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March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5

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what is and about the true nature of God. Nothing Worshipping rightly we can create or do can in any way equal with what God orship is an action—a verb, not a noun. It is has done. “Ascribe to the glory of his name; wor- something we do, not something we have. ship the Lord in holy splendour” (Psalm 29:2). In this, the W In fact, it was the act of worshipping together in widespread use of praise songs in our churches have been a a certain way that resulted in the birth of the Mennonite gift to our worship by emphasizing to us the sheer glory and Church. In January 1525, a small group of believers met honour due our Lord. together in Zurich to hold their own worship service. They Words translated from Scripture into the word “wor- baptized one another and shared the Lord’s Supper. No ship” include “to bow down,” “to serve,” “to honour,” and “to longer would they worship as the government or the state respect.” Each of these is a verb that requires an object. We church said they should. must bow down to—and serve—something; we must hon- “In state churches worship was an act of religious conformi- our and respect someone. Meeting the living God is where ty; in it was an act of religious nonconformity,” worship begins. No other reason for gathering is adequate— writes church historian John Rempel. “By offering baptism even our well-intentioned desire for Christian fellowship, on profession of faith and refusing to have their infants bap- or our need for instruction or encouragement. Unless we tized, the Anabaptists disobeyed the law of the land. Their encounter God, we have not worshipped. worship was an act of theological and political dissent.” Worship must also be a witness to the world. Mennonite In this issue, our Faith&Life section examines ways faith isn’t based on worshipping any particular way. Our in which some of the worship practices we have left be- emphasis on faithful living as the defining characteristic hind might have new things to offer us in this new time. of membership led us to lower the importance of shared wor- Depending on the needs of the age, the types of people ship practices, as well as to allow for a wide variety of local coming, and so on, the specifics of how we worship should worship practices to arise. I think this is appropriate. While change. However, I’d like to draw attention to the larger is- we certainly want to worship as best as we are able, we are sue of what Christian worship should do, no matter how we not Mennonites because we worship rightly. express it. Instead, God-centred worship has the effect of teaching Worship is an outgrowing of the relationship we have us the right way to live. Right living is the correct outcome with God. It is a majestic side-effect of our realization of the of an encounter with God. Far from being a retreat from the difference between us and the one who created us and all real world, worship enables us to see more clearly what the things. The origin of the word “worship” comes from the Old real world is and equips us to live in it. English weorthscipe, or “worth-ship.” Worship is the reflex God-centred worship must continually be the rope that that occurs when we encounter the Holy God. binds us as ambassadors of God’s grace and power to the By the same measure, any action of worship that does not needs of the world. have God at its centre is a way of lying to ourselves about —Tim Miller Dyck

Mission statement: Published by Canadian Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, Mennonite Publishing Service, Canadian Mennonite [email protected]; serves primarily the people and churches of Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, Mennonite Church Canada and its five area [email protected]; conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/Mennonite Tim R. Dyck, Graphic Designer, [email protected] periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the Correspondents: Leona Dueck Penner, National Correspondent, church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate [email protected], 204-888-6781 x178; Amy Dueckman, and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], 604-854-3735; news and analysis of issues facing the church. Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, timanddonita@ attglobal.net, 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON, N2L 6H7 Head office: Correspondent, [email protected], 306-933-4209; Evelyn : 519-884-3810 : 1-800-378-2524 : 519-884-3331 Phone Toll-free Fax Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected], : canadianmennonite.org Web site 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, Please send all material to be considered for publication as follows: [email protected], 519-579-7258 General submission address: [email protected] Circulation/Finance: Lisa Jacky, [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] Advertising: Karen Suderman, [email protected], toll- Calendar announcements: [email protected] free voicemail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224, home office: 519-745-4507 Transitions announcements: [email protected] Board of Directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld, John W. Goossen. Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Letter to the Editor/ Alberta: Brenda Tiessen-Wiens. Saskatchewan: Bernie Thiessen, Calendar/Transitions” by postal mail or fax to our head office. Margaret Ewen Peters. Manitoba: Aiden S. Enns, Bernie Wiebe, Editorial Staff: Tim Miller Dyck, Editor/Publisher, Paul Krahn. Eastern Canada: Mary Lymburner, Brice Balmer, Ester [email protected]; Neufeldt, Larry Cornies. Please contact Lisa Jacky at [email protected] or x221 for subscriptions and address changes. A mail-in subscription order form is in the Tomorrow section. Postmaster: Send returns to head office. We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program toward our mailing costs (PAP Reg. No. 09613, Agreement No. 40063104). ISSN 1480-042X

 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 ThisIssue

March 5, 2007 4 Faith&Life Vol. 11, No. 5 Embracing people of the Book 4 Formality in worship 7 Matins: A new direction 8 Vespers: A time for quiet worship 9

10 UpClose Former priest right at home 10 12 Arts&Culture Poetic beatitudes 12

17 InConversation Page 21 ‘We really want peace’ 17 Letters 18 Looking for light 18 Fail to plan, plan to fail 19 20 LocalChurch Muslim student at Rockway 20 Alberta Songfest cancelled 24 Electronic delivery Transitions 26 All subscribers can get the complete contents of Canadian Mennonite 27 TheChurches delivered free by e-mail The fifth act or view selected articles 28 online. For either option, Page 20 visit our website at canadianmennonite.org. 29 ToMorrow The March 19 issue will be ready by March 15. 32 WiderChurch Resource advocates available 32 Creation summit cancelled 33

Cover: A lit candle and Bible are two of the focal points of Waterloo North (Ont.) Mennonite Church’s Matins service each week. In this issue, Canadian Mennonite explores the fascination some Mennonite churches, congregants and schools have Page 21 with High Church liturgy and practices. —Photo by David Klassen

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Embracing people of the Book ( o f C o m m o n P r a y e r ) One of the emerging trends in our worship life has been a rediscovery of the power of silence, ritu- al and reverence for God’s holiness that High Church traditions preserved from earlier in church history. From Taizé services to alternative worship services in cafés, Christians are discovering good things in what their church traditions had left behind hundreds of years before. While our Mennonite worship services continue to be rooted in traditions, we can also benefit from a careful use of good ideas found elsewhere in the wider Christian tradition. For this issue, we commissioned articles from a group of people with insight in—and experience of—this grow- ing edge of our worship practice. Ed.

e are all aware that denominational loyalty is Mennonites be concerned that some of a thing of the past. This is painful for some their young people are being attract- and congregations who worry that ed to liturgical churches? they are losing their young people—or That one small Anglican con- that a tradition of worship and belief gregation is attracting Mennonite Wmight be losing its future. young people hardly makes for Some congregations, on the other hand, are the a statistically interesting grateful recipients of the enriching presence of trend. If our parish is going Christians from many denominational backgrounds. to attract young people at I am rector of St. Margaret’s, an Anglican parish all, then, given that we are in Winnipeg that is filled (we have a small build- in Winnipeg, many of them ing) with Lutheran, Roman , Baptist, are unavoidably going to be Pentecostal, Reformed, United Church and Mennonite. While some of Mennonite—especially Mennonite—worshippers. them will become Anglican Is there anything to be learned here? Should or Roman Catholic, many Photo courtesy of David Widdicombe will return to their roots as they grow older. David Widdicombe is rector of St. Margaret’s Anglican Church in Winnipeg, the home of a growing number of “high church” Mennonite congregants.

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Catholic, evangelical and historical Our task, then, is to provide them with a home at once “catholic” enough to make their familiar faith strange, “evangelical” enough to make what Anabaptism, left her Anglican parish to join Broad Mead is strange appealing, and “historic” Baptist Church in Bristol, England. She decided, she said, enough to make it clear that it is not to separate herself from “hearing Common Prayer.” Her as if their doubts have never before husband cannot have been pleased, for he was the Anglican been canvassed in the long history of clergyman whose church she left. the church. An intellectually alive par- ish can provide non-Anglican students What every city needs with access to a great tradition of So it seems to me there is no cause for alarm when young [T]he ancient catholic worship and thought that is people from the Free Church tradition fall in love with High liturgies of the larger than the Christian world they Church liturgy. Most of them will go home some day. And have so far experienced, and deeper in there is heavy traffic in the other direction besides. church ‘out- its spiritual resources than they could Asked once after a church service what Mennonites could have imagined. do to meet the needs of their young people who might oth- narrate’ the This is so because—judged by the erwise start attending more “catholic” churches, I inanely narratives of standards of the past—the present age replied that every major Canadian city needs at least one is more superstitious than profound, large High Church Mennonite congregation. contemporary and its worship is more pragmatic To create such a congregation, however, two things above than mysterious. The historic litur- all are to be avoided: secularism.

gies of the church speak with the • Churches should never set out to meet anyone’s needs, authority of the ages. They introduce even if they are young; and, young people to resources for faithful • Traditions should not copy other traditions. Christian thinking and living they And two truths need to be embraced: will need to survive in postmodernity • Worship is about offering to the thrice holy, all powerful, with its designer religions. To borrow limitlessly majestic and wholly perfect God the honour due a phrase from contemporary theology, his triune name and the thanksgiving due his cruciform the ancient liturgies of the church mercy; and, “out-narrate” the narratives of con- • This can be done most effectively when Christian com- temporary secularism. munities know well and deeply their own history and act On the other hand, Anglican young congruently with their own historic witness. people, if they stay in the church at What I am proposing here is that Christian traditions all, frequently discover a personal may be most truly themselves and, conversely, most truly faith and invitation to discipleship able to learn and borrow from other traditions with integ-

Photo courtesy of David Widdicombe among evangelicals, because—ironi- rity when they trace their histories back to the point where cally—their own liturgical experience they were last in fellowship with those believers with whom seems dry and faithless. They follow Continued on page 6 unknowingly in the footsteps of the in- dependent-minded Dorothy Hazzard, who, in the middle of the 17th cen- tury, after studying the theology of

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Anglican—and forming habits of I’ve encountered a conscious- Why does the thinking around it. But when it ness of theological history and Mennonite cross comes to defining themselves as tradition woefully lost to a group Orthodox or Anglican, many can- focused on its own existence, and the liturgical road? not shake the defining features of I’ve embraced a tradition that pacifism that grace the contours celebrates the arts but doesn’t n many cases, the answer to the of their Mennonite souls. need popular culture to dictate title question often comes after long I, for one, go to an evangelical what’s in. Siebert Iperiods of rumination. There is an Anglican church unanimously Whether Mennonites have apprehensive quality to the inquiry, as acclaimed as “the fastest growing what it takes to combat the idols if a balanced weighing of the facts might Mennonite church in Winnipeg.” Am I still of the marketplace today—that encourage uncover a hidden agenda to displace a Mennonite? Well, if it’s what defines the desire over reason—is a good question. tradition or upset a natural order. moment of departure, then no, I haven’t Perhaps innocence of the world can still A quality of fear towards the unknown informed my parents of a change in heart. save us. But for someone who sees the fu- is normal, I think, and as Mennonites who What I tell them is that I’ve had an ture challenge of the church as an attack have become experts in conflict resolu- encounter with something that upholds on the legitimacy of reason, I’m not wait- tion across the globe, we understand that the dignity of God in relation to his com- ing around for the next U2 album to show getting to know the particularities of a munity and shatters human insistence on me how my faith can be “emergent.” perceived enemy go a long way to alleviat- self-definition. I’ve also encountered a God —Andrew Siebert ing mutual antagonism. who isn’t afraid of asking tough ques- The author is assistant editor of ChristianWeek So even lifelong Mennonites are em- tions of my faith and challenges my use of newspaper. bracing the liturgy—both Orthodox and reason to its full potential.

they have since come to have significant disagreements, cross and follow him. And the church or with whom they are seeking some measure of mutual calendar is surely compatible with understanding. a spirituality that seeks to imitate Anglicans, for example, are powerfully attracted to the . theology and practice of the undivided church of the first four But this must be more than copying, great ecumenical councils. Here, they are nourished on the importing or experimenting. It must high Trinitarian theology of the creeds and the early church be an appropriation of deeply informed fathers. However, it is here they are also brought into vital catholic worship that, at the same contact with the eastern and western tra- time, keeps faith with the martyrs ditions of ancient that would who counted the cost of discipleship eventually become Orthodoxy and Roman and paid for it dearly. What of catholic Catholicism. We can ignore neither one worship and spirituality can serve of these giants nor their respective—and contemporary Mennonitism? I doubt non-Anglican—readings of that same that the answer is anything as close to undivided church. obvious as the random use of symbols I imagine it to be the case that there is a similar interest in worship, but I suspect that it is among Mennonites in the moment just before and just after worth looking for nonetheless. separation from Rome. I imagine it to be the mission of a Mennonite worship needs to be, at High Church Mennonite congregation to know: the same time, more beautiful and • What of medieval liturgy, piety and theology was left be- more austere than it often is—in both hind and why; cases demanding, not easily acces- • What was not left behind entirely but continued to shape sible, worth submitting to, and at once the earliest Anabaptist believers; and, Catholic and Protestant. Returning • What was—but should not have been—left behind, because to its Reformation roots, High Church its rejection was, in the long run, not critical to the move- Mennonitism might ask whether it is ment’s central claims and historical achievements. not in some important respects a form What exactly are Protestants protesting these days? And of radical Catholicism, radically com- why? For example, a High Church Mennonite congregation mitted to the teachings of Jesus and might model for its denomination the ways in which a return the practices of the primitive church, to patterns of worship based on the church year deepens an yet interested to know where the experience of Jesus as the one who calls us to take up the Catholic tradition has also heard and heeded the call to embrace the politics of Jesus. It would not be seeker-friend- ly, but it might be deeply faithful. —David Widdicombe

 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 Faith&Life Formality in worship: Style or structure? o, is it really High Church Word…and respond…as we go.” liturgy if last week’s confession It is important that chapel services have a predict- Sincluded part of a Bill Cosby able structure based on the Service of the Word, but sketch and this week’s prayer for this does not preclude departing from it occasionally for Christian unity involved a liturgical sound pastoral or other reasons. ball of string? The more serious So how does this all work out practically? question for me is, “Are we talking Several years ago, Jen, a Lutheran student, was on about a formal style of worship or the chapel committee. She asked why we never end our liturgical structure?” Scripture readings with “The Word of the Lord,” and If it’s style, then I don’t think that the congregation’s response of “Thanks be to God.” I Conrad Grebel University College could think of no reason other than we’d never done it. chapel services would qualify as High As we discussed it, it became clear that this was more Church. If we’re talking about struc- than just another element for liturgy envy. ture, that’s a different story. When we receive a gift, especially the gift of God’s Good liturgical structure is at the Word, it’s only polite to say thank you—and so now we heart of what gives worship at Grebel do. It comes naturally and without script. It’s our habit When we receive its character. In our policy books, our to be thankful for the Word of God when it is shared in worship is mandated to both express worship. a gift, especially and form our understanding and expe- Another element of our worship service is “three si- the gift of God’s rience of God. Our chapel services are lent minutes.” As much as any element, students notice first and foremost worship of God and its absence and appreciate its presence. Sometimes we Word, it’s only encounter with the risen Christ. use our three silent minutes as a gathering confession, This corporate support of per- sometimes as a prayer of response, sometimes—ironical polite to say sonal discipleship carries a distinct as it seems—as part of the sermon. thank you.... Mennonite flavour and welcomes Most of all, however, it is a liturgical counter-cul- influences from other Christian tural protest against the frenzy of life, which demands traditions. Our usual service struc- so much of our attention. In our three silent minutes, ture is based on the Service of the we give our attention exclusively to God. That doesn’t Word, which essentially consists of mean we don’t hear the sounds of the Scripture reading, a sermon, prayer building around us, the wind breathing and song. It moves through four through the oak tree outside or the oc- phases identified in the following casional rumbling stomach. Even in these sentence: “We gather…to hear God’s things, God’s presence and Word become clearer and available. The other day, our academic dean, Jim Pankratz, observed that when you’ve got strong pegs to hold the tent, you can be most creative with the space in between. I think that’s a pretty good metaphor for the way we approach worship at Grebel. We trust and value the structure of worship as we’ve received it from previous generations and various tradi- tions. I get enthusiastic about the joy of working with students as they find their way into it and the freedom of expression it allows them to worship God and meet Christ. —Ed Janzen The author is chaplain at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ont.

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Matins: A new direction for Waterloo North worship he impetus to a liturgical worship service at to the morning prayers of the monastic Waterloo North (Ont.) Mennonite Church did not tradition. Tbegin with a focus on worship style. At our 1998 Matins worship at Waterloo North business meeting we discussed numerical growth in our began with four services in the spring congregation. Growth had come as a mixed blessing. of 2006 and then continued in an ongo- Sunday school and worship space were not adequate. ing way last fall. We meet from 8:30 to Although an accordion wall allowed overflow into the 9:15 a.m. Attendance of 40 to 50 con- fellowship hall during worship, people in the overflow sists of people from the congregation, felt disconnected. newcomers and regular visitors from We tried various strategies, including two identical other congregations. Some consider worship services and encouraging people to consider this their full worship participation; becoming part of other local Mennonite churches. Then others participate as a contemplative a congregational transition team identified three core preparation for the “regular” service. values and aspirations, one of which was exploring the The service follows a litany that is development of a second worship service with the free- modified to reflect the liturgical sea- dom to reconsider worship style. sons. It includes times of silence, sing- Eight people accepted the call to ing and prayers. Matins begins with give leadership and this group met worshipful actions of opening the Bible for prayer and discussion for several and speaking words invoking God’s months. The group was led to plan a presence. The focal point of worship is contemplative worship service in a the reading of Scripture, which is em- liturgical style. phasized with a short homily. We have This worship style was seen as a return to ancient been blessed by this weekly ritual that Christian roots that Anabaptist Mennonites have tradi- honours the role Scripture plays in our tionally avoided. We call our service Matins in reference walk with God. The movement of the liturgy helps us to hear the Word with the depths of our being. There has been excitement in our congregation about a new initiative happening. We also face the challenge of keeping two worshipping groups together as one congregation—chang- ing the Sunday morning schedule to accommodate two services and Sunday school for all. We wait eagerly to see where God will lead us in this part of our journey. —John Peters and Ron Flaming The authors are members of Waterloo North Mennonite Church’s Matins Worship Planning Group. Photo by David Klassen Some consider the liturgical service as their full worship participation; others participate as a contemplative preparation for the “regular” service.

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Vespers at CMU: A time for quiet worship or Irvin Dyck of Winnipeg’s Charleswood Mennonite Church, Fthe monthly Vespers service at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is an opportunity to meditate on the nearness of God. “I like the quietness of the evening, the Scripture readings and the music,” he says. Jake and Mary Wiebe of Home Street Mennonite Church also like the quiet of the Vespers service. “It’s ‘It’s a good way a good way to bring the weekend to a nice conclusion and start a new week,” to bring the says Mary. weekend to a nice Rob Neufeld, who helps organize the monthly service, and who also plays conclusion and organ and occasionally conducts the choir, says that it “helps us focus on start a new week.’ God as we start our week…. It fills a need.” Vespers is an evening prayer service that originated in the sixth century in the Roman . The word comes from the Latin vesper, meaning “evening,” and the service consists of prayers, Scripture reading and music. Vespers at CMU is a time of quiet worship that occurs on the third Breathing space: Sunday evening of each month from from Portland, Ore., also found it to be September to April. Organized by a Students find God relaxing and a time where students could committee of CMU alumni, the choir in the silence get “breathing space.” “People were able is a combination of alumni, CMU stu- to forget about their responsibilities and dents and community members. CMU anadian Mennonite University able to focus on God,” she says. Since students were not permitted to staff and others take turns leading the (CMU) students decided to break free from their frenetic and noisy speak, they relied on gestures and facial services. C expressions. “It was amazing to see how routine of classes and all-nighters by The service was started in the much communication happens non-ver- early 1990s at Concord College by participating in a silent weekend at a retreat centre outside of Winnipeg. bally,” Fehr says, adding that students Bill Baerg, then a music professor at During the event, held last month, they also could get to know each other more Concord and now a professor emeri- had a chance to stop, reflect on the day intimately since they were able to be tus at CMU. He thinks the appeal of and on their lives, enjoy the sunset and comfortable in silence with each other. services like Vespers for Mennonites is pray. During the weekend, “my silence was partly due to a desire for more formal- For first-year student Andre Forget of answered by God’s silence,” she says. ity in worship—and because “many Mount Forest, Ont., the experience was “Not in a way that God was not respond- relaxing. “It was a relief being silent, ing, but rather that God was with me in people today have so little quiet in the silence, speaking to me silently as I their lives.” since there were no exhausting efforts to engage in conversation,” he says. “It realized and enjoyed the tiniest things And with so few churches having about being alive.” Sunday evening services, people have forced you not to act and it allowed you to be silent with your own thoughts and —CMU release by Alicia Visser time to do other things—and some to actually think without distraction.” The author, from Coaldale, Alta., want to take time for a quiet worship Bethany Fehr, a second-year student is a CMU student. experience. “The beauty of Vespers is that you don’t have to formulate all the thoughts and words,” he says. “It all comes to you.” —CMU release by John Longhurst

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Winnipeg Former priest feels right at home When Congolese Canadian Hippolyto Tshimanga returned from his first Mennonite Church Canada admin- istrative visit to Southern Africa, he exulted over the diversity of the people, the food and the view from Table Mountain. But what excited him most was the “attitude” of Mennonite workers there. In the following inter- view by Canadian Mennonite national correspondent Leona Dueck Penner, Tshimanga, a former Catholic priest/ missionary, reflects on this and other aspects of his work and life. He is mar- ried to Miriam Maenhout, former mis- sionary in Zambia. They have one son, Emmanuel, and attend Charleswood Mennonite Church.

How does your work feel after a year? And what does it involve? Quite comfortable. Both Miriam and Photo by Leona Dueck Penner I have missionary backgrounds. We Former Catholic priest Hippolyto Tshimanga is pictured in his “prayer cen- have done this all our lives. It fits our tre” at his home in Winnipeg. For the past year, Tshimanga has served as MC vision of life, forming people in mis- Canada’s Mission Partnership facilitator for Africa and Europe. sion.… I have worked in Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, USA, ship. Our theological understandings communication between Catholics and Canada, Italy and Holland. should show in our daily lives. At the Mennonites. As MC Canada Mission Partnership same time, I must confess that I suffer In my year with the Mennonite facilitator for Africa and Europe, I a loss of emphasis put on spiritual life: Church, I have met young pastors and serve as a liaison between MC Canada the Lord’s Supper, for example. other people who are asking the same Witness workers and Mennonite/ Although I understand the fear questions. During my visit to , Anabaptist partners in these re- of making the bread and wine of I was speaking with a very young gions. In some places we collaborate our celebration a magical thing, for person, Janelle Thiessen. She spoke with non-Mennonites, to bring in a Mennonites communion is not central to me about her love for the Lord’s Mennonite vision or perspective to to the life of the church. That’s a very Supper, and she wondered what can their work. In Southern Africa, we amazing thing to Miriam and me. be done to enthuse Mennonite people work with the African Independent We also miss silence in liturgy. In to more often celebrate the Churches, neo-Pentecostal and Mennonite churches, there are only and make it central. Being in Europe, Evangelical groups. Also, we’re broad- one or two minutes silence now and she came to this appreciation. ening involvements with the wider then! We need to let the Spirit of God church in Europe and Africa, including speak to us in that silence to under- Having been born in Congo, what Anglican and Catholic. stand we are living in the time of the was it like to return to Africa as a Spirit! Canadian mission administrator? What are the challenges and Mennonites don’t know how close Did it feel like a homecoming? strengths of a Catholic back- they are to Catholics! They mostly Because Africa is so diverse, our ground in a Mennonite institution know about 16th century Catholics, African partners do not see me as or congregation? not about Catholics today. Catholic African; what they deal with is the I’m very appreciative of being mission- understanding of the Eucharist delegate of MC Canada. When I travel al in a peace church and the emphasis has changed from the time of the to Africa, I am not going back to my of the Mennonite Church on disciple- Reformation. There is a lot of need for culture or my continent. The unify-

10 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 UpClose

ing factor here is —not the Stewardship stories for the generous life (Part II): culture. It’s only a homecoming when I visit my Mama in Congo! Tithe boldly—God may surprise you However, I’m familiar with the overall situation…cultural, political, hat do you do when God’s and only once did our business ac- economical, religious. This helps to principles tug at your heart counts dip into the red. better understand a given problem. Wbut you are afraid of what The most amazing response to There are things that you might see might happen if you obey? You want to our decision to tithe from our gross an African do and identify them as a trust God but are fearful of the person- business income came within about product of African culture. Sometimes al, social and financial challenges that a week of writing that first cheque. political systems, such as apartheid, may follow that act of obedience. We desperately needed to replace our or the situation of poverty may oblige For many years, my husband and I run-down business machines, but we people to act in a certain way. It’s struggled with the principle of tithing. had sunk every spare dollar into the easy to confuse this kind of thing with Finally, when we began to practise tith- business over the previous five years. culture. Other times, it’s my interna- ing, we discovered an There was no extra tional experience on several continents immediate reward. My money or unused credit that helps bridge gaps. It has given me husband obtained a new with which to purchase eyes to see and discern where are the full-time job. That was new equipment. seeds of life and the idols of death in 15 years ago. Gradually, Through a brief different cultures. tithing became second but timely search nature in our bi-weekly of the Internet, we What excites you about the work in budget planning. We came across a busi- South Africa and Botswana? simply did it. ness identical to ours The attitude of the Mennonite work- About six years ago, with equipment for though, we became Connie and Alex sale. Even though we ers towards the people—they relate de la Morandiere to other cultures and faiths very well. struggling new busi- expected the price to be Most of our Witness workers in the ness owners. In our well out of our financial region teach Bible courses to church type of business the gross income is range, we decided to call. The inquiry leaders. Sometimes they are called to impressive, but so are the expenses! brought the most incredible answer. preach, to lead sessions and seminars. There is a huge difference between All the 10-year-old equipment was Photo by Leona Dueck Penner Also, many are involved in HIV/AIDS what comes in and what is left after in excellent condition. Retail value, if ministries and other social works. paying the bills. Should we tithe on purchased new, would be more than They are doing a wonderful job…and our business income? I did not want to $80,000 plus taxes. The owners were it’s important to let them know that deal with that question even though a willing to sell for $3,000 plus taxes. they are not alone. The church is be- tithe on net income would have been Astounded, I asked the owner to hind them…visiting them through us. very little. The question led to another repeat the price to make sure I had discussion. heard the figure correctly. Do you feel at home in MC Since we based our tithe on my We borrowed the money, bought the Canada? husband’s employment cheque on gross equipment and made the eight-hour Very much so! I sense the love of God! income, should we not also tithe on our trip to pick it up with a borrowed trail- At the MC Canada Christmas party, gross business income? As principal er. Was it a coincidence that just a few someone said, “Hippo brings joy!” That bookkeeper, I found that to be a scary months earlier we had purchased a made me feel accepted! proposition. Ten percent of gross busi- used diesel truck that had exactly the —Leona Dueck Penner ness income would be quite a chunk of right capacity and power to tow that money to set aside when the balance huge trailer-load of equipment? Was it sheet continually dipped into the red. I a coincidence that there were no other struggled with the question for months. takers for such an unheard-of price or My persistent husband would not that this deal came to us exactly when let the subject drop. (I often secretly we decided to trust in God’s principle Electronic delivery wished he would have!) Finally, with of tithing? a deep breath, I agreed to take the I call it a miracle and a direct bless- Get your Canadian Mennonite plunge. I did not know how it would ing from above. I believe our God is a issues delivered by e-mail—fast, work out, but I knew from past experi- God of miracles who enjoys blessing free and convenient. Sign up now ence that we could trust God’s faithful- his obedient children. by going to canadianmennonite.org ness. Somehow, God would provide. —Connie de la Morandiere and clicking on “E-Mail Delivery.” I still remember writing that first with Ferne Burkhardt cheque from our business with trem- bling hands and heart. Looking back, Originally published in 2004-05 by the MC Eastern Canada Stewardship Commission; I see that, since then, both our private reprinted with permission. and business incomes have increased

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 11 Arts&Culture

one forbidden to pounce on nearby ze- Klassen creates poetic beatitudes bras on the ark, and builds to a powerful with all her heart to preserve image of “God spread-eagled on A Curious Beatitude by Sarah them / from shrivelling....” a tree, the temple torn,” that still Klassen. The Muses’ Company, 2006. Unfortunately, I’ve never maintains the original lion im- arah Klassen has a broad vision seen the picture, “Four Pears age. The section concludes with for her poetry, taking on both No. 3” by Martha Alf, and so a poem about the magi, and a Sthe familiar and the exotic. She my appreciation must stop series of four Advent poems. warmly invites us into her Mennonite with the poem. Klassen doesn’t propagandize upbringing in Manitoba in the 11- I particularly like the new her faith, but simply brings it poem sequence, “German Lessons in book’s third section, “The out as she does with any other the Interlake”: Stripped Garden.” “Thought aspect of her life—with beauty “Father as if he knew the wintry Bird” begins with a dry leaf in image and detail that makes interlake that she has mistaken for a sparrow, it ring true. could use a blessing and carries us into other speculations, —D.S. Martin read after morning chores including the erroneous belief in a flat The reviewer is a Canadian poet and writer. His in his prophet-voice from Luther’s earth. Another poem takes us inside poetry chapbook, So The Moon Would Not Be gothic script the head of a lion lying “on a withered Swallowed, will be available from Rubicon Press Fürchtet euch nicht.” (Don’t be afraid.) tree as if he’s dead / or dreaming,” to this month. The title poem, “A Curious Beatitude,” is about a Brahms re- quiem, and has a different section to correspond to each of the seven parts of the composition. The first, “Blest are those who carry sorrow,” is both about hearing the music and about some women—familiar and exotic—in their grief. Many other poems are also inter- connected in a series. There are nine poems based on visual art, and an eight-part poem about a trip to the Inca ruins in the Andes. A Curious Beatitude is Klassen’s sixth book of poetry, but her first of the new millennium. In her earlier collections, she also tended to write poetry in a series. In Borderwatch (1993) she wrote extensively of two summers she spent in Lithuania dur- ing the transition from communist Photo by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld rule, capturing passionately a sense Ray Dirks, curator at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg, centre, of the people she encountered in that braved Prairie roads in February to bring his photographs, stories and art out particular place and time. west. Rhonda Harder Epp of the Camrose (Alta.) Mennonite Fellowship came up For the art poems in A Curious with the idea to invite Dirks to Alberta, saying, “I saw in the gallery’s newslet- Beatitude, she has selected lesser- ter…that Dirks was willing to travel with his presentations.” Camrose Fellowship, with a membership of 30, invited Wildwood Mennonite Church of Saskatoon and known works mainly by 20th century Edmonton’s First Mennonite Church to share expenses and Dirks’ time. He vis- painters, making the poems a little ited the three congregations in as many days, while also giving presentations at less accessible than her poems about Augustana College in Camrose and visiting Mennonite Central Committee offices Leonardo Da Vinci in her second book, in Saskatoon and Calgary. Through personal stories and photographs, Dirks shared Violence and Mercy (1991). his experiences photographing the elections in Congo and his recent travels to In my favourite of her new art Ghana. Themes of partnership in the global Anabaptist family and mutual respect poems, Klassen shares her perception and learning across cultures shone through in both the visuals and words. Dirks, of the sketch artist’s desire: “The art- who specializes in watercolour portraits, is pictured at a watercolour workshop at ist adored these four pears, / wanted First Mennonite Church on Sunday afternoon.

12 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 Arts&Culture

Aylmer, Ont. DE BRIGJ 105.9 FM a hit with Low German audience programs produced by and anada’s first and only Low Hein Rempel, manager German language radio station of Canada’s first and for the Aylmer station to Cplays a crucial role in reducing only Low German radio other stations, including Onse the sense of isolation for some station, sits in his booth Jeschicht (Our Story), a half- newcomers in southwestern Ontario. in Aylmer, Ont. hour program on the history DE BRIGJ 105.9 FM (The Bridge) is of Low German Mennonites the primary source of news, weather, produced by George Rempel public service announcements, reli- of Winkler, Man., and Dit & gious broadcasts and entertainment Daut (This and That), a short for many people in the Aylmer region commentary featuring the who lack English language skills. “We opinions of council execu- often hear people say, ‘Now we are Photo by Joanie Peters tive director Abe Harms and not so isolated anymore; now we know by Manitoba musician Hank Neufeld, Rempel, and a short plaut-cast (pod- what is going on,’” station manager is the most popular request. “We call cast) about news in southern Manitoba Hein Rempel says. him plaut dietcha (Low German) prepared on a weekly basis by Cal The station, owned and operated by Johnny Cash,” Rempel says of Neufeld. Zacharias of Winkler. the Aylmer and Area Inter-Mennonite Neufeld, along with other Canadian Rempel, who was born in Mexico Community Council, provides four entertainers, have participated in and moved to Canada in 1965, says hours of daily programming Monday to fundraising concerts that helped cover Low German radio stations instill Friday and three hours on Saturday. the $70,000 set-up costs and raise rev- a sense of community pride. “Low In partnership with Mennonite enue for the $90,000 annual budget. German is alive and well,” he says, Central Committee Ontario, the coun- DE BRIGJ broadcasts news and noting that HCJB in Quito, Ecuador, cil started the station in 2003. announcements previously broadcast provides training for Low German The station’s success in commu- on Low German radio in Mexico, along broadcasters and will soon be launch- nicating with its Low German audi- with international news, children’s ing an information-sharing website ence resulted in DE BRIGJ receiving programs and religious programs to strengthen networking among Low a provincial government grant of produced by HCJB. In exchange, German radio stations. $110,000 in December to develop DE BRIGJ distributes Low German —MCC release by Gladys Terichow public education broadcasts and other resources to help victims of crime. Also Winnipeg in December, the station held an open how we understand the life and spirit of house to celebrate a new licence allow- the church,” he says. ing the station to increase power to MC Canada now Planned topics include the milita- 250 watts and expand its listening au- rization of Canada, the state of the dience to include nearby St. Thomas, on the air international Mennonite Church, so- Port Rowan and Woodstock. ennonite Church Canada cially responsible investing and creation A highlight of the open house was launched a radio program called care—all from the perspective of why giving people the opportunity to MChurch Matters on Feb.18. the church as a community of believ- participate in the popular Music by The program is the combination of ers should be united in its concern for Request show in person. “By far, our an offer from Elmer Hildebrand, owner these issues. Each episode will bring out

Photo by Donita Wiebe-Neufeld of Golden West Broadcasting—the host biblical stories and images that apply to most popular program is Music by network, and the ponderings of MC faithful living today. Integral to the pro- Request,” says Rempel. About half of Canada leadership on how to reach more gram is a desire to stay ecclesiastically the potential audience of up to 20,000 people both in and out of its member grounded, adds Suderman. people listen to this hour-long program congregations. Church Matters will be a trial effort for broadcast live on Wednesday evenings. Using an issues and interview format, one year. Continuation or expansion will “The phone never stops ringing. We Church Matters will ask questions about depend on listener feedback. could go for three hours and the phone the life of the church at home, across the The program airs on the third Sunday wouldn’t stop ringing,” he says, noting street and around the world. MC Canada of each month in southern Manitoba, that songs are dedicated to boyfriends staffers Janet Plenert and Dan Dyck will at 8:45 a.m. CST. It will be broadcast or girlfriends, and to people who are host the program. on CFAM 950 in Altona, AM 1250 in Robert J. Suderman, general secretary Steinbach and CJRB 1220 in Boissevain. sick or in hospital. of Mennonite Church Canada, says the The program can also be heard in audio The station plays music in four program fills a niche in the Christian file format anywhere, anytime by visiting languages: German, Low German, radio market. There are lots of worship- mennonitechurch.ca and doing a search English and Spanish. “Aylmer,” a Low style programs that focus on personal for “church matters.” German song composed and recorded faith, but “Church Matters is grounded in —MC Canada release

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 13 Arts&Culture

Neubergthal, Man.

Painter appreciates her faith built in the 1880s. “I want the people to value this place. Mennonites don’t community’s artistic heritage always recognize their artistic heri- n 80-year-old barn in the painted on their wooden floors over a tage,” she says. historic village of Neubergthal century ago. Many of these original Krahn fell in love with painting Ais home to Margruite and Paul patterns she found under layers of when she was in Grade 10. But for Krahn and their three daughters. linoleum. a while she tried to run away from The spacious loft, with its exposed Krahn wonders if the religious re- this calling. It requires discipline, she beams and plank floor, plays host vivals of the 1930s weren’t responsible explains, and she wasn’t ready to give to community dances and concerts. for some of the artistic expression of up other interests. “Four people were Tucked in at the back of instrumental in bring- the loft is Margruite’s ing me back,” she says, studio. It’s where two of including her husband her passions—art and Paul, father, quilter history—come together. Alvina Pankratz and As chair of the Margaret Buffie. “They Neubergthal Heritage encouraged me to just Foundation, she has been keep painting.” involved in the restora- “I don’t take for tion of buildings in the granted this gift,” village, working on the Krahn says. “It is my foundation’s newsletter responsibility to use my and creating picture pan- talents wisely. In my els to preserve stories. 30s I had a spiritual But Krahn is first and experience. Through foremost an artist. Her this experience I have bold and vivid paintings been able to let go of almost always include certain conceptions…of rocks and trees, testi- the need to save others. mony to her love of the Learning to accept them outdoors. Since she and and love them and not her family moved from need to change them is Winnipeg to Neubergthal what’s important, and more than eight years has helped me become ago, she has developed a more compassionate growing appreciation for and calmer. God became the richness of a heritage. so much bigger and Neubergthal, one of only deeper in my relation- two Prairie settlements ships. I did a lot of in western Canada where soul-searching.” a historical cultural heri- Krahn has noticed tage remains intact, was how the change is designated a National reflected in her art. “It Historic Site by the Parks has loosened me up,” and Monuments Board of Photo by Evelyn Rempel Petkau she says. “I used to be Canada in 1989. Painter Margruite Krahn works on one of her creations in her very tight. Then I went Krahn points out family’s historic house in Neubergthal, Man., that she and her big. I don’t even feel I’ve the intricacies carved husband and children are restoring. gone big enough.” 80 years ago into the Last year, Krahn’s beams that once defined the stalls that time being covered up. “It’s just a artwork depicting life in her vil- of farm animals, but now frame her theory I have,” she adds. lage was part of an exhibit at the home. Art manifested itself in these “Forty families live in Neubergthal University of Saskatchewan in early settlers, she explains, unfurl- and almost every one of them has Saskatoon. Currently, she is working ing floor cloths that she has painted. something original. There are eight on a series of paintings demonstrating The cloths imitate the patterns that housebarns still standing,” says community called Gatherings Around Mennonites—in an effort to add colour Krahn. The Krahns are presently the Table. and beauty to their lives—hand- restoring a herdsman’s house that was —Evelyn Rempel Petkau

14 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 Focus on Summer: Food, Travel and Events

June 2: Blumenort Fair Day, Blumenort Park. For information, call Bob Brandt at 205-326-6892. June 8-9: Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair. For more information, visit niverville- fair.com. June 15-16: Winnipeg Festival and Relief Sale at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg; 5-9 p.m. (15), 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (16). For more information, call 204-261- 6381. Summer: July 1: Canada Day Festivities at Men- nonite Heritage Village, Steinbach. For Food, Travel information, call toll-free 1-866-280-8741. TourMagination photo and Events July 25-28: Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede, Manitoba In 2007, TourMagination Agricultural Museum, Austin. For more is offering tours to Israel/ information, call 204-637-2354. Palestine and Jordan (includ- Things to do ing to the Dome of the Rock, July 27-29: Manitoba Sunflower Festival. pictured above); Exploring on the Prairies Free pancake breakfast, great Mennonite the World of Paul, which is this summer food, lots to see and hear in the arts, and Turkey and Greece; and a plenty of sports. Altona Centennial Park. tour to Egypt. For more infor- Manitoba For more information, call 204-324-9005 mation, or to book a tour, e- May 21: Spring on the Farm at Men- Aug. 3-6: Pioneer Days at Mennonite mail office@tourmagination. nonite Heritage Village, Steinbach. For Heritage Village, Steinbach. For informa- com or call 1-800-565-0451 information, call toll-free 1-866-280-8741. or 519-885-2522. Continued on page 16

Alberta Mennonite Relief Sale June 15- 16, 2007 Coaldale, Alberta www.mccreliefsale.com Saskatchewan MCC Relief Sale June 15 & 16 Quilts Prairieland Park, Saskatoon Canadian Foodgrains Bank Sale June 23 Hague/Osler Saskatchewan and Morris MCC Relief Sale September 8, 2007 Morris Stampede Grounds more! Huge farmer’s market! Contact: 204-427-2667 Brandon MCC Relief Sale Events: Cycle Clear Lake for MCC, June 30 Brandon MCC Relief Sale Sept. 21-22 mcc.org.manitoba/brandonreliefsale Winnipeg MCC Relief Sale and Festival June 15 & 16 Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg Visit a relief sale Aylmer Auction for Relief June 30, 2007 Aylmer Curling Club near you! New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale May 25 & 26 New Hamburg Arena and Fair Grounds www.nhmrs.com

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 15 Are you 18-24 years of age? Do you speak French? Would you like to participate in a cross-cultural living experience in Montreal? MCC Canada has the program for you— Harmonie www.mcc.org/harmonie (514) 278-3008 Mennonite Central Committee InConversation

Congolese women tell delegates ‘we really Last fall, in the midst of the first policymakers, to help lead to a change democratic elections in more than four in international policy towards Congo. decades, Wendy Lehman joined 10 want Specifically, they want the flow of guns other women on a two-week Christian into their country to stop and they Peacemaker Teams delega- want control over their tion to meet with women, peace’ natural resources. human rights groups and The struggle for churches in the Democratic natural resources fuels Republic of Congo, to hear the conflict in Congo. their stories and explore In an effort to support how the delegates might the women we met, we support their work. can ask businesses that sell gold and diamonds used to be just where these resources like to rest of came from and whether you,” Jeannette “I or not they were ethically told us. That was before mined. The same is true the Interahamwe militia for the manufacturers of soldiers came to her home laptops and cell phones, in the Democratic Republic which rely on the min- of Congo and attacked her, eral coltan—80 percent of cutting off her hands. First, the world’s coltan comes they raped her and killed from Congo. For more her child in front of her, information on these then they cut off her hands CPT photo campaigns, visit nodirty- with a machete and slashed As part of a CPT delegation, Wendy gold.org or amnestyusa.org and do a her across the head, leaving her for Lehman, right, met with a group of search for “blood diamonds.” dead. “Before the war,” she said, “we Congolese women near the town of In these small ways we hope to were peaceful and were able to live in Goma last fall. support the articulate, courageous our homes…. We really want peace.” and well-organized women’s organiza- The call for peace was echoed by as a “weapon of war” against not only tions in Congo—which are holding many other women we met. They said those directly attacked, but the larger detraumatization sessions; providing if they had peace, they could go to society. Rape is public—committed in AIDS treatment and rape counselling; their fields, collect water, take their front of husbands, children, the com- training women in trades for economic children to school. They could control munity. Armed groups use rape as an self-sufficiency; and organizing to their own resources and create their inexpensive weapon to control com- reform the legal, media and social own future. munities, with different groups having spheres—as well as going about the “As mothers, we are so tired of war. their own “signature” style of rape. day-to-day business of collecting wa- We want peace. Please go tell other Congolese women have taken ter, growing and harvesting crops, and women about the situation in the creative, significant risks to get their educating their children. Congo. Go and lobby for an end to this messages out, such as bicycling hu- As the director of the Bukavu war,” said one woman in Uvira. man rights documentation across human rights group, Heritiers de la The war and ongoing conflict since conflict zones, then hiding it under Justice (Inheritors of Justice), Maurice 1998 has left four million dead and, rocks for their partners in other towns Namwira told us, “We have been killed according to the UN Development to pick up. These messages have made and maimed, but we are still fighting. Fund for Women, hundreds of thou- it into the media and to international And we are working for change.” sands of women and girls raped. human rights organizations. The —Wendy Lehman Like many others, Denis Mukwege, a women we met wanted their stories surgeon at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, told in our home countries and to our told us that rape in Congo is targeted

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 17 InConversation

Letters This section is a forum for discussion and discernment. Letters express the opinion of the writer only, not necessarily the position of Canadian Mennonite, the five area churches or Mennonite Church Canada. Letters should address issues rather than criticizing individuals Camp experience and include contact information. We will send copies of letters referring to other parties to them to provide an opportunity to respond in a future issue if their views have not already leaves no regrets been printed in an earlier letter. Please send letters to be considered for publication to let- Your issue about camps (Feb. 5, pages [email protected] or to Canadian Mennonite, 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON, N2L 6H7, “Attn: Letter to the Editor.” Letters may be edited for length, style and adher- 22 to 24) interested me since my son ence to editorial guidelines. was a program director at Manitoba’s Moose Lake Camp last summer. similar or connected in some way. hours a day washing dishes, baking He asked me to serve on the kitchen I also appreciated the opportunity desserts, peeling and chopping veg- staff for one week. Although my work to observe first-hand the important etables, cleaning cupboards, mopping there was very different from my and challenging work the young adults floors and serving meals. Despite regular job as a high school English from our churches do at camp. They eating lots of the great food, I lost two teacher, it was definitely rewarding. cooperate and support one another as pounds during my week at camp due I gained a real respect for the organi- a team. They show God’s love to chil- to the physical demands of the job! I zational skills required by people like dren who can be difficult and demand- wouldn’t have traded the experience Alvie Martens, who is in charge of food ing at times. They share the good for anything. services at Moose Lake. I worked with news of Jesus Christ through word I’d like to encourage parents who four other women from four different and deed and song. They are on call 24 have young adult children working Mennonite churches. I had never met hours a day and yet I never heard any at camp this summer to think about them before. We became a great team of them complain. joining them there for a week or two and I enjoyed my conversations with I felt energized by the fact that as a volunteer. I guarantee you won’t them. It didn’t take long to realize we I could meet the physical demands regret it. had many life experiences that were of my job in the kitchen. I spent 10 ­—MaryLou Driedger, Steinbach, Man.

Melissa Miller Family Ties

n the southern Prairies, as January slides free us. Wherever God’s light shines, our broken, into February, the light of the winter sun wounded world is warmed, healed and made Obegins to change. Through a window in whole. In our relationships, too, a little light can my husband’s office, a shaft of afternoon sunlight go a long way towards sparking a change, a shift appears for the first time in months, an annual in perspective, a thaw in what’s frozen. event that declares, “Take heart! The The problem is, we often miss the cold darkness will not last forever!” light. Like a parka-wrapped winter A winter-weary clerk at the bakery Looking for light walker, we may be so focused on the offers her own hopeful note, saying that treacherous ice or the bitter cold—the she is no longer shrouded in darkness when driving to dangers from reaching out or the hurts we still carry and from work. Many people comment on the extra light, years after the original injury—that we may not take a more trustworthy harbinger of spring than any ground- notice of the possibilities for spring, warmth and new hog prediction. growth that the light signals. We might misinterpret During my first winter on the Prairies, I missed this someone else’s gesture. We might not even see the olive seasonal blessing. Walking with my dog over crusted ice branch they’re extending. We might hopelessly conclude and snow, bundled against the -30C chill, I was startled that the current disruption or difficulty is the end of the by another dog walker who proclaimed, “Isn’t it a beautiful story or the way it always will be. day?” In truth, I hadn’t noticed. I looked very closely at her, Take heart, gentle reader. Imagine that the source of to assess whether she was joking or mentally unhinged (she light streaming onto and warming the northern hemi- was apparently neither). She continued, “The light is chang- sphere can also brighten and warm the landscapes of ing and it’s so sunny and bright. our hearts and relationships. Makes you feel like spring is just In our relationships, a little light Peel back your eyeballs and around the corner.” see what you’re missing. Pause Clearly her imagination was can go a long way towards sparking before retorting to someone more optimistic than mine. else’s anger. Open yourself to Now, several years into life as a a change, a shift in perspective, forgiveness, to releasing what Prairie dweller, I too anticipate a thaw in what’s frozen. cannot be changed. Whisper a the light and the hope it offers. prayer when you think of the The lengthening days other. Send a card. Pick up the correspond with Lent, the season in which Christians phone just to hear their voice. Position your relational contemplate shadows that block God’s light—human hurts in the light of God’s grace. Expect good things. frailty and death, sins of the flesh, undisciplined appe- Melissa Miller ([email protected]) is a , counsellor and tites, addictions, violence and war. We turn our attention author from Winnipeg. She is currently serving as interim pastor to these shadows, seeking God’s presence to illumine and of Arnaud (Man.) Mennonite Church.

18 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 InConversation

Swartzendruber article ‘required reading’ I want to thank Loren Swartzendruber for his thoughtful and challenging ar- ticle, “Liberal or Conservative?” (Jan. 22, page 12). It should be required reading for all parents in our congregations who have school-age children, be they elementary, secondary or post-second- ary students. While Swartzendruber but there were many standouts, in- Corrections cluding the article on Rachel Bueckert writes from an American perspective, Val Pankratz has been the organizer and her poetry (“Mennonite poet wins the same can be said about Canada— of the quilting retreats at Manitoba’s Remembrance Day contest,” page 34); where we also have fine Mennonite Camps with Meaning for the last eight Evelyn Rempel Petkau’s “Jewish- schools, colleges and a university that years. She was incorrectly identified in Mennonite interaction in Winkler deserve our wholehearted support. the “Quilting retreats popular, produc- recalled” article on page 18; and the —Paul Penner Sr., Toronto tive” article that appeared in the Dec. theme articles—“Making space and 18 TheChurches section on page 37. time for God” by Gerry Ediger and And Mennonite Central Committee Reader appreciates Maurice Martin—were perfect for Manitoba is involved with the 100 Dec. 18 issue Christmas. Mile Manitoba project to get people to Keep up the good work! Still rereading the Dec. 18 issue of commit to eating locally grown food. —Andre Pekovich, Vancouver Canadian Mennonite again—your best Incorrect information appeared in the issue of the year! “Locally grown food initiative spawned Piet Visser’s article on Rembrandt in Manitoba” article on page 19 of the (“Portrait of the artist as a young Feb. 5 issue. Canadian Mennonite Mennonite?” page 32) was the star, regrets the errors.

Gary Sawatzky God, money and me

he room was a mess again today. No “expense” to be cut. Yet, as Christians, we are matter how many times he had been told to called to tithe and to give joyfully out of our Tclean, and despite all the past disciplining, abundance. it was still a mess. Money problems usually start small and Enough was enough. Judgment had continue to grow. We buy something that come and it was time to clean. The we don’t really need or just plain want, whole day was spent sorting clean To fail to plan like the extra coffee, snack or other frill. clothes from dirty and old from new, Our incomes are usually enough, but organizing and rearranging, and finally is to plan to fail because we lack the budgeting discipline discovering the floor! By the time the or the spending discipline, things get task was done, he had found many long lost items. away from us. Remember the old saying: “To fail to plan is Comments like, “I have been looking for that,” and, “So to plan to fail.” that’s where that is,” filled the room. His closet was now Some people find putting money into envelopes or jars full, the dresser organized and sorted. He had lots of designated to various spending categories is helpful. clothes. Some clothing no longer needed went to others. Others put themselves on an allowance by having pay Sometimes our financial lives look a lot like this room. cheques direct deposited, bills electronically paid, and We are disorganized and not quite sure where things are. access to credit cards limited. For some families, putting We know that we have enough, but are not sure where someone who is less inclined to spend in charge of the it is all going or even how it got there. Often there is purse strings can help turn things around. enough income, but there always seems to be more outgo. If your finances feel like they are out of control, don’t Then it feels like there is not wait any longer. Seek some enough income. The impact of tight finances is counsel. It is only too late if you A basic rule of money man- wait until it is too late. Just as agement is that if I consistently often felt first in our generosity. small spending leakages lead to spend more than I make, I will be big problems, so small changes broke. Not understanding how much I am spending—and in terms of planning and paying attention to spending on what—is a common problem. habits can make a big positive difference over time. The impact of tight finances is often felt first in our Gary Sawatzky is a stewardship consultant at the Calgary office generosity. We see giving as neither a joy nor an act of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). For stewardship of worship, but rather as an evil that causes us to be education, estate and charitable gift planning, contact your near- short of money for other things. Giving is often the first est MFC office or visit mennofoundation.ca.

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 19 LocalChurch

Kitchener, Ont. Rockway enriched by Muslim student from Iran student exchange program is Schellenberg says Daneshvar’s breaking down barriers between presence, along with the pres- AMuslims and Christians at ence of students from China, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Taiwan, Japan and Germany, Kitchener. enrich the school of 400 stu- “I like it—it’s like being an only dents that strives to create an child,” says Maryam Daneshvar, one environment where learning of two Muslim students at the school. opportunities, caring and faith “We believe different things, but are modelled and taught. “She that doesn’t come in the way of our is forthright, open and hon- friendship,” adds her friend Christine est,” says Schellenberg, adding Zwart. this openness leads to greater Daneshvar, 17, moved to Canada understanding of Islam and the in 1998 with her parents Yousef and situation in Iran. Masoumeh and her older brother, Although Daneshvar has only Mojtaba. vague memories of life in Iran, Her father was the first Iranian her contact with friends and selected to study in Canada under relatives there and the Iranian an unusual student exchange pro- community in Canada help her gram initiated in 1998 by Mennonite recognize that her faith and her Central Committee (MCC) between home country are often misrep- the Imam Khomeini Education and resented and misunderstood

Research Institute in Qom, Iran, and in North America. “The media MCC photo by Joanie Peters the Toronto Mennonite Theological make Islam look evil—it is Maryam Daneshvar, a Muslim exchange stu- Centre, which is part of Conrad Grebel insulting in a way, but it is even dent from Iran, uses art as a tool to express University College. Her father will be more hurtful that people believe her feelings. The frayed rope in her most completing his studies this year and it,” she says. recent drawing portrays the importance of the family will then return to Iran. Her family’s involvement in living in the present and not letting memo- Rockway principal Terry Mennonite churches and the ries dominate one’s life.

Windsor, Ont. Harrow, Leamington, North Leamington nity,” they wrote. “We recognize that these and Windsor—all part of MC Eastern actions are unjust and hurtful. We deeply Pastoral letter Canada) wrote to two mosques and the regret that you have been targets of fear Islamic centre in Windsor condemning the and misinformation. Stereotyping of any counters anti-Islamic conference. religion or people group violates human conference The pastors had struggled with how dignity, disregarding and attempting to to respond to the event. Some went to silence the complex self-understanding ennonite pastors in southwestern the sessions and described the content and identity of those named. This, to our Ontario have spoken out against as biased, inflammatory and stereotypi- thinking, is not the way of loving relation- Ma widely publicized January cal, where Muslims and Islam itself were ships to which God calls us.” conference held in Windsor on “The deadly painted as violently expansionist. The letter ended with an offer by the threat of Islam.” The conference received The pastors responded as “members pastors to begin “developing relationships national coverage on CBC Radio as “The of an historic Peace Church…engag[ing] of familiarity and trust, and to greater Current” covered the event put on by in a ministry of peace and reconciliation participation in interfaith dialogue.” This the Windsor Centre, with Jesus as our example,” their letter offer was based on the pastors’ realization interviewing speakers, the local MP and indicated. that they did not know the members of the participants on Jan. 16. “In recent weeks, objectionable inten- Windsor Muslim community, nor under- On Feb. 6, the pastors of the Essex tions and language have been used to stand the essence of Islamic faith. County Mennonite Churches (Faith, denigrate the Muslim faith and commu- —Dave Rogalsky

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Mennonite community has given Calgary her a greater understanding of the Christian faith. “Whatever I know Macau missionaries about Christianity, I have learned here,” she says. challenge youths When she was in Grade 9, she was selected to draw a large mural for the n the eve of Mennonite World Rockway chapel. Her mural, “Image Fellowship Sunday last month, of God,” portrays a collage of im- Oabout 50 adults, children and ages that symbolize the similarities youths of Chinese, Vietnamese and of the three religions based on the Germanic backgrounds from a number Photo by Cindy Chuong faith of Abraham—Islam, Judaism of area churches gathered at Calgary Hugo Neufeld, pastoral advisor at and Christianity. Her images include Chinese Mennonite Church for an Calgary Chinese Mennonite Church, a rock to symbolize the stability of evening of food and fellowship, and to encourages a young congregant to God, roses to symbolize love, books to learn about what God is doing in Macau. participate in a get-acquainted exer- represent the scriptures, and a dove to Mennonite Church Canada Witness cise at a church event. symbolize peace. workers Tim and Cindy Buhler told those present that the primary focus of ago through the ministry of Macau In both Qom and Canada, exchange mission is no different in Macau than Mennonite Church. Since then, she students and their families are build- has become an evangelist herself, ing bridges of understanding and in Calgary. The goal of ministry in Macau is not to bring God to the people sharing the gospel with her friends friendship between Iranian Muslims in every possible setting. Recently, and North American Mennonites, says of that city, they said, since he was there from the beginning. The question she and two friends went to China Ed Martin, director of MCC’s program for a whirlwind mission trip into the in Iran. Four families have partici- is how to introduce Jesus to people who may never have heard of him. interior, to share the gospel in some pated in this program; all report that rural villages. Now, she is talking of the most profound moments of learn- The Buhlers noted that most people in Macau worship something. At one receiving further training for long- ing come from the friendships that are term mission work. formed as students and their families point or another in their life they go to a temple to make an offering concern- In closing, the Buhlers challenged face the challenges of living and study- the youths to seriously consider a ing among people of other faiths. ing a need they have. Mission workers have found it helpful to present Jesus short-term mission assignment to “Both Iranian Muslims and North as the fulfilment of the Old Testament test God’s call to possible longer-term American Mennonites are learning assignments. about an important sister religion and sacrificial laws, who is a means of MCC photo by Joanie Peters —Marv Baergen gaining a new respect for and accep- gaining access to God. tance of ‘the other,’” Martin says. They told a particularly mov- The author is MC Canada’s Missional Formation ing story about Sarah. Now 19, she —MCC release by Gladys Terichow and Congregational Partnerships facilitator. came to know the Lord several years

Harrow, Ont. Churches catch thrift store vision arry Riediger is well known in Harrow. “Harry’s Place” was the local second-hand and thrift store H Photo by Dave Rogalsky for many years. Just a small place, it served the purpose. Volunteer manager Sandra Brown, left, Hermine Fennema and Margaret Riediger are But as the years went on, two things kept busy at Full Circle Thrift Store in Harrow, Ont., where, says Brown, “donations became apparent: the shop was too small have been great and so have sales.” and Riediger would not be able to run a The new Full Circle Thrift Store children who might not otherwise get larger place alone. So he contacted the was opened last August. Full of taste- anything for Christmas. churches in Harrow, including his home ful displays, it is a Mennonite Central The store is open daily each Monday to congregation—Harrow Mennonite Church. Committee (MCC) associate store. Like Thursday afternoon, and all day Friday The vision caught on in the community other stores, it remits funds to MCC for and Saturday. and nearly all the congregations signed relief and development, but it also contrib- “Donations have been great and so have on. The renovating of a new space, staffing utes to local needs, such as the youth cen- sales,” says volunteer manager Sandra the store, decorating and displaying the tre, a health clinic, the United Church’s Brown. goods were all accomplished in a spirit of Coats for Kids program, and a non-profit —Dave Rogalsky ecumenical generosity. sorority’s Santa Sacks, a program for

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Goshen, Ind. Gender violence speech tops Goshen College contest round the world, at least one in timidate, conquer and control women Taylor three women has been beaten, and their communities.” Acoerced into sex or otherwise But Mishra didn’t want her audi- abused in her lifetime, according to ence to think that violence against the Johns Hopkins School of Public women was only a distant issue. “The Winnipeg Health and the Center for Health and abuse and violence, of course, does Gender Equity. This and other facts not prevail in Third World countries Young anti- about global violence against women only,” she said. “In the United States, was presented by first-year Goshen a woman is raped every six minutes; a homelessness College student Niti Mishra on Jan. woman is battered every 15 seconds.” 23 during the 2007 C. Henry Smith The effects of such violence, Mishra activist addresses Peace Oratorical Contest. Mishra, noted, are wide-ranging, leaving CMU chapel an accounting major from Brampton, physical, emotional, social, mental and Ont., who originally hails from Nepal, psychological scars. And although the leven-year-old anti- won the competition with her speech, physical effects can be quite signifi- homelessness activist Hannah “Gender violence: A challenge across cant, she said that researchers have ETaylor left students and staff at a Jan. 22 Canadian Mennonite borders.” found out that the psychological ef- University (CMU) chapel with an “I was about 12 years old when I fects are “more severe and debilitating uplifting message: “If we never give first came to understand what violence than the physical ones.” up, and care enough for each other, against women could mean,” said Mishra called her audience to ac- we can do anything.” Mishra. “Violence against women is tion—to donate to organizations that When people see a homeless person, nothing new. The way our culture is help women and children around the “don’t be afraid of them, be kind to set up definitely provides a platform world and to speak out for women’s them,” she said. for this kind of cruelty to exist.... rights. “We need to recognize that The young Winnipegger’s journey Though my awakening to this violence abuse is a fundamental violation of nu- of helping homeless people across came in Nepal, girls and women fall merous human rights,” she said. “These Canada began when she was five and she saw someone eating out of a gar- victim to mistreatment and injustice violations impact the social, mental, bage can. “I was very sad and felt sick in countries across the world.” physical and emotional health of thou- about it,” she said. “I asked my mom Mishra noted that women in eco- sands of women, and have a profoundly why he had to do that. She said it was nomically desperate situations often negative impact on the development because he was homeless.” are the victims of such violence, and wellbeing of numerous families, Hannah turned that experience into whether at the hands of their hus- communities and entire countries.” a classroom project, then later began bands or boyfriends, or when sold into “We need to act now,” she concluded. making “Ladybug” jars—glass jars prostitution by their family. She said “We should not ever tolerate violence.” spray painted red with black dots—to that, in Nepal, 172,000 girls have been Because it is a peace oratorical collect spare change. That was the “trafficked” or forced into a life of pros- competition, the topics of the speeches start of the Ladybug Foundation, which has raised more than a half- titution. Women and girls are also the are required to be related to peace, in million dollars for Canadian charities victims of war, Mishra said, because a universal or specific context, includ- that help homeless people. Along “rape is used in armed conflicts to in- ing war and violence, political policies, the way, Hannah has spoken at 80 agencies of justice and peace, peace- schools and to Canada’s business and Ontarian making strategies or current events. political elite. Niti Mishra As the winner of the Goshen Members of the CMU community called for College competition, Mishra has the are doing their part to help Hannah an end to help homeless people. Ladybug jars abuse. option of entering the U.S./Canada Mennonite Central Committee- have been placed around the campus sponsored C. Henry Smith Peace so students, staff and visitors can donate their spare change. Oratorical Contest. Last year’s win- “I know some people are afraid of ner, Goshen College senior Rebecca homeless people,” Hannah said. “But Fast of Waterloo, Ont., won the bi- they are great people wrapped in old national competition with her speech, clothes with sad hearts.” “Misunderstood minds: Wasted human Hannah’s visit to the university potential,” about learning disabilities. was arranged by CMU’s Centre for —Goshen College release Leadership and Management. by Jodi H. Beyeler —CMU release by John Longhurst

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Markham, Ont. funds, and its treasurer has mentored School note the Lao leadership in how to adminis- Hagerman ter church finances. Dean back to classroom Part-time pastoral leadership is Elkhart, Ind.—Loren L. Johns, aca- Mennonite provided by Kuaying Teng from St. demic dean of Associated Mennonite ‘births’ emerging Catharines, Ont. Teng works for Biblical Seminary (AMBS), will leave Mennonite Mission Network as a his post as dean to teach full-time at Lao congregation liaison with 50 Asian Mennonite con- the seminary beginning this summer. gregations across North America. The Johns has served as dean since coming special service of celebration was new Lao church also benefits from the to AMBS in 2000; as associate profes- held last month in recognition lay leadership of Chinda Kommala, a sor of New Testament, he has also Aof Lao-Canadian Evangelical businessperson who has a passion for taught one course a year. With the up- Mennonite Church, an emerging building the church. coming change, he anticipates having congregation within Mennonite The Lao members’ relationships with more time for research and interaction Church Eastern Canada (see Mennonites began after they came to with students. Johns recently became “Learning about Jesus,” Nov. 28, page Canada as refugees, fleeing war and New Testament editor of the Believers 36). Traditional dances and Lao opera oppression in their homeland. Some Church Bible Commentary Series pub- added a unique cultural flavour to the were sponsored by Mennonite con- lished by Herald Press, a role he will event held at Hagerman Mennonite gregations and a number expressed a carry in addition to full-time teaching Church in Markham. desire to become Mennonite Christians. at AMBS. This change coincides with MC Eastern Canada representatives The Lao congregation offers worship another shift in the Bible faculty at David Martin (executive minister) services, Bible studies, youth programs, AMBS. Jacob Elias, professor of New and Brian Bauman (missions minis- homework help for students, and other Testament, is cutting back on his ter) were present to bring greetings practical services for immigrant fami- teaching assignment in anticipation and to officially present the docu- lies, including helping with government of retirement after serving 30 years ment from the federal government forms and translations. There are 20 at AMBS. The seminary currently is granting charitable status to the to 30 adults plus numerous children conducting a search to fill the position Lao congregation. Samson Lo, direc- involved on a regular basis. of academic dean. tor of Multicultural Ministries for —Joanna Reesor-McDowell —AMBS release Mary E. Klassen Mennonite Church Canada, brought words of encouragement. A group of women from the congre- gation sang a song in Laotian that told the story of their conversion: “What a joy to come to this land. It is even more joy to get to know the Lord here. We did not know Jesus when we were in Laos, that he is the Lord who loves all nations.” Hagerman Mennonite Church has supported the congregation, which currently meets in a warehouse in western Toronto, by being a trustee for donated

Traditional Lao dance

Photo by Joanna Reesor-McDowell and opera were part of the special service of cel- ebration and thanksgiving recognizing the Lao-Canadian Evangelical Mennonite Church. Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 23 LocalChurch

Calgary

2007 Alberta Songfest cancelled… 1970s, “as Mennonites became urban- ized, became wealthy and were able to future of event uncertain meet their social and spiritual needs he annual Alberta Songfest is no In its 75-year existence, Songfest has in other ways, and as the Mennonite more, at least for the time being. changed according to the churches’ community became more diverse, TIn early February, the Songfest needs and has even been cancelled the need to associate in these more Committee announced that the event before. traditional ways seemed to be less would be cancelled for 2007, and the According to The Mennonite pressing.” committee would dissolve. Conference of Alberta: A History of its In the mid-1990s, planning for A combination of difficulties in find- Churches and Institutions, compiled Songfest was handed over from the ing a congregation to host the event by C.L. Dick in 1980, attendance at youth organization, which no longer ( and Calgary First Mennonite Songfest was difficult for many in had a young adult component, to a were originally slated to host the event the 1930s because of poor roads and provincially elected committee. this year), communications between limited finances. It was cancelled for Currently, a decrease in interest in the committee and hosting churches, a few years during World War II, and choral singing and the increasingly and an overall dwindling interest in again in 1976, when the provincial busy schedules of many church mem- the event predicated this decision. youth organization, responsible for bers are often cited as reasons for the Mennonite Church Alberta confer- planning the event, was in disarray. decline of Songfest participation. ence minister Jim Shantz was some- The history book notes that, in the —Donita Wiebe-Neufeld what surprised by the announcement. “Last year’s event in Edmonton was so Laird, Sask. positive,” he said. “I thought we had some positive energy going and a real Church pastor, wife good feeling of worship.” The Songfest Committee and MC serve at Ukrainian Alberta executive are now working on a recommendation for the annual Mennonite Centre conference sessions, to be held in fter being granted leave Lethbridge on March 23 and 24. by Tiefengrund Rosenort According to committee member AMennonite Church, pastor Lorne Kim Wiens, “We want the recommen- Epp and his wife Hilda, who took a dation to spur further thinking about leave of absence from the Mennonite how we do corporate worship in our Nursing Home in Rosthern, Sask., Photo courtesy of Lorne Epp conference.” spent from mid-August to the end of Marina Romanova, a director of the Conference chair Marguerite Jack December at the Mennonite Centre school in Dolina, Ukraine, is pictured is looking forward to the results of of Ukraine in Molochansk. While with an electric stove and pots paid roundtable discussions that will occur there, they acted as the centre’s North for with money raised by Tiefengrund at the conference. “Songfest is such a American directors. Rosenort Mennonite Church Sunday joyful way to get together,” she said. Early in their term, a request came school students. “There’s no business, and we can sing from the school director in Dolina, and play to our heart’s content.” formerly the village of Schoenau, ily identify with the situation because Although the cancellation feels like for assistance with setting up a the enrolment in its local school in an ending, it is not unprecedented. Kindergarten in the school. The Laird is also declining. school’s numbers were decreasing and Marina Romanova, director of the many young children were going to Dolina school, was overwhelmed when the larger centre of Molochansk for the church raised $1,600—more than Kindergarten classes offered there. the projected amount—and she was World Wide Travel Many did not return to Dolina for the able to buy Kindergarten furniture rest of their education. As well, there and supplies, as well as an electric Complete travel service for your were many parents unable to provide stove and dishes to better provide business and pleasure needs. transportation to Molochansk for their meals for her school’s students. We specialize in South America children, leaving them in a position of As a token of her appreciation, E-mail: [email protected] being behind their peers when start- Romanova sent some gifts with Phone: 1-800-304-6548; 204-326-9411 ing school. the Epps on their return home to Fax: 204-326-3795 Tiefengrund Rosenort’s Sunday Saskatchewan. school decided to raise money for the —Ross W. Muir, from a report 276 Main St. Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y8 Dolina school last fall, as it could eas- by Lorne and Hilda Epp

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Waterloo, Ont. will involve program approval and ate education reflects the increased regular program review by the Ontario funding available from the provincial Council of Graduate Studies. This government in response to recent Grebel to benefit will strengthen the relationship undergraduate growth. The funding with Associated Mennonite Biblical provided through this new agreement from agreement Seminary and the Toronto School of with Waterloo is based on enrolment Theology, making it easier for stu- and could net $150,000 in annual rev- with university dents to transfer credit between these enue for Grebel’s master of theological n historic agreement on schools. This agreement will also serve studies program. graduate theological studies to enhance what is a unique program This program has grown signifi- Abetween Conrad Grebel in church leadership development in cantly in recent years and now has University College, St. Jerome’s Canada and the United States. more than 50 students enrolled. Many University and the University of “Our commitment to our students of them are preparing for leadership in Waterloo was signed late last year. and to serving the church and its the church, some are pastors who are Since 1987, Conrad Grebel leadership needs will be enhanced continuing their education, and others University College has been granting through this new partnership with are preparing for further graduate a masters degree in theological stud- the university,” suggests Tom Yoder studies. Of the 53 graduates from this ies, and part of the reason for adding Neufeld, who teaches program to date, about one-quarter “university” to Grebel’s name was to in the Grebel program. have gone on to complete doctoral reflect this graduate program. The A major component of Waterloo’s studies in Bible and theology, nearly agreement with Waterloo will mean “Sixth Decade Plan,” announced half are in the pastorate, and the rest that degrees will now be conferred last September, is the expansion of are in a variety of professions. conjointly by Grebel and the public its graduate program from 2,600 to —Conrad Grebel release university. It will also offer Grebel 8,000 students. This focus on gradu- by Jennifer Konkle graduate students additional support from Waterloo’s graduate student program for things like health insur- Essex County, Ont. perspective of promoting peace in the world which God created challenges us ance and allow students to qualify for to confront the value of training youth Ontario Graduate Scholarships. Mennonite pastors in physical aggression, violence and the Under the agreement, Conrad oppose military use of weapons.” Grebel retains control over admis- They further called on the school sions, curriculum and faculty hiring. co-op program board to exercise its own high standards This development will also assist in found in its declaration of beliefs and the process of attaining accreditation ome high school students in the safe schools policy, which call for each from the Association of Theological Greater Essex County District schools to be “a safe, stimulating, caring School Board will now need to and welcoming environment…free of Photo courtesy of Lorne Epp Schools (ATS) that monitors standards S spend more time than usual polishing of excellence in theological education. intimidation, aggression, violence and their boots. The southwestern Ontario weapons.” This new relationship with Waterloo school board has begun allowing the The pastors also noted that the remu- Canadian military to run a co-op neration given to those who participate program in the county. in the military co-op—just under $13 According to Dario Rossit, technol- per hour or $194 per week—could be ogy consultant and Ontario Youth seen as an incentive for these youths Apprenticeship Program coordinator for and their families to participate in the the school board, the program allows program. “Those with limited financial high school students to “experience resources may feel pressured to choose work settings while earning high school this option,” they stated, adding, “Let us credits.” say no to putting our economically dis- However, pastors of the five advantaged students at risk of making Mennonite Church Eastern Canada con- a career choice based primarily on their Photo by Chris Hughes gregations in Essex County are opposed financial restrictions.” An agreement that will see funding to the addition of paid military training However, the school board did not flow to Conrad Grebel University to the school board’s co-op program that agree with those opposed to the military College and St. Jerome’s University had formerly focused on skilled trades co-op and instituted it anyway. was signed late last year by St. and had prohibited payment to the Rossit claims the school board sees Jerome’s University acting president students. the addition of a military coop as “a Myroslaw Tataryn, (left), University During a public meeting last year, the great opportunity for its students to of Waterloo president David pastors, along with others, expressed experience the trades within the mili- Johnston, Conrad Grebel president their opposition to the school board’s tary,” including cooking and automotive education committee. In their letter, training. Henry Paetkau, and University of the pastors stated that “our active faith Waterloo academic vice-president —Barry Bergen and provost Amit Chakma.

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and Beth-Ann, Wellesley have driven the new Aspen People&Events Transitions Mennonite, Ont., Jan. 24. SUV, the new Sebring sedan or Friesen-Giesbrecht—Will the Chrysler 300 on premises Births/Adoptions and Chrisie, Plum Coulee better known for preaching Bergthaler Mennonite, Man., and pastoral care. Observers Driedger—to Amy and Tim, Aug. 12. say the experimental test North Leamington United King-Dyck—Jason and drives mean Chrysler has over- Mennonite, Ont. a son, Nash Jessica (Grace Mennonite, come a centuries-old taboo on Nicholas, Jan. 15. Winkler, Man.), Dec. 17. marketing goods for profit in Garstin—to Donna Toivonen Stockie-Mayer—Rob and sacred spaces, and also gained and Stephen, Wellesley Shelley (St. Jacobs Mennonite, entry into influential black Mennonite, Ont., a son, Ken Ont.), at St. Jacobs Mennonite, church circles less than three Oiva, Jan. 4. Feb. 3. years after black Chicago-area Martynyshyn—to Jennifer pastors claimed the automaker Johnson and Mark, Hunta Deaths was discriminating against Mennonite, Driftwood, Ont., black customers. a daughter, Ava Elizabeth, Froese—Jacob, 83, Wildwood —RNS release Elkhart, Ind.—Roelf S. Kuitse, Feb. 8. Mennonite, Saskatoon, Jan. 28. Sr., former mission worker Matheson—to Cathy (nee Krause—Sarah (nee Janzen), and Associated Mennonite Janzen) and Brent, First 92 (b. April 2, 1914), Rosthern Kenyans ponder Biblical Seminary (AMBS) Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont., a Mennonite, Sask., Feb. 15. compensation claim son, Joshua Ethan, Dec. 5. Peters—John D., 91, Grace professor, died Jan. 24 in Some members of traditional McWhinnie—to Suzanne Mennonite, Winkler, Man., the Netherlands after a brief nomadic communities in and Lindsay, Hagerman Nov. 30. illness; he was 82. Kuitse was Kenya are considering seek- Mennonite, Markham, Ont., a Roth—David, 28 (b. July 7, professor of missions and di- ing reparations from former son, Eric Conrad, Nov. 21. 1978), East Zorra Mennonite, rector of the Mission Training mission educational establish- Neeb—to Lisa and James, Tavistock, Ont., Feb. 10. Center at AMBS from 1978- ments, asserting that the insti- Wellesley Mennonite, Ont., a Segedin—Anne (nee Bergen), 91, alternating with Robert tutions in the past forced their son, Aiden Douglas, Feb. 2. 85, North Leamington United Ramseyer in serving in this po- communities to relinquish Neufeld—to Russ and Mennonite, Ont., Jan. 22. sition and doing mission work. their time-honoured traditions. Kendra, Shalom Mennonite, Wolfe—Betty (nee Janzen), 70 In 1952 he went to Indonesia, “Missionary education was a Newton, Kan., a daughter, (b. Feb. 5, 1937), Lethbridge where he taught at the theo- part of [a] paradigm that un- logical school of the Mennonite Natalie Marie, Jan. 16. Mennonite, Alta., Feb. 6. Plett Boehm—to Maria dermined the indigenous tradi- Church in Java. Kuitse and tional way of life,” said Korrir his wife Juliette served in Boehm and Tim Plett, St. Baptisms Jacobs Mennonite, Ont., a Singoeie, executive director of Ghana from 1962-69, when the Centre for Minority Rights he was called as pastor for a daughter, Sarah Magdalene, Wildwood Mennonite, —Breanne Development, a Nairobi-based Mennonite congregation on the Feb. 3. Saskatoon Martens and Kaylene group that campaigns on be- island of Texel, North Holland. Preston—to Marilyn and Fred, Rosemary Mennonite, Heinrichs, Dec. 17. half of indigenous communities He took a four-year teach- in Africa. ing assignment at AMBS in Alta., a daughter, Megan Canadian Mennonite welcomes —ENI release 1978, which stretched to 1992. Heidi, Oct. 4. Rooney—to Amber, Wellesley Transitions announcements within During the span of time Kuitse four months of the event. Please served AMBS, he also taught Mennonite, a daughter, send Transitions announcements ‘Talking Bible’ popular at the seminary in Pune, India. Kayden Maria, Nov. 26. by e-mail to transitions@cana- with visually impaired After he retired from teach- Roth—to Sara and Ryan, dianmennonite.org, including ing at AMBS, Kuitse served Steinmann Mennonite, Baden, the congregation name and loca- The Bible Society has devised Eighth Street Mennonite Ont., a son, Isaac John Iutzi, tion. When sending death notices, a talking Bible in Malawi’s Church in Goshen, Ind., as Jan. 19. please include birth date and last Chichewa language, believed interim pastor for several Schmidt—to Jackie and John, name at birth if available. to be the first of its type to years before he and his wife Grace Mennonite, Winkler, enable those who cannot returned to the Netherlands. Man., a daughter, Tiana read and write, or those too Ben C. Ollenburger, professor Brielle, Dec. 12. News briefs busy—or too lazy—to read, of Old Testament theology at Voth—to Colleen and Eric, to listen to the Word of God. AMBS, said Kuitse “was an ex- Schoenfelder Mennonite, Churches host test The associate director of traordinary gift to AMBS and St. Francois Xavier, Man., a drives for Chrysler programs for the Bible Society to the church of Christ. Many daughter, Lauren Lydia, in Malawi, Kamwana Muyaya, Feb. 7. Automaker DaimlerChrysler is told Ecumenical News in Indonesia know the name of finding “redemption”—as well Jesus because of Roelf.” Wiebe—to Tamkaki Saga and International in Blantyre, Tim, Lethbridge Mennonite, as a valuable new venue for Malawi, that the society has —AMBS release showcasing its vehicles—in the by Mary E. Klassen Alta., a daughter, Hanah, spent $50,000 US to finish Jan. 21. African-American megachurch. the project, which has taken Six of the nation’s black two years to complete and is Marriages megachurches are hosting test popular among the visually drives for Chrysler vehicles. impaired. Baechler-Wagler—Steven So far, about 500 churchgoers —ENI release

26 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 TheChurches

of the couple before her, she Hunter-Gatherers, and folk Mennonite Church closes the door and they begin Mennonite Church band Paul Bergman and the Canada Manitoba to talk. Decomposers. Prayer requests How many times does a A website for the event has variation of this scene take Martyrs and monsters, been set up at mennofolk.org, This Lenten season, “do some- place across MC Eastern MennoFolk theme then click on the “Manitoba” thing” for Lent—instead of, Canada? Pastors, how many Winnipeg’s annual showcase link at the top of the page. or along with, giving some- times does this take place in of Mennonite young adult art thing up—by adding extra your office? Do you feel good and music took place Feb. MennoniteMennonite Church Church prayer times for the work of about your pre-marital prepa- 23 and 24. It included an art SaskatchewanSaskatchewan Mennonite Church Canada ration with couples? Is there a opening at a downtown gal- and the various area confer- difference between pre-marital lery, A Label for Artists, on Churches host MCC, ences. Remember especially: preparation and pre-marital Feb. 23, and a concert at the • MC Canada Native CFGB tour counselling? Is there a time West End Cultural Centre the Ministries, as it is involved to say no to performing a next evening. Staff from Mennonite in the listening circles that ? “Martyrs and monsters are Central Committee (MCC) bring together people of dif- The Leadership Council of similar because they both Saskatchewan recently went ferent cultural backgrounds. MC Eastern Canada invites horrify and entertain us,” said on tour. But it wasn’t to pro- Author Adrian Jacobs of Six pastors to the Before the MennoFolk Committee mem- mote a new album or connect Nations will join MCC Canada Wedding: Providing Pre- ber Aaron Epp. “We are taken with zealous fans. Instead, staff person Harley Eagle in Marital Counselling With aback by their stories and they joined together with the speaking at these meetings in Integrity workshop. It will appearances, but, at the same Canadian Foodgrains Bank Vancouver, Abbottsford and offer something for those who time, they can be something (CFGB) over a period of three Chilliwack, B.C., from March are new to ministry and have of a guilty pleasure for us—we days from Feb. 14-16 to talk 21 to 23. Please pray for en- little experience in pre-marital can’t look away. Martyrs and with Saskatchewan farmers. couragement and partnership preparation, as well as those monsters disturb us and I “The CFGB tour is directed during these meetings. who would like to update their think that’s one thing that towards MCC-supporting • The Mission Partnership skills. Presenter Ed Heide good art does. They disturb us constituents who are [also] meetings in Macau on March is an experienced marriage and make us look at things in part of the Foodgrains Bank 9 to 11, held to strengthen the and family therapist who has a new way.” network,” said Bruno Baerg, Macau Mennonite Church. provided marriage preparation “Mennonites are pervasive MCC Saskatchewan director. They will involve MC Canada classes and marriage enrich- through all art scenes here in “We thought this would be a Witness and Mennonite mis- ment retreats for more than 25 Winnipeg,” said Jeff Friesen, good outreach.” sion partners from the U.S. years. another MennoFolk Committee Baerg, together with and Hong Kong. Pray for the The workshop will be held member. “MennoFolk is a Material Resources direc- growth of the church in Macau. at Preston Mennonite Church chance for us all to celebrate tor Willie Reimer and CFGB • The MC Canada Africa in Cambridge, on March 10 our common roots—religious coordinator Dave Meier, held Learning Tour to South Africa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact and cultural—and the differ- question and answer ses- and Botswana, which is Joan Schooley at MC Eastern ent artistic places our roots sions at Northstar Mennonite ending on March 8. Pray for Canada ([email protected]) to have taken us.” in Drake, Zion Mennonite participants who have seen register for this event. A compilation CD of in Swift Current, and Fiske first-hand the ministries of Marianne Mellinger, MC Winnipeg musicians who are Mennonite before finishing MC Canada and learned about Eastern Canada’s coordina- affiliated with the Mennonite up at Rosthern Mennonite the daily challenges and joys tor of Leadership Formation community called MennoFolk: Church. of our brothers and sisters in ([email protected]), would A Constant Reformation, Called a learning tour, the Southern Africa. be pleased to have conversa- was released at the two-day events were open to the public —Hinke Loewen-Rudgers tions about this event or other festival. The CD includes Mike and gave participants a chance educational opportunities Petkau, Cara Luft, Mahogany to find out about upcoming Mennonite Church Mennonite Church available to pastors and con- Frog, Doug and Jess, Carter projects and potential involve- Eastern Canada Eastern Canada gregational leaders, which the Monrose, Chris Neufeld and ment with the two Christian Leadership Council provides. more. organizations. Before the wedding —Lisa Williams Friday’s art opening fea- Continued on page 28 Waiting with anticipation, tured pop-folk duo The Land, a young couple sits in their singer-songwriter Donovan pastor’s office. They are Giesbrecht and Ben Dyck. making plans for one of the Faspa—a traditional, light biggest steps of their lives. As Mennonite supper—was the pastor enters the office, served. Saturday’s evening a slight grin passes over her event featured pop quartet face. Sensing the excitement Quinzy, adventure-funk quintet Flying Fox and the

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 27 TheChurches

TheChurches From page 27 and olive leaf, a church, a Grand River Valley on the is- Camp Valaqua logo, music Mennonite Church sues surrounding Six Nations. British Columbia Mennonite Church notes, needle and thread, the The three locations are Alberta Mennonite Central Committee Abbotsford on March 21 symbol, buns and praying Aboriginal listening (details to be confirmed); Bergthal Women in hands. A few members of evenings planned First United Mennonite in Mission turns 50 the group are incorporating Evenings of listening and fel- Vancouver on March 22; and some of the symbols into a lowship with aboriginal people, Eden Mennonite Church in Bergthal Mennonite Church’s memorial display quilt for the co-sponsored by Mennonite Chilliwack on March 23. Women in Mission group congregation. Central Committee (MCC) Each evening will include marked the end of its half- Erna Goerzen, a member of B.C. and Mennonite Church a welcome by local aboriginal century of existence with a the group, writes, “Bergthal Canada, are planned for people, a presentation by program of celebration and Women in Mission are thank- March 21 to 23. Eagle, sharing through music worship on Feb. 18. The group, ful for their journey together; Pastor and author Harley and then a talk by Jacobs. once known as Busy Fingers, God has been with them Eagle, co-coordinator of aborig- For more information, was formed in October 1956 through the many years. May inal work with MCC Canada, including the location in and formally closed at the end they find a venue to maintain will be the presenter and Abbotsford and start times for of 2006. their friendships and to use Adrian Jacobs of Six Nations all meetings, contact Darryl Twelve members of the their energy and their gifts in will be special speaker. A Klassen of MCC B.C. at 604- group, including five charter a positive way, as they trust pastor and author, Jacobs is 850-6639 or e-mail him at members, shared memories God to lead them into the next involved with the “My People [email protected]. and spoke of symbols repre- season of their lives.” International” organization. Continued on page 31 senting important values, —From a report He began half-time work for activities and service projects by Erna Goerzen MCC Ontario on Feb. 1, spe- that had shaped them over cifically relating to Mennonite the years. Some of the sym- churches and working in the bols included a Bible, a dove

Henry Krause From our leaders

s you read this I will have just returned out in our time and place, improvising as best from the Mennonite Church Canada we can, using our greatest resources and skills, ALeadership Assembly. I’ve been helped in and being the people of God. my thinking about the nature of the church and And as we do this, Wells says, we need to be our work as MC Canada by a book by Samuel mindful of a couple of things. The first is that we Wells called Improvisation: The Drama of are tempted to think that it is just a one-act play . with the “crisis of believing that Wells asks readers to suppose all achievements, all results, all that a previously unknown play The fifth act: outcomes must be celebrated and by Shakespeare has been found resolved in our lifetime.” In fact, but its fifth act has been lost. Improvising the church we need to be reminded that this The play ranks with the best life is not all there is. that Shakespeare has written and it is agreed that it The second is that our tendency is to forget which act ought to be staged, but it would be out of place to actually we are in. “[T]he shape of the five-act play reminds the write a fifth act. It seems more appropriate to give the church that it does not live in particularly significant parts to experienced Shakespearian actors who would times. The most important things have already hap- then live with the four acts and, after they have fin- pened. The Messiah has come, has been put to death, ished acting through what has been written, they would has been raised and the Spirit has come…. This leaves improvise the fifth act based on all they know about Christians free in faith to make honest mistakes…. Shakespeare and what they have received in the script. Christians find their character by becoming a character Wells suggests that this is the in God’s story.” nature of the church. We have four We have four acts before us I think Wells gives us a very acts before us in the Scriptures: helpful way to look at who we are. creation; the history of the people of in the Scriptures.... It is this improvisation that we are Israel; the life, death and resurrec- part of as the church—living out the tion of Jesus; and the early church. Act five is left for us story that has already begun and which we know will end as we live in the “time in between times.” well. This is what I was part of during our Leadership As the church during this time we have been given Assembly and which we, as congregations, area churches the resources of the Spirit, the power of the resurrected and national church, are invited to engage in. Christ, and the love of God the Creator. We know how Henry Krause is moderator of Mennonite Church Canada. the story ends with the vision of a new heaven and a new Earth. And so we are welcomed into the story, to live it

28 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 ToMorrow

June 8-10: Third an- quet, at Douglas Mennonite information, or to register, call Calendar nual men’s retreat at Camp Church. Paul Friesen at 204-261-6381. British Columbia Valaqua. Theme: “A Christian April 6: Winnipeg First June 10: MCI Sängerfest; wor- response to wealth and power.” Mennonite Church Choir pres- ship at 10:30 a.m. and concert March 16-17: Youth workers Speaker: Mike Perschon. ents selections from Handel’s at 2 p.m. conference at CBC. For more information, con- Messiah on , at 7 June 11-14: 16th an- March 24,25: Lenten ves- tact Marvin Baergen at p.m. Featured soloists: Marni nual Believers Church pers with Abendmusik Choir, 403-256-2894. Enns, Kirsten Schellenberg, Conference at CMU. Theme: 8 p.m. Emmanuel Free June 15-16: MCC Relief Elmer Kelher and Victor “Congregationalism, denomi- Reformed Church, Abbotsford Sale and bike-a-thon at the Engbrecht. nationalism and the body of (24); Knox United Church, Coaldale Sportsplex. April 13-14: Meeting of Christ.” Vancouver (25). Donations to Sept. 15-16: Holyrood Partnership Circle mem- June 23: Camp Koinonia golf Menno Simons Centre. Mennonite Church 50th an- bers at Grunthal Bergthaler tournament. March 26-28: Mennonite niversary celebration. Details Mennonite Church. July 3-10: International Rural Camping Association western to follow. April 13-15: Manitoba Church Association/Canadian regional meeting at Camp Mennonite Worldwide Rural Church Network “How Squeah. For more information, Saskatchewan Marriage Encounter week- can we find hope in the rural visit mennonitecamping.org. end, in Winnipeg. For more landscape” conference, in April 20-21,26-28: MEI March 16-17: Mennonite information, visit marriageen- Brandon. spring musical presentation of Historical Society annual counter.org. Beauty and the Beast. Evening general meeting at Bethany April 14: Manitoba MDS an- Ontario performances all evenings, 7 College, Hepburn. nual spring banquet, at North p.m.; April 21 matinee, 2 p.m. March 16-17: RJC theatre Kildonan Mennonite Church, March 10: MC Eastern For more information, call arts program presentation of Winnipeg, at 6 p.m. To reserve Canada “Before the Wedding: 604-859-3700. “One Act Plays.” tickets, call 204-261-1274. Providing Pre-marital April 27-29: Junior youth re- March 23-24: MC April 19-21: Westgate Counselling with Integrity” treat at Camp Squeah. Theme: Saskatchewan Songfest at Mennonite Collegiate senior workshop at Preston “Project U: The evolution of a First Mennonite Church, high musical. Mennonite, Cambridge, from 9 hero.” Saskatoon. April 21: CMU spring concert. a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3: MCC Supportive March 31: Shekinah Retreat May 5: Manitoba Women in March 12, 13: Grandparent/ Care Services annual spring Centre fundraising banquet Mission annual Enrichment Grandchild Days at Hidden fundraiser, at Bakerview and silent auction at Mount Day, at Grace Mennonite Acres Camp. For children Mennonite Church, Royal Mennonite, Saskatoon; Church, Steinbach; at 8:30 in grades 1 to 6 and their Abbotsford, 7 p.m. For tickets, dinner at 6:30 p.m. a.m. Theme: “Streams in the grandparents. Choose one day call 604-850-6608. April 14: Saskatchewan desert—Psalm 42.” only. Theme: “Talking to God May 6: B.C. Women in Women in Mission Enrichment May 7-9: “Talking about the like a friend.” Resource person: Mission inspirational day Day in Swift Current. tough stuff: Dealing with Sherri Martin-Carman. For at Eden Mennonite Church, April 15-21: MCC Volunteer controversial subjects in the more information, call the Chilliwack. Appreciation Week. church” seminar. Sponsored by camp at 519-625-8602. May 27: Covenanting celebra- May 5: RJC alumni golf CMU Institute for Community March 15-16: Bechtel tion for MC B.C. Sunday morn- tournament. Peacebuilding. Visit cmu.ca for Lectures with Sandra Birdsell ing service details and location May 6: RJC spring concert. more information. at Conrad Grebel University TBA. May 22-26: Continuing May 16: Westgate Mennonite College Great Hall, 7:30 p.m. education classes for pastors; Collegiate work day. each evening. Alberta speaker: Walter Sawatzky May 24: Westgate Mennonite March 17: Fundraiser from AMBS. Collegiate Grade 10 to 12 breakfast buffet for MCC meat March 23-24: MC Alberta June 8-9: MCC Relief Sale. spring concert at Bethel canning project, at Calvary annual delegate sessions in June 22-23: RJC musical. Mennonite Church. United Church, St. Jacobs, 8 to Lethbridge. June 26-29: Ecumenical May 25-27: Birding retreat at 9 a.m. Speaker: David Martin May 28-31: Theological “Making peace in the house- Camp Moose Lake. from MCC’s Akron, Pa., office. Studies Week at Camp hold of God” conference, May 28-30: Plus 55 retreat at Advance ticket sales only by Valaqua. Theme: “The role of Saskatoon. Camp Moose Lake. calling 519-745-8458. the Holy Spirit in the life of July 29: Shekinah Retreat May 31: Westgate Mennonite March 22: MEDA breakfast the church.” Centre Adventure Challenge. Collegiate Grade 7 to 9 spring meeting, at the Stone Crock, May 4-5: Alberta Women Oct. 26-28: Quilting and concert at Bethel Mennonite St. Jacobs, 7:30 a.m. Speaker: in Mission 60th annual scrapbooking retreat at Church. Bob Nally. Enrichment Days in Coaldale. Shekinah Retreat Centre. June 4-6: Plus 55 retreat at March 30-31: “Seeds of May 27: Glimmers of Hope Camp Koinonia. Encouragement” conference 3: AIDS and its impact on Manitoba June 9-10: Bike the Interlake for the farm community, at women, at the University of event for MCC (from Bird’s Continued on page 30 Calgary, 2 p.m. March 24: Winnipeg MCC Festival and Relief Sale ban- Hill to Hecla Island). For more

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 29 ToMorrow

ToMorrow From page 29 Day of Quiet Prayer at Cedar U.S.A. ing spot near Necedah, Wis. To Springs Retreat, Shakespeare, register or for more infor- from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17-18: Raleigh (N.C.) mation, e-mail jenniferhs@ East Zorra Mennonite Church, April 27-28: MC Eastern Mennonite Church 20th an- goshen.edu. Tavistock; 7:30 p.m. (30), 9:30 Canada spring annual confer- niversary celebration and the a.m. (31). Speaker: Elaine ence session at Rockway Raleigh Service Adventure Froese, farmer and motivation- Mennonite Collegiate, Unit 10th anniversary. For To ensure timely al speaker from Manitoba. Kitchener. more information, e-mail annr. publication March 30-April 1: Floradale April 28: MC Eastern Canada [email protected]. of upcoming Mennonite Church presents Youth Bible Quizzing finals April 19-22: Merry Lea Environmental Learning events, please What Shall We Do With the at Rockway Mennonite send Calendar Family Farm? by Barb Draper Collegiate, Kitchener. Center of Goshen College na- as dinner theatre, 6:30 p.m. April 28, 29: Pax Christi ture tour of Highlands Nature announcements (30, 31), and as a 2 p.m. Chorale’s 20th anniver- Sanctuary in southern Ohio. EIGHT WEEKS in matinee (1). Visit floramc.org sary gala concert, “The Music To register or for more infor- advance of the or call 519-638-3624 for more Makers: Elgar, Handel, Ager,” mation, e-mail jenniferhs@ goshen.edu. event date information. 7:30 p.m. (28), 3 p.m. (29), at by e-mail to: March 31: Menno Singers Grace Church-on-the-Hill, May 18-21: Merry Lea fourth hymn sing fundraiser at Toronto. To order tickets, visit Environmental Learning calendar@ Waterloo-Kitchener Mennonite paxchristichorale.org. Center of Goshen College canadianmennonite.org Church. This full day of May 5-6: Inter-Mennonite nature tour of a popular bird- congregational singing (from Children’s Choir 40th an- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will include niversary celebration, at St. selections from Hymnal: A Matthews Lutheran Church, Subscriber services Worship Book, the new Sing Kitchener. For more informa- the Journey supplement and tion or to join the Alumni How to subscribe: the Sing the Story supplement Choir for the weekend, call 1. Individuals who attend churches that are part of Men- to be released this summer. Deanna Wiebe at 519-742- nonite Church Canada or one of its five area churches April 14: MC Eastern Canada 3416 or e-mail imccalumni@ can subscribe through our Every Home Plan (paid for by Youth Bible Quizzing pre- hotmail.com. your church giving and CM’s own fundraising). Please liminary rounds at Floradale May 11,12,17-19: The contact your church office to be added to the list. Mennonite Church. Shadows of Grossmunster, 2. Personal subscriptions are also available to anyone. A April 14: Silver Lake a musical; at the Church one-year subscription (24 issues) is $36.00 plus $2.16 Mennonite Camp 34th an- Theatre, St. Jacobs. Curtain GST in Canada, $53.50 (Can.) to the USA, and $73.00 nual “Smorg” fundraiser at time: 7:30 p.m. (Can.) for elsewhere. Two-year and group subscriptions Grace Mennonite Church, St. May 12: Menno Singers pres- are also available. Catharines. Annual meeting ent “Spring Fling” with soloist Name______at 3:30 p.m.; “smorg” from 4 to Brandon Leis, at Zion United Address______8 p.m. Church, Kitchener, at 8 p.m. ______Postal Code______April 20: Bryan Moyer June 19: Lebold fundraising o Suderman and Friends con- banquet at Conrad Grebel Payment enclosed o o o cert, at Bethany Missionary University College. Charge my VISA Mastercard Church, Kitchener, at 7:30 ______Nov. 1-4: MEDA’s annual card number expiry date p.m. (Part of Mennonite “Business as a calling” con- Foundation of Canada annual vention: “Trust in a world of Subscription changes: meeting.) change,” in Toronto. For more 1. When submitting a change of address or cancellation, April 20-21: Engaged work- information, visit busines- please include your subscription number: shop at Riverdale Mennonite, sasacalling.org or call toll-free Subscription number Expiry date Millbank. For more informa- 1-800-665-7026. tion, e-mail denise_bender@ yahoo.com. April 25: MC Eastern Canada Sample Advertising Dates 2. Subscription changes are not considered Transitions notices (these go to [email protected]). Issue Copy Due Contact: 3. Changes will be made immediately but may take four to April 16 April 3 Karen Suderman, six weeks to take effect because of printing schedules. April 30 April 17 Advertising Representative Contact information: (Focus on Books and Resources) 1-800 316-4052 x224 May 14 May 1 Canadian Mennonite, 490 Dutton Dr., Unit C5, [email protected] May 28 May 15 Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 6H7 (Focus on Seniors) Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 Fax: 519-884-3331 E-mail: [email protected]

30 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 Advertising

TheChurches From page 28 event at this summer’s Mennonite Church Canada Camp Assiniboia, Headingley Man., has the following open- Assembly in Abbotsford. Women in Mission ings for September 2007: Unless otherwise credited, the Camp Manager to disband articles in TheChurches pages Guest Group Coordinator (.5FTE) Camp Assiniboia is part of Camps with Meaning, the year-round After 68 years in existence, the were written by: Leona Dueck Penner (MC Canada), Dave Ro- camping ministry of MC Manitoba. Inquiries may be directed B.C. Women in Mission group to Bob Wiebe, Director of Camping Ministries, MC Manitoba, will cease to exist in its pres- galsky (Eastern Canada), Evelyn Rempel Petkau (Manitoba), Karin 200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1, e-mail ent form as of July. Fehderau (Saskatchewan), Donita [email protected], phone: 204-895-2267. At a business meeting in Wiebe-Neufeld (Alberta), and Amy Aldergrove on Feb. 10, 31 Dueckman (British Columbia). representatives from nine churches reluctantly voted to MCC Canada has the following volunteer leadership position- dissolve the group. Societal Wanted sin Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Labrador: MCC Canada Regional changes, including more Representative, Newfoundland and Labrador Region. Do you give money to Mennon- Position start date: July 1, 2007. women employed outside the ite institutions? Why? Grebel home and the difficulty finding theology student seeks to inter- The person or couple will be responsible for overseeing the people to fill executive spots, view charitable donors for thesis MCC program in Newfoundland and Labrador. For the com- are among the main reasons. on fund-raising and theology. plete assignment description, please visit mcc.org. It is hoped the annual I’m interested in why you give, For further information, contact Marsha Jones at 204-261-6381 spring Inspirational Day not how much, and I will respect or e-mail [email protected]. and the fall retreat will your confidentiality. I currently continue, pending organiza- live in Australia; so, this would be by e-mail and/or phone. All tional restructuring and with welcome, with donors younger Bloomingdale (Ont.) Mennonite Church invites applications for individual churches’ help. In than 50 encouraged. Please e- the position of Music Coordinator. its final act, the B.C. Women mail Lori Guenther Reesor at in Mission will host a women’s [email protected] Duties: Help develop musical gifts of congregation. Participate in worship planning. Occasionally accompany congregational Employment opportunities singing. Direct small choirs and soloists. Be aware of available music resources. Be an accomplished pianist. Time Required: 5 hours per week plus some Sunday Seeking a dynamic and creative educator! mornings. Affiliated with the Mennonite Church and located in Stouffville, Position available as soon as possible or September 2007. Ont., Willowgrove Primary School is looking for a JK/SK teach- If interested, call the church office at 519-745-2411 or e-mail er beginning in September 2007. The successful candidate will [email protected]. be creative, resourceful and able to work independently as part of a small staff. He/she will demonstrate a strong Christian faith and preferably possess a Bachelor of Education degree and Primary Certification. For more information, visit willowgrove.ca or contact Ron de Roo at [email protected]. Position for Leading Pastor Gretna Bergthaler Mennonite Church, located in Gretna, Man., is welcoming applications for the position of Leading Minister. We are a congregation of about 100 members located in a fam- Peace Mennonite Church in Richmond, British Columbia, is ily-friendly small town setting. Ministry in our congregation is seeking a full-time Associate Pastor of Youth and Young defined by its multi-generational character and by the fact that Adults. This person will serve in a leadership team under the we are the only church in our community. By God’s grace we direction of the lead pastor. Although the primary responsibil- have enjoyed long-lasting, positive relationships with previous ity will be to work with the youths and the youth leaders, an pastors and look forward to establishing such a relationship in interest in providing leadership for the young adult small group the future. The successful candidate will have an Anabaptist/ would be considered a definite asset. The successful candidate Mennonite faith orientation and be gifted in preaching, teach- will have a theological education, will agree with our church’s ing and visitation ministries. Seminary-level education will be vision statement and statement of faith, and will have a passion considered an asset. We are a member of Mennonite Church for youth ministry. Canada and follow MC Canada salary guidelines. Our pre- Starting Date: July 2007 ferred starting date is July 1, 2007. Please direct your inquiries Application Deadline: March 31, 2007 to Kerry Enns, Congregational Chair, at 204-327-5891 (work), 204-327-6666 (home), or write to me at [email protected] if you Interested persons are invited to visit our website for a com- prefer e-mail. Further information is on file with MC Manitoba. plete job description, and to submit a cover letter and resume to: Youth Pastor Search Committee Peace Mennonite Church Housing 11571 Daniels Road Richmond, BC V6X 1M7 Home away from home. Two Room in three-bedroom apart- Phone: 604-278-0111 rooms to rent, one 4-month and ment in family house. Common E-mail: [email protected] one long-term starting April 29. area, kitchen, high speed, TV Website: www.peacemennonite.ca Close to Conrad Grebel Uni- etc., inclusive. Walk to Univer- versity College. Energy Smart sity of Waterloo. Lovely area. house. Phone 519-883-0252. [email protected].

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 31 WiderChurch

Winnipeg Eastern Canada Lisa Carr-Pries 519-888-1943 Resource advocates available [email protected] to help churches ennonite Church Canada’s Resource Centre just got Ma little bigger and more personal. Four volunteers—Lisa Carr-Pries (Eastern Canada), Jeff Thiessen Alberta

(Man.), Marion Bueckert (Sask.), and Photo by Dan Dyck Tracy Brown Ewert (Alta.)—are in Tracy Brown Ewert place and eager to serve as extensions Manitoba 403-337-5850 Saskatchewan Jeff Thiessen [email protected] Marion Bueckert of the MC Canada Resource Centre in 306-759-2191 Winnipeg. They will help congregations 204-637-2244 [email protected] [email protected] identify and locate faith formation and spiritual nurture resources that can be hard to find. Only one more position, in B.C., needs to be filled. Mennonite Church Canada resource advocates invite calls from Resource Centre manager Arlyn congregations in their regions to help identify and find help for Friesen Epp observes that congrega- worship planners, pastors, teachers and other congregational tions often work alone, trying to do leaders. MC Canada is seeking to fill a vacant position in B.C. outreach, faith formation and leader- resources for the church, and dream- ship training by themselves. Resource ing about what can be done with from home for about 40 female stu- additional sponsors for Machanga Center advocates can those resources in the church is a Machanga, Mozambique dents who attend the nearby Machanga for Girls and many other Global Family help them along Secondary School. It is the only school projects. These projects help to provide Mennonite favourite pastime of mine,” she says. on their jour- “Staff at MC Canada and Mennonite New well needed with grades 6 to 10 in Machanga District, education to children and young people Publishing Network an area about the size of Prince Edward from poor families in more than 40 coun- ney, so congre- Publishing Network have a deep Eleanor Snyder to ensure water Island. Each year, North American spon- tries. Canadian sponsors pay $300 per 1-800-631-6535 gations don’t desire to serve God by equipping the sors provide funds for food, school supplies year to provide basic educational needs, [email protected] have to con- larger congregation of believers and for girls school and staff salaries at the dormitory through such as desks, books, school supplies, stantly reinvent the families and individuals within.” MCC’s Global Family program. school lunches, teacher training, wells and MC Canada the wheel. Friesen Epp adds that by more efore dawn every day, teenage girls Recently, these funds were used to latrines. Arlyn Friesen Epp For each area widely sharing books, videos and line up to draw water from a well deepen the well in order to increase the —MCC release by Tim Shenk Resource Advocate church to have studies, more congregations can Bon the grounds of Machanga Center dormitory’s meagre water supply. MCC and Sara Kauffman coordinator an advocate have better access to Mennonite- and for Girls in central Mozambique. is investigating 1-866-888-6785 ext. 152 that leaders Anabaptist-specific material. “This They chat as one young woman lowers ways to drill a new afriesenepp@ a bucket on a rope into the 10-metre- well for the centre. can go to with helps us better embrace and pass on deep well. Others wait to fill buckets and mennonitechurch.ca questions about It will require our core Mennonite-Anabaptist values plastic jugs with the water they need for resolving land and Mennonite and to the next generation and to others drinking, bathing, cooking and washing. water rights issues Anabaptist resources helps personal- in our wider circles,” he says, noting Water is the first of many needs at because the centre ize ministry planning for congrega- the powerful stories he hears from Machanga Center for Girls, a school does not own the tions. They are available to assist those who come from other faith tradi- dormitory run by the United Church property it sits on. leaders as they sift through the vast tions and how much they appreciate of Christ and supported by the Global MCC needs array of resources available and are Anabaptist theology. Family program of Mennonite Central ready to listen to how MC Canada “It’s more important than ever Committee (MCC) in Machanga Village, a and area churches can do their best to to learn about and strengthen our rural community near the coast. Even with recent improvements to the strengthen congregational ministries. distinctive values, things we hold well, water continues to be an issue at the It is an efficient way to support con- dear—such as our peace theology, centre. A regional drought lowered the gregations in each region, in partner- our yearning to be strong disciples of local water table, and with heavy use by ship with the area churches. Jesus, our desire to share with others residents and community members, the Advocate Tracy Brown Ewert is the reconciling love expressed in the well water is usually depleted by mid- excited about having an opportunity gospel,” he adds. morning each day. to strengthen the church. “Exploring —MC Canada release by Dan Dyck The girls centre offers a home away

32 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 WiderChurch

Wolf Lake, Ind. Creation summit cancelled: ‘Nonference’ will save 45 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions fter more than a year of de- 22 “Pie in the warming sky” column native alternatives to the traditional bate and careful planning, inspired them with his resolve to “quit ‘bricks and mortar’ conference.” Athe Mennonite Creation Care air travel.” “We are not saying that a creation Network (MCCN) has decided against Oregonian Dave Hockman-Wert, summit is forever a bad idea,” said Greg holding a creation summit in 2008. who spent part of the weekend’s work Bowman of Pennsylvania. “At this stage This followed a day-and-a-half of session researching “green” we would rather endorse local, heavy working sessions at the Merry conferences, estimated that the ‘This is the regional or even national events Lea Environmental Learning Center network will save 45 tonnes of biggest already planned that may have of Goshen College, last month. The avoided carbon dioxide emis- a creation care component.” network decided that holding a sepa- sions with this decision—the non-event Network chair Luke Gascho rate event on the environment when equivalent of not using 19,000 plans to represent the organiza- earth care could be discussed at other litres of gasoline—and sug- we have tion at Mennonite Church USA’s planned meetings would unjustifiably gested that it be named a planned.’ biennial conference in San Jose, contribute to global warming. “nonference.” Calif., in July, and convene a “This is the biggest non-event we “Conferences where hundreds or gathering there. Something similar have planned,” joked David Neufeld thousands of people fly and drive is being contemplated for Mennonite of Winnipeg, “and it was not an easy many miles to get here may soon Church Canada meetings in Abbotsford, decision to give up the idea of our own become unaffordable or unjustifiable, B.C. separate conference.” as fossil fuels become less available Members of the group agreed that Several network members were and the damage of using them more avenues such as the network’s website challenged by Canadian Mennonite evident,” Hockman-Wert said. “A non- (mennocreationcare.org) can generate columnist Will Braun, whose Jan. ference offers a framework for imagi- dialogue, enthusiasm and action as well. Can a nonference actually happen? Jennifer Schrock of Goshen, Ind., from home for about 40 female stu- additional sponsors for Machanga Center thinks it can. “I see from the Internet Machanga, Mozambique dents who attend the nearby Machanga for Girls and many other Global Family that ethnomusicologists, nanotechnol- Secondary School. It is the only school projects. These projects help to provide ogy specialists and poets have already New well needed with grades 6 to 10 in Machanga District, education to children and young people an area about the size of Prince Edward from poor families in more than 40 coun- held nonferences,” she observed. “We to ensure water Island. Each year, North American spon- tries. Canadian sponsors pay $300 per could call people to invest 20 hours in sors provide funds for food, school supplies year to provide basic educational needs, the environmental wellbeing of their for girls school and staff salaries at the dormitory through such as desks, books, school supplies, local communities during a given MCC’s Global Family program. school lunches, teacher training, wells and month. They could send us stories efore dawn every day, teenage girls Recently, these funds were used to latrines. about how they spent their time, or line up to draw water from a well deepen the well in order to increase the —MCC release by Tim Shenk donate their unspent travel dollars to Bon the grounds of Machanga Center dormitory’s meagre water supply. MCC and Sara Kauffman an earth-friendly cause.” for Girls in central Mozambique. is investigating They chat as one young woman lowers The network is also developing a ways to drill a new strong relationship with Mennonite a bucket on a rope into the 10-metre- well for the centre. deep well. Others wait to fill buckets and It will require Mutual Aid, as it expands its under- plastic jugs with the water they need for resolving land and standing of stewardship to include drinking, bathing, cooking and washing. water rights issues creation care. Water is the first of many needs at because the centre Mennonite Creation Care Network Machanga Center for Girls, a school does not own the is a network for Mennonite people dormitory run by the United Church property it sits on. and agencies actively engaged in the of Christ and supported by the Global MCC needs care and restoration of God’s creation. Family program of Mennonite Central The network encourages the church Committee (MCC) in Machanga Village, a Girls draw water rural community near the coast. to claim its biblical and theological from a well at foundations regarding care of God’s Even with recent improvements to the Machanga Center for well, water continues to be an issue at the creation, discover the ties that link Girls, a Mennonite all created beings to each other and to centre. A regional drought lowered the Central Committee- local water table, and with heavy use by supported school God, confess the harm humans have residents and community members, the dormitory in caused the natural world, and act well water is usually depleted by mid- Mozambique. faithfully to restore the Earth. morning each day. —MCCN release

The girls centre offers a home away Photo by Harold Wenger

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Calgary Son of immigrants publishes their story rthur Kroeger of Ottawa, the tion—including a Rhodes sion. In 1926, they left their author of the recently released Scholarship, worked for the homeland to settle in what Abook, Hard Passage: A Mennonite Canadian government for 34 they discovered to be an arid Family’s Long Journey from Russia years, taught at several uni- region of western Canada. to Canada, was the keynote speaker versities and served as chan- Kroeger told society at this year’s Mennonite Historical cellor of Carleton University members of the book’s Society of Canada meeting in Calgary in Ottawa, before retiring. genesis. While attending his last month. Hard Passage chronicles father’s funeral, the fam- Kroeger, the youngest child of the lives of the Kroeger fami- ily discovered a small box Heinrich and Helena Kroeger, was ly that had lived in a Russian full of old photographs and born in Naco, Alta., after his parents Mennonite community for bits of hand-written notes. emigrated from Russia with their five 120 years before experiencing war, Intrigued by this collection, he took it oldest children. He arose out of that revolution, a typhus epidemic and home with him. A friend translated poverty, gained a university educa- hyper-inflation, all in quick succes- the notes and the more information

Ken Reddig and Otto Klassen examine History of Russian some of the early equipment used by diaspora chronicled Klassen to produce his historical Mennonite Remembering Russia: 1914-1927. A film documentaries. by Otto Klassen. Available in VHS or DVD from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). 43 minutes, 2006. onceptually I understand, but in reality I cannot truly comprehend Cwhat it must have been like to lose one’s home, become a refugee and begin a new life in another country. Remembering Russia: 1914-1927 is the story of some 20,000 Mennonites who lived through such an ordeal in southern Russia and who eventually made their way to Canada. For more than 10 years Klassen worked at making this film, scouring German archives for footage never before seen by MCC photo by Gladys Terichow the general public. It also incorporates displaced people within their own country. the beginnings of MCC. This well-known still photos, many of which will be new to Many later chose to leave the country agency was initially begun to help these viewers. entirely, rather than stay amid the chaos. very people. Hence, the story can be viewed The film documents the story of The strength of this film is that it is a by those whose history and background Mennonites who had built a wonderful life thoroughly documented story. Told by a are among these 20,000, but it can also be for themselves within southern Russia— filmmaker who, together with his family, viewed by those who wish to know about today’s Ukraine. It wonderfully illustrates lived through this difficult period of time MCC’s early beginnings and ministry. the infrastructure, villages, schools and before emigrating to Paraguay and then War is often described within written hospitals that had been built. It speaks to Canada, it has a sensitivity to real- histories or our daily newspapers in broad of the self-contained lifestyle of these life horror that carefully carries viewers strokes, chronicling the building up and Mennonites, but at the same time notes through what can only be described as tearing down of ideologies and nations. the extensive economic and political rela- some of the most turbulent experiences Yet, as this film portrays, behind these tionships they had with their neighbours. anyone can ever face. broad strokes the people who are caught When the Russian Revolution broke Well narrated, this film is relatively within the crucible of conflict live, breathe out in 1917, during the First World War easy to watch, but is not intended to be and die. Otto Klassen made this film so (1914 to 1918), the life these Mennonites entertaining or dramatic. It is faithful that all who view it will never forget. had built was destroyed. Caught up in the to historical facts and suitable for high —Ken Reddig revolution, harassed by various political school students and adults. and warring factions, and robbed of their The reviewer is director of the Centre for In addition to telling the story of these Mennonite Brethren Studies, Winnipeg means to make a living, they became a 20,000 Mennonites, it also tells the story of

34 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 WiderChurch that appeared, the more he was chal- • The society’s Award of Excellence MWC and the Catholic Church. lenged to write a book to tell the world will be given to Lorna Bergey for her MWC has been given at least three of the trials and difficulties that had life-long advancement of Canadian of 250 seats at the Global Christian faced his family and many others in Mennonite history. Bergey, the first Forum, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, that era. archivist of the Mennonite Archives in November. President-elect Danisa (For another perspective on life in of Ontario, has taken leading roles in Ndlovu, executive secretary Larry early 20th century Russia, see review of many historical activities and has pub- Miller and at least one other person Remembering Russia on page 34. Ed.) lished numerous articles in various will attend. The goal of the forum In other historical society news publications. is to bring together representatives reported at the meeting: —Irene Klassen of all Christian churches, especially • Bert Friesen brought members up Evangelicals and Pentecostals who to date on the progress of GAMEO are not normally at the table with (Global Anabaptist Mennonite Strasbourg, France Catholics, Orthodox and mainstream Encyclopedia Online—found on the Protestant churches. web at gameo.org). Within a lifetime, MWC delegations —MWC release by Ferne Burkhardt unimaginable advancements have been made in the preservation of to visit Italy history, from handwritten or crudely and Kenya News brief published papers to the cyberspace technology of today. ennonite World Conference Kenyan Mennonites • The society’s Divergent Voices of (MWC) officials will be part of ‘birth’ Ugandan church Canadian Mennonites conferences Mtwo significant international A new circle of four Mennonite are continuing. Following the latest delegations in 2007. President Nancy churches in Rukungiri, southwestern conscientious objectors conference in Heisey will lead a delegation of up to Uganda, purchased its first property Winnipeg last fall (see “Conscientious nine people to Rome, Italy, in response in December and began the process of objection critiqued by history confer- to an invitation from the Pontifical registration with the Ugandan govern- ence,” Nov. 27, page 16), future confer- Council for Promoting Christian ment as the first Mennonite Church ences will focus on Mennonites and Unity. The meeting, Oct. 19 to 23, of Uganda—a spiritual great-grand- sexuality, mental health, the environ- follows up on the report of the five- daughter for Lancaster Mennonite ment and money. year international dialogue between Conference and its mission agency, Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM). Jakarta, Indonesia blocked off. At the invitation of the “parents,” Respiratory illnesses, skin irrita- Kenya Mennonite Church, EMM Floods ravage tions and other diseases like typhoid president Richard Showalter attended and dengue fever—linked to having the “birth” and explains the family Indonesian capital homes submerged in dirty water from tree: “EMM sent its first missionar- flooding and blocked storm drains—are ies to Tanganyika [now Tanzania] eavy rains early last month caused affecting thousands of residents. In two in 1934. Then in the 1960s, the the severest flooding in Jakarta days, 50,000 sought treatment for such Tanzanians began to plant churches Hin five years. Many people were conditions. in western Kenya along Lake Victoria. marooned in their homes and workplaces. “Two of my friends are already hospi- Less than two years ago, the Kenya Flooding in the greater Jakarta area talized,” reported Elina Ciptadi, chair of had already claimed 36 lives by Feb. AMIGOS, the MWC youth committee, Mennonite Church began sending 6 and 340,000 had been left homeless, who lives in Jakarta. missionaries into Uganda, and now we according to police reports. Clean water, food and fuel are in short have a ‘great-granddaughter’ circle of Water rose to a height of nearly four supply. Thousands in the capital were churches.” Showalter and Kevin Yoder, metres in some parts of the city, much still without electricity, water and tele- a worker in Kenya with EMM and of which lies below sea level. Water also phone lines nearly a week after the rains Mennonite Mission Network, attended poured into the city from higher ground began. the first baptismal and communion ser- around the city, creating lakes in low-lying “A friend of mine from church stayed vice of the new conference of churches housing areas and forcing people to climb at home for three days without electric- and witnessed the purchase of its first onto roofs or flee to the homes of relatives ity,” said Ciptadi. “[The flooding] severely property. The constitution for the new or evacuation sites, reported Eddy Sutjipto, impacted church attendance [on Feb. 4].” Mennonite World Conference (MWC) ex- One Mennonite church immediately be- national church has been written, and ecutive committee member from Jakarta. gan organizing donations of clothes, food and Ugandans are serving as its leaders. Hotels were filled and passable streets water for flood victims at other Mennonite They hope to receive national registra- were jammed. People who had a second churches and in neighbouring areas. tion within a few months. floor were safe there, but many couldn’t “Please keep us in your prayers,” said —EMM release by Jewel Showalter leave because streets in the greater Ciptadi. Jakarta area were flooded and completely —MWC release by Ferne Burkhardt

Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5 35 WiderChurch

Beirut, Lebanon Crisis intervention, development both key to MCC espite political instability, tension and ongoing unrest, DMennonite Central Committee (MCC) Lebanon and its 12 partner organizations continue to provide much-needed crisis intervention services and plan new, long-term development projects. A week of violence in January cre- ated temporary interruptions, but progress is being made on all projects supported by MCC, says MCC country representative Ken Seitz. “In such times of unrest, our challenge is keep- ing on task, but for the most part our partners are moving ahead with their projects.” In most years, MCC supports about 15 projects in Lebanon, with their primary focus being strengthening local peacebuilding and conflict resolu- tion programs. Currently, MCC is supporting 35 projects. About half are

short-term projects started in response Photo courtesy of Imam Sadr Foundation to the conflict in 2006. These projects Dr. Mohamed El-Shemale provides medical services in a mobile health clinic in include mobile health clinics, children the village of Markaba, south Lebanon. The clinic, organized by the Imam Sadr and youth programs, trauma healing Foundation, received funding from Mennonite Central Committee. and cluster bomb awareness. “We are running a double-track “In a politically tense or security- possible for Bassam to come up here,” program,” says Seitz. “This is quite tense situation, everyone shifts to says Seitz. a challenge for us and our partners. short-term thinking. People’s moods, Despite these challenges, Seitz says Our partners are highly motivated energy levels and ability to function he and his wife Kathryn are optimis- people—they burn the are impacted. We are tic that they will be able to complete candle at both ends to ‘Our partners are still trying to focus on their five-year commitment as country get projects implement- development, but we are representatives. “These are times that ed and completed.” highly motivated finding the whole pro- really test us, but MCC is ultimately Dealing with shifting people—they burn cess has slowed down.” a people-to-people organization,” he priorities between long- Another challenge is says. “MCC partnerships are special term development and the candle at both the restricted movement because our partners sense our love, crisis intervention proj- of people—restrictions our concern and our desire to connect ects is one of many chal- ends to get projects created by roadblocks, with people. We identify with the lenges facing MCC staff implemented and bridges that have not people. We try to support and encour- and partners. Nearly yet been replaced, and age them. That’s what really counts.” everyone in Lebanon completed.’ threats of more violence. Partner organizations appreciate was impacted by the MCC program coordi- MCC’s monetary assistance, but Seitz war that killed nearly 1,200 Lebanese, nator Bassam Chamoun lives in a says they recognize that MCC does injured 4,000, displaced 25 percent of village 75 kilometres south of Beirut. more than provide monetary as- the population, and destroyed sources While more than half of the partner sistance. “They always tell us, ‘Your of livelihoods, buildings, bridges, roads organizations are located close to his grants may not be that big, but your and other infrastructure. village in south Lebanon, Chamoun is hearts are big.’” Fear of more violence and civil also expected to drive to Beirut once —MCC release by Gladys Terichow unrest makes it difficult for MCC’s a week to meet with MCC staff and partners to plan for long-term proj- partner organizations there. ects. “People aren’t sure what they “How do we plan for next week—we want to do next year,” Seitz reports. wonder from day to day if it is safe or

36 Canadian Mennonite March 5, 2007 Vol. 11, No. 5

WiderChurch

Todd Hanson, right, is one of four Mennonite Partners in China (MPC) teachers to receive their first provincial “Most Excellent Foreign Teachers” awards from the Sichuan Provincial Education Bureau. Hanson is supported by Mennonite Church Canada Witness and Mennonite Mission Network. The others—Catherine McKinlay, Carol Park and Holly Showalter—are Mennonite Central Committee workers. Hanson is pictured with two of his students at the Sichuan Teachers College in Nanchong, China. Hanson says the recogni- tion is another indication of the importance of English teachers in China and that it reaffirms the reputation of MPC (formerly China Educational Exchange) instructors. Photo courtesy of Jeanette and Todd Hanson

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his is what the Lord says: A prayer of “Voices are heard crying out, voices from the nations of Africa. Weeping is heard from Sudan, Tfrom the riverbanks of the Nile. Who will comfort the orphaned children, Jeremiah the children left parentless from AIDS?” in the 21st centur y This is what the Lord says: “Why won’t you act, O countries of the North? Why do you sit motionless in your comfort and pride? Have I not blessed you with an abundance of food? Have I not entrusted you with wisdom and knowledge? Are you not obese from your devouring of the harvest? Will you not perish in your SUVs and Hummers?” Look, I am doing a new thing in the South: new churches and new life to those in agony. Communities of children looking after children, churches bursting at the seams. But to you, O North, though you trust in your armies and guns, you will not avoid the destroying hand. Though you trust in your agro-chemicals and petro-chemicals, Do you think you will be spared?” Declares the Lord. “Repent, O North, turn from your prideful ways. Return and place your trust in the Lord! If you share your gifts with the poor, if you take in the AIDS orphans and the refugees, if you stop trying to control my creation with science and technology and poisons and gadgets— then your communities will experience new birth, then your families will be restored. Then I will restore your churches, and your buildings will not contain the masses. Repent, return; trust in the Lord your God, for I am longing to restore you,” Declares the Lord. —Stefan Cherry, 2006

The poet is currently serving as youth pastor at Floradale (Ont.) Mennonite Church. He lives with his wife Pascale in Guelph, Ont., and is studying at Tyndale Seminary, Toronto. He worked for 10 years in Africa in the areas of sustainable agriculture, church leadership development and HIV/AIDS. The photo illustration by Ross W. Muir was created from a photograph he took at an internally displaced persons camp in northern Uganda in 2004.