, teachers are included. who came here more than 30 years and worked in manufacturing and Creators hope that the web site will ago, Canada has been providing refuge medicine. By law, most of their earnings help people see service as an honour- for Americans,” said writer June went to the Red Cross for relief work. able alternative to war. Callwood. “We have a moral obligation Their stand was not popular. Some The Mennonite Heritage Centre to continue to do so.” At least two of their churches were vandalized or received financial support from the American soldiers are seeking refugee torched. Some went to prison for Department of Canadian Heritage and status in Canada in objection to the refusing to wear a military uniform. the Canadian Council of Archives, as war on Iraq. A May 27 press confer- Their time had a profound impact on well as Mennonite organizations and ence in Toronto launched the War them, their communities and the private donors.—From MC Canada Resisters Support Campaign.—From country, but their story has been little release release
Lincoln City, Ore. Evangelicals press for action on poverty Camp leaders meet in Oregon The “Micah Challenge,” which takes epresentatives from Mennonite term as president evolved into six. As its name from the call to do justice in camps and retreat centres director of Camps with Meaning, Micah 6:8, is an evangelical initiative Racross Canada and the United Wiebe has oversight of Mennonite that works against global poverty. States met for Mennonite Camping Church Manitoba’s three camps. “The Micah Network” began in 1999 Association (MCA) convention at Drift MCA members heard about plans and now includes over 250 relief and Creek Camp here March 22-25. for a new book. Larry and Mary Jane development organizations, the Drift Creek Camp, situated among Eby, former directors of Drift Creek, majority in the southern hemisphere. towering Douglas firs on the Oregon have been commissioned by MCA to The network helps members address coast, is one of 46 camps and 172 compile a sequel to Jess Kauffman’s A poverty and press governments in individuals that are members of Vision and a Legacy: The Story of richer countries to promote justice for Mennonite Camping Association. Mennonite Camping 1920-80. The book the poor within the context of “holistic The association, established in 1960 will explore how Mennonite camping transformation.” The World Evangeli- to promote Christian camping, contin- programs tie in with the Anabaptist cal Alliance has joined an initiative ues to strengthen outdoor ministries heritage and what impact they have that invites people to sign “The Micah that date back to the 1920s. had on the church. Call,” at www.micahchallenge.org. Marlene Kropf, director of Congrega- Current president of MCA is Jerry Plans are for a major international tional Life for Mennonite Church USA, Markus, co-director of Drift Creek lobbying effort to press governments led inspirational sessions on the Camp. Kyle Barber, executive director to implement the eight Millennium theme, “Grounded in God.” of Willowgrove in Stouffville, Ontario, Development Goals adopted at a “Discernment is not about doing is president-elect. Keith Zehr, former United Nations conference in 2000: more,” she said. Rather, it has every- administrator of Crooked Creek eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; thing to do with becoming aware of Christian Camp in Washington, Iowa, achieve universal primary education; God’s presence and ways. serves as past-president. Christine promote gender equality and empower Kropf was accompanied by music Epp, co-manager of Shekinah Retreat women; reduce child mortality; leader Darryl Neustaedter Barg, Centre in Waldheim, Saskatchewan, improve maternal health; combat HIV/ director of Media Ministries for will serve another term as fourth AIDS, malaria and other diseases; Mennonite Church Manitoba. member.—From MCA release ensure environmental sustainability; Special recognition was given to Bob develop a global partnership for Wiebe of Manitoba, whose two-year development.—From MCC Ottawa
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 23 WiderChurch
Winnipeg, Man. Supplies for homeless in Gaza Strip ennonite Central Committee (MCC) is contributing $13,700 Mfor food and relief supplies to 180 displaced families in the refugee camps of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. More than 2,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been left homeless as a result of the Israeli military’s house demolitions in May. More than 11,000 people in Rafah have lost their homes since the beginning of the intifada (Palestinian resistance) in October 2000. “The needs of people in the camp have dramatically increased with the loss and destruction of their homes,” said Rick Janzen, MCC Middle East program co-director. MCC is partnering with the Culture and Free Thought Association to distribute packages of corned beef, tuna, rice and tinned beans to families. They will also receive a mat for their tents, which are provided by the United Nations and Red Cross. Photo by Ryan Beiler On May 23, MCC worker Ed Nyce Sabreen Atwa al-Faramawey and her family are among thousands of Palestin- travelled to a temporary shelter for ians who lost their homes in May. homeless families. He reported that people whose homes had been bull- outside. helplessness,” he says. dozed were sleeping in United Nations “Some seemed stunned, still facing MCC provided a similar response to schools—women and children in the loss, while others were clearly the demolition of homes in Rafah last classrooms, men in the courtyard struggling with frustration and fall.—From MCC Canada release
Jerusalem, Israel
Conference explores Christian Zionism much for themselves, they will ‘need to’ he title of an April 14-18 confer- Romero sees the church in Central protect it,” worried Ndlovu. “Israel is ence here was “Challenging America heavily but unwittingly influ- building prisons for itself.” TChristian Zionism: Theology, enced by Christian Zionism. He is a Bible Higueros was touched by the story of a politics and the Palesine-Israel teacher and board president of SEMILLA. Palestinian mother who brought her sick conflict.” It was sponsored by the Sabeel Ndlovu said he had “been dying to get child to the separation fence to get to a Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center this kind of opportunity to walk here, an organization supported by around here [the Holy Land].” Mennonite Central Committee. The issue is pertinent to him as Mennonite World Conference a Brethren in Christ pastor and ‘One does not embark on the path participants were Mario Higueros from member of a peace and justice Guatemala, Albert Ndlovu from Zimba- committee. of nonviolence unless one is ready bwe, and Pastor Romero from Belize. The conference included to lay down one’s life for it.’ Higueros, a pastor who teaches at sessions in Ramallah because the Mennonite seminary, SEMILLA, Israeli policy makes Jerusalem came to the conference out of concern inaccessible to most Palestin- about the “very aggressive develop- ians in the West Bank. The Mennonites doctor. The soldier at the gate would not ment” of Zionism in churches in visited areas affected by the “separation” let her through. A doctor had to come to Guatemala, “especially in Mennonite wall and fence system in the West Bank. examine the child as best he could from congregations.” “Now that Israelis will have taken so the other side of the gate.
24 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 WiderChurch
Akron, Pa. Tenth anniversary of cluster bomb clearance en years ago, Mennonite Central Committee and the Lao govern- Tment signed an agreement that sparked a bomb-clearing effort and brought attention to a danger farmers had lived with for nearly two decades. During the Vietnam War—from 1964 to 1973—U.S. planes dropped an estimated 90 million cluster bombs on Laos. These bombs fragment into hundreds of sharp pieces of steel on impact. Up to 30 percent failed to explode and remain a danger, espe- cially to children and farmers. Titus Peachey, who worked for MCC in Laos from 1980-85, recalls how MCC modified a tractor to detonate the bombs and experimented with other methods, none of which were effective. The failure of those early efforts led
Photo by Titus Peachey Titus Photo by MCC to spearhead the first systematic In 1994, when this photo was taken, MCC began to work in with the British cluster bomb removal effort in the Mines Advisory Group on a bomb disposal project in Laos. country. In 1994, in conjunction with the British organization Mines bomb technicians had just completed to advocacy about the dangers of Advisory Group, MCC launched a training when he left in 1994. When cluster bombs. He notes that 300,000 program to train Lao workers to find he returned in 2000 to make a film were dropped in Kosovo and another and detonate bombs safely. More than about “bombies,” the project had 1,000 300,000 in Afghanistan; 2 million were $1.3 million was raised. It was the employees and was removing 100,000 dropped in Iraq. largest non-food project MCC had ever pieces of ordnance a year. “My hope is that advocacy will limit, undertaken. MCC’s direct involvement ended in if not completely end, the problems of Peachey remembers that the first 20 1996, but efforts have continued. A weapons continuing to cause suffering current Global Family project supports even years after a war has ended,” said the education of victims of cluster Peachey. bombs and provides vocational train- To read more about MCC’s advocacy ing for families who have lost a wage work with cluster bombs, see Romero found hope in places such as earner. www.mcc.org/clusterbomb/ the Bethlehem Bible College. Peachey, who now works in peace index.html.—From MCC report by “It was enlightening to see firsthand education for MCC, remains dedicated the implications the movement Marla Pierson Lester [Zionism] has for real people’s lives,” he said. The sessions on nonviolence in the struggle for justice were of most help to Ndlovu. Earn a great “One does not embark on the path of nonviolence unless one is ready to lay return and down one’s life for it,” he said. Romero support a appreciated Sabeel’s willingness to do church Available politically risky things, “living and 4 Year* Term Deposit for a ministry ime constructing relevant theology in its Limited T that matters own context.” * 48 month term — Available May 10 - July 31, 2004 45 month term — Available August 1 - September 30, 2004 Higueros noted that he and Romero to you! feel equipped to present what they Elmira 519 669-1529 Milverton 519 595-8796 gleaned from the conference and saw Kitchener 519 576-7220 New Hamburg 519 662-3550 firsthand, as they seek to help their church communities live faithfully.— Leamington 519 326-8601 Waterloo 519 746-1770 Serving members of Mennonite, Amish and From MWC/MCC release by Ed Nyce Brethren in Christ churches across Ontario. www.mscu.com
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 25 LocalChurch
Elm Creek, Man. Wingham church closes its doors oday marks the end of the story of the Wingham Mennonite Church Tbut not the end of God’s faithful- ness in our lives,” said pastor Martin Sawatsky at the closing service of this congregation on April 25. “The local church is always a temporal expres- sion of the universal church.” After 71 years, this small rural congregation decided to close its doors. For a congregation that was actively missional before the word was popu- larized, this decision did not come without pain. The realities of expand- ing farms and a shrinking population caught up with this congregation. Despite its small size, Wingham carried on a Sunday school program John Klassen, left, visits with Martin Sawatsky (right) and Peter Zacharias for eight community children who had over lunch at the Wingham church. Zacharias is pastor of the Blumenort no church home. Susan Froese, who Mennonite Church which has had a close relationship with Wingham. has taught Sunday School for the past 18 years, kept the program going with the help of others, even though A mixed group from at least five Wingham.” Other notes of gratitude members no longer had children different Mennonite groups, they were from the community and beyond attending. served by ministers from surrounding reflected the hospitality of this wor- Since its early years, Wingham communities. shipping community.––Evelyn Rempel church ran a Vacation Bible School “It was the best thing that could Petkau program with more than 80 children have happened to us,” said a founding some years. The choir was an impor- member, Roland Dyck. “We invited tant part of every Sunday morning ministers from all over.” service. Alvin Janzen doesn’t recall “What a joy it was for me to be part missing Saturday evening practice in of this community of faith,” said 50 years. Sawatsky, who served as pastor for “I started singing in the choir when seven years. “Yours is a story of faith, Calgary, Alta. I was 14 and haven’t missed a practice vitality and enthusiasm.” He also Fundraising continues except when I went away to study at recognized the struggles they have on MCC building MCI [Mennonite Collegiate Institute].” suffered over the years and the undraising for a new Mennonite “Today there is pain but God’s difficult decisions of the past year. Central Committee building blessings outweigh the hurt,” said John Klassen, director of Leadership Fhere is continuing while Isaac Bergen, chair of the congrega- Ministries for Mennonite Church construction is in progress. As of June tion who has sung in the choir and Manitoba, came to represent “the 48 1, the walls are all up and building is taught Sunday school for close to 50 sister congregations of MC Manitoba progressing somewhat ahead of years. who are praying and thinking of you.” schedule. The building, at 2946 32nd It was hard work for the small Klassen assured the congregation St. NE, is scheduled to be completed group of Mennonite families who that “there is power and promise in by September 22. moved to the Wingham district near planted seeds.… It is comforting to Sale of the existing Skyline Crescent facility was confirmed on Elm Creek in 1933. They built commu- know that the good seeds you have May 14. Since February, $261,000 in nity by worshiping together in their planted are not vanishing but are in pledges and donations have been homes. By 1939, this worshiping God’s hands.” received toward the building. Another community had grown to about 30 The church hosted one last fellow- $664,000 is needed.—Donita Wiebe- families and they realized the need to ship meal. As one guest said, “Nobody Neufeld build a church. puts out a fellowship meal like
26 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 LocalChurch
Edmonton, Alta. Historical society features Toews lectures id Ed and Edna really say their faith with “hysterical” society? During their Russian Dlunch in an otherwise serious neighbours, and meeting here April 23-24, members of even baptizing the Mennonite Historical Society of them, which was Alberta enjoyed some humour from viewed by the “Ed and Edna of Barley Gove.” official church In an interview with Ms. Martens, a as contrary to reporter from the CBC, Ed and Edna its agreement discussed what they knew of the with the Rus- organization. They called on the “Old sian govern- Historian” who enlightened them from ment. his dusty collection of books. Amanda Out of this Pauls and Bob Bartel did a great job in conflict arose the Readers’ Theatre presentation. the Mennonite The featured speaker at the histori- Brethren cal society annual meeting was John church. Its focus B. Toews, well-known historian and was on repent- author. Toews, born in Coaldale, ance and Alberta, retired recently from teaching forgiveness. John B. Toews (facing the camera), speaks with John Bergen at Regent College in Vancouver. They were at the annual sessions of the Mennonite Historical Society Toews’ Friday evening topic was, ridiculed for of Alberta. “Why did we fight in 1860?” He their exuberant explained the background of the expression of faith. The dissension “Michael, row your boat ashore,” he Mennonite Church in Russia in the between the two groups lasted many spoke of returning to one’s roots. Some mid-1800s. generations. church practices, such as restrictions Some Mennonites were sharing In Toews’ second presentation, in dress and behaviour, have made young people turn away from the church, he said. After stretching their wings, they are often ready to “row their boats back to shore” in a more tolerant frame of mind. Another speaker was Tena Wiebe, who has recently published Neu Samara, a Mennonite Settlement East of the Volga. The book is a translation of writings by Jacob H. Brucks and Henry P. Hooge. She explained the journeys from the Molotschna Colony in Russia, and conditions under which people lived. A third speaker was Lorne Buhr, who until his retirement was a librarian in the Alberta Legislature. Buhr spoke about the new Privacy Act and what impact it could have on getting personal information from the archives. The business session, included an update on library and archives expan- Lorne Epp (centre), pastor of Tiefengrund Rosenort Mennonite Church in Saskatch- sion in the MCC building, and a vote ewan, was ordained recently. Epp, shown here with his wife, Hilda, and conference to comply with MCC policy not to minister Ken Bechtel, has pastored at the church for three years. He is the seventh accept lottery funding. The budget of pastor to be ordained in this church—the last ordination was in 1969. The first $56,890 was adjusted accordingly. church leaders, Peter Regier and Abraham Friesen, were ordained in West Prussia —From report by Irene Klassen prior to coming to Canada in the 1890s.
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 27 LocalChurch
Canyon, B.C. Homeschoolers discover world through MCC magazine hen a Common Place maga- zine arrives in the Gailius Whousehold, it disappears quickly. One of the children will sneak away to a quiet place and read it cover to cover. Odd, when you consider that a Common Place isn’t necessarily designed for children. It introduces the people, programs and vision of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and tells inspiring stories from around the world. In the Gailius household, it is also a textbook. The magazine provides “real social studies,” says Joanne, mother of 14- year-old twins Julie and Leah, and Grant, 9. “They learn history, geogra- phy and social science, political economy and world food distribution in a way that touches their hearts.” The Gailius family has home- schooled for a decade. They began The Gailius children enjoy an Afghan dinner with friends. Julie and Leah Gailius when they were living in Black Creek, are in the back, with shawls. on the east coast of Vancouver Island where many families home-schooled. the issues, concerns.” Mornings are devoted to academics, The family reads more about the News brief from MCC including French lessons on Tuesdays chosen country in the encyclopedia. Recent religious and ethnic violence in for the twins at a neighbour’s house. They have developed other ways to Nigeria prompted the president to Fridays include a trip to town, Ger- support their learning. declare a state of emergency in May in man class at the home school centre, “The girls find a fact-based fiction Plateau State where MCC’s Nigeria and tea out with dad. In the after- book at the library on the area or on program is based. While the capital, noons there are music lessons, sports, the issues presented, read it and write Jos, was thrown into confusion and horseback riding, or meeting for a a book report,” said Joanne. “We make offices were closed temporarily, tension “random act of kindness” group of the craft, research the food [provided has now subsided somewhat, according to MCC worker Gopar Tapkida. MCC is other home-schooled children. by the magazine] and invite a family involved in bringing together Chris- Joanne first heard about a Common over for a night of dress-up, food, tians and Muslims from various ethnic Place when she attended Black Creek music and fun. groups together for discussion and Mennonite Brethren church on the “We often find movies at our little reconciliation. island. library about that country too, and “I had worked in the developing often borrow ones from the MCC video In Bangladesh, MCC agriculture staff world with CUSO [Canadian Univer- library.” are bringing mosquito nets, commonly sity Services Overseas] and had heard Each child also researches a topic hung over beds, into the field to protect of MCC,” she says. “We were so happy and writes a report on it, often using young cucumber plants from the red to find a Common Place—a community the MCC web site. For example, one pumpkin beetle. In the first four weeks, 80 percent of the plants that were not with similar interests and concerns.” child did a report on cluster bombs protected by the nets died, while the The magazine has become the chil- while studying Afghanistan. plants under nets grew lush and dren’s social studies program. “It takes about a month per country, healthy. Researchers are exploring less Copies of the magazine photos go up but we don’t rush,” said Joanne. expensive alternatives to mosquito on the wall, with the world map and A Common Place is available free from nets. timeline, she said. Then they find the MCC at Box 500, Akron Pennsylvania, country, cities and regions on various 17501-0500, or e-mail: [email protected]. One of the outcomes of the 1994 maps. “We read the history of the Visit the web site at www.mcc.org/ Rwanda genocide has been a skyrocket- country and mark the important spots acp.—From a report by Angelika ing HIV infection rate, especially on our timeline. We read the story, Dawson among women. Rape was widespread during the genocide, and many women take notes and pray about, ponder on
28 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 LocalChurch
Congo and Tanzania People & Events African youth taking initiatives Ottawa, Ont.—Bill Janzen, director of outh in the Democratic Repub- Mennonite Tanzania—is holding Mennonite Central Committee Cana- lic of Congo are acting on workshops in its four dioceses to learn da’s Ottawa office, received an unex- Y challenges presented at the what challenges young people face in pected invitation in April. A Canadian Mennonite World Conference Global their Christian lives. immigration official asked him to Youth Summit in Zimbabwe last The first workshop on April 22-25, travel to Brussels where European August. Recently they organized a day involved 45 youth from 30 districts. churches were considering increased of music that brought together more Topics included HIV/AIDS and how to involvement in refugee resettlement. than 20 choirs. help children attend school, since lack The official asked Janzen to present A three-day evangelistic campaign of education leads to unemployment, Canada’s private refugee sponsorship resulted in spiritual growth and idleness and poverty. program as a model for Europeans, increased numbers in the church. “You can not be a good Christian if noting that Mennonite churches have Future plans include a two-day prayer you are living without hope,” said one been exceptional in refugee crusade. participant. sponsorships. Janzen found a mixture At the summit, youth agreed that Youth felt that the church should of interest and caution among the they should be in dialogue with church make greater efforts to help them. Europeans. They referred to the “anti- leaders about the concern they have They are asking brothers and sisters refugee” mood in Europe, but also for God’s work. They felt a lack of from around the world to pray for recognized that increasing resettle- access to church activities and a lack them as they face financial challenges ment work was imperative. Currently, of interest on the part of adults in in continuing these gatherings. only about 100,000 refugees are youth activities. Since then, Congolese The workshops follow “Strangers no resettled every year, with the largest youth have worked with their leaders. more,” a program from Holland in numbers going to the United States, In Tanzania, the youth department which African and Dutch youth Canada and Australia. The world has of Tanzania Mennonite Church— worked and learned together.—From about 20 million refugees and an equal Umoja wa Vijana Kanisa La Mennonite World Conference releases number of internally displaced peo- ple.—MCC Ottawa and children were forced into prostitu- tion. Now nearly 15 percent of the population is HIV-positive. Through the Generations at Risk program, MCC is helping a local Christian DISCOVERING THE WORLD FOR 35 YEARS organization address the crisis through youth and women’s clubs. 2004 TOURS PARAGUAY SERVICE TOUR (March 31 - April 14) TULIP TIME in HOLLAND (April 25 - May 4) Increased violence in Kosovo in March EUROPEAN ANABAPTIST HERITAGE (June 9-23) between Serbs and Albanians has In THE FOOTSTEPS of the APOSTLE PAUL ENGLAND and SCOTLAND for GRANDPARENTS (May 27 - June 12) emphasized the importance of the and GRANDCHILDREN (June 23 - July 5) MCC-supported Close to Children EUROPEAN HERITAGE (July 6-22) SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA and its FJORDS (June 17 - July 1) program, which uses art as a tool for From PRAGUE to GDANSK (July 22 - August 1) RUSSIA and UKRAINE (July 29 - August 12) healing. Through writing, drawing, SMALL TOWN THEATRE and COUNTRY GARDENS music and drama, the children (July 27 - August 2) externalize their difficult experiences. CANADIAN MARITIME PROVINCES (August 7-16) SWISS GLACIER EXPRESS (August 9-24) About every two months, staff from a ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (September 1-13) Christian organization take a truck- IRELAND (September 3-14) load of clothing and groceries along the SWISS-VOLHYNIAN MENNONITE HERITAGE hazardous road to Gudermes, (September 15-29) Chechnya. They distributed the items, LANDS of the BIBLE (September 17-30) some from MCC, at a dormitory “Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians (October 3-19) housing families who lost their homes CHINA around the world through custom-designed travel.” FALL FOLIAGE TOUR of NEW ENGLAND (October 4-10) in the war between Chechnya and CALL 1-800-565-0451 Russia. Funds come through MCC’s CHRISTMAS MARKETS in AUSTRIA and GERMANY (December 1-8) Global Family program. Among those FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR receiving aid is Rosa who is too ill to E-MAIL: [email protected] work and uses nearly all her pension 2005 TOURS WEB: www.tourmagination.com to pay for medication. “I wait for your SERVICE TOUR in SUNNY JAMAICA (January 21-30) 9 Willow Street 1011 Cathill Road help as though it’s coming from God,” CHURCHES and SAFARIS in KENYA and TANZANIA Waterloo, ON N2J 1V6 Canada Sellersville, PA 18960-1315 she said.—From MCC release (February 13-24) Reg. #1567624 USA
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Guelph, Ont. Meat canning brings people together olunteering at the Mennonite Central Committee meat V canning project here can be a cross-cultural experience. The 600 volunteers who processed over 20,000 cans of beef from April 26-30 came from a wide variety of Mennonite communities—from Old Orders to students at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. The volunteers enjoyed meeting each other and sometimes they sang as they worked together. Once again, this canning venture took place on a parking lot at the University of Guelph. Except for the meat cutting, which is done at the university’s meat science lab, all the work is done in a portable setting. The meat is processed in one semi-trailer, the cans washed and labelled in another, and the volunteers are fed in a portable classroom. For the past year, many countries have restricted beef imports from Canada due to BSE (mad cow). While other meat canning projects in Canada decided to can pork or turkey, the Guelph committee decided to continue canning beef, partly because beef farmers are among their best supporters. This year they restricted donations of live cattle to those under 30 months of age. In spite of this restriction, 70 head of cattle were donated, up considerably from previous years. When the price of beef dropped last summer, the committee arranged the purchase of 30,000 pounds of boneless meat which was frozen. This year they were not able to process all the meat Weber Vernelda Photo by before the last shift ended and the Jerry Hiebert prepares to load 140 cans of meat into the pressure canner. total number of cans is down slightly Each 28-ounce can feeds from 5 to 10 people. from previous years. The Guelph project is the last site season was up considerably from last for MCC’s meat canning season which year at 504,174. Some of the meat is began in October. The volunteers who already on its way to Bosnia, Haiti, Check out the travelled with the canner were Marcus North Korea and Ukraine. Meat is Canadian Mennonite Heinrichs from Ontario, Tim Friesen also distributed in the United States web site at from Nebraska, Aaron Yoder of Penn- and Canada. sylvania, and Jerry Hiebert from The Guelph committee is very www.canadianmennonite.org Paraguay. They visited 34 locations in grateful to the University of Guelph— 13 states, as well as Winkler, Mani- the use of its federally-inspected meat toba, and Leamington and Guelph in lab is crucial. They also wish to thank Ontario. all the volunteers and donors.—From The total number of cans for the reports
30 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 LocalChurch
Zaporozhye, Ukraine Ukraine gardeners share harvest ach summer, produce from “mercy groups” from two churches who gardens here is wasted because visit the sick, disabled and bedridden. Egardeners cannot afford enough The food is also used for pastor canning jars to preserve it. Now training seminars, youth conferences, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and other events. Canned vegetables is providing small grants so church and fruits are a welcome variation in a members can preserve their produce winter diet that consists mainly of and support the church. starches like potatoes, macaroni and Under the program, which began rice. last summer, church members donate Zoya Gerasimenko, who came up and prepare food for canning. The jars with the idea and organizes distribu- of food are distributed to various tion in Zaporozhye province, tells of churches and ministries, including a going to a village to pick up a batch of children’s centre and a drug rehabili- canned goods. tation centre. “The women were all bustling The products provide a welcome around the kitchen,” she says with a taste of home for the elderly in a chuckle. “Some pots were still boiling church-supported care home in on the stove, while filled jars were Zaporozhye. anxiously being watched to see if they “They no longer have their own would seal properly.” gardens, and miss the taste of their Church members, who are often pickles!” says Tamara Kishuna, co- quite poor themselves, give of what director of a church-based social they have to help the broader commu-
Photo by Dave Regier centre. Some jars are distributed to nity. MCC helps fill in the gaps, thus Preserved apples on a windowsill hospital patients by members of the magnifying local production.—From in Ukraine. MCC release by Elisabeth Harder Arts note Art walk in Abbotsford An “art walk” at Garden Park Towers in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on May 8 featured 17 local Mennonite painters. The artists’ ages spanned seven decades, and their styles ranged from realism to fantastic imagery. The event was sponsored by the Mennonite Historical Society of B.C. In an evening lecture on “Mennonites and art,” Ray Dirks, curator of the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg, linked faith and artistic expression. He told of many places where he has been able to display his k Christian beliefs through his paint- ings. He also spoke of Mennonites’ historical attitudes towards art, and of his personal journey as an artist. Harpist Heather Pauls offered musical interludes. Dirks also displayed the Photo by Susan Duec book, In God’s image: A global Dan Kehler (centre) was ordained as assistant minister at the Altona Anabaptist family, which he compiled Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Manitoba on April 18. Officiating was John from his exhibition at the Mennonite P. Klassen (left), director of Leadership Ministries for Mennonite Church World Conference assembly in Zimba- Manitoba. On the right is Crystal Kehler, Dan’s wife. Speakers included the bwe last summer.—From report by pastor, Rick Neufeld, and former pastor, Peter Penner.—From report by Helen Rose Pauls Elmer Heinrichs
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 31 LocalChurch
Saskatoon, Sask. Akron, Pa.—MCC relief kits People & Events and school kits packed in British Columbia were Native businessman Baden, Ont.—Earle Hamilton welcomed recently in war-torn has been appointed director of Mindanao, Philippines. In works with reserves insurance operations for MAX April 2003, families in coastal n May 5, aboriginal businessman John McLeod spoke Canada, a property and towns were attacked by rebels, at a meeting of the Mennonite Economic Develop- casualty insurance company and communities of primarily O ment Agency (MEDA). He spoke on aboriginal people for the Anabaptist community. Muslims were bombed, raided “He brings a wealth of and occupied by the govern- in the marketplace. knowledge and experience in Instead of discussing racism, he focused on his experi- ment. During 2003, nearly underwriting, strategic 40,000 people were displaced ences around politics and greed, and his desire to see change planning, operational manage- by fighting, along with at least in the way First Nations bands are governed. ment and business develop- 150,000 people in other McLeod, a status Indian with Scottish roots, and his wife, ment,” said Nelson Scheifele, regions. Some 487 relief kits Crystal, own Cornerstone Consulting Services which offers director of administration and containing towels, soap, financial advice to bands across Canada and into the United mutual aid ministries at MAX toothbrushes and other items States. They live in Saskatchewan but have offices in Canada. Hamilton was were distributed in mid-April, Calgary, Winnipeg, Kelowna, Toronto and Los Angeles. formerly vice president of along with 538 school kits and McLeod encourages economic development on the re- underwriting management 30 newborn kits—MCC release serves. services for Insurers’ Advisory Organization in Markham, “What I try to do at Cornerstone is work with the First Ontario. For more information Nations to…look at tactical solutions,” he said. Part of that about MAX Canada, call (519) relationship, he admits, involves working with abuses of 634-5267 or visit the web site position and ill-advised decisions in money management. at “We need to separate economic development from the www.mutualaidexchange.com/ leadership,” he said. canada.—From release Transitions His work includes providing practical advice. In one case, a lumber business was going to charge a band $20,000 to Winnipeg, Man.—Leo Births/adoptions shingle one house because of the distance involved in Driedger, long-time sociology bringing workers and supplies to the reserve. McLeod professor at the University of Bender—to Jeanette and Manitoba, received an Out- Todd, East Zorra Mennonite, arranged for roofers on the reserve to do the job. standing Alumnus Award at Tavistock, Ont., a daughter, McLeod receives 1,000 requests per year from large firms Bethel College in Kansas on Fayth Brianna, May 28. who want to strike a business partnership with the bands. May 22. Driedger was hon- Dueck—to Amy and Mike, Although a few show interest in Saskatchewan, small oured for his career in sociol- Vineland United Mennonite, industry is more common here. ogy, his writings (including 20 Ont., a son, Emmit Michael, McLeod also arranges contracts between bands and books) and his church work. Apr. 12. training agencies to “train people in the band for service He has served on executive Epp—to Heidi and Wade, work.” He stresses the importance of education when boards for Mennonite Central Laird Mennonite, Sask., twins, meeting with band leaders. Committee, Conference of Lyndon Gary and Hayley “It’s still as bad [on reserves] as third world countries, in Mennonites in Canada and the Jeanne, Mar. 13. General Conference Mennonite Epp—to Karen and Dwight, terms of training,” he said. That is why many leave the Church. Driedger and his wife Peace Mennonite, Richmond, reserve.—Karin Fehderau Darlene are members of B. C., a daughter, Miranda Joy Charleswood Mennonite Katherine, Jan. 1. Church.—From Bethel release Ezekial—to Helen and Ab, Waterloo-Kitchener United Abbotsford, B.C.––People in Mennonite, Ont., a daughter, Photos by kids career transitions can get help Ellery Elizabeth, May 26. from Compass, a program of Friesen—to Diane and Kevin, Attention children: If you are 12 or under, Canadian Mennonite Central Committee of Langley, B.C., Tiefengrund Mennonite would like to see some of the photographs B.C. Compass offers career Mennonite, Laird, Sask., a son, you take this summer. They can be about your workshops that help partici- Samuel Nathan, May 17. vacation, time at camp or other summer adventures. pants learn more about Harder—to Michelle and Tim, We will print some of the best ones. themselves and their abilities, of Seattle, Washington, Plum and about applying for jobs. Coulee Bergthaler Mennonite, Send them electronically to They also learn about re- Man., a son, Noah Roger, [email protected] sources in the community. May 1. John Dawson is the program Koop—to Anita and Darryl, or mail them to: Vineland United Mennonite, Canadian Mennonite, manager. For more informa- tion, contact Christine at (604) Ont., a son, Riley Darryl, 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, 859-4500 or visit Mar. 2 Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7. www.mccemployment.bc.ca.— Matheson—to Cathy (Janzen) From Compass release and Brent, First Mennonite,
32 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 LocalChurch
Kitchener, Ont., a daughter, May 25. Baptisms Rosthern, Sask.—Jason Fehr, Lauren Andrea, Feb. 4. Loewen—Helen (Ens), 59, Kristen Fehr, May 30. Neufeld—to Lisa and Andy, Sherbrooke Mennonite, Blumenort Mennonite, Niagara United Mennonite, Whitewater Mennonite, Vancouver, B.C., May 26. Gretna, Man.—Cornie Ont.—Mark Bergen, Justine Boissevain, Man., a daughter, Metzger—Joseph, 96, Bueckert, Helen Ens, Amanda Tissen, Daniel Froese, Daniel Erika Taylor, Jan. 14. Floradale Mennonite, Ont., Gerbrandt, Jodi Hildebrandt, Kulchar, Cory Goerzen, Gary Pauls—to Treena and Dan, April 18. Ashley Penner, Kristen Peters, Friesen, May 30. Waterloo-Kitchener United Nickel—Karl Heinrich, 82, Maury Peters, Pam Peters, Osler Mennonite, Sask.— Mennonite, Ont., a son, Adam Niagara United Mennonite, Paul Peters, Ken Rempel, Donna Janzen, May 30. John, May 8. Ont., May 16. Rachelle Rempel, May 16. Sherbrooke Mennonite, Payne—adopted by Marcia Penner—Heinrich, 76, Carman Mennonite, Man.— B.C.—Mark William Regier, and Richard, Salem Vineland United Mennonite, Carly Enns, Misty Enns, Kelly May 30. Mennonite, Tofield, Alta., a Ont., Apr. 15. Enns, Leah Jeffers, Stacie Vineland United daughter, Bethany Dawn, born Petkau—Abe, 78, Vineland Letkeman, Philip Wieler, Mennonite, Ont.—Aaron Apr. 16. United Mennonite, Ont., May 30. Janzen, Laura Moyer, May 30. Penner—to Lisa and Weldon, Mar. 7. Douglas Mennonite, Waterloo-Kitchener United Fort Garry Mennonite, Schmitt—Daniel, 94, First Winnipeg, Man.—Chris Dasch, Mennonite, Ont.—Melinda Winnipeg, Man., a son, Mason Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont., Jeremy Kroeker, May 30. Goertz, May 30. Zachary, May 7. May 20. Emmanuel Mennonite, Whitewater Mennonite, Smit—to Rachel and Eryn, Schmitt—Lillian Matilda, 91, Abbotsford, B.C.—Megan Boissevain, Man.—Conrad Vineland United Mennonite, First Mennonite, Kitchener, Braun, Mike Currie, Sam Klassen, Angela Neufeld, Ont., a son, Calvin Hendrik Ont., May 21. Dueckman, Trevor Klassen, May 30. Thomas, May 19. Wideman—Barbara, 96, Colby Redekop, Miriam Winkler Bergthaler, Man.— Salem Mennonite, Tofield, Shrimpton, Marty Thiessen, Luke Liu, Wes Reimer, Anita Marriages Alta., Apr. 16. Alfred Younis, May 30. Toews, Viktor Toews, Tim Wideman—Mary, 84, Grace Mennonite, Regina, Wiebe, May 30. Giesbrecht-Wall—Jake and Floradale Mennonite, Ont., Sask.—Justus Zimmerly, Canadian Mennonite welcomes Tina, Plum Coulee Bergthaler May 5. Victor Penner, May 30. Mennonite, May 22. Hamilton Mennonite, transitions announcements within Janzen-Ukrainetz—Bob and Ont.—Ashleigh Tomlinson, four months of the event. When Christopher Skeoch, Haydee sending by e-mail, please identify Donna (Dalmeny Bible congregation (name and location). Church), Osler Mennonite, Bayona Ortiz, May 30. Sask., Mar. 20. Mennonite Fellowship of Matthews-Roth—Kris and Krista, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont., May 29. Strickland-Epp—Richard and Rita, Vineland United On Jordan’s Stormy Banks Mennonite, Mar. 20. Lessons from the Book of Wiens-Beyer—Brent (not Chris as listed May 3) and Deuteronomy Jessica, Bethany Mennonite, No other book addresses human longing as Virgil, Ont., Apr. 16. Deuteronomy. James E. Brenneman guides Deaths readers across the spiritually barren, dan- gerous, silent void of life’s desert-wander- Banmann—Agatha, 81, First Mennonite, Calgary, Alta., ings. With humor and honesty, On Jordan’s May 17. Stormy Banks walks the in-between spaces Bowman—Andrew, 87, Breslau Mennonite, Ont., of life to the river’s edge and encounters with May 27. God. Dyck—Esther (Plett), 90, “Brenneman’s study guide is not a com- Clearbrook Mennonite, Abbotsford, B.C., May 23. mentary. It does not go into detail on each Friesen—John, 77, Mennonite verse and regulation, but it does provide a Church of Vernon, B.C., May 8. Friesen—Mary, 75, Coaldale wonderful window into Deuteronomy, and Mennonite, Alta., May 12. how it can and does address critical crossroads of life.” Friesen—Mary, 76, Winkler —Gerald Gerbrandt, President, Canadian Mennonite Bergthaler, Man., May 22. Harder—Catherine (Tina), 90, University Vineland United Mennonite, Paper, 120 pages, $13.99 Ont., May 26. Janzen—Helen, 91, Vineland United Mennonite, Ont., 1 800 245-7894 • www.heraldpress.com
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MennoniteMennonite Church Church 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at ourselves, ‘How can we engage CanadaCanada Morden Mennonite Church. the delegates and the host The seminar will be led by community together in a David Leis, vice-president of celebration of faith?’” Seminar on advancement at Canadian Six music groups are managing change Mennonite University. Leis confirmed. A Korean group will brings a wealth of training and present a mime, and there will At a March meeting of experience to the topic. be an international fashion moderators, secretaries and “The topic of this seminar show. Face painting, refresh- conference ministers, manag- affects all leaders in our ments and a barbecue supper ing change was a common church organizations and acquainted with the church. are also planned. An evening topic of conversation. congregations,” said Rempel, The Friday Festival in the worship service will be “Whether it was organiza- who was a board member and Park (July 9, 3:30 p.m. on) will followed by a wrap-up concert. tional, structural, program staff person during recent MC invite area residents to join a “We have a contingency plan changes or a reworking of Manitoba changes. “It is a celebration of faith. There will to move indoors, but it would mission and vision statements, timely opportunity to address be concerts, games and activity be much nicer to enjoy the change seems to be something the many issues related to stations representing national festival outside,” said Peters- most of the conferences are organizational change….” and international ministries in Pries. “We think the festival is dealing with,” said Edgar Registration forms are at seven countries. The a great opportunity to help Rempel, executive director www.mennochurch.mb.ca/ intergenerational festival will assembly goers and others to of Mennonite Church Mani- events/ be held in Winkler Park. experience the theme of toba. 040706_managing_change. Pam Peters-Pries, MC ‘Enough for all.’” The group decided to hold a Canada staff representative on seminar on managing organi- Assembly festival to the assembly program zational change just prior to welcome host town committee, said that the idea Prayer request Mennonite Church Canada was considered last fall. assembly in July. Planners Planners hope that an “Conversation around the Peter Rempel, director for Rempel and Ken Bechtel invite experiment at this year’s initial idea always included European ministries with MC conference and church Mennonite Church Canada some sort of witness or Canada Witness, was in leaders—board members, assembly July 7-11 in Winkler, outreach to the community we Zaporozhya, Ukraine, May 23- administrators and pastors— Manitoba, will help people in will visit for nearly a week,” 26. He and Witness workers to the event on July 6, from the host community get said Peters-Pries. “We asked Cliff and Natasha Dueck
From our Combining our assets for God’s work leaders Every once in a while I like to indulge in slate of congregational leaders, “across the street” relation- a peanut butter and onion but may include assets such as gardening, ships, becoming a vehicle for sharing the sandwich. Freshly baked bread, a few driving, knotting comforters, woodworking, love of Christ? slices of mild Spanish onion and a dollop reading, home decorating, camping, In Mark’s account of feeding the five of peanut butter—what a combination! community advocacy or creative writing. thousand, Jesus commands the disciples The playful act of combining familiar On their own, these assets have the to “go and see” what food is available for things to create something new need not potential to support congregational the crowd. We too must “go and see” be only for the culinary daring. Congre- ministry. When combined, however, they what is available to us, naming and gations are discovering previously- can create an entirely new set of assets claiming the assets that God has given unimagined possibilities for ministry as that can be used by God in ways beyond to our congregations. Moreover, we are they combine gifts and strengths in new our wildest imagining. invited to discover the miracle of ways. One congregation has discovered links combined assets, in ever-new ways we Combining existing strengths to among the following assets: folks might join God in God’s work. discover new ministry possibilities is who have a passion for teaching music, Peanut butter and onion is a wonder- called asset building. Rather than seniors who desire intergenerational ful combination. I wonder what peanut dwelling on that which we don’t have, relationships, and a public school staff butter and shredded asset building is grounded on the interested in providing a safe space for carrot would taste premise that we can combine the “latchkey” students after school. like? passions, skills and things that God has This congregation is exploring the Jeff Steckley, Giving given us to join in God’s work. possibility of partnering with the school to Project Consultant Asset building first invites people to host an after-school program that would Coordinator with identify what they like to do and what connect seniors with students, and provide Mennonite Church they’re good at. Individuals might not musical instruction. What potential might Eastern Canada. only identify the “gifts” for filling the a program such as this have to build
34 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 LocalChurch attended meetings of the MennoniteMennonite Church Church In the conference newsletter, will seek affiliation with Evangelic Mennonite SaskatchewanSaskatchewan the church ministries commit- another church conference. Churches of Ukraine. One item tee described the decision as discussed was the formation of based on “the reality, not of Unless otherwise credited, the a Conference of Mennonites in theological or doctrinal but of articles in TheChurches pages were New slant on written by: Leona Dueck Penner Ukraine. Pray for the church Missionfest procedural differences, as was there. the case between Paul and (Mennonite Church Canada), Barb Draper for Maurice Martin This year, the Ministries Barnabas in Acts 15.” (Eastern Canada), Evelyn Rempel Commission of Mennonite Representatives from both Petkau (Manitoba), Karin MennoniteMennonite Church Church Church Saskatchewan is the church and Mennonite Fehderau (Saskatchewan), Donita EasternEastern Canada Canada trying a new approach to its Church B.C. were present at Wiebe-Neufeld (Alberta), Angelika Missionfest. Instead of a fall both gatherings, to pray for Dawson (B.C.). See page 2 for event in several venues and encourage one another. contact information. Youth enjoy throughout Saskatoon, the The parting happened in an north exchange commission is changing the atmosphere of blessing. style of event and time of year. Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Twelve young people from “We’re having a travelling southern Ontario participated Missionfest,” said Claire in the Extreme North Ex- Ewert-Fisher, commission Conference history and other new books change to Weenusk First chair. The idea being explored new history of the Conference of Mennonites in Nation, April 29 to May 4. is having at least two bus Canada, entitled Becoming a National Church, will be They were hosted warmly by tours between various A launched at the Mennonite Church Canada assembly the Cree village of 200 on the Mennonite churches. Each tour on July 8. The book, commissioned by the Mennonite Heritage shore of Hudson Bay where it will include one urban church Centre, is written by Adolf Ens, former professor of history was much colder than at home. and two or three rural ones. and theology at Canadian Mennonite Bible College. It is They sampled caribou stew, At each stop, participants published by Canadian Mennonite University Press. learned about hunting geese, will hear how the host church The 250-page book encompasses the years 1902-1999. and saw abandoned army is practising missions. For Many of the issues that Mennonite Church Canada faces bases, part of the Cold War example, what missionaries today are related to issues that CMC and Mennonite Church Dew Line of the 1960s. The are being supported and in Eastern Canada predecessors have faced along the way, notes exchange was sponsored by what country are they Ens. “One can learn from the approaches that worked and the Mennonite Church Eastern working? Perhaps the host approaches that didn’t work.” A full list of CMU Press Canada, Mennonite Central church will serve food found in publications is available at www.cmu.ca/publications. Committee Ontario, Weenusk those countries. On May 11, two professors at Canadian Mennonite First Nation and YMCA Youth Another idea being pursued, University presented their new books to the CMU community. Exchanges Canada. In June, said Ewert-Fisher, is to look at Karl Koop, who teaches history and theology, recently youth from Weenusk First what each church is doing in released Anabaptist-Mennonite Confessions of Faith: The Nation are visiting the its community. How are people development of a tradition, published by Pandora Press. Jerry Mennonite community in being Christ to those around Buckland, who teaches international development studies at southern Ontario. them? Menno Simons College (also part of CMU), wrote Ploughing “We’re going with the theme up the Farm: Neoliberalism, modern technology and the state MennoniteMennonite Church Church of “Across the street and of the world’s farmers. Published by Fernwood Books, it ManitobaManitoba around the world,” said Ewert- presents possible solutions for sustainable agriculture.—From Fisher. CMU releases Since November is an Golf tournament unusually busy month, the for Camp Koinonia commission hopes to focus on missions during a less busy On June 26, supporters of time of year. Camp Koinonia will golf to raise money for camp mainte- MennoniteMennonite Church Church nance and development. The BritishBritish Columbia Columbia tournament is at Winkler Golf Course, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dinner and prizes will follow. Kelowna church Camp Koinonia, one of three leaves conference Mennonite Church Manitoba “Camps with Meaning,” was Mennonite Church British founded in 1966. It is located Columbia said goodbye to in Turtle Mountain Provincial Kelowna Gospel Fellowship at Park near Boissevain. Partici- a special delegates’ meeting at pants and sponsors should call Bethel Mennonite Church in Karl Enns at (204) 325-9563/ Aldergrove on March 13. 8307, Ron Hildebrand at (204) Kelowna’s decision to leave 873-2313 or the MC Manitoba was formalized at a meeting at Karl Koop and Jerry Buckland show their newly-published books. office at (204) 896-1616. the church on April 25.
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 35 Advertising
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Movie in Winnipeg The Big White, a comedy recently filmed in Winnipeg, features big-name stars such as Robin Williams, Holly Hunter and Woody Harrelson. But of more interest to the locals might be the name of the scriptwriter, Collin Friesen, who grew up in the Charleswood Mennonite Church. The story concerns a hapless travel agent who finds a corpse in a dumpster behind his office. He cooks up an elaborate scheme to collect insurance from the death. Friesen is located in Los Angeles and wrote the script while at the American Film Institute. Mid-May filming in Winnipeg wouldn’t have needed the fake snow made for the set, as the real white stuff was coming down.—From reports
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 37 ToLocalMorrowChurch
Seminary certificate tives, individuals and academ- of Anabaptist/Mennonite Ukraine” in support of MCC’s offered in Manitoba ics are encouraged to partici- beliefs and dispels some economic development project pate. The event, supported by common stereotypes. Unsettled there. The project provides Winnipeg, Man.—The Evan- the Mennonite Historical Weather: How do we forgive? by small business loans to gelical Anabaptist Seminary Society of Canada and Wilma L. Derksen is a seven- impoverished people. Last Program here has linked up Mennonite Central Committee session series that helps year’s tournament raised with Mennonite Brethren Canada, will be hosted by the people work through the $20,000. Biblical Seminary (MBBS) and Chair in Mennonite Studies at process of forgiveness. In addition to golf there Associated Mennonite Biblical the University of Winnipeg. These resources can be will be a variety of novelty Seminary (AMBS) to offer a For further information, picked up by delegates at the holes and activities, and a Certificate of Christian contact Royden Loewen, e- MC Canada assembly in banquet. To register or to Ministry. The certificate is a mail: [email protected] July.—From MC Canada make a donation to the 30-unit program to provide or Ken Reddig at MCC release Ukraine project, call Richard basic training in Bible, Canada.—From release Dyck at MCC Manitoba, theology and pastoral ministry Kreider joins AMBS (204)-261-6381.—From from an evangelical release Anabaptist perspective. New resources faculty Courses, which can be for churches Elkhart, Ind.—Alan Kreider, transferred into programs at Several new resources will be longtime mission worker in other seminaries, are taught at England, has been appointed Canadian Mennonite Univer- available to Mennonite Church Canada congregations this associate professor of church sity. history and mission at The Evangelical Anabaptist summer. Weddings is a new 80-page Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Program is a Seminary. He begins July 1. cooperative venture of five guide for pastors that provides theological perspective, Kreider, with his wife Eleanor, Calendar Mennonite conferences in spent 26 years in England, Manitoba and four Mennonite reflections on current with the London Mennonite British Columbia schools. Since it began in 2002, Centre and at Regent’s Park it has served 97 credit issues and practical College, Oxford University. He July 14-18: MCC Family students and 33 auditors from helped found the Anabaptist Camping Trip to Vancouver 5 Mennonite groups and over ideas on preparing Network in England. For the Island. Contact Darryl Klassen 10 other denominations. past four years, the Kreiders or Elsie Wiebe Klingler at Currently, MBBS is assess- for wed- dings. have been mission educators (604) 850-6639. ing the feasibility of offering a for Mennonite Mission August 20-22: 50th Anniver- full degree in Winnipeg, in Writer Karen Network. “We are very sary Homecoming at First partnership with other fortunate to bring to our Mennonite Church, Burns seminaries. Martens Zimmerly, faculty someone with Alan’s Lake. Contact Rob Wiebe, e- For more information, extensive knowledge of church mail: [email protected], contact Pierre Gilbert, phone pastor at Grace history, ecumenical relations fax: (250) 698-7363. (204) 487-3300, e-mail: and international experience, August 23-30: MCC Quilt E-mail: [email protected], or Mennonite Church in combined with his passion for Show at Clearbrook Public visit the web site at the church and for communi- Library. Call (604) 850-6639 or www.ambs.edu/easp/. Regina, compiled cating the gospel in today’s visit www.mcc.org/bc. contribu- culture,” said Loren Johns, September 17-18: MCC tions from pastors and others AMBS academic dean. Kreider Festival at the Tradex, Conference to focus for the booklet. It addresses has a doctorate from Harvard Abbotsford. Call (604) 850- on ‘boat people’ topics such as co-habitation, University.—From AMBS 6639 or visit www.mcc.org/bc. second marriages, non- release September 19: MCC Festival Winnipeg, Man.—A conference Christian couples who want a of Praise at Central Heights in October 2005 is inviting church wedding, appropriate Mennonite Brethren Church, presenters and storytellers music and giving children a 2:30 p.m. involved in the settlement of Driving golf balls place in the ceremony. It also September 25: MCC Fall Fair Asian “boat people” in Canada. to Ukraine contains a list of further at Civic Centre, Prince George. In 1979, a crisis in Vietnam set resources. Winnipeg, Man.—Mennonite October 4-6: Pastor/spouse in motion a massive migration A new MC Canada prayer Central Committee Manitoba’s retreat. of refugees that transformed directory and prayer poster for annual golf tournament will be October 15-17: Women’s Mennonite churches in 2004-05 is also being prepared. held on July 21 at Quarry retreat on “Prayer,” with Canada. A brochure, What makes a Oaks Golf Course near speaker Karen Heidebrecht- The conference will address Mennonite?, is a tool for Steinbach. Thiessen. the legacy of that time. congregations to hand to This year’s golfers will be November 6: MCC B.C. Congregational representa- visitors. It explains the basics “driving golf balls to the annual general meeting.
38 Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 ToMorrow
3300 or e-mail: and bar of soap. Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Service Alberta [email protected]. 10:00 a.m. June 26: Camp Koinonia Golf Ontario July 19: UMEI Watermelon October 15, 16, 17, 18: Tournament at Winkler Golf Open. Community Justice Ministries Course. June 17: Fundraiser for August 13-15: Ontario celebrations with speaker June 26-27: MCC Bike the Toronto Mennonite Theological Mennonite Bible School Wayne Northey (M2W2 in Whiteshell cyclathon. Centre with speaker Tom reunion at Conrad Grebel B.C.), in Edmonton (15), June 27: Mennonite Collegiate Harpur, at Waterloo North University College, Waterloo. Calgary (16), Rosemary (17), Institute graduation at Mennonite Church, 7:30 p.m. August 19: Peach social at Didsbury (18). Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite June 19: Graduation at United Mennonite Educational Church, 2:30 p.m. Rockway Mennonite Colle- Institute, Leamington. Saskatchewan June 27: Celebration of 50 giate, Kitchener. September 10-12: Building June 20: United Mennonite June 24-27: Rosthern Junior years in ministry for Jake F. Community Retreat for Pauls at Morden Mennonite Educational Institute (UMEI) persons with disabilities, at College musical and gradua- graduation, Leamington, tion (27). Church, 3:00 p.m. Hidden Acres Camp. Speaker: June 28: Westgate Mennonite 2:30 p.m. Irma Janzen. Call (519) 578- June 29: MC Saskatchewan June 25-27: Family Camping Camping Commission comedy Collegiate graduation at 2608. Bethel Mennonite Church, at Hidden Acres Camp. Details September 18: Relief sale at and dessert night at Youth at (519) 625-8602, e-mail: Farm Bible Camp, Rosthern. Winnipeg. Black Creek Pioneer Village. July 3: MCC Cycle Clear Lake [email protected]. July 2-4: Shekinah 25th June 26: Aylmer Auction for anniversary celebrations. cyclathon (formerly Spruce Woods). Relief. July 7: MEDA breakfast at July 18: UMEI Pancake Grainfields Restaurant, July 7-11: Mennonite Church Saskatoon, 7:30 a.m. Canada annual delegate August 4: MEDA breakfast at assembly in Winkler. Grainfields Restaurant, July 7: Mennonite Disaster Saskatoon, 7:30 a.m. Service alumni gathering, August 7-8: 75th anniversary Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite of Carrot River Mennonite Church, after evening session Church at Carrot River of assembly. Community Hall. July 15: Ironman golf mara- September 10-12: Junior high thon for Eden Foundation at retreat. Winkler Golf Course, 1:30 p.m. September 30-October 2: Call (204) 325-5355. Canadian Mennonite Health July 17-18: 75th anniversary Assembly at Shekinah. celebration at Schoenfelder October 15-16: Saskatchewan Mennonite Church, Pigeon Women in Mission retreat. Lake. Call (204) 864-2285, e- October 20-23: Christian mail: Peacemaker Team meeting at [email protected]. Shekinah. July 21: MCC Manitoba golf October 28-29: Missional tournament for Ukraine, at church workshop for lay Quarry Oaks golf course in leaders at Camp Elim. Steinbach. November 5-6: MCC Sas- July 19-23: Course on worship katchewan annual meeting. with John Bell of Iona Commu- November 5-7: Quilting and nity, Scotland, at Canadian scrapbooking retreat at Mennonite University. Shekinah. September 11: Cyclathon in November 13-14: Musical, Pembina Hills for Eden Health “Pull of the land,” at Rosthern Care Services. Phone (204) Junior College. Fundraiser for 325-5355, e-mail: Mennonite Heritage Museum. [email protected]. October 2: MC Manitoba Manitoba Equipping Conference at Canadian Mennonite Univer- June 22: Eden Foundation sity. fundraiser with speaker October 15-16: 24-hour Edward Schreyer and music by women’s retreat at Camp “Barta,” at Winkler Bergthaler Assiniboia, with speaker Mennonite Church, 7:00 p.m. Kathy Koop on “Faithful Phone (204) 325-5355. women: then and now.” June 22: Canadian Mennonite October 23: Manitoba Women University President’s Golf for MCC conference at First Tournament at Kingswood, Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, Winnipeg. Phone (204) 487- 10:00 a.m. Bring bag lunch
Canadian Mennonite June 14, 2004 Volume 8, Number 12 39 “Altered shapes” was the name of a recent exhibit of fibre art at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg. Featuring works by artists from across Canada, the popular exhibit drew hundreds of new people to the gallery. The exhibit closed on June 10.