March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5

Journey to retirement page 6

The Passion page 9 DeskTop

This sombre season these days, particularly the controversial The Passion of the Christ, which opened in theatres on Ash Wednesday (see O wearisome condition of humanity! page 9). Opinion on this movie has ranged from fervent Born under one law, to another bound; endorsement by Christians (“God made this movie,” said one Vainly begot and yet forbidden vanity; Canadian cleric) to howls of disgust at its excessive violence Created sick, commanded to be sound. and narrow focus (“fundamentalist pornography,” declared What meaneth nature by these diverse laws? one reviewer; “the greatest gory ever told,” said another). Added to that clash of opinion is the intense debate over his time of year one is tempted to lapse into the whether the movie is anti-semitic. weary frustration of the poet Fulke Greville (1554- The review in this issue will hopefully provide us with T 1628) who penned these lines in a tragedy called some guidelines as we make our way through this noisy Mustapha. They are wintry lines, appropriate for the end of clamour of extremes. Regard- a long, cold season, and the doleful introspection of Lent. less of one’s reaction to this The poet is frustrated with Nature’s contradictions: movie, director Mel Gibson can Everyone is talking “Tyrant to others, to herself unjust, / Only commands things be credited with one of the most about the passion of difficult and hard…. / Makes easy pains, unpossible reward.” brilliant marketing schemes Why does life have to be so difficult? ever seen in the industry. Christ this Lenten Greville’s own life demonstrates the fickleness of nature Everyone is talking about the season. It’s a good that he lamented. Heir to privilege, he was a friend of passion of Christ this Lenten Edmund Spenser and Philip Sidney, poets whose fame season. It’s a good chance for us chance for us to continues to shine brightly while Greville has been largely to explore more deeply what all forgotten. He was knighted and given the historic Warwick that suffering means. explore what all that Castle, but his life ended in ignominy when a discontented To cheer us up during this suffering means. servant murdered him. His legacy was passed on to an sombre season, we offer a adopted son. summer preview, complete with Greville sounds a lot like the preacher of Ecclesiastes, vacation suggestions, summer events and recipes. See the another man who found life contradictory and tiresome: “All Focus on Summer section on pages 21-25. As you begin to the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not plan your summer, don’t forget the Mennonite Church satisfied. For what advantage has the wise man over the Canada assembly to be held July 7-11 in Winkler, Manitoba. fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to Another inspiring feature in this issue is a look at creative conduct himself before the living... The more words, the retirement. The meditation by Leona Dueck Penner (page 6) more vanity, and what is man the better? For who knows approaches retirement as a journey, linking it to the journey what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain through Lent. Accompanying this meditation are stories life...” (Ecclesiastes 6:7-12). about people who are doing unusual and creative things In keeping with this sombre season, we offer a review of during their retirement years (pages 4-5). Look for more of the two Jesus movies being hotly debated in the public press these stories in the next issue.—Margaret Loewen Reimer

Mission statement: Published by Canadian National correspondent: Leona Dueck Penner, Mennonite Publishing Service, Canadian Mennonite Winnipeg, Man. Phone: (204) 888-6781 serves primarily the people and churches of E-mail: [email protected] Mennonite Church Canada and its five area Regional correspondents: conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ Mennonite Eastern Canada: Maurice Martin, Phone: (519) 662-1031 periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the E-mail: [email protected] church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate and Manitoba: Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Phone: (204) 745-2208 fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, news E-mail: [email protected] and analysis of issues facing the church. Saskatchewan: Karin Fehderau, Phone: (306) 933-4209 E-mail: [email protected] Head office: 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7 Alberta: Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Phone: (780) 436-3431 Phone: (519) 884-3810 Toll-free: 800-378-2524 Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] British Columbia: Angelika Dawson, Phone: (604) 870-0494 Interim Editor/Publisher: Margaret Loewen Reimer E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Board of directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld (chair), Staff: Betti Erb, associate editor; Natasha Krahn, admin. assistant; Alberta: Brenda Tiessen-Wiens, Jan Wilhelm. Saskatchewan: Bernie Tammy Sawatzky, art director; Barb Draper, editorial assistant. Thiessen. Manitoba: Aiden S. Enns, Bernie Wiebe, Paul Krahn. Advertising: Barbara Burkholder Phone: 800-316-4052 Ontario: Mary Lymburner, Brice Balmer, Ester Neufeldt. Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.canadianmennonite.org

PAP Registration No. 09613. Contact head office for subscriptions and address changes. See order form on inside back cover. ISSN 1480-042X We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing cost.

2 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 ThisIssue

March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 4UpClose Creative retirement 4

6 Faith&Life Journey to retirement 6

9Arts&Culture The Passion 9 Art festival 10

11 InConversation Paying for war 11 Letters 11 Page 9 Family Ties 12

14 WiderChurch Voluntary service program 14 Page 28 After Zimbabwe assembly 16 Heresies 18 Focus on Summer 21

28 LocalChurch Web site preview Saving elevators 28 Get a preview of the next Youth at Valaqua 29 Canadian Mennonite before Calgary to Colombia 31 it comes in the mail. Transitions 33 Selections are posted on our web site at www.canadianmennonite.org on the Thursday before the 34 TheChurches Page 18 issue date. So you can check out the March 22 issue by March 18. 38 ToMorrow

Cover: Photo by Leona Dueck Penner.

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 3 UpClose

Elmira, Ont.

began at age nine. He enjoys photogra- A man of many talents phy, gardening, repairing projects and ome people are so busy making uncle. woodworking. He built a mini-shop a living that they don’t have Paul was in Rockway Mennonite behind their home, and sells plastic S time for life. That could never Collegiate’s first graduating class in tees for industrial and agricultural be said about Paul Fretz, a member of 1948. He completed Grade 13 at purposes. The Fretzes try to travel to Bloomingdale Mennonite Church. Kitchener Collegiate Institute and one new area each year—this year to Paul spent 36 years as an educator, taught for seven years near Bancroft, Belize, with Beverley as guide. 26 as an elementary school principal. Ontario. Many incidents confirm for the He retired at age 54 He has been Fretzes how God has led throughout “with many years deeply involved at their life journey. Paul says that left,” as he put it, “to Floradale and without Viola’s practical wisdom, he be God’s servant.” Bloomingdale would never have covered so much Among countless Mennonite churches ground. interests, Paul and his over the years—as “I have always felt, even as a youth, wife Viola established Sunday school teacher that God was leading my life, day by a rabbit-breeding (for a remarkable 55 day,” he said. His daily prayer is, business in 1958. They years in total), elder “Lord, lead me to someone today to supplied rabbits to the and committee whom I can be of service.”—Betti Erb Ontario Veterinary member. For 18 College in Guelph for years—15 as chair— experiments, and he has been on the showed rabbits at personnel committee Gretna, Man. fairs, including the for the House of Retiree chooses Royal Winter Fair in Friendship in people over activities Toronto. (In 1960 they Viola and Paul Fretz Kitchener. won top prize for the He is called on to o inaugurate her retirement at best rabbit in Canada.) minister, from time to time, in a age 65, Helen Braun went on a “We became the largest rabbit and United Church near Fraser Lake Tfive-day hike with her six sisters accessory outlet in Ontario. God Camp, near the family cottage. Paul in the Rocky Mountains. Braun’s blessed our business,” said Paul. was one of the founders of the camp. enthusiasm for adventure has not In 1959, Paul began a rabbit meat For 12 years he was a member of the waned in the 10 years since then, but outlet for a growing market. He was Gideons. talking about them is not something founding president of what became the For years Paul maintained two good- she likes to do. Her pastor Rudy Franz (Gretna Ontario Commercial Rabbit Growers sized gardens and kept bee hives to Bergthaler Mennonite Church) and Association, and remained its secre- supply raw honey to clients. Currently his wife Kathy are much quicker to tary until the early 1970s. Because of he is mentoring a younger man who point out Braun’s involvements in the his efforts, the Ontario Ministry of wishes to be a beekeeper. community, church and “any children’s Agriculture and Agriculture Canada Paul’s solid faith and lifestyle ministry.” recognize rabbit farming as a legiti- choices have kept him sturdy in the “She has done a lot of Sunday mate livestock enterprise. face of a significant challenge: a school teaching over the years and During their over 40 years in the diagnosis of bone cancer in 1995. He still does,” said Kathy. “She is our rep rabbit industry, the Fretzes met and Viola sold the rabbit business and for MCI [Mennonite Collegiate hundreds of people and were listeners moved to Elmira. He goes two days a Institute] and has kept us on top of all kinds of things. She does a fabulous to many in need. month for treatment. job and is a valuable member of the “God allowed us to minister in Paul and Viola have three daugh- MCI board.” unique ways within the secular ters: Barbara teaches at the Univer- When Braun retired from more community,” says Paul. sity of Perth in Australia; Bonnie than 20 years of public school teach- Independence for Paul came early. works in the alumni office at the ing, her first resolution was “to get off At age 10 he developed asthma that he University of Waterloo; and Beverley the gerbil wheel.” could not shake because of the damp teaches at the University of Guelph “I made up my mind to say ‘no’ to climate in which he lived—in Selkirk, and is a corporate mediation consult- everything the first year.” Ontario, beside Lake Erie. At age 14 ant. Braun does not make New Year’s he went to live with an aunt and Paul has a stamp collection he resolutions or a list at the start of a

4 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 UpClose

doing social work with people to doing Retiree rescues horses social work with horses,” Walter muses. It is true that many of the hen Walter and Mabel otherwise be slaughtered. The woman skills he used in his career have Paetkau thought about running it didn’t know how to do all translated into this work as a volunteer. Wretirement, they considered the administrative work or how to Many people ask why he works with the usual options: service assignments, recruit volunteers. Walter volunteered horses rather than, say, in an MCC church committees, and becoming with the organization for a couple thrift shop. snowbirds—although they knew that years. When the woman moved back to “When I was first retired, I met last option wasn’t really for them. Alberta, a decision some guys…volunteering at MCC, and Walter had spent a good deal of his had to be made: they asked me why I didn’t join them,” life in service, at work and at church. would the organi- he said. “The implication was that it He retired a few years ago as execu- zation fold or was more significant helping poor and tive director of Abbotsford Community reorganize? disadvantaged people….” Services, an organization he founded Walter found At the time, he replied that God nearly three decades ago. himself doing with created animals, too. Since that Having grown up on a farm in Circle F what he encounter he has given a great deal of Alberta, Walter has always loved had done with thought to the significance of what he animals, especially horses. He decided Community Paetkau is doing. He has read extensively about he wanted to get back to his roots and Services—starting horsemanship and found writers using work with horses. He considered a new organization from the ground language that was familiar to him. buying his own horse or exercising up. Circle F now has 20 volunteers “I was reading about nonresistance other people’s horses. Neither idea who feed and care for the horses. and nonviolent ways of dealing with appealed. There are now 60 members, with 100 animals,” he says. “Many writers were Then he heard about Circle F Horse people on the mailing list. quoting scripture and were observing Rescue, for animals that would “My son says I’ve just moved from the way that horses dealt with one another in nature as being nonvio- lent.” He grew up with the concept that if a horse isn’t responding, “it could be as much your fault as the horses’s.” group of home Walter believes that in communicat- school students. ing with horses, you can develop a “Education is cosmic, God-given understanding. very important to “God speaks to us through all her and John [her creation, if we’re prepared to listen,” husband],” said he says. And what does God say? Franz. “Each “That I’m here also; this is part of year, for many Me. Pay attention and listen to what years, they have I’ve created. Respect the mystery of it,” supported an MCI says Walter. student who has financial need. “The Psalmist says, ‘If I go to the Helen was able to depths of the sea, you are there.’ God graduate because is there…. Horses, animals, the someone did that world—it’s not a commodity. I’ve for her and so become more sensitive to what is Helen Braun and grandson Ethan they want to around me.” new week. She builds her time around assist in that way.” Walter believes that no matter what people rather than activities. Being one Braun has suggestions for those people do in retirement, they need to of only two siblings who live close to considering retirement. “You’ve got to enjoy what they are doing. He got her father, she provides lodging for have a passion for something,” is the involved with horses because of his first one. Braun and her husband, also family and friends from farther away. love for animals but also because it “It’s good to have time, especially a teacher, did not retire at the same when my parents have been ill.” time and she believes that was helpful. was a cause, just like his friends at the She also makes time for her three “It helped me find my own niche.” It MCC thrift shop. grandchildren. “My next project is to allowed her independence “to decide “Even if you don’t know where it teach them something like quilting.” whether and what to do. Don’t let will lead, it gives you energy,” he says. She enjoys daily two-mile walks others push you into doing things,” she “I never think in the morning: ‘Why do with friends, curls in winter and enjoys advises. I have to get up?’ If there’s something yard work in summer. Reading and “There are a lot of things you can’t out there that fits who you are, then quilting are two other passions. Last control—like health. We’ve been you have a stronger wellbeing.” year Braun taught a quilting class to a blessed.”—Evelyn Rempel Petkau —Angelika Dawson

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 5 Faith&Life

Journey to retirement: A Lenten exploration Coming to terms with aging and retirement became a Lenten discipline for this writer, with reading, reflection and conversations with retirees. The next issue will continue with stories of people in different stages of retirement. See also pages 4-5.

ast fall, on my 60th birthday, I entered the decade After a few days of reading, my of pension and retirement. In spite of gratitude for brain was reeling with retirement reasonably good health, and an unusual number of truths, challenges and opportunities, birthday greetings and gatherings with family and such as: L friends, I didn’t celebrate the day with my usual • the need for careful preparation, enthusiasm. financially, emotionally, spiritually; Perhaps I sensed that because this day marks a signifi- • anticipation of a one- to three-year cant turning point in our society (the beginning of the “third transition or adjustment period; age,” as some call it), I should have spent • the importance of good nutrition and it in reflection and retreat. I should have healthcare; reviewed my life’s journey and prepared • more leisure time, more opportuni- myself to receive the next stage of the ties for travel and education; journey. • more time for family and friends; Instead, I entered a period of melan- • endless possibilities for meaningful choly as I sought to come to terms with volunteering at home and abroad; aging in general, and retirement in • the challenge of a second or third particular. career; Now it is Lent, a season which encour- • the importance of planning for all ages self-examination and inward jour- these things now! neys—a fitting time to reflect on “retire- Overall, this was interesting read- ment.” The word itself has to do with ing, though little of it seemed new or retreat and withdrawal from one’s occupa- inspiring. With the emphasis on tion to a place of seclusion or privacy. planning ahead, I heard echoes of So, I decided to explore retirement as a comments by Mennonite Central sort of Lenten discipline, not only to find Committee co-workers in Zambia who, some direction for myself, but also be- while still in their 20s, declined cause it is an important issue for many. another term of service because they Following are some of the insights I had to return to North America to gleaned as I researched the theme at build up their retirement funds. various libraries, spent time in reflection, I was dumbfounded at the time. and listened to the stories of several (Later, after seven more MCC terms, retirees. we wondered briefly if they’d been right. Like the grasshopper who To the library hadn’t prepared for winter, we won- My journey of exploration began with a dered if we had made a huge mistake stop at the United Church of Canada when we returned to Winnipeg at mid- Resource Centre Library where my life, facing career changes at a time librarian friend responded to my retire- when jobs were hard to find and the ment query with delight. financial media encouraged at least “That’s a theme I’ve been exploring for one million dollars in retirement the last eight months as I think about savings!) when to hand in my retirement notice!” What attracted me most in my she exclaimed. “I’ll give you a list of the Lenten readings were the books that books that I’ve found most helpful.” focused on retirement as a spiritual

6 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 Faith&Life journey. For example, in The Spirit of Retirement: Creating a life of meaning A retirement ritual and personal growth, James A. Autry encourages self-examination prior to Opening song retirement as much as practical Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: preparation. “There is a season for everything….” Retirement is a “time to make that Honouring the gifts of the one retiring: new start so many of us dream about. “We are gathering here today to show our appreciation for In fact, it is the grand opportunity to the gifts our friend has given us and others through her years stop doing and concentrate on being, of work. Let us now share these fruits with her.” (Those to become the person you want to be.” present express their gratitude, and may bring a symbol of Though this may be leaving self- their appreciation.) discovery to rather late in life, he Reflections on the working years: The person retiring shares her reflections on cherished nevertheless offers an important experiences, regrets, what she will miss, unfulfilled dreams corrective by promoting “being” in our she hopes to turn to in retirement. ‘Retirement is doing-oriented culture. Another book that encourages a Blessing with oil: not a destina- reflective approach to retirement is I “May the God of Exodus and Emmaus, the God of our season and turning points, be with you in this time of transi- tion, it is a Never Found a Rocking Chair: God’s tion. May she who is the midwife of change teach you to be call at retirement by Richard L. gentle with yourself as you let go of the old and await the journey.’ Morgan. He shares meditations on his birth of the new. May she who is the womb of time strengthen own journey. you with this oil of wisdom and gladness.” In the foreword, Kathleen Fischer Offering of spiritual gifts: ‘It feels good to writes: “Morgan takes us further than Those present offer the retiree a prayer, a blessing, a wish, a the usual discussions of money, promise of support. simply be me, to educational and travel opportunities, Closing song, refreshments and celebration. good nutrition, volunteering, and be a human (From Autumn Gospel by Kathleen Fischer.) second careers. He shows us how being, not a retirement (redirection, as he prefers) is a spiritual passage. He helps us find chance to reverse our lives of “rush and acquisition.” human doing.... God in it. He shows us how to make In Life Abundant: Rethinking theology and economy for a The Third Age is sense of the retirement experience and planet in peril, Sally McFague picks up the theme of “going live it with courage and meaning.…” inward.” Though not writing specifically about retirement, a time of strip- she exults in finding God in a new way in the sixth decade of God’s call her life as she practises a different form of prayer. ping away all In one meditation, Morgan reflects “Finally, after years of talking about God (what theolo- masks and on the call of “semi-retired” Moses in gians are paid to do!), I am becoming acquainted with God. the burning bush story in Exodus 3, This conver- sion has occurred quite deliberately: I illusions and and concludes: “It is strange to think engaged a spiritual director and have under- of God’s call at retirement. We think of taken a daily pattern of meditation. I am facing ourselves a calling at the dawn of a person’s doing what is called ‘practicing the pres- honestly without career or even at mid-life, when people ence of God,’ setting aside time for shift gears and take other directions. relating to God. pretence.’ But I am convinced that God also calls “To say that it has been at retirement, into larger and greater instructive would be a gross (Morgan) opportunities.” understatement; it has been That was an exciting concept for me. revelatory. Revelation, as I now Not so much the focus on “larger and see it, is God’s loving self-disclo- greater opportunities” but the recogni- sure, and that is what I have tion that we continue to be “called” to experienced. I am meeting God and meaningful ways of living, no matter God is love…. The overwhelming what stage of life we’re in. There is no emotion that I have experienced from need to feel redundant, or put out to this revelation of the mystery of pasture, just because we’re no longer things—from meeting God and know- paid for what we’re doing. Exciting ing that God is love—is similar to worlds await our exploration. Ebenezer Scrooge’s on Christmas Day. Morgan reminds us of the Psalmist’s He kicked up his heels, exclaiming, ‘I invitation to plan our remaining days didn’t miss it after all!’ wisely so that we may gain “a heart of “In the sixth decade of my life, I wisdom.” Retirement offers us a final Continued on page 7

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 7 Faith&Life

Journey From page 7 A call to Larry and Jessie Kehler, seven- and nine-year retirees, brought Facts about retirees: have been invited on a new journey, me a modest “I guess we could do it” • Since 1950, the average global life which seems like a great adventure, response after they checked their expectancy has climbed 20 years—to perhaps the greatest adventure of diaries. 66 years, according to the United which human beings are capable.” Susan Froese, retired for 15 years Nations. One of every ten persons is This is exciting stuff for someone and widowed for 3, agreed to chat now 60 years or older; by 2050, it will just entering the retirement decade! about her experiences over coffee at a be one of five. Clearly, many adventures still lie restaurant instead of her home, which ahead. was being painted “with bright new • In Canada, the senior population is colours under the supervision of a growing, from 12% of the population in Personal stories professional decorator” for the first 1995 to an estimated 23% by 2041. The The truth of these readings was time ever. majority live at home (92% in 1996, 29% of them alone). brought home to me when personal Finally, my 88-year-old mother retirement stories began to pour into happened to move into a nursing home • According to Duke University my life. while I was writing this article, and Medical Center research, seniors who Jona Leppky, a retired businessman her response attend church regularly have healthier and computer consultant, happened to melted away the immune systems. While previous sit beside me in church and asked if I’d last of my research has shown that church be interested in doing a story on a new melancholy attendance is associated with better MCC furniture store he and other feelings. Look health, this study examines the retirees have just begun. Though for these specific pathways by which religion Leppky didn’t know I was working on stories in the affects health. retirement stories, he was clearly next issue. • Income of seniors has risen at a delighted with this new venture. As Easter faster rate than other age groups over Next followed interviews with approaches, the past decade. They are a significant people at various stages of the retire- I’m beginning consumer force. They are also the ment process. When I called Henry to look forward largest per capita donors to charity. Rempel, who retired from teaching to the next economics at the University of Mani- “spiritual pas- • An estimated 23% of Canadian toba a year ago, he was wallpapering sage” which will seniors give some volunteer time each the recreation room together with his lead, God willing, week. In 1995, just under 20% looked artist wife, Grace. Then they were to a renewed after children at least once a week. The economic value of volunteer work by planning to drive to Steinbach on the sense of call and seniors is estimated at between $764 coldest day of the Manitoba winter many exciting million and $2.3 billion annually. As (minus 55 with wind-chill) to visit his adventures as I caregivers to family and others, seniors mother (age 94) before Henry left on a enter my own are also a vital force in reducing health two-week consulting trip to Kenya. retirement care costs.—From United Church and Even so, they agreed to chat about years.—Leona Health Canada resources retirement. Dueck Penner Resources on retirement Autry, James A. The Spirit of Retire- spiritual dimensions of women’s middle rocking chair: God’s call at retirement. ment: Creating a life of meaning and and later years as she weaves together Upper Room, 1992. Short meditations on spiritual growth. Prima Publishing, stories, experience and research from a the spiritual dimensions of retirement. 2002. An inspiring and practical aid in variety of traditions. the task of living fully during retirement. Saussy, Carroll. The Art of Growing Old: Funk Wiebe, Katie, ed. Life After 50: A A guide to faithful aging. Augsburg, Diehl, William E. and Judith Ruhe positive look at aging in the faith commu- 1998. Each chapter moves from theory to Diehl. It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over: A nity. Faith and Life Press, 1993. Nine practice with thought-provoking user’s guide to the second half of life. authors and educators lead a challenging questions, suggestions, and illustrations Augsburg Fortress, 2003. The writers discussion of faith issues related to aging of how the tasks of aging can be accom- prefer the term “senior living” to in the church and society. plished. “retirement,” and give many examples of how one can minister to others in Martz, Sandra Haldeman. Grow Old Along United Church of Canada. Joys & retirement years. With Me, The Best Is Yet To Be. Papier- Challenges of Aging: A congregational Mache Press, 1996. A celebration of aging study guide, 2001. Eight sessions based Fischer, Kathleen. Autumn Gospel: in poetry, prose, photographs. on the United Church’s “Ethical and Women in the second half of life. Paulist Theological Statement on Aging,” Press, 1995. The author explores the Morgan, Richard L. I never found that adopted in 2000.

8 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 Faith Arts&Culture&Life

The Passion and the Gospel both the redemptive suffering of Jesus and the human sharing in his suffer- he tradition of portraying Jesus Romans are caricatures. The movie ing. Still, the movie seems to present a in art is as old as the catacomb does not reflect the complexity of view of atonement that runs some- Tpaintings of the second century. social and political reality in first thing like this: because humankind Since film is just over 100 years old, century Palestine, and therefore fails sinned so grievously, Jesus must suffer makers of Jesus films are still strug- to place Jesus’ death in historical very, very much. Suffering itself gling to bring together artistic vision, perspective. becomes salvific. historical credibility, theological depth, There are numerous Some viewers are and emotional engagement. extra-biblical scenes saying the movie helps The most recent Jesus movies, The and characterization them to imagine “how Gospel of John (2003) and The Passion (some of which depend much Jesus suffered of the Christ (2004), reflect all the on Christian tradi- for me.” Yet is the point problems and prospects of the medium. tion). One should of the gospel the “how The strength of The Gospel of John expect visual clichés much,” or the good (available from (children as demons, news that Jesus www.gospelofjohnthefilm.com) is also the devil as a woman, exposes the violence of its greatest weakness. A film needs a a black crow on one of the cross as powerless good script. This three-hour film is a the crosses, a teardrop over the resurrection word-for-word dramatization of the from the eye of God). power of God? Will the Good News Bible text. The voice-over These elements movie invite viewers to narration interrupts the viewer’s illustrate both the explore the many ways experience and keeps the characters difficulties of communicating a Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and the viewer in separate worlds. transcendent perspective and some might shape their lives so that vio- But that limitation is overshadowed serious flaws. lence is transformed by love? by Christopher Plummer’s crisp This film will generate conversation Gibson’s Jesus film reflects his own narration, and by a Jesus (Henry Ian in at least three ways. First, in the worldview and artistic vision. Will its Cusick) who is energetically joyful tradition of the passion play, the movie excesses and emphases draw believers about his calling. This film is an depicts only the suffering associated to a deeper understanding of Jesus? engaging way to experience the with Jesus’ last 12 hours, and is Only time will tell.—Gordon Matties Gospel. The special features disc disconnected from the larger story The reviewer teaches Biblical Studies and a includes a variety of resources, from that makes sense of the suffering. course in Film and Faith at Canadian scholarly commentary to an interac- There are flashbacks to Jesus’ child- Mennonite University in Winnipeg. tive map of gospel events. This three- hood and teaching ministry, but these DVD set should be in every church are thin and make sense only when library. the viewer knows the whole story. Will Film editor from B.C. Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the this film invite viewers into the larger Dave Rempel, a British Columbia Christ is an artistic re-creation rather good news story of Jesus? native who attended Mennonite than a transposition of the story into a Second, the excessive violence Educational Institute in Abbotsford, different medium. By recreating the makes the movie an emotional experi- was a film editor on Mel Gibson’s ancient world with its Latin and ence that borders on an assault, or a movie, The Passion of the Christ. He Aramaic languages (English subtitles), manipulation. Yet the movie clearly was in Abbotsford in late February to along with its superb cinematography shows Jesus’ loving response to speak to pastors. and rich realism, the film draws the human violence. In his suffering he Rempel was a film and Bible viewer into its world. This film will “takes on” and even absorbs the studies major at Biola University in generate conversation, as much good violence of others, thereby beginning California, where he came to see the art does, about why it both repels and importance of story in teaching the process of overcoming it. spiritual wisdom. He worked at Sony attracts. In one poignant scene, as he carries Pictures before applying for a film This tension can be explained in his cross, he tells Mary, “See, Mother, I internship on the Passion set two part by paying attention to the film’s make all things new.” Will the movie years ago. excesses and idiosyncrasies. The movie invite viewers to participate in the Rempel feels the movie accurately seems completely absorbed by a new creation or to perpetuate the old depicts the violence of Jesus’ death fascination with graphic and brutal ways of violence and domination of but that children are advised not to violence (hence its 18A rating in most imperial power? attend because of its graphic por- of Canada, “R” in U.S.). Both Jews and Third, at the heart of the movie is trayal.—From Feb. 26 Abbotsford News

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 9 Arts&Culture

Calgary, Alta. Great response to first arts festival for youth he first Fine Arts Peace Festival many entries and voters, judging could CMU in March. Second prize went to for Youth was held on February not be completed that evening. To the drama group from Edson, and T14 at Alberta Bible College here. allay audience disappointment, third prize to Meghan Thiessen for her The event was the brainchild of Kim Captain Stubby coerced Doug Klassen, poem, “Peace is like….” Thiessen, Peace Ministries coordinator pastor of Foothills Mennonite Church, Some of the art will be on display at for Mennonite Central Committee and Abe Janzen, director of Mennonite the Alberta Songfest. The quilted Alberta, and hosted by that program. Central Committee Alberta, to join collage will be at the MCC sale in The theme was “Art and Soul— him in a hilarious vaudeville act. Coaldale in June. Taking peace on the road,” with youth Winners were announced later. First Organizers are already looking from grades 7 through 12 submitting prize went to Anisa and Bethany forward to a bigger and better festival art in various categories: music, Loewen for their duet, “Small ways.” next year.—From a report by Irene technical, writing, drama and visual. The two have been invited to perform Klassen The prizes were $500 to $2000 scholar- at the “Peace it together” conference at ships to any post-secondary Christian school. Arts notes Sponsoring schools (which provided the scholarships) were: Alberta Bible Call for art focused on word and music. The group College in Calgary, Augustana Univer- hopes to contribute to conversations sity College in Camrose, The King’s “The Beatitudes” is the title of this about Mennonite cultural identity and University College in Edmonton, year’s juried art exhibit at the future. Their web site is at: Canadian Mennonite University in Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in www.themennoniteartists.com.—From Winnipeg, Steinbach Bible College in Winnipeg. Artists are invited to release Manitoba, and Conrad Grebel Univer- submit works inspired by Matthew sity College in Waterloo, Ontario. 5:3-10. Send slides, photos or elec- Low German prince The response was overwhelming. tronic images of the works (up to five), along with a note indicating to which The Little Prince, a classic by Antoine The auditorium of Alberta Bible de Saint Exupery, will be performed as College was filled to overflowing for beatitudes your works relate. Submis- sion deadline is October 1. Send to the a Low German musical in Manitoba in the festival. late March. De tjliena Prinz was Visual art far outnumbered the MHCGallery, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 0M4, e-mail: translated from the French by Jack others. There were paintings on fabric, Thiessen, and dramatized by Wilmer canvas and paper, and sculptures out [email protected]. Ray Dirks, curator of the gallery, recently Penner, who is also directing the of papier-mâché, wood and plastic. production. Original lyrics and music Each identified a peaceful pursuit. returned from Elspeet, Netherlands, where he set up the “In God’s Image” are by Walter Kruse. The first per- A quilted collage of peace symbols formance is a dinner theatre attracted attention. In sharp contrast exhibit from Mennonite World Confer- ence. The exhibit will move to Emden, fundraiser on March 20 at the was another collage of two pieces of Mennonite Heritage Village in canvas. One was covered in black Germany, at the end of April, and then on to Paris and Bienenberg, Switzer- Steinbach. Call (204) 326-9661. The paint with the outline of a barbed-wire March 21 performance is at the fence behind a sad-looking girl in land, this summer.—From Gallery releases Winnipeg Planetarium Theatre at 2:30 sombre colours. The other side had p.m.—From Heritage Village release bright colours and the same girl in light colours. Art exhibit in Waterloo Some of the submitted songs were “Iconoclastic: Contemporary / performed, including grade seven Mennonite / Visual / Art” is the title of entries: Naomi Harbeck’s “One day of an exhibit by four young artists at the peace” and Kristin Gee’s “Peace is University of Waterloo Art Gallery hope.” Some entries were submitted on (263 Phillip St.). The exhibit, which CD. The one drama entry, “Iris,” was runs from February 26 to March 18, presented by students of Summerside features the paintings and photogra- Community Church in Edson. Techni- phy of Karim Awad, Paul Janzen, cal submissions were in PowerPoint David Lobe and Matthew Tiessen, who photography. call themselves “The Mennonite The event was hosted by “Captain Artists.” They use the term “iconoclas- Stubby of the Loveboat” (Gery tic” to emphasize the “otherness” of Schubert). Judging was according to visual arts within the Mennonite audience favourites. Since there were community, which has traditionally

10 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 InConversation

Paying for war Letters he season of income tax filing is praying for peace, when you are upon us. As you prepare your tax paying for war? Lectionary use raises Treturn, consider that in 2003 Currently, there is no legal means significant questions approximately 7.9 percent of your for conscientious objectors to re-direct In preparing for worship in the season federal tax was used for military the military portion of their tax to of Epiphany, I was surprised by the purposes. peaceful purposes. Organizations such lectionary. In both Year A (Gospel of This 7.9 percent represented a total as Conscience Canada have been Matthew) and Year C (Luke), the of $12.4 billion for the Department of pressing for such legal options for Sermon on the Mount logically follows National Defence last year. Canada many years. Jesus’ ministry. ranks as the 12th largest military In the meantime, some individuals But what troubled me was that the spender in the world (when military withhold their “military tax” and put it texts on “not resisting” and “love of spending is compared to budget). into a Trust Fund held by Conscience enemy” fall late in Epiphany (Sunday In earlier times, countries needed Canada to be held until it is possible 7), and might be used only when men to fight wars, so conscription was to direct that tax to peaceful purposes. Easter falls late enough to actually get instituted. In our day, countries need Some Canadian Mennonites have to Sunday 7. Even then, much of the bodies less than they need money. chosen this act of civil disobedience. rest of Jesus’ “sermon” is omitted. Income tax has become a way that the One important thing that you can do What does this mean for an government finances its military is to enclose a letter with your income Anabaptist congregation that is using expenditures. In fact, income tax with tax return indicating that you object to the lectionary? Can we be content to deductions at source by the employer paying for the military, and that you have the latter half of the Sermon on was instituted by the Canadian desire a legal means for re-directing the Mount used only rarely in worship, government during World War II as a that tax. You can find additional especially the teachings of “not way of helping to pay for Canada’s war information on the Conscience Canada resisting with evil” and “loving one’s effort. website at members.shaw.ca/ enemy”? Perhaps none of our congre- Traditionally, conscientious objec- consciencecanada/—Esther Epp- gations are so tied to the lectionary tion has been associated with military Tiessen that they cannot create other series to service. However, a growing number of The writer is Peace Ministries coordinator for concentrate on God’s vision for peace. pacifists argue that it should extend to MCC Canada. Reprinted from Grapevine, the As a minister, I have benefited from paying taxes. What is the point of newsletter of Charleswood Mennonite Church. part-time use of the lectionary. First, it is one way of ensuring that I don’t preach only one sermon throughout Sample letter my ministry, since I don’t get to choose only my favourite texts. Second, the Below is a sample letter you can send to Finance Minister Ralph Goodale. Enclose a worship resources provided for Advent copy in your income tax return and send additional copies to party leaders and your member of parliament. Send to House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 and Lent have brought significant (no postage needed). “newness” to the ways we worship, especially creativity, diversity and Dear Minister Goodale: more liturgical patterns. Third, we are As a Christian pacifist, I cannot in good conscience contribute to preparing for war in sync with the mainstream church or war-making. It is vitally important to me that the government pass a bill to enable when we use the lectionary. those of us who are conscientious objectors to military taxation (taxes used for But what are we doing theologically producing, selling and buying weapons, and sending others to kill or to be trained to kill) to redirect the military portion of our taxes towards non-military means of if we repeat certain biblical texts every security-building. Advent and Lent, while risking the Canada has recognized the rights of conscientious objection to military service since omission of texts that have been 1793. And there have been points when the Canadian government allowed for central to our understanding of Jesus alternatives to the payment of military taxes. In 1841 conscientious objectors were and the Christian life? allowed to redirect the taxes to public works. During WWI and WW II, special I write as one recently returned to government bonds were created that were used only for the relief of suffering due to war. congregational ministry and looking at Please let me know what you will do to help ensure that the right of freedom of our practices with fresh eyes. I write conscience, including the payment of taxes, be fully recognized recognized by the to raise questions for worship commit- government. tees and denominational structures. I wrote most of this letter just before Sincerely, [your name and address] reading the Spring issue of Leader,

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 11 InConversation

where the merits of using the lection- Clarifications on “We commit ourselves to Christian ary are being debated, and where thrift shop story faith in action by offering a friendly, Advent and Lent are called “high” caring presence in our communities, seasons. Surely our highest calling is The article on the Saskatoon thrift volunteering our time and talents, to be a people of resurrection in the store manager (Feb. 23, page 4) had receiving and reselling donated items, spirit of peace. Offering the church the several inaccuracies and may have informing the churches and commu- new worship series for Easter to raised confusion. nity of the MCC mission, supporting Pentecost seems to be a step in this The three Village Green Thrift the mission of MCC by generating direction. Shops in Saskatoon are owned and income.” Might there be a need for creative operated by Mennonite Central All MCC thrift shop marketing worship series on “peace (in its Committee Saskatchewan. Each shop strategies focus on maximizing broadest definitions) as the will of is part of a network of 106 shops in the contributions to MCC. Recent issues of God” and “Discipleship and steward- MCC Thrift Shop Network in North our newsletter, Shoptalk, have encour- ship: Our response to God’s grace?” I America. There is no connection to Ten aged shops to improve sales per believe our congregations would be Thousand Villages Canada. The square foot without significant dollar grateful for such help in having our “general manager” model described in investment, such as more frequent worship and our life’s work be one. the story does exist elsewhere in the turnover of donated inventory and The Second Mile: Peace Journey thrift shop network. colour-blocking of clothing to improve education series has been a pleasant The story implies that the manager visual appeal. discovery in our congregation this alone determines the business strate- The story notes that “many conver- winter. Perhaps this series has laid gies of MCC Thrift Shops. While it is sations begin when people find out some foundation stones for further true that these shops operate within they don’t have to pay tax on pur- work in worship planning.—Mary Mae an increasingly competitive market- chases.” That is not true of all MCC Schwartzentruber, Kitchener, Ont. place, they work first within the thrift shops in Canada. Provincial and mission of Mennonite Central Com- Goods and Services taxes are collected mittee, and second within the operat- wherever required. ing principles that guide our work: The story also mentions that the The timing of apologies Let me clarify that the adept apologizer and furiously. Each time she paused for Individuals who apologize frequently noted in my previous column is my breath, I inserted an apology. Finally I are often self-conscious and don’t want teenaged son, a special gift of grace. His asked whether she was interested in my to bother anyone. Their self-conscious- parents are more challenged in their point of view or if she simply wanted the ness can get in the way of considering capacity to express remorse, often space to vent. others thoughtfully. Frequent apologies getting stuck on whether an apology is “I guess I’m just venting,” she replied, so draw attention back to themselves, as warranted. I held my tongue. others try to assure them, “You aren’t a Timing can also be a problem. For Several days later, as we bid farewell, bother.” As the cycle loops inward, the example, Person A, spewing hotly about she hugged me and said, “Thanks for person receiving the apology can become the offence, may not even hear Person letting me blow off steam.” quite bothered! B’s apology even though it’s offered “A soft answer turns away anger,” multiple times. In fact the next day, urges Proverbs 15:1. Apologies are often Person A may refer back to the incident, intertwined with anger, either from past declaring, “The least you could do is Family hurts or misunderstandings, or by apologize.” To which Person B replies in Ties imagining future ones. Careful attention a slightly wounded tone, “I thought I to anger, my own and others, strength- did,” taking the wind out of Person A’s Melissa ens my interactions. A soft answer sails, and hopefully paving the way for Miller might include listening while the other restored connection. (In our case, Person expresses frustration, offering a well- A and B are interchangeable.) timed apology, or even cheerfully Given anger’s intensity, there often affirming, “I want you to bother me!” needs to be a release or cooling down Emotional tending strengthens our before an apology can be received. Some “You’re welcome,” I answered, “and any relationships. Where does the disconnec- relationships can hold explosive expres- time you want my point of view, I’ll be tion occur, and how can we reconnect? sions; others use time and space to happy to offer it.” We parted laughing, with Are apologies helping or fraying the manage anger. Part of the challenge and my “valuable” viewpoint unspoken. connection? These questions may guide satisfaction of long-term relationships Some relationships are strained by too you to effective apologies. many apologies, which, though well comes from learning what works for the The writer, a counsellor and author, operates individuals involved. intentioned, can come across as meaning- Family Ties in Winnipeg. She is a member of A few months ago, my mom let me less and even irritating. Apologies that Charleswood Mennonite Church. know that I had offended her. I listened work demonstrate that the apologizer has quietly while she spoke her mind fast genuinely considered the other’s perspective.

12 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 InConversation

Saskatoon store “gives away thou- once for all, the righteous for the ness with Christus Victor (“Christ sands of pounds of clothing each year.” unrighteous, in order to bring us to triumphant”) images: “And when you The unfortunate reality is that goods God: “He was put to death in the flesh, were dead in trespasses and the at the end of their life also arrive at but made alive in the spirit” (1 Peter uncircumcision of your flesh, God the shops. MCC Thrift Shops has 3:18). made you alive together with him, pioneered creative ways to rework Jesus wasn’t “overpowered” in some when he forgave us all our trespasses, these goods into saleable items such as kind of struggle with evil. He laid erasing the record that stood against comforters, placemats, and rugs. down his life willingly: “I have power us with its legal demands. He set this Donors can be assured that responsi- to lay it down, and I have power to aside, nailing it to the cross. He ble stewardship of the goods entrusted take it up again” (John 10). disarmed the rulers and authorities to us is an important component Why? Because God said that it is and made a public example of them, behind the success of these shops. blood that makes atonement (Leviti- triumphing over them in it.” —Judy Dyck, MCC Canada Thrift Shop cus 17:11). Without the shedding of This is among dozens of passages coordinator blood there is no forgiveness of sins that speak of Jesus triumphing over (Hebrews 9:22). So, even though Jesus the powers—a message the Christian knew no sin, God made him sin for our church urgently needs in the United Missional emphasis sake, so that in him we might become States today when we are being the righteousness of God (2 seduced by spiritual powers of imperi- a good reminder Corinthians 5:21). alism and consumerism. I appreciated Jack Suderman’s articles The late Bill Bright did not leave us The church needs to preach that the on “Revisiting the missional church with a complete view of salvation. As atonement, in addition to paying for vision” (Jan. 28, Feb. 9). for anyone finding justification to personal sins, offers God’s strategy for In spite of some buzzwords and support violence, Paul stated that overcoming powers of violence, hate, faddish qualities, I believe the current Jesus gave himself that he might fear and greed.—Nelson Kraybill “missional church” emphasis is redeem us from iniquity and purify for reminding us and our congregations of himself a people who are zealous for something vital that we are all too good deeds (Titus 2:14). prone to forget—that we are called by While Christ has triumphed over Anti-gay camps should God to participate in a story larger the powers of violence, hate, fear and not be supported than our own story, and to serve a greed, it still had to be accomplished I applaud the Winnipeg School Board purpose greater than ourselves. by means of a violent death. His in its decision not to use the —Philip Bender, Hamilton, Ont. willingness to die on a cross for our behalf is the only way any of us will Mennonite Church Manitoba camps share in God’s new humanity.—Pat for its winter educational programs Murphy, Ayr, Ont. (Feb. 9, page 15). Church camps which A response to ‘four publicly promote an anti-gay policy, as Kraybill responds Camps with Meaning does, should not spiritual truths’ be supported through public funds. While I appreciate most of what I hope Pat Murphy continues to Our government institutions have Nelson Kraybill had to say in his preach substitutionary atonement, rightly decided that any discrimina- “Mennonite version of the Four because it is biblical and helpful in tion based on sexual orientation is Spiritual Laws” (Jan. 26, page 6), I understanding the meaning of the fundamentally wrong. Perhaps a have some strong disagreement with cross and resurrection. I touched on a strong economic pinch will help his treatment of “substitutionary variety of biblical images for the awaken our Mennonite institutions to atonement” theology. atonement, and say we “need them all, the same realization.—Victor Fast, In particular, I noted a subtle including vicarious (substitutionary) London, Ont. change in Spiritual Truth 3: “Jesus suffering, sacrifice, redemption, died on the cross because he con- reconciliation, justification and fronted the powers of sin that fracture adoption.” our world.” That would certainly be I hope the Mennonite Church takes news to Paul who seemed to think that the whole New Testament seriously in Christ died for the ungodly, and his presenting the Good News of salva- tion. If we always limit ourselves to death proved God’s love for us (Ro- Letters express the opinion of the mans 5). one biblical image of salvation, we writer, not necessarily those of “Christ redeemed us from the curse offer only part of the biblical message. Canadian Mennonite or the church. of the law by becoming a curse for Murphy rightly points to New We publish as many as space permits, us…” (Galatians 3:13). Testament passages that interpret unless they attack individuals or Substitutionary atonement theology Jesus’ death as a substitution. But become too repetitious. Letters are also seemed okay to Peter. He was note how Paul in Colossians 2:13-15 edited for length and style. See page 2 quite sure that Christ suffered for sins joins imagery about personal forgive- for address information.

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 13 WiderChurch

Hamilton, Ont. Committee plans future of voluntary service ive representatives from A visioning Mennonite Voluntary Service process produced F(MVS) units in Winnipeg, Hamil- a significant ton, Toronto and Montreal met here metaphor for the February 13-14 to set a course for the future. We future of the MVS and Service Adven- imagined the ture programs. stump of a tree. The meeting grew out of a task force The roots are on the future of service programs in strong, however, Mennonite Church Canada. When the and include a rich MC Canada General Board decided in history of service November to end financial support for and the support MVS and Service Adventure, the task of the MC force reorganized itself as an informal Canada constitu- association to restructure the pro- ency. A fragile grams to function at a grassroots level. green shoot is Congregations that continue to growing out of sponsor units will have to work the stump. Current and former members of Maison Menno, from left: together to tap into the commitment to Eventually the Julia Hogue, Emily Schaming, Johanna Rempel-Petkau, voluntary service that remains within shoot will cover Jennifer Moyer and Katherine Pettit. the MC Canada constituency. the stump, from The February meeting began with which it will draw sustenance. will work on details. sharing. Marilyn Zehr and Bill Bryson Other growth forms a protective First on our list of partners is MC told how Danforth Mennonite Church cover over the cut—the support of Canada, with whom we are discussing in Toronto opened a unit last Septem- alumni, churches and agencies that the roles each organization will play. ber, despite the termination of MVS. have benefited from the program. Our Membership in Mennonite Volun- Carolyn Minor from Montreal vision is a forest of new growth: active tary Service Adventure is open to Mennonite Fellowship related the units, supportive congregations and individuals, congregations and organi- struggles of a young unit that is partnering agencies. zations that feel they can benefit from, unable to remain open now but hopes Another important outcome of the or contribute to, the new growth of to reopen in September 2005. meeting was organizational restruc- Mennonite voluntary service through Karen Shiel from Hamilton turing, combining both programs to local congregations. The next year will Mennonite Church related the 38-year become Mennonite Voluntary Service be an intense period of restructuring history of a unit that started a church Adventure. A steering committee will and renewal, and we ask for your and has remained active even when set vision and policy, drawing on prayers. there were no volunteers. Louie partnerships with congregations and To keep informed, visit our web site Sawatzky from Bethel Mennonite organizations. A management group at www.mvsa.net.—Carolyn Minor Church in Winnipeg told about a unit that started in 1984 and in recent years has become a magnet for German volunteers. Ernie Engbrecht from the Service Adventure unit in Lethbridge, Alberta, shared his contribution via e-mail. Factors that motivate congregations are alive and well - and living in six Canadian communities. to host a unit include: the needs of agencies where volunteers work, the We are looking for youth 17 to 20 for Service Adventure, contribution volunteers make to host and for adults 20+ for Mennonite Voluntary Service. congregations, and the growth of Write: MVSA, 2–22 Charlton Ave. West, Hamilton, Ont., L8P 2B9 volunteers themselves. Leadership development is also crucial to the Email: [email protected] future. Visit: www.mvsa.net

14 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 WiderChurch

Waterloo, Ont. and Scottdale, Pa. Publishing network repays $2.3 million loan t the end of January, Mennonite Ron Rempel, executive director. “The tions.” Publishing Network completed donations toward debt reduction are The goal is to raise about $300,000 A its Barn Raising Campaign just one sign of the church’s re- in annual contributions. It is consult- after paying off $1.3 million of a $2.3 embrace of publishing as an essential ing with Mennonite Church Canada million short-term loan. (All figures ministry.” For the remaining $1 and MC USA to develop an ongoing are in US dollars.) The remaining $1 million, MPN obtained a loan from the fundraising program. million is to be amortized over eight Church Investment Loan Fund, A portion of contributions will be years. administered by Eastern Mennonite used for projects such as a new The campaign, launched in spring Missions in Salunga, Pennsylvania. Sunday school curriculum to be 2002, was part of an effort to halt “While we are enormously grateful released in 2006. Contributions will rising debt and transform the publish- for the generous contributions from also be used for payments not only on ing ministry. Along with major our constituency in Canada and the the $1 million loan from Eastern downsizing and re-structuring, United States, we recognize that the Mennonite Missions, but also on an Mennonite Publishing Network publishing network will require additional $2.7 million of debt, most of obtained a loan of $2.3 million from an ongoing financial support from the this in loans from Mennonite Church anonymous donor to pay back holders church,” said Ron Sawatsky, board USA and MC Canada.—From MPN of unregistered debenture notes. chair. release Of the $1.3 million raised during the “We must still pay back the remain- campaign, 63 percent came from ing portion (about $3.7 million) of the donations in Canada and the U.S., and original debt of $5 million. We plan to 37 percent from operations. do this over the next eight to ten years “We’re grateful for the generosity using a combination of funds from and support of so many people,” said MPN operations and annual contribu- Waterloo, Ont.

Kitgum, Uganda Nicaragua showing Bicyclists with MCC blankets killed renewed confidence lthough Allan Sauder, presi- hree men transporting Mennonite Ugandan army. They were part of a dent of Mennonite Economic Central Committee blankets by church-sponsored effort to distribute A Development Associates Tbicycle here were ambushed, and the blankets. MCC has made a finan- (MEDA), has visited Nicaragua many two killed, on February 5. The attack- cial contribution to the families of the times since 1990, he was impressed ers were members of the Lord’s young men who died. during a January 31-February 8 Resistance Army, say MCC workers. In six years of relief distribution in MEDA tour by “a new confidence in The cyclists were part of a team of northern Uganda, MCC “has never Nicaragua that the future will be 270 cyclists helping to transport had an incident of this sort,” report brighter.” This feeling was reinforced during blankets to rural areas in northern MCC workers.—MCC release a visit to ASOPROL, an association of Uganda, some 300 small farmers that MEDA where the worked with about a decade ago. rebel group “From those early days…this has been association has emerged as a strong wreaking group with ready markets for their havoc for 18 beans and coffee,” Sauder says. “They years. have almost half a million dollars Raymond invested in cleaning and sorting Akena, 25, equipment and storage facilities, and they now have access to bank and Thomas financing.” Akena, 27, Association members “spoke of the died in the difference that MEDA made for them attack. The in those early years in terms of board third man, development, business planning and Alex Ojera, farmer training,” says Sauder. “Now, 32, was they are keenly interested in MEDA’s new rural credit program to enable abducted and Photo by Charles Darwin later rescued Bicyclists prepare to deliver MCC blankets in northern Uganda. their members to increase produc- by the The ambush occurred later. tion.”—MEDA release

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 15 WiderChurch

Waterloo, Ont. Assembly was great encouragement, says Zimbabwe bishop school. He has observed people walk- ing a daily round-trip of 30 kilometres he Brethren in Christ Church in The conference helped to validate because they can no longer afford Zimbabwe will never be the same the church in Zimbabwe. The Brethren transportation. Tfor having hosted the Mennonite in Christ are only a small part of the Politically things are quieter, said World Conference assembly, said Christian community there, he said, Ndlovu, but there are still tensions. A Danisa Ndlovu, a bishop in Zimbabwe and Christians by-election guarantees a display of and vice-president of MWC. from other groups violence. Government officials view Ndlovu visited Ontario in February. said to him: “We meetings as subversive and dismiss He was a guest at a reunion of Assem- had no idea that them with tear gas. The churches— bly 14 participants at Waterloo North you were part of a Catholic, Zimbabwe Council of Mennonite Church on February 8, and worldwide body!” Churches, and the Evangelical Fellow- he spoke to faculty at Conrad Grebel It was marvel- ship of Zimbabawe, of which the University College the next day. lous to see laugh- Brethren in Christ are a part—are That the assembly even happened ter in the midst of trying to bring the ruling party and was a miracle, said Ndlovu. Many suffering, to see opposition to the table. Ndlovu North Americans registered concern people volunteer The Brethren in Christ have estab- about the shortage of food in Zimba- their time. Rural lished a new peace and justice commit- bwe, and that they would appear to be and urban, rich and poor Zimbabwean tee. It will need trainers, he said, to endorsing Robert Mugabe’s government. Christians worked together, he said. help its members understand the risks “It was important for the church to Assembly 14 also gave Zimbabweans a they face. One risk, he said, is that come,” said Ndlovu. “It was a matter of chance to enjoy their own tourist government agents will follow them. relationships.” North Americans made attractions. The meeting at Conrad Grebel a bold statement about peace. In a “I didn’t know we had this facility in included discussion about how Assem- country with a history of racial Bulawayo!” was an often-heard bly 14 participants remain connected. tension, it was striking to see so many exclamation. Larry Miller, executive secretary of white people on the streets of Life since then hasn’t been easy. The MWC, said that to have had an Bulawayo. economy has taken a nosedive, and intimate relationship with the Zimba- How wonderful, said Ndlovu, that inflation is running at 625 percent. bwe church and then nothing further blacks and whites could mingle as Eighty percent of the population is feels like “a one-night stand.” What friends without having to treat one unemployed. Many families can no does “fellowship” mean, now that the another with “undue respect.” longer afford to send their children to assembly is over? “We are not structured,” said Miller, “to relate permanently and intimately with each national church, but we can Strasbourg, France monitor what’s happening, along with MCC and various mission agencies.” Positive fund balance for Africa assembly People-to-people links are happen- ennnonite World Conference of Zimbabwean currency plunged, the ing through letters and other forms of (MWC) continues to stand in bottom line on the international budget communication, said Ndlova. The most M solidarity with the Brethren in remained virtually unchanged. Travel important links are person to person, Christ Church in Zimbabwe and to and operating funds also ended with congregation to congregation, one engage in “sharing gifts in suffering and positive balances. institution with another. in joy,” the Assembly 14 theme. The Assembly Fund balance will Ndlovu’s trip included visits to MWC will work with the new Peace finance future assemblies, including a churches, agencies and schools in and Justice Committee of the Zimbabwe feasibility study on the location of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and church in presenting concerns to the Assembly 15 in 2009. MWC has received Ontario. He and his wife Treziah have government there. Ray Brubacher of the invitations from Paraguay and eastern three children: Thinkgrace, Trustwor- MWC office in Canada is the contact Pennsylvania. Paraguay has five person for this. Hispanic conferences and three German- thy and Devotion. MWC finances at the end of 2003 speaking ones. His hopes for Zimbabwe? That there showed a balance of $47,000. European Feasibility studies of both locations will be peaceful change, that his and North American registrations for will be done and a recommendation country can avoid civil war. Although Africa 2003 were good, contributions brought to executive committee meet- violence continues, he does not lose were strong, and costs were carefully ings in Strasbourg July 28 to August hope. controlled. 4.—From MWC release “God’s timing,” he says, “is different While inflation soared and the value than ours.”—Betti Erb

16 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 WiderChurch News briefs from MCC Kinshasa, Congo Jordan girls’ school gets books difference. MCC is promoting a system Conference banner A world of learning will open up this where chickens, fish and rice coexist year to students at Adasiyyeh Girls on a fifth of an acre of land. Farmers saves a life School, in rural Jordan. With funds build thick dikes around their land. At Mennonite World Conference from the Mennonite Central Commit- one end is a fishpond with a chicken banner saved the life of a tee Global Family program, the school shed over it; rice is grown in the rest of A Mennonite man here last is purchasing 750 books in Arabic and the area. Chicken droppings feed the summer. Ngonda Daniel, a 56-year-old English for its library, which until now fish; the fish droppings fertilize the business owner, was asked to make had been almost empty. Some 350 rice. Vegetables grow on top of the dike the banner on behalf of the Congolese girls, most from poor farming families, walls. Mennonite Brethren Conference. attend Adasiyyeh, which offers kinder- When he brought it to the Mennonite garten through high school. For more Helping Manila street kids Peace Center, he had bandages around on the Global Family program, see In Manila, Philippines, an agency his arm. www.mcc.org/globalfamily. called Bahay Tuluyan runs two group “Your banner saved me from being homes for children whose families live killed by gangsters,” said Daniel. He Loans for Ukrainians on the streets. The children come from was in a taxi when two men in the Revolving loan funds begun with situations so abusive that they have back seat with him pulled out guns. They took him outside Kinshasa and capital from MCC are helping families been removed temporarily from their took everything he had: $3.00, pens, in Odessa, Ukraine, move toward self- families. Through MCC’s Global peace materials and the banner. sufficiency. “Before, we were just Family program, 27 of these children One of them took a closer look at making it from day to day, never are receiving money for uniforms, the banner and asked, “Are you a having anything left over to move books, lunch and transportation Christian?” Daniel said he was. forward. But now we work part of the money for school. The group homes are The man asked Daniel more week to pay back the fund and the also drop-in centres for other street questions while the others beat him other half for ourselves, our family and children. Older students are trained to and broke his arm. One of the attack- church,” said Lala Salimov. The help younger ones through a junior ers said they should kill him, but the Salimov family came to Odessa from educator program. man with the banner and peace materials said, “Don’t kill him. He Azerbaijan, where war has destroyed carries a Christian flag with Jesus’ much of society’s structures. Lala and Health projects cross. He is from a church.” her sister Reina sell shaurma, MCC is adding a health component to The attackers threw Daniel into a flatbread wrapped around meaty the food program it supports in bush and left him without any clothes. fillings, salads and snacks. The loans Boricha, an impoverished district in A passerby took him to a hospital. are administered by local churches. Ethiopia. Carried out by the Meserete “The banner with Jesus’ cross saved Kristos Church, the project will train him,” said Pascal Kulungu from the Chicken, rice and fish 72 birth attendants and 10 community peace centre.—From Mennonite In the Noakhali district of Bangla- health attendants. It will also provide Weekly Review desh, many farmers have tiny plots of family planning and HIV/AIDS land and food production struggles to information, and hygiene and sanita- keep pace with population growth. tion training to 20,000 people. MCC is Intensive farming can make the donating $26,500 for the project. The district of 223,000 people has only two health centres and three clinics, and the region has faced severe drought. Is God calling you to use your leadership and management skills and two years of cross-cultural experience In Vietnam, HIV infections have to serve others through MCC? increased five-fold in the last six years. In Phu Tho Province, more than 90 LEADERS NEEDED percent of infections are attributed to for MCC country programs and more intravenous drug use. The government Positions open Positions open THIS YEAR: IN 2005: has begun committees to combat this, Angola Haiti but they have almost no training and Congo Honduras meagre budgets. MCC is providing Kenya Nicaragua Plan ahead. Uganda Nepal $14,350 to two groups engaged in East Asia (in Akron, Pa.) Palestine Apply now. AIDS prevention work. For more on Exec. Director for Kentucky MCC Central States Visitor Exchange Program MCC’s 10-year Generations at Risk Application review begins immediately for 2004 positions. (in N. Newton, Kan.) (in Akron, Pa.) initiative, see www.mcc.org/aids. Direct inquiries to: Charmayne Brubaker, MCC, Human Resources, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501 phone: 717-859-1151 email: [email protected]

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 17 WiderChurch

Winnipeg, Man. Letter of thanks from Colombia n January, Mennonites in North America were urged to pray and I send letters to governments on behalf of Ricardo Esquivia in Colombia. Esquivia is a Mennonite peace and justice worker who is being threatened with arrest (see Feb. 9, page 24). Letters and faxes have poured in by the hundreds. Mennonite leaders and workers in Colombia have since had positive meetings with government officials, as well as with U.S. and human rights representatives in the country. The immediate threat of detention has subsided, but Ricardo’s future remains uncertain. Recently, Esquivia sent a letter of Dave Pankratz of Mennonite Central Committee (second from left) watches Erwan thanks, translated below by Jack LeGrand (left) of Aide Medicale Internationale deliver TB medication to Saleh al- Suderman. Mukhtar (right), director of a medical centre in Hilla, Iraq. MCC contributed $75,000 “I send you warm greetings and for the medicine. Pankratz, from Winnipeg, tracked MCC’s $4 million Iraq emergency thanks. Perhaps you do not even response during a six-month term there.—MCC Canada release imagine the impact that your work is having on the Colombian governmental officials. The international response has been great. In the High Commis- Winnipeg, Man. sioner for Peace’s office they told us that we were ‘mobilizing the world.’ “Thanks to you, friends, for having Desire to forget ‘heresies’ created and maintained this environ- t’s taken 400 years, but some ment of international protection. Every seeing the end and indeed the healing day I am more convinced that the only denominations are now seeking of some of those battles and experi- possible security for a human rights Ireconciliation for condemning early ences that took place in the past,” said and peace worker is community. Anabaptists. Dan Nighswander, executive secretary “Thanks and may the God of Life The Swiss Reformed Church has of MC Canada. He referred to these continue to bless you. With affection invited Mennonites, Hutterites and and other examples of conflict in a and gratitude, Ricardo Esquivia.”— Amish to a celebration this summer to sermon on “Loving enemies.” The From MC Canada reports commemorate Felix Manz and other sermon can be heard in audio format Anabaptists who were killed for their at www.mennonitechurch.ca/files/ faith during the Reformation. multimedia/love_enemies.mp3.—MC Recently, the Canadian head of the Canada release Christian Reformed Church, William Veenstra, approached Mennonite Church Canada about addressing a condemnation of Mennonites in its confession of faith. And last summer in Winnipeg, the Lutheran World Fellow- ship passed a resolution to address the condemnation of Anabaptists in its confession of faith. Helmut Harder of Winnipeg contin- ues to represent Mennonites in a seven-year dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church aimed at reconcilia- tion. Harder will attend a symposium on martyrdom in Italy this spring. “It’s taken a long time, but…we are

18 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 WiderChurch

Newton, Kansas Stronger link with missional church in USA

recent survey of Mennonite tional leaders share their values and nected, most want the new church to Church USA members shows priorities. work, said Hague. “For the most part, A that the missional church is • Slightly more than half feel it is people want Mennonite Church USA becoming less of a mystery and that a important that their congregation be to work, and to work well…. They are fair share of people are excited about part of Mennonite Church USA. Fully just looking for a few more handles the direction of the new church. one-quarter say it is not important. that can help them understand and About one-third of 1,100 survey Despite feeling somewhat discon- support it.”—From MC USA release participants said they are excited about the future of the church, and 25 percent identified “missional” as joining God’s work in the world. The survey, “The people in the pew: Percep- tions of Mennonite Church USA,” was conducted by Mennonite Mutual Aid for MC USA. The findings encourage the Execu- tive Board, which has worked hard to communicate that “missional” is not denominational agenda but a way for all parts of the church to discover God’s agenda together. About 40 percent of participants said that they are uneasy about, or confused by, the merger of the former Mennonite Church and General Conference Mennonite Church. One in five admitted to having paid little attention to the transition, and one in Readers’ Theatre five disliked the word “missional.” In their recommendations, Barth Hague and James Nofziger from Mennonite Mutual Aid said Mennonite based on Church USA leaders must develop more face-to-face relationships if a shift in loyalty is to occur. Leaders also need to communicate a holistic focus, From Kleefeld they said, because many feel the church is more issue-oriented than Christ-centred. People surveyed said that spiritual with Love growth among members should be the number one issue for the denomina- tion, followed by peacemaking and missions. John A. Harder Hague’s two biggest surprises were (Editor, Translator) the widespread support among pastors for the new church and the fact that (A Benefit performance for the Vineland United Mennonite Home) many people called for a stronger and clearer identity for MC USA. Other findings highlight several challenges: Vineland United Mennonite Church Auditorium • Only one in five say they feel Friday, March 26 @ 7:00 p.m. connected to Mennonite Church USA. 3327 Menno Street Five years ago, before integration, two in five said they felt connected. (Discussion and refreshments to follow) • Roughly half agree that denomina-

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 19 WiderChurch

News briefs enous Theological Studies. He was started by MEDA in the early 1970s born in northern Alberta and lives in under the direction of Roger Friesen. Saskatchewan. Go to www.urbana.org MENCOLDES went on to undertake a Canadian Cree makes for the full text of his address.—From wide range of development projects, history at Urbana reports from agronomy and business to health and education.—From MEDA release History was made on December 29 at Urbana 2003 in Chicago when Ray Story recalls MEDA Church planters share Aldred, Cree pastor and director of work in Colombia stories in Manitoba First Nations Alliance Churches of Canada, became the first native North It’s been almost 30 years since More than 35 participants from American speaker in Urbana’s 57-year Mennonite Economic Development various denominations—a group history. Urbana is the student mis- Associates (MEDA) left Colombia, but called Manitoba Catalyzers—gathered sions convention of Inter-Varsity traces of its work remain. This was in Winnipeg on January 28 to hear Christian Fellowship. Reports de- evident in the February issue of stories about creative church planting scribed Aldred’s address as “a water- Christianity Today, which published in Manitoba. Mennonite Ted Enns shed moment” and “one of the most an article titled “Forgotten casualties Dyck, pastor of the Seeds of Life profound...insightful and prophetically of an uncivil war.” The article men- Community Church in Altona, was challenging messages ever heard at tioned two Colombians—a councilman among the presenters, who all shared Urbana.” While it included a “rebuke and a mechanic—who were targeted the conviction that church needs to be of the harm that has been done to by rebels and had to flee. Spurned by good news for people outside the faith native North American and other some churches, they found their way community. Each emphasized the peoples by Christian missionaries,” the to Teusaquillo Mennonite Church importance of relationships over address also provided a “practical and which, the article says, “welcomed programs, the importance of biblically-grounded way forward for them and referred the pair to intergenerational participation for effective Jesus-centred, cross-cultural MENCOLDES, a Mennonite outreach healthy community life, and the missions work in a postmodern age,” for displaced people and others in importance of food and table fellow- wrote Wes Markofski of Inter-Varsity. need. There they found food and other ship in building community.—From Aldred co-chairs the Aboriginal Task assistance.” MENCOLDES was report by Norm Voth Force of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and is a board member of the North American Institute for Indig-

A new generation of pastors and church AMBS is a place to be leaders is being inspired by God and by formed at AMBS as students study, worship, those around you, in life learn ministry skills and and in history. Now, in explore their gifts. the midst of piles of library books, shared You can help prepare laughter in Greek class the next generation of pastors for the church. as we translate 1 John together and the fellow- To recommend a student ship of students from or make a gift to AMBS, around the world, I am see the AMBS web site: eager to discover what www.ambs.edu will come next. Associated Mennonite — Tim Dyck, AMBS student in the Master of Divinity program Biblical Seminary from Waterloo, Ont. 1 + 800 964-2627 Elkhart, Indiana

20 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 A special advertising feature

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ holds a reunion September 10-11, pioneer setting. The general store offers featuring old-time threshing and locally crafted items, stone-ground flour traditional Mennonite food. and souvenirs. Niverville: One of the oldest Menno- Plum Coulee: The Plum Coulee and nite communities in Manitoba, it features District Museum houses items relating the Niverville Old-Tyme Country Fair to the Jewish, Ukrainian, German and June 11-13. Nearby is the Mennonite Mennonite pioneers, and is filled with Memorial Landing Site, the junction of photos of its time as a mercantile the Red and Rat Rivers where Menno-

centre. The rejuvenated community has

○○○○○○ ○○○○ nites first landed in Manitoba in 1874. Summer: recently added a nature walk beside the Plum River, and is planning an interpre- Grunthal/Kleefeld/Blumenort: tive centre in the elevator. These villages near Steinbach each Travel, Food host summer events: the Hanover Rosenort: Situated on the Morris Agricultural Fair & Exhibition (Grunthal), River, this town was founded by Kleine the Kleefeld Honey Festival, and the & Events Gemeinde (Evangelical Mennonite Blumenort Fair. Conference) in 1874. Roselane Heritage House & Tea Room is one of the Winnipeg: With over 22,000 Menno- Heritage community’s attractions. nites, this city has over 40 Mennonite churches, as well as a Mennonite celebrations Steinbach: The heart of the Menno- theatre company, children’s choir and nite East Reserve, Steinbach is home to in Manitoba symphony orchestra. The Canadian the Mennonite Heritage Village mu- Mennonite University campus houses Summer provides many opportunities to seum. The Heritage Village celebrates the Mennonite Heritage Centre and celebrate the 130-year Mennonite 40 years at its Pioneer Days July 30- Gallery, as well as offices of Mennonite heritage in Manitoba. Holiday options August 2. The Livery Barn Restaurant Church Canada and Manitoba. include fairs, festivals, museums and serves traditional Mennonite fare in a community visits. Here are the main Continued on page 22 attractions, grouped geographically:

Altona: In the heart of the Mennonite West Reserve, this town hosts the Summer service Manitoba Sunflower Festival July 16-18. Other attractions: an aquatic centre with opportunities for a huge play area and a new Millennium Exhibition Centre (as well as a replica of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” on an easel youth and groups seven storeys tall). Gretna: Site of the Mennonite Colle- One-week to one-month giate Institute, the oldest Mennonite options for individuals. school in Canada. A cairn nearby, in Week-long options for groups. memory of the Mennonite pioneers, will be the site of the 2004 “Hot Spot” I Youth Venture Festival September 4-5. I SOOP (Service Opportunites for Older People Post Road: Post Road Memorial Tours in cooperation with MCC Canada and take participants through the West Mennonite Association of Retired Persons) Reserve, from Fort Dufferin where I Group Venture Mennonite settlers got off a steamer and I DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for set foot on Manitoba soil in 1875, Outreach and Reflection) through Mennonite villages as far as Toll-free 1-866-866-2872 Mountain City (now a ghost town) near Service.MennoniteMission.net Morden. Mennonite Winkler: Manitoba’s fastest growing Mission city, built by Mennonites and industrial- Network Youth Group ists, hosts the Winkler Harvest Festival The mission agency of Venture SOOP Venture and Exhibition on August 13-15. The Mennonite Church USA DOOR Pembina Valley Threshermen’s Museum

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 21 A special advertising feature

Manitoba From page 21

Boissevain: Mennonites from Russia began a church in this western Manitoba town in 1927. An attraction is the nearby International Peace Garden, dedicated to the peaceful relationship between Canada and the United States. It includes a campground, interpretive centre and hiking trails. Boissevain and nearby Killarney, also influenced by

hs Mennonites, are located in the Turtle Mountains of western Manitoba. Austin/MacGregor: Cheaper land attracted Mennonites from the West Reserve to this area in the 1940s. The

Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Photos by Elmer Heinric Austin, with the largest collection of The Post Road Memorial Trail takes visitors through the historic West Reserve, vintage farm equipment in Canada, is settled by Mennonites from Russia in the 1870s. celebrating its 50th anniversary during its Threshermen’s Reunion and Stam- Camping trip to native community pede July 28-31. The Homesteaders’ Village simulates village life in the late Mennonite Central Committee B.C. is Kwaguilth First Nations in Port Hardy. 19th century. hosting a camping trip with aboriginal The trip is July 14- 18. Transportation neighbours on Vancouver Island this and expenses are to be borne by Mennville/Morweena: These summer. The group will tour the north participants. MCC will book sites, and Interlake communities near Riverton coast of Vancouver Island, see old coordinate the tour. For more informa- were begun around 1950 when growth forests with a Mennonite forester tion, contact Darryl Klassen, e-mail: Kleinegemeinde Mennonites moved and visit the Umista Cultural Centre in [email protected] or phone here seeking land. An attraction is Altert Bay, and spend time with the toll-free 1-888-622-6337.—MCC B.C. Integrity Foods, run by Cornelius and Dora Friesen. They bake up to 80 Psychology Looking for a great summer loaves of bread at one firing in an Social Relationships and Behaviour: May 4-June 10 learning opportunity? Practical Theology outdoor brick oven—Compiled by Elmer Worship as the People’s Work (featuring instructor Heinrichs John L. Bell, Iona Community, Scotland): July 19-23 TESOL Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Consider Courses: May 3-June 11

Advanced Youth Ministry CMU Courses Passion play A Contemplative Approach to Youth Ministry in Manitoba Summer (Instructor, Michael Hryniuk): May 24-28 Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program Old Testament Theology: April 19-23 Each summer, Oak Valley Productions at CMU Preaching the Sermon on the Mount: April 26-30 performs The Carpenter, based on The Book of Revelation: April 30-May 1 and May 3-7

Jesus’ passion, on an outdoor stage Seminary near La Riviere, Manitoba. Executive Music Theatre Summer Camp producer is Richard J. Klassen. Oak August 9-20: Ages 15 - 18 Valley is a non-profit organization which Learn dancing (jazz, hip hop, and elementary tap), drama (mime, improvisation, character

encourages Judeo-Christian and family development), and singing (interpretation of song, Music values through creative expression and vocal technique). outdoor activities. The theatre troupe Linux Computer Camp July 5 also performs in various communities (for those entering grades 10-12) during the year. Oak Valley is an Hands-on learning about and playing with the Linux operating system individually and in teams. Linux outdoor site in the Pembina Valley with rugged hiking trails, including a “Way of AIA Soccer Camp the Cross” meditation trail, and picnic July 26 – 30: Ages 12-17: M & F areas. This year’s Passion Play runs July AIA Basketball Camp August 9-13: Ages 12-18: M & F 9-11 and July 16-18. To contact Oak AIA Volleyball Camp

Valley, phone (204) 242-3160 or e-mail: There’s something for everyone! August 16-20: Ages 12-18: M & F Sports [email protected]. Visit www.cmu.ca/summer for more CMU Volleyball Team Camp —Elmer Heinrichs information on costs, times and other details. August 23-27: Ages 15-18: M & F

22 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 A special advertising feature

Historic sites in Ontario Summer in Altona Mennonite Meetinghouse Joseph Schneider Haus Museum Saskatchewan near Stouffville was home to a congre- in Kitchener is the 1816 farmhouse built gation that began in 1890. The congre- by a Mennonite pioneer from Pennsylva- The Station Arts Centre in Rosthern is gation was dissolved in 1974. nia. It features German-Canadian folk art gearing up for its annual spring concert and artifacts. series. On May 2, The Station Singers, Black Creek Pioneer Village in under the direction of Duff Warkentin, Downsview (Toronto) is a 19th-century Millbank Information Centre, will give its concert. On May 8, a folk village with over 35 restored shops and which operates out of Riverdale Menno- and gospel group from Nutana Park homes, staffed with costumed guides. nite Church, interprets the Amish and Mennonite Church, the Saskatune Mennonite story in that area. Brubacher House at the University Singers, will perform. On May 28, Laura of Waterloo is a restored 19th-century Visitor Centre (formerly The Meeting Regier will give a piano recital. She will Mennonite house, operated by Conrad Place) in St. Jacobs offers a multi-media share the evening with Kalissa Regier, Grebel University College. journey through Mennonite history, jazz vocalist, and her father, Ted Regier. displays and replicas of an Old Order Detweiler Meetinghouse in Each summer, the Station Arts Centre Mennonite kitchen and meeting- Roseville is a stone meetinghouse built puts on a drama. This summer, The house.—Compiled by Betti Erb in 1855 and restored in 1996. It may be Perilous Pirate’s Daughter, will run from rented for events. Call (519) 696-2805. July 8 to August 8. The play, written by Shekinah marks Anne Chislett, uses musical numbers Doon Heritage Crossroads in composed by David Archibald. Kitchener is a living museum of a village 25 years and two farms, where interpreters “Anne Chislett asked us to do it,” said welcome guests to the year 1914. Doon Shekinah Retreat Centre in Saskatche- Station Arts director Kathy Thiessen. is also the main repository for the wan is celebrating 25 years of camping/ The centre earlier produced Chislett’s Region of Waterloo’s museum collec- retreat ministry on July 2-4. Former staff, play about Amish in Ontario called tions. managers and board members are Quiet in the Land.—Karin Fehderau invited to a reunion July 2-3. Heritage Historical Library in Aylmer is a collection for research in On July 4, Shekinah invites the public to Amish history and genealogy. join in worship and an all-day folkfest. A new amphitheatre will be the setting. Jordan Museum of The Twenty is Performers will include House of Doc, a community museum which includes Kimbal Siebert, Road Less Travelled, local Mennonite history and a display of Louella Klassen Friesen, Buncha Guys, STATION ARTS CENTRE fraktur. Jordan is the heart of the first and Susan Enns Funk & Jake Enns. presents Mennonite settlement in Canada (1786). Nearby is The First Mennonite Church of Contact Lill Friesen for more informa- The Perilous Pirate’s Vineland, begun in 1801. tion, by phone at (306) 945-4929 or Daughter e-mail: [email protected]. By award-winning playwright Anne Chislett Music David Archibald You’re invited to join Director Tibor Feheregyhazi SHEKINAH RETREAT CENTRE in celebrating its July 8 - August 8, 2004

25th25th Anniversary … A musical comedy that celebrates life through rollicking laughter, song and dance in the year JULY 2-4, 2004 1837!

Celebrations include: Gallery Exhibit - Margot Lindsay, Saskatoon Friday to Saturday, July 2 & 3 “Hearty” Pre-show dinners Summer & Year-round Staff/Board Reunion Sunday, July 4

re invited! For reservations call Morning Worship Service & Folkfest ’ 306-232-5332 MUSIC GROUPS - House of Doc, Kimbal Siebert, Road Less Travelled, Buncha Guys, Louella Klassen Friesen, Susan Enns Funk & Jake Enns, and more... Any former counsellors, directors, camp managers and board members are invited to attend the reunion. Contact Lill Friesen to receive an information & registration packet.

You E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (306) 945-4929

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 23 A special advertising feature

Recipes for summer Building bridges in eastern Canada A summer staple in the Russian Mennonite tradition is Rollkuchen (crullers), eaten with watermelon. Recipes differ slightly, as do textures (some like them soft, some crisp). Here are two recipes from different Mennonite cookbooks. The third recipe for “Building bridges among Mennonites summer is a marinade for barbecued chicken. and other Christians around the world through custom-designed travel” is TourMagination’s mission. TourMagination’s Canadian Maritime Rollkuchen 1 Provinces tour from August 7-16 will experience the culture and history of 4 c. flour 1 c. sour cream Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and 2 tsp. baking powder 1 c. milk New Brunswick. 1 tsp. salt 4 eggs In Halifax, we will visit Pier 21, a national Mix dry ingredients in bowl. Add sour cream, milk and eggs and mix well. historic site where Mennonite refugees Take ball of dough and roll out until 1/4 of an inch thick. On floured counter, entered Canada in the early 1920s cut rolled dough into 2 x 4” strips and cut a slit in the middle. While cutting when they came by ship. Peggy’s Cove, dough, heat up oil on stove top (or in deep fryer). When oil is hot, drop in the beautiful Cabot Trail and, of course, strips of dough. Turn when one side is done (golden brown). Leave in longer a performance of Anne of Green for crispy pieces. Place in bowl lined with paper towel. Excellent with water- Gables, as well as a visit to Green melon and with Roger’s Golden Syrup. Gables, are highlights of the tour. (From The Mennonite Treasury of Recipes.) Mennonites are not widely known in Canada’s Maritime provinces. However, in 1960 a small group from the Western Ontario Mennonite Conference bought Rollkuchen 2 land and moved to the Petitcodiac area of New Brunswick. We plan to visit this 1/4 cup butter 1 tsp. salt Mennonite congregation and have a 1/2 cup milk 3 eggs fellowship meal with them. 3 cups flour In Nova Scotia, we will visit the Melt butter in small saucepan. Remove from heat and add milk. Combine Northfield community of the flour and salt in mixing bowl. Add milk mixture and eggs. Mix well to smooth, Kleinegemeinde Mennonites. We will hard dough. Roll out on lightly floured surface as thin as possible (1/8 inch). learn about their migrations from Sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking. Cut in rectangles or desired shape. Manitoba, Mexico, Belize and Paraguay Fry in deep fat till brown, turning once. Drain on paper towel. Serve with as we worship and visit with them. borscht or watermelon on a hot summer day. (From the Canadian Mennonite Cookbook.) TourMagination also offers fellowship as Mennonites and other Christians from across the United States and Canada become a travelling Christian community. Call 1-800-565-0451 to register.—Wilmer Martin, president Chicken breast for the barbecue

Mix thyme marinade (below) and pour over 4 boneless chicken breasts. For quick cooking, cut the chicken pieces to 1/2 inch thick. Marinate in Focus on... the fridge for a few hours. Cook chicken on barbecue for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle marinade on chicken during first 5-10 minutes. Watch for the next Focus on... Discard remaining marinade. advertising sections:

Thyme marinade April 5: Elementary/ 3/4 cup dry white wine (or apple juice) 1/2 tsp. gr. celery seed Secondary Education 1/4 cup oil 1 tsp. salt May 3: Focus on Books and 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. black pepper Resources 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. thyme May 31: Focus on Seniors

24 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 A special advertising feature

Attractions in A PLEASANT SURPRISE IN AMISH COUNTRY western Canada

To learn about Mennonites in Saskatch- NEW ewan, visit the Mennonite Heritage Museum located on the campus of Opening Apr. 3 & Conference Center Rosthern Junior College. It is open NEW CONFERENCE CENTER: DAS DUTCHMAN ESSENHAUS every weekend from the May long •4,000 sq. ft. with seating for 330 •Large Amish Style Restaurant weekend until the end of September. •94 guest rooms •Catering & Banquets Visitors can make appointments by •Suites with kitchenettes, whirlpools •Homestyle Bakery calling Ed Schmidt at (306) 232-5130. •Indoor pool, kiddie pool & hot tub •Unique Village Shops •Exercise room & game room •Miniature Golf & Carriage Rides Two museums in Alberta are good places to visit to learn about the history For reservations, call 574-825-9471 or 800-455-9471 and culture of western Canada.

The Glenbow Museum in Calgary is western Canada’s largest museum. It houses an art collection and many galleries of artifacts. The library and archives provide much valuable material for researchers.

The Provincial Museum of Alberta in Edmonton provides a wide range of exhibits and activities, for every age and interest, on the natural and human history of Alberta. 240 US 20, Middlebury, IN • 574-825-9471 • 800-455-9471 • www.essenhaus.com

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 25 Canadian Mennonite Yellow Page

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26 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 Canadian Mennonite Yellow Page

CounsellingCounselling Services Services Mennonite Savings and Credit Union RealReal Estate Estate (see ad page 26) Shalom Counselling Services CITYCORP Realty Ltd. (see ad page 26) (see ad page 26) Roth Nowak Insurance Brokers (see ad page 26) Re/Max Performance Realty (see ad page 26) EducationalEducational Resources Resources FloralFloral Services Services Mennonite & Brethren in Christ Resource SeniorSenior Housing Housing Centre, Kitchener, ON (519) 745-8458 Edelweis Florist, Winnipeg, MB www.mbicresources.org 1110 Henderson Hwy.; call toll-free Cedar Creek Lodge, Chilliwack, BC 866-672-8279; VISA/MC accepted (604) 792-6182, Full Service Retirement FinancialFinancial Services Services Living InsuranceInsurance Cartier Partners Financial Group (see ad page 26) MAX Canada Insurance Co. TravelTravel (see ad page 26) Eby Financial Group Bonaventure Travel (see ad page 26) (see ad page 26) LegalLegal Services Services Menno Travel, Abbotsford, BC Gerber Financial Services, Waterloo, ON Sutherland, Mark, Bumstead, Flemming 1-800-667-5559; [email protected], (519) 746-1900; www.gerberfinancial.com (see ad page 26) www.mennotvl.com

IPC Investment Corporation Mennonite Your Way Tours (see ad page 26) 1-800-296-1991; www.mywtours.com What’s new in Mennonite magazines? material on their own. The field of Mennonite magazine string, how to reuse paper plates and • Menno Arts Monthly—a quarterly publishing is flourishing. In the polish Tupperware. Regular columns magazine of Mennonite arts, music, unlikely event that you are not aware include: “10 more things to do with literature, poetry and quilt block of some of the new magazines, the bread wrappers,” “New kitchen patterns. Features stories have following is a totally gadgets of the week,” included: “Is there a hidden message if unrepresentative and “Javex bottle you sing 606 backwards?” “Dismissing cross-section. lawn ornament of this modern art stuff,” and “Why do • Mennonite En- the month.” Mennonites write fiction when they quirer—a collection Emke Retro • Coverings— have their history to write about?” of offbeat, incredible subtitled “The Columnists review concerts (such as stories about Ivan Emke Mennonite Fashion “Menno and the Simonizers— Mennonite life. Magazine,” this MennoRock’s brightest stars”), films Headlines include: periodical offers (“And if they should question—a film “Mennonite pastor fashion tips and about how to control dissent”) and claims to have eaten news from the recitals (“School choirs and the urge to only three meals a day for over 20 Anabaptist tradition. Recent articles sleep”). years,” “Woman sings in four-part are “The 10 worst-dressed conference • Shortening and Sugar—a bi-weekly harmony by herself,” “Person reads bureaucrats,” “Polyester—the miracle exploration of the world of recipes and Revelation and understands it all,” fibre preferred by Mennonites,” “Cape food, complete with mouth-moistening “Man spends four years at Mennonite dresses of the rich and famous,” pictures from recent potlucks. Recipes college without getting married,” “Rediscovering the plaid leisure suit,” have included: chocolate lentil chew, “Mysterious image of Menno Simons and “Suspenders for all occasions.” breaded deep-fried bacon, lard sur- appears in bowl of mashed potatoes,” Each issue includes patterns. prise, ham with marshmallows, and “16 ways to diet without changing • Kingdom People—a chatty little jello sandwiches. Articles cover topics your eating habits.” broadsheet that keeps tabs on the such as “Force feeding the family,” • Mennonites in Unity—a publication lives, loves, heartbreaks and victories “Greens are for goats,” “Making sure that chronicles examples of Mennonite of people in the church. Contains no- you get enough salt,” and “Eating as if unity. A small newsletter, published holds-barred accounts of alleged your life depended upon it.” The once or twice a decade. wrongdoings, suspected infidelity, regular columns include: “Getting • Mennonite Housekeeping—a maga- potential conflicts, hints of scandal excited about leftovers,” “Avoiding zine that is chock-full of tips about and fabricated shortcomings. Some fibre,” and “New uses for old maca- efficient living. Contains features on congregations may not require a roni.”—September 14, 1987 how to make curtains with bits of subscription as they generate similar

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 27 LocalChurch

Winnipeg, Man. Businessman offers rural reprieve mall towns are dying all across the Canadian prairies. But S Martin Harder believes God has given him an opportunity to help save a few of them, one grain elevator at a time. Harder, 54, is owner of Delmar Commodities, a small grain company that he started in 1995. In 1996, he began to purchase elevators slated for demolition. So far, he has bought four of them, in the towns of Somerset, Mariapolis, Gladstone and Jordan. In summer he opened a soybean crushing plant at the Jordan facility. “When a grain elevator closes, a town begins to die,” says Harder, who spent 21 years at multinational Cargill. At one time, almost 6,000 of

these “prairie skyscrapers” or “cathe- MEDA photo drals on the prairies” dotted the Martin Harder is purchasing old grain elevators, a move that helps keep rural landscape across Manitoba, Saskatch- communities alive. ewan and Alberta. They were more than just places to farmers wouldn’t be coming to town; In addition, he benefits from a collect and store grain before it was they’d have to travel 30 miles away to strong sense of community goodwill loaded into railway cars. They were the new super elevator. Local busi- when he saves an elevator. All of this economic engines for the small towns nesses would suffer, and there’d be the spells success for the company. Today that grew up around loss of jobs at the elevator Delmar Commodities and Jordan Mills them, and they functioned itself.” employ 24 people; last year over 1,000 as social centres for ‘When an elevator Plus, she says, losing an farmers brought their crops to his farmers. is torn down, it’s elevator is symbolic for a elevators, generating over $33 million Today, only a few town. “When an elevator in business. hundred of these struc- seen as a sign that is torn down, it’s seen as a Harder was raised on a farm and tures remain in use. Rail sign that the town is has lived in small towns all his life. “I companies want to close the town is dying.’ dying.” have a feeling in my bones for this,” he the branch lines on which But Harder isn’t buying says. “I feel like I’m doing my little bit they are located. It’s much elevators because he feels to push back the tide that is running more efficient to drop off and pick up sorry for people in rural Manitoba. over rural life in Canada.” 75 to 100 rail cars at a time at the new He’s doing it because it makes busi- A special memory is a fall day last concrete super elevators on better- ness sense. year, after he bought the elevator in used rail lines. Unfortunately, many of “There’s an opportunity to make a Gladstone. A line of farm trucks a the new elevators are located in the good living as a smaller company at kilometre long was waiting to unload middle of nowhere. this,” he says. “There are smaller at the elevator he had saved from In the four towns where Harder customers out there who need our destruction a year earlier. operates his elevators, the story is services.” “It was an incredible feeling, all different. According to Louise Blair, It’s also about putting his faith into those people having confidence in me,” chief administrative officer for the action. he said. “It’s really great to be able town of Gladstone (population 850), “This is God’s call for my life,” says to…add to the life of these communi- keeping their elevators means they Harder, a member of Bethel ties.”—MEDA report by John can keep local businesses going. Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Longhurst “It means a lot to have an operating Hochfeld. “It’s a way for me to live out elevator,” she says. “Without it, local my faith.”

28 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 LocalChurch

Baden, Ont. Shantz congregation bids farewell to pastors essels of faith” was the theme of overflowed steadily into the basin. Our 4:7). a farewell service for pastors faith, small pebbles individually but After the potluck dinner, which V Jim and Ingrid Loepp Thiessen, added together as a community of featured “overflowing” tables of at Shantz Mennonite Church here on believers, was overflowing our little delicious food, we celebrated with a January 18. church into the community and farewell party, including a video show A vessel half-filled with pebbles and beyond. and gifts. Nearly everyone shared a water stood inside a large basin in This symbol was the congregation’s fond memory or hilarious episode front of the pulpit. All of us, including expression of appreciation for Jim and involving Jim or Ingrid. children, lined up and dropped a Ingrid’s dedicated service of many There were recurring comments pebble into the water. years, and a blessing for their future about Jim’s sense of humour and his At first it seemed as if nothing much mission of church planting. compassion, and about Ingrid’s was happening, but before long the Their last sermon together, entitled passion for worship and her infectious water in the vessel rose to the brim, “Popcorn in fifty-pound bags,” was full enthusiasm in organizing events. and when a little girl stretching on her of humour, yet conveyed their central The congregation will dearly miss toes dropped in her stone, a streak of message: “God’s peace, which is far Jim, Ingrid and their three children, water slid down the side of the vessel. beyond human understanding, will Thomas, Anneli and Joanna. We wish As more people added their pebbles of keep your hearts and minds safe in them blessings, and our prayers will various colours and sizes, the water union with Jesus Christ” (Philippians be with them.—Morio Ogasawara

Edmonton, Alta. Alberta youth ‘get up and go’ at Valaqua n January 23, youth from five Water Valley, our cook for the weekend. ately named “Get up and go.” Alberta churches drove the icy In the evening we gathered in the Late Saturday night we got back into O roads through the fog to Camp lodge to sing, and Bethany and Anisa our snowsuits to play Mission Impossi- Valaqua. The 60 junior youth, 20 Loewen from Bergthal Mennonite ble in the snow. Even though the sponsors and helpers came to enjoy a shared their musical talent. They wrote weather was less than agreeable, the weekend of worship, learning, singing, a theme song for the weekend, appropri- weekend was a success.—Carolyn Wedler great food and fun. The theme for the weekend was “Get up and go,” with a focus on service. The speaker was Tim Wiebe-Neufeld from First Mennonite in Edmonton. He caught the attention of junior youth by giving examples of voluntary service in the movie, “Lord of the Rings.” On Saturday, we made posters of who we can help, and how, and then talked about them. Each group came up with a number of different ideas. On Sunday morning Tim talked about service in the Bible. On Saturday afternoon we braved the cold in a camp-wide treasure hunt. At some stations, groups were required to complete a cooperative games activity. Then we headed inside to warm our frozen fingers and toes by the fire, drink hot chocolate, eat cookies, play games and do crafts. A highlight of the weekend was a thrift-store formal in which we all dressed up in thrift store wear. Every- one enjoyed the meat and vegetable fondue. Some of the sauces for dipping were made by Ginny Heindman from Snow camp youth enjoy a fondue at a thrift-shop banquet.

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 29 LocalChurch

Edmonton, Alta. MCC Alberta approves joint facility ow do 98 people get to an Historical Society of Alberta. proceed, MCC Alberta proposed to important Mennonite Central The four organizations are propos- borrow $800,000 from Mennonite HCommittee meeting when the ing to build an addition to the current Foundation, with the remaining funds temperature is minus 30 and they are thrift shop. Inside the existing store, to come from fundraising, a Mennonite scattered all across Alberta? on a mezzanine, would be space for Mutual Insurance purchase of a 20 Delegates to the January 24 meet- MCC Alberta Material Aid, as well as percent share in the facility, from ing of MCC Alberta answered this a historical society meeting area and Mennonite Historical Society partici- question creatively and successfully by archives. MCC Alberta offices would pation, and from the sale of the using teleconference equipment. Four occupy a second floor, while Mennonite existing MCC Alberta offices. meeting sites were set up—in La Mutual Insurance would occupy the After all information was presented Crete, Edmonton, Calgary, and third floor of the new addition. The to delegates, and questions were Lethbridge. Delegates travelled to the thrift shop would use the first floor for answered, 96 percent of the delegates nearest site to hear and see (on additional retail and warehouse space. voted to go ahead with the proposed overheads) the information delegates The building project will cost loan. Groundbreaking was held on at other sites were also receiving. approximately $2.4 million. In order to February 14.—Donita Wiebe-Neufeld MCC Alberta needed a delegate decision on financing for a building project. The project, in discussion for over a year, involves a shared facility for MCC Alberta, Mennonite Mutual Ground-breaking ceremony in Calgary Insurance of Alberta, the Calgary t was not a pleasant day— MCC Thrift Shop, and the Mennonite cold and foggy with ice I crystals in the air—so it was good to see a large gathering at the ground- breaking ceremony for Mennonite Central Committee

® Alberta’s building project. Englischer Wunderbalsam An 18,000-square-foot, “Kraft und Wirkung” three-storey expansion will be attached to the existing thrift store and material resource centre. Phil Klassen, chair of the board, greeted the gathering. Sterling Rempel from Mennonite Mutual Insurance presented a cheque for $100,000 to Klassen. Henry Goerzen, representing the historical society, was pleased that the expansion will enable them to preserve the history of Mennonites in Alberta. Peter Dueck of the thrift shop board commented that having the MCC Alberta offices in The benefits of the original Englischer close proximity will Wunderbalsam® recipe have been well strengthen ties between them. acknowledged since 1883. Ten pairs of hands symboli- cally turned the sod with the Four Alberta Mennonite agencies break ground • Promotes Vigor and Vitality! “golden” spade, and Harry for a new facility. From back left: Ed Buschert, • 100% natural stomach bitter; taken after Heidebrecht, pastor of contractor; Henry Goerzen, historical society; Phil a good meal it helps soothe, strengthen, Klassen, MCC Alberta chair; Harold Friesen, cleanse and balance the digestive system. Highland Mennonite Brethren Church, spoke a prayer of builder; Jake Elias, MCC Alberta treasurer; Harry Heidebrecht, pastor. Front: Sterling Rempel, For retail distributors near you, contact: blessing and supplication for accident-free construction. Mennonite Mutual Aid; Peter Dueck, thrift shop Sapphire Horizons Inc. board; Cheryl Janzen, Mennonite Mutual Insur- Phone: 403-237-6549 • Fax 403-237-6518 —From report by Irene E-mail: [email protected] Klassen ance; Abe Janzen, MCC Alberta director.

30 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 LocalChurch

Calgary, Alta. From Calgary to Colombia hen First Mennonite Church visited the local pastor here heard about the learning and a youth group. At La Wtour to Colombia in Novem- Mesa they visited a ber, people felt no hesitation—our Mennonite school and pastor, Marv Thiessen, should go. played basketball with Thiessen, who speaks Spanish, had students. In Ibague they been in contact with the Iglesia Berna drove through barrios of (Mennonite church) in Bogota by e- displaced people who have mail ever since it was selected as a fled violence. The church sister congregation more than a year and city are trying to ago. He was eager to go, with some develop small businesses trepidation about the unrest in parts among these people. of Colombia, and leaving his wife (who Back in Bogota, the had recently undergone surgery) and group toured a Mennonite his three children. seniors’ home and met The tour, sponsored by Mennonite with people at Justapaz. Church Canada, included Jack and Director Ricardo Esquivia Irene Suderman, former missionaries has made a tremendous to Colombia. The purpose was to see impact but lives under the situation firsthand and build threats to his life. The bridges of understanding. group heard a lecture on Sunday morning at Iglesia Berna in Colombia, with In short order, funds were collected the history of the violence Marv Thiessen in the pulpit. to send Thiessen and Jamie Janssen, a in Colombia. young man from the congregation. The delegation visited a salt mine, greeting, handshaking and hugging. At Thiessen kept the church informed by and walked deep into the earth past least three times during the service e-mail almost daily. 14 Stations of the Cross sculpted out people moved about to greet one The reception in Bogota, the capital, of salt. They sang hymns in a chapel in another. Later the churches exchanged was warm. Thiessen was greeted by the mine. videos and watched them together. Roberto Caicedo, pastor of the Berna On Sunday Thiessen preached at They want to continue communica- church. In the Justapaz office (the the Iglesia Berna. There was much tion.—From report by Irene Klassen Colombian Mennonite Church’s agency for peace and justice), Thiessen met Margarita Gil, a young woman who had gone to school in Calgary Chicago, Ill. before her application to immigrate was denied. Spiritual accompaniment in Colombia Bogota is a modern city—many hristian Peacemaker Teams The CPTers got a taste of life along people dress well and live comfortably. (CPT) members are watching and the Opón River, with paramilitary But there is also a poor section where C praying with families in Los gunfire erupting moments before their displaced persons find refuge. Pastor Yeques and La Florida, fishing and arrival. An hour later three armed Hernandos of the Mennonite church farming communities in northern guerilla members approached the school has a ministry to people displaced by Colombia. CPT’s presence has supported where the service was being held. violence. He recounted a dramatic the return of over 100 families in the Team members explained who they meeting in which an ex-paramilitary Opón region since 2001. were and urged the guerillas to respect and ex-guerrilla realized that they had Community members, displaced by the community’s right to the spiritual violence in Colombia’s 40-year-old civil accompaniment they had requested. The been coerced into hating each other. war, face continual threats by armed armed men conveyed suspicion of Next day, both came to church. groups demanding collaboration from evangelical pastors from outside the Part of the group attended the civilians. community. Several years ago they largest Mennonite church in Bogota— The Colombian CPT team accompa- accused another pastor of collaborating quite an experience for sedate Cana- nied the pastor and five members of a with the paramilitaries and later they dian Mennonites. There was enthusi- Protestant church from nearby assassinated him. astic singing, loud music, speaking in Barrancabermeja on a recent pastoral The pastor and church members tongues and communion with visit to Los Yeques and La Florida. The seemed unperturbed by events and footwashing. group distributed school kits, Bibles and expressed their desire to continue In Cachipay, where the Mennonites toys while the pastor preached a sermon nurturing spiritual connections.—From and led in prayer and singing. CPT release have a retreat centre, the group

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 31 LocalChurch

Abbotsford, B.C. B.C. women’s group ponders uncertain future ritish Columbia Mennonite But the loss of Women in Mission was founded support for B in 1939 for women to support missions, students one another and do good for others. and Camp Squeah For 65 years, this organization of is the one women’s groups has supported mission Thiessen would work overseas, projects at Camp feel most keenly. Squeah, and scholarships for students “B.C.’s at Columbia Bible College and other Mennonite Mennonite schools. Women in Mission At a business meeting in early have always been February, however, the future of this an essential ‘glue’ work was called into question. Several of our conference key positions had no prospective of churches,” said candidates. Rudy Kehler, “We don’t have anyone to fill the executive director treasurer or secretary positions and of Camp Squeah. we have two vacancies on the program “The carpool committee,” said president Veronica travel to retreats Thiessen. “If these positions aren’t at Squeah, the filled by our Inspirational Day in eating, the April, we will have to fold.” laughter, the The uncertainty didn’t prevent the crying, the Women from last year’s B.C. Women in Mission retreat 51 women who attended the meeting sharing and the enjoy a meal. Val Redekop and Erna Janzen are seated from celebrating the many good things support of projects facing the camera. Across from them is Irmgard Thiessen. that have been accomplished in the they have pro- past year. Money raised supported vided over the years...is all too good to we need to do is re-vision, help the mission work in Ukraine and Chile, let go. I hope this unique and eclectic next generation to catch this vision so and provided scholarships for two group continues to flourish.” that they own it.” Columbia students. Two women A bursary Val Hoock received this Thiessen will do what she can to received bursaries. year from the Women in Mission was prevent the group from folding. The women floated ideas on what one of the only ones for which she Information letters have gone out to could happen if Women in Mission qualified as a part-time student. She churches, telling women it’s not too were to fold. One option: asking speculates that part of the problem is late to respond to committee vacancies churches to take turns planning and that many women in the churches or share ideas for the future of Women hosting the annual inspirational day. don’t realize all the things that the in Mission. The annual women’s retreat at Camp group does. “When you look back at the minutes Squeah could continue with a program Providing substantial bursaries isn’t and read about the desire of these committee reporting to the executive “something we can just do on our own women to help the poor, even though of MC British Columbia. as churches,” she said. “Maybe what they were poor themselves—and now it might end, it makes me sad,” said Thiessen. “I am still praying that it Canadian Mennonite University has ideal facilities for will not happen.”—Angelika Dawson

Check out the Canadian Mennonite web site • Meetings • Lodging • Conferences • Food services www.canadianmennonite.org • Family Gatherings • Sporting events (A/C gymnasium) Easily accessible via major city routes and only 15 minutes from the airport. 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. | Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 204.487.3300 | [email protected] | www.cmu.ca

32 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 LocalChurch

Gus, a daughter, Lauren Grace, Sargent Avenue Mennonite, People & Events Transitions Jan. 28. Winnipeg, Man., Feb. 10. Peters—to Janet and Eric, Klassen—Katie (Wiebe), 92, Bloomingdale, Ont.—Last fall, Births/adoptions North Kildonan Mennonite, First Mennonite, Saskatoon, Rudy and Sharon Dirks, Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Sask., Feb. 1. returned Mennonite Church Bartel Dahl—to Pamela and Raya Miriam, Jan. 10. Krahn—Katharina, 89, North Canada workers, shared Gregory, of Toronto, Sargent Steinmann—to Alyce and Kildonan Mennonite, Winni- stories at Bloomingdale Avenue Mennonite, Winnipeg, Todd, East Zorra Mennonite, peg, Man., Jan. 6. Mennonite Church about their Man., a daughter, Olivia Jayn, Tavistock, Ont., a daughter, Redekop—Annie (Rempel), work among people with HIV/ Feb. 4. Samantha Christina, Feb. 20. 84, Bethany Mennonite, Virgil, AIDS in Botswana. Mennonite Heavener—to Kelly Brooks Thiessen—to Fiona and Ont., Jan. 23. Central Committee had just Heavener and Kevin, Hunta Steven, of Chertsey, Que., Rempel—Peter Dietrich, 84, introduced its AIDS kits Mennonite, Ont., a son, Cole Morden Mennonite, Man., a North Kildonan Mennonite, project, and we thought Hunter, Feb. 20. daughter, Anna Rebekah, Winnipeg, Man., Dec. 15. Advent would be a wonderful Heppner—to Donna and Jan. 26. Steckley—Ella, 83, Brussels time to get involved. Each Mike, Grace Mennonite, Mennonite, Ont., Feb. 8. Steinbach, Man., a son, Jordan Sunday one item for the kit Marriages Wall—Jacob, 76, North was featured. Children took Anthony Wiebe, Feb. 17. Kildonan Mennonite, Winni- baskets through the congrega- Hunsberger—to Michelle and Funk-McLean—Matthew and peg, Man., Nov. 4. tion to collect the items. Two Keith, Trinity Mennonite, Danica, Steinbach Mennonite, Willms—Sara, 91, North older children collected Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Man., Feb. 14. Kildonan Mennonite, Winni- donations and the offering. Jenna Dawn, Dec. 13. peg, Man., Jan. 29. Youth told a children’s story Janzen—to Jennifer (Peters) Deaths Canadian Mennonite welcomes about the featured item and and Jeremy, Steinbach Mennonite, Man., a daughter, Janzen—Paul, 70, First transitions announcements within how it would be used. On Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask., four months of the event. When January 4, tables displayed the Juniper Joanne, Feb. 10. Kim—to Angelique Toews Feb. 5. sending by e-mail, please identify materials collected. As worship Klassen—Katherina, 87, congregation (name and location). ended, people put one of each (Arnaud Mennonite, Man.) and item into a box. We gathered around the completed kits and prayed that God would ease the suffering of people with AIDS. Our congregation collected 39 kits and $1,247.40 for the project. (Zellers stores offer a discount for items if a pastor writes a letter explain- ing how they will be used.) It was one of the most thrilling missions drives we have had in years.—Martha Snyder

Toronto, Ont.—On October 29, Johanna Wall from Warden Woods Mennonite Church was made a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the honour society of Jesuit schools of higher education. The honour is based on scholarship, loyalty and These Canadians were among 36 workers who began Mennonite Central Committee assign- service. Wall has been studying ments in January. From left: Susan Fehr, Chatham, Ont., is employment and settlement coordi- at Regis College, the Jesuit nator in Chatham; Helena Guenther, Mt. Salem Evangelical Mennonite, Aylmer, is receptionist/ College at Toronto School of settlement worker in Aylmer; Antoinette Gammel-Marchard; Norma Neufeld, South Abbotsford Theology. She completed a Mennonite, B.C., is provincial thrift shop coordinator; Yayumi Uyeno, Calgary, is human re- master’s degree in ministry source representative in Calgary; Raechel Fehr; Laila Brand is youth/young adult animator in and spirituality there last Kitchener, Ont.; Patty Ollies, Riverdale Mennonite, Millbank, Ont., is provincial thrift shop November. Currently she is coordinator; Kelly Klassen, Foothills Mennonite, Calgary, is financial assistant in Calgary; working on a diploma in Evonne Komaromi, Danforth Mennonite, Toronto, is project development coordinator in spiritual direction at Regis Toronto; Samuel Falk; Christina Falk, Winkler Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church, Man., is while working with two community health worker in Brazil; Duane Falk, Winkler EMMC, Man., is water and appropriate hospices in Toronto, doing technology worker in Brazil; Betty Marshall, Zion Mennonite, Elmira, Ont., is thrift shop volunteer training and work manager in Elmira; Cory Giesbrecht; Masami Giesbrecht, Winnipeg, is coordinator at a preg- with staff.—From Warden nancy and family support service; Iona Rowat Taylor; Kira Rowat and Stuart Taylor, of St. Woods report Pierre-Jolys, Man., are agriculture and nutrition officers in Zambia.—MCC release

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 33 LocalChurch TheChurches

MennoniteMennonite Church Church Holy Land visit Canada Canada Glenn Witmer, Israel liaison to North American Mennonite Financial future churches, will lead a tour encouraging through Israel and Palestine from April 17 to May 1. The Preliminary financial reports learning tour will include for 2003-04 show that 99.8 biblical sites and modern percent of a $3.9 million political issues. Witmer is donation budget has come in to supported by Mennonite Mennonite Church Canada. Church Canada Witness. The results are generating renewed hope for the possibili- ties of MC Canada ministries, MennoniteMennonite Church Church leaders say. Manitoba The numbers also suggest a Manitoba renewed sense of ownership of MC Canada, and that financial Chaplaincy office is recovery is the result of many refuge for students people responding. “I feel at home here. This is my “The reaction from all parts Cliff Dueck, second from left, with campers in Ukraine. Dueck is quiet spot at the university to of the church, expressed in a Mennonite Church Canada Witness workers and this year’s take a break.” This comment many different ways over the donations from Canadian churches will assist his camping was made by a University of past year, has shown that program there. Manitoba student who enjoys people care deeply about this the refuge of the Inter- faith community,” said Dan Prayer request Sunday morning worship at Mennonite Chaplaincy Office Nighswander, general secre- Danforth Mennonite Church in at the University of Manitoba. tary. Sources of donation Pray for Walter Franz, director Toronto. A fuller report will Mark von Kampen has been income are congregations, of Native Ministry for MC appear in the next issue. serving as the Mennonite individuals, and corporate Canada, as he receives chaplain on campus since donors. “We are grateful for the chemotherapy treatments for Micah fund September 2003. Since that support of so many people in leukemia. grants awarded time more than 65 students response to God’s call,” added “After my last set of and 6 staff have visited his Nighswander. treatments, it appeared as Since 1996, following Ontario office at the University Centre. Al Rempel, director of though the cancer cells had government cuts to social “A number of these come by development, noted how the developed resistance to the services, some MC Eastern the office regularly. Some donation and expense sides of drug being used,” he wrote Canada constituents have come several times a week,” the equation have been recently. Treatment was put on contributed to the Micah Fund said von Kampen. working in concert to encour- hold as a newer drug was to support social programs. The Inter-Mennonite age leaders. “There were explored. The new drug takes This year the funds will go to Chaplaincy Association is a specific donations to help longer to administer and may ministries in Montreal, joint campus ministry of four rebuild reserves that were initiate a reaction for the London, Toronto, Hamilton and Manitoba conferences: drawn down last year. Volun- patient. Franz was scheduled Kitchener. Evangelical Mennonite, teers graciously gave time to for further treatment at the The projects include: Evangelical Mennonite help reduce costs of some end of February. dictionaries to help school Mission, Mennonite Church activities,” said Rempel. children with their homework; Manitoba and Mennonite Henry Krause, moderator, Mennonite Church start-up kits for immigrant/ Mennonite Church Brethren. It also receives said, “There were sacrifices Eastern Canada refugee families settling into Eastern Canada support from congregations and gifts made this past year new homes; opportunities for and individuals. The board of by staff, volunteers, and seniors in subsidized housing Mennos and Muslims directors has representatives leadership, and I am grateful to get together; office equip- in Metro from each conference. for them all. This kind of ment for those helping The Mennonite chaplain’s dedication and belief in the About 20 Mennonite young newcomers to Canada find office serves as a quiet place church is what makes our adults participated in a meaningful employment and for meditation or study, a denomination a community I Toronto weekend in February safe housing; and a revolving setting for counselling, a place am proud to be a part of…. It entitled “Mennonites and loan fund for families in crisis. for sharing information from is exciting, challenging and Muslims in Metro.” They met The next issue of Share the churches and related organiza- important work God calls us to with a similar number of Light (available after April 1 tions, as well as a gathering do.” young adult Muslims. at www.mcec.on.ca/missions) Included in the exchange will provide more details. place for fellowship, discus- was a visit to a mosque and sions and worship, said von

34 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 TheChurches

Kampen. 13 at Bethel Mennonite its energies on the vision for “The office provides valuable Albert men enjoy Church in Aldergrove to decide future ministry of MC B.C. The information and contacts for curling bonspiel on three motions relating to third is to hold study seminars church related activites,” their relationship to MC on sexuality and the issue of commented a student. “It’s a The annual Alberta Mennonite Canada. structure and governance as it great place to ask questions, Men’s Curling Bonspiel was Since the last meeting in relates to theological discern- discuss issues, meet friendly held February 13-14 in November, the executive ment and practical ministry. people amd get ideas.” Didsbury. The event is as well worked together with four The motions also include a Von Kampen is in the office known for its relaxing social individuals representing request for churches to remain on Monday mornings and all atmosphere and great pies as different voices in the church formally tied to both the day Thursday and Friday. it is for enthusiastic community to prepare these provincial and national sportmanship. motions. The four individuals conferences during this This year 22 teams partici- were Waldo Neufeld, Karen process. In a letter to the MennoniteMennonite Church Church pated, playing a total of 41 Heidebrecht-Thiessen, Ed churches, moderator Doug Epp SaskatchewanSaskatchewan games to determine winners in Janzen and Philip Wheaton. thanked the churches for their 4 separate events. A big They processed the feedback prayers and participation in Grants to thanks goes to organizer from the November 29 the process. Saskatchewan Herman Epp and the many meeting, as well as feedback “I am thankful for the many volunteers who make this sent to the conference office prayers that we have shared churches recreational event something afterwards. with our Lord on MC B.C.’s The board of Mennonite Trust many in Mennonite Church The first motion recom- behalf,” he wrote. “It is good to Ltd. of Waldheim, Saskatch- Alberta look forward to each mends the formation of an ad know we are supporting each ewan, has announced that it is winter! hoc committee to deal with the other in this way.” giving $3,400 to each of the concerns that B.C. churches Reports on the delegate owning conferences in 2004. MennoniteMennonite Church Church have voiced with regards to session will appear in an The conferences that own BritishBritish Columbia Columbia MC Canada and the percep- upcoming issue. Mennonite Trust are: tion of a growing acceptance of Mennonite Church Saskatch- Delegates facing homosexual practice within ewan, the Saskatchewan three motions the church. Conference of Mennonite The second motion proposes Brethren Churches and The Mennonite Church B.C. that MC B.C. executive focus Fellowship of Evangelical delegates are meeting March Bible Churches. In the past, the conferences have used these profit distri- butions for prison ministries, Resources for congregations missions, church planting and hrough Lent, Mennonite Central Com- contains recordings of the choir at the scholarships.—From mittee has invited people to fast one Lobengula Brethren in Christ Church. The CD, Mennonite Trust release Tday a week as a lament for the violence produced by choir member Bryan Moyer in the world, and as an act of hope for peace. Suderman, is available for $18 plus shipping The resource is available on the web site at from The Bookshop at Pandora Press, phone MennoniteMennonite Church Church www.mcc.org/fast. It is built around read- toll-free 1-866-696-1678, or visit AlbertaAlberta ings from the Common Lectionary. The www.pandorapress.com. materials include articles, stories, a brief New at meditation and prayer. Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine are Camp Valaqua planning bicentennial celebrations of the “Peace: The Ultimate Trick,” a new video/ Molotchna Colony this spring, June 3-6. There A new camp schedule featur- DVD from Mennonite Central Committee, will also be a celebration on October 10 when ing slighter shorter camp introduces kids in grades 5 to 9 to MCC’s the Mennonite Heritage Cruise visits weeks with a Friday evening work around the world and challenges them Molochansk. For information on the Mennonite closing program will debut at to work for peace. The 12-minute video is Centre, visit www.mennonitecentre.com/. For Camp Valaqua this summer. narrated by Ryan, a boy from Ontario who details on the bicentennial academic conference The Friday evening closing likes to skateboard. Skateboarding tricks and celebrations, e-mail Harvey Dyck at: will allow camp staff to are hard, he says, but overcoming violence is [email protected]. rejuvenate themselves and even more difficult—it’s the ultimate trick. clean up the facility more Viewers see an MCC Colombia program that For congregations who want to discuss Mel adequately between camps. It helps youth, displaced by war, learn conflict Gibson’s controversial movie, The Passion of the will also allow families a full resolution skills. The resource is available Christ, there is a helpful web site which Saturday for their own for free loan from MCC offices. includes a bulletin insert. The web site summer activities. (www.nccusa.org/pdfs/passionfilmguide.pdf) Camper brochures, promo- Mennonite World Conference has released a comes from the Interfaith Relations Commis- tional materials, and staff CD of music from Africa 2003, the assembly sion of the National Council of Churches in the opportunity information will in Zimbabwe. A major part of the CD is United States. The guide is “excellent,” says soon be available. music by the international choir that led Elsie Rempel, director of Christian Education worship music during Assembly 14. It also and Nurture for MC Canada Formation.

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 35 AdvertisingLocalChurch

Employment opportunities

36 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 LocalAdvertisingChurch

Announcements

Parking lots, ploughs and prayers t’s not supposed to snow when it’s so cold, but one week in January the white stuff came down in Edmonton all day I Wednesday and continued in flurries until Saturday. Shovels scraped noisily at every pause in the downfall but the wind repacked the tiny crystals into ever harder drifts. Wind chills were into the minus 45 degree range for the entire week. Lyle Franz has the unenviable job of clearing snow at First Mennonite Church. The tractor felt it was too cold to leave the garage that Sunday morning. Lyle, armed with only his shovel, was stuck looking at drift-covered sidewalks, and a large, snowy parking lot. So he did what any First Mennonite member would do—he called Jake Baergen. Jake, the go-to guy for any facility concern, was also frustrated in his attempt to rouse the tractor. Defeated, he went to get gas for his car, already formulating an apology for the morning announcement time. At the gas station, Baergen noticed a grader stopping for fuel. “Now, why wouldn’t I talk to that guy?” thought Jake. Even though the grader was not privately owned, the busy driver agreed to help. A few minutes later the lot was expertly cleared and ready for the morning influx of cars. “Whom do I make the cheque out to?” Jake asked. “There’s no charge,” was the reply. “Pray for me.” That morning, we at First Mennonite were all ministered to by a passing grader operator, showing us that God’s goodness is alive in our city.—Donita Wiebe-Neufeld

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 37 ToLocalMorrowChurch

Reception for Seminar on faith May 29: MCC World Fair in May 7: MEDA breakfast at Arthur Gingrich and law Black Creek. Call Sharon Grainfields Restaurant, Janzen at (250) 337-4004. Saskatoon with John McLeod, London, Ont.—An afternoon Waterloo, Ont.—Lawyers, August 20-22: 50th Anniver- aboriginal businessman, honouring the life and work of judges and law school gradu- sary Homecoming at Burns 7:30 a.m. Arthur Gingrich will be held ates who are affiliated with Lake Mennonite Church. May 16: Rosthern Junior on April 25, 2:00 p.m. until Mennonite and Brethren in Contact Rob Wiebe, e-mail: College spring concert. 4:00 p.m., at Valleyview Christ churches are invited a [email protected], fax: June 2: MEDA breakfast at Mennonite Church. Gingrich, conversation at Conrad Grebel (250) 698-7363. Grainfields Restaurant, 90, has spent his life serving University College on April 17. Saskatoon with Jim Dyck on the church and working with The day, sponsored by the Alberta world food industry, 7:30 a.m. humanitarian organizations. Institute of Peace and Conflict June 6: Shekinah Bike-a-thon. He and his wife Marie spent Studies at Conrad Grebel and March 19-20: Missional June 11-12: MCC Relief Sale 30 years under the Ontario Mennonite Central Committee Church training at Camp in Saskatoon. Mennonite Mission Board in Ontario Peacebuilders Valaqua. June 24-27: Rosthern Junior northern Ontario. They then program, will focus on the April 23-24: Conference and College musical and gradua- worked with troubled youth at difficult question of upholding annual meeting of Mennonite tion (27). Ausable Springs Ranch, and and enforcing the law in one’s Historical Society of Alberta in July 2-4: Shekinah 25th pioneered a program in Nairn work, while practising a Edmonton, at Lendrum anniversary celebrations. as houseparents for psychiatric nonviolent Christian ethic. Mennonite Brethren Church July 7: MEDA breakfast at patients. Participants will address (23) and First Mennonite (24). Grainfields Restaurant, Arthur has written a uncomfortable areas in the Speakers: John B. Toews, Tena Saskatoon, 7:30 a.m. number of books, and the intersection between faith and Wiebe, Lorne Buhr. August 4: MEDA breakfast at proceeds support various social work as a lawyer, how the faith May 7: Camp Contact meeting Grainfields Restaurant, programs. His books will be community views the legal at Camp Valaqua, 8:30 p.m. Saskatoon, 7:30 a.m. available at the gathering.— system and the legal profes- May 8: Workday at Camp September 10-12: Junior high From reports sion, and how we view the role Valaqua. Call (403) 637-2510 retreat. of law in society and in the for details. September 30-October 2: Westgate searches church. May 15: Songfest at Foothills Canadian Mennonite Health For more information, call Mennonite, Calgary. Conduc- Assembly at Shekinah. for alumni Lowell Ewert at (519) 885- tors: Mark Bartel and Joanne Wiens. Winnipeg, Man.—Westgate 0220, extension 380, or e-mail: Manitoba June 5: Hike-a-thon for Camp Mennonite Collegiate is [email protected]—From Valaqua. Call (403) 637-2510 March 20: Winnipeg compiling a list of alumni to Conrad Grebel release for details. Mennonite Elementary keep them informed of what is June 18-19: MCC Alberta Schools spring banquet at happening at the school. Relief Sale in Coaldale. Bethel Mennonite Church, Former students are requested Winnipeg, 6:00 p.m. Call 885- to send their year, name, Saskatchewan 1032 or 261-9637. address, phone number, e-mail Calendar March 31: Open house at address, and some indication March 24: MEDA banquet at Canadian Mennonite Univer- of what they are doing. British Columbia Bethany Manor, Saskatoon, sity. Send information to April 3, 4: Abendmusik 5:30 p.m. Presentation on April 2-4: Marriage Encounter Westgate Mennonite Colle- Lenten Vespers at Emmanuel Nicaragua. weekend in Winnipeg. Contact giate, 86 West Gate, Winnipeg, Free Reformed Church, March 27: Shekinah Peter and Rose Dick at (204) MB R3C 2E1, or e-mail: Abbotsford (3), and Knox fundraising banquet and 757-4705. [email protected]. United, Vancouver (4), 8:00 auction at Mount Royal April 15-17: Senior high —Westgate release p.m. Benefit for Menno Simons Mennonite Church, Saskatoon. drama at Westgate Mennonite Centre. April 2: Evening of Quartets Collegiate, Winnipeg. Women’s group April 25: B.C. Women in fundraiser for MCC at Nutana April 18: Graduation for on self-esteem Mission Inspirational Day at Park Mennonite, Saskatoon, Outtatown students at Sherbrooke Mennonite 7:30 p.m. Canadian Mennonite Univer- Waterloo, Ont.—Shalom Church, Vancouver, with April 3: Saskatchewan Women sity, 2:00 p.m. Counselling Services of speakers Kendra Loewen and in Mission Enrichment Day at April 20: Meeting on diverting Waterloo is again offering a Louise Bergen. For details, Osler Mennonite Church. taxes from military, at seven-week group entitled, phone (604) 823-6101. April 7: MEDA breakfast at Canadian Mennonite Univer- “Women and self-esteem: May 1: Scrapbooking Grainfields Restaurant, sity. Discovering your best self,” on fundraiser for youth at Saskatoon with Gordon Enns April 24-25: Canadian Monday evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 Sherbrooke Mennonite on Heifer Project, 7:30 a.m. Mennonite University spring p.m. beginning March 22. To Church, Vancouver, 9:00 a.m. April 19-23: Seminary class concert (24), 7:30 p.m. and register, call (519) 886-9690. to 4:00 p.m. Phone (604) 327- on “Becoming a missional convocation (25), 2:30 p.m. —Shalom release 3913. church.”

38 Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 ToMorrow

May 1: Manitoba Women in March 30: Mennonite Savings United Mennonite Educational July 11: United Mennonite Mission Enrichment Day at and Credit Union 40th annual Institute, Leamington, Educational Institute Pancake Bethel Mennonite, Winnipeg. meeting at St. Jacobs 7:30 p.m. Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Service Speakers: Pam Driedger and Mennonite Church. Speaker May 20: Spring concert at 10:00 a.m. Marilyn Houser Hamm on Henry Paetkau; music by Rockway Mennonite Colle- prayer. Inter-Mennonite Children’s giate, Kitchener. United States May 14-16: “Come walk with Choir, 7:30 p.m. May 28-30: “Sound in the me,” a gathering of the March 30, 31, April 1: land” music festival/conference March 22-25: Mennonite Supportive Congregations Rockway Mennonite Collegiate at Conrad Grebel University Camping Association conven- Network at Crossways (222 gr. 6-8 drama, “Charlotte’s College, Waterloo. tion at Drift Creek Camp, Furby St.), Winnipeg. Contact Web,” 12:30 p.m. matinee (30); June 15-18: Summer Training Lincoln City, Oregon. Karen Schlichting at (204) 7:00 p.m. (31, 1) Institute for church leaders by March 25-28: Mennonite 772-9610. April 17: Women of MC Conciliation Services Canada, Health Assembly in San May 27, June 3: Westgate Eastern Canada Enrichment at Conrad Grebel University Francisco. Phone: (219) 534- Mennonite Collegiate concerts Day at St. Catharines United College. Phone Nan Cressman, 9689, e-mail: at Bethel Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church, 10:00 a.m. at 1-866-782-0287. [email protected]. Winnipeg. Senior high (May Theme: “Not a laughing June 19: Graduation at April 16-18: Connecting 27), junior high (June 3). matter,” with speaker Anna Rockway Mennonite Colle- Families Weekend on minority June 28: Westgate Mennonite Lisa Salo. Call (519) 356-2387. giate, Kitchener. sexual orientation issues at Collegiate graduation at April 19-23, 26-30: MCC meat June 20: United Mennonite Antiochian Village, Ligonier, Bethel Mennonite Church, canning in Leamington (19-23) Educational Institute gradua- Pa. Call (301) 864-6633, e-mail: Winnipeg. and Guelph (26-30). tion, Leamington, 2:30 p.m. [email protected]. April 23, 24: Menno Singers Ontario and Pax Christi Chorale perform Vaughan Williams’ March 13: DaCapo Chamber “Dona Nobis Pacem” and Choir performs music by local Durufle’s “Requiem” at Benton composers, at St. John the St. Baptist, Kitchener (23), and Evangelist Anglican Church, Yorkminster Park Baptist, Kitchener, 8:00 p.m. Toronto (24), 8:00 p.m. March 15, 16: Grandparent- April 23, 24: Mennonite Grandchild Days at Hidden Church Eastern Canada Acres Mennonite Camp. annual delegate session, Leader Dorothy Bowman on United Mennonite Educational “Patchwork stories.” Call (519) Institute, Leamington. 625-8602, e-mail: April 30: MEDA spring [email protected]. banquet at Conrad Grebel March 18: MEDA Breakfast University College with at Stone Crock, St. Jacobs, 7:30 speaker John Fast. a.m. Speaker: Steve April 30: Rockway Mennonite Rannekleiv. Collegiate, Envirathon- March 26: MCC meat canner Servathon. fundraiser dinner at Hamilton April 30-May 1: Engaged Mennonite Church, 5:00 p.m. Workshop at Living Water Music by Hope Rising. Call Mennonite Fellowship, New Martha Wells at (905) 679- Hamburg. Call (519) 656-2256. 6506. April 30-May 1: “Bound March 26-27: Engaged without boundaries,” women’s Workshop at Hawkesville retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Church. Call (519) Retreat Centre, with Janine 656-2256. Schultz. Register by April 26 March 27: Pax Christi at (519) 625-8602 or Chorale Hymn-a-thon at [email protected] Rouge Valley Mennonite May 8: Springfest at Niagara Church, Markham. United Mennonite Church, March 27: Menno Singers Niagara-on-the-Lake, 10 a.m. second Hymn Sing Fundraiser to 2:00 p.m. at W-K Mennonite Church, May 10, 11: Seniors’ spring Waterloo, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 retreat, “Self care for seniors,” p.m. Call 576-9853. at Hidden Acres Camp. March 27: Mennonite Aid Speaker: Miriam Frey. Noon Union Management Associa- meal provided. (Monday tion annual meeting, program repeated on Tuesday.) Bingemans, Kitchener, 9:30 Call (519) 625-9602. a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register at May 16: Spring concert at (519) 634-5267, ext. 210.

Canadian Mennonite March 8, 2004 Volume 8, Number 5 39 A hammer ringing I wonder, must you make this journey, Lord? But I see you pale and calm, your jaw determined as they say it was the day you left the carpenter’s bench. Three years of fishing lessons, Immanuel, and questions still buzz like flies in my brain. But I am bound to follow the light, so once again we make the circuit, hill and valley. All around you hands tugging, voices pleading. And voices of rage, but you evade the mob’s fury with quick word and action. Nights in ancient villages with crumbling walls, goats and children everywhere. Strange, how you sense the rooster girding to salute the day. Here in lush Jericho you set tongues wagging when you plucked a wily old sinner, ripe for turning, out of the sycamore tree. Now, palms behind, we trudge the dismal wilderness. Heat shimmers over rocks and crags, air fills with choking sand. This desolation oppresses, Lord. You grow sorrowful, besieged — trying to shake off a pounding in your ears, telling about an unthinkable execution. Finally, the holy city, distant towers gleaming. In nearby Bethany, loved ones rejoice at your voice, almond blossoms sweet on the breeze, your gaunt figure a shadow in the glow of evening torches. Still you do not rest. Why this wearying shuffle between Olivet and city? Come, a new day. You must take heart at the hosanna crowd. Yet now you weep, my Lord, for the stubborn city! And what of your startling roust of temple merchants, your rawboned heaving of their tables? A dangerous provocation, surely. Calm, my Lord. After the Passover clamour we may find haven in David’s caves, or that other land where once you waited out a murderous king. But why that strange pall in the upper room, and now this chilling haste to the garden, somewhere a hammer ringing, and you groaning with dread?

Esther Regehr The poet, a member of Hillcrest Mennonite Church, lives in Waterloo, Ontario.