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August 2, 2004 Volume 8, Number 15

Winkler 2004 pages 7-9, 14-23

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Enough for all? egates face to face in a big room was obviously a good idea. Let the conversation continue! inkler 2004 felt more like a celebration than most Two resolutions brought by individual congregations assemblies I have attended. Maybe it was the tested “community” in another way (see page 14). One Wintimacy of the venue combined with a leisurely proposed a more decisive way of dealing with “churches who outdoor festival. Maybe it was the superb planning or the are at variance” with MC Canada. The motion amounted to excitement generated by the roundtable working sessions. a non-confidence vote in the conference and was quickly Or maybe delegates were tired of fighting financial crises tabled. It made me wonder who exactly is “at variance” with and other battles from last year and were ready to move on. conference theology. Is there enough for all? The budget raised hardly a comment; potentially explosive The second resolution urged greater “control” of Canadian resolutions were quietly put away. Mennonite. Although the motion was easily defeated, it “We should think in terms of ‘community’ reflects a persistent perception that, because rather than unity,” suggested one delegate. Placing delegates the magazine is separately incorporated, it is Maybe that’s what was happening as strangers face to face in a not accountable to the church. Our mission, assigned to table groups grappled with big along with our board structure, clearly identi- issues facing Mennonite Church Canada: big room was fies us as a magazine for Mennonite Church purpose of the national body, determining Canada, but more work needs to be done to theology and practice, homosexuality. Everyone obviously a good assure readers that there is “enough for all.” spoke and everyone listened. idea. Let the con- That work began at a meeting just before the My scepticism about the small-group process assembly where area and national church quickly evaporated as I listened to people bare versation continue! representatives launched the process of spell- their souls. In my group, we couldn’t have been ing out a partnership agreement with Cana- more different, but everyone agreed that the chance to talk, dian Mennonite (page 24). A country-wide editorial council especially about seemingly “insoluble” issues such as is also in the planning. homosexuality, was so much more helpful than a divisive We hope you catch the excitement of Winkler 2004 vote on the assembly floor. through the stories in this issue, beginning with the sermon Was there “enough for all,” as the assembly theme prom- on page 7. The main coverage is found on pages 14-23. ised? One table group was a little shocked to learn that one of their table partners was a lesbian. But then the conversa- Changes ahead tion continued. Several in my group were clear that homo- This issue marks my last as Interim Editor/Publisher. The sexuality was sinful, but they were much less clear on how past year was not without its anxieties, but it proved to be a the church should respond, troubled by the knowledge that satisfying way to conclude 31 years of editorial work at this Jesus wouldn’t turn someone away. Their honesty was moving. magazine and its predecessor. I will miss particularly the How denominational leaders will use all the input from interaction with readers—both supporters and critics. Keep these small groups is another question, but placing del- the conversation going!—Margaret Loewen Reimer

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

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August 2, 2004 4UpClose Volume 8, Number 15 50 years of ministry 4 Four-legged parishioner 6

7 Faith&Life Enough for all 7

10 Arts&Culture The Mennonite 10

11 InConversation Haiti 11 Letters 12

14 Winkler 2004

Page 28 24 WiderChurch Partnership agreement 24 Harpur and Reimer 25 Hair for cancer 28 Anabaptists and Reformed 30 Page 10 Transitions 32 Web site preview Get a preview of the next Canadian Mennonite before 34 TheChurches it comes in the mail. Selections are posted on our web site at 39 ToMorrow www.canadianmennonite.org Page 25 on the Thursday before the issue date. So you can check out the August 23 issue by August 19.

Cover: Kids at Winkler 2004 parade with their fish into the communion service. Inset, Tom Yoder Neufeld. Photos by Dan Dyck.

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Morden, Man. Celebrating 50 years of ministry n June 27, friends and col- leagues filled Morden O Mennonite Church to celebrate Jake Pauls’ 50 years in ministry along with his wife, Dorothy. Edgar Rempel, executive director of Mennonite Church Manitoba, chaired a program that included music from a volunteer choir. Participants came from many churches in which Pauls has served, including a few members from Graysville who had heard Pauls’ first sermon. Pauls’ ordination took place in his home congregation, Morden Bergthaler, in 1954, together with Abe Born who was also elected for minis- try. Pauls served there until August 1969, along with Pauls’ uncle, Henry H. Pauls, who was deacon. Jake Pauls, with his wife Dorothy, responds to tributes. Henry Pauls recalled that Jake lacked formal training, and was shy interim executive director. living waters have flowed. Jake’s and extremely nervous. At first Jake Menno Friesen, deacon of the Altona sermons taught others to nourish found speaking difficult, but as he church, said Jake organized numerous people. A pastor, like water, seeks the yielded to God and the task, he Bible study groups, and the number of lowest places.” received strength to preach. deacon couples grew. Max Friesen from the Morden Henry J. Gerbrandt, representing “Your inspired preaching and church recalled how he had worked as the former Bergthaler Lehrdienst Deeper Life services touched many of a youth leader with Jake and intro- (leadership team), recalled that in the us,” said Friesen. duced a book project that will compile early days Jake supported himself on Larry Kehler noted Pauls’ contribu- many of Jake’s sermons. rented land, with borrowed imple- tion to the larger Mennonite world, In their response, Jake and Dorothy ments. both at conference level and as chair of said, “It’s marvelous in our eyes, how “We worked together, and Jake was the Mennonite World Conference God has blessed….” recognized for his leadership gifts and assembly in Winnipeg in 1990. At the lunch that followed, one his gift of preaching,” said Gerbrandt. Neil Heinrichs from Bethel woman, who had served as a nurse in In 1964, Pauls was chosen as a Mennonite, where Jake and Dorothy Paraguay and who had met a Catholic bishop of the Bergthaler group of spent 17 years, said, “Jake came to man she wished to marry, recalled churches, with 3,000 members. In Bethel at a time of change. We needed marriage counselling by Jake over the 1969, he went to Mennonite Biblical his stabilizing influence, his preaching telephone. Seminary in Indiana and returned to and teaching. He challenged us to get He advised her, she said, to “live teach at Elim Bible School in Altona. involved in community, influenced our your life one day at a time, and leave He also served as co-pastor at Altona young people and counselled many.” theology to the theologians.” Bergthaler Church before beginning Vera and Gerald Pauls, children of Others said of Pauls: “He had a rare his lengthy tenure as pastor of Bethel Jake and Dorothy, presented a verbal gift of being approachable. He could Mennonite in Winnipeg. sketch of family life in the Pauls’ speak to each of us personally.” He was On retiring, Pauls continued to home. “We too were blessed by your also described as a servant of Christ, serve in interim positions in Rich- many years of service,” they told their messenger of God.—From report by mond, British Columbia, at Sargent parents. Elmer Heinrichs Mennonite in Winnipeg, at Altona, John Klassen, MC Manitoba confer- Carman, and, most recently, Morden. ence minister, spoke of Jake and He also served as vice-moderator of Dorothy’s faithfulness as “conduits for Mennonite Church Canada, and as God’s ministry, vessels from which the

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Waterloo, Ont. Regier receives ‘emeritus stole’ for 40 years in ministry n the 40th anniversary of Waldemar Regier’s ordination, O a celebration at Waterloo- Kitchener United Mennonite Church here conferred on him the designation of “pastor emeritus.” Regier served this congregation for over a decade. Approximately 150 people gathered on June 13 to give thanks for Regier’s service to the Mennonite church and for God’s leading in his life. The worship leader was current pastor David Rogalsky. Allan Rudy-Froese, pastor at Erb Street Mennonite Church—where Regier is now a member—gave the homily. Rudy-Froese spoke of the voice of God that changed chaos into light. Reflecting on Psalm 145, he spoke of the voices of the people praising God. Then came another voice, “the creative Waldemar Regier (centre) in his emeritus stole, with Dave Rogalsky (right), voice” of Jesus that “made things current pastor at Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church, and Peter happen.” Sawatzky, earlier pastor. Rudy-Froese said he first heard the cross. On one arm is the symbol of Regier completed a D.Min in 1987 Regier’s voice when he was 11 years the General Conference Mennonite and worked as a counsellor for a time. old. He experienced Regier’s voice as a Church; on the other, the symbol of He came to W-K United Mennonite in “welcoming voice, a dad kind of voice.” Mennonite Church Canada. The 1988, serving there until his retire- “The pastor is not the mouthpiece of names of the eight churches where ment in 1998. He continued as interim God,” said Rudy-Froese. The pastor is Regier served are lettered in gold. until 1999. Several more interim called “to herald the good news”—and “Every minister benefits from appointments followed—at Nairn that is what Regier did for 40 years. receiving direction and support from a Mennonite in Ailsa Craig, Ontario and He described Regier as a skilled special messenger from God. For First Mennonite in Kitchener. listener with a voice of discretion, Waldemar, this was his wife, The choral benediction was com- humour and good news. Hildegarde,” said Pries. Hildegarde’s posed by Jeff Enns, a member of the “We have heard your voice as an name is imprinted on the inside of one congregation. Following the service echo of the God who speaks to us,” said arm. was a reception with an open mike Rudy-Froese to Regier. “You have Placing the stole on Regier was time, and more greetings.—From given us our voice.” Betty Lyn Enns (chair of church report by Bertha Landers In his response, Regier said the council), member Ed Janzen, and moment of specific call occurred when Leroy Shantz, representing Mennonite Carl Epp invited him to consider Church Eastern Canada. Peter Are you moving? becoming a pastor. He said church Sawatzky, who had ordained him, Make sure leadership is more demanding today. closed with Hebrews 6:10, “God will He challenged listeners to ask, “What not forget your work.” Canadian Mennonite kind of persons need to hear the call?” Greetings came from each congrega- moves with you! Edmund Pries, a member of the tion where Regier had served. Born in Don’t forget to send us your congregation, presented Regier with Tiefengrund, Saskatchewan, he served new address. Call Natasha at an unusual gift—an emeritus stole, a from 1964-69 at Mount Royal 1-800-378-2524, ext. 221 symbolic vestment that visually Mennonite Church in Saskatoon and or e-mail: represents Regier’s faithful ministry. Rosthern Mennonite from 1970-78. [email protected] It was modified, said Pries, from a Then came Bethany Mennonite in Christmas and Easter stole, two of Virgil, Ontario (1978-86), with one Regier’s favourite seasons in the year off for studies in Rochester, New church year. At the base of each arm is York.

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Edmonton, Alta. “ Four-legged parishioner is This wall trained for service will not new sort of church attendee The dog “seems to have a calming

has been noted in Mennonite effect on the ladies I work with.” A Church Alberta circles this year. Froese has wanted to do this ever bring Chase, a golden retriever and toy since she heard about assistance dogs poodle cross, has been observed sitting in high school. peace. quietly in conference workshops in “I also see this as a service project,” Rosemary, listening to Sunday School she says. “We can’t all go overseas or This wall will not make lessons in Bergthal Mennonite in even to another province to help good neighbors. This wall Didsbury, and visiting in the foyer at people. The challenge is finding will not bring First Mennonite in Edmonton. something that fits into your life and Chase is no ordinary dog. He is betters people’s lives at the same security.” owned by the Pacific Assistance Dogs time.” Rev. Alex Awad, Society of Burnaby, British Columbia, Although the commitment has been East Jerusalem and is in training to become a service exhausting at times, Froese remains Baptist Church dog for a hearing-impaired person. He excited about Chase’s progress. She is is learning to respond to verbal and encouraged by the prospect that in sign language commands. If he approximately a year the dog could be completes the training successfully, he “assisting someone in their daily will help alert a future handler to activities.” sounds such as doorbells, phones, This October, Chase will return to kettles and crying children. the training centre in Burnaby for four Before a dog begins advanced to six months of advanced training. training, it spends one year with a Dogs that do not meet the require- volunteer puppy raiser who teaches it ments are still valuable, often placed basic obedience, exposes it to a variety in homes where a disabled child of social situations, and takes it to a benefits from a well-trained pet. weekly obedience class. “I hope Chase goes to a church Coreen Froese, a member of family,” Froese says. “He’s got a lot of Bergthal church, began volunteering church experience!”—Donita Wiebe- with Chase in December Neufeld 2003. It is a heavy commit- ment. Chase, wearing a yellow vest identifying him as a dog in training, must accompany her at all times. Although she sometimes gets questioned about bringing Chase into places such as restaurants, she has not encountered significant problems. “Once people find out what the program is all THE DIVIDING WALL about, they are quite understanding,” she said. The only way these dogs New MCC DVD and video can learn “is to be exposed Order today! to as many different situations as possible.” Canada 888-622-6337 Froese, who works as an U.S. 888-563-4676 independent living assist- www.mcc.org/catalog ant for people with mental disabilities, brings Chase Marlene Epp (left) and Coreen Froese with Chase, to work with her every day. her dog in training.

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Like the manna in the desert, the story of the five loaves and two fish in John 6 is more than ‘a spectacular act of food distribution.’ Tom Yoder Neufeld explores the meaning of that miracle in this sermon from the Winkler 2004 assembly.

ur story begins with Jesus and his disciples care of hungry desert wanderers by surrounded by crowds of needy, hungry people supplying them with the nutritious eagerly hanging on to his words, wishing for dew called manna, familiar to us from him to touch them, to heal their infirmities— places like Exodus 16, Numbers 11 O and all this through the prism of their red-hot and Deuteronomy 8. Manna was expectation that God would send them the prophet, king, evidently not terribly exciting as a the Messiah long promised. staple—a bit like giving meat-eaters At day’s end the crowd is famished. Jesus asks his disci- 40 years of tofu! ples where to buy food for them. Philip just throws his And yet, manna became the symbol hands up in the air: “Do you have any idea how much it Continued on page 8 would cost to buy food for a crowd this size?” Andrew at least brings a kid with a lunch bag— two fish and five barley buns—but dismisses this meagre lunch as totally inadequate. We often hold Andrew up as an example of faith in action. But imagine this: you are standing knee-deep in a flooded basement, and someone announces they’ve found some paper towels. That’s what Andrew sounds like to me—a wise guy, a master of sarcasm. But Jesus takes what is offered—the two fish and five buns, gives thanks, and distributes them to the thousands seated on the ground. Not only is there enough for all, there is much more than enough! There is a story behind this story—God’s taking The story of the loaves and fish is dramatized before the sermon.

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Manna From page 7 multiplication: “How did he do that?” of God’s sustaining hungry people living on the edge of But reflect on the wonder of the raw survival. I love the way Psalm 78 calls manna the “grain material Jesus uses for his sign of the from heaven, the bread of angels.” food of heaven. Not so much “how did he do that?” but “with what did he do that?” The manna-giving God The kid’s lunch wasn’t much, but it The echo of God’s provision in the desert puts us in touch was what that boy had, it was all that We by with the core point of our story of the fish and loaves—the what was available. And it was enough ourselves will trustworthiness and generous attentiveness of our God. I for Jesus. think of that great hymn of the Eastern church which we I am reminded of Siaka Traore’s never have have in our hymnal: “Who is so great a God as our God! Our powerful sermon on Africa Day at the God is one who doeth wonders!” Mennonite World Conference assembly enough. While the account of manna in Deuteronomy reminds us in Zimbabwe: “We give what we have.” Never! that we do not live by bread alone, we do need food to live! That is the miracle—that Jesus would The story of manna in the desert and of Jesus feeding the take what we have, however pathetic We are easily hungry people remind us both of our creaturely vulnerabil- in relation to the needs around us, and ity, and of the Creator’s care for us in our vulnerability. make it into manna. overwhelmed Many of us take this dimension of God’s care for granted That is a wonderful image of what by how since few of us live on the edge of survival when it comes to we call the “missional church.” Jesus food, unless it is struggling with the effects of having too does not bring manna out of the sky, meagre is the much of it! Our hunger may more frequently be for love, he takes the lunch we have brought lunch we faith and hope, for relationship, reconciliation, forgiveness, and makes it into manna. The little we for new birth. have is all Jesus needs! bring to The God who does wonders provides enough manna not We by ourselves will never have only for all, but of every kind of manna! That is the God who enough. Never! None of us have ever Jesus. has called us together. had enough, if measured against the Our story insists that it is Jesus through whom the needs around us. We are easily over- manna-giving God meets the needs of the hungry multi- whelmed by how meagre is the lunch tudes. Jesus is concerned not only with whether we have we bring to Jesus. food to eat, but offers himself as the true manna from When we think of the needs in heaven. We need bread, but we need more than bread, and Mennonite Church Canada, whether it so Christ gives us himself as the bread of life. is finances, missional resolve and John’s way of alerting us to the fact that this story is more creativity, or wisdom to address the than a spectacular act of food distribution is to call it a seemingly intractable issues dividing “sign.” Something of ultimate importance is taking place. us, our lunch bag seems so patheti- Is it a sign that the manna-giving God cares about our cally small. The astonishing miracle is physical wellbeing? Yes. Is it a sign that in this man— that it is exactly that small offering Jesus—God is invading the darkness of oppression, fear, and that Jesus asks us to bring. It is hunger? Yes, but we can say more yet. It is sign that Jesus is enough for him to make manna. himself the bread of heaven. This disparity between what we But this text tells us that we do not fully grasp who Jesus have and what God can do with it is of is—we do not understand the sign—if we think of him only course woven into the story of our in relation to the hunger of the stomach. Nor do we under- faith from the beginning. Think of the stand if we disparage the needs of the hungry. There is no seriously overaged parents Abraham spirituality worth a dime which does not feel the urgency of and Sarah, the seriously underpow- the question, “What will they eat?” whether we are speaking ered collection of freed slaves through of bread, or parched and hungry souls craving acceptance, whom God wishes to bless all the healing, forgiveness and new birth. nations of the earth, or a messiah born Christ’s multiplication of fish and bread is a sign that he in a barn and dying on a Roman cross. knows our need, but also that we need him, the manna from Paul knew this too when he came to heaven, if we truly wish to live. understand that the treasure he was commissioned to disseminate was a Our fish and bread treasure that came in an earthen pot Let’s shift our focus to the boy with the lunch bag of fish (2 Corinthians 4). Paul experienced and buns. As we saw earlier, Andrew is hardly hopeful when that it is in weakness that the power he presents the boy to Jesus. But it is that lunch with which of God comes to its fullest expression Jesus makes manna for the ravenous multitude. So let’s get (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). up off the grass and put ourselves in the place of this boy. His beloved Macedonians exemplify We’re accustomed to thinking of this as a miracle of this divine irony when they beg Paul

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to participate in the gift to the starving brothers and sisters in Palestine. Paul tells us in one of his fundraising letters that their generosity emerged out of—get this!— “severe affliction, abundant joy, and extreme poverty” (2 Corinthians 8:2). The only way you can see the connection between enthusi- Invocation astic generosity and extreme poverty is if you know that what you have to offer Jesus is never the measure of what is God of abundance, as we come to possible. Our gifts will never be more than a few fish and a worship few buns. But our offering of them makes the miracle of we are still tangled in our multiplication possible. schedules, As Mennonite Church Canada we have come through a surrounded by demands, time of financial turbulence. We are in the midst of ethical caught up in the spectacular, the superb, the superior. and theological turbulence. And we are tempted to think that We may feel we never have enough, our success in dealing with these issues will be the result of we never accomplish enough, our resources, our planning and shaping. It won’t be! we never are enough. Yes, we are right to strategize, organize, manage, talk. We O God, in the midst of this jumble, know that these are themselves gifts of the Spirit. But we may your still, small voice tug at us are dead wrong to think that they are anything more than a until we stop – listen – consider lunch bag of the raw stuff Jesus needs to make manna. They and see ourselves and this world are never the measure of what God will do with what we again, through your eyes. bring. And that is supremely good news! So, let what we say and do, Let us, therefore, like those impoverished Macedonians, what we ponder and decide, in this time of worship beg to participate in what Christ wants to do in the world to be to your glory. still its hunger. Let’s beg to participate in what Christ wishes to do among us in MC Canada, without being sure This prayer opened Thursday evening what that will be. worship at Winkler 2004. Let’s bring what we have, grateful to participate with God, grateful that Jesus chooses to use what we bring. Let us pray: Multiplier of our every gift, what we have, we bring to you. Take it, bless it, multiply it, and give it away, we pray. Amen.—Tom Yoder Neufeld Delegates gather for communion at The writer teaches New Testament at Conrad Grebel University College, Winkler 2004. University of Waterloo.

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Arts notes Publishing note

Kids art at folk festival Call for choristers Conversation about During the recent Winnipeg Folk Menno Singers is inviting singers to church magazine Festival, Caili Woodyard, MCC Mani- join Mennonite Mass Choir to perform Staff from The Mennonite and toba community arts worker, offered Handel’s Messiah on December 3 and Mennonite Church USA Executive activities for children who meandered 4 at Kitchener’s Centre in the Square. Board met on June 25 to discuss how through her gallery. Woodyard was at The choir will be conducted by Peter the magazine can balance healthy the festival to encourage artistic Nikiforuk and accompanied by the critique with accountability in its expression in children and introduce Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. reporting. Everett Thomas, editor, and visitors to the Andrews Street Family Soloists are Stephanie Kramer, his board members shared their vision Centre in a downtown area of Winni- Jennifer Enns Modolo, Terence Mireau for moving the magazine closer to peg where nearly 65 per cent of and Steven Horst. Rehearsals begin denominational structures. That would residents live in poverty. At the centre, September 13 at 7:30 p.m., and involve both the magazine’s commit- Woodyard offers workshops to all ages continue on subsequent Mondays at ment to be a supportive voice of MC on a variety of arts, including sculpt- First Mennonite Church in Kitchener. USA and the denomination’s support of ing, sewing, beadwork and painting. Mark Diller Harder will conduct most some degree of journalistic freedom, Once Woodyard’s term finishes next rehearsals. A registration form can be within a framework of trust. summer, she plans to pursue a fine found at www.mennosingers.com. Send The Mennonite, a semi-independent arts degree in Montreal. the registration form to Menno official publication of Mennonite Singers, 77 Krug Street, Kitchener, ON Church USA, does not receive financial N2H 2X6.—From release support from it. The Executive Board, however, appoints three of the maga- zine’s board members, as do delegates. The Executive Board also has veto power in the hiring and firing of the editor. About 25 percent of the denomina- tion’s members read the magazine. Thomas will meet with church leaders to work on a new covenant. “We hope to spell out…how we talk together when we do something that is troublesome between the magazine and the denominational structure and agencies,” Thomas said. The Mennonite will ask readers who wish to express criticism first to contact the institution or agency for a response to their concerns. The magazine will reserve the right to invite the criticized agency to publish a response following opinion pieces. That should help to maintain accountability, while still allowing diverse voices to speak, said Executive Board member Kevin Goertzen. The way to increase readers “is not to remove all the controversy” from the magazine. J. Daryl Byler of the Executive Board favoured stronger independence for the magazine. “Critique helps hold the church in check,” he said.—From MC Young artists display their talents at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. USA release by Laurie L. Oswald

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tive, we are greeted with shouts and Heaven and hell in Haiti smiles. The community here grows o you know the address to include silo construction, composting, primarily black beans, corn and pigeon heaven?” Djaloki Dessables introduction of appropriate seeds, soil peas. The yellow “silo” that stores 13.6 Dasks me. conservation, and adult literacy. FIDA- tonnes of seed offers protection from We are being thrown about in the pcH receives support from the Cana- rodents, ready access to crops and back of a utility vehicle as we drive dian International Development better prices. Terraced farming has the horrendous roads into Port-au- Agency (CIDA), community organiza- been taught by FIDA agriculturalists. Prince, Haiti. A truck lumbers by tions and donors. Careful records are kept in ledgers alarmingly close, its gears grinding. In The consuming desire of Haitians is in a tiny office; beside everyone’s name the space between its front grill and to be understood; much of the assist- is a photo. Within this orderly, thriving hood are tied a live goat, two squawk- ing chickens and a rooster. “New York,” Djaloki answers. “That’s where Haitians go to get rich. Before that, they go to Miami…. ‘God grant me a visa to Miami’ is the prayer on everyone’s lips.” He adds flatly, “Port-au-Prince is hell.” Almost $1 billion annually pours into Haiti from relatives in the promised lands of Miami, New York and Montreal. This is what keeps Haiti afloat. This is why millions are willing to exist in the heartbreaking squalor and despair of their capital. Garbage covers much of the broken streets and floats down filthy canals. Goats and pigs root through hills of debris rotting beside homes and busi- nesses. Children clothed in rags play in the dirt. A man tries, unsuccessfully, to direct a flow of oozing mud away from his shack with a broken plank. A field of cabbages flourishes in a cooperative at Fond Baptiste in Haiti. In a sea of bagged charcoal, the bane responsible for much of Haiti’s devastat- ance that flows into their country community, I begin to alter my opinion ing deforestation, people buy and sell. indicates they are not. of Haiti. It is February 8. We weave through For example, at a malnutrition Our trip continues up the mountain roadblocks of tires and garbage that centre, the Sisters of Charity always to another FIDA project. The rusty-red will be set on fire during demonstra- used cloth diapers without plastic earth is rich with iron deposits. As we tions against President Jean-Bertrand pants. Recently, visitors noticed the climb the final crest, a stupendous Aristide. Finally we arrive at the guest children wearing disposable diapers. sight awaits us. It’s market day. house, exhausted and disturbed. Although the sisters complained of Thousands of people dressed in every I am in Haiti for the Foundation for diaper rashes and contributing to colour imaginable are buying, selling, International Development Assistance Haiti’s epidemic of garbage, their shouting, eating and socializing. (FIDA), founded in 1984 by Jack and storage room was filled with thou- Goats, pigs, donkeys and horses Anne Wall of Waterloo, Ontario. FIDA- sands of Pampers, a gift from Canada. blend into the melee. Women fry griyo pcH (productive cooperatives Haiti) Any aid, however, is accepted when in pots of oil over tiny fires. Children fosters agricultural cooperatives among one has nothing. Poverty becomes a weave through the crowd, selling the poorest of the poor in rural Haiti. commodity. Armed with this under- tablet, a brown sugar delicacy made Today the operation consists of 35 standing, FIDA-pcH has become a with pistache or shredded coconut. An cooperatives owned entirely by leader in sustainable development, old woman wearing a silver evening Haitians. Co-op members are provided garnering attention from other parts jacket sells fried pig intestines and with training in cooperative develop- of the globe. organs from a dented tin bowl. ment and agriculture. Activities At the Chaine des Matheux coopera- As in Chenchiron, the hospitality is

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bounteous. La kai ou (it’s your home) country of incomparable contradic- neighbour. All sins were to be made is repeated often. We feast on rice, tions, a people of dignified resilience right before you took communion. beans, militon, goat stew, pickleys and and generosity. I have been welcomed, Now our bulletins simply announce French fries. challenged and intimidated. that communion will be held. Every- Among the cooperatives, children On a dark, decrepit road to the one should read I Corinthians 11:23- are healthy and women exude content- airport, words of a song fill me, a song 29 and Hebrews 10:26-29. What we do ment. Men carry confidence in their of the cooperatives: Si nou mache nan at a communion service can be a eyes. New projects will see the harvest lamen nou ka rive lwen…. If we work matter of going to heaven or hell. If we of watermelon, corn, sorghum, and hand in hand, we can go far. We must have confessed our sins before God pigeon peas. trust each other because we need each and made things right, we can be sure “Civil war has broken out,” we are other to go on.—Rachel Wallace- that God will forgive our sins. If we told back at the guest house. All Oberle continue to live in sin, we eat and Canadians will be asked to leave. I ask The writer is from Elmira, Ontario. drink damnation on ourselves. about Haiti’s future. Jesus told the woman caught in Alix Magloire, an accountant with adultery to go and sin no more. We FIDA, says with tears in his eyes, seem to think that we can accept “Haitians need to change their mental- Letters Jesus and still live in sin. ity. They need to accept themselves. The communion articles talk about Our leaders need to think about their Unworthy communion God’s grace. God does not force grace country before their pocketbooks.” will bring judgment on us; we decide what we will do. The The following morning, shell casings people in Noah’s day had 100 years of are discovered in the courtyard of our After studying the articles on commun- grace while Noah was preaching, yet compound. Later in the week, we are ion services (June 14), I am amazed at only Noah’s family was saved. The stopped on our way back from the how far we have fallen from the Bible thief on the cross had a few hours, and beach by police. They cradle guns and teaching. Jesus assured him he would be in swagger back and forth across the road, In my parents’ day, the Sunday heaven. stopping vehicles while making us before communion was called Prepara- Hebrews 10: 26 says, “For if we sin wait. Finally we are sent on our way. tion Sunday when there was a heavy wilfully after we have received the In one week, my heart has been sermon on repentance and being in knowledge of the truth, there invaded. I have fallen in love with a right relationship with God and remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”

Letting go—again tion satisfied with my investment in his Marvelling at the teachers’ tributes for nurture. each grad, like a blessing. The first “This is hard work,” I exclaim as I The day turned out to be wonderful. The dance, beaming at my son leading me prepare for the nine family members whoosh of family carried me through with around the floor. who are arriving to share our son’s high a wave of sensations. Delight by their An odd misstep to the choreography. school graduation. Hauling in groceries, sacrifice to make the long trip, my young- As the grads processed in, an upheaval stuffing the freezer with homemade est sister driving 30 hours with her of emotion convulsed through me, baking, making up beds—the tasks husband and four young children. Laugh- nearly throwing me into the aisle to seemed endless. wail, “Stop! I’m not ready for this!” Simultaneously, I wonder if the work Words I don’t even believe. Fortunately provides a useful distraction; letting go I wrestled the sensation down, declar- of one stage of life can be difficult. As Family ing I would deal with it later. writer Annie Lamott observed, “Every- Ties Subsequent reflection led me to note thing I’ve let go of has claw marks in it.” its parallels with labour. The intensity I was letting go of a child who was Melissa matched stunningly painful labour evolving into an adult with stunning Miller pains that transported me into a deep speed. In recent months, I’ve heard the and sacred space. The words mirrored cheerful babble of my blonde-haired my cry when labour came on swift and toddler while I was preparing dinner. furious, three weeks early, as I stood in Turning, I’d see a broad-shouldered, a drugstore buying sunglasses for a trip newly-shaved man enter the kitchen ter, chatter, commotion and food. Leaning to the beach. and wrap me in a bear hug. “Oh, yeah, into my niece’s full-bodied alto in congrega- Ready or not, life comes. Letting go is he grew up,” I’d remind myself, bemused tional singing. hard work. I thought it again as I, at the blend of memory and the present. Four-year-old Seth sailing from the weeping, left my mother at the airport. It wasn’t as if I’d missed the process. stairs, Spider-man style, over our sedate Looks like we keep getting opportunities As a mother of one, I was fully engaged dog who barely blinks as the boy-hero to practise. I think it’s worth the effort. in his childhood. I hope I restrained my lands crouched, webbed hands at the ready. eagerness sufficiently to give him The writer is a counsellor and author who Sharing the grad dinner with my mother, operates Family Ties in Winnipeg. She is a breathing room. I arrive at the transi- my husband’s sister, our son and his guest. member of Charleswood Mennonite Church.

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I think only those who have been gration laws by grateful employers. baptized and received the Holy Spirit In the Mennonite Weekly Review This section is a forum for discussion and discernment. Letters express the should take part in communion. Is this response to the Saturday Night article opinion of the writer, not necessarily not why we have believers’ baptism, so (May 10), journalist Robert Rhodes that of Canadian Mennonite or the that we are old enough to know what took the time to interview other church. We publish most letters, unless God expects? sources within the Mennonite commu- they attack individuals or become The minute we die, God’s grace is nity to present a more balanced unnecessarily repetitious. See page 2 over; next is the judgment.—Peter picture. Canadian Mennonite owes our for address information. Rempel, Rosthern, Sask. Old Colonist brothers and sisters an apology for naively echoing the untruthful and pejorative reporting of When Paul Klassen writes, “I see Old Colonists Saturday Night.—Delbert Plett, church services like a spiritual buf- Steinbach, Man. fet—I pick what I want and leave the singled out unfairly rest” (June 28, page 18), he is by no I add my voice to those objecting to means alone. We all do this with Canadian Mennonite’s “unreflective ‘Line in the sand’ respect to what the Bible says. regurgitation” (May 3) of the Saturday unfortunate image There are wide differences of belief Night article, “The Mennonite Mob.” about such concepts as creation, sin, The article was largely a rehash of The image of “drawing a line in the hell, the true church and the second anecdotes and outdated prejudices sand,” as used in the “From our coming, on what is historical or masquerading as facts. It adds little to leaders” column (July 12), seems allegorical, on interpretation and the myths and demonizing of the 1992 somewhat unfortunate, although it relevance of scripture, not only on gay television program, “The Fifth Estate.” can also be instructive. and lesbian life. I admit that I still Mark Loop, one of the few credible On the one hand, as popularized by believe what I was taught by parents new sources quoted by Saturday modern gods of war, it symbolizes to and church—that the Bible is relevant Night, has stated that he was grossly many of us the devastation caused by for all times and cultures. misquoted in his statement that “5,000 powerful leaders promoting an “us Nevertheless, what each of us Mennonites have been conscripted into versus them” mentality. believes to be sin is a matter of choice, the drug trade.” On the other hand, if we allow our based on what we believe the Bible Based on the limited evidence minds to wander through the gospels, says and on what the Christian provided by the article, figures of 100- we inevitably stumble on Jesus, community says as well. We must 200 “affected by the drug trade” would kneeling in the sand, writing lines decide what to confess and what to ask be more credible. I am told by sources that draw the marginalized into the forgiveness for. within the Ontario Old Colony church circle.—Peter Penner, Winnipeg, Man. There are three beliefs we need to that the reporters were extremely agree on in the universal body of rude and even threatening in their Christ: 1) that each of us has sinned interviews. and deserves the punishment of God’s Particularly despicable was the Church must agree wrath, 2) that God in his infinite manufactured cover of a hollowed-out on three beliefs mercy and justice provided the only Bible with cocaine taped in the form of I am increasingly convinced that how way to escape by executing that wrath a cross. It slanders the most sacred we live is the result of choices we on Jesus Christ who bore the penalty cornerstone of Old Colony culture, and make, and with these choices we also for our sins, 3) that when Jesus that of all Mennonites: the Bible. choose the consequences. The freedom suffered and died on the cross he All communities are affected by to choose is, of course, the result of a purchased for us the only righteous- poverty and drugs. To single out a loving, omniscient, omnipotent creator. ness that is able to stand before our small minority which happens to be Whether we accept the God as God. more vulnerable and less capable of described in the Bible is a matter of Although I believe that Mennonite hiding its problems than the average choice for each of us. How we view the Church Canada does excellent work in church is neither fair nor Christian. Bible in terms of its origin, authority many areas, I do not expect that these There are two sides here, and and meaning is a decision for each of issues will be solved in Winkler or Canadian Mennonite would do well to us, and more broadly for each congre- anytime soon.—Frank J. Thiessen, report on both. Old Colonists across gation and larger church body. Winnipeg, Man. Latin America are respected by their Even though we may agree on the neighbours and government officials authority of scripture, there is obvi- who work with them. Employers in ously major disagreement on what the Manitoba regularly advertise for Bible says to us today. The growing immigrants from Bolivia and Mexico. number of versions of the Bible has Thousands of undocumented Old contributed, in my view, to muddying Colonists live in Texas and Kansas the water even more. where they are shielded from immi-

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8-15 13 27/7/04, 3:26 PM Winkler 2004 Assembly offers ‘enough for all’ Over 500 registrants and many guests page 6). During the final worship, filled the Winkler Bergthaler about 80 children in bright orange T- Mennonite Church in Manitoba July 7- shirts, who had been busy with their 11 for the annual assembly of own assembly, brought their colourful Mennonite Church Canada under the fish to join the loaves at the front of theme “Enough for all.” Following are the church. reports from that event. The financial reports raised almost no discussion this year, perhaps here was certainly “Enough for because they were presented in such all” at the 2004 Assembly of careful detail by Lloyd Plett, a finan- TMennonite Church Canada on cial consultant who is overseeing the July 7-11. The theme, from the John 6 MC Canada finance department. Or story of the five loaves and two fish, perhaps, after last year’s intense wove its way through the varieties of debates on finances, delegates wanted worship, the roundtable discussions, to focus on other things. Moderator the superb hosting and the lively Henry Krause reported that giving is outdoor festival in the brilliant prairie 10 percent behind budget this year. sunshine. Delegates approved a 2005 income People seemed ready to celebrate budget of $5,063,728 million, calling and to work, to move on from last for donations of $3.9 million. The year’s frustrations over finances and bottom line is a surplus of $130,000. cutbacks. The core of 546 registrants Launched at the assembly was a (412 delegates) swelled to almost 1,000 new book entitled Becoming a Na- people at times, filling the large tional Church. It is a history of the sanctuary of the Winkler Bergthaler Conference of Mennonites in Canada, Winkler 2004 Mennonite Church. written by Adolf Ens of Winnipeg. Tom Yoder Neufeld’s three sermons Annual Assembly of Resolutions Mennonite Church Canada urged us to consider how Jesus can use our small “lunch bag of two fish Among the actions for delegate July 7 – 11, 2004 and a few buns” to feed many (see decision was a series of motions

All assembly photos by Dan Dyck unless otherwise noted.

Table groups work hard at the issues for discussion. General Board leaders have their own discussion (at top) of photo.

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assigning the property and buildings at 600 Shaftesbury Boulevard to Canadian Mennonite University, while ensuring that MC Canada and MC Manitoba interests are protected. The move recognizes that the property was originally purchased for the purpose of Christian education and that this move continues to fulfill that mandate. Delegates approved the motions. Delegates also approved a motion that “MC Canada become an affiliate of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and member of the Canadian Council of Churches, on the under- standing that we forward to both bodies the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective as the frame- work for our participation.” Several additional resolutions came to the floor from various sources. A pastors’ group from B.C. moved that the General Board be asked “to choose Iglesia Jesus es el Camino from Winnipeg leads Saturday morning moving worship. an appropriate scripture motto for Mennonite Church Canada.” The da’s confession of faith and positional second session focused on the role of resolution was carried. statements.” the national church in discerning A group from Rosemary Mennonite Henry Neufeld, chair of the Cana- theology, ethics, polity and practice Church in Alberta proposed that MC dian Mennonite board, noted that the (i.e., what kinds of issues the national Canada “boldly present the gospel of magazine is not “independent”—its church should address and through repentance and salvation by grace” board is made up of representatives what kind of body). and inform all churches “of the clear from the national and area confer- The third topic was homosexuality. standards and expectations of how ences, and it works under an editorial Most felt that their table was able to conferences should deal with churches partnership agreement with MC have a frank and respectful discussion, who are at variance with the Confes- Canada. Tim Dyck, incoming editor, despite a wide range of convictions. sion of Faith….” shared his plans for a Canada-wide Groups did not report their discus- Several respondents objected to the editorial council. sions to the entire group, as with other “whereas” clauses that said MC The Niverville motion was defeated. topics, but gave a written summary to Canada “apparently lacks the boldness Another motion, which carried, the General Board for consideration. to speak to certain issues” and that affirmed the efforts of Mennonite The fourth discussion considered this lack “is causing frustration and Voluntary Service Adventure as they joining the Evangelical Fellowship of weakening our collective ministry and support service units and “explore new Canada and the Canadian Council of contributing to disunity.” models of Christian service” and Churches, and the fifth focused on One speaker suggested tongue-in- partnerships around the globe. frequency of assemblies. The majority cheek that, although a specific issue felt that annual assemblies should be wasn’t mentioned, this motion prob- Roundtable issues continued. The General Board will ably referred to footwashing, com- “The work of the church is best compile the suggestions of the discern- manded by Jesus and mentioned in described as discussion and discern- ment groups for help in planning for our Confession, but not widely prac- ment, rather than as debate and the future. tised in our churches. Before the vote decision,” stated the assembly report In elections, Henry Krause agreed to could be called, a motion to table was book. In keeping with this understand- serve as moderator for another two presented and approved. ing, this year’s assembly included years, and Esther Peters took over as The Niverville Mennonite Church in three “discernment sessions” around assistant moderator. She succeeds Joy Manitoba brought a resolution to tables in the fellowship hall. Kroeger, who was given a warm thank change the Canadian Mennonite from Debate was lively as delegates dived you for her six years of service. an “independent” news magazine to a into five assigned topics, beginning The assembly concluded with an “church-owned”magazine by December with a purpose statement for MC invitation to next year’s gathering 31. The proposal was based on the Canada. The statement is part of the July 4-9 in Charlotte, North Carolina, “confusion leading to distress and current General Board review of where Canadians will meet together disappointment” over printed materi- conference structure and programs, with Mennonite Church USA.— als that do not “represent MC Cana- led by Aldred Neufeldt of Calgary. The Margaret Loewen Reimer

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8-15 15 27/7/04, 3:26 PM Winkler 2004 Worship celebrates miracles of multiplication he catchy assembly theme, the grassy slopes of the Winkler Park During the closing communion “Enough for all,” popped up amphitheatre where we listened to service on Saturday evening, the Teverywhere as Mennonite Church stories involving miracles of multipli- loaves and fish became a celebratory Canada delegates, staff and guests cation in many lands. feast as Yoder Neufeld invited us to gathered to celebrate God’s overflowing Tim Froese, Witness worker in move beyond the “careful and guarded love and generosity at Winkler 2004. South Korea, told the story of some language of memorial and symbols” to Drawn from John 6:1-14, the young North American Mennonites who celebrate the life we have received in worship highlighted the miracle of decided to “tithe” their careers by Christ with a joyous re-enactment of multiplication which resulted when a serving with Mennonite Central “the taking in, the ‘eating’ of that life, small boy shared his lunch of five Committee in Korea in the 1950s and of ingesting Jesus, the manna from loaves and two fish in response to 60s. About 50 years later, a Korean man heaven, the bread of life.” Jesus’ question: How are you going to phoned Froese at the Korea Anabaptist In John 6, Jesus literally demands feed all these hungry people? Centre, saying he had heard the that his hearers “chew” or “munch” his It’s a miracle which continues today, Mennonites were back and he wanted to flesh, using a word once used for said keynote speaker Tom Yoder make a donation to their work. animals, said Yoder Neufeld. Neufeld, whenever we offer our lunch The man transferred a very gener- “I hear Jesus inviting us to chew bags even though they may seem ous gift of money to the centre, saying, with our mouth open, to eat with our pathetically small in relation to the “This is only a drop in the bucket in hands…ravenous with hunger for this physical and spiritual needs around us. return for those Mennonite young bread of life, parched for more of the Yoder Neufeld said he took heart from people who worked with us when it juice of life…to participate in the the story, knowing his own words “don’t was difficult.” Another Korean influ- saving presence of the Word made need to be anything more than a couple enced by MCC workers sent his flesh and blood in and for the sake of of fish and some buns…. I’m counting on children to Mennonite schools “to find the world God loves beyond words.” the miracle of multiplication.” out what makes these people tick!” As hungry worshippers responded to The miracle, Yoder Neufeld empha- One of his sons, who attended Cana- that call, they were served by children sized, is not how Jesus multiplied that dian Mennonite University, is now a who had baked the communion bread small boy’s lunch, but rather what he co-worker at the Anabaptist centre. during their sessions and now shared did with it. When “we give what we “We often talk about witnessing,” it from their baskets. Truly, there was have,” that little bit of “raw Froese concluded, “but the truth is we more than enough for everyone.— material…is all that Jesus needs!” simply are a witness to what God is Leona Dueck Penner The “loaves and fishes” multiplied doing, through love, hope and faith.” during the week of assembly as “fresh bread,” both literal and figurative, appeared in the hallways, on dinner tables, in sessions and workshops. Three evening worship services were held in the 1000-seat sanctuary of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, the front draped with colour- ful “fish-nets” (like upside down rainbows!). Ben Pauls and Marilyn Houser Hamm led the joy-filled singing, along with other musicians. Pam Driedger coordinated the dramatized stories and scripture readings, which provided “new takes” on an old story. Driedger also commit- ted the reports of each day to God as participants brought their loaves to the basket in front. Three morning worship services featured Korean, Native Canadian and Hispanic congregations who brought new life to “old bread” as they shared scripture, gave testimonies and Rempel Petkau Photo by Evelyn sang with great enthusiasm. Wendy Janzen of Ontario and Clare Neufeld of B.C. offer loaves of bread as Friday evening worship was held on symbols of the church’s work to be used and multiplied by God. Pam Driedger, worship leader, holds the basket.

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8-15 16 27/7/04, 3:26 PM Winkler 2004 Seminars continue the dialogue Our diversity: Enough for all Discussion continued around issues operating next year due to lack of such as music. Some felt that our view volunteers even though a church- ruly we are a diverse people, of Scripture has shifted in the last years. owned house and leaders are in place. more than anyone understands,” Participants identified some visible Toronto and Winnipeg continue. All of Tsaid Sven Eriksson, denomina- signs of our unity: overseas workers them hope to reopen next year. tional minister, at the seminar on supported by the whole church, MC Still, there were some positive steps diversity. “The extent of the Canada logo, hymn book, Sunday taken last year. A new diversity…has huge implications for school curriculum, Canadian congregationally-based program— our conference working together.” Mennonite, a Christ-centred theology, MVSA—emerged in February with the Eriksson shared his observations on the Confession of Faith, a culture of “blessing and promise of logistical diversity with the Christian Forma- service, peace position, and believer’s support” from Witness Council (see tion Council last March, generating a baptism. March 8 and April 5 issues). vigorous response. This seminar was a “In some cases you cannot be The commitment of hosting congre- continuation of that conversation. diverse,” one person said, “you can’t gations and volunteers remains “We want to gain a better under- have it both ways.” strong. This was evident as people standing of who we are as a church “Do we have enough of what we shared their service experiences. and where we are going.” need to embrace the diversity that we Kevin Stoesz of Winnipeg said that Sue Steiner, chair of Formation, said have?” asked Eriksson. his year in Germany provided an later, “We are trying to learn some new Don Rempel Boschman, a member of Continued on page 18 skills, trying to…discern carefully Formation Council, about what draws us together, what wondered if we have degrees and types of diversity we can enough humility. “I accommodate. We are on a new don’t think we ask MC Canada leadership learning curve.” enough, ‘what if I’m MC Canada members no longer Evelyn General Board wrong?’”— Henry Krause, Moderator share a common ethnic and historical Rempel Petkau Esther Peters, Assistant Moderator identity. In addition, there is geo- Marlene Janzen, Secretary graphical diversity and area confer- Affirming the ethic Clare Schlegel, Treasurer ences vary greatly in size. These of service Staff: Dan Nighswander, General Secretary differences have “ways of shaping our Randy Wiebe, Director of Finance identity and mission,” said Eriksson. he turnout for the We are not of one mind on Scripture, workshop, “Affirm Formation Council theology, ethics, view of the church Ting the ethic of Sue Steiner, Chair (ecclesiology) and how we worship. service,” was small, Staff: Dave Bergen, Executive Secretary “What difference would it make if comprising mainly Sven Eriksson, Denominational Minister Mennonite Voluntary (Other staff: Elsie Rempel, Christian Education; we begin with the premise that our Anna Rehan, Youth Ministries; Alf Redekop, Heritage diversity was God’s idea?” asked Service Adventure (MVSA) supporters. But Centre; Sharon Brown and Arlyn Friesen Epp, Eriksson. Resource Centre.) Ken Bechtel, conference pastor in their enthusiasm led to Saskatchewan, noted that church a resolution, passed Christian Witness Council diversity often seems to parallel later by delegates, that Willard M. Metzger, Chair provincial settings. “This indicates affirmed church-based Staff: Robert (Jack) Suderman, Executive Secretary that churches are in conversation with service. Janet Plenert, International Ministries director their cultures. At what points are we At first, the mood in (Other international directors: Peter Rempel, Europe with the culture and at what points do the workshop was and Africa; Gordon Janzen, Asia and Middle East. muted as participants National program directors: Walter Franz and we step back and question the culture?” Donovan Jacobs, Native Ministry; Samson Lo, Frank Neufeld commented that the reviewed MC Canada’s termination of its Multi-Cultural Ministries; Missional Formation different ways people have immigrated Facilitators in area churches.) to Canada reflect different approaches service program last and emphases. year. It has been Support Services Council Eriksson observed that different difficult to carry on Louis Sawatzky, Chair cultural groups have different ways of without the support Staff: Pam Peters-Pries, Executive Secretary processing things in their churches. structures. Dan Dyck, Communications director “The different historical and cultural The recently opened Kirsten Schroeder, Human Resources director influences of MCEC reflect different Montreal unit closed its Al Rempel, Resource Development director ways of processing things than in doors. Hamilton and Riverton are on hold. Canadian Women in Mission western Canada. It can be enriching Dodie Lepp, President when we learn from each other.” Lethbridge won’t be

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Seminars From page 17 tions with which they have a working programs where there is a power relationship. differential. Because churches have opportunity to see how people interact A Mennonite Church Saskatchewan large numbers of children, a shortage of in a different culture. Wally Kroeker of congregation needed to establish workers and a culture of trust, they are Abbotsford, B.C., enjoyed his experience policies when a Bible college that attractive places for sexual predators. with 35 volunteers at MCC in Akron. places students in the church required It is important that churches Marilyn Houser Hamm and Brian it. Many insurance companies are develop screening policies that suit Petkau from Manitoba spoke passion- now refusing to cover churches unless their particular needs. Resources are ately about how their service terms as they fulfill this requirement. available through the Resource Centre young adults shaped their lives. Although these factors are pushing at: www.mennonitechurch.ca. Petkau sees VS as essential for the church, Schroeder said that the Each church should have a commit- keeping young people in the church. primary drive should be “to protect our tee to write the policies, followed with How can we get churches excited children.” Safe church or abuse a review by legal counsel. Policies about voluntary service and create prevention policies are written to should include regularly training new models? April Yamasaki from prevent and minimize the possibility people on the policies, writing job Abbotsford said that Vsers often look of abuse, and to protect workers from descriptions for each volunteer, and beyond Canada. What if churches false allegations of abuse. supervising the volunteer. hosted VSers from other countries, Churches are “about 25 years “There are benefits,” said Schroeder. linking them with their youth? behind” in having such policies, said “Your recruitment will be much more “We need new models, but I don’t Schroeder. “It is our duty as leaders of effective, as people like to know what want to let MC Canada off the hook!” church programs to talk about poten- they are doing and what is expected of said Petkau. “Let’s challenge Witness tial abuses and build safe structures them…. This often leads to a higher workers to send one person to Canada, that protect those entrusted to our care.” level of satisfaction among your to also challenge us,” said another In most churches there is a heavy volunteers and, subsequently, better person. reliance on volunteers to lead Sunday retention of volunteers.”—Evelyn Suggestions for next steps included school, youth activities, and other Rempel Petkau promotional letters to churches and mission and service committees, encouraging more congregational Green vests denote hospitality partnering, prayer, and a resolution to the delegates to keep the idea alive.— l Ens was one of the people the area. The tour ended in the village wearing green vests at the Leona Dueck Penner of Reinland, with dinner at the commu- A Winkler assembly. These were the nity hall (the building which was the hospitable folks who helped registrants first Mennonite church in southern Screening volunteers find their way around Winkler Manitoba) and a visit to Heritage his was the first MC Canada Bergthaler Mennonite Church, the House, a barn-house structure common people who served coffee and stood at in the late 1800s. assembly that involved street corners to guide you to a seminar Wes Hamm hosted a walking tour of a Tscreening volunteers. The volun- or to the park. teers who worked with the Kids Ens was the tour master. There were Assembly went through a rigorous many options. screening process which included On Thursday, Ken Loewen led a four- references, criminal checks and child hour tour that included Friesens abuse registry checks. Corporation in Altona, an internation- Because these volunteers work with ally known printing company with 450 children in other settings, this came as workers; Radio Southern Manitoba, which operates more then 20 radio no surprise and they willingly complied. stations across western Canada; the This is not always the case, said village of Neubergthal, a national Kirsten Schroeder, director of Human historic site; a tour through Gretna, Resources for MC Canada, who led the where Mennonite Collegiate Institute is “Introduction to volunteer screening” constructing a new performing arts seminar. “Especially in rural churches, centre; and a final stop in the village of these procedures are met with resist- Reinland, with the first Mennonite ance. ‘Why should we do this? We know church building in the West Reserve. all our people,’ is often the response.” On Friday, Walter Hoeppner led a tour Many churches have established to the Morden Agricultural Research Station, a federal site that develops volunteer screening policies and prairie crops and plants. The trip others are in the process of doing so. included a stop at a Hutterite colony. George Ens, hosting coordinator, For a few, unfortunate circumstances Abe Ens conducted a tour of the Plum pushed them in this direction. For offers one of his ‘non-boring’ Coulee area, a rich agricultural district, announcements. others, it is a requirement of institu- with a stop at one of the largest farms in

18 Canadian Mennonite August 2, 2004 Volume 8, Number 15

8-15 18 27/7/04, 3:26 PM Winkler 2004 Ministers explore dynamics of change hat is the role of the pastor in pastors being able to “self-differenti- were the biblical and spiritual voices leading the congregation ate” (detach their personal agenda offering the transforming power of Wthrough change? from situations) and continue healthy prayer and the role of the Trinity in This was one question explored at connections with all parts of the the process of change. These were the Ministers’ Conference held July 7 church. One way is to be aware of the explored in group discussions. just before the Mennonite Church reasons and emotions behind their The day began and ended with Canada assembly. The topic was responses, which are shaped within worship led by Herb Franz, pastor at “Leadership in times of conflict and their families of origin. Second, the Grace Mennonite in Winkler. Reflect- change.” “balcony perspective” offers a wider ing on God’s presence in times of Speaker Keith Harder, Mennonite view and a welcome objectivity. change and on the needs of pastors Church USA Denominational Minis- Change in a congregation can be would have broadened the worship ter, offered helpful insights and practical suggestions based on his experience as a pastor and on family systems theory. Change can be thrust on us through illness, death, or another’s decision, or we invite change through baptism or instituting new ideas. No matter how or why things change, it involves loss, said Harder. He outlined the importance of

picturesque part of the Trans Canada Trail that runs through his property—

a four-mile stretch of the scenic Pembina Rempel Petkau Photo by Evelyn Valley. Darryl Loewen led a tour through Keith Harder (right) solicits responses from a panel of pastors. From left: Doug the Radio Southern Manitoba in Altona, Klassen of Calgary, John Klassen of Winnipeg and Ingrid Schultz of Vancouver. the village of Neubergthal, Mennonite intimidating, but it is important to experience. It was wonderful to Collegiate Institute in Gretna and a stop keep connections even with those who witness the presence of many women. in Reinland. resist change. Unfortunately, the scripture version Ens even accommodated special requests. He arranged a tour of “Remember that you are not respon- used for worship only acknowledged Winkler with Walter Siemens, sible to hold things together but to the brothers that were present. Winkler’s Economic Development lead,” he said. The best gift pastors can Personal connections between Officer. People “couldn’t believe there give to congregations is themselves. sessions, along with prayer and was so much industry,” said Ens. A The afternoon session included a anointing at the end of the day, were local doctor, Les Zacharias, gave a tour panel exploring change through their powerful reminders that we are within of Eden Health Care Services. experiences. Words like trust, power, God’s story. —Lois Siemens The green-vested people at the vulnerability, diffuse situations, and The writer is a summer pastoral intern at Altona assembly also included 20 hospitality risk came up more than once. This volunteers recruited by Alf Klassen. Mennonite Church in Manitoba as part of her discussion became a powerful way to Master of Divinity studies at Associated Their job was to answer questions, Mennonite Biblical Seminary. monitor the message board and deliver include different viewpoints, expand messages. Most came from his congre- the definition, and tell stories. gation, Grace Mennonite Church in Sven Eriksson, MC Canada Denomi- Winkler. national Minister, who led the discus- Heard in the hall... “It was hard to find volunteers who sion, reminded us that change often I very much like the idea of round would commit for the whole week,” he leads to conflict on several levels, table discussions. It’s a better way said, “but once the conference started hence the importance of staying of connecting…. There were eight some wanted to come every day. The connected with people. around the table, from across challenge was knowing about every- Harder’s contribution remained Canada, with a variety of opinions…. thing on the program and where it was within personal experience and family all happening.” And I really appreciate having wor- systems theory. These are significant The green-vested people did their ship in the middle of the morning. It when dealing with leadership and utmost to see that Winkler was a livens things up…. I was moved to change, but are they enough? The welcoming place.—Evelyn Rempel tears by the testimonies. theological pieces that were missing —Frieda Petkau Rempel, Osler Mennonite, Sask.

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8-15 19 27/7/04, 3:26 PM Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, Winkler 2004 he distributed them...

20 Canadian Mennonite August 2, 2004 Volume 8, Number 15

8-15 20 27/7/04, 3:26 PM so also the fish, as much as they wanted. John 6:1-14 Winkler 2004

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8-15 21 27/7/04, 3:27 PM Winkler 2004 Kids Assembly benefits from creative planning nough for all,” the theme that some meaningful discussion. enthusiastic singing. There were engaged Kids Assembly planners “We should do this with the govern- prayers, skits to introduce the theme, Efor over a year, was brought to ment,” one girl said. “Then they might puppet shows, stories and a liturgy. the test at the outset of Assembly 2004. know what poverty is like.” “We had planned that junior high The planning committee, from “They were thoughtful in realizing kids would leave halfway through southern Manitoba congregations, expected a maximum of 60 children, but quickly realized they needed to stretch their resources to accommo- date 80 eager participants. After some scrambling, they discovered there was indeed “enough for all.” Viola Enns Woelk organized a team of nine teachers and worship leaders. In a program that ran parallel to the adult assembly, they had a sub-theme for each day: Are you hungry?, The power of Jesus, and The power of one. The children, nursery age through grade eight, wore orange T-shirts with a handprint of a fish. They were highly visible as they went about their activities at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Thirty-three volunteers helped to make the chil- dren’s program a success. “Our goal was not to be a

Photo by Evelyn Rempel Petkau Photo by Evelyn babysitting service, but to offer a Planners and leaders of Kids’ Assembly, from left: Marlene Wiebe, Lynne meaningful and thought-provoking Wiebe, Barb Neufeld, Anna Penner, Pauline Peters. Seated in front: Viola assembly for the kids and where they Enns Woelk and Winnie Fehr. Not present for the photo: Tina Fehr Kehler and can make connections with kids across Corinna Elias. the country,” said Barb Neufeld, a teacher for the junior high group. “I that they have a lot and are really worship but they let us know that they think we accomplished that.” blessed and rich,” said Neufeld. With the wanted to stay for all of it,” said Wiebe. Enns Woelk said they received a lot assistance of Walter Fehr and Bernie “You can plan worship, but you can’t of positive feedback from parents. Janzen, Neufeld took the 21 junior high plan what happens during worship.” It “You not only created a program kids fishing at the lake near Morden. was a highlight for many children. that was exciting for the kids but you Later, they fried their catch. The children added colour and gave the parents an opportunity to Each day began with worship. drama to the final evening of Assem- relax and enjoy the conference,” said Marlene Wiebe and Tina Fehr Kehler bly 2004 with their brightly painted one parent. had met frequently in their kitchens fish and the bread they had baked for Excitement built on the first day as over the past year to plan the worship the communion service.—Evelyn the children marched off to bake bread times. Bryan Moyer Suderman led Rempel Petkau after their morning worship. They observed how grain was ground to make flour before they mixed and Earn a great shaped their own loaves. The bread return and became communion bread for closing support a church worship on Saturday. Available The children also shared some of the 4 Year* Term Deposit for a ministry ime Limited T loaves that afternoon on the hill in the * 48 month term — Available May 10 - July 31, 2004 that matters Winkler park where, with barbecued 45 month term — Available August 1 - September 30, 2004 to you! salmon, they reenacted Jesus feeding the 5000. Elmira 519 669-1529 Milverton 519 595-8796 The junior high group imagined Kitchener 519 576-7220 New Hamburg 519 662-3550 what it would be like to become poor, Leamington 519 326-8601 Waterloo 519 746-1770 Serving members of Mennonite, Amish and gradually losing what they had, one Brethren in Christ churches across Ontario. www.mscu.com thing at a time. The event prompted

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strategically placed in the store. Triple E manufacturer. By the end of I love Winkler German Mennonite culture is the tour, he had memorized the entire o they sell “I love Winkler” equally strong here. Where else would line of vehicles built there and could t-shirts? If they do, I want one. you see bags of rollkuchen next to the name each one as he spotted them on D I went to Winkler for a vacation, watermelon at the grocery store, or hear the highway. together with my four kids, while my people my age speaking Low German as Winkler may not be a tourist husband did the conference thing in they walk out of a restaurant? hotspot but it’s a heartwarming July. On the way, we spent two nights It’s a city with a small town feel. I destination just the same.—Karin on my aunt’s farm near Elm Creek. I was warmed by the welcome of Fehderau called the hotel in Winkler to get some residents. I stopped to stare at the information. Put on hold, I found bridal registry tacked up at the Ten From Winkler Visitors’ Guide–– myself listening to a well known Thousand Villages store. Twice after In 1891 the land that was to become Christian song. making purchases, I heard the sales Winkler was being farmed by Isaac Turning to my aunt in amazement, I clerk greet the person in line behind Wiens, a Mennonite. When the CPR said, “They’re playing church music at me. Does everyone here know every- decided to build a railway siding on this hotel.” one else? I wondered. his land, Wiens could see the possibil- “Well,” she replied calmly, “this is When a man in the parking lot saw ity of a town developing around it. To the Bible belt.” our Saskatchewan licence plates, he avoid conflict with the church, which Welcome to Winkler. Reclassified as immediately struck up a conversation. believed its members should avoid the a city last year, this is a community of Upon hearing we were from temptations of large communities, 8,000 where women can be seen Saskatoon, he began to talk excitedly Wiens traded his land for some owned wearing head coverings and church about the people he knew there. Are by Valentine Winkler. And so the first buildings abound. No smut sold on the people friendly here or what? boxcar at the siding had the name magazine racks I saw. The bin of A highlight of our stay for my 11- “Winkler” on it. contemporary Christian literature was year-old son was a tour through the Winkler memories...

• The buzz of intense discussion as delegates faced each other around packed tables in the fellowship hall.

• Charles Simard with the gospel band from Manigotagan singing, “God reached way below the bottom for me that night.”

• A Catholic priest greeting the assembly right after a joke about Sven Eriksson being our pope “but without the funny hat.” The priest noted that his bishop was currently in Rome meeting with leaders who wear the “funny hats.” (Adolf Ens commented at his book launch later that at the first Mennonite confer-

Photo by Evelyn Rempel Petkau Photo by Evelyn ence he attended in 1948, all the men wore “funny hats.”) Canadian Women in Mission held its annual tea on July 10, during the MC Canada assembly. Pictured is the new committee. Back row, from left: Ingrid • Watching MC Canada leaders get Lamp (secretary-treasurer), Ruth Jantzi (past president), Dodie Lepp (president), dunked for money. Veronica Thiessen (president-elect), Erna Neufeldt and Esther Patkau. Front row: Shirley Redekop, Beth Moyer and Pat Gerber Pauls. Dorie Zerbe Cornelson, • The sea of orange T-shirts from pastor of Hope Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, spoke on “A menu of grace.” Kids Assembly, looking like “walking Thelma Meade from Manigotagan in northern Manitoba, spoke about the addi- pylons,” according to one observer. tion to the small chapel where 50 people from Manigotagan and Hollow Water Reserve worship. The overseas portion of the offering will assist the AIDS • The fabulous bluegrass music of ministry of women in Botswana. Next year, Women in Mission will meet jointly the Dry River Boys at the evening with Mennonite Women USA in Charlotte, North Carolina.—From release concert in the park.

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Coaldale, Alta. generated around $3,000. Some people who had been outbid in Alberta relief sale one of best ever the auction donated money anyway. According to MCC Alberta, it was one n Alberta, the Mennonite Central the logs had been salvaged from last of the best sales ever.—From report by Committee relief sale rotates year’s forest fires in the Pincher Creek Irene Klassen Iamong northern, central and area. As he has done for years, John southern districts. This year it happened Wiebe created a set of steel bookmarks. in the south, Coaldale, on June 17-18. At first bidding at the auction was In spite of concern about the cattle slow, and auctioneers Hadley, Steckley Partners discuss market, this year’s sale netted over and Patkau challenged people to new agreement $160,000. Sadly missed in the organi- respond more enthusiastically. Techni- zation of the event was Anne Neufeld, cians Dave Wiebe-Neufeldt and his he seven partners that publish helpers displayed Canadian Mennonite met in items and bids on a TMorden, Manitoba, on July 6 to large screen, revisit their funding agreement and partnership. making it easy to Dean Peachey of Menno Simons follow the auction- College in Winnipeg led the discussion eer’s lingo. among 23 church leaders and Canadian A new feature Mennonite board members. A central this year was a issue was how individual partners have garage sale and input into the magazine and how the antique auction that funding formula can be amended. brought in nearly Each area conference is represented $6,000. The auction on the 12-member board of Canadian continued Saturday Mennonite Publishing Service (CMPS), the organization that publishes the morning, following magazine. MC Canada has four board the pancake break- members and three are appointed by fast. As a tribute to CMPS. Anne Neufeld, Canadian Mennonite has an annual bidding opened with budget of just over half a million a loaf of bread, dollars, 40 percent of which is provided cutting board and by the magazine through ad revenue knife. and fundraising. The remaining 60 The auction heats up at the Alberta relief sale. One especially percent is split 50-50 between fine quilt sold for Mennonite Church Canada and its five who died recently. Phil Klassen and area conferences. his committee, however, planned well. $4,300. The highest bid, $5,000, was Currently, MC Manitoba is paying During the afternoon, cyclists began for a Robyn Regehr jersey auto- only half of the 50 percent in the returning from the Bike-a-thon. The graphed by Calgary Flames team funding formula and MC B.C. forwards long route began at Fort McLeod, members. whatever churches contribute to while a medium and short run allowed Booths offered popular ethnic foods subscriptions. Hence the need for a less avid bikers an opportunity to such as vereniki and borscht, pies and discussion of the current formula. contribute. As the saying goes: “The watermelon. The Spanish/Mexican The three-hour meeting ended with a wind in this country is always from booth was first to be sold out. recommendation to appoint a working the southwest.” But not that day—the A children’s auction was open only group to draft a new partnership to children under 12, and their par- document. Conference leaders will be wind blew strongly from the east, and asked for input and representatives to the hills felt long and steep. Twenty- ents. The clown auctioneer, Hilton the group. two cyclists participated, generating Mierau, brought fun to young bidders. Ideally, the new partnership docu- around $13,000. ‘Spotters’ used bicycle horns to ac- ment would express a common editorial The Friday beef-on-a-bun barbeque knowledge each bid. Later the children commitment and outline financial fed more than 1000 people and raised enjoyed games and face painting. commitments.—From report by Aiden $8,600. The quilts were of exception- Participating churches had been S. Enns ally good quality. Unusual items challenged to save pennies during the The writer is a board member of Canadian contributed this year included intri- year. First Mennonite Church from Mennonite Publishing Service, appointed by cate woodwork and furniture made of Calgary saved 68 pounds of pennies, MC Canada. He is a freelance writer living logs, including a bed frame. I was told for a total of $400. Penny Power in Winnipeg.

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Waterloo, Ont. Fundraiser with Harpur generates lively debate eople in western culture are fed up with a minutes-of-the-last- P meeting institutional Christian- ity, said Tom Harpur, well-known Canadian journalist and author, at a fundraiser sponsored by Conrad Grebel University College on June 17 and 18. The Thursday evening session at Waterloo North Mennonite Church— that drew over 300 people—and a Friday morning seminar at Conrad Grebel were organized in support of the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre, part of Grebel’s graduate program. Only 20 percent of Canadians have some kind of weekly religious connec- tion, down from 68 percent in the 1950s, said Harpur. The fastest- growing religion in Canada is “no religion at all.” People don’t want religion; they want God. Jim Reimer (left) and Tom Harpur found little common ground in their Although Harpur has written a theological debate in June. number of bestselling books on religion, The Pagan Christ is his most what first, but what is being said. wish. radical book. Stories about Jesus have What is the nature of the “deeper “Like a make-your-own-pizza,” been plagiarized from earlier Egyptian truth” that Harpur proclaims? asked commented Reimer, who emphasized stories, he said, and Jesus was not a Reimer. If our “inner light” is sepa- the historical and ethical nature of the historical figure. rated from a community, it can become Christian community. Harpur espoused an “inner Christ.” misdirected and me-focused, like much Harpur said his word need not be of the individualism of the last word. That’s good, because he western culture. seemed at a loss to know how to When asked by some- address a number of cogent questions Harpur said his goal is not to debunk one in the audience how put to him.—Betti Erb orthodoxy... but to ‘cut under’ it to the we can achieve world peace, Harpur said: get deeper truths of a ‘cosmic spirituality.’ rid of the exclusivist nature of Christianity, Islam and Judaism Corrections Every soul, he said, possesses the which have caused violence and war. In the story about the Mennonite spirit of the divine within. Harpur said Violence, countered Reimer, is part World Conference “Koinonia quilt” his goal is not to debunk orthodoxy of the human condition. What we need (July 12, page 18), the final paragraph (although much of his book does just to take seriously is Jesus’ teaching incorrectly added information about a that) but to “cut under” it to the deeper about loving our enemy. different travelling quilt—one that, truths of a “cosmic spirituality.” The fundraiser created some local since it first appeared at a U.S. relief Jim Reimer, director of the Toronto controversy. The event, said someone sale in April 2002, has raised $180,000 Mennonite Theological Centre, re- on Thursday evening, felt like a “my- for MCC’s Generations at Risk AIDS program. sponded to Harpur. scholar-is better-than-your-scholar” “My spiritual journey has taken me contest. One participant noted that In the list of Mennonite mental health in the opposite direction from Harpur has departed from “a sense of programs (June 28, pages 10-11), Wanda Harpur’s,” he said, to a growing journalistic or scholarly accountabil- Wagler-Martin is listed as director of appreciation for the Christian tradi- ity” in making his claims. Shalom Counselling Services. She is tion. The more pre-Christian parallels When someone asked the content of executive director of the Waterloo there are to the gospels the better, said the “divinity within,” Harpur replied branch. The director of the Leamington office is Bob Smiciklas. Reimer. It is not a matter of who said that people can add what content they

Canadian Mennonite August 2, 2004 Volume 8, Number 15 25

8-15 25 27/7/04, 3:27 PM Canadian Mennonite Yellow Page

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Edmonton, Alta. Entertaining fundraiser in Edmonton n May 29, Edmonton area The event raised Mennonites laughed, sang, ate, just over $4000 to O and donated money at a help defray the Mennonite Central Committee costs of this year’s fundraising event at First Mennonite relief sale held in Church. Coaldale on June The first part of the evening fea- 18-19.—Donita tured various singing groups, MCC Wiebe-Neufeld Alberta director Abe Janzen sharing stories about his recent “AIDS” tour in Nigeria and Congo, and a Chinese fan dance by the Chinese Mennonite Church’s “Angels of Glory” group. After a coffee, platz and springroll intermission, the fun continued with a This “wedding

thrift store fashion show and auction. party” modelled ht Zwiebach was auctioned for up to $40 its thrift shop a bag as people got into the spirit of clothes at the bidding against each other. The girls Edmonton from the “Angels of Glory” dance group fundraiser. In the went from table to table collecting back row are two

pledges for a 20-hour fast they were international Photo by Gary Giesbrec doing to raise money for MCC. Their exchange visitors: Agnes Alwano from Uganda (left) and Dorothy Harder from efforts brought in $414. Germany. At right are Eleanore and John Woollard.

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Edmonton, Alta. Loewen shaves head for cancer ennifer Loewen, a 19-year-old member of Bergthal Mennonite J Church in Didsbury, has had long hair all her life. That changed on June 12, when she cut it all off to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Her 28-inch locks will be sent to Ontario’s “Hair for Kids Program,” to make wigs for children who have lost their hair to cancer. “I feel a bit like a Bobblehead right now,” Loewen commented. “I’m not self-conscious; it’s just that my head feels naked without a hat on.” Loewen’s decision to cut her hair was in the planning for over a year. “I wanted to cut it, but I also wanted to have a good reason. No one close to me has struggled with cancer, but I know of lots of people who have been affected by it,” she said. Loewen with long hair (left), and having it cut off by Rhonda Hamm for the She discovered the idea online. The Canadian Cancer Society’s Hair for Kids Program. cancer society has a program for people who wish to raise money by others who might be considering Camp Valaqua. Come September, she shaving their heads and donating shaving their head for cancer. plans to return to Canadian their hair. She raised approximately “Doing it together with someone else Mennonite University in Winnipeg for $1200 in her church and community. might be more fun than doing it her second year in mathematics. She Her longtime hairdresser, Rhonda yourself,” she said. “Also, be prepared for is hoping to become a high school Hamm, donated her services. attention from strangers.” math teacher.—From report by Donita Loewen has two comments for Jennifer is an office assistant at Wiebe-Neufeld

Steinbach, Man. Seniors encouraged to minister retreat three years ago. Bill Brown, who ore than 30 participants from that in a society that increasingly accompanies on the accordian, has been 16 churches arrived at Camp marginalizes seniors, their wisdom and coming to Moose Lake since the camp M Moose Lake amidst a steady insight are extremely valuable. was built. He wishes more people would drizzle on May 31 for the 55+ retreat. Hirst is chaplain at Bethesda Hospital bring instruments to make music. By lunchtime, they already felt and Place in Steinbach. Others are encouraged to attend connected, like a family. Abe and Susan The three-day retreat included lots of these 55+ retreats; there is lots of room Wiebe were the directors. activity. As well as a variety of games there for more.—From report by Helen Although eight persons were first- were opportunities to go walking, fishing Redekopp timers, there were some long-time and boating. After repeat-retreaters. Frank and Susan the talent night on Isaac have been attending the 55+ Tuesday, partici- retreat since 1990. pants felt younger as “We come for relaxation, fellowship, they walked to their friendship and inspiration,” they said. cabins by the light of “The speakers are always good.” the silvery moon, to Henry and Marie Dyck, first-timers, the accompaniment came especially to hear speaker Larry of a bullfrog choir. Hirst, and for inspiration to continue Time was also the 55+ ministry at their church. spent singing. Katie Hirst spoke about “bearing fruit,” in Giesbrecht was the spite of life’s losses, and as we minister song leader. Luella to the sick and dying. Seniors need to Peters has been the be encouraged to use their experience pianist ever since Those who attended the 55+ retreat at Camp Moose Lake felt with loss to minister to others. He said she came to the like one big family.

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Winnipeg, Man. Low German committee meets for first time ennonite Central Committee’s Low German program advi- Msory committee met here for the first time June 3-6 to discuss its role in shaping MCC programs. The committee was created in response to the vision developed by MCC in 2003 to promote the interests of Low German Mennonites through- out the Americas. On the committee are representa- tives from Mexico, Bolivia, Texas, Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba, as well as MCC Canada and Die Mennonitische Post, a German- language newspaper. “These meetings will provide our local partners with direct access to decisions and programs that affect them,” said Mary Friesen, coordinator of the Low German programs for MCC Canada. Over the years, MCC has developed several programs at the request of the While meeting in Manitoba, the Low German advisory committee toured Low German community. MCC pub- schools, a care home, factory, the Mennonite Heritage Village, an MCC thrift lishes and distributes Die Mennonitische shop and the offices of Die Mennonitische Post. Post to Mennonites in North, Central and South America. MCC helps with Canadian citizenship documents, and supplies staff and funds for a rehabilita- ies tion centre in Mexico. Someone d Friesen expects delegates will use 17 minutes future meetings to share educational every resources, discuss healthcare concerns — (addiction treatment), and economic from suicide issues facing Low German communities. After a day-long meeting at MCC Canada’s office, committee members spreading a shadow of despair and trauma travelled to Winkler and Steinbach. over millions in the aftermath. “Delegates wanted to see how Mennonites in southern Manitoba were addressing the issues of educa- How can faith communities help? Watch… tion, employment, and care for the elderly and disabled,” said Friesen. “A highlight for me was the fact that representatives from the countries where MCC is working came to LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF SUICIDE represent their people, talk about their needs in the colonies, and express Sunday, August 22, Noon ET on Hallmark Channel their feelings openly about the serv- A groundbreaking look at faith perspectives ices rendered by MCC,” said Alberta on suicide and how families find hope and healing. representative Bill Janzen. Featuring: Families and survivors | Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison The location of the meeting will and other experts | Hosted by Judy Collins rotate among Canada, the United Info: 800-999-3534 | www.fiercegoodbye.com States, Mexico and Bolivia. The next Also available on VHS and DVD after August 22, 2004 meeting is in March 2005 in Santa Produced by Mennonite Media, a department of Mennonite Mission Network, with Faith & Values Media. Cruz, Bolivia.—From MCC Canada

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Zurich, Switzerland Anabaptists and Reformed meet to heal rift n June 26, Christians from the for taking steps Zwinglian Reformed tradition “towards fuller O and the Anabaptist church communion confessed sin that had separated them with former 500 years ago and extended forgive- adversaries.” ness to one other. Confessions Some 400 people from four conti- and responses nents participated in the Anabaptist- from each Reformed Reconciliation Conference. group were The settings were the Grossmünster, among the the church where in 1525 Ulrich conference’s Zwingli preached against the most moving Anabaptists, and the nearby Limmat moments. River, where in 1527 Zurich authori- Reudi Reich, ties ordered the drowning of Felix president of the Manz, one of the earliest Anabaptist Reformed leaders. About a dozen Canadians church in the

were present. Canton of ast In an afternoon worship service, Zurich, read a Larry Miller, executive secretary of statement of Mennonite World Conference, regret for the preached from Zwingli’s pulpit. In his persecution of sermon, “The new city,” he said that the early the best in the Reformed vision of the Anabaptists.

church was like the Old Testament In response, Arnold Neufeldt-F Photo by city, “open to all citizens without Ernest Geiser, Dan Nighswander, general secretary of Mennonite Church exception.” It lifts Jesus as lord of all president of the Canada, speaks in the church where Zwingli condemned the and calls the church to shape society. Council of Anabaptists in the 1500s. The Anabaptist vision, said Miller, Elders of the Swiss Mennonite plaque on the wall. was typical of the New Testament “city Church, said: “Descendents of the The English translation of the set on a hill,” a community of disciples formerly persecuted Anabaptists inscription reads: “Here in the middle following Jesus in daily life, separated among you today no longer see them- of the Limmat River from a fishing from the world while witnessing to it. selves as victims…. We accept your platform, Felix Manz and five other Persecution, however, drove Anabaptists confession with a spirit of forgiveness.” Anabaptists were drowned between into separatist communities. In the evening, people gathered on 1527 and 1532 during the Reforma- “After lighting the lamp, we hid it the bank of the Limmat near the spot tion. The last Anabaptist executed in under the bushel where it neither where Felix Manz was drowned. A Zurich was Hans Landis in 1614.” illuminates good works nor provokes rowboat slipped silently along the At the dedication of the plaque, offerings of glory to God,” said Miller. river and in a dramatic move, the Reich again asked forgiveness for the He commended the Reformed Church rowers snatched the cover from a new persecution inflicted on Anabaptists nearly five centuries ago. Thomas Gyger, president of the Swiss Mennonite Conference, noted that city authorities and the church in the 16th century were trying to maintain public order in the face of what they consid- ered a serious threat. He expressed gratitude for the memorial and the steps towards reconciliation. Robert Neukomm, Zurich city councillor, reviewed Harold Bender’s unsuccessful attempt in 1952 to erect a memorial to Manz. This year, noted Neukomm, there were no dissenting This plaque marks the spot on the Limmat River where Feliz Manz and other votes. Anabaptists were drowned. The ceremony included singing,

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prayer and a poem read by James Landis, a descendant of the executed Hans Landis. DISCOVERING THE WORLD FOR 35 YEARS The conference included singing by Swiss Mennonite and North American choirs and workshops on the two 2004 TOURS EUROPEAN HERITAGE (July 7-22) traditions, on peace, and on church SMALL TOWN THEATRES and COUNTRY GARDENS CANADIAN MARITIME PROVINCES (August 7-16) and state. Hanspeter Jecker from the (July 26 - August 1) SWISS GLACIER EXPRESS (August 9-24) RUSSIA and UKRAINE (July 29 - August 12) European Mennonite Seminary in IRELAND (September 3-14) Beinenberg offered a historical SWISS-VOLHYNIAN MENNONITE HERITAGE 2006 TOURS analysis. (September 15-29) AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND Markus Rediger, a Mennonite World LANDS of the BIBLE (September 17-30) (February 3-23) Conference executive committee CHINA (October 3-19) member from Switzerland, presented FALL FOLIAGE TOUR of NEW ENGLAND (October 4-10) Mennonites from around the world. He CHRISTMAS MARKETS in AUSTRIA and GERMANY was joined by Charly Lukala from (December 1-8) Congo, Kathiana Sempertegui from 2005 TOURS Bolivia, and Larry Miller in presenting SERVICE TOUR in SUNNY JAMAICA (January 21-30) the book, In God’s Image, to Reformed CHURCHES and SAFARIS in KENYA and TANZANIA leaders. Other Amish and Mennonites (February 13-24) “Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians in attendance came from Ireland, PARAGUAY SERVICE TOUR (March 31 - April 14) around the world through custom-designed travel.” Netherlands, France, Germany, TULIP TIME in HOLLAND (April 25 - May 4) CALL 1-800-565-0451 Canada and the United States. IN the FOOTSTEPS of the APOSTLE PAUL FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR An evening cultural celebration in (May 27 - June 12) the Grossmünster concluded the ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 8-20) E-MAIL: [email protected] conference with music and storytell- SWITZERLAND, FRANCE and GERMANY for GRAND- WEB: www.tourmagination.com PARENTS/GRANDCHILDREN/FAMILIES (June 14-21) ing, led by John E. Sharp, director of 9 Willow Street 1011 Cathill Road SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA Waterloo, ON N2J 1V6 Canada Sellersville, PA 18960-1315 Mennonite Church USA’s Historical and its FJORDS (June 17 - July 1) Reg. #1567624 USA Committee. Lawrence Hart recounted his role in a Cheyenne peacemaking ceremony in Oklahoma. Events included a tour of the city. An exhibit of Anabaptist history and photos was displayed in the house NEEDED IN 2005: where Zwingli once lived. Planning for the event began after Sharp wrote to the Zurich City Council MCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR in January 2003, requesting that a marker be erected to remember Felix This person will lead Manz. Last July, Sharp met with Mennonite Central Committee Reformed officials, encouraging them (MCC) and build understanding and to work with the Swiss Mennonite support for its mission among an Church to plan the conference. increasingly diverse constituency. Over the past 20 years, Swiss Mennonites and state church repre- sentatives have engaged in steps towards understanding. In 1983, Mennonite World Conference partici- pated in a discussion with the World For a job description or application, please Alliance of Reformed Churches, contact search committee chair Donella Clemens, followed by a service of confession for PO Box 64439, Souderton, PA 18964; injustice during the Reformation. The [email protected]. dialogue continued in 1984 and 1989. Application review begins Sept. 1, 2004, with a In 2002, some Mennonites, Amish January 2005 appointment and a June 2005 and members of the Reformed church start date. gathered for discussion and acknowl- edgement of past wrongs.—From In 2004, MCC budget was $63 million U.S., with 1,200 people releases by Ferne Burkhardt and serving in more than 50 countries. Kendra King

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Josephine, July 20. Jenny-Lee, Wilmot Mennonite, Froese—Frank, 62, Steinbach People & Events Hiuser—to Jen and Josh, Erb New Hamburg, Ont., June 26. Mennonite Church, Man. Street Mennonite, Waterloo, Dueck-Wolfe—Steve (Plum July 12. Winnipeg, Man.—Robert Ont., a daughter, Kate Coulee, Man.) and Jennifer Heppner—Tena, 98, Veitch, general manager of Suzanna MacBride, June 18. (Grace Mennonite, Winkler, Tiefengrund Rosenort Mennonite Foundation of Jarrett—to Judy and Doug, Man.), May 23. Mennonite, Laird, Sask., Canada, has resigned, effective Niagara United Mennonite, Friesen-Klassen—Jeff (First July 3. December 15. He will become Ont., a daughter, Erin Mennonite, Edmonton, Alta.) Klassen—Elizabeth, 97, executive director of Tri- Rachelle, June 22. and Jess (Rosthern, Sask.), at Coaldale Mennonite, Alta., County Klassen—to Suzanne Camp Shekinah, July 17. July 1. Mennonite (Thiessen) and Reinhold, Kachur-Liu—Shane and Klassen—Helen, 71, Zion Homes in Bethany Mennonite, Virgil, June, Grace Mennonite, Mennonite, Swift Current, New Ham- Ont., a son, Lukas Reinhold, Regina, Sask., July 1. Sask., June 2. burg, Ontario, June 21. Martens-Logie—Will Leis—Anna Mae (Zehr), 83, in January. Lichty—to Sarah and Dale, (Lethbridge Mennonite, Alta.) East Zorra Mennonite, Veitch has Riverdale Mennonite, Ont., a and Emma, at Lethbridge Tavistock, Ont., July 10. worked for son, Carson Edward, June 13. Mennonite, June 26. Janzen—Henry, 76, Bethel Mennonite Martin—to Heidi and Doug, Martin-Holst—Stephen Craig Mennonite, Langley, B.C., Veitch Foundation Avon Mennonite, Stratford, (Avon Mennonite, Stratford, July 8. for over 17 years, first in Ont., a son, Jesse Alexander, Ont.) and Roxanne Lynn at Martens—Hans, 80, Bethel Kitchener and then as general June 23. Wilmot Centre Missionary Mennonite, Langley, B.C., manager in Winnipeg. At Tri- Patrick—to Cheri and Steven, Church, Ont., June 11. June 19. County Homes, Veitch suc- First Mennonite, Edmonton, Morris-Pauls—Keith and Oehme—Rudi, 79, North ceeds Rae Nafziger, who is Alta., a son, Nathan Peter Amanda, First Mennonite, Kildonan Mennonite, Winni- retiring after 33 years of Patrick, January 4. Edmonton, Alta., July 17. peg, Man., July 14. service. Tri-County operates Rempel—to Katharina and Pederson-Klassen—Myron Thiessen—Anne, 94, Zion Aldaview Services, serving Henry, Emmanuel Mennonite, and Rachel, Carman Mennonite, Swift Current, developmentally disabled Clearbrook, B.C., twins, a son, Mennonite, Man., July 17. Sask., June 19. people, Nithview Home and Jerome Raphael and a Spaulding-Black—Chad Wiens—Sally, 77, Bethel Seniors Village, and Green- daughter, Nicole Raphaela, (Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man., wood Court, a continuum-of- July 16. Mennonite) and Jennifer at May 28. care community in Stratford.— Tamblyn—adopted by Valerie Trinity United, Kitchener, From joint Mennonite Founda- and Robert, Windsor Ont., June 5. Baptisms tion and Tri-County release Mennonite, Ont., a son, Steckley-Arthurs—Joshua Charles Samuel, born Apr. 19. and Marylynn, Shantz Bergthal Mennonite, VandeSande—to Loretta Mennonite, Baden, Ont., Didsbury, Alta.—Lindsey Neufeld and Jeff, Waterloo July 3. Derksen, July 4. Transitions North Mennonite, Ont., a son, Toews-Reimer—Jerry and Crosshill Mennonite, Ont.— Samuel Jeffrey, June 21. Marianne, Springfield Heights Alison Erb, Erin Hartung, Births/adoptions Vogt—to Irene and David, Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man., Daniel Jantzi, Shannon Leis, Springfield Heights July 2. July 4. Conrad—to Donna and Grace Mennonite, Winkler, Charles, Hagerman Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man., a Voll-Sellar—Martin (Water- son, Lucas Alexander, June 29. loo-Kitchener United Man.—Kim Driedger, Michael Mennonite, Toronto, Ont., a Janzen, Colleen Enns, Davis daughter, Natalie Rebecca, Wall—Christina and Kevin, Mennonite) and Isabella in St. Grace Mennonite, Winkler, Agatha, Ont., June 19. Toews, June 13. July 12. Graysville Mennonite, Dziadul—to Chrisy and Neil, Man., a daughter, Katelynn Weber–Ogilvie-Otto—Ralph Marie, June 1. (Bloomingdale Mennonite, Man.—Cathie Friesen, Alexis Pleasant Point Mennonite, Stockford, June 13. Clavet, Sask., twin sons, Ont.) and Sue (Steinmann Marriages Mennonite, Baden, Ont.) at Lowe Farm Bergthaler Connor Daz and Michael Paul, Mennonite, Man.—Keith July 4. Bloomingdale Mennonite, Ahlberg-Smith—Stephen and June 25. Schroeder, May 30. Elias—to Chris and Frank, Tamara, Brussels Mennonite, Sargent Avenue Mennonite, Grace Mennonite, Winkler, Ont., at Stirling Avenue Deaths Winnipeg, Man.—Daniel Man., a daughter, Alia Kate, Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont., Enns, Michael Enns, Tom Ens, June 8. July 10. Belau—Erwin, 72, Niagara Brian Luzny, June 20. Ewert—to Erica and Pat, Zion Baker-Martin—Robert and United Mennonite, Ont., Wildwood Mennonite, Mennonite, Swift Current, Elmeda, Avon Mennonite, July 14. Saskatoon, Sask.—Sandra Sask., twin sons, Evan and Stratford, Ont., June 27. Dyck—Aganetha, 96, Rose- Krahn, Denise Martens, Elisa Reid, Mar. 25. Chilvers-Baechler—Brandon mary Mennonite, Alta., Martens, Megen Olfert, June Franz—to Merry and Lyle, and Melanie, Shantz June 19. 13. Andrew Clubb, Heather First Mennonite, Edmonton, Mennonite, Baden, Ont., Dyck—Katharina (Tina), 75, Driedger, June 20. Alta., a son, Thaniel Baron July 3. North Kildonan Mennonite, David, July 15. Canadian Mennonite welcomes Dick-Goertzen—Chris and Winnipeg, Man., June 12. transitions announcements within Herrle Braun—to Joanne Nancy, Bethel Mennonite, Friesen—Ida, 93, North four months of the event. When and Trevor, Shantz Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man., June 12. Kildonan Mennonite, Winni- sending by e-mail, please identify Baden, Ont., a daughter, Dippel-Bowman—Jeff and peg, Man., July 6. congregation (name and location).

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School notes News briefs

Graduation weekend Presbyterians take at RJC stand against Israel Rosthern, Sask.—In their speech to The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted Rosthern Junior College’s graduating at its July assembly to stop investing class on June 27, Bryan and Esther in Israel, equating the Jewish state Funk, parents to graduate Derek with apartheid South Africa. It is the Funk, asked students to consider first Christian denomination to join themselves to be at the start of a long- the divestment campaign against distance marathon with Christ. After Israel. The church, which has nearly 3 finishing exams, giving three shows of million members, will divest itself the Cole Porter musical, Anything from companies that have invested $1 Goes, and participating in the emotion- million or more in Israel. Assembly ally charged traditions of their final participants rejected a proposal to stop days at RJC, the graduates must have funding messianic congregations. The been able to relate to the marathon Presbyterian resolutions came just as metaphor. A baccalaureate service at Jewish organizations were hailing the Rosthern Mennonite Church for the 56 results of an interfaith meeting in graduates featured faith stories from Buenos Aires where Roman Catholic Mackenzie Fast, Rachelle Friesen and officials signed a document equating Miguel Gaudet. The formal graduation anti-Zionism with anti-semitism. The and awards ceremony took place on signing “deepens the Vatican’s firm the RJC campus. The Class of 2004 commitment to the State of Israel as a gave $2005 to the school’s Legacy political entity,” said a Catholic leader. Campaign. Celebrations and a supper Jewish leaders called the Presbyterian were held at Western Development action “a catastrophic disaster.” Museum in Saskatoon. Featured were a year-end slide show and student-run coffeehouse. Students were bussed to a Actions to control nearby farm for a fireside evening and guns and arms trade final goodbyes.—From report by Brad Nichol More than 40 countries participated in the 2004 Week of Action Against Small Arms, the largest gun violence preven- tion event in the world. Activities included marches, forums, films, essay Building begins on new competitions, gun destruction and CMU residence calls on governments to enact policies that put citizens’ security first. In Winnipeg, Man.— Construction began Canada, Project Ploughshares, an in July on a new residence building at agency of the Canadian Council of Canadian Mennonite University. The Churches and affiliated with Conrad $5 million building will feature a Grebel University College, hosted a state-of-the-art geo-thermal heating roundtable on July 7 that brought and cooling system. The three-storey, together civil and government officials 29,685-square-foot building will house from Canada, the United States, Mexico and Colombia to consider how to control the transfer of small arms. The meeting was part of a larger project on policies to control the 101 additional students in a combina- international arms trade. Project tion of apartments and dorm-style Ploughshares also contributed to a rooms. A groundbreaking ceremony will report called Guns or Growth? Assess- happen later in the year. The building ing the impact of arms sales on should be completed for fall 2005. sustainable development. The report is CMU’s enrolment of 943 full-time part of the international campaign, equivalent students is expected to “Control Arms.”—From Project increase again this fall.—From CMU Ploughshares release

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MennoniteMennonite Church Church writes Tim. He offers thanks for a work. for ministry. CanadaCanada recent baptism of four people on MCEC and Conrad Grebel This new paradigm is modelled the beach. Some 70 people University College are searching by The Teaching Circle, a group gathered for the event. for someone to replace Martin in within MCEC with advanced Pray for church “One young woman, on a newly developed ministry of education, skills and passion for in Vietnam hearing the testimonies and Leadership Formation. The equipping adults for spiritual given the chance to respond, person will oversee continuing growth and ministry. The Continue to pray for our sisters accepted Jesus,” said Buhler. Pray education and leadership Teaching Circle offers courses and brothers in Vietnam. Pastor for the Buhlers in the challenges enrichment programs for MCEC under an umbrella program Quang, the Mennonite Church they face. leaders. This person will also called SAFARI (shaping adult leader arrested on June 8, has assist in the development and faith: action, reflection, integra- become the victim of a propa- MennoniteMennonite Church Church administration of the Ministries tion). ganda campaign. Authorities EasternEastern Canada Canada Studies component of Grebel’s For more information on how have accused him of sexual graduate theological studies The Teaching Circle can help immorality and “hooligan Staff changes program. your congregation be intentional behaviour.” His whereabouts at church office David Brubacher spent July at in ministry, e-mail Miriam Frey remain unknown. the Bat Kol Institute in Jerusa- at [email protected]. On July 8, a public witness was David Brubacher, Minister to lem. During August, he and his held outside the Vietnamese Conference, reports several staff wife Lynda will travel in Europe. Embassy in London, England. changes at MC Eastern Canada. MennoniteMennonite Church Church Five members of Wood Green Matthew Bailey-Dick became MCEC rethinks ManitobaManitoba Mennonite Church in London Minister of Peace and Justice staffing patterns took part. To represent the reality Evangelism on May 1. He will of imprisonment, nine protesters work one-quarter time, relating to Conference staff and programs Birdwatching retreat representing Vietnamese congregations and the wider have provided an important becomes reunion Christians were handcuffed to a constituency to integrate peace infrastructure for the ministry of tiger cage as their names were and justice concerns in all congregations, says David Nearly 30 birdwatchers partici- read. The cage was occupied by a ministries. Brubacher. pated in the third Camps with protestor representing Quang. Brian Bauman, Minister of “Like a highway system Meaning Birdwatchers’ Retreat The demonstration was Missions, will devote 20 percent facilitates raw materials coming June 4-6, the second held at organized by Christian Solidarity of his time to resource develop- to a place of manufacturing and Camp Koinonia. For a number of Worldwide and supported by ment, beginning July 1. He will transporting finished products to participants, the event was a Lawyers Christian Fellowship, help MCEC build its financial market,” he says, “so the wider reunion of sorts. London Mennonite Centre and capacity by telling the conference church offers leadership and For this writer, it was a Release International. story so that individuals and ministry resources for congrega- reunion with teachers from Loon At a July 6 meeting of congregations will connect their tional development, as well as a Straits, a Lake Winnipeg Mennonite agencies that relate to financial resources to their network for extending an overflow community where my parents, Vietnam, Rev. Trung, president of passion for seeing growth in God’s of gifts around the globe.” Edwin and Margie Brandt, the Vietnamese Mennonite kingdom. Brubacher notes a shift, served from1957 to 1962. Retreat Church, reported that the Mission secretary Bev however. With the demand for a organizer Adolf Ens and Peter church’s evangelism and training Raimbault will pick up some wider range of resources it is no Fast had taught a number of work continues, despite the mission tasks previously done by longer possible or cost-effective to other participants at Canadian difficulties. Bauman, expanding her time have all skills available within Mennonite Bible College in the Pray especially for Quang, in from 50 to 70 percent as of July 1. conference staff. Some form of past. custody, for his wife, Le Thi Phu Raimbault is in her third year in “user pay” will become part of a Birds are a musical and Dung, and their three children: the missions office. new culture for resourcing colourful part of God’s creation. Gideon (9), Daniel (8), and Anne Accountant Ester Neufeldt will congregations. Watching them takes us away (21 months). be on the second part of a Brubacher says congregations from the stress of daily life and sabbatical leave during Septem- may wish to allocate $1000 for forces us to be still and know.— Church in Macau ber and October. Administrative ministry training—to provide From report by Lorne Brandt ponders next step assistant Lorraine Sawatzky will training for Christian education assume accounting responsibili- ministries, stewardship, setting News from The rented facility of the Macau ties during that time. vision and direction for congrega- Camps with Meaning Mennonite Church has been sold, Laurence Martin will be tional life, and for exploring new a situation that has created retiring from the Minister of avenues of worship. The summer was off to a good concern for Tim and Cindy Pastoral Leadership Training As MCEC rethinks its staff start after an inspiring week of Buhler who have assumed position at the end of 2004, after structure, more attention will be staff training for the three leadership of the Macau team. 11 years of service. Currently given to training people to be Manitoba camps. Staff are a “Pray for God’s clear leading in interim pastor at Erb Street resources in congregations, and to committed group and we are what the next step for the Macau Mennonite in Waterloo, Martin gather clusters of people with excited to see what ministry Mennonite Church will be,” anticipates continuing pastoral skills in equipping congregations comes out of the summer. An

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exciting new dream is about to they could have imagined. take flight that will see The church is obtaining a campers (grades 6 and up) and building permit for the new staff gathering monthly during location. It anticipates that the year for worship. We’re building will begin this fall. hopeful that this will be a place where children are MennoniteMennonite Church Church connected with local churches BritishBritish Columbia Columbia and with God.—From Connec- tion, a Camps with Meaning News from newsletter Camp Squeah Many children who come to MennoniteMennonite Church Church Squeah are assisted by the AlbertaAlberta Campership Fund. Squeah’s goal is to make summer camp available for as many children as Trinity church possible, regardless of their set to build financial situations. The need for In 1999, Trinity Mennonite the remainder of this summer is Church in Calgary purchased two $6000. Matthew Heide clears a fallen tree at Camp Koinonia. On July parcels of land—11 acres and 5 The camp welcomes contribu- 11, during a severe thunderstorm, a tree snapped in two within acres—beside each other. Because tions. Send to Camp Squeah, 4- a few feet of the main lodge. Fortunately, it fell away from the the congregation did not receive 27915 Trans Canada Highway, building. Lightning flashed continuously, and a tornado touched permission to build on the land, it Hope, B.C. V0X 1L3. You can also down nearby. With power out and the intense storm crashing purchased 10 acres elsewhere call 1-800-380-2267 or to to the overhead, many campers were terrified. Everyone was ex- and put the original lots up for web site at www.squeah.com. hausted next day from a largely sleepless night. Nature is sale. Unless otherwise credited, the beautiful, but it can be fierce.—From report by Ray Dirks On June 30, the 5-acre lot was articles in TheChurches pages were sold, and on July 3 the larger one written by: Leona Dueck Penner sold. Now the congregation can (Mennonite Church Canada), pay for the current land, plus Maurice Martin (Eastern Canada), approximately a quarter of the Evelyn Rempel Petkau (Manitoba), Karin Fehderau (Saskatchewan), Mennonite Church cost of the new church building. USA Donita Wiebe-Neufeld (Alberta), The congregation thanks God for Angelika Dawson (B.C.). See page 2 working things out better than for contact information. Harrisonburg, Virginia U.S. church developing resolution on health care elegates at Charlotte 2005 will see how far Mennonite Church USA has come in developing a resolution on access Dto health care. On June 26, Mennonite Church USA Executive Board affirmed the work of a Healthcare Access Commission led by Karl Sommers, Mennonite Mutual Aid’s vice president for corporate planning. The commission’s resolution will call for “access to appropriate health care for all Mennonite Church USA members as a model for access for our neighbors.” Several years ago, the Anabaptist Center for Healthcare Ethics asked people across the United States what concerned them most about health care. The overwhelming response was cost and access. After hearing the concerns, delegates to Atlanta 2003 called for a resolution to tackle the challenges in health care. By Charlotte, said Sommers, the commission hopes to have a progress report on the initiative. It will include stories of need and findings from congregational, and other, sources. The commission will work until 2007 to test models and begin conversation with government on findings and recommendations. Mennonite Church USA hopes to determine how many unin- sured people there are in Mennonite Church USA and research ways for congregations to help those who lack access to health care, within the church and without.—From MC USA release

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38 Canadian Mennonite August 2, 2004 Volume 8, Number 15

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Retreat to focus homosexuality with Willard sity. Mary Wiebe at (519) 586-2986. on ‘self-care’ Swartley, Toni Dolfo Smith and October 6-7: John and August 13-15: Ontario Neil Rempel. Margaret Friesen Lectures at Mennonite Bible School New Hamburg, Ont.—The October 22, 23, 29, 30: CMU with Barbara Nkala reunion at Conrad Grebel Building Community Retreat, Mennonite Disaster Service from Zimbabwe. University College, Waterloo. an annual weekend since 1987 informational evenings, at October 15-16: 24-hour August 19: Peach social at for people with disabilities, Willow Park MB Church, women’s retreat at Camp United Mennonite Educational their families and caregivers, Kelowna (22), Sardis Commu- Assiniboia, with speaker Institute, Leamington. will take place September 10- nity Church (23), King Road Kathy Koop August 27: Ontario 12 at Hidden Acres Camp. The MB Church, Abbotsford (29), October 19-20: J.J. Thiessen Mennonite Music Camp final theme is “Self-care for God’s First United Mennonite, Lectures at CMU with Peter concert at Breslau Mennonite glory.” Vancouver (30), 7:00 p.m. Erb of Wilfrid Laurier Univer- Church, 7:30 p.m. The resource person is Irma sity. September 10-12: Building Janzen, coordinator of the Alberta Community Retreat for persons Mental Health and Disabilities Ontario with disabilities, at Hidden Program for Mennonite October 15, 16, 17, 18: Acres Camp. Speaker: Irma Central Committee Canada. Community Justice Ministries August 8: Reesor Picnic at Janzen. Call (519) 578-2608. The retreat is sponsored by celebrations with speaker Backus Mill, Port Rowan. September 18: Relief sale at MCC Ontario and Hidden Wayne Northey (M2W2 in Worship 11:00 a.m. Phone Black Creek Pioneer Village. Acres. For more information, B.C.), in Edmonton (15), phone Myron Steinman at Calgary (16), Rosemary (17), (519) 897-8496 or Mike Wolf at Didsbury (18). (519) 578-2608.—From release Saskatchewan September 10-12: Junior high Calendar retreat. British Columbia September 30-October 2: Canadian Mennonite Health August 20-22: 50th Anniver- Assembly at Shekinah. sary Homecoming at First October 15-16: Saskatchewan Mennonite Church, Burns Women in Mission retreat. Lake. Contact Rob Wiebe, e- October 20-23: Christian mail: [email protected], Peacemaker Team meeting at fax: (250) 698-7363. Shekinah. August 23-30: MCC Quilt October 28-29: Missional Show at Clearbrook Public church workshop for lay Library. Call (604) 850-6639 or leaders at Camp Elim. visit www.mcc.org/bc. September 17-18: MCC Manitoba Festival at the Tradex, September 11: “Head for the Abbotsford. Call (604) 850- hills” cyclathon in Pembina 6639 or visit www.mcc.org/bc. Hills for Eden Health Care September 19: MCC Festival Services. Phone (204) 325- of Praise at South Abbotsford 5355, e-mail: Mennonite Brethren Church, [email protected]. 2:30 p.m. September 21: Meeting of September 25: MCC Fall Fair Winnipeg Mennonite Elemen- at Civic Centre, Prince George. tary School Society at Bedson October 4-6: Pastor/spouse campus, 7:00 p.m. retreat. September 24-25: MCC Relief October 15-17: Women in Sale at Keystone Centre, Mission retreat on “Prayer,” Brandon. with speaker Karen September 26: Opening Heidebrecht-Thiessen. program at Canadian October 21: MCC Thrifts Mennonite University, part of Shops evening with “quilt Homecoming Weekend. See lady” Elda Martens, 7:00 p.m. www.cmu.ca. Call Norma Neufeld at (604) October 2: MC Manitoba 850-6639 for details. Equipping Conference at October 22-23: MC British Canadian Mennonite Univer- Columbia workshop on

Canadian Mennonite August 2, 2004 Volume 8, Number 15 39

8-15 39 27/7/04, 3:27 PM A Book of Personal Meditations

“God never meant for us to live haphazard lives.” With that bold statement, middle-aged Leanne Benner sets out to confess the wrinkles in her own bumpy coming of age in her new book, The Peanuts in My Life. She offers comfort and commiseration, but mostly she encourages grasping hold of faith and moving resolutely forward, shored up by Scripture readings which she suggests for daily reading. Honest, challenging meditations for women and men.

204 pages • paperback $12.95 (Canadian) •$8.99 (U.S.) Readable, Attractive, and Authoritative — The Bible: A History by Stephen M. Miller & Robert V. Huber This book explores the history of the most extraordinary book in history and is written in a lively and lucid style. (It is not a book of theology; it is a history of the Bible.) The Bible has had a profound influence on the diverse cultures of Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Africa, and it has left an imprint on Asia. The Bible: A History tells the story of this remarkable book, by use of contemporary quotations, photography, full-color art, maps, charts, and special features. The Bible: A History is attractive and easy to read. It is a treasure for every library—personal, pastoral, or church. 256 pages • More than 100 full-color photographs • preprinted cover plus dustjacket • $41.95 (Canadian) / $29.95 (U.S.)

At local bookstores. Or directly from the publisher (ask about bulk discounts). Call toll-free 800/762-7171 • P.O. Box 419, Intercourse, PA 17534 Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and AmEx accepted. Shipping/Handling, add 10% ($3.00 minimum). Visit our secure internet store: www.goodbks.com Canadian customers may purchase at pandorapress.com (519/745-1560).

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