Worship Mennonite Identity CMU THE

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CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE • FALL 2006

3 TheThe FeastFeast CalledCalled 10 The Ambiguity of 13 Record Enrolment at Worship Mennonite Identity CMU THE

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE • FALL 2006 Editor's note on’t go there—you’ll lose your faith. That’s what an older man said to a Dyoung student leaving Ontario for studies at a Mennonite university in Winnipeg. You might think he was talking about CMU, but you’d be wrong. The conversation occurred 30 years ago. The school the older man was talking about was Mennonite Brethren Bible Members of the 50 year reunion classes from MBBC and CMBC pose in front of Founders Hall during College. The young student was me. Homecoming on Sept. 23. For more on Opening Weekend activities, see page 13. I still vividly recall that incident. But the older man’s concern was misplaced. I didn’t lose my faith. True, it changed a great deal. But it also became deeper, stronger and broader. Some people say the same thing about CMU today. But their concern is also misplaced. Yes, Table of Contents: CMU challenges students to examine their beliefs. It exposes them to different ways of 2 The Feast Called Worship: An interview seeing the world. But the goal is to prepare them to live as Christians in the real world, and with Marva Dawn. to help them make their faith their own. 7 The Goal of Worship: CMU Faculty & Staff Each April, when graduates share about their time at CMU, they all say the experience Reflect on Worship Issues Today. changed them. They often also say there were 10 A Precarious People: The Ambiguity of times of struggle and doubt. But they say their faith is stronger for it, even if it was hard at the Mennonite Identity. time. When I listen to them, I hear echoes of my own experience at MBBC. Like them, I too 13 News from CMU: Record Enrolment & had some tough times. But that experience Opening Weekend; Practicum Stories; New changed me, too—for the better. And the older man? We’re still good friends Writing School; New Book on Anabaptist today, both of us loving and serving Christ. Confessions of Faith; Spring Choir Tours a Success. John Longhurst, Editor 19 People & Events and Alumni News. 23 President’s message. MoVING? Drop us a line, fill out the web form at www.cmu.ca/alumni.html or email [email protected] The Blazer is a publication of CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY, published three times a year.

Design and Layout by: Editor/Communications Director: John Longhurst | Alumni/Constituency Relations Coordinator: Eleonore Braun Printed in Canada | Made with recycled paper (30% recycled, 20% post consumer). J8DJFE Publications agreement number 40686550 | Vol. 2, number 1 ISSN-1715-5843 DESIGN STUDIOS Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 Phone: 204.480.8233 | Email: [email protected] Ph. (204) 487.3300 | Toll-free: 1(877) 231.4570 | Fx. (204) 487.3858 | [email protected] | www.cmu.ca www.samsonstudios.ca on the cover: Students sing at CMU chapel.

2 fall 2006 The Feast Called

AWorshipn interview with Marva Dawn, keynote speaker at Refreshing Winds, 2007.

Marva Dawn is well-known Blazer: What is the purpose of worship? across North America Dawn: The purpose of worship is to honour God and for her passionate con- give Him the praise He deserves—period. Too often cern for worship. She is we try to use it for evangelism. But the purpose of wor- the author of 20 books, ship is not to attract new believers. That’s our job, as including Reaching Out Christians. We bring people to Christ, and then we Without Dumbing Down; bring them to worship. It’s a cop-out to count on the A Royal Waste of Time: The worship service to do that. Splendor of Worshiping God I realize that I’m a bit of an odd ball for saying this, and Being the Church for the since so many churches today offer “seeker sensitive” World; and How Shall We Worship? Biblical Guidelines services to get people to go to church. I think this for the Worship Wars. is a serious theological misunderstanding. Church is Dawn, 58, is a theologian and educator with not a place we “go to.” Instead, it signifies what God’s Christians Equipped for Ministry and a Teaching people are. We are called away from the idolatries of Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College, the world to gather with our fellow believers in wor- Vancouver, B.C. She recently talked about worship ship and fellowship and education, and then we are with Blazer editor John Longhurst. called out from that gathering, having been equipped

springfall 2006 2006 The Feast Called Worship

people. But catering to only one group of people doesn’t give us a very big sense of the church.

Blazer: It seems to be working—churches that use that model are growing. Dawn: That’s true. But I think a lot of it is sheep steal- ing—people leaving their own church to find a better show on Sunday morning. Whatever is most entertaining and fun will always draw people. Church services that speak of biblical themes of discipleship, sacrifice CMU students worship at the annual fall retreat. and cost have a hard time competing with those that promise to make me happy, wealthy and healthy. and empowered by it, to go back into the world to serve it. When we participate in corporate services, we The Bible never says that the goal of worship God because God is infinitely worthy of our praise—the focus is not on “attracting” anybody. worship is to attract unbelievers. In the corporate encounter with God that the worship service provides, those participating are formed more thoroughly to be like God and formed more Blazer: What should a worship service be like? genuinely to be a community. The result will be that Dawn: Worship is supposed to be a feast. And just like all of us reach out to our neighbours in loving care and a good meal includes all sorts of different kinds of food, service and witness, with the result that they might good worship involves many different kinds of activi- perhaps want to come with us to worship the God to ties—confession, absolution, praising, petitions, sing- whom we have introduced them. ing, Bible reading, explication of the Word, intercession The Bible never says that the goal of worship is to and benediction. A lot of worship today contains only attract unbelievers. The goal of worship is to praise a few items from the menu—it’s an empty feast. I’m God. The goal of worship isn’t to get us anything, but especially saddened by how little the scriptures are read to turn our attention to God, who has blessed us so in many churches; that is one of the most important richly. things in any worship service. Good worship uses all the gifts of all the people—young and old. Blazer: If that’s the case, why do you think so many churches are using worship to do out- Blazer: What about the issue of music? reach? Dawn: Many people make the mistake of confusing Dawn: It’s because the church in North America today musical style with worship. It’s not a matter of singing has lost its vitality. Instead of transforming our cul- hymns or choruses—any style can be used to worship ture, we are being transformed by it. Many churches God, and all kinds of music should be used in worship. take their model for worship services from talk shows But the music should pass some difficult tests in order on TV. The pastor is the host, introducing the enter- to be useful: Is it faithful to scripture? Is it directed tainment, and the congregation is the audience. It’s towards God? Is it about God? Too much music being become all about marketing—finding a niche a church used today is narcissistic—it’s about us and how we can serve, whether it’s boomers, youth, ‘tweens or older feel about God.

fall 2006 The most important question to ask in planning worship is not what style of music to use, but how we can best glorify God.

Don’t get me wrong; there are some very good tions (as in the case of violent words or unsingable contemporary pieces that call us to faithfulness. I’m melodies), the hymns and liturgies that have stood not opposed to contemporary music. It’s just that we the test of time have done so because their content is shouldn’t have a steady diet of only that style, or of any strong and their music felicitous. other style, for that matter. We need contemporary The most important question to ask in planning music, hymns, classical music, Gregorian chant, folk, worship is not what style of music to use, but how we roots, African, jazz or Taize and many others. Each can best glorify God. style has its place in the church. We need the whole music of the whole church to help bring us together Blazer: The theme of Refreshing Winds is Wor- to worship God. ship as Reconciliation. What does that mean to It grieves me when I hear people say they don’t like you? one kind of style or another, or they refuse to sing when Dawn: Reconciliation is God’s goal for humanity. God a particular style that’s not their favourite is used in wants to reconcile us to Himself. God is in the busi- worship. To me, that shows they don’t love others in ness of breaking down barriers. He also wants us to be their church enough to sing somebody else’s song. If a reconciled to each other, and worship is one way we can church is a community, then it needs to sing the songs do that. Worship can bring us together and unify us. of the whole community, not just one group. Unfortunately, it’s doing the opposite today—worship Style is not the crucial thing. The key is to carefully is driving us apart. The “worship wars” have become sort music and forms and styles and choose what is so destructive. It’s heartbreaking to see churches divide theologically appropriate and musically excellent. This into contemporary and traditional services—one for winnowing process has usually already been accom- young people, the other for older people. That means plished in the case of songs that appear in hymnbooks seniors can’t share their songs with youth, and young and worship books. Though there are notable excep- people can’t help seniors learn their new songs.

fall 2006 The FeasT Called as long as we think that worship is about the style of music I like, it will keep us apart. Good worship brings people together as we focus on God and praise God. and when we are reconciled to one another, we can become a reconciling people in the world, bringing others to Worship God.

Blazer: In our post-Christian and post-modern at the same time, I’ve been encouraged by how many culture, some say we need to abandon the past if people want to thoughtfully engage this important issue. worship today is to be relevant. Do you agree? That includes many young people. a lot of young people Dawn: No. One thing that defines post-modernism is today are realizing that the treasures of the church from rootlessness. Many people today have no sense of history; the past are being lost. They want to recover the ancient what’s happening now is the most important thing. But language of faith. They want more liturgy. They want this means that the great traditions of the church don’t more depth in the songs they sing. They want to be chal- get passed down. We have no sense of the testimony of lenged to live lives of service and sacrifice, to make a real God’s people throughout the ages. That’s one of the main difference in the world. problems with the style of worship being used in so many There have been times when I have felt like giving up. churches today. I don’t think that the church’s worship But the spirit won’t let me go. I’ve had diabetes for 40 language has ever been as narrow as it is now. By choos- years, my eyesight is bad, I have hearing problems, one ing only one style for worship, churches don’t link us to leg is crippled, I had cancer and I had a kidney transplant our Christian forebears. last year. I shouldn’t still be around, but God is keeping I believe that the church must provide an alternative me alive for a reason. I feel a calling to do this work of to the culture—not adapt to it. But to do that, we need teaching and writing. every book I’ve written is one that language, customs, habits, rituals, institutions, procedures I have felt called to write. It was as if the words were fire and practices that uphold and nurture a clear vision of in my bones. how the church is different and why that matters. If our worship is too much like the surrounding culture it will be Blazer: What is your hope for the church’s impossible to teach what I like to call “altar-nativity”—an worship? alternative Christian way of viewing the world. Dawn: My prayer is that our worship will form us to be In our worship, we are formed by biblical narratives a people who dwell in God’s reign and then carry God’s that tell a different story from that of the surrounding kingdom wherever we go—people who are equipped to culture. We gather together in worship to speak our lan- reach out to the culture around us with words of truth guage, to read our narratives of God at work, to sing and deeds of faithfulness. I pray that God will grant our authentic hymns of the faith in all kinds of styles, to churches such worship—for his glory, and for the love chant and pour out our prayers until we know the truth of the world. B so well that we can go out to the world around us and Dawn will speak four times at Refreshing Winds, January 18-20, invite that world to share this truth with us. 2007 at CMU. For more information, see the back cover or visit www.cmu.ca Blazer: you’ve been criticized by many for your opin- ions about the state of worship today. How does that make you feel? Dawn: It’s been a painful journey. I’ve been misunder- stood by lots of people. I’ve been accused of hating contemporary music—I don’t. I’ve been called a curmudgeon, a traditionalist. But I’m not. I just want to see the whole church included in worship.

6 fall 2006 Th e Goal of Worship CMU faculty and staff reflect on issues in worship today hat does it mean to think about worship a lot—Irma dueck, worship as a com- an assistant Professor of Practical munity—not just Theology; Christine longhurst, CMU’s as a collection of new Chapel Coordinator; and dietrich individuals? how Bartel, associate Professor of Music. can worship help For dueck, who just completed a doc- people to truly toral thesis on Mennonite worship, and find and meet who teaches worship at CMU, one of the God? how can it bring people together? big issues today is “whether worship is and how can we achieve some sense of just a collection of individuals meeting understanding about the role of music in the same place at the same time, or in worship? is it a time when a community gathers Those are some of the issues on the to corporately worship God?” minds of three people at CMU who she believes that worship today often

fall 2006 7 The Feast Called ends up catering too much to indi- vidual needs. “Worship is supposed to be a time when we pray, praise and sing together,” she says. “Of course, worship is intensely personal. But Worship even though it speaks to me, it isn’t about me—it’s about something big- ger. It’s about God and the Christian things that bind us together, Dueck encounter God in worship. “People faith.” says. But, she adds, the goal of wor- today are hungry for the presence of Another issue that needs more ship “is not to unify us. Through God in their lives,” she says. “They attention, she says, is “the whole Christ, we are already one body. We long to know and experience God.” concept of sacred space and holiness. don’t have to achieve or earn it— Yet many churches fail to meet As Mennonites, we seem to have lost unity has already been given to us. this hunger, she says, because they the sense of the sacred and the holy. We don’t get unity through worship. “mistakenly view worship as learn- We need to find that sacred space Rather, through worship we acknowl- ing about God, instead of meeting again.” edge our unity in Christ. By singing, God. While learning what it means to live as Christians is important, it is not an adequate substitute for the incredible experience of encountering God. The goal of worship is to meet and interact with the Divine.” Dueck: If everything Longhurst, who is completing a is worship, than Doctor of Worship Studies from the Institute for Worship Studies, we are in danger of also believes that much worship nothing being worship today has become too individualis- tic. “Sometimes it seems as though anymore. everything—the songs, the prayers, the sermon—focus only on my needs and my issues. Little is said about who God is, what God has done, and what God is continuing to do. Worship should focus on the nature and activity of God.” As a musician, Bartel sees “developing a musical style that speaks to everyone in the church” as an impor- Of course, she acknowledges, praying and praising together, wor- tant issue. It’s a big challenge, he says, Christians are to worship God in all ship helps us recognize it.” because the church is “ever-changing they do. But the problem with saying In fact, she emphasizes, the goal and ever-renewing itself. How do you that “worship and work are one” is of worship is just to do that—wor- keep tradition alive, yet find ways to that “if everything is worship, than ship. “Worship is good in and of incorporate the new?” we are in danger of nothing being itself,” says Dueck. “It doesn’t have He recounts how he likes to take worship anymore. We need to give to accomplish anything else.” students to the archives on campus more careful attention to that par- For Longhurst, who came to to show them a hymnbook from ticular practice called corporate wor- CMU after ten years as pastor of the 15th century. “I can show them ship, realizing that it’s different from worship at River East Mennonite a hymn in there that they sang 500 all the other spaces we live in.” Brethren Church, one of the primary years ago—in Latin, of course—that Worship should also focus on the issues is finding ways to help people we still sing today. It’s an amazing

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Bartel: How do you keep tradition alive, yet find ways to incorporate the new? thing to think that we sing the same hymnbooks with piano and organ is songs as people so long ago.” more common in Mennonite Church Although he respects tradition, Canada congregations. Bartel—who is also Music Director “There is such a diversity to the Longhurst: at All Saints Anglican Church in student body,” says Bartel, who has Winnipeg—is open to using con- taught at CMBC/CMU since 1985. The goal of temporary music in worship; at his “It’s much greater than even five years worship is church, you can find a steel drum ago—students come from so many band, hymns or 16th century chants. different worship experiences today. toto meetmeet andand “We have to keep the door to the new It really stretches us.” interactinteract withwith open while keeping alive the old,” he When Dueck started teaching says. To do this, he adds, “we need at CMBC in 1991, her goal was to thethe Divine.Divine. imaginative musicians to help us— help her mostly-Mennonite stu- unfortunately, there’s no worse place dents “understand what made wor- to find stuck-in-the-mud musicians ship Mennonite.” But today, with so each unique worship style and lan- than the church.” many students from other churches, guage is represented and respected, For all three, CMU is an exciting she tries to get them “to embrace the and where we can celebrate the rich- and challenging place to be when it tradition from which they come, and ness and diversity of this worshipping comes to worship. Students come to ask themselves what it is about their community.” from a variety of denominations; over worship that fosters that tradition.” Adds Dueck: “Through chapel we 40 percent of the student body comes At the same time, Longhurst, Dueck, create patterns and rituals that are from non-Mennonite churches, and Bartel and other members of the ours. At the same time, we want to even among Mennonites there is a CMU Chapel Committee try to pro- expose students to new ways of wor- lot of diversity in worship style—in mote ways of worshipping that are shipping, let them see and participate Manitoba, for example, it is estimated unique to the CMU community. For in different ways of praising God, that over 80 percent of Mennonite Longhurst, who coordinates CMU’s and give them opportunities to be Brethren churches use contempo- daily chapel services each week, the involved in worship that allows them rary music (Power Point for lyrics challenge is to “create worship to to meet God and encounter the scrip- and a worship band), while the use of which everyone can belong, where tures, in real, life-changing ways.” B

fall 2006 a Precarious People: Th e ambiguity of Mennonite Identity

By Chris K. Huebner

begin with a seemingly para- doxical assertion: contemporary Mennonite identity is fundamentally precarious. It is inherently at risk, necessarily vulnerable to dissolution. It might seem to fol- low from this that there is no such thing as Mennonite identity at all. But I do not think such a conclu- sion is justified, and I shall attempt to explain why. such a series of claims no doubt runs the risk of saying simultaneously too much and too little. It might be read as cutting an inappropriately wide swath and thus claiming to say far too much. Or it might come across as so general that it could not possibly be spelled out in any meaningful way, thereby amount- ing to little more than annoying provo- cation. and yet both of these risks are worth entertaining as I seek to describe a Mennonite identity that is at once fragile and robust. What I mean to suggest in speaking of precariousness is that contemporary discussions of Mennonite identity are marked by notable contradictions and

10 fall 2006 Mennonites know we are committed . . . to an ethic of peaceableness. But we have a much more difficult time explaining why we are so committed.

ambiguities, conflicts and ruptures contemporary Mennonite reality, and harmony and ordered stability. The that, when pushed, could be used it appears that we are in the midst of a problem is that the rhetoric of har- to call into question the very idea full-blown identity crisis. Mennonites mony suggests ideals of strength, of Mennonite identity itself. For are infatuated with the question of solidity, resolution, and closure. a Precarious People: example, a split exists between the identity, and yet we cannot seem to a harmonic conception of peace church’s mission agencies and those reach any kind of substantial agree- implies a social order of strongly devoted to social justice. While both ment on what it consists in. unified wholes. Th e ambiguity of Mennonite Identity do much good and important work, although this disjointed, almost a more theologically robust con- the very fact that we have institu- schizophrenic state of affairs is trou- ception of pacifism calls much of this tionalized such a division of labour bling, I also find something pro- harmonic idea into question. From in the church suggests that the care foundly correct about the seemingly a theological perspective, peace is of the soul is somehow separate from interminable debates concerning the rooted in the gracious gift of God a concern for the body. The result is nature of Mennonite identity. It is in in Jesus Christ. It is not a possession an unfortunate separation between sorting out the good from the bad to be protected, but a radically con- theology and ethics. aspects of Mennonite precariousness tingent gift that must be given and This division contributes to an that I locate some of the greatest chal- received in a spirit of ongoing vul- all-too-common difficulty in articu- lenges and opportunities facing the nerability. The peace of Christ does lating a Mennonite identity. When contemporary church. not seek to make itself more secure pressed to clarify what it means to I have already alluded to the bad— and stable. It is radically unstable be Mennonite, it does not take much the separation of an ethic of peace and risky precisely because it exists time before many settle on the com- from its larger theological context. as gift. Not only does it recognize that mitment to peace. We Mennonites all In terms of Mennonite identity, it is there are no final guarantees for the know that we are committed, whether important to recognize that merely securing of peace, it understands that we like it or not, to an ethic of peace- pointing to a commitment to peace is the pursuit of such guarantees is just ableness. But we have a much more hardly sufficient, even though there another form of violence. difficult time explaining why we are are some contexts in which it may Whereas a harmonic outlook tends so committed, or in describing more be a good place to start. There are to define peace negatively—in terms specifically what the peace we point many different kinds of peace, not of the absence of conflict—Christian to looks like. add to this the perpet- all of them equally desirable. One of pacifism can expect to encounter ual debate concerning the tension the more troubling sorts of pacifism more, rather than less, conflict, as between the anabaptist vision and is that captured by the metaphors of the history of non-violent mar-

The church is a social body that is constantly seeking new alternatives to worldly conceptions of power.

fall 2006 11 tyrs attests. Indeed, the stories in proceed as expression of a desire to toward being domesticated by the the Martyr’s Mirror are among the sharpen up Mennonite identity, to wider world. best examples of a theology that make it more tightly coherent. To My hope for the future of the resists the kind of disconnection borrow a metaphor from the phi- Mennonite church thus turns on the between mission and justice that losopher Stanley Cavell, this expe- ability to cultivate a more fluid and besets the contemporary church. rience of Mennonite ambiguity cuts ambiguous conception of identity. But in overcoming this bad sort of abrasively against us, as if we are We can only preserve a meaningful precariousness, we might see an being “chafed by our own skin.”[1] understanding of Mennonite identity opening for a more positive under- But I am suggesting that we need not by losing it in the sense of a faith that standing of a fundamentally precari- be so chafed. Indeed, I hope I can is fundamentally precarious. ous Mennonite identity. This has show a way of seeing the value in Excerpted from A Precarious Peace: Yoderian everything to do with the riskiness the essentially precarious faith that Explorations on Theology, Knowledge, and Identity and vulnerability of peace that has defines us. (Herald Press). already been noted. When peace is At its best, the Mennonite church understood as a gift, it contains pres- exists as a kind of ongoing political [1] Stanley Cavell, “The Availability of sures that work against the tempta- experiment. The church is a social Wittgenstein’s Later Philosophy,” in Must We Mean tion to define a supremely stable body that is constantly seeking new What We Say? (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1976), 61. self-identity. It resists alternatives to worldly a concentric model of conceptions of power. identities and commu- In this sense, it is impor- nities, and calls for a tant to recognize that vulnerable recognition the Mennonite church of difference. The pur- has always existed in suit of a stable identity the midst of dual pres- works against the call to sures toward closure and remain charitably open openness. It is doomed to the stranger. to being simultaneously A Christian concep- conservative and liberal. tion of peace is better Of course, this is also to captured by metaphors say that it can be neither of fluidity and ambiguity than by conservative nor liberal. To use more those of solidity and stability. But this biblical terminology, the church is is not an unconstrained openness. It called to practice binding and loos- is important to work at defining our ing. identity. It is just that in doing so, we The problem I see in looking at discover forces that work against the the contemporary Mennonite church tendency to pin it down too decisively, is that some congregations are dedi- to control it. Put differently, it is good cated practitioners of binding, while to seek self-defining first principles. others are experts at loosing. Very Chris K. Huebner is But when those first principles are rarely does one find both in one Associate Professor of Theology and rooted in the peace of Christ, it is place. This is yet another form of Ethics at CMU. also crucial to remember that they are bad precariousness that becomes According to essentially fragile. Such is the paradox possible when theology has become American theo- of Mennonite identity. separated from ethics. If we can find logian Stanley Hauerwas, his book For many, this understanding a way to overcome these problematic offers “a series of of identity is essentially negative. breaks and dualisms, we may be able theological reflec- It is seen as something we should to recognize the more positive sense tions on peace as an essentially precarious, vulnerable and run from. Discussions about the of fragmented identities that grows fragile exercise of giving and receiving the “Anabaptist vision” and “contem- out of the call to love our enemies. good news of God’s gracious and unsettling porary Mennonite reality” often If not, we will continue the trend gift of peace in Christ.”

12 fall 2006 cation, learn about the aspects of God’s charac- world and prepare for a teristics and revealed the career—it’s also to “learn nature of God.” to see the image of God in This insight, she said, other people.” “instilled in me a deep Through studying at appreciation for what it CMU, students can look means to be part of a com- for God’s image in others munity at CMU.” as they prepare for their Toews and Tiessen were careers, he said. “Imagine just part of a program that what a difference it would featured the 100-voice Elfrieda Duerksen and Betty Hamm of Winnipeg admire art from the In God’s make if we all saw our- CMU chorus, readings, Image collection, on permanent display at CMU. The collection was officially selves and others as made prayers and a litany for the opened September 22 during Opening Weekend activities. in the image of God,” new academic year. Tiessen stated, noting The Opening Program that “if you want to know was part of an Opening Record Enrolment something of humanity’s Weekend and Homecoming essence, start with God.” event that found people Before Tiessen spoke, gathered at the univer- at CMU Dorothea Toews, a second sity on September 22 for Image of God Explored at Opening Program year arts student, shared a Homecoming recital how she saw God’s image and the official opening Packed classrooms, full ing one or more courses in the people she met at of the In God’s Image residences, busy professors in international develop- CMU. On opening day, art collection—now on and staff—all are signs of a ment or peace and conflict she looked around at all permanent display at the record enrolment at CMU transformation studies at the students on campus. university. Alumni and this year. Menno Simons College. Each one, she said, was others also participated in All told, 2,009 stu- “We are really pleased “labelled in the image of Homecoming events such dents are taking one or with the enrolment fig- God—short, tall, male, as class reunions, a bike more courses at CMU’s ures,” says David Leis, female, all were unique race, children’s programs Main Campus, at Menno Vice-President for persons...all showed some and sports. B Simons College, CMU’s Advancement. “It shows campus at the University that more and more of Winnipeg, or through students from across CMU by the Numbers Outtatown, CMU’s school Canada and other coun- Total enrolment 2,009 of discipleship program. tries are seeing CMU as Full Course Equivalent 3,547 A total of 474 students an option for university are enrolled are at the Grant education—particularly Main Campus 474 and Shaftesbury campus— those students interested Full-time 391 a seven percent increase in a variety of vocations, Part-time 83 over last year—making it graduate studies and vari- New 211 the largest student body ous professions.” Returning 263 in CMU’s history. Another The record enrol- 97 students are part of ment was celebrated on Outtatown 97 Outtatown, CMU’s eight- September 23 during month adventure, travel the university’s Opening Seminary 39 and discipleship program Program, which found that finds students living, Dan Epp Tiessen, Assistant Menno Simons College 1,399* studying and serving in Professor of the Bible, tell- * Taking one course or more. Canada and Guatemala or ing the audience that the South Africa. Meanwhile, goal of studying at CMU 1,399 students are tak- is not only to get an edu-

fall 2006 13 CMU News

worked with an organiza- tion that taught literacy and family life classes for youth. But she was a student as much as a teacher; “I learned how to live in another culture, how to ask a lot of questions, how to be uncertain and how to be a learner,” she says. “It was just a great honour to hear the stories of their lives.” As a result of her time in that country, the International Development Kristine Zylstra wears the traditional dress of Ixil women in Nebaj, Guatemala while visiting with sisters Julieta and Maria Studies major says she “has Feliciana Laynes Guzman: A chance to see the reality of what she studied, and put it into practice. a better idea of what kinds of classes I ought to take,” Practicum Assignments Let Students and also has “a great desire to work with women in the Find Strengths, Test Career Interests developing world.” Pastoral Internship an “Eye-Opening Experience” Krehbiel, a member of the Alexanderwohl For Kristine Zylstra, doing covered “how much work The assignments can be Mennonite Church in a practicum assignment pastors do in their jobs, done over the course of Goessel, Kansas, was able with Mennonite Central and what an all-consum- a semester or two during to preach, lead worship, Committee in Guatemala ing and vulnerable posi- the regular school year, in do visitation and lead was a way to “get a better tion pastors are in.” a concentrated 12-week Bible studies and youth idea of where my interests Zylstra, Krehbiel and block in summer or over activities while serv- lie as well as what my gifts Guenther were just three the course of a whole year. ing at First Mennonite are . . . I had a chance to of 55 students who did, or Practicum assignments Church in Edmonton. “I see the reality of what I are doing, full-time practi- done by students this year had a fantastic experi- had studied, to begin to cum assignments this included working in Bible ence there!” says the 2006 practice it and also to see year. “The assignments camps; with refugees; in Church Ministries gradu- where my strengths and allow students to put their a psychiatric hospital in ate. “The congregation weakness lie.” studies into practice, test Paraguay; with families in was very warm, friendly, Katherine Krehbiel’s their career interests and crisis; in aboriginal com- and open—it was a per- practicum assignment provide needed services,” munities; with mission fect environment for my as a pastoral intern in says Werner Kliewer, who agencies and MCC; in practicum assignment.” Edmonton reinforced her directs CMU’s practicum denominational offices; Guenther, a Biblical and “calling to ministry, and program. All students who with disabled people; tutor- Theological Studies major, was the perfect learning want to graduate from ing inner city youth; and in found that she enjoyed experience to end my three CMU are required to do an art gallery, among other “preparing and giving ser- years at CMU.” a practicum assignment, things. mons, and this taught me Working as a pas- he adds. During her time in how to make the theology tor was “an eye opening Since September 2000, Guatemala with MCC’s I am studying accessible experience” for Susanne when CMU began, 385 stu- Service and Learning from a non-academic view- Guenther. During her time dents have done practicum Together program, Zylstra, point.” The member of the at the Danforth Mennonite placements, 86 of them in a member of the Winnipeg Charleswood Mennonite Church in Toronto she dis- congregational settings. Centre Vineyard Church, Church “also learned

14 fall 2006 CMU News

about diversity within ing out with the kids.” other people. I think that ideas.” the Mennonite church in During her practicum this placement has helped Zarah Tinholt served at Canada, as most of the assignment she “learned a to prepare me for a career “The Link,” a ministry to members of Danforth lot about myself and who in the field of international young adults at Winnipeg’s were from non-Mennonite I am, and what I want. development—it has given Calvary Temple. While backgrounds.” God taught me a lot about me perspectives and expe- there she organized events Other students who worship and reminded me riences that will be valu- for young adults and orga- did a practicum assign- again and again that ‘if I able later on.” nized a three-day outreach ments found them to be settle on the far side of Paul Schmidt, a mem- effort in a downtown important and instructive the sea, even there your ber of Winnipeg’s Jubilee Winnipeg park. experiences. Laura Snyder, hand will guide me.’ I had Mennonite Church, did “My practicum taught a member of the Waterloo, the opportunity to learn his practicum place- me so much about many Ontario Mennonite a lot about development ment as an intern at the different areas of ministry,” Brethren Church, gradu- practices, the effects of Langley, B.C. Mennonite says Tinholt, a Biblical and ated last April with a programs, the problems Church. “It was a good Theological Studies major degree in International that are encountered, and way for me to get the feel who graduated in April. Development Studies. She a lot about how HIV/AIDS for a ministry position in “I have really enjoyed my served at a children’s home affects a culture and a a Mennonite church,” says time here, and see this in South Africa, where she people.” the fourth year Biblical and as a stepping stone for taught English, planned Adds Snyder: “The way Theological Studies major. vocational ministry . . . I and led recreation sessions I view the world has been “The variety of involve- have been encouraged to twice a week and “spent a opened even further, as ments allowed me to test dream big for the cause of lot of free time just hang- has the way I see God and drive my own interests and Christ.” B New School of Writing launched at CMU To Start in May, 2007 Mennonite writing in this novel was completed and open to all writers, Wiebe with instructors country. published.” hopes he will have a chance Rudy Wiebe, Next year Wiebe, 72, will Through the school, to work with Mennonite Sarah Klassen “come home” to the place Wiebe—an award-winning writers who have new where he began his career author of 15 books of fic- stories to tell. In 1960-61, a young stu- as a writer when he teaches tion, six books of non-fic- “In the past 45 years, dent and aspiring author at a new creative writing tion and numerous essays many Mennonite stories of named Rudy Wiebe was school called the School of and anthologies—will offer my generation have been in his last year of studies at Writing at CMU. workshops on writing fic- written,” he says. “It’s time Mennonite Brethren Bible Involvement in the tion, and have one-on-one for new stories by people College (MBBC). School, which will also fea- meetings with budding who didn’t grow up in tra- Few people knew it, ture Manitoba poet Sarah writers. ditional, ethnic Mennonite but in all his spare time Klassen, “makes the circle “Every writer needs families, whose first lan- he was working on the complete,” says Wiebe, an opportunity to have guage isn’t German or final draft of a novel. That who taught creative writ- someone else respond English, or who don’t trace novel, published in 1962 as ing for 29 years at Goshen to what they’ve written,” their origins to Russia or Peace Shall Destroy Many, College and the University says Wiebe, whose latest the Ukraine. Through the was a ground-breaking of Alberta. “By doing it book is Of This Earth: A school, CMU can play an book—the first novel in through CMU, I’m com- Mennonite Boyhood in the important role in helping English about Mennonites ing back to the place that Boreal Forest. “An impar- those new stories get writ- in Canada. It earned Wiebe carries on the tradition of tial and experienced writer ten.” the distinction of being MBBC, and to Winnipeg, can really help.” As for the School itself, considered the father of where I lived when the Although the School is Cont'd on next page

fall 2006 15 CMU News New Book Shows Conversion, Spirituality Cont'd from previous page Wiebe says it will be an Important to Early Anabaptists opportunity for writers to “learn techniques, Book of Early through their doctrine,” improve their style and Confessions Edited Koop says. “Not surpris- get a wider response from by CMU Professor ingly, scholars affected myself, Sarah and other by this climate of opinion participants. This is one Peace, ethics, communi- viewed Anabaptist confes- of the most vital things a ty—those are words that sional developments with writing school can offer— are often associated with little interest.” having your work read the early Anabaptists. But, these confessions carefully by more impar- But Karl Koop, Associate show that “Anabaptism tial readers can help you Professor of Theology and can’t be reduced to certain become a much better History, says that more ethical principles—it was writer.” words should be added to also a way of life expressed Karl Koop with his new book: Early Klassen, a retired teach- that list—words like wor- Anabaptists talked a lot about through worship, prayer, er who has published a col- ship, conversion, spiritual- salvation, prayer and spirituality. spirituality, and deeply lection of short stories and ity and theology. held beliefs,” he states. six books of poetry, includ- Koop is editor of a faith,” he says, adding that “The concern for moral ing her latest, A Curious recently released book the confessions show that and social reform among Beatitude, is “looking called Confessions of “spirituality was key to Anabaptists was deeply forward to working with Faith in the Anabaptist their way of life.” rooted in a particular way and nurturing people who Tradition, 1527-1660. The For Koop, the new book of believing, thinking and want to write poetry.” book is a collection of 14 is an important corrective experiencing God.” “I’m really excited English translations of to the way Anabaptists Altogether, the confes- about the new School,” early Anabaptist confes- have been viewed since sions of faith reveal that she says. “It’s a good step sions of faith—some of 1944, when Harold S. “the early Anabaptists con- for CMU.” which have never been Bender published his tributed more to the church The start-up of the translated before. influential essay “The than just an emphasis on new School, which will “The confessions give Anabaptist Vision.” That peace and justice,” he says. run from May 14-18, has us insight into the faith essay, written at a time “Things like conversion, been made possible by the of the early Anabaptists,” when Mennonites in rebirth and a profound generous support of Wiebe Koop says. “They repre- North America were chal- spirituality were also very and Klassen, both of whom sent the core beliefs of the lenged by war, liberalism important to them. After are donating their time. It community. They tell us and fundamentalist influ- all, you don’t willingly die will be limited to 20 partic- what the community was ences from other church- for your faith just because ipants—ten in the fiction thinking.” es, helped Mennonites you believe in peace and track and ten in the poetry And what, exactly, were to refocus on Anabaptist justice—you do it because track. Cost for the five-day they thinking about? Koop distinctives such as non- you have a profound faith School is $495. The School says they spent a lot of resistance, discipleship and in God.” will be administered time discussing issues such community. Confessions of Faith in by CMU’s Continuing as communion, church “While Bender’s theol- the Anabaptist Tradition, Education program. discipline, the nature of ogy was firmly rooted in 1527-1660 is published “This is a very satisfying God, baptism, repen- Christ, a generation of by Pandora Press. It is thing for me to do,” says tance, rebirth, salvation scholars after him tended available from the CMU Wiebe. “Now the circle and the role of the Holy to see the Anabaptist tra- bookstore for $36.50. Call will be closed.” Spirit, among many other dition making a contribu- 487-3300 or e-mail the More information can topics. “They wrote exten- tion to the church and the bookstore at cmubook- be found on the CMU web sively about those things world only through their [email protected] to order a site at www.cmu.ca B in their confessions of ethics, rather than also copy. B

16 fall 2006 CMU nEwS

Barriere, B.C., a reporter for the North Thompson Star/Journal said that “Making a joyful noise unto the lord took on real meaning for those who came to hear the CMU Chamber Choir . . . their beautiful voices filled the church with harmonious and inspiring melody that enchanted their listeners, who showed their appreciation with a standing ovation at the close of the 2005-06 CMU Chamber Choir on tour on Vancouver Island. evening’s program.” One of the highlights of Spring Choir tours a Success the trip for Chamber Choir member aaron Purdie of Good music, good interac- very meaningful experi- the meaningful conversa- Garibaldi highlands, B.C., tion and good memories— ence for our congregation. tions and relationships that was “the way that we con- that’s a good way to sum up I heard one mother, whose were shared.” nected with the congre- the visit by CMU choirs to son was in our children’s The visit, he con- gations . . . it was very the U.s. and Canada’s west- choir, say that the next day cluded, “was a blessing meaningful for them and ern provinces in spring. her son was singing most for us.” us. It was nice to see the “Thank you both for of the day, which was an While the CMU singers faces of people who sup- your planning, organi- unusual thing for him.” were in North dakota, port our school.” zation and efforts that Murray went on to say Minnesota and Kansas, singing at non-Men- brought the CMU singers that “I also heard many the Chamber Choir nonite churches was a to hesston Mennonite positive comments from visited saskatchewan, good experience, he says: Church,” wrote pastor those who hosted choir alberta and B.C. Writing “I learned, in new ways, John C. Murray. “It was a members overnight—about about the choir’s visit to that regardless of creed we can all be brought together in worship...I also learned new ways of approach- ing worship, seeing it in a variety of churches with varying backgrounds and histories.” Next year’s choir dep- utations will find the Chamber Choir visiting Ontario in april-May, while the singers will be in southern saskatchewan in February. If you would like a choir to visit your church, school or other venue, contact eleonore Author David Elias answers a question at the September 21 “What’s So Funny About Mennonites?” reading/panel Braun at 1.877.231.4570 as Armin Wiebe and Anita Horrocks look on. Over 150 people came out to the event at CMU, part of the Winnipeg International Writer’s Festival. or e-mail her at elbraun@ cmu.ca B

fall 2006 17 CMU Fall Appeal

I’m glad to be a part of CMU! Student Profile: Amanda Thorsteinsson Since coming here in summer to be CMU’s new Director of Development, I CMU Models Hope for Student have had occasion to reflect Some people travel across that one day I would be There is something to be on the reasons why I am glad Canada to come to CMU. attending university in said for opening the local to be at CMU. Others come from the that building—never paper and finding an arti- I’m glad to be at a uni- U.S. or across the ocean. mind sharing a lot of that cle about students holding versity that is dedicated to Amanda Thorsteinsson school’s ideology.” a candle-light vigil for the providing Christ-centered didn’t go that far. Her jour- Although she didn’t people of Iraq. In a world education. ney to CMU was just a few know much about that is broken and where I’m glad to be at a school kilometres. Mennonites or CMU, creation is groaning, things where that has an outstand- “I grew up in Charles- Thorsteinsson, a member like this model hope.” ing and dedicated faculty. wood, near CMU,” says the of Charleswood United For Thorsteinsson, CMU I’m glad to be at a school second year International Church, remembers being is “a tiny little piece of the that emphasizes practical Development Studies impressed by the witness puzzle that God is putting service. major. “But until I started of the university in the together in Winnipeg and And I’m glad to be part of attending the university, community. beyond. I don’t know how a large, generous constitu- they only thing I knew “I encountered CMU in God wants to use this ency that supports CMU. about Mennonites was different ways—hearing community at CMU, but I hope that you, too, are they didn’t want to go to students talk about peace I trust that, in some mys- glad to be part of CMU— war and they owned this and justice issues on the terious way, God is using whether as an alumnus of castle-type building that I bus, or hearing about the our faithful actions to help MBBC/Concord College, drove by all the time. school’s peace and justice usher in His kingdom and CMBC, Menno Simons “I never dreamed initiatives in the media. build His shalom.” B College or CMU itself, or as a friend of CMU. And I also hope that you will make a Planned Giving Options contribution during this, our Through Canadian Mennonite University Fall Appeal, to help a new generation of CMU students When you establish a planned gift at CMU, you grow in faith and prepare for give a gift that keeps on giving—touching the lives of lives of service in the church students now, and for years to come. and the world. To donate to CMU, visit www.cmu.ca or Bequests | Appreciated Securities | Life Insurance | Trust deposits | RRSPs and RRIFs | Endowments call 1.877.231.4570 For more information, please call: Len Sawatsky Thanks! Development Department Abe Bergen, Director of Canadian Mennonite University Development 204.487.3300 or 877.231.4570 • [email protected] CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY 18 fall 2006 People and events

the past year as a visiting lectur- ence. Furthermore, we enjoy the er at the College, told graduates feeling of Christian community, at the school’s June 3 gradua- particularly as it transcends tion celebration. The graduates denominational boundaries.” should be prepared to for the “the pain and disappointment Sanctoral Cycle. That’s the that we inevitably encounter” in name of the liturgical cycle of doing peace and development feast days in honor of the saints. work, Simbandume said, yet also It’s also the name of CMU’s new be open to “experiencing joy, bike co-op. “Just as feast days humour and delight that is also serve to nourish and sustain the inherent in this work.” body, so too the CMU Sanctoral Cycle bike co-op seeks to Lea Bock at head of line-up of graduates at the June 3 Menno Simons College Golf tournament a success. cultivate good habits of physi- graduation celebration. A total of 54 students graduated with degrees in 124 golfers had a great time at cal health and environmental International Development Studies and Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies. the June 20 CMU President’s Golf stewardship,” says Chris Huebner, Tournament. Altogether, $17,500 Assistant Professor of Theology Offspring of ancient Brethren Missions and Services was raised to support CMU and Ethics and an avid cyclist. Chortitza oak tree planted International (MBMSI) SOAR athletics and general programs. Through the co-op members get at CMU. In June John R. and Heartland and Trek, and Ministry A big thank-you goes out to free access to tools and work- Marian Friesen of Winnipeg Quest (a program of Mennonite the tournament sponsors:(Gold space, and affordable shop rates donated a tree grown from an Brethren Biblical Seminary). Tee) Belton & Grom Financial and parts. acorn from the ancient “Chortitza The media sponsor is Winnipeg Services, Mutual Funds; (Silver Oak.” The tree, which was grown Christian radio station CHVN. Tee) Ens Automotive Group, Congo election report. An by Abe and Eleanor Epp of Golden West Radio, Hunter old man, his hand quivering as Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., was Summer camps a success. Wire Products; (Bronze Tee) he voted—for Winnipegger given to CMU on the occasion of A total of 87 children and Remco Realty; (Hole Sponsors) Joel Marion, that summed up the Friesen’s 50th wedding anni- youth attended overnight ALLMAR International, Aon Reed the importance and meaning of versary. “The tree will serve as a and day camps this summer Stenhouse, BDO Dunwoody, the July election in Congo. “You reminder of a heritage to which sponsored by the CMU Athletics Crosstown Credit Union, could tell by his posture and his many of us connect,” said John Department. During the camps Niverville Farms, Powerland gait that this man was immense- at a tree-planting ceremony in participants received instruc- Computers; (Shared Hole ly proud of finally getting to vote June. “In a living way it ties us tion in ultimate Frisbee, soccer, Sponsors) Flynn Canada, Friesen for his country’s government,” back to our history.” volleyball and basketball, along Tokar Architects, General Tours he said. Marion was one of 12 with daily Bible study. “I am so & Travel Services, Lakeview people who went to Congo in New contemporary wor- pleased that the overnight camp Insurance, Stefan Homes, July through CMU’s Institute for ship event starts at CMU. has grown so quickly, and the Westgate Enterprises. Community Peacebuilding; he Worship@CMU: GPS is the name attendance at the day camp was and others reported about their of a new worship experience for encouraging,” says camp director A “quiet worshipful atmo- election monitoring experi- youth being held the last Sunday Vaughn Rempel Snider. “It’s my sphere.” That’s what John and ence on September 16 at the of each month from September hope that after a week of camp Edna Peters say about Vespers, university. to November and January to the campers will welcome God a CMU tradition that is held the May. Worship@CMU: GPS— and incorporate physical activity third Sunday of each month Faculty & Staff News which stands for God Provided into their daily lives.” from September to April. “It is a Situation—aims to help par- very relaxing and spiritual way “‘Don’t Hanker to Be No ticipants discover where God 54 graduate from Menno of ending a Sunday and adds Prophet’: Guy Vanderhaeghe has placed them, what he wants Simons College. “Approach inspiration as one faces the start and the Bible” is the title of an them to do there, and where He this work with joy!” That’s of another week,” say the Peters. article by Assistant Professor wants them to go. It is sponsored what Louise Simbandumwe, “The music offered by the choir of English Sue Sorensen that by CMU, the CMU Outtatown a Winnipeg anti-poverty and is first class and the readings will be published in 2007 in the discipleship school, Mennonite human rights activist who spent add to the worshipful experi- journal Canadian Literature.

fall 2006 19 People and events

In November she will travel to Development Studies at Menno in Winnipeg. He also led media Biography published by the Maryland for the annual con- Simons College, has been relations workshops in fall for University of Toronto; and one ference of the Film/Literature elected as the Main Conference Lutheran and United Church lead- on “The Trinitarian Beliefs of Association to deliver a Coordinator for the Americas ers and principals of Winnipeg’s Mennonites in Poland: 18th paper entitled: “Moderns and Section of the World Social Roman Catholic schools. century” for the Mennonite Modernism on Film.” Forum. The Forum is a “meeting Quarterly Review. He also wrote place for reflective thinking, Music professor Janet the text for an eight-panel dis- Titus Guenther, Associate democratic debate of ideas, Brenneman, Assistant Professor play at the Mennonite Heritage Professor of Theology and formulation of proposals, free of Music, was an adjudicator for Centre, briefly telling the Missions, is spending his sab- exchange of experiences and the Brandon, Man. and Regina, Mennonite story from the 16th batical in Chile, teaching at inter-linking for effective action, Sask. music festivals this year, century to the present. the inter-Protestant seminary by groups and movements of and was also the guest conduc- in Santiago until the end of civil society.” tor for the Winnipeg Divisional Associate Librarian Vic Froese December. Titus, who teaches Honour Choir in May. wrote a review of The Purpose- theology and missions at CMU, Abe Bergen, Assistant Driven Life for Direction. will teach one course in mis- Professor of Practical Theology Assistant Professor of Psychology siology and a seminar on the and director of Admissions, Delmar Epp and his wife, When it comes to public minis- radical wing of the Reformation. consulted with the Morden Brenda, made three presenta- try, Pierre Gilbert, Associate He taught church history at the Bergthaler Church on youth tions in the past year for prospec- Professor of Biblical Studies and seminary from 1989-94. He is ministry issues in spring and tive adoptive parents of “older” Theology, is CMU’s “Iron man,” also working with Mennonite published an article titled children, on behalf of Winnipeg having given or led 50 sermons, Church Canada and Mennonite “Engaging Youth in Mission in Child and Family Services. Sunday school classes, keynote Church USA to be a contact the Spring Issue of Leader. addresses, Portables, workshops between those groups and the John J. Friesen, Professor and lectures, plus being a retreat 20 or so Mennonite/Anabaptist John Longhurst, who directs Emeritus of History and speaker, between January, 2005 churches in Chile. communications and market- Theology, wrote several articles and April, this year. Gilbert, who ing, launched his book Making this year, including one about teaches at the CMU’s Winnipeg Wilder Robles, Assistant the News: An Essential Guide to Mennonites for The Encyclopedia Centre for Ministry Studies, also Professor of Conflict Resolution Media Relations, August 21 at of Manitoba; one on Henry published 13 articles in that Studies/International McNally Robinson Booksellers H. Ewert for the Dictionary of time.

Jan. 19: Arts Café. Events@CMU Jan. 28: Worship@CMU: GPS. 7 p.m. Cost: $2. Feb. 17: An Evening with CMU at the Morden, Man. All events at CMU unless otherwise indicated. Mennonite Church. Nov. 15-16: The John and Margaret Friesen Lectures. Feb. 18: Vespers. 7:30 p.m. Location TBA. Choir practice: Topic: Sacred Spaces, Sacred Places: Mennonite Feb. 15. Architecture in Russia and Canada. Feb. 20-21: Winter Lectures. Topic: Science and Nov. 17: Campus Visit Day for prospective students. Theology. Nov. 19: Vespers, 7:30 p.m. Choir practice: Nov. 16. Feb. 23: Campus Visit Day. Nov. 26: Worship@CMU: GPS, a time of contemporary Feb. 23: Arts Café. worship for youth and young adults. 7 p.m. Cost: $2. Feb. 25: Worship@CMU: GPS. 7 p.m. Cost: $2. Dec. 2: Christmas at CMU. March 4: Choral Fest. Dec. 17: Vespers, 7:30 p.m. Choir practice: Dec. 14. March 4-7: Sharing Christ in a Pluralistic Society with Joe Jan. 14: Vespers, 7:30 p.m. Choir practice: Jan. 11. Boot of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. Jan. 18-20: Refreshing Winds, a biennial conference March 9-11: Peace It Together, CMU’s annual conference on worship and music, with keynote speaker Marva for youth and young adults. Theme: Peace@Play. Dawn. For more news, visit www.cmu.ca

20 fall 2006 Alumni News

Les Klassen Hamm (`86) and Eileen Klassen (also grad ‘86) have lived in Saskatoon since 1991. They have two children: Simon, born in 1992 and Emily, born in 1995. Until 2001, Les was pastor of the Wildwood Mennonite Church; since that time he has been self-employed, running Bitlink Technology, a company that offers network and desktop support with a focus on non-profit organiza- tions. Eileen continues to work at MCC Saskatchewan, and they continue to be a part of First the White House was torn down, then Ebenezer Hall (old dining hall and residence) and Riverton Hall. Now Wildwood Mennonite Church. the old Administration Building, also known as the A.H. Unruh Teaching Centre, is gone from the former site of MBBC. All that’s left is the cupola from the top of the building, incorporated into a memorial to the old school that formerly stood on the spot. Paul Reesor (`86) is working at an agricultural services business, Births Weddings Deaths also does home renovation and is a stay at home dad. His wife, Bergen, to Chadwick (CMU Vivian Unger (CMBC ‘99) and Gerta Loewen Funk (CMBC Nancy Burkholder Reesor, is an `06) & Iris, a son, William Jeff Thiessen (CMBC ‘97), May `50), August 9, 2006. ICU nurse. They have one son, Santiago, on July 9, 2006. 27, 2006 in Winnipeg. born in 1996. Paul sang for many News years in the Pax Christi Chorale of Enns, to Robert and Alison Thomas Loewen Reimer Toronto, and still sings occasion- (Dyck) (CMBC `96), a daughter, (CMBC 1998-2000) of Waterloo, CMBC ally in a male quartet at Rouge Adrienne Catherine Marie, on Ont. (Rockway Mennonite Valley Mennonite Church, where October 14, 2005. A sister for Church) and Shoshanna NorthWord is a new CD of sacred they attend. Paul is presently on Liam (3). Goldstrom Gehring of Toronto, choral music by Leonard Enns two boards, MCC Care and Share at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, (`69) with the Elora Festival Thrift Shop of Stouffville and Unrau to Brian (CMBC `94) & Ont., June 17. Singers. For more information, the Black Creek Pioneer Village Jennifer (Snyder) (CMBC `96), go to www.lenns.ca. MCC Relief Sale. Says Paul: “I a daughter, Leah Kate Snyder, have only fond memories of on July 30, 2006. A sister for Got News? After 12 years with the American the people I met and only good Owen (1). Please drop us a line, Friends Service Committee as things to tell others of my time fill out the web form at the National Coordinator of the at CMBC.” Vandijk, to Brian and Karen www.cmu.ca/alumni.html Middle East Peacebuilding Unit, (Kehler) (CMBC `96), a son or email Kathy Bergen (`72) has accept- Since graduating in 1996, Kevin Sauloman Brian, on December [email protected] ed a position as the Program Stoesz has earned his B.Sc., 29, 2005. A brother for Faith (3). Coordinator of the Friends B.Ed. and done a year of service International Center in Ramallah, with Intermenno (2000-01). He Warkentin-Scott, to John J.D. Kliewer (CC `00) and Sara Palestine. Kathy was also given recently returned from teaching and Marnie (CMBC `88-`89), Toliver, August 17, 2002. Sara a recognition award by Amer- Science at comprehensive school a daughter, Annika Joy, on and J.D. live in Edmonton, where ican-Arab Anti Discrimination in Essex, England. December 28, 2005. A sister for he as a Grant Policy Advisor for Committee this year for her work Sabastin (7) and Katja (3). the Government of Alberta. They with the Palestinian people, and Scott Albrecht (`99) finished will be spending their second for her many contributions to the four years serving with Christian year as interns at McKernan Arab American community. Peacemaker Teams in August, Baptist Church. having served in Colombia and

fall 2006 21 Alumni News

Canada. He is now working Environmental Studies at Pamela Neufeld Kutcher CMU part time as Administrative Dalhousie University. She expects (`87) has a Masters of Marriage Assistant at Rockway Mennonite to graduate in October. and Family Therapy degree from Daniel (`02) and Jennifer Church, and part-time as a the University of Winnipeg and Horne (`04) have recently baker at City Café Bakery, all MBBC / Concord College now works for an Employee moved to Niverville, where in Kitchener. Scott & Katharine Assistance Program company. Dan is the associate pastor at (Funk) Albrecht (`98) are expect- Helmut Doerksen (`66) retired Says Pamela: “I am very excited Niverville Mennonite Church and ing their first child in October. in 2002 from the European this year to watch our oldest Jennifer is the band teacher at Katharine completed her Masters Bible School in Bienenberg, daughter, Jessica, attend CMU. the local high school. of Accounting at the University Switzerland after 36 years. Until We have another daughter, of Waterloo in August, 2004, recently, he was part of the Casey, who is 15 and attends Brian Wiebe (`04) has accepted passed the accounting exam Leadership team in the local Miles Mac where she is in grade an Assistant Pastor (Youth that fall and officially became a Mennonite Church. He writes 11.” Ministry) position at North Chartered Accountant in January, that he has “buried two adult Kildonan Mennonite Church. 2006. She is working as a tax children and now enjoys two Jason Ediger (`96) completed analyst with an accounting firm grandsons from our eldest and his Ph.D in Clinical Psychology Dale Friesen (`05) has accepted in Kitchener. only son. Since 2000 I’ve learned from the University of Manitoba an Assistant Pastor (Youth to live with Multiple Systems in February, 2006. Over the Ministry) position at Morden Thomas Loewen Reimer Atrophy, an incurable degenera- last 10 years he has lived in Bergthaler Mennonite Church. (`98-`00) is currently com- tive illness.” North Dakota, New Jersey, and pleting a Ph.D in Medieval Nebraska. He currently he wor- Otto Funk (`06) and his wife, Philosophy at the Centre Since graduating in 1966, John ships at St. Margaret’s Anglican Lidia, have accepted an invita- for Medieval Studies at the Stoesz has pastored three Church in Winnipeg. tion from Mennonite Brethren University of Toronto. churches full-time (in Kelowna, Missions/Services International Winkler and Winnipeg). He also Jennica Willems Geddert to work with university students Marlis Funk (`00) and Cam helped plant an independent (`99) Graduated with a Masters in Lima, Peru. They are currently Bartsch moved to Vancouver church at St. Adolphe, Man., of Arts degree from Mennonite training in Abbotsford, B.C. Island in July, where Marlis is served as part-time pastor and, Brethren Biblical Seminary in You can find out more at www. studying professional photog- from 1993 to present, as an Fresno, CA in May, 2006. She mbmsi.org raphy at North Island College in elder. “I presently find my life plans on spending the next year Courtenay, B.C. wonderfully enriched by leading traveling around world with her a 55-voice senior choir, called husband, Matthew. You can find Joanne Moyer (`01) is cur- The Keenagers,” he says. out more about their travels at: rently finishing a Master of www.geddert.com

(All inclusive)

22 fall 20062005 President's Message Worship and Work Must Be One

the rest of life. A similar tension exists in a uni- There is another way of under- versity like CMU, in which we might standing these words that recognizes affirm that “worship and study must that there are times for worship, and be one.” Again, some are tempted to there are times for working at one’s erase the line between them, there- job—and that these are not the same. by both undermining the powerful Whether the times for worship are praise and affirmation of worship, as limited to the traditional hour on well as the careful, systematic analysis Sunday morning (probably not), or of the classroom. In a place like CMU for that matter, whether each Sunday they must be one—both are shaped morning service needs to be wor- by the conviction that God created ship, are different questions. But this the world; that God loves the world; understanding clearly distinguishes and that God’s love for the world led between daily life, and those times to his sending Jesus Christ into the that are consciously prepared to be world in order to bring about recon- worship. ciliation between humans and God, and among human beings. The challenge for both church The challenge for both and school is discerning how wor- church and school is ship might most effectively nurture discerning how worship and shape a community so that its work and study are one with its wor- orship and work might most effectively ship. Marva Dawn speaks of worship must be one.” A nurture and shape a which “will form a people who dwell “Wsong that was popu- in God’s reign, and then carry God’s lar some years ago repeated this line community so that its work kingdom wherever we go.” During at the end of each verse. and study are one with its worship she says, “we are formed by But what do those words mean? biblical narratives that tell a differ- And do we agree? It depends on worship. ent story from that of surrounding how they are understood. A com- culture.” This is the challenge that is mon interpretation is that all of life Someone who supports this dis- part of life at CMU. B is worship—both the times when the tinction can still affirm that “worship church is gathered on Sunday morn- and work must be one.” In fact, such ing, as well as when people are scat- an approach makes the words even tered during the week going about more significant—they then declare their daily jobs. Worship, in other that even though worship and work words, is not limited to what we do are different from each other, there Gerald Gerbrandt together as a congregation on Sunday must be an integrity, a “oneness,” in morning, but includes all of life. their relationship. They are one in I must admit that such a reading is that the same spirit and commit- attractive. But if we approach life that ment, showing an understanding way, then worship loses any specific about God and the world that infuses content. As Irma Fast says elsewhere both the times of worship, and the in this issue: “If everything is wor- times of work. Or, to put it another ship, then we are in danger of nothing way, what we say and affirm about being worship anymore.” In order for God the creator and lord during wor- worship to have distinct content and ship must also guide us during all focus, it must be distinguishable from other times.

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