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OctoberOctober 17,17, 20052005 VolumeVolume 9,9, NumberNumber 2020

Mennonite architecture pages 6-7 Congo: A forgotten emergency pages 16, 17, 32 DeskTop

Finding a way through illness ix months ago, on our honeymoon, my wife and I hospital chapel that was very meaningful for us. I’m hang- went on a hike through one of the trails in Ontario’s ing onto Scripture from Isaiah 43 shared with us then: SAlgonquin Provincial Park. It was a sunny, warm day “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by in mid-April and we thought we would fi nish the trail loop name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, in time for a late lunch. I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not We discovered that once we got under the thick forest overwhelm you. When you walk through the fi re you shall cover, everything changed. The light dimmed, the tempera- not be burned, and the fl ame shall not consume you. For I ture dropped and snow covered our path. It was like step- am the Lord your God, the Holy One, your Saviour.… You ping back into winter. are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you.…” At the centre of the trail, the snow was fi rm enough to When you descend into the darkness, you sometimes need support us. Everywhere else, it wasn’t. The problem was help to remember what the light looks like. there were just the faintest of marks on In his instructions to the sick, James the snow giving hints to where the trail He is teaching us that the tells them to call elders to pray over them, was. Every few steps, a spot that looked anointing them with oil in the name of the good, wasn’t, and our feet would plunge Body of Christ needs to Lord. He is teaching us that the Body of through. draw close around those Christ needs to draw close around those It was slow, exhausting going, especial- who are sick, letting personal suffering be ly with the uncertainty of never knowing who are sick, letting shared and calling on God for healing. when the snow was going to crumble Near the end of that hike, exhausted, we beneath your feet. The only way we could personal suffering be discovered that the way home was blocked fi nd where the path lay was to walk it. shared and calling on God by spring run-off. It was too painful to That same feeling is with me again. think of having to retrace all our steps. Three weeks ago, my wife had chest for healing. Then we found a log that had fallen over surgery. The surgery was more invasive the rushing waters a short way down the than originally planned and recovery was river. Clutching onto each other, we inched slow. Then she had a very painful and unexplained build- our way across and made it back. up of fl uid in her chest that had to be drained. We’ve since We’re looking for that log now. But even so, our identity learned that this was caused by accidental damage to her as children of the loving God is not threatened by illness or lymph system during the fi rst procedure. She is now facing death. We are the Lord’s, and no claim on us is more impor- a second major operation in the near future to try to correct tant or more powerful than that one. that damage. It’s been an uncertain, discouraging time. —Tim Miller Dyck We had a service of prayer and anointing for her in the

Mission statement: Published by Canadian Mennonite Publishing Service, Canadian Mennonite National correspondent: Leona Dueck Penner, serves primarily the people and churches of Winnipeg. Phone: (204) 888-6781, x178 Mennonite Church Canada and its fi ve area E-mail: [email protected] conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ Mennonite Regional correspondents: periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the Eastern Canada: Maurice Martin, Phone: (519) 662-1031 church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate E-mail: [email protected] and fair information, faith profi les, inspirational/educational materials, Manitoba: Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Phone/Fax: (204) 745-2208 news and analysis of issues facing the church. E-mail: [email protected] Saskatchewan: Karin Fehderau, Phone: (306) 933-4209 Head offi ce: 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7 E-mail: [email protected] 800-378-2524 Phone: (519) 884-3810 Toll-free: Fax: (519) 884-3331 Alberta: Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Phone: (780) 436-3431 E-mail: offi [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Editor/Publisher: Tim Miller Dyck British Columbia: Amy Dueckman, Phone: (604) 854-3735 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Staff: Ross W. Muir, managing editor; Lisa Jacky, admin. assistant; Board of directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld, John W. Goossen Tim R. Dyck, art director; Barb Draper, editorial assistant. Alberta: Brenda Tiessen-Wiens, Jan Wilhelm. Saskatchewan: Bernie Advertising: Barbara Burkholder Phone : 800-316-4052 Thiessen. Manitoba: Aiden S. Enns, Bernie Wiebe, Paul Krahn. Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] Ontario: Mary Lymburner, Brice Balmer, Ester Neufeldt, Larry Cornies. Contact head offi ce for subscriptions and address changes. Order form on inside back cover. Postmaster: Send returns to head offi ce. PAP Registration No. 09613. Agreement No. 40063104. We acknowledge the fi nancial assistance of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program towards our mailing costs. ISSN 1480-042X Website: www.canadianmennonite.org

2 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 ThisIssue

October 17, 2005 4 UpClose Volume 9, Number 20 Delighting in youth 4 ‘I am willing to learn’ 5

6 Faith&Life You are what you build 6 What does a church look like? 8 9 Arts&Culture The Nazareth Jesus Knew 9 CD series offers hope 10

11 InConversation Bible training trumps poverty 11 Dead Horse Creek 12 Letters 12 The curse of the cloth 13 Page 22 14 WiderChurch MC B.C. vote 14 Page 5 Web site preview Congo: A forgotten emergency 16

Get a preview of the next Canadian Mennonite before it 22 LocalChurch comes in the mail. Selections Carman vision fl ourishing 22 are posted on our web site at www.canadianmennonite.org Rockway celebrates move 24 on the Thursday before the Transitions 25 issue date. So you can check out the October 31 issue by October 27. 28 TheChurches

30 To Cover: What does the Morrow future hold for young Congolese? Children gaze through a broken window at the Mbandu Mennonite Page 6 Brethren secondary school in Kikwit. For more stories and photos on the situ- ation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, see pages 16, 17 and 32. Photo by Ray Dirks

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 3 UpClose

Winnipeg Delighting in youth community thinks ahead ‘Much of youth about issues and transi- n her dynamic and charismatic those kids in ways that tions, it can prepare and way, Kathy Giesbrecht is able to really helped them. It ministry happens navigate, rather than Imake young people feel affi rmed enlarged my understand- outside the church wait on the other end of and valued. They love her, whether ing of God’s commitment a crisis,” she says. she is their youth pastor, camp pastor, to people. building, unseen and One of the ways in retreat leader or just happens to be in “I became more and which Giesbrecht did the same room. Her laughter and her more convinced, how- therefore not always this was by building a ability to listen fi ll them with warmth ever, that the way for fully appreciated, unit on human sexuality and the knowledge they are valued. the church and for me into the Sunday school “When a congregation delights in to reach young people except by the curriculum. She drew in their youth, that goes a long way and their families was parents.’ a variety of resources, towards youth feeling a part of, and through congregations. including people within included in, the church. This can be as The congregation is the congregation to tell simple as clapping,” says Giesbrecht, the locus or centre for their stories. who recently resigned from her posi- outreach.” Youth ministry is tion as half-time associate pastor at A year at Associated mostly outside public view, Springstein (Man.) Mennonite Church, Mennonite Biblical Giesbrecht points out. “You where she served for the past eight Seminary was like a don’t realize the amount years. She is continuing her work “homecoming in a deeper of relational work a youth as quarter-time youth pastor at the way within the Mennonite ministry team does. It Winnipeg Chinese Mennonite Church. community,” she says. “The can be the temptation of a Recently she took some time to theological studies deep- congregation to measure the refl ect on her experiences in youth ened my thinking and faith health of youth ministry by ministry. convictions and my desire numbers in the youth group, Giesbrecht “I was quite sick as a child. My to serve in the context of a but this is a false measuring mother prayed for me and committed congregation.” stick because of the nature me to God. That was the beginning In her youth ministry, Giesbrecht of the group being served.” of the journey,” says Giesbrecht. “I’ve has come to see that “the greatest gift “Much of youth ministry happens always felt God was for me. I have an a congregation gives their young peo- outside the church building, unseen overwhelming sense of God loving me. ple is a healthy congregation. When and therefore not always fully appreci- It’s a gift.” they learn to live together, sacrifi ce ated, except by the parents,” she says. Giesbrecht’s response to God’s love and serve together, this is ultimately Giesbrecht appreciates the “incred- has always been a compelling desire to what attracts them to the church. It ible support” of the congregations in serve him. Burrows Bethel, her home really lays the responsibility for youth which she has served. “We have raised church in Winnipeg, encouraged and ministry upon everyone in the church. thousands of dollars so our kids could nurtured her as a junior high Sunday We all have to learn to forgive and live go to youth conferences, mission trips school teacher at 17. Here she discov- in right relationship,” she says. and camp work. Only later in life do ered her love of working with young “When asked what they enjoy most the youth fully realize that support people. While attending Winnipeg about church, my youth often say it’s was a deep expression of the congrega- Bible College she volunteered with the potlucks. It’s more than an eat- tion’s love for them.” kids clubs in the inner city and after ing event,” explains Giesbrecht. “It “I’m ready for a new season in my graduation worked with Youth for conveys a powerful sense of belong- life,” says Giesbrecht. “To move aside Christ in Portage la Prairie, Man. ing and sharing together, which they would allow other things to grow and After a year of study at Providence don’t experience anywhere else. It’s a allows me to serve in other ways.” She Seminary, Giesbrecht worked for reminder to me of what is important.” plans to rest, do volunteer work for the Youth for Christ in Winnipeg for seven Giesbrecht values the youth minis- larger church, and respond to invita- years. “Those were very rich years…. try courses she has taken at Canadian tions to preach and teach. They taught me all kinds of things Mennonite University. They have —Evelyn Rempel Petkau about being the church. God is so encouraged her to think of youth much bigger than the church. God met ministry in more proactive ways. “If a

4 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 UpClose

Winnipeg ‘If you want me to stay, I am willing to learn’ innipeg Chinese Mennonite Bethel Mennonite Church is tucked away in the Church, and so we Wcorner of a busy intersection moved into that in southwest Winnipeg. Set in from church in 1976,” the busy traffi c corridors, this small Cheng recounts. “At congregation creatively ministers to that point we were a busy cross-section of culture and still non-denomina- diversity. tional, but our diverse Albert Cheng, who has been in- backgrounds cre- volved with the church since its begin- ated problems, so we ning in 1974, gave up his construction wanted to belong to business, went to seminary, and in one denomination. July began serving as pastor to this The Anabaptist faith congregation. This was not an easy de- attracted us to the cision. Loneliness was one of his fears, General Conference but concern for the church overrode Mennonite Church them. [precursor to “I closed down my company and Mennonite Church started looking for a seminary where I Canada] because could study,” he says. “But then after most of our people surgery for cancer I started to worry came from Anabaptist that I was too old to study.” He took groups like Baptist or Photo by Evelyn Rempel Petkau heart in Psalm 138:8a (“The LORD Alliance.” will fulfi ll his purpose for me…”), Some of the famil- and felt God’s leading. He completed iarity with Mennonite his master of divinity degree at churches grew out Providence College. of their involvement Albert Cheng, left, became Winnipeg Chinese “I told God if you want me to stay, with the Vietnamese Mennonite Church’s new pastor this summer, after I am willing to learn,” Cheng says of boat people. having been involved in the church since its inception his new pastoral role, claiming God’s “We helped with a more than 30 years ago. He is pictured with Kathy promise to Moses in Joshua, “I will be lot of translation for Giesbrecht, youth pastor. with you,” as his own. “The two things Mennonite churches,” I need to do are be faithful to his word notes Cheng. “Some of the boat people equip new leaders who will carry the and be faithful to my people.” became Christians, but they wanted to gospel and their leadership skills back Cheng saw the Winnipeg church be baptized by a Mandarin pastor.” to their home country. through its early years, when they Since then, the church has pur- “We do this because we want them borrowed space from a Lutheran con- chased its present building and to learn how to function as a Christian gregation. After a year-and-a-half of adjacent house on Riverwood Ave. body,” Cheng stresses. “Every [stu- juggling worship service schedules, the Their international student ministry dent] leader has a mentor.” Winnipeg Mandarin Church moved to continues to grow. They welcome new Cheng sees an emerging challenge the University of Manitoba campus. students by picking them up from the in the church’s ministry to “local When the congregation moved to the airport and assisting them with hous- born children.” In an effort to meet university campus they began weekly ing and settling in, using the opportu- the needs of this emerging group of Bible study groups and the congrega- nity to invite them to their fellowship English-speaking, locally born and tion grew to where between 70 percent and to come to know Christ. raised young people who have adopted and 80 percent were students. “Many of them return home after much of Canadian culture, the church “Most of them were from Hong they fi nish their degree,” Cheng notes. hired Kathy Giesbrecht two years Kong, several from Malaysia and a “We have that window of opportunity ago as quarter-time youth pastor. very few from Taiwan and Indonesia,” to disciple them.” She ministers to a dozen or so stu- Cheng says. This young adult group has a paral- dents ranging in age from Grade 8 to “Rev. Jonathan Chen, who had lel structure to the church, with its university. Mennonite connections from Taiwan, own deacons, council and devotional —Evelyn Rempel Petkau knew Jim and Margo Penner from leaders. In this way the church tries to

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 5 Faith&Life

What you build is who you are: Mennonite architects refl ect on church design

alk to any church architect, and you’ll soon be “stewardship” reasons or because discussing the mission of the church. The form of tight fi nances, congregations will of a building or worship space must relate to the often favour the lowest price. “There’s functions that take place in that space—and those always a money crunch, and church activities will refl ect the church’s vision of itself. groups seemingly can’t fi nd the money T to build what they should build,” he “The building creates the space you need to conduct the program you want,” says Harold Funk of Winnipeg, whose says. But a good discernment process architectural fi rm specializes in churches. Is a church called “helps sharpen the vision, the enthu- to host a daycare program? Will it be feeding and housing siasm.… Suddenly there is money for the homeless, or running a large Sunday school program? things you never thought of before.” Is the congregation gifted in music, thus requiring keen Troyer agrees the process can go far attention to acoustics? “If you don’t have [the proper design in developing ownership by church elements],” says Funk, “you can’t run the program.” members. “By doing that, there’s such Mennonites in particular tend to be task-oriented people, a heavy commitment that unity will says LeRoy Troyer, CEO of the Troyer Group of Mishawaka, come, not only for the building but Many Ind., whose fi rm has worked with some 300 congregations also for the program,” he suggests, from a variety of denominations. The danger, he says, is warning, though, that there is a fi ne Mennonites that they will begin a building project with questions of line. While the temptation may be to design and budget, which might produce an attractive cut corners and save money, churches drive nice cars and affordable facility, but one that is ill suited to the shouldn’t go to the other extreme and have nice congregation. either. “In too many churches, the Instead, Troyer recommends that a mission or plan- building has become such a costly homes, which ning committee should lead the fi rst steps of the process. item that it has sapped all the ener- undermines any “I would put it in big letters: MISSION-ORIENTED gies for outreach or what they want to DESIGN,” he says. This means concerted discernment accomplish.” arguments for involving everyone in the congregation. Troyer advises that the building and the budget—both expenses and austerity and Shared vision spurs ownership income—should be drafted together. simplicity in “Working with a community is a lot more chaotic than The budget should include everything working with just one person or just one family,” says Anne for the new facility, including what church design. Cutrell, an architectural intern in Denver who, as a stu- dent, designed a monastery. “[Still], you need to take into account the whole community. They need to listen to each When you build, other as much as listen to the designer. Listening to your the architects say… neighbours, you can come to an understanding of your com- • Clarify the congregation’s mon values, your common interests.” missional calling, then ask what One method Troyer has used in groups ranging in size facilities match that calling. from 10 to 500 is to have people write down comments, then • Keep budgeting and vision share them in small groups. That keeps discussion from be- tightly linked; ownership and ing dominated by more outspoken people. But no matter the resources will fl ow. process, Cutrell warns, “Not everyone is going to get what • Don’t be driven by attractive they want.” features of other buildings. Clarifying the purpose, says Funk, can also energize • Don’t be so frugal that your congregations when it comes to the next challenge of a facility fails to match your building or renovation project: the price tag. Whether for vision. • Don’t be so elaborate that the building project drains energy for mission.

6 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 Faith&Life

goes inside, such as computers, furni- fast rules of Mennonite architecture. “I’m not sure there ture and other furnishings. These are should be a style, because then it becomes rigid,” he says. often overlooked, says Troyer. “Pretty “We get put into a mould. And we don’t always have the soon the construction is only 60 to 70 same shape.” percent of the project building.” He cites his congregation, Kern Road Mennonite Church Another factor that can throw off in South Bend, Ind., which installed stained-glass windows a congregation’s building process is in its new meetinghouse in 1960, when they were in vogue. [R]esearch has a wish to emulate creative architec- But a new sanctuary built in 1997 has clear windows. ture that it sees elsewhere. “I’m not “There was an awareness that the mission of the church is determined necessarily saying that’s wrong, but on not to isolate ourselves from the world, but to see out into that the ideal what basis are we borrowing some- the world,” Troyer says. thing?” Troyer asks. “Because it looks By contrast, he says that Parkview Mennonite Church in worship space good? Or are we going down deep to Kokomo, Ind., and Zion Mennonite Church of Souderton, the mission of the church?” Pa., both make good use of stained glass. The Parkview is fan-shaped, Funk, a member of Fort Garry members created their windows, symbolizing the participa- about 165 Mennonite Fellowship in Winnipeg, tion of the people in building their meeting place. Zion’s agrees. “A lot of groups are driven by windows, he says, have “marvellous” religious symbolism. degrees, and 60 what others have done. They don’t It all comes back to identity and mission in the communi- feet deep. bother to examine anything about ty. “A Mennonite church in a rural area would be different themselves. And if the architect is from one in an urban area,” says Cutrell, a member of First not smart, those issues do not get Mennonite in Denver. Likewise, a Mennonite congrega- addressed.” tion with a calling to inner city needs will have a different design than one that is trying to serve a professional com- Mennonite style of architecture? munity in a university town. Given each congregation’s unique Troyer says research has determined that the ideal wor- mission and circumstances, Troyer, ship space is fan-shaped, about 165 degrees, and Funk and Cutrell refuse to identify a 60 feet deep. But that may need to be adjusted distinctly Mennonite style of architec- if the congregation wants optimum acoustics. ture. In Anabaptist history, persecu- “Good sound still wants a box,” Funk says. tion compelled the forebears of today’s Continued on page 8 Mennonites to meet fi rst in caves and barns, then in simple, unassuming buildings. The evolution of church Winnipeg architect Harold Funk buildings and church needs since then displays a model of one of the has spawned great diversity in the many churches he has de- architectural landscape. signed. Funk was architect of Sometimes this has meant great Winnipeg’s Bethel Mennonite controversy and confl ict. The introduc- Church. tion of steeples and stained glass in recent decades, for example, has often met resistance because some thought them to be incompatible with Mennonite values of simplicity and nonconfor- mity. Aesthetics and

comfort are impor- Harold Funk Associates photo tant, Troyer says, but there should be no hard and

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 7 Faith&Life

Build From page 7

A church building is not just for those who use it, however; it also com- municates a message to those around it. While it is unclear how big of a role architecture plays in attracting newcomers, Funk says the potential cannot be dismissed. “We are auto- matically saying something to the surrounding community. By building a building, you are saying something to the outside, and we should not under- estimate the impact.” And that message cannot be di- vorced from the lifestyles of church members. Funk notes, for example, that many Mennonites drive nice cars and have nice homes, which under- mines any arguments for auster- ity and simplicity in church design. Yanting, Sichuan church lacks the steeple it needs to convince local authori- Adds Troyer, “We ought to think of ties it is a church. the life we have outside the walls of the church and how we relate to one much like the shops around them. After trying many ways to get another.” When local architects are asked to around the problem, they came to an —Rich Preheim draw up blueprints, they are confused agreement that if the building had a The author is a freelance writer in Elkhart, Ind. about the purpose of the building. One steeple, the government would allow The article fi rst appeared in the Summer 2005 architect even argued with a pastor, them to re-open as a church. issue of Leader, the quarterly magazine serving saying, “This large room in the middle This is fi nancially diffi cult for the pastors and lay leaders of Mennonite churches is not practical. It adds so much to the congregation. Their resources are in the United States and Canada. Used with scarce and they had used up what they permission. cost to have such a large room. The beams and rafters need to be built dif- had to buy the property and renovate ferently with such a large room. Why the sanctuary. They had hoped to also Sichuan, China can’t you divide it into smaller rooms?” begin renovations on other parts of the Renovation of other buildings has building so that they could have an What does a also become a popular way for con- education wing for training classes. gregations to obtain their own wor- China Educational Exchange, church look like? ship area without huge expense. One Mennonite Church Canada’s mission congregation in rural Sichuan found a partner, helped to support a lay lead- hurches in China, like those perfect use for an abandoned factory. ership training class in this county around the world, come in a They were able to buy the property and found out about their building Cvariety of shapes and sizes. In and rundown buildings for a good diffi culties. The congregation has been most large cities in China, churches price. They excitedly began renova- given about $4,400 to pay for blue- are surprisingly European in design, tions on the large work room, turning prints to be drawn up and for a small some built more than 100 years ago by it into a very comfortable sanctuary. renovation to make the factory “look foreign missionaries resembling the They replaced the roof tiles, poured like a church” in the eyes of the govern- cathedrals “back home.” a cement fl oor, fi xed windows, and ment and the community around it. In many smaller cities and county repainted inside and out. For the Christians already using towns, no church building existed be- The local government authorities this facility, it has become a house of fore 1949. Now, growing congregations supported the congregation by allow- God and a place of worship. To help need a building of their own. ing them to register as a church. So more Chinese Christians with church This brings a new challenge. What for the fi rst time in that county there buildings, visit does a church look like? Some congre- was a church building. The congrega- www.healingandhope.ca/china/. gations want a building that sticks tion proudly hung the sign outside the —Jeanette Hanson out from the rest. They choose designs gate only to be told by the government The author is a Mennonite Church Canada that look like the older European that they had to take it down again Witness worker in Nanchong, China, where she churches. Some congregations have because their building didn’t look like works with local churches and government agen- simple cement structures that look a church. cies in cooperative social welfare projects.

8 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 Arts&Culture

Nazareth, Israel New photo book Fall Musings portrays life in billions of Christians world- In the Grand Scheme of things wide like myself as saviour and Does it really matter, God? Jesus’ time lord,” writes American Sherry Does it matter that on a brilliant fall day Herschend, a long-time support- I touch an icy remnant when the sun is an anything good come from er of the project located just a already warm on my back? Nazareth?” It is that famous few blocks from the site of what Does it matter that I glance back is believed to be Jesus’ family Cquestion Nathaniel asked in To see a silver trail leave the grass an exchange with another disciple in home. Herschend has visited To travel a U-turn on the sidewalk the Gospel of John. Philip decided not Nazareth Village many times back into the grass? to try to explain it to him. There was from her home in the southern only one sure way to convince him. States, often bringing with her Does it matter that sparkling dews cover “Come and see,” he said. a group of friends and neigh- golf course greens, Capturing a rainbow of colours Ideally timed for Christmas gift bours to see what is coming to Before evaporating in the sun’s warmth? giving, the publication of a stunning pass in Nazareth. new book of photographs—with text Her enthusiasm for what she Does it matter that brilliant butterfl ies by Pontius’ Puddle comic strip art- has seen, and her dedication to Alight along my path ist Joel Kauffmann—is a fi rst for the Jesus’ story and teachings, led Their muted browns giving way to Galilee-based Nazareth Village centre. her to undertake the funding of striking patterns of orange and black accents with Entitled The Nazareth Jesus Knew, this elaborate publishing proj- dazzling white spots? the book describes and portrays the ect—to be able to show others developments at Nazareth Village—an just what Nazareth has to offer. Oh, yes it matters. ecumenical Christian re-creation of “Nazareth Village is a labour of You stopped. a Roman-era Jewish village that has love with Christ at the centre,” “I made you look!” many of the features and characteris- she wrote. “And now we want to For slugs, while hoping for easy travel, tics of Nazareth at the time when the share it with the whole world.” Soon realize that shelter, moisture and food young Jesus played and worked there. The Nazareth Jesus Knew Are provided in dense forested lawns. The photographs and text follow the can be ordered from Nazareth And sparkling dews protect from frost people and stories of Nazareth Village Village by e-mail: And give one form of drink to date. Nosy sheep and pushy goats [email protected]. The to grasses and plants. scamper about, a friendly donkey soft cover edition retails for The butterfl ies, a beauty to behold, Often have their little fl aws, strains at a single-furrow wooden $19.95, while hardcover copies And yet I care for them, plow, and the sower in fi rst-century sell for $35 (both plus shipping Their short lives soon done. clothing harvests wheat in the fi eld and handling). All proceeds go just below the doorway of the old syna- to support the ongoing mission How much more I care for you. gogue. There is an aura of mysterious of Nazareth Village. Learn from the slug, dew and butterfl y. history and the excitement of Jesus’ —From the October 2005 issue Where is the safety you seek? world emerging from the weed beds of MennoLetter from Jerusalem The beauty whereby you are fed? and rock quarries The treasure in all I have created that has now Even those whose fl aws threaten been captured on to hide the beauty lovingly given? camera. So does it really matter The Nazareth in the Grand Scheme of things? Jesus Knew is a Oh, yes. You paused, were still and learned of Me, close-up look at And say, “I know you are God.” the world of the —Irene Crosland man who changed The poet/artist is the wife of Pastor Bob Crosland of To- the world—“a fi eld (Alta.) Mennonite Church and the daughter of artist man revered by Henry Goerzen of Didsbury Bergthal Mennonite Church. Jews as a rabbi, by Muslims as a prophet, and by

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 9 Arts&Culture

Toronto through life’s transitions. I want Room 217 to lead the way.” CD series offers hope for the dying Room 217 CDs are available for sale at www.room217.ca or by calling aunched earlier this month in the tune, it might be the words of the 1-888-884-6343. Toronto, a groundbreaking new song. For some listeners, it might in- —Room 217 release LCD series provides spiritual troduce them to God for the fi rst time.” support and comfort for those facing In addition to Foster’s soothing voice News brief life-challenging illnesses and their and delicate touch on the piano, the caregivers. three different CDs that comprise the Canadian Christian performer, series—Spirit Wings, Gentle Waters MCC releases new songwriter and music educator Bev and Celtic Whisperings—feature such Christmas Giving Catalog Foster designed the series she calls gifted artists as James Isaacs on oboe, In Mugumu, Tanzania, Mennonite Room 217 to minister to those whistles and English horn; Wendy Central Committee (MCC) supports a journeying through Solomon on cello; and free HIV/AIDS testing and counselling life’s fi nal transition. Sharlene Wallace on centre, which also provides support Room 217 is named harp. groups, income-generation train- after the room where The series is ing and home-based care for people Foster’s father died already receiv- with AIDS. The centre is one of 11 surrounded by family ing acclaim. programs featured in MCC’s 2005 singing well-loved In September, Christmas Giving Catalog, a colourful songs—inspiring the Spirit Wings was booklet describing ways to help our artist to create the se- nominated for a 2005 global neighbours during this holiday ries of contemplative CDs Canadian Gospel Music season. In Mugumu, a donation of that she believes will “bring Association Covenant Award. $12 can purchase 10 rapid HIV tests. healing and hope to end-of-life “Music does accompany us The 2005 Christmas Giving Catalog is situations.” along life’s journey,” says Foster. available online at www.mcc.org/ “This is music that speaks deeply to “For the Christian, music offers us christmas and from every MCC offi ce. the human spirit,” says Foster, a wor- an opportunity to connect with God —MCC release ship leader who has performed around and his comforting love. My sense is the world. “I believe it can draw that we need to provide music that people into God’s presence; it may be will uniquely and sensitively escort us

Waterloo, Ont. MPN hires curriculum. The event will be held Feb. 10 to 12 at the Gilmary retreat centre in resource advocate Pittsburgh, Pa. Over the long term, the resource coordinator advocates will promote a broader range Available until November 1 of resources, not only those produced ennonite Publishing Network by MPN, but also those from other (MPN) has appointed Kathy Mennonite agencies. MWeaver Wenger to the The vision for the conference-based newly created position of resource resource advocates is that they become advocate coordinator. The living, breathing, walking Guaranteed Rate — Earn a rate responsibility of this position and talking representatives of of interest higher than Canada is to promote congregational the Equipping packet that all Savings Bonds. resources through a network congregations receive. of conference-based resource Wenger brings to her posi- Convenient — Invest in a CUBond advocates. tion experience as a pastor Initially, the focus will in Virginia and as director with a minimum of $250 or a pre- be on working with confer- of a congregational resource authorized contribution plan (PAC). ence leaders to select one centre at Eastern Mennonite representative from each University and Seminary. Cashable — MSCU CUBonds have area conference in both She also taught previously at a 1-year term, but may be cashed at Mennonite Church Canada Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite any time. and Mennonite Church USA High School. to attend a launch and train- Wenger Her half-time position with A tradition of trust. ing event for the new Gather MPN began in September. Elmira 669-1529 | Kitchener 576-7220 | New Hamburg 662-3550 ’Round Sunday school —MPN release Milverton 595-8796 | Waterloo 746-1770 | Leamington 326-8601 MSCU serves members of Mennonite, Amish and Brethren in Christ churches across Ontario. www.mscu.com

10 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 InConversation

rother Deng, a farmer from Need for money from Canada or the U.S., and Nanchong, China, is no relation Bible training they lead people astray. Swindlers Bto the more famous political with some biblical knowledge target leader Deng Xiaoping, rural congregations and although they did grow trumps cheat people of their up within miles of each meagre resources…. It other. is diffi cult for people to That is where the poverty know the truth.” similarity ends. Deng Mennonite workers the farmer did not leave in China have heard home, did not leave this echoed from many his rural roots and did pastors and lay lead- not become famous. He ers. Training classes are continues as a subsis- desperately needed. The tence farmer, eking out number of Christians a living on land capable has skyrocketed in the of providing food for his past 20 years, but a lack family, but not large of training and disciple- enough to provide cash ship has caused many for school fees for his problems. In the coun- two children, medical tryside, people easily fall expenses, or any extras into a religious practice for his family. that incorporates many For this he is praised religions and supersti- by his wife and the ru- MC Canada Witness photo tions. In cities, there are Two of the pictured young women (fi rst and third from left) quit ral Christian congrega- now two generations of their jobs in the city to return to their home congregation to help tion that he shepherds. people who have grown with the massive Christmas celebrations that Brother Deng’s house But he is also up with absolutely no re- church puts on every year as an outreach into their community. ridiculed by his neigh- ligious background. New They will return to look for jobs after the busy spring harvest/ bours. In Sichuan Christians struggle with planting season. Province, most rural the basics of their faith. men of Deng’s age and Mennonite Church ability have left to fi nd work in the (about $280). Canada Witness partner CEE has cities, usually in the far away coastal Deng used the money to buy a dryer been supporting lay leadership train- and southern areas. The lucky ones for sweet potatoes and then sold the ing classes by providing money for fi nd work that provides not only sweet potato starch, which is common- travel and food, as well as for trained for their own needs, but also gives ly used in Sichuan cuisine. From the Chinese pastors and seminary profes- them some extra to send home to money he earned, he bought chickens, sors to teach and develop curriculum. the families they see every year or ducks and geese. Along the way he Bus tickets, photocopying, and a little two. This is true of families in Deng’s paid back the initial loan and bought meat and a few vegetables to add to congregation. a small cow to help till the fi elds. He the rice and noodles students bring A few years ago he tried to leave. still lives a simple farming life, but his from home are sometimes all that His two children had dropped out of family is content and happy. stand in the way of a church offering a school and he needed money. The local I asked him what kind of help his lay leadership training course. congregation of about 100 Christians congregation needed, expecting him to This is where we, from far away, gathered in front of him in tears, beg- ask for more of the type of help he got. can stand together with our Chinese ging him to stay. They connected with His answer was quite different. brothers and sisters and help them the city church in Nanchong, trying to “We need more Bible training,” meet this need. We can help to give fi nd some help. The two children were Deng replied. “We need more lay talented, committed young leaders like enrolled in an Inter-Mennonite China leadership courses. This is vital for them the training they need to provide Educational Exchange (CEE) student the health of the church…. There are effective, loving, biblical Christian sponsorship program—a program that people travelling around preaching leadership. sends almost 200 children to school. A things that aren’t in the Bible. Cults —Jeanette Hanson local Christian lent Deng 2,000 yuan are prevalent. Some come with lots of

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 11 InConversation

Letters This section is a forum for discussion and discernment. Letters express the opinion of the writer only, not necessarily the position of Canadian Mennonite, Confession has a place any of the fi ve area churches or Mennonite Church Canada. Letters should ad- depending on its use dress issues rather than criticizing individuals and include the writer’s contact information. We will send copies of letters discussing other parties to the named My suggestion that our Confession individuals or organizations to provide the opportunity for a response. Letters can be scrapped (“Hymnal confessions be sent to [email protected] or to “Letter to the Editor,” Canadian instead of Confession of Faith,” June Mennonite, 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7. 27, page 15) has brought me a lot of feedback, most of it positive. It seems would be a positive use. If used to Article 2, we fi nd the statement that I’ve tapped a reservoir of concerns stifl e questions, to squelch conversa- “we worship Jesus.” My main concern about our Confession. My concerns are tions, and to seek out those who are is how those we are in conversation practical ones. “at variance” with the Confession, it with about Christianity will read the Victor Doerksen is right when he would seem to me to be a misuse. statement “we worship Jesus.” Would says that the Confession could have a Much is made in the introduction all Christians agree with this? Would place in our congregations, depending to the Confession about how this it tend to support the views of some on how it is used (“Confession of Faith document will help in our conversa- Jews and Muslims that we are not has a place in Mennonite churches,” tions with other Christians, as well monotheists at all, but that we wor- Aug. 22, page 12). If it is used to begin as Muslims, Jews or people of other ship at least two gods? a conversation about what a life of faiths. Article 1 is about God, and that It was wonderful to read the item faith and practice might be like, it we worship the one and only God. In of Mennonite encouragement to

Dead Horse Creek in cussion about Aboriginal Peoples, we deserved what we were “discovering.” Mennonites and land in a space entirely One could argue whether or not a moment of grace free of guilt and defensiveness, putting Mennonites settling in Canada (such as aside all questions of who is to blame, my grandparents) were complicit per se. grew up on the banks of Dead Horse who is justifi ed and who is not. What One could hardly argue, though, that we Creek in the heart of southern if we just looked—in that moment of did not benefi t from a chain of events I Manitoba Menno-land. I am proud— infi nite grace—at what can be done right that worked out much better for us than in the non-boastful Anabaptist sort of here and now to bring healing, liberation for this country’s Aboriginal Peoples. way—to call that place along the creek and fairness? This is not to ignore the It is time for a new chapter in my home. past, but simply to understand it apart Mennonite history. Not one of how Dead Horse Creek did not always have from assessment of blame. generously we help the poor (colonial- that name. And waterways have a way What does it mean for us immigrant ized) people near and far. Nor one about of beckoning to the past. Often escaping Mennonites that our homes and churches what industrious stewards we have been plows, bulldozers and developers, they with the land “God has given us.” But a are corridors in space and time—the humble and glorious chapter of confes- rhythm of what was. New Order sion, peace-building and sharing with I imagine Manitoba’s original inhabit- the world’s Aboriginal Peoples. A story ants sitting beside Dead Horse Creek, Voice of redemption. A story of a people not back in the days of Genesis perhaps, beholden to guilt or disempowerment or when it was newly named. I wonder Will the charity mentality. which were their favourite spots. I won- I am told that local aboriginals called der if my grandfather, who settled there, Braun Dead Horse Creek Pinancewaywining. ever wondered about those who had gone But they did not consider it theirs. We before. could start by joining aboriginal people The thought that my home was once are on ill-gotten land? Are we as a in acknowledging the land does not someone else’s beloved homeland seems church willing to deal with this issue? belong to us, but to the Creator God. important. It holds some sort of possibil- Are we willing to trust that in the circle Then—assuming that there are options ity—in simplest terms, the possibility of of God’s gentle grace and redemption other than getting back on the boat, sharing. there is a safe space in which we can blaming the First Nations, or stagnat- Talk about land, indigenous people seek to untangle ourselves from an ing in guilt—we could fi gure out what and history gets many Mennonites riled ungodly legacy? it would look like in real terms to share up in a big hurry. I’ve heard all manner Colonialism is one of the darkest God’s land, resources, opportunity and of anti-native rhetoric, pro-Mennonite chapters in history. The church has beauty. defensiveness and implications that been complicit in the violent encroach- Will Braun served three years as the energy quick-fi x salvation will erase the past, ment on so much of the world. And this justice coordinator for Mennonite Central solve the problems and, presumably, colonial settlement was dependent on a Committee Manitoba, working closely with absolve us of any responsibility beyond fundamental arrogance—a sense that we aboriginal and Mennonite people. He is also preaching our convenient answers. were somehow superior (harder working, editor of Geez magazine But what if we could have the dis- closer to God, more advanced), and that (www.GeezMagazine.org).

12 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 InConversation the Muslim peace movement in the Katrina proves futility of Philippines (“Muslim peace movement attempting to control weather Corrections looks for Mennonite support,” Sept. Don and Tanya Steinmann served 5, page 16). I note that the persons The picture of the fallen stop sign on the cover of the Sept. 19 issue says as directors of Camp Valaqua for involved emphasize being Christ-like four summers. Incorrect information and practical work. I’m sure that these it all about mankind’s pitiful, futile was included in the Aug. 22 article Muslims would be deeply puzzled to attempts to infl uence the course of “Changes coming at Camp Valaqua” learn that we “worship Jesus.” After global warming or cooling. How easily on page 34. In the same issue all, for Muslims there is no reality but we forget the inestimable power of (“Churches hold VBS without troupe,” God; there is only God. God and his creation. page 34), it was incorrectly reported —Jim Suderman, Winnipeg —Clyde Ovens, Calgary that Edmonton’s First Mennonite Church did not run a Vacation Bible School this summer; in fact, the church youth group did run program. Canadian Mennonite apologizes for the errors.

the corruption of church leaders who shepherds have allowed an unbiblical The curse of separated God from the people, creating dissection of the body to creep back into a clerical class for themselves with nice the ranks. With two theological degrees the cloth robes while speaking a language the and a third leadership development pro- he professionalization of church people couldn’t understand. gram under my belt (and more planned), leadership is a curse. Those of us Menno Simons refl ected that he “loved I may very well discover that as time Ton the cloth side of that ungodly the world, and the world him” too much passes I love the world and the world me, distinction between “clergy” and “laity” while a priest in Holland. It takes much and begin to perform religious duties, need a slap upside the cranium with a Spirit-prodding and courage to slay the instead of equipping the saints. I may six-inch-thick pulpit Bible from time professional monster, for this degenerat- even happily comply with the sheep’s to time, to call us back to the servant ing pattern has a strange way of sweep- desire for a shepherd who follows them, leadership called for by Jesus and ing us away in the euphoria and dulling instead of one who leads behind the modelled by the apostles. our senses while we play the role Great Shepherd. It is generally the case that over time So pray for us, your leaders. We are spiritual leadership degenerates in the as prone to abandon radical discipleship following manner: Servant-spiritual lead- Outside as you are; we can get selfi sh, become ership is effective and becomes honoured. the box Normal (see “Leaving Normal,” Sept. 19, This leads to a copycat professional-re- page 13), and get civilized. But there is ligious leadership, resulting in spiritual a fi re in our bones, a yearning for more, unemployment for the people of God Phil a thirst to see you and this land become and the unionization of those who enjoy Wagler more like Jesus. After all, it was Jesus clergy perks to pay the bills and stroke who has called us to this and we want to the ego. The sheep feed the shepherds: do it his way, not ours—or even yours. What is wrong with this picture? So please release us to be who the Lord From ancient Israel, when true of reverend to the masses, who somehow of the harvest has called us to be on your prophets confronted false ones for only perceive us as “holier than they.” behalf: apostles, prophets, evangelists, taking care of themselves (Ezekiel 34), Sadly this professionalization is creep- pastors and teachers—men and women to the early church, where much is said ing back. Neil Cole, in his book Organic who know and love God, and who will regarding those who seek to make a Church, writes, “We have developed an love, equip and release you as kingdom buck and a name through the marketing entire generation of dependent consum- agents. ers waiting for their leaders to spoon feed and programming of Jesus (II Peter 2), Phil Wagler, after having his dream of a this trend is as frequently repeated as a them the Bible verse of the week, rather professional hockey career ended by reality, Hollywood marriage. than an army of kingdom agents ready to has gone outside his box to serve Christ, now Church history spews forth examples transform our culture with the power of labouring as the leading servant (pastor) of of this leadership spiral. Church renewal the Gospel.” Ouch. Zurich Mennonite Church, Ont. in the 16th century was spurred on by Though not intentional, we your

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 13 WiderChurch

Langley, B.C. ‘This report conveys MC B.C. votes for “full and active” a hard and unyielding membership with a local-only option message that only we know the truth. It y an overwhelming margin (114 should be reserved for a covenanted to 13), Mennonite Church B.C. relationship defi ned as a permanent, fosters a judgmental Bdelegates decided at a special committed, loving, faithful, monoga- Oct. 1 meeting that their conference mous relationship between two adults” spirit with those who should remain “a full and active area (although TUMC did not agree as a disagree with us.’ conference member of MC Canada,” congregation as to whether same-sex but each MC B.C. church “would relationships, cohabitation or only be given freedom to connect and be heterosexual marriage should be con- In an effort to shift focus from the involved in ministry at whatever level sidered a “covenanted relationship”). at times diffi cult discernment process, each feels called to do.” Strong voices in a large majority of delegates voted to These levels would be ‘It grieves me to say B.C. have maintained encourage “all churches in MC B.C. [to] either joint MC B.C. that TUMC’s policy is get involved in the work of the Steering and MC Canada church we as a church don’t clearly at variance with Committee so that MC B.C. can move membership or MC have the authority the Mennonite Church’s ahead as we discern the vision and B.C. membership only. Saskatoon 1986 state- mission that God is giving us.” An amendment that to expel the ungodly. ment on human sexu- In a prepared statement, the Ad Hoc included just the fi rst ality, which affi rms Committee said, “It is our prayer… part of the resolution The church is running sexual relationships [that] MC B.C. will be able to shift was just as strongly around like sheep only between a man its focus from this controversial issue defeated. and a woman united in and instead look to the future with The meeting concluded without a leader.’ marriage. anticipation as a unifi ed body.… The an 18-month discern- “It grieves me to say Steering Committee will be able to ment process by the we as a church don’t help us do that and so it is important MC B.C. Ad Hoc Committee, which have the authority to expel the un- that all congregations commit to sup- received its mandate in March 2004, godly,” said one delegate. “The church porting them in that work.” to look at several issues of concern is running around like sheep without a Again by a large majority, delegates and bring its recommendations to the leader.” affi rmed continuing talks among MC delegate body. Others disagreed. “This report B.C., Canadian Mennonite’s board and A number of churches and individu- conveys a hard and unyielding mes- the magazine’s other church partners, als had wondered if the discernment sage that only we know the truth. It to move toward a mutually accept- process would result in some B.C. fosters a judgmental spirit with those able partnership agreement. Previous churches choosing to disassociate who disagree with us,” a delegate said. concerns had been raised about issues with MC B.C., or deciding to remain “I am so glad I don’t have the burden of content and editorial policy. The “provincially active only,” so that they of being a judge in the court of heaven. Ad Hoc Committee felt that these had would not have to be at variance with Nor do I have the privilege of being largely been addressed and it felt good other churches in MC Canada. the prosecutor,” said another. about the way the magazine is speak- Although the Ad Hoc Committee’s Three other Ad Hoc Committee ing to issues in the church. mandate included a variety of issues, resolutions were also affi rmed by Noting that Christians have been much of the early discussion at the delegates. blessed to be a blessing, Walter meeting focused on acceptance of ho- By a vote of 61 to 46, it was decided Bergen, chair of the Steering mosexuality within the church, which that “a new committee to give future Committee now in charge of guid- has been a sensitive point for many in leadership on faith and life questions ing the future direction of MC B.C., B.C. At issue for some has been being within MC B.C.” is needed. Dissenters asked in closing, “Are the best days of in full fellowship with an MC Eastern expressed the view that another MC B.C. behind us or before us?” In Canada congregation—Toronto United committee was not necessary, as MC answer, he said, “By God’s grace, our Mennonite Church (TUMC). A concern B.C. already has a Church Ministries best days are yet before us.” identifi ed by the Ad Hoc Committee Committee which could take on this —Amy Dueckman at the delegate session was TUMC’s task, and that it is already diffi cult to stated position that “sexual intimacy fi nd people to serve on committees.

14 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 WiderChurch

Winnipeg Canadian named as MDS Gulf Coast coordinator erald Klassen of Burns Lake, Calif. “It is so B.C., has been named the Gulf much more than GCoast coordinator by Mennonite building houses,” Disaster Service (MDS) for the MDS says Klassen. “It volunteer response to hurricanes is building hope in Katrina and Rita in the southern U.S. people’s lives.” The decision to hire a full-time Hope is what coordinator is directly related to the is needed in the magnitude of the disaster. Thousands Gulf Coast right of evacuees do not have a place to call now, according to home. King, who says “The task is huge,” says MDS some people “see executive coordinator Kevin King this hurricane from New Orleans. “We need to focus [Katrina] as God’s our resources on getting people out of judgment on the MDS photo Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers put a tarp on the shelters and back into their homes.” ‘Big Easy.’” And Hurricane Katrina-damaged roof where the Garifuna (Fla.) In anticipation of an unprecedented hope is being Evangelical Church worships at the home of Uvencio and number of project locations in the Gulf provided. Luiza Arzu. Coast region, MDS is also seeking “While we were project directors, construction fore- living as evacuees in Houston, Tex., here, we suddenly feel guilty our men, crew leaders, cooks and offi ce we experienced the generosity of so house [only suffered] minor damage. managers, with full training provided many churches,” says Blanka Mackay We have two rooms in our house, so in Canada. As Gulf Coast coordinator, of Iglesia Amor Viviente, a Gulf now we have a young family and a Klassen will be positioned in the Gulf States Mennonite Conference church young married couple living with us. Coast region to provide these projects in Metairie, La. “Now that I am back Continued on page 18 and their volunteers with additional support from the binational offi ce that oversees MDS operations. “Having someone nearby to walk with our directors may well encourage Looking for a kiss others, new to MDS, to step up to the plate and give leadership to a project,” in your church... says Klassen. Klassen brings a tremendous ... between righteousness & peace? amount of experience to the role. In Second Mile materials can help addition to his own service as a volun- teer, he has trained incoming project make it happen. Now complete! directors. In the past 14 years alone, Eighty lessons in four study units Klassen and his wife Doreen have volunteered 42 months with MDS. from Faith & Life Resources. As project directors the Klassens Materials include Bible study, worship have served up to seven months at a time, working directly with clients and resources, stories and action steps. providing MDS volunteers with op- To order call 1-800-245-7894, or portunities to serve. In the off months between projects, the Klassens re- order online and review sample turned home to run their construction materials at: www.gosecondmile.org company in Burns Lake. Righteousness “Jerry and Doreen have huge hearts of compassion,” says King. “They love & Peace will to see the church reaching out to be a kiss each other Second Mile healing balm in the midst of disaster.” A Peace Journey for Congregations The Klassens became hooked on MDS after spending a month framing (Ps. 85:10) HTTP://WWW.GOSECONDMILE.ORG and shingling homes in Watsonville,

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 15 WiderChurch A forgotten emergency:

approximately 18.5 million War’s aftermath leaves Congolese people—have no access to formal Mennonites feeling abandoned health care, and 16 million have critical food needs. oday in the Democratic Republic learned what was happening in the Tshimika, the associate ex- of Congo (DRC—formerly Zaire), DRC would “help to provide the lever- ecutive secretary of Mennonite Ttens of thousands of Mennonites age locally” to get the story out. World Conference, also encoun- are struggling to rebuild their lives “Our journey revealed many dif- tered among those he met a deep after years of civil war that destroyed ferent assets of the Congolese,” he sense of isolation and a feeling the infrastructure of their country and emphasized. “[They are] a nation of that the rest of the world doesn’t left about four million people dead and very resilient people [with] a strong care. another two million displaced. will to live no matter what the circum- “How is it,” he agonized, “that Worse still, Mennonites in the DRC stances…. They continue to hope with even my own denomination [the are facing this crisis—described by confi dence that better days are ahead.” Mennonite Brethren Church] Oxfam as “a forgotten emergency”— Yet in the midst of these resilient back in North America recog- pretty much on their own, essentially people Tshimika and his entourage nizes that the church member- ignored by the international commu- also found a country where millions ship [in the DRC] is the largest nity to the extent that few people are have died due to the war, many of within our family of faith and even aware of their plight. preventable diseases, including most yet the situation in [the DRC] Pakisa Tsh As a result, our Congolese of his family and many of his friends. has never been considered a tal of the D Mennonite brothers and sisters feel At least 37 percent of DRC residents— priority?” this year. abandoned and un- The DRC has the second larg- cared for not only by est number of Mennonite, Mennonite the rest of the world, Brethren and related church members but even by those who in the world, surpassed only by the fi rst brought them the United States, according to Mennonite gospel of peace, said World Conference fi gures. Congolese expatriate Tshimika’s report and plea were Pakisa Tshimika of affi rmed by others at the meeting. Ray Fresno, Calif., speak- Dirks, a professional artist and pho- ing to several dozen tographer who accompanied Tshimika people at a recent to the DRC, showed photographs that information and documented both the strength and discussion evening in desperate circumstances of Congolese Winnipeg. Tshimika Mennonites. (See “People of peace in a was in the DRC earlier land of war” sidebar on page 17.) this year on a personal Representatives of Africa Inter- trip to visit his fam- Mennonite Mission and its member ily and home village. organizations (including Mennonite (See “Heartbreak in Church Canada), Mennonite Central Kajiji” sidebar on the Committee (MCC), Mennonite Mission BackPage.) Health Association and others with “If numbers count- recent contact with the DRC shared ed,” said Tshimika, some of the projects currently un- “the current war and derway to foster relationships with its consequences” Congolese churches and provide as- should be making front sistance. Several spoke of the diffi - page news around culty fi nding personnel to fi ll program the world and fi lling needs. church bulletins, so A Congolese student studying that people wouldn’t reconciliation at Canadian Mennonite P stop talking about it University urged that peace work be a R until the atrocities A Mennonite high school student looks pensively priority. ended. He expressed out a window at the Ecole Belle Vue in Kajiji, “Our churches need to hear the hard hope that those who Democratic Republic of Congo.. edge, the anger, we’ve heard here

16 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 WiderChurch

every person who came to our door. A people of peace We need to support Pakisa, rejoicing in a land of war that leaders of such quality and com- mitment have come out of our sister have worked in many African churches in central Africa. countries since landing in the We also need to pray for and support IDemocratic Republic of Congo our brothers and sisters in the DRC. (DRC) in 1983, but it will always be We need to respond to tragedies close the closest to my heart. I will forever to home, but please do not let such ac- remember that fi rst day there—the cessible, well publicized disasters like derelict terminal, the machine guns, Hurricane Katrina cause our brothers the lurking soldiers, the seeming and sisters in the DRC to fall even chaos along the streets heading into further off our radar screens. Kinshasa, the capital. But still we fell —Ray Dirks in love with the city, as have many other missionaries. Why? Because of its people, because of our ordinary brothers and sisters in Mennonite How you can help: churches. “Let us demonstrate to our broth- The DRC still has an extra measure ers and sisters in the Congolese of chaos that I have not experienced Mennonite churches that they are not in quite the same way anywhere else. alone,” urges Janet Plenert, executive Yet churches thrive in hard times. director, International Ministries, Mennonite Church Canada Witness. imika is pictured in Kinshasa, the capi- Stories of Mennonites wanting to be peacemakers and stories of Christians To do that, you can: Democratic Republic of Congo, earlier Learn about the Democratic wanting to be Mennonite in order to Republic of Congo (DRC) and the identify with a peace church are not roots of the confl ict there. Visit tonight,” commented Terry Sawatsky, diffi cult to fi nd. The wish to be people www.mennonitechurch.ca and search who has worked in the DRC with of peace in a land of war inspired me for “Democratic Republic of Congo,” MCC. “We have failed our brothers on my return trip to the DRC earlier or call Mennonite Church Canada at and sisters.... This is a big thing, this year with Pakisa Tshimika. 1-866-888-6785. [which needs to be addressed in a big Pakisa was an inspirational leader, Pray for MC Canada Witness’s way]. Yet,” he concluded, “in the midst listener and conciliator. He travelled work with three Congolese Mennonite of all their suffering, [the Mennonite the country with an urgent passion denominations and Mennonite and righteous anger, but still with Mission Network (a mission agency of church there is] sending missionaries MC USA). These bodies form the new to Angola!” great calmness and love, willing to Partnership Council of Africa Inter- —Leona Dueck Penner with contribu- speak and listen to each and Mennonite Mission, working together tions from Dora Dueck, MB Herald to meet the needs and goals discerned by the Congolese Mennonite churches. Pray also for healing to come to the DRC. Small stories of hope Give. MC Canada has pledged amidst struggle can be approximately $30,000 to help found in the lives churches in the DRC. Send cheques of courageous, to: Mennonite Church Canada, 600 decent, ordinary Shaftsbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P Congolese, includ- 0M4, Attention: Congo. ing these smiling Volunteer with Mennonite Central orphaned chil- Committee (MCC) to be an observer dren who are in the DRC’s fi rst democratic elec- being cared tions in 45 years, next spring. Contact Esther O’Hara by e-mail at for by others. [email protected], or by phone at 717-859-1151. Financial contributions for this project can be made at any MCC offi ce. Photos by Ray Dirks

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 17 WiderChurch

Canadian From page 15 from Americans. With MDS coordina- Support Services Council beginning in tion, Canadian volunteers from B.C. 2006. What a joy. We share food. My son and Ontario are now serving in Bayou In addition, gifted servants are also is not a believer, but now he comes La Batre and Des Allemands. being sought to assist on the Financial over and he is seeing what being a Normal short-term volunteer sched- Policy and Audit Committee, Program Christian is all about.” uling will begin when the project sites (assembly planning) Committee, Volunteers continue to serve at are more established. Canadian Mennonite Publishing Gulfport, Miss., Bayou La Batre/ —From MDS releases Services Board, Canadian Mennonite Mobile, Ala., and Des Allemands/ University Council, Mennonite Houma, La., for the foreseeable future. Central Committee (Canada) Board, Cleanup work Winnipeg Mennonite Foundation of Canada is expected to Board, Mennonite Publishing Network last for many Fulfi ll yourself Board, Christian Peacemaker Teams months before Board, and other organizations. any signifi cant by serving The Nominating Committee invites rebuilding can submissions of persons in each area begin. Ongoing the wider church conference who have gifts of leader- investigations ship for serving the national church also now include o you know someone eager to body. Forward your suggestions to New Orleans and release their gifts and talents [email protected] by other areas fur- Dfor the work of the wider Nov. 1. ther west hit by church? Or would you yourself be While the responsibilities of leader- willing to serve? Klassen Hurricane Rita. ship service are dryly spelled out in Canadians If so, Mennonite Church Canada’s MC Canada’s bylaws, it is not the have opened their hearts, pocketbooks Nominating Committee wants to hear tasks of getting through meeting agen- and their time to contribute to the from you. The committee is seek- das or making big picture decisions Gulf Coast response by MDS. More ing persons to serve on the General that stick out in the minds of servants. than $500,000 has been donated so Board, Christian Formation Council, Dori Zerbe Cornelsen serves on the far, with another $5 million coming Christian Witness Council and Christian Witness Council. “It has been a place to see how the unity of our church works in bringing together Praying with Our Feet people from across Canada, not all of whom share the same ‘faith language,’ Lisa D. Weaver but understanding the deep faith of A group of friends get together to everyone around the table and learn- go on a special walk. They want to ing from that,” she says. Ed Janzen chairs the Support remind their neighbors that war Services Council. He fi nds a discern- doesn’t bring peace in our world. ing community among the people who They know that Jesus wants us to serve the wider church. “When con- love everyone. Jesus even wants us fl icts arise, as they have between B.C. and Ontario, God is able to use these to love our enemies, who are just doors to help us understand each like us in many ways! The walkers other,” he says. “Sharing our struggles wear shoes of all sizes, colors, and and understandings helps us to re- shapes. They’re praying with their feet, walking with the God of Peace. spect each other, and this is spiritual growth.” Includes a score of the song “Praying with Our Feet” by the author Tim Wiebe-Neufeld pastors at and an afterword for adults by Tonya Ramer Wenger. Edmonton First Mennonite Church and serves on the Nominating Committee. He invites prayers as the “My Mom and Dad. My aunt and my baby cousin. My minister. My 150- committee meets in November to re- year-old neighbor. And me. Walking for peace, wiggling our toes, stand- view submissions and discern persons ing in the light of God.”—from Praying with Our Feet for each vacancy. “I see God at work in the discernment process of our com- Paper, 40 pages, $16.29 mittee, and in the response of people we contact,” he says. “The call to serve in a position is something people con- 1 800 245-7894 • www.heraldpress.com sider seriously and prayerfully.” —MC Canada release by Dan Dyck

18 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 WiderChurch

Columbia Bible College Rc`m`rdgg (CBC) students and staff were among the fi rst vol- tjpmejpmi`t unteers with Mennonite o\f`tjp: Disaster Service (MDS) from Ãkm\^od^`tjpmNk\idncdiK`m– Canada to help in the U.S. Ãndib\o>\mi`bd`C\gg Gulf Coast region following Ãh\i\b`E\q\Epi^odji'oc` Hurricane Katrina. MDS B.C. nop_`io(mpi^\hkpn^j``]\m chair Leonard Klassen, back Ãkm\^od^`

CBC photo

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Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 19 A special advertising feature

TourMagination invites Mennonites to visit their Russian heritage next summer. The two- week tour in- cludes stops at seven Mennonite colonies, including Neudachino, that recently celebrat-

ed its centennial. TourMagination photo

tion from their friends in the village, the treatment Neudachino had expe- Travel but when a very offi cial letter from rienced over the many years of the the Department of Education and the previous rule. The audience was practi- Regional Government—written in offi cial cally shocked into stunned silence as Take a tour of seven Russian language, imprinted with a seal he admitted that “the government of the and a stamp—came to their home invit- day had fi nally come to realize that the Russian Mennonite ing them to be present, they knew that reason this village was a model village, colonies they should prepare to go. and so successful over the many years, despite the roadblocks and hardships, Ben and Erna Falk, former Mennonite The centennial program consisted of was because it was founded by people Central Committee (MCC) workers music, the presentation of awards and of faith.... They came to live here so in Siberia (1993-94 and 1996), were speeches. It was the speeches by that they could continue to worship invited to participate in the 100th an- government dignitaries that surprised that higher being. This has obviously, niversary celebration in Neudachino on everyone the most and really set the been the reason for its decency, sense June 25. tone for the day, the Falks relate. of law and order, progressiveness and tidiness. We beg to apologize for not Invitations had been received by the The provincial director of all villages in working with you, and wish you every Falks to visit Siberia for the celebra- the Novisibirsk Oblast apologized for success for the future. Do not leave us Mennonite Roots Tours “The best organized and the most consistent”

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20 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 A special advertising feature

for we need you.” Please contact TourMagination at 1-800- settlement, a Messianic Jewish believer, 565-0451 or email offi ce@tourmagina- and many Palestinian Christians and Following these speeches, the Falks— tion.com for a brochure. Muslims. whose Mennonite ancestry originated in —TourMagination release Russia—were invited to come onto the Says Matties, “I am interested in read- stage. They congratulated the village ‘Living stones’ part ing the Bible in the context of both the and focused on the blessings that are in historical geography of the land and store for those who commit their lives to of Holy Land tour the human communities that continue God and follow him. The Falks conclud- Most tours that go to the Holy Land to struggle to live together, even as they ed by quoting II Corinthians 7:14: “For take in the ancient archeological did in Jesus’ time.” God promises to forgive, heal and allow sites—the ancient stones. But Gordon prosperity when people commit their Matties, professor of Biblical Studies at Cost of the tour will be about $4,000, lives to him.” Canadian Mennonite University, be- including airfare, accommodations and lieves that is not enough. His tours allow transportation in the region. For more TourMagination invites you to join Ben visitors to meet the “living stones” in information, visit the CMU website at and Erna Falk on a tour to Moscow, Palestine—local Christians and others www.cmu.ca. Siberia and St. Petersburg from May who live in the region. 26 to June 9, 2006. The tour fi rst visits Hosts sought for travel Moscow and ends in St. Petersburg, but “My tours are characteristically not like directory will visit seven Mennonite colonies in those planned by most tour agencies,” The editors of the 2006-08 edition of the between. he says. “I take people to places where Mennonite Your Way Directory are seeking most groups do not go. I also include hosts willing to accommodate travellers in The people are very hospitable and as many meetings with people who live their homes. desire a visit from North Americans. there as I can.”

They request our prayers for them in the The directory is a listing of more than 1,600 far-off land of Siberia so that they will In past tours Matties has arranged Mennonite, Brethren and other Christian remain faithful to the task that God has meetings with an Israeli lawyer who homes willing to offer hospitality and fellow- called them. They commit to pray for us works on behalf of Palestinian families ship to travellers in more than 40 countries as well. whose houses have been demolished, on a donation basis. an Israeli settler from a West Bank

Through Nov. 1, MYW is registering those TRAVEL WITH TOURMAGINATION who wish to be listed as hosts in the upcom- ing 30th anniversary edition, which will be TO EXPLORE THE WORLD available in early 2006. New hosts, along with current or past participants, are asked 2006 TOURS CHINA (October 9-25) to register. INDONESIA and SINGAPORE (November 8-26) Listings may be submitted securely at EXPERIENCING JAMAICA, its CULTURE and PEOPLE (January 14-21) www.mennoniteyourway.com. Hosts may 2007 TOURS also request forms by writing MYW, 80 W. AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND (February 3-23) CHURCHES and SAFARIS in KENYA and TANZANIA Sylvan Drive, Mundelein, IL 60060-3315, VIETNAM (February 9-26) (February 11-22) USA; by calling 847-949-6179; or by e-mail- MEXICO (March 10-18) PARAGUAY SERVICE TOUR (March 22 - April 5) ing [email protected]. PARAGUAY, BOLIVIA and PERU (March 21 - April 6) —From Mennonite Weekly Review LUTHERAN HOLY LAND TOUR (April 19-29) MOSCOW, SIBERIA and ST. PETERSBURG (May 26 - June 9) Menno Travel ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 7-19) Specializing in EXPERIENCING the BIBLE in ISRAEL (June 21 - July 1) International WEST PRUSSIAN MENNONITE HERITAGE “Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians (June 25 - July 5) around the world through custom-designed travel.” Missionary Airfares ENGLAND and SCOTLAND (June 28 - July 10) CALL 1-800-565-0451 Call Us! 1-800-667-5559 EUROPEAN HERITAGE (July 5-20) FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

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Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 21 LocalChurch

Vancouver Elders and Mennonites share a meal together t had been a long drive from Edmonton to Vancouver so Ithe elders of the Gwa’Sala- ‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation in Port Hardy, B.C., were grateful for a rest stop and a home-cooked meal. The meal came courtesy of the women’s group at First United Mennonite Church in Vancouver, who offered a typical Mennonite meal of Kotletten (meat balls), potatoes, cooked vegetables, salad and homemade Zwieback (buns). “This is the kind of meal we often ate during hard times when we didn’t MCC B.C. photo have a lot,” said Selma Sawatzky, one Chief Paddy Walkus addresses the circle of friends gathered at First United of the women helping in the kitchen. Mennonite Church in Vancouver for a meal, stories and song. The evening meal and fellowship time was coordinated by Darryl Carman, Man. Klassen, Aboriginal Neighbours Program coordinator for Mennonite 60-year-old vision still fl ourishing Central Committee (MCC) B.C. MCC has had a long history in Port Hardy arman Mennonite and Klassen felt the meal would be a Church pulled good opportunity for the two communi- Cevery chair out from ties to connect. storage to provide seating After the meal, the group sat in a for all those who had come circle and shared songs in English to join the congregation and Kwakwala. Chief Paddy Walkus in celebrating 60 years offered his thanks to MCC for its on Sept. 11. The weekend history with the people of Gwa’Sala- celebration included time ‘Nakwaxda’xw and the way in which for reminiscing, visiting they have built relationships there. and worshipping together. “This is how MCC works—not com- On Friday evening, for- ing in to say, ‘Here we are helping the mer pastor Marv Friesen, poor Indian,’ to make themselves look presently of Welcome Inn good, but to come to us and help us, in Hamilton, Ont., and his give us integrity,” Walkus said. “So wife Brenda were welcomed many of our kids hold their heads up back during an informal now, proud of their culture.” evening of coffee and Klassen was quick to note that the visiting. relationship has been reciprocal. “I Anniversary celebra- just want you to know that it’s been a tions continued on Sunday two-way street,” he said. with Pastor Bob Pauls and The evening ended with a song, Friesen leading worship. written by one of the elders: After a communal dinner

Come unto me, the Lord Jesus said more formal reminiscing Photos by Evelyn Rempel Petkau I am the way the truth and the life and sharing took place. Current pastors and former Carman Mennonite I bid you enter in, he has saved One of the highlights was Church pastors are pictured with the anniversary Jesus said, come unto me. the coming together of banner. From left to right: Kelli Downey, associ- —MCC B.C. release women who, decades ear- ate/youth pastor; Jarrod Chamberlin, former as- by Angelika Dawson lier, had sung in the girls sociate/youth pastor; Bob Pauls, present pastor; choir under the direction of and Ed Hughes, former interim pastor.

22 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 LocalChurch

Agnes Giesbrecht. group of Mennonite farmers who Over the past 60 years the con- were relatively new to the area faced gregation has grown from a small economic struggles and a community number of families to more than 200 that, in 1945, was suspicious of this in regular attendance. The early Anabaptist group. Sixty years later, the congregants expressed gratitude for the vision of those who went ahead “to establish a local Mennonite church that would provide a sanctuary in which the Mennonites of the area could meet to worship God and to have fellowship with one another.” This early group had the foresight to quickly move towards English lan- guage services, which made the church photo Church Mennonite Hunta more open to the wider community. Bob and Ester Landis hosted the Today, the church, fi rmly committed annual Hunta (Ont.) Mennonite to its Anabaptist heritage, continues Church picnic at their deer farm on Aug. 21. The picnic has been held for to explore ways of making its doors more than 30 years; more than 100 open to all. Its members are active in attended this year’s event. Not even every aspect of the community, includ- the odd thunderstorm could dampen ing the business, social service and participants’ spirits, although most Marie Stoesz, the sole founding volunteer sectors. of the adults chose to stay in the member of Carman Mennonite —Evelyn Rempel Petkau barn and chat, rather than brave the Church, was presented with roses elements for the outdoor games. at the church’s 60th anniversary service. A new building Because of your gifts, congregations such as Trinity Mennonite Church in Calgary, Alberta, receive needed funds for church buildings. Through the JoinHands (formerly Tenth Man) church-building program, you can support the mission of new Mennonite congregations in the United States, Canada and around the world.

A new building is going up for Trinity Mennonite Church Yes, I want to help build meetinghouses for new in Calgary, Alberta, thanks to help from JoinHands. Mennonite congregations. Send me more information. I’m willing to give $100 twice per year. Sign me up. Call me with needs for volunteer labor.

Name ______Street or Box ______City ______Prov. ____ Code ______Congregation ______Return to Marvin Baergen,67 Millrise Drive,SW,Calgary,AB T2Y 2C6.

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 23 LocalChurch

Kitchener, Ont. Rockway church celebrates move to new location fter 45 years of sharing facilities with a Mennonite high school, ARockway Mennonite Church has moved to a new location and a new shared arrangement. On Sept. 11, the Rockway congrega- tion celebrated its fi rst worship service in its newly renovated sanctuary at Zion United Church in Kitchener. The Zion congregation continues to meet in the main sanc- tuary of the historic 19th- century building. Rockway is leasing the large “round room,” built in 1916, as well Janzen Paul by Photos as a church offi ce, Sunday Rockway Mennonite Church members gath- school rooms and a nursery. ered on Sept. 11 for the fi rst service in their Shared space with Zion new facility. Rockway Mennonite is now shar- includes a fellowship hall, ing a historic church building in Kitchener, kitchen and gymnasium. Ont., with Zion United Church. Rockway members volun- teered many hours over the school. Plans for a joint building with summer getting the facility Conrad Grebel College came to naught prepared. and a facilities committee, led by Ella The opening service was Pauls, began to seek other options. a celebration of a beauti- The Zion and Rockway congrega- ful new space and new tions approved the cooperative ar- beginnings. Pastor Scott rangement this past spring, with Brubaker-Zehr noted the considerable excitement on both sides. importance of place for a Zion’s small congregation was looking community, but urged the for ways to share its large building, congregation not to forget and Rockway was glad to continue in a the source of their bless- joint arrangement. ings, building on Moses’ Representatives visited each other’s reminder to the Hebrew congregations to introduce members people that they are pil- to their respective groups. Of special grims living by the grace of God. Just decade revealed that members had interest was the fact that Zion, before as the Hebrews occupied “goodly cities mixed feelings about meeting in “a joining the United Church of Canada which you did not build, and houses less-than-churchlike setting,” but in 1968, was an Evangelical United full of good things which you did not the arrangement was considered Brethren (EUB) church that had links fi ll” (Deuteronomy 6), so Rockway temporary! John Snyder, who led the to the Mennonite Church. Mennonite is blessed with a home that congregation for 25 years, established “Rockway is excited about being able it neither built nor owns. a tradition of lay leadership. to share space with another congrega- Rockway Mennonite began as a The ’70s and ’80s brought growth tion in Kitchener’s downtown, and daughter congregation of Kitchener’s and change, as people from Russian is looking forward to developing ties First Mennonite Church in 1960, Mennonite and other backgrounds across denominational lines,” said meeting in the “old barn” of Rockway joined the congregation. Rockway a member of the Rockway Church Mennonite Collegiate, and later in the Mennonite joined the Conference Council. “The round sanctuary also school library and the multi-purpose/ of Mennonites in Canada (now has great potential for concerts and dining area of the school. Mennonite Church Canada) in 1975. other community events.” The Rockway congregation said The ’80s brought a more structured Rockway’s pastor noted that the goodbye to its old location during the program, including the creation of a church is looking forward to “a more four Sundays in June, focusing each ministry council. visible community presence and to Sunday on one decade of its tenure In recent years, the congregation new growth in a variety of ways.” at the school. Records from the fi rst felt it was time to move out of the —Margaret Loewen Reimer

24 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 LocalChurch

Schultz-Krajicek—Mark and Morden Mennonite Henrietta, Poole Mennonite, Church installed their Milverton, Ont., Sept. 17. new pastors—Harold Sivertson-Patkau—Chad and Dianne Hildebrand- and Joanne (Hanley Schlegel—on Sept. Mennonite, Sask.), in 11. He will serve as Saskatoon, July 1. lead pastor and she Tanguay-Willms—Rob and as associate pastor of Jennifer, Coaldale Mennonite, Christian formation. The Alta., Aug. 20. couple, who come to Morden from St. Jacobs, Deaths Ont., via Associated Mennonite Biblical Bechtel—Hilda (nee Wagler), Seminary in Elkhart, 86, Mannheim Mennonite, Ind., will be work- Ont., Sept. 11. ing together with the Buller—Kay, 91, North Star church’s youth minister, Mennonite, Drake, Sask., Sept. Denny Martens. The 29. Hildebrand-Schlegels Dueck—Anna, 85, Burns have three children— Lake First Mennonite, B.C., Sophie, Isaac and Sept. 18. Solomon—and their pet Dyck—Mary P., 85, dog. During the service, Whitewater Mennonite, founding member Boissevain, Man., Sept. 18. H. H. Pauls shared Friesen—Sara (nee Thiessen), some Scripture with the 74, Coaldale Mennonite, Alta., couple after check- Sept. 9. ing himself out of the Holst—Clarence, 78, St. hospital to be at this Agatha Mennonite, Ont., July special occasion. 12. Kehler—Edwin P., 89, Altona

Morden Mennonite Church photo Bergthaler Mennonite, Man., Sept. 9. Mennonite, Rosthern, Sask., a 10. Penner—Mary, 97, Altona Transitions son, Evan Jacob, Aug. 5. Unger—to Carla and Kurt, Bergthaler Mennonite, Man., Peacey—to Tammy (nee Glenlea Mennonite, Man., a Sept. 17. Ruby—Vernon, 70, East Zorra Births/Adoptions Laskowski) and Bob of son, Benjamin Charles, Aug. 2. Winnipeg, North Star Wiebe—to Sandra Wiebe and Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont., Albrecht—to Carolyn and Mennonite, Drake, Sask., a David Dyck, Hope Mennonite, Sept. 22. Tim, Poole Mennonite, son, Wade Austin, Sept. 27. Winnipeg, a daughter, Greta Schroeder—John, 75, North Milverton, Ont., a son, Aaron Penner—adopted by Deanna Leanne, Aug. 18. Star Mennonite, Drake, Sask., Jacob, Sept. 23. and John, Douglas Mennonite, Wieler—to Margita Aug. 10. Derksen—to Michelle Winnipeg, a daughter, Aliya and Norman, Steinbach Strueby—Cora, 21, Hope Hildebrand and Don Derksen, Xuehui (b. Oct. 4, 2004), June Mennonite, Man., a daughter, Mennonite Fellowship, North Fort Garry Mennonite, 13. Kendra Melissa, Sept. 25. Battleford, Sask., Aug. 30. Winnipeg, a son, Julius James, Peters—to Jennifer and Sept. 19. Kevin, Steinbach Mennonite, Marriages Baptisms Friesen—to Donna and Herb, Man., a son, Myles Raine, Hanover Mennonite, Ont.— North Star Mennonite, Drake, Sept. 23. Crowe-Isaac—Kevin Emily Martin, at Riverstone Sask., a daughter, Teresa Peters—adopted by Ken and Esther, Mount Royal Retreat Centre, July 24. Crystal, Aug. 30. and Maria, Burns Lake First Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sept. Friesen Bergen—to Lisa Mennonite, B.C., a daughter, 10. Klassen-Thevenot— Canadian Mennonite welcomes Friesen and Glenn Bergen, Sophia Raphaela (b. May 29, Transitions announcements within Hope Mennonite, Winnipeg, 2003, in Haiti). Michael and Misty, Douglas four months of the event. Please a daughter, Ida Jeanne, Sept. Wall—to Debbie and Greg, Mennonite, Winnipeg, Aug. 20. send all Transitions announce- 12. Warman Mennonite, Sask., a Moerman-Willms—Justin ments by e-mail to transitions@ Giesbrecht—to Gina (Dueck) son, Ethan Nathaniel, Sept. and Naphtalie, Coaldale canadianmennonite.org, and Jayson, Altona Bergthaler 18. Mennonite, Alta., June 18. including the congregation name Mennonite, Man., a son, Aaron Phillips—to Christina Smith Noeth-Martens—Randy and and location. When sending death Matthew, Aug. 22. and Max Phillips, Mount Nancy (Hanley Mennonite, notices, please include birth date and last name at birth if available. Janzen—to Jeanette Royal Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask.), at Frenchman Butte, and Nathan, Eigenheim a daughter, Jacinta Ariel, Aug. Sask., Sept. 10.

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 25 Advertising

Employment opportunities Columbia Bible College announces an opening for VICE-PRESIDENT for STUDENT DEVELOPMENT FULL-TIME LEAD PASTOR We are seeking a Senior Administration position in Student De- Coaldale Mennonite Church invites applications for a full-time velopment for Spring 2006. For a full list of qualifications, job Lead Pastor. This individual would be expected to be the Spiri- description, and contact information, please consult our web- tual leader to a multi-generational congregation of about 300 site at: www.columbiabc.edu. members. Please forward resume to the attention of Dr. Paul Wartman. The successful candidate will be part of a Pastoral Team Resumes will be received until October 31, 2005; the post will comprised of a Youth Pastor and Lay Ministers, and should be open until position is filled. In accordance with Canadian be gifted in preaching, discipling, visitation and administration. immigration requirements, this advertisement is directed in the An emphasis on evangelism and in caring for and relating to first instance to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. people, in both the congregation and the community, is an as- set. Previous pastoral experience and education in our Evan- gelical Mennonite Anabaptist tradition is important. Please forward your note of inquiry and/or resume to: MCC Manitoba is inviting applications for the position of Search Committee c/o Coaldale Mennonite Church MATERIAL RESOURCES/ACTIVITY CENTRE 2316-17 Street, Coaldale, AB T1M 1G3 COORDINATOR E-mail: [email protected] for the Winnipeg warehouse. As a part of the Resource Gen- eration Team, this position takes responsibility for generating the Winnipeg material resources response to international re- lief efforts, including volunteer management, material procure- ment and fulfilling resource commitments. This position also FULL-TIME SENIOR PASTOR participates actively in providing educational options for groups Holyrood Mennonite Church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is and individuals interested in MCC’s work. This is a full-time seeking a full-time senior pastor. The tentative starting date is position, available on a salaried or voluntary service basis, be- January 1, 2006. ginning January 3, 2006. We are members of Mennonite Church Alberta and Mennonite All MCC workers are required to have a Christian faith, be ac- Church Canada. Average attendance is 80-100 in a congre- tively involved in a Christian church, and have a personal com- gation diverse in cultures, ages and walks of life. See www. mitment to non-violence and peacemaking. holyroodmennonite.ca for further information about the con- Please forward applications to: gregation. Interested applicants, please contact: Janelle Siemens: [email protected] or Sol Janzen: [email protected] Chair of Pastoral Committee, Guenther Toews Phone: 204-261-6381 Phone: 780-458-9358 3 Oakview Crescent St. Albert, AB T8N 6H8 Alberta Conference Minister, Jim Shantz Phone: 780-485-2518 MDS NEEDS YOU In addition to current needs in Florida and California, Hurri- canes Katrina and Rita have created an urgent need to de- ASSOCIATE PASTOR velop additional Anabaptist leaders from across Canada – indi- viduals and couples – to serve throughout the year, especially Springstein Mennonite Church in Springstein, Man., invites ap- between May and September, for the next several years. plications for a half-time Associate Pastor whose primary focus is on Youth and Young Adult ministry. We are looking for: Project Directors, people with previous MDS project experi- We are a semi-rural congregation located 15 minutes from the ence, preferably in some leadership role. city of Winnipeg with a Sunday morning attendance of approxi- Construction Foremen and Crew Leaders, people with ex- mately 100. Join our ministry team, which includes a 2/3 time perience ranging from contractors to construction helpers. Lead Pastor, and give leadership to an energetic and commit- ted congregation. Responsibilities to commence as soon as Training for these positions will be provided in a Canadian lo- possible. cation, likely in November, with travel costs provided. Travel to and from projects, room and board, and a stipend after initial Please direct inquiries to: period at projects are also provided. We are seeking a service commitment of two- to three-month terms per year. Pastoral Search Committee c/o Sheila Rempel We also require cooks and office managers, who are often Springstein Mennonite Church spouses of people in the above positions. Box 38, Springstein, MB R0G 2N0 Email: [email protected] Please prayerfully consider these opportunities to serve those in need in the name of Christ. Call or e-mail: Lois Nickel Toll Free: 1-866-261-1274 E-mail: [email protected]

26 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 Advertising

CAMP DIRECTOR Camp Valaqua is a Mennonite Church Alberta (MCA) camp that is located about 1 hour north-west of Calgary, Alberta. The Camp Director is a full-time, year round position that reports to Canadian Mennonite University is seeking a dynamic leader the MCA Camp Committee. The Camp Director is responsible to serve as our to develop and manage the Camp program and to cooper- ate with other MCA programs. Applicants must have at least DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 3 years of applicable experience in administration/leadership and be able to work independently. The Camp Director must We are looking for someone who: be dedicated to Christian faith and ministry, and support MCA’s · Is passionate about the mission of the church and of CMU. faith and constitution. To apply or to obtain a more detailed job · Is energetic, positive and action-oriented. description, please contact: · Has solid organizational and communication skills. Paul Neufeldt · Is experienced and trained in development. 11018 - 83rd Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 0T7 · Knows the Canadian Mennonite church constituencies, but Phone: 780-901-1219 also likes to work with the wider Christian world. E-mail: [email protected]. · Can work with donors, alumni, direct mail, capital planning, planned giving, special events and foundations. If this sounds like you, please send a resume to: Canadian Mennonite University Westgate Mennonite Collegiate invites applications for the Attn: Susan Warkentin, Director of Human Resources half-time position of 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Canada, R3P 2N2 E-mail: [email protected] DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Responsibilities: To lead in the development of a fundraising network that strengthens the relationship between the school and its community of supporters. The Director will establish a solid funding base, allowing the school to finance its building Akron, Pa. project and ensure future sustainability of its program. For further details, check our website: www.westgate.mb.ca MCC commits $2 million Application Deadline: November 18, 2005. Qualified applicants should forward resumes: to Gulf Coast relief Principal, Westgate Mennonite Collegiate ennonite Central Committee (MCC) has committed 86 West Gate, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2E1 Fax: 204-786-1651 nearly $2 million as an initial response to recent Email: [email protected] Mhurricanes across the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of the funds—nearly $1.4 million—will go to churches in and around the hurricane-affected areas that are taking the lead in responding in the hurricane aftermath. Available Housing Through local churches, MCC will be supporting a variety of initiatives, including hiring local community workers who Caregiver Available for chil- Four-bedroom house for rent will assist evacuees in fi nding housing and support. Others dren or seniors in Winnipeg, in Wolseley area of Winnipeg. will be hired to assist in hurricane-damaged communities MB in the North Kildonan/down- Available January 1, 2006. where the people remained but need help with government town area. Available Monday to Phone 204-779-6559. Friday during the day. Seeking forms and fi nding support. part time or full time hours. Will- MCC will offer resources for pastors of churches damaged ing to do light housekeeping. or destroyed during the hurricane to meet the needs of their Wage is negotiable. Resume Advertising Copy congregational members, many of whom are now evacuees. and references are available. Due Dates Long-term efforts will address the issues of injustice and rac- Current criminal records check ism surrounding the disaster. and child abuse registry check Financial donations to MCC can be made online at are complete. A great deal Nov. 14 www.mcc.org/katrina or by calling any MCC offi ce. of experience working with Focus on Music MCC is also working in partnership with Mennonite children including those with cognitive and physical special Copy due: Nov. 1 Disaster Service (MDS), which is conducting cleanup, rebuild- needs. Willing to work with ing and restoration efforts throughout the disaster area. The special needs children or se- Nov. 28 MCC response includes more than $600,000 in material aid niors. Contact Heidi Friesen at Focus on Missions that has already been delivered to the region at the request of 204- 663-5175. Copy due: Nov. 15 MDS and local churches. —MCC release

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 27 TheChurches

its 50th anniversary later this “Finding the way,” and led Mennonite Church Canada month along with the grand the team of Bible instructors. opening of an addition that Campers and staff learned has just been completed on the how Scripture, prayer, the neighbouring property. person and example of Jesus, October Equipping • A youth and young adult and community can help them highlights group from Vancouver led by navigate life’s many choices The October issue of Samson Lo, director of Multi- and follow the path Jesus set. Equipping is again brimming Cultural Ministry, that par- A total of 301 staff gave of with many fi ne resources, ticipated in an exchange visit their time and energies this which are now available at to churches in Calgary, where summer, with 246 coming from your church offi ces. These they learned and shared about MC Manitoba churches. Forty- include: the kinds of issues minority two young people participated • A richly-varied “Speakers groups face. Pray for these in the Counsellors in Training Bureau” list of many MC young people and give thanks as a visual symbol to recognize program. More than 400 of Canada staff and Witness to God for their deep desire the restructuring process and the campers were from MC workers on North American and passion for the church. was based on the theme of the Manitoba churches. ministry who are available for conference, “New wine, new For more information about your church to draw on; wineskins.” As the stained answered prayers, chal- Mennonite Church glass artwork is travelling to lenges, new programs and • A Resource Centre update Eastern Canada highlighting Advent and the various congregations of plans, attend one of the three Christmas material, including MC Eastern Canada, they are celebration banquets: Oct. a Christmas pageant and at- “More than enough’ invited to use it as part of their 29 at Whitewater Mennonite home worship ideas, prayers theme of session worship. Church in Boissevain, Nov. Barb Draper and activities; — 5 at Winkler Bergthaler • A “Moment of Celebration” The Stratford cluster of MC Mennonite Church, and Nov. 6 story from Korea; and, Eastern Canada is hosting the Sound equipment at Douglas Mennonite Church • Inspiring letters from MC fall delegate session on Oct. sought by church in Winnipeg. Canada leaders refl ecting on 29 at East Zorra Mennonite issues such as widening the Church. The theme for the Petitcodiac Mennonite Church day is, “More than enough,” of New Brunswick is looking Mennonite Church circle of our faith communities Saskatchewan by Dan Nighswander; learn- inspired by the feeding of the to buy used sound equipment. ings from an illness by Sven fi ve thousand (John 6:1-15), They are looking specifi cally Eriksson; and thoughts on where, in spite of the uncer- for a wireless microphone, but Pastoral transitions tainty of feeding a huge crowd, are interested in other equip- moving Godward together by A total of six MC Dave Bergen. God’s abundance was released ment that may be for sale. If and there was more than your congregation is selling off Saskatchewan churches are enough. old equipment, please contact being affected by pastoral Prayer requests An important part of the Pastor Werner De Jong at changes. Most congregations • Victims of Hurricane day’s agenda will be discerning [email protected]. have found replacements for Katrina in New Orleans where the new ministry framework —Barb Draper pastors who have retired or Mennonite Disaster Service of MC Eastern Canada and resigned. Two churches are (MDS) and several Mennonite acknowledging staff transi- still in the process of fi nding churches in the region are tions. David Brubacher is Mennonite Church new leadership. deeply involved in respond- completing his six years as Manitoba Warman Mennonite has ing to the needs of the many minister to conference and welcomed Jay and Colleen displaced people. is being replaced by David Hinds as the new pastoral Camp numbers couple after Henry Block • Victims of the lesser known Martin, whose new title will be steady in 2005 Typhoon Nabi in Japan. executive minister. retired. Colleen works at the Gerald and Rie Neufeld, —Barb Draper Camps with Meaning wel- Mennonite Central Committee Witness workers in Japan, comed 1,267 campers at offi ce in Saskatoon. write of major fl ooding in ‘New wine’ artwork Assiniboia, Koinonia and At Horse Lake Mennonite Miyazaki, with water reaching touring churches Moose Lake this summer, Church, Walter E. Jantzen to the roofs of some houses, down eight from last year. A has retired after 33 years of and 110,000 people evacuated. The stained glass artwork particularly young staff experi- ministry. • The China Learning Tour, “New Wine” was commissioned enced the challenge of service, Laird Mennonite Church led by Al Rempel, MC Canada for the MC Eastern Canada community living and minis- said goodbye to Barb and staff person, from Oct. 11 to 27. spring conference as part try, notes Bob Wiebe, director Wilmer Froese; Benno Klassen • The La Mesa School run of the staff presentation by of Education Ministries. has stepped in as an interim by the Colombian Mennonite various MC Eastern Canada Laura Thiessen devel- supply pastor. Church, which is celebrating commissions. It was created oped the Bible curriculum, Craig Hollands has left

28 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 TheChurches

Carrot River Mennonite anniversary at a September future. On Sept. 11, Eden con- and Katherine Lue, with Church. Ed Cornelson will be worship service. The congrega- tinued celebrating with its fall encouragement from Peter and providing leadership in the tion acknowledged that, al- start-up, including an outdoor Sue Kehler, former missionar- congregation as interim pastor though they are a poor church worship with Pastor Kerry ies to Taiwan. The White Rock beginning Oct. 15. with many health problems, Palmer followed by a barbecue congregation now worships Craig Friesen has resigned they have many reasons to lunch and roller hockey game. in a Baptist church, with a from Rosthern Mennonite praise God. The planting of an oak weekly attendance of 40 to 50, Church. A replacement has not They were thankful to God tree commemorated the 25th mostly young families. been found. for support from their advisory anniversary of Mennonite Nutana Park Mennonite and building committees, the Church of Vernon the week- Unless otherwise credited, the Church in Saskatoon will ministerial council and the end of Sept. 23 to 25. Former articles in TheChurches pages welcome Ken Bechtel as inten- conference, and especially for attendees came from all across were written by: Leona Dueck tional interim pastor following the presence of Jesus Christ in Canada to join in the celebra- Penner (MC Canada), Maurice Martin (Eastern Canada), Evelyn Vern Ratzlaff’s retirement in their lives. tions, remembering the time in Rempel Petkau (Manitoba), Karin December. Many members shared their 1980 when a dedicated group Fehderau (Saskatchewan), Donita faith stories and how they of locals in the Vernon area Wiebe-Neufeld (Alberta) and Amy have received healing through decided to start a Mennonite Dueckman (British Columbia). See Mennonite Church faith. Many of the testimonies congregation and fi rst wor- page 2 for contact information. Alberta were translated simultane- shipped in a small brown ously into English, Cantonese church on 27th Street. Today, Newcomers centre wins or Mandarin. the congregation worships in a News brief not-for-profi t award building on Silver Star Road, Heavy rains postpone a location acquired in 1993 to On Sept. 12, Edmonton’s Valaqua renovations house the more than 90 mem- MCC workers moved Mennonite Centre for bers who regularly attend. Bob by faith of evacuees Newcomers (MCN) was A roof stripping bee, planned Cowan is the new pastor. presented the Gold Laurel for the lodge at Camp Valaqua After fl eeing Hurricane Award for its Bright Futures on Sept. 10, had to be can- Seniors worship Katrina, members of Amor program, which works with celled because of heavy rains. cross-culturally Viviente, a Metairie, La., refugee families to improve Replacement of the old congregation, came together to literacy and parenting skills, shakes with new metal roofi ng Twenty-three members of worship in borrowed space at and to help them cope with was to be completed in the fi rst Emmanuel Mennonite Church Houston Mennonite Church. the many issues of adapting to week of October, weather per- (EMC) Seniors Fellowship Nancy Rivera, regional as- Canadian life. mitting, and ready to handle of Abbotsford experienced a sistant for the MCC Central The award is one of three— this year’s snow load without cross-cultural worship service States Southern Tier offi ce in gold, silver, and bronze—given leaking. on Oct.25 when they vis- Edinburg, Tex., said she was annually to not-for-profi t Of the estimated cost of ited White Rock Mennonite struck by how even those who organizations in Edmonton $50,000, $35,000 is already Christian Fellowship on their had lost their homes were able exhibiting creativity and in- paid off, with $15,000 still seventh anniversary. to think of others. “They didn’t novation in their work. MCN required. Although the service was so much focus on just them, has won the gold award three in Mandarin Chinese with no but on the wider community,” of the last four years. translation, the Emmanuel she said. “They were worried Mennonite Church about the community, how This year, 64 programs were British Columbia group experienced worship nominated for the awards, through music, listening to help the community and with MCN coming out on top. and observing. The service how to help their neighbours.” The awards are sponsored by Trees play part in two included music by adult and Members of the congregation the Duncan and Craig law fi rm. B.C. celebrations children’s choirs, testimo- are asking for prayers from the nies and a sermon by Pastor wider church as they begin to Trees were a common theme Timothy Liang. return to their community and Pastoral changes at when two B.C. churches Springridge Mennonite Afterwards, everyone work to uncover a vision for celebrated anniversaries in enjoyed fellowship together at their response to the devasta- Jerry Buhler, pastor at Spring- September. a light meal, provided by the tion and displacement. ridge Mennonite Church in Eden Mennonite in White Rock hosts, with contri- —MCC release Pincher Creek, has given notice Chilliwack celebrated its 60th butions from the Emmanuel to the congregation that he will anniversary from Sept. 9 to seniors. be concluding his time as pas- 11. Conference minister Henry The EMC seniors were Advertising Copy tor at the end of January 2006. Kliewer spoke at Friday’s de- taken up with the enthusiasm Due Dates Buhler has served the congre- votional, giving the rings of a of the Mandarin group and gation as pastor for 18 years. tree trunk as an illustration of commented later that, despite Nov. 14 the church’s journey. The rings the language difference, the Focus on Music represent the many genera- White Rock members were “so 16 years of praise tions of those who have been Copy due: Nov. 1 in Edmonton accepting, so welcoming.” Nov. 28 part of the Eden community White Rock Mennonite in the past, said Kliewer, who Focus on Missions Edmonton Chinese Mennonite Christian Fellowship began added that rings are needed Church celebrated their 16th as a house fellowship in 1998 Copy due: Nov. 15 for the church to grow into the under the leadership of Harold

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 29 ToMorrow

Rosemary celebrating in their community, so the Toronto to host Nov. 25-26: Mennonite 75th anniversary Thompson church has been Christmas festival Historical Society of Alberta bringing the Mennonite fall workshop at Bergthal Rosemary, Alta.—On Nov. 5 Central Committee (MCC) Toronto—Discover beautiful Mennonite Church, Didsbury. and 6, Rosemary Mennonite store’s fair trade items to town gifts and home decor prod- Theme: “Rise and decline Church is celebrating 75 years for a much-anticipated sale for ucts handcrafted by skilled of Bible schools in Alberta.” of ministry. nearly 20 years now. artisans in 30 countries at this Speaker: Bruce Gunter. For If you have ever—as a child, This year’s sale will take year’s Ten Thousand Villages’ more information, call Henry youth or adult—attended, place from Nov. 12 to 19. Mennonite Christmas Festival. Goerzen at 403-335-8414. or been part of, Rosemary —Dale Shantz Gifts include pottery, jewel- Mennonite Church, this week- lery, baskets, hand-loomed Saskatchewan end is for you. Peace Mennonite textiles, musical instruments, We are also looking for turns 25 next month hand-knotted Persian and Nov. 3-5, 19, 26, 29: Ten memories for which we can tribal carpets, and much more. Thousand Villages Festival praise God and bring glory to Richmond, B.C.—Peace Visit this exciting internation- Sales—Hope Mennonite him; as well, we wish to pay Mennonite Church (PMC) al marketplace of fairly traded Church, North Battleford (3-5); tribute to our pioneer grand- celebrates its 25th anniversary handicrafts and experience Bethany Mennonite Church, parents and our parents who Nov. 5 and 6. All who have at- the joy of purchasing gifts that Lost River (19); Rosthern made it possible for them and tended PMC are most warmly give twice! Mennonite Church (26, 1 their families to experience welcomed to join with us as we The three-day Christmas to 4 p.m.); Bethany Manor, Christian fellowship. celebrate. Festival runs from Nov. 25 Saskatoon (29). Please write a few sen- During the Nov. 6 morning to 28 at Harbourfront, 235 Nov. 4-5: MCC annual meet- tences—150 words maxi- worship service, former pas- Queens Quay West, Toronto. ing at Family Worship Centre, mum—about a memory or two tors Palmer Becker and Sven Doors open Nov. 25 from 6 to Yorkton. you have had of your time in Eriksson will speak on the 10 p.m. The show continues on Nov. 4-6: RJC visioning meet- Rosemary. If possible, give theme, “Our family tree: Deep Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., ing with Jeff Steckley. dates and names of people. As roots, fruitful branches.” In and fi nishes up on Nov. 27 Nov. 4-6: Quilting retreat at well, include the names of your the afternoon, Darryll Johnson from noon to 5 p.m. Shekinah. parents, grandparents and from Regent College will speak Nov. 7-8: “Personal fi nancial other people from Rosemary during the ordination of Pastor management for families” who touched your life, and, Tim Kuepfer. Calendar workshop with Jim Brown of most importantly, how Jesus As a special giving proj- Mennonite Foundation, Osler touched your life during your ect, PMC is raising money British Columbia Mennonite Church. time here. for Living Waters Church Nov. 12: Mennonite Historical Send your reminiscences by in Thailand. Our goal is Nov. 18-20: Senior Youth Society of Saskatchewan’s e-mail: [email protected]; by $25,000, which we will send IMPACT Retreat at Camp Genealogy Day at Bethany fax: 403-378-3690; or by mail: via Mennonite Church Canada Squeah. Manor, 9:30 a.m. George J. Baerg, Box 224, to the Thai congregation as a Nov. 27: Advent/Christmas Dec. 3-4: Handel’s Messiah, Rosemary, AB T0J 2W0. gesture of gratitude for all the Music Fest for MC B.C. Bethany College, Hepburn. —Rosemary Mennonite good gifts God has given PMC churches at Langley Dec. 10, 17 : Buncha’ Guys Church release over the past 25 years. Mennonite Fellowship, 2:30 concerts—Knox United —Gerry Sportack p.m., followed by faspa and fel- Church, Saskatoon (10); lowship. For more information, Shekinah Retreat Centre (17). Ten Thousand Villages call Trudy Goertzen at 604- Dec. 11: RJC Christmas coming to Thompson 596-9202 or Amy Dueckman at concert. 604-854-3735. Jan. 13-15: Refreshing Winds Thompson, Man.—As in past retreat at Shekinah. Theme: years, Thompson United Alberta “Worshipping through music,” Mennonite Church’s base- with a focus on the new ment will be transformed for a Nov. 5-6: Rosemary Hymnal supplement. week in mid-November from a Mennonite Church 75th anni- Sunday school into a travelling versary celebrations. Banquet Manitoba Ten Thousand Villages outlet. and hymn sing (5); worship Located 750 kilometres service, lunch and fellowship Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 6: north of Winnipeg, Thompson time (6). For more information, Camps with Meaning cel- residents do not have the or to reserve banquet tickets, ebration banquets. Kathy opportunity of having a Ten call 403-378-4933 or e-mail: Giesbrecht will speak on Thousand Villages store [email protected]. “Finding the way.” Whitewater Mennonite Church, Boissevain

30 Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 ToMorrow

(29, 6 p.m.); Winkler Feb. 24-25: Annual del- U.S.A. Bergthaler Mennonite Church egate session at Mennonite News brief (5, 6 p.m.); Douglas Mennonite, Collegiate Institute, hosted by Jan. 23-27: AMBS pastors Winnipeg (6, 5 p.m.). For tick- Gretna Bergthaler Mennonite week, Elkhart, Ind. Relief shipment to ets, call 204-895-2267. Church. March 9-15: MWC mini-as- benefi t over 9,000 Nov. 1: Westgate Mennonite March 3-5: Families, friends sembly, U.S. Center for World Collegiate, Winnipeg, annual and persons with a disability Missions, Pasadena, Calif. Mennonite Central Committee general meeting, 7:30 p.m. retreat at Camp Assiniboia. June 1-3: “Holding fast to our (MCC) is sending a $17,900 Nov. 4-6: Quilting retreat at March 10-12: MMYO junior faith: Confession of Faith in shipment of food, clothing, Camp Koinonia. Call 895-2267 youth retreat at Camp Moose a Mennonite Perspective 10 school supplies, blankets, soap, or e-mail camps@menno- Lake. years later” conference, AMBS, sewing materials, medical church.mb.ca to register. May 29-31: Plus 55 retreat at Elkhart, Ind. supplies and other items to Nov. 4-6: Quilting retreat at Camp Moose Lake. Rwanda. These items will be Camp Moose Lake. To regis- June 5-7: Plus 55 retreat at Please send Calendar events distributed by the Evangelical ter, call 895-2267 or e-mail Camp Koinonia. by e-mail to: Friends Church of Rwanda to [email protected]. calendar@canadianmennonite. widows, orphans, former pris- Nov. 9-10: John and Margaret Ontario org. oners and people living with Friesen Lecture at CMU: AIDS. MCC estimates that the “Recovering a heritage: The Oct. 24, 25, Nov. 1, 2: shipment will directly benefi t Mennonite Experience in Mennonite Savings and Credit more than 9,000 people. Poland and Russia.” Presenter: Union regional meetings. Peter Klassen, professor Erb St. Mennonite Church, emeritus of history, California Waterloo (24); Wellesley State University. Mennonite Church (25); Nov. 11-13: Quilting retreat at Elmira Mennonite Church Camp Moose Lake. To register, (1); Faith Mennonite Church, call 895-2267 or e-mail Leamington (2). Registration [email protected]. at 7:30 p.m., meeting at 7:45 Nov. 12: Loren Hiebert and p.m. Rosemary Siemens CD release Oct. 25-29: Ten Thousand concert with guests An Even Villages Festival Sale, a sale of Seven, 7:30 p.m., Buhler Hall, traditional and contemporary MCI, Gretna. international handicrafts to Nov. 18: House of Doc concert, benefi t artisans from develop- 8 p.m., Buhler Hall, MCI, ing countries. Aylmer Old Gretna. Town Hall (upper fl oor), 38 Nov. 18-20: Canadian John Street South, Aylmer, Mennonite education lead- Ont. ers gathering at Canadian Oct. 28-30: Silver Lake Mennonite University, Mennonite Camp fall work Winnipeg. Theme: “Church weekend. Call 519-747-0627 and church school: Committed for details. partners or a company of Nov. 2-5: 19th annual Ten strangers?” Thousand Villages Festival Nov. 19: CMU alumni recital Sale at Vineland United featuring Xin Want, soprano, Mennonite Church. 10 a.m. to an and Leanne Regehr, piano; 8 p.m. (2,3,4); 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m. (5). Tea room open each day. Dec. 18: North Kildonan Nov. 5: Silver Lake Mennonite Mennonite Church Quartet Camp annual meeting and Christmas concert, at the fi sh fry at Kitchener-Waterloo church, 7 p.m. Mennonite Church, 4:30 to Jan. 13-15: Young adult re- 8 p.m. Call 519-747-0627 for treat at Camp Koinonia: “Get more information. engaged!...With the church!” Nov. 25-27: Ten Thousand Jan. 20-22: MMYO junior Villages’ Mennonite Christmas youth retreat at Camp Festival, Harbourfront Centre, Koinonia. Toronto—6 to 10 p.m. (25); 10 Feb. 3-5: MMYO senior youth a.m. to 6 p.m. (26); noon to 5 retreat at Camp Koinonia. p.m. (27). Feb. 10-12: MMYO junior Nov. 26: 10th annual urban youth retreat ay Camp Moose Mennonite bazaar, 9 a.m. Lake. to 2:30 p.m., Welcome Inn Feb. 24: Leadership semi- Community Centre, Hamilton. nar at Gretna Bergthaler For more information, call Mennonite Church. 905-525-5824.

Canadian Mennonite October 17, 2005 Volume 9, Number 20 31 BackPage

As a child, I remember that Kajiji, Democratic Republic of Congo—In Kajiji, my own village, we found crowded schools and students without ac- our little village cess to books or basic school supplies. We found only three did not need sewing machines for 120 students in a girls training school where they are supposed to learn about home economics and the military to sewing…. Walking through the hospital we discovered a little boy protect it…. sitting in his mother’s lap outside the pediatrics ward. He ‘Like the African was suffering from severe malnutrition, and yet the hospital drum, I still hear could not afford to buy milk to feed children like him. It does not make any difference how the country arrived where it the voice calling was. People created in God’s image were dying unnecessarily and the living were feeling isolated and abandoned…. me toward a As a child, I remember that our little village did not need dance that will the military to protect it…. We now found soldiers roaming the countryside even though this region was not affected di- bring peace and rectly by the war. These soldiers were actually little children carrying guns. I wonder how government leaders could do reconciliation….’ such a thing to my people.… Now I am…still pondering on what we saw, heard, A mother worries smelled, touched, and trying to fi gure out the best way to over her two children respond. Like the African drum, I still hear the voice calling in the Kanzombe me toward a dance that will bring peace and reconciliation, clinic. The smaller of hope for the future for school children, basic medicine to the two children has hospitals, and good governance principles by all in power…. malaria. Kanzombe is —Pakisa Tshimika a Mennonite Brethren medical centre near The complete version of Pakisa Tshimika’s report, “When numbers no longer Kikwit, Democratic count: Journey to Democratic Republic of Congo,” can be read at Republic of Congo. www.mmhhope.org.

heartbreak in Kajiji