May 3, 2010 Volume 14 Number 9

Just reading Focus on Books & Resources, pg. 29

inside The ‘bare essentials’ of Anabaptism 4 B.C. annual delegate sessions 16 Upholding our covenants 18 2 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Editorial fit the contemporary scene—a landscape vividly described by Greg Boyd (author of Myth of a Christian Nation) in the foreword to Murray’s book (excerpted on To ‘clothed’ Anabaptists page 6) as only “a cultural vestige of the Dick Benner once mighty empire of Christendom in Editor/Publisher Europe and North America.” “There is an increasingly shared convic- ometimes it takes an outsider to tell seem special anymore,” is a fair analysis. tion,” writes Boyd, “that the kingdom of us quiet, unassuming Mennonites Perhaps for some of us, acculturation God we are called to is radically different Sthat we do indeed have clothes. has advanced to the developmental stage from all versions of the kingdoms of the Stuart Murray, a British biblical scholar of being embarrassed to associate with a world. While the kingdoms of the world from the Baptist tradition who has just tradition of radical beliefs and living on all manifest the character of Caesar as they published The Naked Anabaptist, won- the political/religious margins that have seek to rule people and conquer enemies ders, in an interview with John Longhurst marked our five-century-long history. We with the power of the sword, the kingdom on page 4, why North American wonder how that enhances our witness, if of God always manifests the character of Mennonites have so little inter- we want to “witness” at all. Jesus, seeking to serve and love enemies as est in Anabaptism when so many We might be weary of miscast it manifests the power of the cross.” spiritual seekers outside of our stereotypes, charges of separatism, In a unique way, Murray turns all of tradition are “coming home” to a of having our brand of pacifism our misgivings, all of our inhibitions, 500-year-old belief system in this labelled as “unpatriotic” at best or on their head, and asks us to give our post-Christian era. “subversive” at worst. I was in for a brand of peace, for instance, as a gift to The author cites numerous examples of jolt recently when a BBC reporter asked the wider church—a calling to that larger Anglicans, Presbyterians, Catholics and me to identify some “real Mennonites body to be “no longer compromised by Quakers finding Anabaptism “surprisingly locally—you know, the ones who drive its partnership with wealth, power, status relevant” in contemporary culture. It’s not horse and buggies”—for a TV documen- and control.” that these mainstream communions are tary. It was not an inspiring moment, as It is not that we are uninformed. We searching for a new denomination or look- I tried to disabuse her of broad-brush owe a debt of gratitude to our biblical scholars and historians—the “tribal We might be weary of . . . having our brand of pacifism chiefs,” to use Murray’s parlance—such as C. Arnold Snyder, James Reimer, Walter labelled as “unpatriotic” at best or “subversive” at worst. Klaassen and William Klassen, Tom Yoder Neufeld, Alan and Eleanor Kreider, ing for a way to leave their own, he writes, stereotypes. Harry Huebner, David Schroeder, Mary but rather they “are seeking inspiration, Or, in a more proactive mode, we Shertz, Gale Gerber Koontz and Jack resources and fresh perspectives to enrich might want to understate our core Suderman, to name a few of our higher- and enhance their own lives.” Anabaptist beliefs as we quietly get more profile theologians/historians, not to Murray, chair of the Anabaptist involved in the socio-political processes, mention the theological dean of our era, Network, hears lots of discussion at our strategically going low profile so as to be the late John Howard Yoder, who has seminaries and colleges on his visits to more effective and less offensive, in an given Anabaptism currency in broader Canada and the US, but asks why it hasn’t attempt to bring our values to bear on theological circles and to us as students filtered down to the congregations. While institutional systems. in the pew. this may be over-stating the case slightly, Wherever we are on this spectrum, Thank you, Stuart Murray, for making his speculation that “maybe it has gotten Murray, in a profoundly prophetic way, us conscious of our Anabaptist “clothes.” so lost beneath all the Mennonite trad- is calling us back to our roots and asking All we need to do is wear them for “such itions and trappings over time, it doesn’t us to re-define a set of durable beliefs to a time as this.”

About the cover: Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at Twice a year, Canadian Mennonite presents our special Focus on Books & 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ Resources section, featuring a wide selection of new non-fiction and fiction canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- written by or for Mennonites, as chosen by Books & Resources editor Barb dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at Draper. Stories, reviews and our spring new book list begin on page 29. our web site. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Book Cover Collage: Dan johnson, canadian mennonite Assistance Program towards our mailing costs. ISSN 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 Exposing the ‘bare essentials’ of Anabaptism 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsIn his latest book, TheN aked Anabaptist, Stuart Murray, the direc- 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 tor of the Anabaptist Network in Great Britain, makes the case that WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 Anabaptism has become hidden behind Mennonite and Amish ‘cloth- Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 ing,’ which needs to be stripped away to get at the heart of Jesus’ call Web site: canadianmennonite.org summoning Christians to lives of discipleship and worship. Please send all material to be considered for publication to: General submission address: [email protected] When faith collides with academic freedom 15 Readers Write: [email protected] Managing editor Ross W. Muir explores how B.C.’s Trinity Western Milestones announcements: [email protected] University and Manitoba’s Canadian Mennonite University are dealing Obituaries: Lisa Metzger, [email protected] with investigations by a national university teachers union that claims Calendar announcements: [email protected] their faith-based stance impinges on academic freedom for staff and Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/Obituaries/ students. Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. Reprint requests: [email protected] The next step 22 Mennonite Central Committee prepares to switch from Mission statement: Canadian Mennonite (CM) is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ emergency assistance to rebuilding the infrastructure of Mennonite-oriented periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate earthquake-ravaged Haiti. and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, and news ‘From farm to fork’ 25 and analyses of issues facing the church. In fulfilling its mission, the primary con- In our ‘Business of Faith’ feature, Saskatchewan correspondent Karin stituency of CM is the people and churches of Mennonite Church Canada and its Fehderau examines how the faith of Osler Mennonite farm couple five related area churches.CM also welcomes readers from the broader inter-Men- Kevin and Melanie Boldt informs their forward-thinking food busi- nonite and inter-church scene. Editorial freedom is expressed through seeking and speaking the truth in love and by providing a balance of perspectives in news and ness practices. commentary. CM will be a vehicle through which mutual accountability can be Sophomore CD released to much applause 27 exercised within the community of believers; the paper also encourages its readers Alberta correspondent Donita Wiebe-Neufeld reviews Dappled to have open hearts and minds in the process of discerning God’s will. Things by the Friesen Family Band. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good Focus on Books & Resources 29 deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one Learn how one family created its own family history/cook book in ‘Filling another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:23-25, NRSV). the Kohma’ by Manitoba correspondent Evelyn Rempel Petkau. Plus, Board of Directors (by appointing body): stories about new historical and theological books, and our semi-annual MC Canada: , Ed Janzen, Les Klassen Hamm, Joon Hyoung Park; new book list. MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: James Moyer; MC Saskatchewan: Joe Neufeld; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; Regular features: MC Eastern Canada: Larry Cornies; For discussion 7 Readers write 8 Milestones 13 Pontius’ CMPS: Carl DeGurse, Margaret Ewen Peters, Tobi Thiessen Puddle 13 Yellow Pages 36 Calendar 38 Classifieds 38 Board Chair: Tobi Thiessen, [email protected], 416-622-7850 To ‘clothed’ Anabaptists 2 Head Office Staff: Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Dick Benner Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] They call it ‘couple-love’ 9 Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Melissa Miller Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Take good care of your children 10 Gary Sawatzky Advertising: Lisa Metzger, [email protected], toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Specializing in a Google world 11 Correspondents: Arlyn Friesen Epp Rachel Bergen, National Correspondent, [email protected], 204-885- 2565 ext. 259; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, New blog postings [email protected], 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan at canadianmennonite.org/blog/ Correspondent, [email protected], 306-933-4209; Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected], 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, ec@ Pray the devil back to hell: Cheryl Woelk canadianmennonite.org, 519-579-7258 Me, my, mo, Menno: Will Loewen Focus on Books & Resources Feature Exposing the ‘bare essentials’ of Anabaptism Author Stuart Murray talks about the making of The Naked Anabaptist

Anabaptism has been around for almost 500 years. For much of that time, it has been clothed in Mennonite and Amish traditions and culture. But what does it look like without Mennonite and Amish clothing? That’s what Stuart Murray wondered. The result is The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials Of A Radical Faith (Herald Press). For Murray, who helps direct the Anabaptist Network in Great Britain and Ireland, Anabaptism is a way of follow- ing Jesus that challenges, disturbs and inspires, summoning Christians to lives of discipleship and worship. John Longhurst, director of marketing and sales for Mennonite Publishing Network, interviewed Murray in March.

Longhurst: Why did you write this book? Murray: More and more people in Great Britain are seeing Anabaptism as an exciting way to live out their faith. They want to know: Where did Anabaptism come from? What are its core convictions? And do I have to give up my own church tradition to become one? The Naked Anabaptist is my effort to provide some answers. It’s a way to simply answer the questions people are asking about Anabaptism by people who know nothing about it, or who are confused about what it really was all about.

‘I still find it ironic that it seems Longhurst: What kinds of questions were being asked? to be those of us who didn’t grow Murray: The questions that came up most often were: What is an Anabaptist? Where did they come from? up as Mennonites who are far What do they believe? Can I become an Anabaptist? more excited about Anabaptist What is the difference between Anabaptists and Mennonites? Can I be an Anabaptist without living in a tradition than traditional “common purse” community like the Hutterites, driving Mennonites today. Maybe this a buggy like the Amish, or belonging to a Mennonite book can help change that a bit.’ church and singing in four-part harmony? (Stuart Murray) Longhurst: How did you come up with the term “naked Anabaptist”? Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 5

Focus on Books & Resources Feature

‘bare essentials’ of Anabaptism

Since the early Anabaptists also lived at the margins Murray: I hope so! During my visits to the U.S. and Canada I have encountered of society, their experiences and perspectives are the same kinds of questions; people are attractive to many people who are looking for genuinely interested in Anabaptism, but either don’t know anything about it or ways to live faithfully as followers of Jesus today. can’t see past the Amish and Mennonite clothing that covers it. That includes Murray: It was actually my friend Noel Longhurst: What are the “bare essentials” Mennonites themselves, by the way. My Moules who coined it. While travelling of Anabaptism for you? hope is that many Mennonites in the with some Mennonite church leaders in Murray: For me, there are seven essen- U.S. and Canada will read it and become 2008 in Pennsylvania, he was quizzed tials, or core convictions: interested in recovering their own radical about the growing interest in Anabaptism • First and foremost is belief in Jesus; he heritage. in Britain and Ireland. They wanted to is our example, teacher, friend, redeemer know why growing numbers of British and Lord. Longhurst: What do you mean by “re- and Irish Christians were interested • The second is seeing Jesus as the focal cover their own radical heritage”? in Anabaptism, and what Anabaptism point of God’s revelation. Murray: During my visits to the U.S. and looked like without the Mennonite or • The third is being free from the state Canada I have been amazed by the lack of Amish culture in which it is usually and all that Christendom implied. interest in Anabaptism that I find among clothed in North America. To which Noel • Fourth, Anabaptists are committed to many North American Mennonites. I replied, “You mean, what does a ‘naked finding ways to be good news to the poor, don’t know why that is, exactly. I know Anabaptist’ look like?” When I heard powerless and persecuted. that there has been a lot of discussion Noel’s story, I knew I had a title for this • Fifth, Anabaptist churches are called to about Anabaptism at seminaries and book. be communities of discipleship and mis- colleges, but I wonder if it hasn’t been sion, friendship, mutual accountability able to filter down to congregations. Or Longhurst: Why do you think there is and multi-voiced worship. maybe it has gotten so lost beneath all growing interest in Anabaptism in Great • Sixth, spirituality and economics the Mennonite traditions and trappings Britain and other countries in Europe? are interconnected for Anabaptists— over time so that it doesn’t seem special Murray: Europe has become very secu- something that is very important in our anymore. lar. The old links between the church individualist and consumerist culture. I don’t want to be misunderstood. I am and the state—what used to be called • Finally, for Anabaptists, peace is central deeply appreciative of Mennonites and “Christendom”—are disappearing. Today, to the gospel. It is not the centre of the how they have kept Anabaptism alive we are living in a post-Christendom gospel—Jesus is the centre of it all. It is all these years. They have demonstrated era, when the church is no longer at the as followers of Jesus that we are commit- how Anabaptist insights are worked out centre of societal life. Since the early ted to finding nonviolent alternatives to in the lives of families and congregations, Anabaptists also lived at the margins of violence in our world—not peace for its and how this tradition can be passed on society, their experiences and perspec- own sake. to the next generation. I would not be tives are attractive to many people who an Anabaptist if not for the work of Alan are looking for ways to live faithfully as Longhurst: You wrote this book for people and Eleanor Krieder and the London followers of Jesus today. in Great Britain. Do you think it will be (England) Mennonite Centre. We owe useful in North America, too? them a great debt. 6 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Focus on Books & Resources Feature But I still find it ironic that it seems for this book? conform to social norms, pioneered new to be those of us who didn’t grow up as Murray: My goal is not to promote ways of being church, challenged domi- Mennonites who are far more excited Anabaptism for its own sake. My interest nant assumptions about violence and about Anabaptist tradition than tra- is in promoting a way of living that helps sometimes suffered appallingly. But, in ditional Mennonites today. Maybe this people to become more faithful followers the end, I am interested in the Anabaptist book can help change that a bit. of Jesus. Through it, I want to pay tribute tradition only as a means to an end—and to generations of Anabaptist Christians that end is to point us to Jesus as the one Longhurst: What is your ultimate goal who witnessed faithfully, refused to we are to follow and worship. l Anabaptism provides a map in the post-Christendom wilderness By Gregory A. Boyd

t is becoming undeniably must prepare ourselves for a more post-Christendom disciples in the clear that western civil- long and difficult journey in the West are becoming convinced that these Iization has entered a post- wilderness. values are at odds with everything Jesus Christian age. There is an increasingly was about. They are realizing that we are Whereas Christians once shared conviction that the called to live in community with others, believed the world would kingdom of God we are called to live simply, humbly and justly, and to eventually be brought within to is radically different from share our lives and our resources with the expanding empire of all versions of the kingdoms of one another and with all who are in need. Christendom, it is now obvious the world. While the kingdoms What many of those who are jour- this will never happen. To the of the world all manifest the neying in the wilderness of post-Chris- contrary, Christendom has been los- character of Caesar as they seek to rule tendom Christianity don’t yet realize is ing its influence on western culture for people and conquer enemies with the that their rejection of Christendom and several hundred years. power of the sword, the kingdom of God their insights into the countercultural Undoubtedly, a cultural vestige of the always manifests the character of Jesus, nature of God’s kingdom are hardly new. once mighty empire of Christendom will seeking to serve people and love enemies In fact, the vision of the kingdom these continue for some time in Europe and as it manifests the power of the cross. tribes are espousing was the general America, if only in the form of lingering The movement Jesus inaugurated is, understanding of the church for the first innocuous elements of a Christian civic by its very nature, a countercultural, anti- three centuries of its existence. It was religion. But, for all intents and purposes, empire movement. More and more fol- quickly exchanged for the model of the the “church militant and triumphant” lowers of Jesus are coming to understand “church militant and triumphant” in the has become an artifact of history. While this distinction and to understand that fourth century, when Roman Emperor many western Christians understandably our allegiance to God’s kingdom must Constantine endowed the church with are grieved and distressed over this loss, subvert all other allegiances. political power and the church tragically growing choruses of Jesus-followers are While the mainstream church has, to a accepted it. Still, throughout the church’s viewing it as something to celebrate. I significant degree, unwittingly absorbed history, there have been pockets of Jesus- include myself among this rising tribe, as the values of intense individualism, followers who, despite fierce persecution does Stuart Murray, author of The Naked consumerism and materialism, more and from the institutional church, held fast to Anabaptist. It’s not that we are in any sense pleased While the kingdoms of the world all manifest the with the morally bankrupt form of secu- larism that has replaced Christendom’s character of Caesar as they seek to rule people reign in the West. It’s just that we believe and conquer enemies with the power of the the “church militant and triumphant” bore little resemblance to the church sword, the kingdom of God always manifests the God established through the life, death character of Jesus, seeking to serve people and love and resurrection of Jesus. And now, having left the Egypt of Christendom, we enemies as it manifests the power of the cross. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 7

Focus on Books & Resources Feature the vision of the kingdom that’s arising radically distinct from the kingdom of the area of life, society and creation. among post-Christendom Christians world—and that these two must always Although Christendom’s leaders tor- today. be kept distinct. They quickly came to the tured and executed almost all leaders of The most significant historic expres- conclusion that following Jesus requires the Anabaptist movement, by the grace sion of the anti-Christendom, Jesus- us to love our enemies and to refuse to of God the movement survived and has looking kingdom began during the resort to violence. They believed that borne witness to God’s uniquely beautiful Reformation among a group of radicals all followers of Jesus are called to live kingdom for the past 500 years. l who came to be known as Anabaptists. in committed communities with one Although they often had to pay for it with another as we together cultivate a lifestyle Gregory A. Boyd is author of The Myth their lives, this group set itself apart from characterized by simplicity, humility, of a Christian Nation and The Myth of other reforming movements by espous- generosity and a passion for justice. And a Christian Religion. This article was ing the very values the rising tribe of they were convinced that salvation was adapted from his foreword to The Naked kingdom people is espousing today. not primarily about getting people to Anabaptist. This group was passionate in its heaven when they die, but was about conviction that the kingdom of God is God’s transforming power affecting every Join ‘Naked Anabaptists’ on Facebook By John Longhurst Mennonite Publishing Network Release

o, it’s not what you might be Rejoice! devotional, wondered, “Must community is such an emphasis in the thinking—nobody is nude. At Anabaptism be manifest in Anabaptist Anabaptist path?” Nleast, not literally, although denominations, or should we be content The Naked Anabaptist Facebook group more than 300 people have joined the to leave it as a theological orientation or a can be found by searching for “Naked Naked Anabaptist group on the Facebook movement?” Anabaptist” at facebook.com. l social media site to metaphorically ex- Matt Stone wanted to know, “How can plore what it means to strip down to the neo-Anabaptists and hyphenated-Ana- With files from Ross W. Muir, managing bare essentials of the Anabaptist faith. baptists live out their faith commitments editor. The new group was formed by within non-Anabaptist churches, when Winnipeg Mennonite pastor and blog- ger Jamie Arpin Ricci, to discuss issues raised by Stuart Murray in The Naked ΛΛFor discussion Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith. 1. What do you think will happen to the Christian church in North America in the According to Arpin Ricci, who pastors next decades? In what ways is a strong and influential church beneficial, and in what Little Flowers Community Church in ways does its power and influence harm its message? What reputation does the that city’s West End, the group exists to Mennonite church have in your community? “further the vision of Stuart Murray’s new 2. Stuart Murray lists seven bare essentials or core convictions of Anabaptism. If book, and to push beyond the assump- your congregation listed its core convictions, how would they compare? How are tions and cultural expression of this these convictions different from those found in other denominations? If these are the historic Christian tradition.” characteristics of Anabaptism, how well do they describe your congregation? Questions and comments on the site have been varied and widespread. 3. Murray says, “I have been amazed by the lack of interest in Anabaptism that I find After reading the first 50 pages of the among many North American Mennonites,” and suggests that Anabaptism may have book, Leonard Hjalmarson of Oklahoma gotten lost under all the Mennonite traditions. Do you agree that there is a lack of in- said, “Two things stand out so far: first, terest in Anabaptism? If so, why might that be the case? In what ways have Mennonite that many of us who are Anabaptist traditions buried or carried Anabaptist convictions? are not fellowshipping in Anabaptist 4. Gregory Boyd comments that, “the mainstream church has . . . absorbed the values traditions. And, paradoxically, some of us of intense individualism, consumerism and materialism,” but that “these values are who are in Mennonite traditions are frus- at odds with everything Jesus was about.” Do you agree? What might the Christian trated that they aren’t more Anabaptist.” church look like if it espoused the values of simplicity, humility, justice and sharing Byron Rempel-Burkholder, editor with those in need? of Mennonite Publishing Network’s 8 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Viewpoints EE ‘Misquote’ takes original Holocaust statement out of context ΛΛReaders write Re: “To become a ‘true democracy’ Jews must ‘get We welcome your comments and publish most letters sent over’ the Holocaust ” letter, Jan. 25, page 12. by subscribers intended for publication. Respecting our Words are very important. Context is even more theology of the priesthood of all believers and of the im- important. Communication cannot exist without its portance of the faith community discernment process, this subjective context and therefore, bias. To clarify a few section is a largely open forum for the sharing of views. points: Letters are the opinion of the writer only—publication • Canadian Mennonite labelled Peter Peters’ view- does not mean endorsement by the magazine or the church. point: “To become a ‘true democracy’ Jews must ‘get Letters should be brief and address issues rather than over’ the Holocaust”. This selective editing has created individuals. a distortion. A fairer label of his viewpoint would look Please send letters to be considered for publication to like: “Jews will need to get over the horrors.” Using the [email protected] or by postal mail or fax, original language of the letter encourages discussion marked “Attn: Readers Write” (our address is on page 3). of the topic. Letters should include the author’s contact information The editor’s response assumes that the Holocaust and mailing address. Letters are edited for length, style has assumed archetypal status and that any critical and adherence to editorial guidelines. analysis will appear disrespectful. The letter in response, “Telling Jews to ‘get over’ the EE Condemning the ‘sawdust Holocaust an insensitive remark,” March 8, page 9, trail’ may come back to bite us continues this, unfortunately. The use of the misquote betrays the bias of the editor as well as the reader Re: “Walking up the sawdust trail” column, March who responded to the original letter, again using an 8, page 15. inappropriately truncated misquote of the original I have sat on sawdust-trail-tent hardwood benches, author. but in the west, where such meetings were less The problem with the selective quote is that it does Mennonite and more interdenominational. not seek resolution of an issue, but appears to inflame We critique, and at times condemn, the sawdust- it. We move from discussing the Palestinian land trail tent in the context of current circumstances and as payment or redress of a horror—one which the thinking. We can be assured that two generations Palestinians were not the perpetrators of—to focusing from now, or sooner, the church will similarly critique on the phrase, “get over the holocaust”. our church practices. Alfred Rempel, Kitchener, Ont. My reflections juxtapose the tent meeting era with 2010: EE ‘Hockey for Haiti’ event • Sin was categorically condemned then; today, some helps earthquake survivors sins are condemned. • In the tent era, Jesus was, without question, the way Can you imagine anything more improbable than of salvation. The church today has a wider door on this aging men playing hockey with 14-year-old girls, some one, and, in some cases, it is unclear. of who were their own grandchildren? This happened • In the tent era, the lost included those in the non- at Schroh Arena in Saskatoon, Sask., on March 15, western world. Today, we assist the church in the with the proceeds going to children’s programs in south in its theological base. earthquake-shattered Haiti. • In tent times, emotion was quite evident. Our church The idea was the brainchild of a couple senior now guards against emotion in public. It is seen as a hockey players: Ernie Epp and Ben Boehm. We grand- weakness. pas knew we wanted to play a charity game some time The church now addresses concerns not on the ago, but did not have a charitable mission in mind. The radar screen of the sawdust trail era. One point of Haitian earthquake gave us a focus. focus is the environment. The girls—members of the Saskatoon Bantam AA Also, we recognize the absence of social justice Comets of the Saskatoon Midget Girls League—were nationally and internationally. As we critique the kind to us old-timers and refrained from using their tent-meeting era now, in a decade or two we may hear slap shots much. Or was it our consistent poke-checks more of our sin of consumption while others face that made it difficult for them to get their sticks high death for lack of food and clothing. enough for the necessary slap? We’d like to think John Peters, Waterloo, Ont. so. . . . Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 9

On one penalty shot, the young shooter patted our now go down in hockey history as getting his finest goalie on his helmet after her shot, seemingly say- goal “off the bank.” ing, “It’s okay, grandpa. I won’t shoot any harder next No doubt the girls will want a rematch, but we don’t time!” know if we can get off our recliners long enough to Late in the game, the Comets pulled their goalie to play them. We do know that we all enjoyed the game add muscle to their offence. One of the grandpas shot and the reason for it: to help Haitian children. We a puck from our end, which banked off the boards raised $4,200—including $1,500 from the Comets— at just the right angle. Too late, the Bantams defence for Mennonite Central Committee’s efforts in Haiti. realized that it was heading for the net. Harv Birns will Don Reimer, Saskatoon, Sask.

Family Ties

a possibility. Some may struggle with They call it ‘couple-love’ infertility. The children who come may bring trials, like physical or mental health Melissa Miller strains, or the turbulence that often accompanies adolescence. The adults season of weddings. That’s make marriages strong and happy: About may find themselves flattened by illness: what I see as I look ahead to the being steadfast companions, people who cancer, depression or addictions. Some Anext few months. Many of the can be counted on to be there for each will lose sight of their commitment and children born in the 1980s are now young other; about providing a safe harbour not always be faithful. Others will grow adults falling in love, pledging their troth for each other, a secure place of steadfast apart or it will seem just too hard—or and bravely preparing to marry. love and attachment; about “space” in even impossible—to stay married. Several invitations for these weddings the relationship, and freedom to be the That’s why I call them brave. They dot our family bulletin board, some of person God created each one to be; about boldly make their vows before God and which include photos of the engaged balancing couple time and individual in the presence of their community, couple. They are young, full of promise and good I am heartened by the wisdom of these couples, and humbled intention. With by the privilege of watching couple-love in its infancy. sparkling eyes and sweet smiles, they radiate joy and eagerness to declare their time, balancing time with friends and declaring their love and fidelity in the love. They are beautiful and so is the love extended family, and alone time to seal face of all the possible tribulations that that spurs them forward. their bond; about sexuality and finances lie ahead. In their youthful commitment, It is a joy to witness these young people and communication and conflict. they shine out a light of hope and prom- move towards their commitment. I have I am heartened by the wisdom of these ise. Even the seasoned—or cynical—vet- known some of these soon-to-be married couples, and humbled by the privilege of erans of married life find it hard to resist people since they were babes. I fed them watching couple-love in its infancy. As such bright cheer and optimism. peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and they negotiate the early stages of their As I prepare for these weddings and rocked them to sleep. I wiped their tears commitment, they seem like fledglings pray for these young lovers, I return to and changed their diapers. I watched taking wing, learning about themselves the words of Song of Solomon 8:6-7. “Set their distinctive personalities emerge, and their lover, their strength, their vul- me like a seal upon your heart, as a seal and witnessed their amazing growth. nerability, their limits, their joy. upon your arm,” sings the lover. “For love How is it possible that they have become There will be challenging times ahead is strong as death, passion fierce as the these mature, ready-for-commitment for them, although no one can predict grave. . . Many waters cannot quench love, adults? Like the singer in Fiddler on the exactly what difficulties a particular neither can floods drown it.” May it be so. Roof, I wonder, “Wasn’t it yesterday when couple will face. If those who are marry- they were small?” ing today are like the generations who Melissa Miller ([email protected]) lives I have been asked to provide premarital have preceded them, there could be in Winnipeg, where she ponders family counselling for some couples. We meet any number of things that will test their relationships as a pastor, counsellor and and talk about the kinds of things that love. Economic strains are certainly author. 10 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

EE Acts of forgiveness shouldn’t only the offending parties but for all to witness and be constrained to a timetable learn from. Several times I have been on the receiving end of the words of forgiveness put forth by members After reading the “Brother of slain missionary of the church that had no more value than Prime responds to questions about forgiveness” letter, March Minister Stephen Harper’s apology to the residential 22, page 8, it reminded me of countless times I have school survivors, mainly because I was not allowed, witnessed these same events where true forgiveness due to time constraints, to accept the apology within and the ceremony of forgiveness were not allowed to a cultural context that would have allowed me to not be made complete due to time constraints or other only accept words of forgiveness but to also allow me reasons of lesser value. to bring forth a response that would have prepared As a member of the Mohawk people, we have cere- new and fertile soil for the beginning of a new and monies that we participate in when forgiveness needs meaningful relationship. to be acted upon and put forth for the benefit of not I am often perplexed that the church does not take

God, Money and Me

In the event that you agree to be a Take good care of guardian for someone else, have a frank conversation with the parents: “I’m honoured to be chosen as guardian, but please tell me what resources you are set- your children ting aside for the children so that I won’t Gary Sawatzky go broke caring for your children, and we know who will be in charge of the funds.” ho will take care of our the person’s current age and add 18 to The trustee of the funds and guardians children if something 25); and do not need to be the same people, but “Whappens to us?” • With whom your children have estab- they need to be able to communicate well The decision about guardianship lished a trusting and loving relationship. about money issues, as these conversa- of minor children is one of the major If your children are older, have a dis- tions may go on for years. hurdles facing parents when writing a cussion with them to see with whom they Choosing a guardian for your children will. Often it is because parents can’t would be willing to live. may be difficult, but don’t let this stop agree on whom to name. Each parent may want his or her side of the family to be The decision about guardianship of minor children is one responsible. Sometimes they of the major hurdles facing parents when writing a will. are in a new area and don’t yet have a lot of close friends to choose from. It may be that they have a Naming a guardian—and an alternate, you from writing a will. Not having a will special-needs child and have no one who in case the first choice is no longer able to means leaving the decision to the courts. could take on this responsibility. accept the responsibility or declines the Your children will have a guardian, either Whatever your circumstances, when responsibility due to a change in circum- your choice or the court’s choice. They choosing guardians you should consider stances—is a significant decision. will be better served by a decision you someone: Once you have chosen your guardians, make and include in your will. Take good • You trust with the responsibility of car- have a discussion with them to make sure care of them. ing for your children; that they are willing to act. If you change • Who is willing and able to take on this your mind and name someone else later, Gary Sawatzky is a stewardship con- responsibility; let the original guardians know that you sultant at the Calgary, Alta., office of • Who has similar faith, values and have made a change. No one wants the Mennonite Foundation of Canada. lifestyle; surprise of finding out that they are now For stewardship education and estate • Who lives close to your children, so as guardians when they weren’t expecting it, and charitable gift planning, con- to minimize disruption to friends; or expecting it and finding out that they tact your nearest MFC office or visit • Old enough, but not too old (think of have been replaced. MennoFoundation.ca. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 11

the time to enjoy the emotions and heartfelt energies and renewal, no matter how long it takes, even if it that are being expressed when one human being can isn’t in the bulletin. come forth and join hands in the presence of God with Sakoieta’ Widrick, Six Nations of the someone they either willfully or unwillfully harmed Grand River Iroquois Territory, Ont. and vow to create a new and blessed relationship in spirit, because there isn’t enough time or it isn’t in the EE Goal of athletics is to ‘express program bulletin. divine qualities as best we can’ The church has so much to learn from the indigen- ous people of the world who still do take the time to Re: “Olympic coverage lessens reader’s opinion work through issues with ceremonies of forgiveness of magazine” letter, March 22, page 13.

From Our Leaders might honour the riches that might lie there! • Resource centres: Resource centres Specializing in a serve as an extension of the church library and an arm of our denomination and publishing networks. MC Canada’s resource centre is one of a number of Google world libraries that assemble family and con- Arlyn Friesen Epp gregational materials—Anabaptist and ecumenical resources—for your conven- n a Google world where millions churches and congregations generate ience. Subscribe to our monthly resource of written works are at your finger- much material for our common use. update to keep abreast of new, seasonal Itips, it’s tough for the average user Many of these items are available as free and Anabaptist resources at to discern appropriate resources for downloads through the MC Canada mennonitechurch.ca/tiny/347. Christian formation, leadership, peace and mission. And [W]e have many tried and tested original resources developed it’s an even greater by individuals and congregations, all free to download. challenge to keep Anabaptist and related resources as visible and accessible resource centre at mennonitechurch.ca/ This spring, in an effort to increase as we’ve come to expect them to be. resourcecentre. On our website you’ll accessibility and selection, four of our re- Fortunately, there are circles of part- find all of our online videos, podcasts, source centres—Columbia Bible College, nership in our wider Mennonite world denominational publications and de- the MC Canada resource centre and MC that help us tailor bibliographies and help partmental resources generated by staff Eastern Canada, as well as Mennonite widen their accessibility: and leadership. In addition, we have and Brethren in Christ resource centre— • Publishing: For a relatively small many tried and tested original resources are launching a joint project that will link denomination, we’ve seen a remark- developed by individuals and congrega- our databases into an inter-library loan able amount of material pass through tions, all free to download. Search for system. You’ll be able to access all of our an Anabaptist “criterion grid” as part unique Sunday morning worship ideas, materials through any one of our online of the publishing process. Mennonite educational resources, workshop outlines catalogues. Publishing Network and other and more. We also welcome new submis- As we partner to equip the home Anabaptist publishers offer a wide selec- sions, so please send us yours! and church with accessible Anabaptist tion of curricula, theology, history, wor- • Church libraries: Libraries are resources, we also welcome your feed- ship, fiction and other resources. Sample sometimes the forgotten gem in the back and resource suggestions. In the bibliographies, like the ones found in discipleship treasure chest. Read Ben saturation of a Google marketplace, may this Focus on Books & Resources issue Myers’s blog posting (mennonitechurch. we find and be fed by life-giving materials of Canadian Mennonite (page 32), place ca/tiny/1319) to be convinced that a true to our Christian faith. unique titles before our eyes. library is still the “embodiment of revolu- • Denominational resources: tion,” is “dangerous,” and yet is “the safest Arlyn Friesen Epp is the director of MC Mennonite Church Canada, its area and friendliest place on earth.” O that we Canada’s resource centre in Winnipeg. 12 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

God may not be an avid fan of speed skating or any glorify God on the day of visitation” (RSV). other sport, but our purpose in doing things such as Paul says to Timothy, though, that in God’s sight it is athletics is to express divine qualities as best we can, more important that we “aim at righteousness” qualities like intelligence, exactness, control, strength, (I Timothy 6:11) than win a medal. He also notes that perfection, love, kindness and purity. “there is great gain in godliness with contentment” I Peter 2:12 tells us to “maintain good conduct (I Timothy 6:6). among the gentiles, so that in case they speak against Wes Epp, Calgary, Alta. you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and

This Preacher has 22 Minutes

preaching of “Green Eggs and Ham” on When good sermons YouTube. Making fun of the preacher is biblical. The Book of Jonah makes great fun of its get funny preacher-prophet. Recent Jonah schol- arship has suggested that if there was Allan Rudy-Froese a talent night for the prophets guild in Jerusalem in the 3rd century B.C., the reachers, at a min- we laugh. Book of Jonah would be just the story for imum, are persons Another reason why prophets to lighten up and laugh at them- Pwhom we entrust to we laugh at preach- selves. Jonah does not get the best words speak important words at ers is because they do of the book; they go to the pagan sailors the right time and place. So not always live out the and the pagan king. Jonah only seems to when the preacher mis- beliefs they preach. Street manage words that are ironic, ridiculous speaks, it is embarrassing comedians in the Middle and of the compliant variety. Even his for the preacher and has the Ages enjoyed expos- prayer seems presumptuous. potential to be funny for the ing lazy, gluttonous and When Jonah finally gets to preach, he rest of us. arrogant clergy. Much of only gets a short sermon, “Forty more Roald Dahl, in The Vicar the “religious” comedy on days and Nineveh will be destroyed,” of Nibbleswicke, tells the popular North American which God rescinds in the end, making a story of a lovable young shows like Saturday mockery of Jonah and his sermon. God vicar who has a mysterious Night Live and This Hour seems to work around, and even in spite form of dyslexia that makes him reverse has 22 Minutes has to do with exposing of, Jonah and his misspoken words. crucial words. For instance, when praying the financial and sexual escapades of The comic message of the Book of the Lord’s Prayer he intones “forgive us well-known preachers. Jonah is that prophets or preachers, our ‘sessapserts,’ as we forgive those who Incongruity between the content of the regardless of their grand claims, are not ‘sessapsert’ against us.” This is harmless sermon and the way it is presented can the brokers of God’s love; God is the enough, but when he gets “God” and also be funny. In his sermon “Take a pew,” broker of God’s love. The prophets get “Dog” mixed up, the parishioners are less Robin Cook takes the verse from Genesis, to laugh at the way they sometimes feel than amused. “My brother was an hairy man, and I am indispensable. Preachers are called and sent with words, but misspeak them we will. Laugh Making fun of the preacher is biblical. at Jonah or the preacher as you will, but remember that their predicament is true In the movie Four Weddings and a a smooth man,” with utmost seriousness of all of us. We are more incidental to the Funeral a nervous young priest (played and then uses it to make ridiculous an- plot than we think. We are bit players, by Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame) alogies to “life today.” “Take a pew” makes mere babbling fools in God’s theatre. l blesses a young couple in the name of fun of how the preacher tries to convince “the Father, the Son and the Holy Spigot.” us not with content, but simply with the Allan Rudy-Froese studies preaching at We like our preachers to get the most rise and fall of his “preacher voice.” In this the Toronto School of Theology. Send him basic words right, but when they don’t, vein, check out Reverend Jesse Jackson’s a line at [email protected]. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 13

ΛΛMilestones Marriages Dirks/Niessen—Stephanie Dirks (Niagara United Births/Adoptions Mennonite, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.) and Kevin Niessen, Arsenault—Alice Ann (b. Feb. 11, 2010), to Paul and Christa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, March 27, 2010. Arsenault, Listowel Mennonite, Ont. Lepp/Zeba—Virginia Lepp (Toronto United Mennonite, Bender—Kai (b. April 2, 2010), to Wendy Janzen and Chip Ont.) and Ismael Zeba, in Lome, Togo, Feb. 27, 2010. Bender, St. Jacobs Mennonite, Ont. Brisbin—Lucas Frank (b. Jan. 14, 2010), to MaryAnn and Deaths Brad Brisbin, Hague Mennonite, Sask. Fehr—Jesse Connor (b. March 9, 2010), to Clint and Andrea Claassen—Manfred, 84 (b. Feb. 26, 1926; d. April 4, 2010), Fehr, Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. First Mennonite, Calgary, Alta. Ferron-Bouius—Zahra Tate (b. April 12, 2010), to Aimee Cornies—Maria (nee Tiessen), 98 (b. Sept. 8, 1911; d. March Ferron and Derek Bouius, Ottawa Mennonite, Ont. 4, 2010), Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. Fransen—Maxwell Henry Griffin (b. March 29, 2010), Dueck—John G., 84 (b. Dec. 22, 1925; d. Feb. 10, 2010), to Shelley and Aaron Lepp Fransen, Toronto United Springstein Mennonite, Man. Mennonite, Ont. Ens—Elizabeth, 100 (d. April 7, 2010), Zion Mennonite, Swift Gerber—Hadley Lynae (b. April 2, 2010), to Josh and Current, Sask. Melissa Gerber, Maple View Mennonite, Wellesley, Ont. Epp—Paul, 87 (b. July 21, 1922; d. April 8, 2010), Nutana Park Hiemstra—Noah Jacob (b. March 6, 2010), to Rodney and Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask. Janel Hiemstra, Listowel Mennonite, Ont. Goossen—Jake, 97 (b. Oct. 28, 1912; d. March 24, 2010), Janssen—Winston James (b. April 17, 2010), to Pete and Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. Tanya Janssen, Zurich Mennonite, Ont. Hildebrand—Mary (nee Janzen), 91 (b. Dec. 20, 1918; d. Klaassen—Sadie Annica Lorette (b. March 26, 2010), March 19, 2010), Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. to Curtiss and Joeleane Klaassen, Tiefengrund Rosenort Janzen—Katharina, 99 (b. Dec. 21, 1910; d. March 26, 2010), Mennonite, Laird, Sask., in Saskatoon, Sask. Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. Kostanecki—Teyo X (b. April 2, 2010), to Moni Janssen and Klassen—Mary, 93 (b. April 16, 1916; d. March 14, 2010), Bartek Kostanecki, First Mennonite, Calgary, Alta. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. Kuepfer—twins Jacob Daniel and Joshuwa Camren Klippenstein—Alvin, 69 (b. March 30, 1940; d. March 19, (b. March 12, 2010), to Danny and Amanda, Riverdale 2010), Altona Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. Mennonite, Millbank, Ont. Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones Baptisms announcements within four months of the event. Please send Milestones announcements by e-mail to Jeremy Enns—Nutana Park Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask., April 4, 2010. [email protected], including the congregation name and location. When sending death notices, please include birth date and last name at birth if available. 14 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Young Prophets depending on what we learn from them, our mistakes can be the best things that happen to us, for they teach us what not What to do with to do in the future. So what exactly should we do with postmodernism? Should we love it or hate it? I believe we should do neither. As postmodernism? Christians, our highest allegiance is not By David M. Csinos to modernity or to postmodernity, but to Christ. heologian Brian knowledge and experiences of Rather than wholeheartedly jump- McLaren’s recent the world have evolved. ing on the postmodern bandwagon—or Tbook, A New Kind of That is part of the beauty and silencing postmodern prophets—we can Christianity, has become fuel mystery of the gospel: Because critically engage postmodernism in order for a long-running argument Christ is alive, his message is to understand how the church and the between Christians. Groups alive, and living things change gospel might be faithfully shaped by it, as like the Southern Baptists over time. This is why McLaren well as how the church might challenge condemn his writings and do refers to the gospel as a “con- aspects of the movement that hinder everything they can to stomp tinually generative genesis.” It’s human dignity from flourishing. And as out the “emerging” movement a message that is continuously Mennonites, we must ensure that when that is being driven by his ideas. being born again. we engage postmodernism, we do so with However, I think McLaren is on to What is more, it’s the responsibility of humility, peace, justice and care for the something important. He realizes that the church to adapt the gospel—and the world that God loves. the church must engage the cultures in church itself—so that it continues to live Let’s wade step by step into the waters of which it finds itself. And the dominant in and through us. As we look back in postmodernity so that we—the church— western ethos that the church is now time, we can see that the church has trans- and the gospel are not left alone on the encountering is postmodernism. formed the good news as it encountered shore, separated from the living ocean of Over the past several decades, post- the rise of Constantine, the Enlightenment the world. As we take these steps in faith, modern ideas have taken root in litera- and Quebec’s Quiet Revolution. And as we will see that a new kind of Christianity ture, history, science, and (gasp) even the church has adapted the gospel, it has is indeed emerging from these waters, theology and ministry. The postmodern been changed as well. a Christianity that engages issues of ethos has become so pervasive in the I’m not saying that there have been contemporary Canada, including the West that it’s now like the air we breathe. multiple gospels. There has been—and growing polarization between those who So why then do many Christians is—only one gospel preached by Jesus: participate and do not participate in their still reject it? A key reason is because “the kingdom of God is at hand.” But this religious traditions, Canada’s relationship they think modernity’s version of good news, while remaining constant at with its First Nations, and the new kind Christianity is original Christianity and its core, has been shaped and reshaped of patriotism that sprouted during the going beyond it seems like betraying throughout the life of the church. After Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. the gospel. We sometimes forget that all, the gospel means something differ- This Christianity is not a new modern Christianity is a product of the ent to 21st-century Canadians than it did Christianity, but a revised version of the modern church as it wrestled with the to first-century Palestinians or 16th- Christianity we inherited and are re- Christianity it inherited from the Middle century Germans. What it means for the fashioning in order to be faithful to the Ages. And as modernity progressed and kingdom of God to be at hand has been gospel and to Christ in the 21st century. developed, so did modern Christianity. transformed as the church in its many May God be with us as we embark on the I have often heard people say about contexts encountered new problems and adventure that awaits us in these waters. l the gospel, “Change the medium, not the opportunities. message.” But the message has changed Unfortunately, the church has not David M. Csinos recently moved back continually throughout the life of the always adapted and embodied the gospel to southwestern Ontario after studying church. The gospel—and the church’s in ideal ways. The living church, like any in the southeastern U.S. He holds a B.A. understanding of it—has changed as our human being, makes mistakes. However, degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ont., and a master of Because Christ is alive, his message is alive, theological studies degree from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. He can be and living things change over time. reached at [email protected]. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 15

God at work in the Church noting that CAUT, a faculty union with no representation at CMU, has no formal role in university academic structures and was not well known outside of the university When faith collides with system until this story went national. Gerbrandt believes that CAUT’s goal of ensuring academic freedom in Canada’s academic freedom post-secondary education system is a laudable one. “Faculty need to be able to TWU calls university teachers union report a ‘black list,’ think critically, even about faith issues, while CMU president tries to ‘not make too much of it’ if the church is to meet the challenge of a new era,” he said. As to how far outside By Ross W. Muir the mainstream CMU professors are al- Managing Editor lowed to stray, he said, “Faculty have the right to be wrong. It’s part of the scholarly fter stories went national earlier this students earn. and theological process.” Ayear announcing that Trinity Western “We’ll be watching any impacts very care- At the Shaftesbury campus, all employ- University (TWU) in Langley, B.C., had fully,” TWU president Jonathan Raymond ees must be Christians, although not ne- fallen afoul of the Canadian Association of told The Province columnist Brian Lewis cessarily Anabaptists. Faculty and staff are University Teachers (CAUT) over issues of in February. He is also quoted in a Jan. 30 encouraged to “affirm the faith tradition of academic freedom, Canadian Mennonite National Post story as saying the report has their denomination, even as they support University (CMU) in Winnipeg now finds put the school “under a cloud of suspicion,” the mission of CMU” he explained, adding itself implicated in the same controversy. characterizing the report as “a black list.” by way of example, “We want Lutherans to Such a description is supported by Al be Lutherans.” At Menno Simons College CAUT vs. TWU Hiebert, president of Christian Higher on the University of Winnipeg campus, Late last year, CAUT issued a report stat- Education Canada, an umbrella group for staff have to be able to “advance the [col- ing that “there is no question that [TWU] Christian universities in Canada, including lege’s] mission, a mission flowing from our violates the commitment to academic free- TWU and CMU, which is now awaiting the Anabaptist understandings of faith, peace dom that is the foundational bedrock of outcome of its own investigation by CAUT. and justice,” he said. the university community in Canada and “The list and investigation implies there’s In a March 17 internal memo to CMU internationally.” something sinister,” Hiebert is quoted as staff, which Gerbrandt made available to The report’s authors arrived at that saying in the same National Post article. “I Canadian Mennonite, he took a similar line conclusion by turning TWU’s own policy would also call it harassment. It’s putting to that of TWU over the relationship be- statements against it. Such statements in- the education of those schools and the re- tween faith and academic freedom. “CMU clude: “Jesus Christ . . . saw his role as in search of their faculty under the heading of, does not understand academic freedom to part setting people free from bondage to ‘We don’t need to take them seriously.’ ” be inherently undermined by the expecta- ignorance, fear, evil and material things tion that faculty at CMU be Christian,” he while providing the ultimate definition of CMU trying to sidestep controversy wrote, adding later that “the CMU context truth,” and TWU “rejects as incompatible Fo r h i s p a r t , C M U frees faculty and students to more openly with human nature and revelational theism p r e s i d e n t G e r a l d bring God and faith questions into the con- a definition of academic freedom which Gerbrandt is taking a versation, openly and comfortably,” a goal arbitrarily and exclusively requires plural- low-key approach to his for which the university was created. ism without commitment, denies the exist- university’s response to At this point anyway, it appears that ence of any fixed points of reference, maxi- CAUT’s investigation, CAUT has specifically targeted Christian mizes the quest for truth to the extent of despite the fact the story institutions. Besides CMU and TWU, assuming it is ever knowable, and implies has been played out in Gerbrandt Crandall University in Moncton, N.B., and absolute freedom from moral and religious both the provincial and Redeemer College in Ancaster, Ont., are responsibility to its community.” It was also national press. While “not overly con- also being investigated. If that is the case— noted that faculty were selected in part on cerned” about the report, which is not yet that CAUT is creating a list of faith-based their “commitment to the Christian faith.” completed at this point, he told Canadian schools—Gerbrandt concluded proudly, “I CAUT has since posted the report on Mennonite during a stop in Waterloo, Ont., want to be on it.” its website, leaving TWU worried about last month, “I am somewhat anxious; I’m As of press time, CAUT’s report on CMU the impact it will have on its enrolment, trying not to get into a battle with them.” had not been posted on its website. l staff recruitment and research funding, “My natural inclination is to try to not and whether it may tarnish the degrees its make too much of it,” Gerbrandt said, 16 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

B.C. Annual Delegate Sessions

Maple Ridge deciding to unite with the Church growth, expansion Mennonite church family. “We hope the Mennonites will help us to grow and to change the face of Mennonites lauded by B.C. delegates to so many colours,” said church chair Ge Yang. “Someday, with the Mennonites’ Dan Rempel chosen to replace help, we’re going to build the ‘Mennonite Gerd Bartel as MC B.C. moderator International Church.’ I tell you, that’ll be beautiful.” Story and Photo by Amy Dueckman MC B.C. also bid farewell to a dissolved B.C. Correspondent congregation. Abbotsford Mennonite Chilliwack, B.C. Fellowship, which decided to disband ear- lier this year, was officially recognized for eginnings, endings and growth “God is a missional God. He is a send- its contributions to MC B.C. for more than Bmarked the Mennonite Church B.C. ing God,” said Living Hope member Carla a decade. annual meetings at Eden Mennonite Hordyk in reporting on her church’s out- Church, Chilliwack, on April 10, under reach efforts. “I’m a missionary, cleverly Church business the banner of “The hope of the reconcil- disguised as a church member.” Delegates passed a resolution from First ing gospel of Jesus.” Delegates welcomed Another growing ministry is the Mennonite Burns Lake that had been one congregation while saying goodbye Abbotsford Vietnamese Fellowship under tabled at the 2009 sessions, calling on to another, witnessed the passing of the the leadership of Nhien Pham. Pham re- MC B.C. to commit itself “to license only leadership torch from one moderator to ported that the group meets twice a month pastoral candidates who have the quali- another, and heard about new ministries and now includes children and youths. A fications and who agree with and accept in the province. recent New Year’s celebration drew 200 the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Learning of expansion projects in the people, many non-Christian. “Please pray Perspective as their confession and guide- area church through its Evangelism and for us,” Pham requested. line for their ministry.” Church Development Committee was an A highlight of the day was the recep- Camp Squeah executive director Rob encouraging highlight for many. Living tion into membership of Western Hmong Tiessen commented on a banner year Hope Christian Fellowship of Surrey re- Mennonite Church of Maple Ridge. Many in which two new accommodations at ported on its recent involvement in launch- Hmong people from Southeast Asia be- camp were opened. He also recognized ing a new congregation in Surrey’s Sullivan came refugees following the Vietnam War. the contribution of long-time head cook area. Living Hope had long hoped to be a Eventually, a number came to Canada, Eileen Friesen, who died unexpectedly in congregation that could birth another. with a half-dozen families who settled in March. Church life in mission Throughout the day, pastors from the three local area congregations—host Eden Mennonite, Crossroads Community Church of Chilliwack and Yarrow United Mennonite Church—shared how they live out their mission in their communities. Each in turn received a prayer of blessing. Reflecting on completing his term, mod- erator Gerd Bartel likened leadership to coaching a sports team. “The team has been amazing,” he told the assembly, add- ing that serving “has been a great joy.” Dan Rempel of Cedar Valley Mennonite Church in Mission will assume the moder- ator’s mantle for the next three years. At the conclusion of the sessions, execu- tive minister Garry Janzen thanked incom- Garry Janzen, executive minister of Mennonite Church B.C., right, welcomes into ing and outgoing workers for their service. membership Western Hmong Mennonite Church, represented by church chair Ge He urged everyone to “be aware of the Yang. Janzen is wearing a tie handcrafted by a member of the Hmong congregation. Lord’s calling to the next assignment.” l Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 17

B.C. Annual Delegate Sessions

be the church in doing so.” Canada a ‘hard soil’ In engaging an ecclesial process, he said all of the priests of the “priesthood” are welcome to participate and each voice for the gospel needs to be heard with integrity and sin- cerity. This does not mean “full agreement,” MC Canada congregations and members must strengthen but it does mean “taking seriously the voice the vitality of the church, outgoing general secretary declares of the priesthood, even when our personal opinions or preferences may differ.” By Dick Benner Discernment is a vocation to which the Editor/Publisher church has been permanently called, he Chilliwack, B.C. concluded. “The heart and soul of facing the need for discernment is our conviction eing the church in the 21st Christ, confessing that we are all that the church is worth the effort.” l Bcentury is no easy task, sinners and in need of God’s grace Robert J. Suderman told the dele- and the Holy Spirit’s guidance; gates and pastors gathered at Eden • Covenant to show compassion Mennonite Church, Chilliwack and to pray for each other; ΛΛBriefly noted early last month for the annual • Participate in an ongoing search Lutherans, Mennonites gathering of Mennonite Church Suderman for discernment and for openness to British Columbia. It was a sort of each other; and affirm joint peace concerns Pauline farewell for the retiring general • Covenant with God to obey what we BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA—Lutherans secretary of MC Canada. discern together, through his strength and and Mennonites in Latin America and “Some writers suggest that Canada is a grace. the Caribbean celebrated a joint com- country with ‘very hard soil’ for the gospel “As a national church,” he said in speak- mitment to peace in the world, as a dele- of Jesus Christ—one of the hardest in the ing to the divisions that have occurred gation of Mennonites was welcomed at world,” said Suderman, who took time to during his tenure, “we are facing the com- a regional conference of the Lutheran personally visit all 230 congregations of the plex reality that, while different parts of World Federation (LWF). At the con- denomination during his tenure. our body [the priesthood of all believ- ference’s pre-assembly, Mennonite Suderman, who retires on July 31, then ers] are reflecting the same foundational Church of Colombia president Tomas proceeded to identify five themes that go Scripture, guided by the same Holy Spirit, Orjuela said, “Our commitment as to the heart of strengthening the vitality which reveals the mind/will of the same Mennonites is to serve the Lord and of the church and to attend to its ongoing God, our discernment appears, at times, our country.” “Peace must get concrete health: to be contradictory and irreconcilable in forms, as is the case this afternoon,” said • Unity and diversity in the life of the understanding Christian faithfulness.” Jenny Neme, a Mennonite representa- church; He called for a discernment that is not tive working for the Christian Center • Being a peace church; predetermined, but one that is open to “an for Justice, Peace and Nonviolent • Confessing and witnessing to Jesus Christ inherent tension of sufficiency and sur- Action (JustaPaz), referring to LWF’s as Lord in a pluralistic context; prise.” While discernment does not “pre- intentions to ask forgiveness of God • Human sexuality in the life of the church; suppose change,” he further taught, “it is and Mennonites later this year for their and open to surprises engineered by the Holy historical mistreatment of Anabaptists. • Ecological concerns from a faith Spirit.” “These actions of reconciliation are a perspective. What is fundamentally at stake, he added, witness that has a significance that goes To address these themes specifically, he “is our capacity to be the church in fulfilling far beyond the churches,” she added. listed five corresponding guidelines: our ongoing vocation of discerning the kai- Mennonite pastor Ricardo Pinzón told • Covenant together to study the Bible and ros of God for our time. The primary issue the Lutherans, “With your action we explore biblical teaching; is not what exactly we will decide about the can build on forgiveness and reconcilia- • Remain in loving dialogue as the body of challenges that face us, but whether we can tion new scenarios of hope.” Lutherans and Mennonites took part in a worship ‘The primary issue is not what exactly we will service around a candle whose colour decide about the challenges that face us, but blended purple for repentance and white for joyful resurrection. whether we can be the church in doing so.’ —Lutheran World Information (Robert J. Suderman) Release 18 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

wonderful.” He described a youth of experi- Upholding mentation and rebellion, and he jested that his older brother mentored him in sin. But our covenants one morning Jacobs awoke at 4 a.m. to hear that same brother praising God for singing birds and the beauty of the emerging day. under God “He changed,” Jacobs says. “He was a fol- By Deborah Froese lower of Jesus.” Mennonite Church Canada Release Jacobs said he tried to argue against his Winnipeg brother’s new conviction, but to no avail. Eventually he became a Christian too—and drian Jacobs agrees with the senti- it challenged his identity. “I took everything Ament displayed on billboards and that was native and burned it,” he said. advertisements across Canada. “We are But he was unhappy and unsettled in his all treaty people,” according to him. “When faith without understanding why. When he the treaties were negotiated, they bestowed ventured into the library of the National rights and responsibilities on both First Native Bible College in Tyendinaga Nations and Euro-Canadian settlers.” Mohawk Territory, near Deseronto, Ont., An aboriginal speaker, educator and he found that, although the library held author, Jacobs brought his perspectives Aboriginal speaker Adrian Jacobs thousands of books, only a few of them fea- to the April 9 opening worship service brings his perspectives on treaty issues tured aboriginals. The weighty imbalance of the annual spring Partnership Circle, to the April 9 opening worship service led him to a study of aboriginal issues and “Removing barriers, building bridges,” of the annual spring Partnership Circle, into a journey of rethinking his perspec- which brought aboriginal and non-aborig- “Removing Barriers, Building Bridges,” tives about culture and Christianity. inal partner churches in Manitoba togeth- in Winnipeg. “Culture is such a pervasive thing that er at Thunderbird House in Winnipeg. A it’s something we don’t even realize we ministry of Mennonite Church Canada number of relatives involved with land live with,” Jacobs observed in an interview and MC Manitoba, the event was shaped claims at leadership levels, Jacobs was ex- for MC Canada’s radio program, Church around the theme, “We are all treaty people: posed to the issues from an early age, and Matters. As he re-embraced his native Biblical perspectives on covenant.” when he became a Christian he felt even heritage and came to understand his faith As a member of the Cayuga Nation of more compelled to participate. through his culture, Jacobs felt led to ad- the Six Nations of Grand River Country, “I grew up thinking Christianity was vocate for his people, particularly in regard Jacobs grew up near Caledonia, Ont., a white man’s religion,” Jacobs said. “But to land claim issues. a First Nations land claim area. With a things happened that were miraculous, Canadians generally view treaties and Manitoba Mennonites encouraged to attend residential school hearings By Evelyn Rempel Petkau Manitoba Correspondent

eill and Edith von Gunten, MC Canada Native pick up the aboriginal children, caretakers and others NMinistry co-directors, are urging Manitoba who found it very traumatic,” adds Edith. Mennonites to attend the inaugural Truth and The von Guntens want at least one representative Reconciliation Commission meetings that will take from every Mennonite church in Manitoba to come to place in Winnipeg from June 15 to 19. Besides offer- the inaugural event. ing an opportunity to listen to accounts of some of the “As Mennonites, we are part of the Canadian scene province’s residential school survivors (both native and that allowed this to happen,” said Neill. “Our attitudes non-native), the five-day event will include a variety of towards this and our lack of understanding implicates programs and displays for visitors of all ages. us. An opportunity like this to be part of the healing only “This is a public event . . . to build awareness and to comes along once.” educate the general public through the stories of resi- After the hearings in Winnipeg, the commission will dential school survivors,” says Neill. travel across Manitoba and then the rest of the country “These survivors also include pilots who flew in to over the next four to five years. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 19

violation of them as something that First Pauingassi, Cross Lake and Riverton, and Nations must get over and move be- seven non-aboriginal Manitoba Mennonite yond, Jacobs said, but in the Canadian churches to renew their partnership com- Constitution treaties are acknowledged mitments. With Neill and Edith von Gunten as the law of the land. First Nations people of MC Canada and Norm Voth of MC understand treaties to be covenants or Manitoba facilitating, the groups shared agreements between people under God. plans for VBS programs, leadership, and “It’s like the marriage commitment, some- assistance with gardening and preserving. thing that is meant to be a lifelong commit- “Groups like this give me hope. I am ment,” Jacobs said. encouraged by the two-way partnership Ross Shantz of Wilmot Mennonite Jacobs believes that Canadians can never event here,” said Jacobs. Church, New Hamburg, Ont., discusses fully pay First Nations people what they are Florence Benson-Umpherville of Cross church restructuring issues with keynote owed and that First Nations people must be Lake was encouraged by her meeting speaker Cam Shapansky at a church gracious enough to forgive past wrongs, so with representatives from Charleswood restructuring seminar at Conrad Grebel that together they can work for what is right Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. “For the University College. and fair to both sides. “We don’t want to first time we have a formal partner,” she kick people out of their homes,” said Jacobs, enthused. who currently works for the University of Riverton Fellowship Circle and its part- who wanted to serve couldn’t find ways of Alberta as a cultural facilitator with a trav- ners talked about ways of incorporating using their gifts. One woman who wanted elling diabetes medical team. drumming and dance in its worship. to decorate the sanctuary for worship was Allan Owens, a reserved and quiet church Don Brown, who came to explore the shunted from one committee to another, to leader from Pauingassi, a First Nations possibility of partnering on behalf of his no avail. Under the new structure, though, community in northern Manitoba, was so church, Graysville Mennonite, said, “I Shapansky said she was blessed to go and stirred by Jacobs’ address that he walked heard the other side of the story finally. work. across the room, put his hand on Jacobs’ Others need to hear this.” l The new teams were given job descrip- shoulder, removed his hat and prayed in tions with blank areas “to write their own Ojibway for Jacobs’ ministry. With files from Canadian Mennonite’s ideas and tasks,” he explained, noting that The April 10 meeting also provided Manitoba correspondent Evelyn Rempel terms were shortened and leaders were time for aboriginal church partners from Petkau. tasked with finding their own replacements, a responsibility not for the faint of heart. Quoting John Kotter, he underlined the need for a “burning platform,” a term used One church’s experience in business management and change. “The congregation needs to have come to the Restructuring seminar delivered by ‘a church leader place where the status quo is not an op- who has done it and lived to tell the tale’ tion,” he said. When challenged on this “negativity,” Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky he noted that Wanner had begun by look- Eastern Canada Correspondent ing at its human assets and then worked Waterloo, Ont. towards finding ways to free these people for service. Many times during the imple- f all you ever do is all you’ve ever Wanner’s first ministries team, a four-per- mentation process leaders had wondered “Idone, then all you’ll ever get is all you son group that replaced the much larger about going back to the old structure, he ever got.” This old proverb was on the over- church council. Besides the church coun- admitted. He reported, though, that now head as the participants entered a seminar cil, all the committees were reshaped into over a year into the change process, people for congregational leaders recently. ministry teams, moving from more than are beginning to find the new structures Leading the seminar was Cam Shapansky, 80 elected positions to only 16. freeing. the last congregational chair at Wanner He described the process Wanner fol- The seminar was offered by Associates Mennonite Church, near Kitchener, Ont., lowed to restructure after the church had Resourcing the Church and Conrad Grebel who currently works for the California- developed a new congregational vision, pri- University College, Waterloo, Ont., as part based Blue North Strategies organization. orities and guiding principles after discov- of a course leading to a conflict manage- The church-restructuring seminar was billed ering that there were many people in the ment and congregational leadership cer- as “a real life example from a church leader congregation who were nearly burned out tificate. l who has done it and lived to tell the tale!” and ready to leave after years of service. Shapansky became the leader of On the other hand, he said that others 20 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

projects that will develop. His first prior- From Kajiji to St. Jacobs ities are programs that involve and serve women and youths, and that develop a Sawatsky Visiting Scholar speaks about his culture of peace. “This type of engagement in current dreams for his Congolese hometown global issues is exactly what we hope for in our Sawatsky Visiting Scholar,” observed Story and Photo by Karl Juhlke Conrad Grebel University College Release academic dean Jim Pankratz. “Pakisa’s hon- Waterloo, Ont. esty, audacious vision and resilient hope provide an inspiring service to Conrad Grebel University College and this com- he town of St. Jacobs, Ont., is half a in Congo, very close to the Angolan bor- munity.” l Tworld away from Kajiji, Democratic der. It is a town that was spared the terror Republic of Congo, but friendship and of war during the transition to independ- dreams span the world. ence in the 1960s and a civil war in recent Pakisa Tshimika from Kajiji, and Milo years. and Laura Shantz from St. Jacobs became Yet, he wondered, “what is there to show ΛΛBriefly noted friends about 10 years ago while Tshimika for it?” The infrastructure of Kajiji has de- 2010 Grebel Peace Speech was associate executive secretary for cayed, there are few opportunities for em- Contest won by John Wray Mennonite World Conference. Last ployment, and the potential of the region is November, 10 months after Milo’s death, vastly underutilized. Kajiji seems trapped WATERLOO, ONT.— Tshimika was sitting in one of Milo’s fa- inside the larger tragedies of Congo, and John Wray is a second- vourite chairs in the Shantz home, reflect- even these immense tragedies seem to time winner of Conrad ing on the impact of Milo on the St. Jacobs generate little passion and resolve within G reb el Un i v e r s i t y community. Congo or internationally. College’s annual Peace “It dawned on me that Kajiji could be like “How can five million people in the Speech Contest. Wray, St. Jacobs, and my dream started,” Tshimika Congo die so silently?” he wondered. in his final year in the Wray said at a public lecture, “The Kajiji of my Tshimika described his vision for an PACS program, spoke dreams,” at Conrad Grebel University international “dream team” of 25 to 30 on finding the “Human within the hu- College, Waterloo, earlier this spring. He people who will imagine a Kajiji full of man.” His motivation, he admitted, was was at Grebel for a week as the Rodney and promise and hope. “playing Modern Warfare 2, which is Lorna Sawatsky Visiting Scholar, during Tshimika himself has tried to fulfill this ironic for someone in PACS [peace and which time he also gave classroom lectures vision. He served as a public health admin- conflict studies]. . . . I began to realize the and took part in discussions and informal istrator in the Kajiji region, and established magnitude of what is being simulated in conversations with students, faculty and the Mama Makeka House of Hope in hon- the game”: that both video-game players guests. our of his mother and brother, to provide and real-life soldiers have to consider The Kajiji of his dreams is his hometown an organizational base for the vision and enemy combatants as objects rather than other humans who have family, friends and a life back home. PACS director Lowell Ewert, who served as a judge, said Wray’s speech “under- scores the importance in peace work to focus on people, instead of ideology and politics.” Grebel chaplain Ed Janzen, another judge, commented, “There is no more pressing a time than now to discover that . . . in our enemies there is a person who is the focus of God’s love.” Wray won $250 for his first-place finish and will represent Grebel at the bi-national C. Henry Smith Oratorical Pakisa Tshimika, left, this year’s Rodney and Lorna Sawatsky Visiting Scholar, Competition in May. is pictured with Lorna Sawatsky and Jim Pankratz, Conrad Grebel University —Conrad Grebel University College College’s academic dean, after Tshimika’s closing lecture, “The Kajiji of my dreams,” Release on March 5. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 21

Exploring ethics as a call to see God at work in the world today Story and Photo by Mary E. Klassen Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Elkhart, Ind.

arry Huebner, professor emeritus Christ: his life, death and resurrection. summarizing this challenge: “God is at Hat Canadian Mennonite University, “One might say that to participate in Christ work in the world in Christ today, and we Winnipeg, emphasized the need to “par- is to act in openness to God’s resurrection are called to recognize and join . . . in this ticipate” in Christ as he explored Christian power; to place our own actions into the divine activity.” ethics with students and faculty at wonder and mystery of what might actually Huebner is currently working on a book Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary happen in this material world through little entitled An Introduction to Christian (AMBS) earlier this year. power of our own,” he said, adding,“[I]n Ethics: Learning to be a Storied People, to Speaking on the theme, “In Christ in the Christ the entire world is being recreated; be published by Baylor University Press, world,” Huebner presented the seminary’s and we are invited to participate.” and he is author of Echoes of the World: annual Theological Lectureship, inviting AMBS student Jonny Gerig Meyer Theological Ethics as Rhetorical Practice listeners to view ethics (right and good ac- responded to Huebner’s third lecture, (Pandora, 2005). l tions) as visible forms of invisible grace— as “sacrament.” Huebner added that Christians will find With this view the world can see “how both God and human beings are involved the best wisdom available to them in Jesus in bringing about real change in the world,” Christ: his life, death and resurrection. Huebner said. “God is not only acting with us and through us in our church liturgy, but also in our businesses, jobs, friendships and recreational activities, or even through those who are not Christian.” This under- standing helps people see how they can 50 participate in, and give expression to, what God intends for the world. 45 year term After relationship pricing Huebner added that Christians will find *Rate subject to change the best wisdom available to them in Jesus

Harry Huebner, emeritus professor at Visit a Personal Lender today for details Canadian Mennonite University, deliv- Visit a Personal Lender today for details ered this year’s Theological Lectureship at Associated Mennonite Biblical 1.888.672.6728 Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., speaking on the www.mscu.com theme, “In Christ in the world.” 22 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

God at work in the World program development leaders embraced the decentralization approach when they Help for Haiti met in Haiti in late March to develop a long-term plan for the organization’s The next step: Helping to build earthquake response. They were acting on the advice of MCC’s partners, MCC Haiti infrastructure in rural Haiti national staff and international workers, and Haitian political leaders. By Linda Espenshade Mennonite Central Committee Release “The majority of our work needs to be outside the city,” says Virgil Troyer, an MCC regional disaster management he response of Mennonite Central underlying problems that made the earth- coordinator, “so the rural areas can have TCommittee (MCC) to Haiti’s Jan. 12 quake so devastating. the infrastructure to support the people earthquake will gradually shift from the MCC Haiti staff and international migrating there, and to keep people from capital city of Port-au-Prince to rural com- munities that are expected to play an inte- MCC photo by Ben Depp gral role in rebuilding the country. By 2011, MCC’s work will centre in the Artibonite Valley, about 90 minutes north of Port-au-Prince. Eight MCC staff members live in Desarmes, a town in the Artibonite Valley, where MCC already has an established program. The Haitian government estimates that 162,500 of the 600,000 people who fled Port-au-Prince after the earthquake sought shelter in the Artibonite Department, where the Artibonite Valley is located. The movement of displaced people to the rural areas puts an economic strain on those communities, but it also presents an opportunity to change some of the

‘What the provinces lack is the services of the state. If they can get roads, health centres and schools, people could stay there.’ (MCC Haiti worker Garly Michel)

A young girl draws water from a cistern at a Mennonite Central Committee-supported water distribution site in Cité Soleil, part of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city. MCC’s priority on emergency assistance, like this, is gradually refocusing on self-sustaining priorities. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 23

moving back into the city.” cheaper to buy than food grown in Haiti. in the provinces,” says Jean Remy Azor, Decentralization is a concept espoused MCC is focusing some earthquake response an MCC staff member in Desarmes. “If by the Haitian government and many inter- money towards increasing profitable pro- there is no such vision to augment local national aid organizations, Troyer notes. duction and encouraging local production production, there will come a time when The infrastructure in Port-au-Prince was and consumption. we depend too much on imports. . . . Our never set up to handle the population that “For the long vision, there must be a de- stomachs will be in the hands of foreign was living there, he adds. Even before the velopment plan that allows for more food countries.” l earthquake, the systems for water, electri- city, roads and housing could not handle the demand. People built houses in ra- vines and hillsides and on top of each other, Colombians call on Canadians which resulted in massive damage during the earthquake, he points out. to oppose free-trade deal Yet the capital city has been the centre By Canadian Mennonite Staff around which the country revolves, Troyer From a Mennonite Central Committee Release says. It’s the primary place Haitians go to conduct government business, attend uni- versities and good secondary schools, and olombian Anabaptist churches and paramilitary organizations continue to get care at respected hospitals. Cpartner organizations of Mennonite operate with varying degrees of impunity. “What the provinces lack is the services Central Committee (MCC), which has an The Christian Centre for Justice, Peace of the state,” says Garly Michel, an MCC active presence in the South American and Nonviolent Action (JustaPaz), an worker who is from Haiti and works in country, have voiced their deep concern MCC partner, documented six assassina- Port-au-Prince. “If they can get roads, about a potential trade deal between tions of pastors in 2009 in the Department health centres and schools, people could Canada and Colombia. of Córdoba by paramilitary groups that stay there.” On March 10, Canada’s ministers of have re-armed. The same groups have been To encourage people to stay there, the international trade and foreign affairs named as responsible for massive displace- government is appealing to international introduced Bill C-2 (formerly Bill C-23), the ment in the same department: 1,230 people governments and non-government- Colombia-Canada Free Trade Agreement, from five churches were reportedly forced al organizations to help establish that as the new session of Parliament’s first or- from their homes and communities. infrastructure. der of business. This is not an environment which is The provinces already have resources for But the Colombians believe that the conducive to healthy foreign investment, work, says Michel. They have water, land “closed-door” policy on debates and infor- according to Rebecca Bartel, a Latin and a labour force. However, in recent years mation pertaining to the deal have created America and the Caribbean policy ana- food production has dwindled because a cloud of uncertainty around the pos- lyst for MCC, nor is it an environment in trade agreements have made imported food sible effects that this pact will have on the which Colombians will beneift from great- Colombian economy, as well as on the dire er Canadian exports competing in local MCC graphic by Fredrick Yocum human rights situation and the humani- markets in unfair economic conditions. tarian crisis that are currently facing the People of faith from all over the world are country. calling for international trade and invest- Colombians have also voiced their con- ment systems that respect and promote cern that basic processes of prior consulta- the dignity of the human person as created tion with marginalized groups in society in the image of God; ensure the well-being will not be respected, and greater foreign and development of people in all nations investment in the mining industry, par- as children of God; foster gender and racial ticularly, will contribute to an exacerbation equity before a God who loves and values of the violence around land rights and the everyone equally; and lead to environ- MCC’s emergency response work in massive displacement of populations from mental sustainability, for which people are Haiti is focused in the orange area that resource-rich territories. charged as stewards of God’s creation. includes Port-au-Prince and west of Despite Colombian government affir- MCC has drafted sample letters of pro- the capital, in Leogane, Petit-Goave mations that paramilitary structures have test that can be sent to individual Canadian and Grand Goave. The focus of MCC’s been dismantled, and that the country is MPs, Minister of International Trade Peter long-term work will be in the Artibonite “safer”—thanks to democratic security Van Loan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Valley, a 90-minute drive north of the policies—MCC partners have documented Lawrence Cannon, in opposition to Bill capital, where many displaced people grave human rights abuses in many ter- C-2. To get copies of these letters, visit have fled. ritories throughout the country where ottawa.mcc.org. l 24 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

left out of the judicial process, and teach Crime and punishment responsibility to offenders. Statistics ac- tually show that doing time in prison is one of the most accurate predictors of repeated myths debunked criminal activity, he pointed out. Sponsored by the Peace and Justice Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent Committee of Steinmann Mennonite, 150 Baden, Ont. local people attended the breakfast on March 6 and contributed to the ongoing sing charts from federal government Yantzi has a long history of challenging work of peace and justice in the congrega- Uwebsites, Mark Yantzi challenged commonly held ideas about justice. It tion. l the often-held ideas that prison sen- was his work, together with Dave Worth, tences or the death penalty are punish- a fellow Mennonite and parole officer, ments that deter crime during a presen- and Gordon McConnell, a provincial tation at Steinmann Mennonite Church, judge, who spawned the Victim Offender Baden, earlier this spring. Since the death Reconciliation Program, now used widely penalty was abolished in Canada, the an- across Canada and around the world. ΛΛBriefly noted nual rate of murders per population has The “Elmira case,” in which two young House ownership turned dropped year by year, he said. offenders were given the opportunity to Again using government statistics, he meet the victims of their vandalism spree over to House of Friendship showed that unemployment is an accur- face to face, and to offer restitution, is seen KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ONT.— ate indicator of crime rates: the greater the as the root of alternative sentencing wher- Representatives of House of Friendship level of unemployment, the greater the rate ever Yantzi goes. (HOF) and the Kiwanis clubs of of crimes such as burglary and robbery. Prison and fines are backward-looking Kitchener-Waterloo and Twin Cities Yantzi also noted that 80 percent of vio- when seeking to redress a crime against so- gathered with neighbours, friends and lent crime is perpetrated by “someone you ciety, according to Yantzi, while restorative community partners recently to offi- know,” and not by strangers—as society justice models are future-oriented as they cially announce a lasting gift to House often thinks. try to heal the victims, who are so often of Friendship’s Kiwanis House pro- gram. Nearly a quarter-century ago, five Kiwanis clubs rallied together to pur- chase and renovate a red-brick house in the heart of Kitchener and made it avail- able to HOF for a program serving dis- advantaged youths. The Kiwanis Youth Residence officially opened on May 22, 1986. On March 24, the Kiwanis clubs of Kitchener-Waterloo and Twin Cities went one step further, and gave the house to HOF, which will use it to con- tinue providing a transitional home for young men, 16-19 years of age, who can benefit from a residential life-skills pro- gram. “Kiwanis Clubs have been invalu- able partners in establishing this unique and important program,” said HOF executive director John Neufeld. “And now they have ensured the program will always have a home. Through their gen- erosity, they have indeed changed the world for the better, one life at a time and one community at a time, and we thank them for this.” Mark Yantzi, left, discusses peace and justice issues with Jim and Carolyn Steckle at –House of Friendship/Kiwanis clubs Steinmann Mennonite Church’s peace and justice breakfast last month in Baden, Joint Release Ont. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 25

God at work in Us choose to purchase soybean meal from lo- cal farms, rather than trucking in organic the soybean meal from 2,400 kilometres away, business which means Pine View cannot market ‘From farm to fork’ of faith its meat using the “organic” label. But that Story and Photo by Karin Fehderau doesn’t matter to them. Saskatchewan Correspondent “We focus on regional and local mar- Osler, Sask. kets, rather than a certain tag,” Kevin says. The “certified organic” label is important if o many people spend their time and of global markets, supply and demand.” the farmer is shipping products across the Senergy accumulating things, but what Rather than be victims of what they see country, he explains, saying that in such they really want are simpler lives and as a faulty system, the Boldts decided to cases consumers naturally look for a gov- deeper connections with others. Knowing forge a new path. But becoming pioneers erning body to vouch for the producer’s that reconnecting with friends and family in a farm-gate operation—in which farm- claims. always involves food, the owners of Pine ers sell their produce directly to consumers “We are in a local market,” he says. View Farms All Natural Meats near Osler from their farm—was a new and untested “Our third-party verification [is] our offer grain-fed, hormone-free food prod- area then. customers.” ucts to those living in their small corner “In the beginning, we were just doing Concern for others has also led the farm of the world. what we thought was right . . . what aligns family to focus on educating the public Co-owners Kevin and Melanie Boldt us with our values and beliefs,” Melanie about what lies behind the production of have come a long way in the past 12 years, explains. food. when they set out with the goal of stay- “Now it’s more of a conscious effort, a “People don’t think about what’s behind ing financially afloat on their own terms. philosophy of how we do things,” Kevin, the food they buy,” notes Melanie. “Our This meant making the farm viable without the quieter one of the two, adds. business is about staying close to the cus- resorting to one or both of them supple- People didn’t always understand the tomer, but also creating that connection menting their incomes with off-farm work. couple’s decision to try a new path. But so that people know where their food is It hasn’t been easy. attitudes have changed, she admits, and coming from.” “In the first six years of farming, we had there is now more interest in their prod- The public is invited to drive out to the one bumper crop, one average crop and ucts and the way they market them. farm to see how the animals are raised, four years of drought,” says Melanie, add- “[The trend of] buying local has really in- and to purchase meat that is for sale right ing, “So many things are out of your con- creased the profile of what we do,” Melanie on the premises. But as keen observers of trol as a food producer; you’re at the mercy says. market trends, the Boldts see that many The Boldts’ faith plays a big part in how people are time-strapped but cash-rich, they approach the business, and many and are looking for quick, easy solutions of their ideas have come through con- to meal preparation. Busy lives also mean cepts encountered in their church, Osler customers are less willing to drive out to Mennonite. Teaching on creation care the farm to purchase the meat. and farming conferences, such as “Making Enter Souleio Foods Inc., their new- peace with the land,” have also helped est venture in downtown Saskatoon. shape their philosophy. According to its website (souleio.com), Concern for others has given them a “Souleio Foods was spawned in 2004 desire to pay other producers a fair wage, [when] Remi and Janis Cousyn, owners bringing production costs and profit mar- of Calories Bakery and Restaurant, with gins into account. friends Kevin and Melanie Boldt, owners “We’re not going to make a profit on the of Pine View Farms All Natural Meats, dis- backs of other people,” Melanie stresses. cussed the idea of joining forces to create Although she wasn’t raised on a farm, she an urban food market offering artisanal, came into the marriage with a commerce sustainably produced foods both from local degree and has helped to shape the direc- sources and around the world. Combining tion of Pine View Farms. the culinary skills of Calories with the agri- Concepts they learned at Osler Concern for what goes on people’s plates cultural roots of Pine View Farms, this new Mennonite Church, Sask., have helped prompted the couple to raise their animals business would be truly ‘farm to fork.’” Kevin and Melanie Boldt form the basis in the healthiest way possible. Their animals “Souleio gives us access to a market we can’t of their Pine View Farms All Natural are fed grain and raised without the aid of reach out here” on the farm, says Melanie Meats operation. growth hormones or animal products. They happily. l 26 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Photo by Alisha Hanrahan original articles, letters and pictures really Alternative helped me in writing my paper.” Before starting the project, Landon service website had never heard of COs. “I think the biggest thing [that impressed me] is the Mennonites’ willingness to just completely inspires student separate from the rest of society . . . from By Deborah Froese worldly values,” she said. Mennonite Church Canada Release Before they were assigned to alternative service, those claiming CO status had to website sharing the story of conscien- appear before a judge, who would deter- Atious objectors (COs) in World War mine the legitimacy of their declaration. II helped to inspired Abby Landon to re- Landon was intrigued by the website’s wide examine her own beliefs and connect with range of CO testimonies about that experi- her family’s Mennonite faith heritage. ence. “They showed the different extents Landon, who attends an Evangelical to which they were willing to go,” she said. Missionary Church in Red Deer, Alta., dis- “Some would go to war as medics, while covered the alternative service website— others wouldn’t even wear uniforms.” an award-winning project of Mennonite Landon was so inspired by the website Church Canada’s Heritage Centre—in her that she sent an e-mail of thanks to heri- quest for information for a social studies tage centre archivist Conrad Stoesz, who is Abby Landon, a Grade 12 student from term paper. responsible for the website. “I found it very Red Deer, Alta., used the MC Canada “I decided to write about conscientious encouraging to hear how the Mennonites, Heritage Centre’s alternative service objectors at the suggestion of my grandma, my relatives, pursued a Christ-like life even website as a source of information for who is a Mennonite,” Landon said in a tele- when it was extremely difficult,” she wrote. her social studies essay on conscientious phone interview. “It has made me consider the dedication objectors. Landon’s maternal grandmother, Dolores of my actions for Jesus and my ‘separation’ Naumenko, was a young child living in from the influential aspects of this world, Waldheim, Sask., during World War II. as well as the importance of having sup- Naumenko recalled that her father re- port and encouragement around me.” mained at home on the farm during the “I was very happy to receive Abby’s Come with us to war and that her uncle, a dairy farmer, gave email. It made my week,” said Stoesz. “We the government a portion of his weekly in- usually do not get such personal notes of Jordan & come, indicators that the two men may have thanks for the site out of the blue. . . . It was sought exemption from military service. She humbling to learn that the site helped her Egypt... also remembered that just before Christmas examine her own faith. The stories from We’ll visit Mt. Nebo, Petra, one year, a family in Waldheim, Sask., lost a the past encouraged her to dig deeper into Jesus’ baptismal place at the son who had engaged in alternative service what she believed and what Jesus means to Jordan, Herod’s prison for as a medic overseas. Conscientious objec- her. I think this was the highest hope we John the Baptist, tion to war and its implications left an im- had for the site, that young people would Pyramids at Giza/Cairo, pression on Naumenko. re-examine their faith in light of the ex- Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine’s, Landon began her research with a num- amples of the conscientious objectors.” Aswan, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, ber of heavily detailed books. “I was hav- Stoesz had a later e-mail exchange with a 4-day Nile Cruise, and more. ing trouble getting an overall view,” she Landon concerning violence in the Old Glenn Edward Witmer BA, MDiv, ThM said, when her mother offered to help and Testament: “I told her that God’s fullest 10-year church worker in Israel. discovered the alternativeservice.ca web- revelation to humanity was through the site. “The vast number of sources [on the person of Jesus, who taught and lived a life November 11-26, 2010 Another MennoJerusalem Tour site] was incredible,” she said. “Seeing the of peace.” l for Ami Tours International IATA and TICO Registered ‘I think the biggest thing [that impressed me] is the Tour Info: 519-696-2884 Mennonites’ willingness to just completely separate [email protected] from the rest of society . . . from worldly values.’ Bookings: [email protected] More tour itineraries and dates at: (Abby Landon) www.mennojerusalem.org Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 27

Artbeat music. “Abba Cadeff” is a comical tale of a child learning to read. Its performance Music Review in Edmonton had the audience laughing along with the band members. The quality of this piece is underlined by its winning a runner-up prize in the children’s category Sophomore CD released of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in New York City in 2008. Information about the Friesen to much applause Family Band and its two CDs (includ- Reviewed by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld ing 2007’s We Are Seeking) is available at friesenfamilyband.com. l he Friesen Family Band just keeps get- piano, 13-year-old Simone on violin, and Tting better! As quickly as the children mother Louise on vocals. Donita Wiebe-Neufeld is Canadian grow, the seven-member family grows in Chris explains how the songwriting Mennonite’s Alberta correspondent. its music, adding instruments, expertise came about, saying he had been thinking and new material. about writing something based on a Gerard On March 24, the band released its Manley Hopkins’ poem when he heard second CD, Dappled Things, at a concert at “Godwin playing his piece [a piano piece St. Andrews United Church, Edmonton. Godwin composed himself] and Simone The music is fresh and often surprising practising her violin in another room. . . . in its complexity of harmony and variety The music just fit together somehow and of instrumentation. Lively lyrics send the gave me an idea.” ancient words of faith singing into contem- Louise’s clear, almost Celtic-sounding porary life. “We do a lot of writing from the soprano soars exquisitely above the instru- Psalms,” says father Chris. ments, evocative of the falcon that is at the “The Windhover” is a highlight from the centre of the song. new CD, featuring 11-year-old Godwin on The family obviously has fun making

Photo by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld

Hallelujah! schöner Morgen presents a set of Mennonite Hymns that were and still are central to the faith expression of many Mennonite congrega- tions.

Performed by Canzona under the direction of conductor Henry Engbrecht.

CDs may be ordered at [email protected]. CD cost is $20 + $3.00 for The Friesen Family Band released its sophomore CD,Dappled Things, at a concert shipping and handling. in Edmonton in March. Pictured from left to right: Silas 15; Simone 13; Godwin 11; Amos, nine; mother Louise and father Chris. Not pictured: Junia, three, who earlier CD is also available at iTunes. wowed the crowd with her rendition of “Jesus Loves Me.” 28 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Snapshots Canadian Mennonite University photo Musical

Winners of the fifth annual Verna Mae Janzen Vocal Competition for Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) students, held March 25 at the university, are pictured from left to right: Melissa Cole of Emerson, Man., graduating this year and going into music education (third); Jorge Hidalgo of Argentina, a con- ducting major who is graduating and going into a master’s program at the University of Manitoba (second); and Katie Sawatzky of Regina, Sask., an English major graduating this year (first).

Photo by Rachel Bergen

Composed of current and former Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) students George Dyck III, Josie Guenther, Thomas Krause and Dale Thiessen, newcomer band Alanadale performed at “Injustice Visible,” a March 19 benefit concert to raise funds for Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), which recently had several pieces of video camera equipment stolen or de- stroyed. CPT used the equipment to capture acts of injustice on video as a nonviolent alternative to war in various countries. The concert raised $1,279. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 29

Photo courtesy of Jane Heinrichs Focus on Books & Resources Filling the Kohma Book blends Dueck family recipes and histories

By Evelyn Rempel Petkau Manitoba Correspondent

ew cookbooks are ubiquitous, and elaborate on the theme, rather Nfamily histories have become popular, like improvisational jazz.” but a cookbook that is a family history—or Lisa wanted to make sure a family history that is a cookbook—is a that no one was left out of the curious hybrid. dialogue and that every family Lisa Heinrichs, who lives in Langley, unit would be represented in B.C., loves to cook. She was well into re- the book. As she accumulated search on her family’s history when she recipes that were often accom- realized she could incorporate her culin- panied with memories and sto- ary passion into her genealogical interests. ries, she made sure that they all “My idea was to gather a collection of reci- had “detailed instructions that pes from my mother’s family, both recipes anyone could follow. Many of my that my grandmother would have made grandma’s recipes were merely Lisa Heinrichs of B.C. is pictured with her cook- and also favourites within each family lists of ingredients, so I needed book and family history that she wrote. Inset: Jane unit,” she explains. to either kitchen-test these or Heinrichs of London, England, helped design and About a year-and-a-half ago, she sent ask my aunts for their recollec- illustrate the book. her extended family members an e-mail tion of how these foods were that asked for submissions of recipes, sto- made,” she says. of recipes wouldn’t flow well. Our grand- ries and photos. One of the e-mail recipi- Family gatherings became a time of mother had a yellow gingham apron that ents was her cousin, Jane Heinrichs, an art comparing recipes and brainstorming. everyone loved. She wore it all the time be- student in London, England. “Christmas of 2009 saw an uncle and cause she often forgot to take it off. I used “I have to admit that I didn’t give it much cousin from Edmonton and a cousin from yellow and/or yellow gingham wherever I thought at the time. Our family has a ten- Winnipeg comparing and submitting the could, to tie the book together.” dency to click ‘reply all’ whenever reply- same recipe for a pear and goat cheese “In addition to our fast and furious e- ing to family e-mails,” says Jane. It wasn’t salad,” Jane recalls. mailing, we also were collecting pictures until she noticed the flurry of communi- Mixed in with the recipes is the exten- of our family and food,” adds Jane. “At one cation triggered by Lisa’s request that she sive research Lisa has done on her Russian point I think Lisa had everyone search- took note of the project. “It was the joking Mennonite family background and the col- ing their family albums for a photo of my banter and general enthusiasm of their re- lection of family stories. grandmother in her yellow apron!” plies that really piqued my interest. People Jane, who was shortlisted for “best illus- “Often memories centred around would sometimes reply within minutes, trated book” at the Manitoba Book Awards Grandma’s Kohma (Low German for back and forth, whether they were liv- in 2009, volunteered to design the book. “pantry”), and this is reflected in the title ing in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario “I wanted to make it as beautiful and user- of the book [Filling the Kohma],” explains or London,” she says. “One person would friendly as possible,” she says. “I knew we Lisa. “It was a wonderful way to bring tell a funny story about this or that, and needed something cohesive to tie the whole family together and stir up old memories. then another person would add more and design together; otherwise, the eclectic mix Hopefully, this family history book will be one that can be used again and again, ‘One person would tell a funny story about this or rather than gather dust on some shelf, as is the fate of so many family histories.” that, and then another person would add more and Anyone inspired to attempt such a self- elaborate on the theme, rather like improvisational jazz.’ published book, but needs ideas or infor- mation, is invited to e-mail Jane at jane. (Jane Heinrichs) [email protected]. l 30 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Focus on Books & Resources Book Review repeatedly warned about his Anabaptist affiliation, but somehow he managed to live and work there without being exiled or killed. Although he had a vision of an Early Anabaptist leader’s urban Anabaptist community, persecution pushed the movement into remote rural areas. life uncovered Klaassen and Klassen suggest that the Marpeck: A Life of Dissent and Conformity. Walter Klaassen and William Klassen. Herald Press, 2008, 423 pages. community under Marpeck’s leadership eventually disappeared because there Reviewed by Barb Draper was a major dispute over how legalistic the church should be about discipline. ilgram Marpeck lived during a retired professors, these two have Marpeck was not a legalist and encouraged Ptime of great political and re- prepared a biography of this little- Anabaptists not to be rigidly exclusive. ligious upheaval and change. As a known Anabaptist leader. There is evidence that his writings were civil engineer and an Anabaptist of Marpeck was from Austria and influential in Swiss Anabaptist circles in the 16th century, he found himself joined the Anabaptists in 1528, the late 16th century. in a world of great uncertainty. With probably shortly after the death of This biography of Marpeck is written for his faith rooted deeply in Christ, in his first wife. He fled to Strasbourg, ordinary readers and does not use com- the biblical text and in the church, France, where he lived for several plicated theological language. There are he was able to provide leadership for scat- years before moving to Switzerland and periods of Marpeck’s life where there is no tered groups of Anabaptists in southern eventually to Augsburg, an independent information and so the authors used their Germany and Austria. city in southern Germany. During these understanding of the political, religious For centuries little was known about years he frequently worked for the local and economic situation of the time to im- Marpeck, but in the 1950s a collection of government as a civil engineer while serv- agine what was probably happening. This letters, including many by Marpeck, were ing as an Anabaptist leader. Marpeck was book is a valuable addition to Anabaptist discovered in Switzerland. Walter Klaassen willing to respect civil authority, but he in- history. l and William Klassen were students when sisted a Christian’s highest allegiance must the new material became available and be to Christ’s kingdom. Marpeck not only Barb Draper is the editor of Canadian they used it in their work. In 1978, they preached to Anabaptist gatherings, he also Mennonite’s semi-annual Focus on Books translated and prepared for publication a spread his beliefs through his writings. & Resources special sections. collection of Marpeck’s writings. Now as While living in Augsburg, Marpeck was Marpeck was not a legalist and encouraged Anabaptists not to be rigidly exclusive.

Photo by Jonathan Seiling

The editors ofOn Spirituality, a new release on the topic of Mennonite-Muslim dialogue from Pandora Press, are pictured at the book’s launch hosted by the Toronto Mennnonite Theological Centre on April 14. From left to right: A. James Reimer, Darrol Bryant and Susan Kennel Harrison. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 31

Focus on Books & Resources Lost book of Anabaptist writings now available in English Story and Photo by Mary E. Klassen Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Release Elkhart, Ind.

he Kunstbuch, a collection of writings half of the original, Rempel reflects. “It seems that the Marpeck Tfrom early Anabaptists, was hidden in yet it adds up to more circle grappled with the question of unity, Swiss archives for centuries, but now has than 700 pages in the but had only a few defining doctrinal points. been released in English as Jörg Maler’s English version. They placed more emphasis on a personal Kunstbuch: Writings of the Pilgram Marpeck Mennonite scholars experience of Christ, and then had more Circle. The six-year project was edited by had begun using some tolerance for differences of practices than John Rempel, professor of theology and of the material already other Anabaptist groups had.” Anabaptist studies at Associated Mennonite in the 1960s. William Rempel believes this book has signifi- Biblical Seminary (AMBS), and published Klassen’s doctoral cance beyond the historical record of the by Pandora Press, Kitchener, Ont. dissertation in 1968 Rempel early Anabaptist theology and practice. The Kunstbuch contained letters and was based on Pilgram “These are believable people living precar- other documents written in the 1500s by Marpeck’s writings, and Walter Klaassen iously, having a depth of faith I would like members of the Swiss and South German and Klassen edited The Writings of Pilgram to emulate. These writings can be lessons Anabaptist communities, including Marpeck, published in 1978 in the Classics for people today who want models for holy Pilgram Marpeck, an early Anabaptist of the Radical Reformation series by the living that are within reach..” l leader in that region. Jörg Maler, whose Institute of Mennonite Studies. name reflects his profession as a painter, In 2004, Rempel began overseeing the gathered together a variety of documents English translation and editing of all the that the scattered Anabaptist congrega- available Kunstbuch material. “What excit- tions had found life-giving. ed me about the project,” Rempel explains, As he rewrote them into one manuscript, “is that because there was already a mod- he added his own artistic illuminations to ern critical version published in German in the text. This manuscript circulated among 2007, we could make this English transla- One stop shopping for the Swiss Anabaptist congregations, and at tion more accessible to a larger audience. Mennonite authors the end of the 17th century it ended up in We aimed for ‘literate but popular English,’ the Berne city archive. Rempel surmises it sometimes choosing simpler terms than Stuart Murray was held initially as evidence against the if we were translating for a scholarly The Naked Anabaptist Anabaptists. audience.” Herald Press The book clearly documents the in- The book contains meditations on God’s John D. Rempel fluence of Marpeck as a leader of the provision for people who lived a very in- Jörg Maler’s Kunstbuch Anabaptists in that region. Sixteen of secure existence. It also includes theo- Pandora Press Marpeck’s pastoral letters are included, and logical treatises by Marpeck and pastoral several other items were written by close letters with counsel to congregations about J. Nelson Kraybill colleagues of his. Because he was not as au- church discipline and the threat of perse- Apocalypse and Allegiance Brazos Press thoritative a leader as Menno Simons, his cution. Also included are personal confes- influence had not been as easy to identify sions of faith, pieces by three Anabaptist A. James Reimer, et al. prior to the discovery of this manuscript. mystics and poems. On Spirituality Based on the table of contents, the “What attracted me to these writings is Pandora Press manuscript German historian Heinold that these Anabaptists were able to take Gerald W. Schlabach Fast discovered in the archives is only what was good from other movements,” Unlearning Protestantism ‘These are believable people living precariously, Brazos Press having a depth of faith I would like to emulate.’ www.pandorapress.com (John Rempel) 1-866-696-1678 32 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

England, provides thoughtful reflec- Spring 2010 List of tions about planting churches in a post- modern environ- ment. His comments Books & Resources are not specific to any denomination or country, and his experi- Theology ence allows him to offer The Naked Ana- some very practical advice. 1 & 2 Timothy, baptist: The Bare Each of the eight chapters has Titus. Paul M. Essentials of a Radical questions for reflection. Zehr. Herald Press, Faith. Stuart Murray. Herald 2010, 406 pages. Press, 2010, 191 pages. Satyagraha and This is the Murray explores Anabaptist beliefs Nonresistance: 22nd volume without the “clothes” of Mennonite or A Compara- of the Believers Amish tradition. Using the seven core tive Study of Church Bible convictions of the Anabaptist Network, Gandhian and Commentary he explains how the Anabaptist vision has Mennonite Series. Zehr has played out in history. Murray, who lives in Nonviolence. many years of London, England, does not see himself as Weyburn Groff. experience as Mennonite, but he believes Anabaptism AMBS Institute of a pastor and has important principles for the modern Mennonite Stud- teacher, including world, including modern Mennonites. ies and Herald at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. Press, 2009, 210 New Per- pages. Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, spectives Groff spent Politics and Devotion in the Book of in Believ- many years in India under the Mennonite Revelation. J. Nelson Kraybill. Brazos Press, ers Church Board of Missions. This is his doctoral dis- 2010, 224 pages. Ecclesiology. sertation, written in 1963, which compares Using uncomplicated language, Kray- Abe Dueck, the ideas of Gandhi to Mennonite beliefs bill explains what the book of Revelation Helmut Harder about nonviolence. meant to Christians of the first century and and Karl Koop, how they would have interpreted its many eds. CMU Science and Origins: Probing the Deeper symbols. He also relates these symbols to Press, 2010, 325 Questions. Holmes Rolston III, Carl S. Hel- the 21st century. Each of the 12 chapters pages. rich, eds. Pandora Press, 2009, 174 pages. has questions for reflection. The papers This book contains the lectures and of this col- discussion from the 2008 Goshen Col- lection were Jesus Matters: lege Conference on Religion and Science. presented at the 16th Believers Church Good News for Rolston, a professor of philosophy, probes Conference, held in 2008 at Canadian the 21st Cen- various scientific questions about the Mennonite University. Among the many tury. James R. origins of life, including whether human Krabill and David topics addressed are the rise of Mennonite self-awareness makes humans different W. Shenk, eds. denominations in Manitoba, the role of from other species. Herald Press, 2009, women in the Mennonite Brethren Church 259 pages. and the role of communion and baptism Theology as if Jesus Matters: An Intro- Familiar Men- in today’s Mennonite churches. duction to Christianity’s Main Convic- nonite teachers tions. Ted Grimsrud. Cascadia Publishing and theologians, Planting Churches in the 21st Century: and Herald Press, 2009, 230 pages. along with one A Guide for Those Who Want Fresh Writing in a practical, down-to-earth or more young Perspectives and New Ideas for Creat- way, using lots of personal anecdotes, adults, wrote these chapters about various ing Congregations. Stuart Murray. Herald Grimsrud examines Christianity’s beliefs: aspects of Jesus. Each of the 16 chapters Press, 2010, 227 pages. God, Jesus, the Bible, the church, end times includes questions for discussion. Murray, an urban church planter in and more. He believes that Jesus’ teachings Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 33

Focus on Books & Resources need to be cen- Hermann Jantzen (1866-1959) was part and the escape from Soviet Russia in 1929. tral to Christian- of the Great Trek of Mennonites from ity’s main convic- Ukraine to Central Asia in 1880. Before the War, Peace and tions. Grimsrud Russian Revolution he served as a transla- Social Con- is a professor of tor, forester and missionary in Turkestan. science: Guy F. theology and His autobiography, Im Wilden Turkestan, Hershberger peace studies at was published in German in 1988. The and Mennonite Eastern Men- translation is available by calling 519-883- Ethics. Theron F. nonite University. 0217. Schlabach. Herald This book could Press, 2009, 726 be useful for dis- Minnesota Meanderings: The Amish pages. cussion groups. Mennonite Settlement in Nobles County, This thorough Minnesota, 1891-1910. Earl Meyers et al, and percep- Under Construc- privately published, 2010. tive biography tion: Reframing In the early 1890s several Amish Men- of Guy Hersh- Men’s Spiritu- nonite families from Ontario began a berger (1896-1989), a prominent leader of ality. Gareth community in southwestern Minnesota. the Mennonite church in the mid-20th Brandt. Herald The book includes genealogical informa- century, also provides good analysis of the Press, 2009, 225 tion and a history of this settlement that Mennonite church of that era. The author pages. lasted 20 years. It is available by e-mail at taught American Mennonite history at Brandt ex- [email protected]. Goshen College for many years. plores male spirit- uality, using the A School on Women in Early Austrian Anabaptism: stories of Joseph the Prairie: A Their Days, Their Stories. Linda A. Hue- as a jumping-off Centennial His- bert Hecht. Pandora Press, 2009, 290 pages. point. He began tory of Hesston Hecht has translated court records this project because he was dissatisfied College, 1909- from the 1500s to tell stories of Anabap- with other resources available. The appen- 2009. John E. tist women in Austria, many of who were dix includes several questions for each of Sharp. Cascadia martyred. These are new stories that are the 13 chapters so that this book could be Publishing House not found in other sources. Hecht also used for discussion groups. and Herald Press, provides historical context for these Ana- 2009, 503 pages. baptists in Austria. History Sharp’s his- tory of Hesston Other Books Crossing Fron- College is a tiers. Helmut well-told story Affluenza Interrupted: Stories of Hope Lemke. Author- of the people who worked together to from the Suburbs. Doreen and Hugo house Publishing, make Hesston a viable Mennonite school. Neufeld. Sunrise Publishing, 2009. 2009, 284 pages. He highlights the various personalities Using short stories, Doreen and Hugo In this auto- of campus life, but also sets his vignettes Neufeld reflect on their experience of mov- biography, Lemke within the ongoing trends of the Menno- ing to the suburbs after having served in a describes his life nite church and society. poor inner-city neighbourhood. The book as a Mennonite is available through Herald Press. in West Prussia Susanne Remembers: A Mennonite before and during Childhood in Revolutionary Russia. Ask Third Way World War II. He Susanne Willms Thielman. Judson Lake Café: 50 Com- is appreciative House Publications, Abbotsford, B.C, 2009, mon and Quirky of the work of Mennonite Central Com- 166 pages. Questions About mittee (MCC) after the war in supporting With lots of drawings and photographs, Mennonites. Jodi refugees and assisting Mennonite congre- this hardcover book with glossy pages Nisly Hertzler. gations. presents the story of a young girl’s life in Cascadia Publish- Molotschna Colony in Russia in the 1920s. ing House and In the Wilds of Turkestan. Hermann Jan- Excerpts from the writings of Susanne’s Herald Press, 2009, tzen, translated by Erica Jantzen. Waterloo: father, H. J. Willms, add an adult perspec- 82 pages. Waterpark Publishing, 2009, 207 pages. tive to the years of the Russian Revolution Hertzler has put 34 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Focus on Books & Resources together 50 questions and answers that Nehemiah ministry responding to needs in his com- have been posed to the Third Way Café Response: How munity. The book includes many stories website from all over the world. The range to Make it from this ministry and provides a plan for of topics is wide, from theological beliefs Through Your any church responding to a crisis. It is also and dress to what is an appropriate wed- Crisis. Nelson available in e-book or audio book formats. ding gift for a Mennonite. Roth. Tate Pub- lishing, 2009. Timna. Lucille Miracle Temple. Esther Yoder Stenson. Roth, a Men- Travis. Herald Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, nonite pastor, Press, 2009, 167 2009, 120 pages. experienced pages. This collection of poems includes many the devastation In this story, with the voice of an Amish young woman, of Hurricane designed for some reaching back to the early 20th Katrina in 2005 young readers, century. and organized a Timna, the wife of one of Noah’s sons, finds herself in an adventur- ous situation.

Together We Can: Our Seven-Month Journey with the MCC Mobile Meat Can- ner, 2008-2009. Wanda L. Yoder. Masthof Press, 2010, 110 pages. Wanda and Loren Yoder travelled with the MCC meat canner to 37 different sites where meat was canned for relief. Wanda also collected a quilt block at each site. The book has many delightful pictures.

New From Herald Press Woldemar Neufeld’s Canada: A Men- nonite Artist in the Canadian Land- Saving the Seasons scape, 1925-1995. Laurence Neufeld and Monica McKillen, eds.; Hildi Froese Tiessen How to Can, Freeze, or Dry and Paul Tiessen, text. Wilfrid Laurier Uni- Almost Anything versity Press, 2010, 146 pages. This large hardcover book includes You can’t get much closer to the source of 241 plates of Woldemar Neufeld’s paint- your food than canning or preserving it ings and block prints, as well as the story yourself, and Saving the Seasons shows you of his life and the development of his how! Loaded with helpful tips, charts and art. Neufeld emigrated from Ukraine to user-friendly recipes for beginners and experts alike, it will help you enjoy the Canada in 1924 at the age of 14 and his season’s bounty all year long. artwork includes many scenes from his Compiled by the mother-daughter team of Mary Clemens Meyer and Susanna years in Waterloo Region. Meyer, Saving the Seasons is a follow-up to Simply In Season, the best-selling cookbook that celebrates cooking and eating locally-produced seasonal food. —Compiled by Barb Draper, Books & Resources editor. Paper. 288 pages. $24.99 USD/$28.99 CAD www.mpn.net/savingtheseasons

800-245-7894 (USA) • 800-631-6535 (Canada) Herald Press is the book imprint of Mennonite Publishing Network. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 35

Focus on Books & Resources

N e w I d e a s Church planting ‘not for Creating Congregations (Herald Press) just about numbers’ is the result. “I think the New book aims to help people avoid mistakes of the past main prob- lem was that By John Longhurst people focused Mennonite Publishing Network Release o n s p e e d and quantity, n 1992, churches in Great Britain not thrive. Few inroads were made into the rather than Ilaunched a plan to plant 20,000 new communities they wanted to serve. quality,” says churches by 2000. There was some suc- Looking back, veteran British church Murray, who cess; several hundred new churches did re- planter Stuart Murray wondered what helps direct the Anabaptist Network in sult. But it was not the thousands that were went wrong—and what could be done to Great Britain. “We were more interested hoped for. Of those churches that were avoid repeating those mistakes. Planting in how many churches we could plant, not planted, many struggled and some closed Churches in the 21st Century: A Guide for what kind of church various communities after a few years. Others persisted, but did Those Who Want Fresh Perspectives and needed.” Ministry ‘realities’ in the 21st century By Ross W. Muir Managing Editor

he gospel can meet all human needs, but we worldview of many postmodern young people: “Tneed to listen carefully to our postmodern and • Life is full of zombies: The world is gone crazy. post-Christendom culture to learn what they are,” says Most people just want to use you to fill their own needs, veteran British church planter Stuart Murray, adding, so abandon your dreams of a pain-free existence, trust “We don’t want to give out answers to questions nobody no one, and you just might survive. is asking.” • Wisdom is experience: Columbus, one of the So just what are some of the postmodern needs and humans, stays alive by following his personal set of questions that the church of today and rules, based solely on his encounters in into the future must be ready to re- Zombieland so far. Forget the advice of a spond to? In an unpublished review of parent, a book or an expert; the only les- last year’s popular “zombie comedy” sons you can trust are those that you’ve film, Zombieland, Joe Heikman, asso- owned through experience. ciate pastor of First United Mennonite • Family is belonging: Everybody’s an Church, Vancouver, provides some orphan in Zombieland. Traditional fam- answers. ilies are a distant memory. Your chances After an out-of-control virus has rav- of finding someone just like you, or who aged the world, turning most humans really understands you, are slim. But if into slobbering, flesh-eating zombies, you can look beyond the pain of loss, if four human survivors—Columbus, you can somehow risk opening yourself Tallahassee, Wichita and Little Rock up to love again, it’s totally worth it. (called by their intended destinations, • Salvation is now: The world is ser- rather than personal names, lest they iously messed up. The zombies aren’t go- get too attached to each other)—make ing away. The heaven of Pacific Playland their way towards Pacific Playland, the doesn’t exist. But you can still find mean- mythical zombie-free refuge of their dreams. Of course, ing—in the strange beauty of destruction, in the loyalty the haven doesn’t actually exist, so along the way they of friends, or in the chasing after the fleeting sweetness seek to find their own salvation, often in graphic and of a Twinkie. Columbus’s Rule No. 32 is “Enjoy the little brutal fashion. things.” While not quite as poetic as Ecclesiastes, the Zombieland, Heikman suggests, offers a peek into the message is the same, Heikman suggests. 36 Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010

Focus on Books & Resources

Church planting “isn’t just about num- include alienation, loneliness, a search for bers,” he says. “It’s about the renewal of meaning and purpose, interest in spiritu- the church and the development of new ality, and ways to live meaningfully with ways of being the church that are biblically purpose in this life. rooted and contextually appropriate.” Not “The gospel can meet all human needs, Biography all church plants will succeed, he points but we need to listen carefully to our post- out. But whether they grow or fail, “there modern and post-Christendom culture A President’s Journey: are lessons to be learned.” to learn what they are,” he says. “We don’t The Memoirs of One of those lessons is that Christianity want to give out answers to questions no- Henry Poettcker 2009 | 230 pages, paper $26.50 has to be presented differently today. body is asking.” ISBN 978-0-920718-83-4 “In the past, we could assume that people As for Anabaptism, Murray believes it we wanted to reach with the gospel knew brings a special gift to the church-plant- the story,” he says. “But we cannot make ing enterprise. “Anabaptism has historic- such an assumption today. Here in Britain, ally emphasized the importance of telling the cut-off point for knowing the Christian the story, of community and the centrality A President’s story is about 35 or 40 years of age. I as- of Jesus, along with the importance of fol- JourneyThe Memoirs of Henry Poettcker sume that something similar might be oc- lowing Christ in life,” he shares. “Many curring in parts of North America.” people today want to know how they

‘[M]any people today don’t feel guilty, and many are not particularly interested in life after death. It’s no TheologyNew Perspectives in Believers Church Ecclesiology longer a starting point for a conversation about faith.’ Abe Dueck, Helmut Harder, & Karl Koop, Editors New Perspectives in (Stuart Murray) Believers Church Ecclesiology Abe Dueck, Helmut Harder, Karl Koop, Editors Another lesson, he notes, is that living can make a difference and be fulfilled in 2010 | 330 pages, paper | $29.50 faithfully—in the hope that others will no- this life—not just in the life to come. The ISBN 978-0-920718-84-1 tice and then want to know more about Anabaptist emphasis on service and living Jesus—only works if people are familiar the life of faith may prove to be an effect- with the Christian story. ive starting point.” l Literature “Many Mennonite church leaders in This Hidden Thing Europe and North America have told me by Dora Dueck their members are more comfortable living 2010 | 350 pages, paper | $19.50 faithfully and distinctively in the hope that ISBN 978-0-920718-86-5 others will be challenged by their example and drawn towards faith,” he says. “While there is much in this that I affirm, living Yellow Page Business Directory This Book launch 8 PM, May 19 at out faith only works where people actually Hidden know what that faith is actually all about.” Education Resources Thing Mennonite & BIC Resource Centre McNally Robinson, A third lesson for church planters is the a novel by 519-745-8458 x225 www.mbicresources.org Dora Dueck Winnipeg importance of discovering “what aspects of the gospel connect with people today,” he adds. For a long time “evangelists used Financial Services guilt and death to connect with people, To order, contact the with forgiveness and the hope of eternal CMU Bookstore: life as the good news,” he says. “But many toll free - 877.231.4570 people today don’t feel guilty, and many email - [email protected] are not particularly interested in life after Listen. Understand. Plan. death. It’s no longer a starting point for a Duane Eby, MBA, CFP, CLU Financial Advisor 410 Conestogo Road, Unit 208, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 4E2 For more information, visit: conversation about faith.” tel 519.725.2006 fax 519.725.2003 www.cmu.ca/cmupress For Murray, starting points that might email [email protected] work for conversations about faith today Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 37

Gerber Financial Services, Waterloo, ON Legal Services 519-772-5867 • [email protected] Guaranteed Investments & Life Insurance Russel Snyder-Penner B.A., LL.B., M.A. Trademark Agent Sound Advice, Excellent Products, Peace of Mind Corporate/Commercial Law Charities/Non-profits John Thiessen, BA, BTh, CFP Wills/Trusts, Real Estate Tel: 1.866.324.9574 Creating and Sustaining S 675 Queen255 King St. St. S. N. Suite Suite 300100 [email protected] Kitchener, ON N2M 1A1 W H O L E N E S S 519.725.2500 Investment (f) 519.725.2525 Planning Counsel TM [email protected] IPC INVESTMENT CORPORATION MAX Canada Insurance Company Insurance Provided by IPC Estate Services Inc. is committed to serving the Anabaptist community with INSURANCE protection and MUTUAL AID care. Real Estate

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p.m. For more information, visit cmu. Speaker: Eleanor Epp Stobbe. ΛΛCalendar ca/events. May 28,29: New Hamburg Mennonite ΛΛClassifieds British Columbia Until June 19: Mennonite Heritage Relief Sale at the fairgrounds; 5:30 to Announcements May 28: Fundraising dessert evening Centre Gallery, Winnipeg is featuring 9:30 p.m. (28), 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (29). Cassel Mennonite Church for Communitas Supportive Care “Sense of Place,” an exhibition by All proceeds to Mennonite Central of Tavistock, Ont., will be hav- Society, at Bakerview Mennonite Altona artists. Committee. For more information, visit ing a 75th Anniversary Cele- bration - From the Past Will Brethren Church, Abbotsford, at 7 p.m. June 19: Camp Koinonia golf nhmrs.com. tournament fundraiser. June 3: Solar energy information Come the Future - on May 7, Featuring Father’s Daughter. For more 8 & 9, 2010. Come and enjoy a information, call 604-850-6608. night hosted by MCC Ontario and weekend of music, speakers, Ontario Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, memories and food. For more at South Ridge Community Centre, information, contact: Duane Alberta May 10: Seniors spring retreat at St. Catharines, at 6:30 p.m. For more and Nicole Swartzentruber at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp. swartzhomefarms@execulink. May 25-27: Summer Training Institute information, visit ontario.mcc.org/mise. Theme: “Volunteering: Making a com; Cassel Church at 519-462- for Church Leaders presents “Holy June 4-6: Mennonite and Brethren difference.”S peakers: Erla and Lloyd 2251 or casselmc@execulink. conversations: Strategic planning as a Marriage Encounter weekend, at com; or check out our website Koch and Ray Schlegel. For more spiritual practice for congregations,” Conrad Grebel University College, at www.casselmc.com. information, e-mail info@hiddenacres. with keynote speaker Gil Rendle; Waterloo. Begins at 7 p.m. (4) and ends ca. Celebration: To glorify God’s at Providence Renewal Centre, at 3 p.m. (6). For more information, call May 12: Solar energy information faithfulness and multiple bless- Edmonton. For more information, visit 519-669-8667. ings, Laird Mennonite Church night hosted by MCC Ontario and conciliationservices.ca. June 6: Fourth annual Shaped Note requests your presence at its Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, June 9: Annual heritage retreat at Singing event from the Harmonia 100th Anniversary Celebra- at Erb Street Mennonite Church, tion. The happy occasion is Camp Valaqua. Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Sacra, at 1855 Detweiler Meetinghouse Waterloo,, at 6:30 p.m. For more planned for Saturday, Aug. 28 will share biblical reflections and near Roseville. For more information, information, visit ontario.mcc.org/mise. with registration at 2 p.m., a stories from an MCC trip to southern call Sam Steiner at 519-884-1040. catered supper at 5, followed May 15: Annual “Paddle the Grand Sudan. For more information, call Erna June 15-17: Summer Training by a variety program. On Sun- River” event for Silver Lake Mennonite Goertzen at 403-335-8414, Annemary Institute for Church Leaders presents day, Aug. 29, the worship ser- Camp. For more information, visit slmc. vice will start at 10 a.m. fol- Buhler at 403-246-5480, or Kurt Janz at “Governance and ministry: Building on.ca. lowed by a noon meal. Inquire 403-271-7477. effective partnerships among the about accommodations at May 15, June 13: Menno Singers, June 12: Hike-a-thon at Camp leaders of the church” with Dan [email protected] or with Mennonite Mass Choir and Valaqua. For more information, call Jeff Hotchkiss of the Alban Institute; at call 306-223-4395 or 306-223- soloists, present Haydn’s Creation, St. 4368. Pre-register by Aug. 1. Schellenberg at 403-637-2510. Conrad Grebel University College, Peter’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Waterloo. For more information, visit, 7:30 p.m. (May 13); Riverstone Retreat Salem Mennonite Church of Saskatchewan conciliationservices.ca. Centre, Durham (June 13). For more Tofield, Alberta is celebrating June 17-19: The WordG uild invites 100 years as a congregation May 25-28: MC Saskatchewan information, visit mennosingers.com. Canadian writers and editors who are on July 24 & 25, 2010. We would continuing education event at May 22,23: Brussels Mennonite Christian to its annual Write! Canada love to have you help us cele- Wildwood Mennonite Church, Fellowship 30th anniversary. Potluck brate this historic and joyous writers conference, Guelph, Ont. Saskatoon. Speaker: Wilma Bailey. wiener roast at Martin’s Landing, 5 event. Pre-registration by May Keynote speaker: Joel A. Freeman, 31, 2010 is imperative so we can Topic: “Laments of ancient Israel.” p.m. (22); Sunday worship, 10 a.m., at author of If Nobody Loves You, Create properly plan for our time to- June 5-6: Aberdeen Mennonite church, followed by a potluck dinner. the Demand. For more information, gether. For further information Church centennial celebration. May 25: Solar energy information and/or to pre-register contact visit writecanada.org. June 6: Shekinah Retreat Centre night hosted by MCC Ontario and Joe & Elaine Kauffman by mail: fundraising concert with House of Doc. Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, Box 212, Tofield, AB TOB 4J0, by U.S. telephone: 780-662-2344, or by June 11-12: MCC Relief Sale at at United Mennonite Educational June 13-14: “A table of sharing: e-mail: [email protected]. Prairieland Exhibition, Saskatoon. Institute, Leamington, at 6:30 p.m. For MCC and the expanding networks more information, visit ontario.mcc. of Mennonite identity” academic Manitoba org/mise. ZOAR MENNONITE Church conference in conjunction with (Waldheim) 100th Anniversary May 25-29: View “Quilts for the May 15,16: Faith and Life Choirs MCC’s 90th anniversary; at MCC’s Celebration. Friday, July 2 - open world” at St. Jacobs Mennonite spring concerts with guest violinist Welcoming Place, Akron, Pa. Free and house, barbecue supper and Church—part of the Quilt & Fibre Art concert. Saturday, July 3 - late Rosemary Siemens; SpringfieldH eights open to the public, but please register Festival: Waterloo Region & Beyond. morning brunch and official Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, 7 p.m. your intention to attend at mcc.org/ View the work of talented local Celebration Service. A catered (15); Steinbach Mennonite Church, 3 ATableOfSharing. supper, including reminiscing, quilters, daily demonstrations and a gift p.m. (16). will be open to all (small charge boutique. Proceeds to MCC. For more May 22-24: Camp Moose Lake To ensure timely publication of to cover costs). Former resi- information, visit stjacob.s.com or call dents and the local community workday weekend. upcoming events, please send toll-free 1-800-265-3353. are invited to participate. If you May 28-30: Birding retreat at Camp Calendar announcements eight plan to attend, please advise May 26: Annual retreat for retired Koinonia. weeks in advance of the event the office before June 1. Mail: ministers at Hidden Acres Mennonite June 15: CMU ninth annual President’s date by e-mail to calendar@ P.O. Box 368, Waldheim, SK S0K Camp, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Theme: 4R0; e-mail: zoarwaldheim@ Golf Classic, at Kingswood Golf and canadianmennonite.org. “Finding fulfillment in retirement.” sasktel.net; or phone: 306-945- Country Club, LaSalle. Tee-off at 12:30 2271. Canadian Mennonite May 3, 2010 39

Housing Wanted For Rent Housing: Returning MCC family Retreat cottage on the Lit- PrinciPal of five looking for housing (3 tle Mississippi River for rent, bedroom) near the University Bancroft area. Daily or weekly. UMEi christian High School has a 65-year history as an ac- of Waterloo starting in August. Call 519-471-3309 or e-mail credited, independent high school providing Christian educa- Please contact Kurtis Unger at [email protected]. tion (with an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective). The school [email protected]. welcomes students from many faith backgrounds and teaches those students the Ontario curriculum using a holistic ap- proach that incorporates physical, social and spiritual growth for students as well as the development of strong academics. The Board of UMEI Christian invites applications for the pos- ition of Principal. As a leader with vision and commitment to the mission of the school, the successful applicant will partici- Employment Opportunities pate in the continuing growth and development of the school, as well as supervise the school program. Duties to commence PASTOR FOR WORSHIP & FAMILY MINISTRIES Sept. 1, 2010. Applications should be sent to:

The Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church is seeking ap- Janice Huntingford Wagner, Personnel Chair plicants for the position of PASTOR FOR WORSHIP & FAMILY UMEI Christian High School MINISTRIES. The town of Altona is located in sourthern Mani- 614 Mersea Road 6 toba (approximately 1 hour south of Winnipeg) and we are a Leamington, ON N8H 3V8 congregation of 400 members. We are currently served by a or email [email protected] pastoral team consisting of 3.5 persons that is committed to the MC Canada Confession of Faith.

The primary responsibility of the work would involve provid- ing leadership for a dynamic and blended worship service. Eden Mental Health Centre This position includes a pastoral responsibility to our younger DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL CARE families within the congregation through spiritual care and Full -Time nurture, small groups, and the coordination of lay leadership within this age group. Leading worship, musical ability, and a As part of the Centre’s treatment team and in the context gift for drama would be considered assets. The successful can- of the broader Eden organization, the incumbent provides didate should have pastoral experience and biblical training leadership within the Centre’s in-patient unit in addressing the within a Mennonite/Anabaptist setting and be willing to work spiritual and religious care needs of patients and serves as a together within a team. resource to caregivers within the community.

Candidates must be committed to Jesus Christ in their faith Qualifications: and discipleship, and have a commitment to the church. They • University level degree in theology or equivalent. should be good communicators and listeners, as well as have • Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education training desirable. good organizational skills. • Certification as a Teaching Supervisor with CAPPE an asset. • Experience in provision of spiritual care within the health Please direct resumes by June 8, 2010, to: Search care system. Committee Chair, Box 90, Altona, MB R0G 0B0, or e-mail: • Understanding of mental health issues. [email protected]. • Strong oral and written communication skills. • Collaborative team leader/player. • Ordained/endorsed for ministry by own faith group. • In continued good standing with own faith group. MISSING – HELP US FIND OUR LEAD PASTOR Located in Winkler, a 75-minute drive from Winnipeg, Eden Have you seen our lead pastor? He’s too busy to read this ad, so Mental Health Centre is a service of Manitoba Mennonite we need your help in locating him. churches and the RHA-Central Manitoba. He may be wearing jeans and a casual shirt, loves Jesus and Direct applications to: all people. He relates well to young and old, traditional and Personnel contemporary, educated and not so much—so you probably Eden Mental Health Centre liked him the first time you met him. He recognizes the shifts 1500 Pembina Avenue in society and adjusts his approach to demonstrate Jesus’ rel- Winkler, MB R6W 1T4 evance. He prefers to work collaboratively whether he is the Phone: (204)325-4325 • Fax: (204)325-8429 team leader or a lowly team member. Despite all these obvious E-mail: [email protected] gifts, he takes constructive criticism well because he is surpris- ingly humble. Sometimes you’ll find him setting up tables or Closing Date: May 30, 2010, or until filled. doing dishes, just so he can be with the people on the ground. He loves our diverse church of 500+ regular attendees (half aren’t even age 30 yet) and his team of 4 full-time staff. He gets excited at the prospect of planting creative new congregations to reach the needs in our community. He is an Anabaptist at heart, and we love him. Upcoming Advertising Dates If you’ve seen him, connect him with us in Southern Ontario through [email protected]. We’ll keep looking until we find Issue Date Ads Due him, but if you can hook us up by the end of May 2010, we’ll May 31 May 18 be especially thankful. (We are accepting female applicants. Unfortunately English is not gender neutral.) Focus on Seniors www.aemmc.ca June 14 june 1 Snapshots Photo by Dave Rogalsky

Muslims Zainab Ramahi, left, and Fran Pappert-Shannon, right, join Susan Johnson of First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., at a comforter-tying event for Haitian earthquake survivors. Spawned by a breakfast discussion group of Muslim and Mennonite leaders in the Waterloo Region, the monthly group—com- posed mainly of lay people—has also packed kits for Palestinian refugees in Iraq and H1N1 kits for Canadian First Nations. Overseen by Janet Howett of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario (MCC), this endeavour is part of MCC’s interfaith bridge-building initiative.

Photo by Richard Albrecht Eastern Canada

Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church held its 10th annual Palm Sunday Peace Walk through the streets of downtown Kitchener, Ont., on March 28. Tied into the church’s worship series on prayer, this year the walk left from the morning worship service so parishioners could pray with their feet and display banners of peace in the public square. After the public peace witness, the walkers returned to the church for a meal of hearty soup.

Mission Aviation Fellowship Canada photo

Dave and Robin Metcalfe were commissioned by their home church, Community Mennonite Fellowship, Drayton, Ont., on March 14, to serve a second two-year term with Mission Aviation Fellowship Canada (MAFC). Dave, a retired Air Canada pilot, will train new mission pilots at Prairie School of Mission Aviation at Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta., using a twin-engine Piper Seneca and the school’s new Red Bird full-motion flight simulator, with his support funded through MAFC.