March 18, 2019 Volume 23 Number 6

On the road with Jesus Focus on Travel, pgs. 30-35

INSIDE Raspberry capital beckons Gathering 2019 4 Lessons from Haiti 13

PM40063104 R09613 Manitoba, B.C. AGM reports 16,17 2 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019 editorial Are we there yet? Virginia A. Hostetler Executive Editor

o you remember An emphasis early on was the affirma- survey our senior writer conducted. those family car tion, “The congregation is the foundational We’re not there yet, on this trip toward Dtrips? In the front unit and expression of God’s work in the the future. Still ahead: the church has seat, Mom and Dad are navi- world.” Out of that grew the conclusion: serious work to do in addressing racism in gating, driving and planning “The key to remaining faithful and effective our midst (see the story on page 15). Given for the next pit stop. In the back seats, kids as a larger body in our changing world is differences in theological perspectives, we are staking out their individual spaces, trying revitalizing the life of [the church’s] foun- need to keep fine-tuning ways of having to stave off boredom and bickering. Everyone dational unit, the congregation” (Future meaningful conversation that propels us is looking forward to the adventure ahead. Directions Task Force Supplement to Final forward. When our churches deal with Someone calls out the question, “Are we Report, Oct. 23, 2015). diminishing numbers, it’s not clear that we there yet?” This trip has included significant bumps will be able to meet the financial needs our In March 2013, Canadian Mennonite ran in the road. Staff members serving at the dreams call for. the first article introducing a new nation- nationwide level lost their jobs as programs I’m encouraged by small signs: congre- wide process called Future Directions. It were cut. Workers in the International gations and regional staff are praying for was the beginning of an adventure towards Witness program faced a new funding each other and learning to work together, life in a changing reality. model, one that relies more on donors and regional efforts are inspiring members Dealing with decreasing church mem- “out there,” as opposed to guaranteed to consider their calling as a revitalized bership and reduced donations, the struc- support from a central office. Staff and church. An upcoming consultation will tures of Mennonite Church Canada faced volunteers of regional churches are being foster conversation about the purpose of serious challenges. Two questions were asked to do more facilitating and imple- the church in today’s society. central: “What is God’s Spirit calling us to menting of efforts for their respective areas. As individuals and as larger church body, in the 21st century? What are the best ways Responsibility for cultivating donors has we’re on a journey, learning how to be (programs, structures, strategies) for the increased at the regional level. We’re all faithful disciples in the 21st century. The church to thrive and grow?” learning about new ways of communicating adventure continues. The Future Directions process engaged across geography. people across MC Canada in conversations Sometimes the vision for the trip hasn’t You’re invited about where our church body was heading. been very clear. Who’s driving this car and Each year the Canadian Mennonite fund- Consultations happened, reports were where are we going? Grieving, fear, confu- raising dinner helps us to connect with written and many people offered opinions. sion and indifference have all been part of readers and supporters in one area of the Like any other voyage, this trip toward the mix, along with reminders that God is country. This year we invite you to our 48th the future has included planning and still Lord of the church. dinner, on April 6, 6:30 p.m., at Mennonite navigating, both enthusiasm and lack of It has now been 17 months since the Heritage Village in Steinbach, Man. There interest, and, yes, some bickering. Small decision to re-structure. Regional churches will be delicious food, entertainment by gatherings happened across the country, have experienced a complete fiscal year the Accent Women’s Ensemble, and the and the larger delegate body discussed pro- in this new reality and are finding ways to opportunity to talk to CM staff and board posals at the 2014 and 2016 assemblies. A foster reflection around the vision moving members. Tickets are free, but reservations final vote happened at the Special Assembly forward. In this issue, you will find reports are required. Donation baskets will be avail- in October 2017. That resulted in a new on the annual delegate gatherings of able. To reserve your seat, email office@ structure that moved many responsibilities Mennonite Church Manitoba (pages 16-17) canadianmennonite.org with “CM April 6 from the head office in Winnipeg to the and MC B.C. (pages 17-18). Also, on pages dinner” in the subject line, or call 1-800- former area churches, now named regional 20 and 21, you’ll find a report on the 51 378-2524, extension 221. We hope to see churches. responses to an informal Future Directions you there! l

Printed in Canada Award-winning member of the Canadian Church Press ISSN 1480-042X contents March 18, 2019 / Vol. 23, No.6 ABOUT THE COVER: Many organizations and institutions—including Mennonite Central Raspberry capital Committee, Mennonite Disaster Service, Anabaptist Mennonite beckons Gathering Biblical Seminary, TourMagination, Columbia Bible College, and 2019 4 Dashir Lodge and Safaris—spend time working and learning ‘on the Mennonite Church British road with Jesus.’ Columbia and the city of PHOTO: EMILY LOEWEN, MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE Abbotford play host for the first get-together of the Get ready to be shaken 14 restructured nationwide Themes announced for ‘Rattled by the Radical’ youth event this sum- church over the Canada mer: ‘Climate change and creation care,’ ‘Our relationship with our Day long weekend. Indigenous neighbours,’ and ‘Holistic health.’

The future is now 20 Senior writer Will Braun takes stock of the restructured nationwide church six years into Future Directions after conducting a cross-coun- Regular features: try poll. For discussion 7 Readers write 8 Milestones 8 A moment from yesterday 9 Searching for a ‘generous space’ 26 Schools Directory 34 Online NOW! 35 Contributing editor Rachel Bergen reports on LGBTQ+ Mennonites Calendar 38 Classifieds 39 who have found community in queer Christian groups. Welcome to Gathering 2019 9 A disciple who met Jesus in the wounded 29 Garry Janzen Madalene Arias recalls the life and ministry of Adolfo Puricelli, whose vision led to the foundation of the Mennonite New Life Centre A friend tells a story 10 and the Toronto Mennonite New Life Church. Ed Olfert

Canadian Mennonite Staff: Publisher, Tobi Thiessen, [email protected] Executive Editor, Virginia A. Hostetler, [email protected] Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 Managing Editor, Ross W. Muir, [email protected] Website: canadianmennonite.org Online Media Manager, Aaron Epp, [email protected] Facebook.com/Canadian.Mennonite @CanMenno Contributing Editor, Rachel Bergen, [email protected] Please send all material to be considered for publication to: Editorial Assistant, Barb Draper, [email protected] General submission address: [email protected] Graphic Designer, Betty Avery, [email protected] Readers Write: [email protected] Circulation/Finance, Lisa Jacky, [email protected] Milestones announcements: [email protected] Advertising Manager, D. Michael Hostetler, [email protected], Calendar announcements: [email protected] toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Senior Writer, Will Braun, [email protected] publications mail agreement no. 40063104 registration no. 09613 B.C. Correspondent, Amy Dueckman, [email protected] return undeliverable items to: Canadian Mennonite, Alberta Correspondent, Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, [email protected] 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON, N2L 6H7 Saskatchewan Correspondent, Donna Schulz, [email protected] Manitoba Correspondent, Nicolien Klassen-Wiebe, [email protected] Mission statement: To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on Eastern Canada Correspondent, Janet Bauman, [email protected] issues facing Mennonites in Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist perspective. We do this through an independent One-Year Subscription Rates publication and other media, working with our church partners. Canada: $46 + tax (depends on province where subscriber lives) U.S.: $68 International (outside U.S.): $91.10 Published by Canadian Mennonite Publishing Service. Regional churches and MC Canada appoint directors to the board and support 38 percent of Subscriptions/address changes: Canadian Mennonite’s budget. (e-mail) [email protected] Board Chair, Henry Krause, [email protected], 604-888-3192 (phone) 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 4 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019 feature Raspberry capital beckons Gathering 2019 Rest of Canada invited to the mountains and valleys where lakes were drained and land reclaimed

Story and Photos by Amy Dueckman B.C. Correspondent ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

The roundabout on South Clearbrook Road in Abbotsford, B.C., features a giant raspberry sculpture, symbolic of the agricultural heritage of the area. In the background is the Mennonite Heritage Museum.

he raspberry capital of Canada, the Nestled in the scenic Fraser Valley just over the border most charitable city in Canada, the from Washington state, Abbotsford is a growing com- Bible Belt of Canada. These terms have munity known as the “city in the country.” all been used to describe Abbotsford, It is also diverse. After Toronto and Vancouver’s the site of Mennonite Church Canada’s metropolitan areas, Abbotsford, with an estimated TGathering 2019, to be held from June 28 to July 1. population of 147,000, has the highest number of Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 5

visible minorities in Canada. It is also the MENNONITE HERITAGE largest city by area in British Columbia. MUSEUM PHOTO Unlike in Ontario, where Mennonites The first West settled beginning in 1786, or in the Abbotsford Mennonite Prairies, where Mennonites came in Church building. The the 1870s, the Mennonite presence is congregation merged relatively recent on Canada’s West Coast. with Wellspring Some Mennonites had arrived in B.C. by Christian Fellowship in the early 1900s, settling in the Castlegar, 2008 and became Level Prince George and Vanderhoof areas. But Ground Mennonite being few and far apart, they had little Church. sense of cohesiveness. More Mennonites began moving to the Lower Mainland of B.C. begin- ning in the 1930s because of an ambi- tious lake-draining project. Sumas Lake MC B.C. (and its predecessor Conference North America, and now Columbia Bible between Chilliwack and Abbotsford of Mennonites in B.C.) congregations in College. In 2015, it became the permanent would overflow in spring and often flood Abbotsford can trace their roots to the site of the Metzger Collection, a museum- the village of Yarrow. The government West Abbotsford Church, known as Level quality compilation of historical art and began a project to drain the lake in 1922. Ground Mennonite since it merged with artifact replicas. Through a system of dams, dykes, canals Wellspring Christian Fellowship in 2008. Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI), and pumps, the project was completed Representatives from seven Mennonite was founded in 1944 as a private high by 1925 and 13,500 hectares of fertile congregations in the province met in school in Abbotsford, with 14 churches farmland were reclaimed at a cost of $3.7 November 1936 to form Konferenz der as founding members. In 1993, the school million. Vereinigten Mennonitengemeinden in expanded to the elementary level with the The reclaimed land was put up for Britisch Columbien, or the Conference of addition of Kindergarten and Grade 1, sale, and one of the purchasers was United Mennonite Churches of British adding a grade every year until it offered Chauncy Eckert of Yarrow. Hoping to Columbia. The provincial conference was all 12 grades. The elementary and middle attract farmers, Eckert put an ad in the officially incorporated on July 22, 1940, schools were opened in 1997. While the Winnipeg Free Press Prairie Farmer. Beset with eight member congregations. The student body at its founding was 100 by economic depression and dry farming conference also joined the Conference of percent Mennonite, current students conditions, Mennonites from the Prairie Mennonites in Canada in 1937. Wishing represent many denominations and other provinces answered the call, eager to start to join in mission and publication endeav- ethnic and religious backgrounds. over in an area of cheap land, a milder ours with other North American congre- On the other end of life’s spectrum, climate and adequate rainfall. They also gations, joining the General Conference concern for care of the elderly moti- hoped to establish a community modelled Mennonite Church was discussed. vated the formation of the Mennonite after their Russian villages. The commun- Because membership was by individ- Benevolent Society in 1953. From its ity of Yarrow welcomed 12 Mennonite ual congregations, however, eight B.C. beginnings when Menno Home opened families in 1928. United Mennonite congregations applied to 26 residents, today the Menno Place More Mennonites from across the for membership in 1938 in the General complex in Abbotsford houses more than country began coming to B.C. and Conference; this affiliation remained until 700 residents in different levels of care on settled in Yarrow, Abbotsford and other MC Canada was formed in 2002. a 4.5-hectare campus. communities. The first Mennonites The Mennonite presence in B.C. is arrived in the Clearbrook area (Matsqui Education, programs strong, with MBs far outnumbering MC Municipality, later amalgamated with and cooperation Mennonites. In Abbotsford today there Abbotsford) in 1931. Many farmers found Christian education was a priority for the are three MC congregations but more raspberries to be a profitable cash crop. Mennonites from the beginning of their than twice that many MB congrega- A Mennonite Brethren (MB) congre- time in B.C. A Bible school was first estab- tions. The two denominations cooperate gation was organized in 1931 and some lished in Coghlan (Aldergrove) in 1941 not only on the elementary, secondary of what later would be called General and was later moved to Abbotsford, where and post-secondary level, but on efforts Conference Mennonites chose to worship it became Bethel Bible School. In 1970, such as Mennonite Disaster Service and there until they formed their own congre- Bethel Bible Institute merged with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). gation in 1936, first named Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren (MB) Bible Institute The Mennonite Historical Society of B.C., Mennonite Church and later renamed to become Columbia Bible Institute, the organized in 1972, also encompasses both West Abbotsford Mennonite Church. All first inter-Mennonite Bible institute in MC and MB stories. 6 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

For years, many Mennonites in B.C. Richmond, Surrey, Maple Ridge, Langley, featuring interviews with leaders in MC had been hoping for a place to tell the Chilliwack, Yarrow, Kelowna, Black Creek B.C. and discussing the work and ministry Mennonite story, specifically the story and Dawson Creek. of the regional church. of how Mennonites came to B.C. The In 2012, MC B.C. sponsored the An ongoing involvement in MC B.C. is dream was realized when the Mennonite Pilgrimage Project (pilgrimageproject relating to Indigenous neighbours. Before Heritage Museum was opened in .com), a series of short online videos Sumas Lake was drained in the 1920s, the Abbotsford in 2016. A permanent exhibit inside the museum tells the Anabaptist and Mennonite story over the past 500 Travel Guide years through display panels, audiovisuals and interactive digital media. Temporary seasonal displays are also featured. Places to visit while at Gathering 2019 Sharing the building is the Mennonite Historical Society of B.C., which col- Metzger Collection, Columbia Bible College lects and preserves stories and archival This collection of museum-quality artifacts includes 1,200 replicas of significant records relating to Mennonite history in archeological artifacts and works of art, such as the Rosetta Stone and the Gutenberg the province, and maintains a library and Bible, and encompasses biblical history and other ancient civilizations. Located in the databases for historical and genealogical Columbia Resource Centre, 2940 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. For more informa- research. Computer stations are avail- tion, visit metzgercollection.org. able for anyone interested in researching family histories. Mennonite Heritage Museum A B.C. women’s ministry group formed Opened in 2016, this museum tells the Mennonite story from the beginnings of in 1939 and existed in some form until Anabaptism to Mennonites today in Canada and B.C. The building also houses 2007. Although there is no longer a formal Mennonite Historical Society offices, where patrons can research their family structure for Mennonite women in MC history. Located at 1818 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. For more information, visit B.C., a fall retreat and a spring event mennonitemuseum.org. remain. MC B.C.’s Camp Squeah, located in the MCC thrift shops mountains near Hope, an hour’s drive • MCC Centre Thrift, 33933 Gladys Avenue, Abbotsford. The building houses the east of Abbotsford, hosts summer camps Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) B.C. headquarters, a Ten Thousand Villages and church retreats, and serves as a year- shop, MCC quilters, Common Place Café and thrift shop. For more information, visit round retreat centre for school and com- mcccentre.ca/mcc-thrift/. munity groups. The word “Squeah” means • MCC Clothing Etc., 31872 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. For more information, “place of refuge” in the local Salish dialect. visit thrift.mcc.org/abbotsford-mcc-clothing-etc/. At a May 27, 2007, celebratory worship • Marketplace by MCC Community Enterprises, 34377 Marshall Road, Abbotsford. service, 30 of MC B.C.’s 34 congregations Not a traditional second-hand shop; includes a mixture of unique new, used, hand- signed a renewal covenant addressing crafted and upcycled goods. For more information, visit mccce.ca/our-enterprises the mutual relationships in, and commit- /marketplace/. ment to, MC B.C. Two congregations later eventually signed and two more chose to Places to eat with Mennonite connections leave the regional church later that year. • Common Place Café, 33933 Gladys Ave., Abbotsford. Features quality home- cooked breakfasts and lunches. For more information, visit mcccentre.ca MC B.C. today /common-place-cafe/. Mennonites have continued to move to • Garden Park Tower Rose Room Coffee Shop, 2825 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. B.C. throughout the years, not only from Serves fresh baked goods and homemade soups. For more information, visit garden- other parts of Canada but from Europe parktower.ca/rose-room-coffee-shop. following the Second World War and later • Marketplace by MCC CE, 34377 Marshall Road, Abbotsford. Serves light home- from Latin America and Asia. Today, MC made meals and pastries. For more information, visit mccce.ca/our-enterprises B.C. has more than 3,000 members in 29 /marketplace/. congregations that worship in 11 different • Yellow Barn Country Market, 39809 No. 3 Road, rural Abbotsford. Sells fresh languages: Cantonese, English, German, produce from local farmers and has a deli and café featuring fresh baking, burgers, Hmong, Japanese, Karen, Korean, Lao, soups and sandwiches. Operated by MCC Community Enterprises. For more infor- Mandarin, Spanish and Vietnamese. mation, visit mccce.ca/our-enterprises/yellow-barn-country-market/. In addition to Abbotsford, congrega- —Compiled by Amy Dueckman tions are located in Mission, Vancouver, Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 7

lake and surrounding land had been most important to the Stó:lō people for fishing and other aspects of their culture. While the farmers who gained valuable agricul- tural land were the winners, Indigenous people lost a valuable resource. There is no longer an MC B.C. Indigenous relations coordinator, but an Indigenous Relations Group continues to look after the work, such as redemptive listening, learning and advocacy, in order to preserve Indigenous dignity, cultural and spiritual experience. Some of this participation includes the Langley Walk for Reconciliation and continuing education of churches on the findings and recommen- dations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This committee is also encouraging MC B.C. congregations to consider adopting a statement “acknow- ledging with gratitude our existence on what in most of our constituency is unceded Indigenous territory.” Due to last year’s regional church restructuring, the new position of church engagement minister was created. Kevin Camp Squeah, MC B.C.’s church camp near Hope, is a place of refuge for children and Barkowsky concentrates his efforts on families. engaging MC B.C. congregations in fulfilling God’s mission locally and around the world. For discussion MC B.C. encompasses a wide range of ΛΛ viewpoints, from liberal to conservative. 1. What are your experiences with the lower mainland of British Columbia? If Most divisive in recent years has been the you have travelled there, whom did you meet and what did you learn about Being a Faithful Church (BFC) process the people? How is the history of the Mennonite community in B.C. different and the adoption of BFC7 that addresses from other Mennonite communities in Canada? marriage and sexuality issues. Some con- 2. Abbotsford has a great deal of ethnic diversity. What strengths and chal- gregations have chosen to leave, and some lenges come from having a population that is diverse? How does this ethnic are re-evaluating their commitment to the diversity affect the church? MC B.C. family. 3. Amy Dueckman writes that the early Mennonites in B.C. “hoped to establish Nonetheless, MC B.C. continues on a a community modelled after the Russian villages.” What was so attractive about “journey of reimagining who we are,” says the Mennonite village system in Ukraine that they wanted to replicate it? Why Garry Janzen, executive minister, as he was this not an achievable goal? cites three key themes: 4. Dueckman writes that seven Mennonite congregations in B.C. formed a conference in the late 1930s. What are the advantages of having congregations • To define and engage Anabaptist work together? If you were in that situation with a young congregation today, identity. would you organize a regional group? Why or why not? • To be a missional community. 5. On page 9, Garry Janzen welcomes the nationwide Mennonite church to • To build connections and trust between Abbotsford for Gathering 2019. What creative ideas about being church might and within congregations. you have to share? What new ideas about church ignite your imagination? —By Barb Draper “This ministry is work that we can only do together.” MC B.C. welcomes fellow Canadian ΛΛSee related resources at Mennonites to join it in beautiful British www.commonword.ca/go/1749 Columbia at Gathering 2019! l 8 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019 opinion ΛΛReaders write LL Who are we? LL Should Thrift Store purchases be Re: “Sharing life with your tribe,” Feb. 4, page 12. ‘designated’ to First Nations communities? Troy Watson’s thoughtful article made me think of what my tribe may have passed on to make me who I Re: “MCC Canada cuts Canadian programs to focus am. I am responsible for my actions, but to what extent on advocacy,” Feb. 4, page 14. could I thank or blame my ancestors for the outcome? This article raises some serious concerns regard- I did some research about the genealogy of my ances- ing Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada’s tors and made interesting discoveries about my tribe. Indigenous programming. I learned about some of their quirks, their gifts and Executive director Rick Cober Bauman indicates skills, their failures and successes, spiritual insights and that less Thrift Store income and more money desig- contributions that they had made to their Mennonite nated overseas combine to result in less money spent environment. What has rubbed off on me? in Canada on Indigenous programming. I, too, went back to the place of my birth, now in Ironically, many of the Thrift Store customers in Poland. I found no ruins to sit on and meditate, like Altona, Man., happen to be First Nations customers. Troy. Everything of the past was erased. Where the Perhaps they could request that the benefits from their family farm had been, thistles had sprouted. They had purchases be designated to be spent nationally, or the freedom to grow and had grown head-high. The perhaps provincially, or, who knows, perhaps even on thistles were in bloom, little thorny purple flowers specific reserve projects, if there are any. This would providing beauty in the wilderness. Nature had taken make the Thrift Store purchases less of a slush fund, back its place. Things end and give way to new life. and more of a focused initiative—perhaps a better I will soon be added to the list of ancestors. Standing bang for their buck. there before nothing, I tried to imagine where I would A resulting problem then might be that the fit into my tribe. What will I have contributed to the life “mission” aspect of MCC Canada might have less of my tribe that my descendants may carry on, appreci- impact overseas, and we, as conscientious, faith- ate or regret, and will recognize in their makeup? ful Mennonites here in southern Manitoba, would God has created us in his image, unique in a way but perhaps lose the “feel good” effect generated by the part of a tribe. “overseas mission efforts” of MCC Thrift Stores. Helmut Lemke, Vancouver As it stands now, MCC Manitoba representatives, led by director Darryl Loewen, have engaged in a recent mission to Zimbabwe, to understand more ΛΛMilestones clearly, I suppose, the “lay of the land” and MCC’s presence there. Seems to be a ratcheting up of the Deaths typical “overseas mission” initiatives. There are likely a dozen or more legitimate reasons Koop—Elsa (nee Pauls), 94 (b. Aug. 11, 1924; d. Jan. 24, 2019), for an MCC Zimbabwe Africa mission; however, it Ottawa Mennonite. seems that our overseas efforts come, at least in part, Ramseyer—Kenneth, 68 (b. Sept. 7, 1950; d. Feb. 19, 2019), at the expense of the Indigenous people here at home. Tavistock Mennonite, Ont. It seems we do not have an appetite here in Manitoba, Wall—John R., 88 (b. Jan. 16, 1931; d. Feb. 10, 2019), Osler or Canada for that matter, to help our First Nations Mennonite, Sask. neighbours because the African initiative is a more Wideman—Glenn, 66 (b. Feb. 23, 1952; d. Dec. 14, 2019), glamorous one. Floradale Mennonite, Ont. Peter Reimer, Gretna, Man. Zacharias—Arthur, 81 (b. Dec. 24, 1937; d. Feb. 17, 2019), Osler Mennonite, Sask. Zehr—Mary (nee Roes), 94 (b. Dec. 25, 1924; d. Feb. 18, 2019), We welcome your comments and publish most letters from Erb Street Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont. subscribers. Letters, to be kept to 300 words or less, are the opinion of the writer only and are not to be taken as endorsed by this magazine or the church. Please address Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones issues rather than individuals; personal attacks will not announcements within four months of the event. appear in print or online. All letters are edited for length, Please send Milestones announcements by e-mail to style and adherence to editorial guidelines. Send them to [email protected], including the [email protected] and include the author’s congregation name and location. When sending death contact information and mailing address. Preference is notices, please also include birth date and last name at given to letters from MC Canada congregants. birth if available. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 9

From Our Leaders Welcome to Gathering 2019 Garry Janzen

ennonite Church British for the founding core group and, for the hope of Mennonites who really care Columbia is excited to welcome Community Table Church, many of these about the good news of Jesus Christ and Mthe nationwide Mennonite people ended up finding church experi- about being engaged in God’s mission. church to Gathering 2019 in Abbotsford, ences elsewhere that didn’t demand as I want to point us all to the Gathering B.C. much of their time. 2019 website (ignitegathering2019.ca) The imagination of the church is still However, MC B.C. is seeing new cur- as a place for information and inspira- unfolding and becoming. We have said rents of church planting, and so perhaps tion, as well as registration. We picked that the local congregation is the founda- this model will be taken up again. the July long weekend so people can tional unit of the church. We believe that Gathering 2019 will feature “fire come without using up vacation time. Of the role of the regional and nationwide starter” stories and workshops, which course, coming to the West Coast may churches is to bring together, celebrate will show us the many ways the church inspire people to add some vacation time and provide resources for these local mis- is being lived out in gathered commu- beyond Gathering 2019. sional communities. To hear from each nities across Canada. I am convinced that Gathering 2019 will start with a bang other about what ignites our imagina- these stories will ignite the imagination on the afternoon of June 29 with dynamic tions is a great idea. among MC B.C. congregants who will be worship, Heath’s first talk and the instal- It is inspiring to see creative ways of at Gathering 2019. I am also convinced lation of the new MC Canada executive being the church. Some of these catch the that the MC B.C. stories will ignite the minister, Doug Klassen. We will be led attention of many, who form new congre- imagination of brothers and sisters from into a weekend of intrigue and engage- gations. Others are good efforts but don’t the rest of the country. ment. On the morning of Canada Day last. I am particularly excited about guest our time together will come to a close Community Table Church, an MC B.C. speaker Elaine Heath. I just finished with the celebration of communion. l church plant, gathered and worshipped reading her book God Unbound and I around a meal. But it seemed that this highly recommend reading it in prepara- Garry Janzen is executive church plant was a bit ahead of its time. tion for Gathering 2019. I believe she will minister of Mennonite Church planting is a big commitment be a voice that will capture and ignite Church British Columbia.

A moment from yesterday

“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” These famous words from Isaiah 2:4 have been enacted in various ways over the years. Sculptures have been created, jewelry made and roads built with former military machinery. By the end of the Second World War, Klaas Brandt of Steinbach, Man., learned of decommissioned military aircraft in the province. He determined that the Lysander airplanes had the most usable material and purchased 27 to bring to Steinbach. He melted down their 890-horsepower aluminum engines and made farm equipment with the metal.

Text: Conrad Stoesz Photo: Klaas Brandt Photo Collections

archives.mhsc.ca 10 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

In the Image A friend tells a story Ed Olfert

y friend Catherine* teaches at a His shield cracked just enough for him about how wonderful Donny’s current community school in the core to suggest a school that he had attended school was, how good the staff were, how Mof our city. Given her experience several years ago that hadn’t been so many fun things there were to do there. and her skill set, she manages a classroom terrible. The school he mentioned was As Donny and Catherine sat and that is not so much age- or grade-specific, in a town about an hour away. Catherine watched, Donny began to cry. There were but rather contains children whose pushed just a little more. Was there emotions being touched in ways that he behavioural issues make them difficult to a teacher there that he remembered, had not allowed for a long time, and those manage in normal classroom settings. someone who had made that memory a emotions emerged as tears. Someone was After the Christmas break, a new good one? declaring that Donny was worthy of time boy, Donny*, appeared in her room. As There was. Donny offered a name. There and energy and fun and laughter. It was Catherine understood it, he had been was a teacher there who had expended the huge for him. abandoned by his parents at a very young energy to offer him a warm place in his I don’t need the story to end happily age, so his grandparents took over as his class community. ever after. I don’t know the ever after. But guardians. These grandparents are some- In her mind, Catherine was fist-pump- Donny became warmer, more coopera- what nomadic, and so his records showed ing. “Yes! I know that guy!” tive, more open in the class. Catherine an unusually high number of schools in his She forwarded a message to that school, ended the story by remembering that short academic history. to that teacher. “I have Donny in my class when school closed for the February break, Donny’s life had obviously not been easy, and he’s got some pretty huge walls built Donny had come by to offer a hug and to as he displayed in her room with great up. We’re having a tough time with him; offer his wish that she would have a relax- anger and frustration. No one would be wouldn’t be surprised to see him bolt. But ing holiday. Two more sets of eyes had allowed close. He hated school, he hated he has good memories of his time in your tears. kids, he hated teachers, he even hated his room. Can you give me any ideas how to A story of a group of people risking to own name. He didn’t want to be called connect with Donny?” discover the holiness within. l Donny but he didn’t want to be called The reply came the same day. Yes, he anything else either. Rage boiled out of his certainly recalled Donny, and he had some * Catherine and Donny are pseudonyms. pores. ideas. He would get back to her. Donny couldn’t be managed on the Within a few days, the idea came. Ed Olfert (p2pheo@sasktel playground, so he spent recess time with Donny’s former teacher, along with a .net) lives just down Catherine in the classroom. On a day when current student at that distant school, who from God and peers he seemed just a little more reflective, she just happened to be Donny’s cousin, had up on occasion. tried a conversation. She asked him if he sent a video. They talked about remem- could remember a school that he had liked. bering Donny warmly and then talked

Et cetera Count ’em up

440,000: Number of foreign missionaries in the world. 2.5 billion: Number of Christians in the world. 1.8 billion: Number of Muslims. 0.7 billion: Number of agnostics. 66: Percentage of British Anglicans who voted in favour of Brexit. 20: Percentage of Americans who answered “spirituality and faith” when asked what provides a sense of meaning. 69: Percentage of Americans who answered “family” as a source of meaning. 37: Percentage of Canadians who believe the overall contribution of faith Sources include: nytimes.com, instagram.com, gordonconwell. communities to Canadian society is very good or more good than bad. edu, theguardian.com, religion news.com and pewforum.com. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 11

Theatre Review Extending—and receiving—grace The Amish Project. By Jessica Dickey. Presented by Dark Glass Theatre, at The Nest on Granville Island, Vancouver, in February. Reviewed by Angelika Dawson Special to Canadian Mennonite

he Amish Project, which had a brief It is the pivotal moment in the play, as run in Vancouver last month, is her grief is turned on its head by “a word” Tbased on the shooting that took place that Aaron speaks to her. Carol, in turn, in Nickel Mines, Pa., in 2006., when a dairy- speaks that word to the spectre of her truck driver entered an Amish schoolhouse, husband as she comes to some form of ordered the boys to leave and then started forgiveness for him as well. The audience to shoot the girls. In the end, five girls died never learns what that word is. and seven more were wounded. In the talk-back session after the Yet the play focuses less on the events of second-last performance of the run, that day than on what took place after- Krugman was asked what she thinks the wards, as members of the Amish commu- word is. nity visited and extended forgiveness and “Well, as actors, we want to turn that compassion to the family of the killer, who question back to you,” she said. “What do also took his own life. you think the word is?” She added that, as Dark Glass Theatre’s mandate is to tell PHOTO BY JALEN LAINE PHOTOGRAPHY cast members, they had an agreed-upon stories that enable us to see, face to face, A scene from The Amish Project, performed word among themselves but they pur- people we might not otherwise meet, last month by Dark Glass Theatre at The posefully did not share that. thereby decreasing judgment, increas- Nest in Vancouver. And therein lies the strength and beauty ing compassion and fostering empathy. of The Amish Project. It asks that bold In the program notes, Angela Konrad, question—“How on earth can anyone the company’s artistic director who also all-female cast. Her anguished portrayal forgive something so horrific?”—and directed this production, writes that the of a woman trying to make sense of her then answers it with more questions. By idea of forgiving something so terrible husband’s actions was what the audience allowing us in the audience to see the seems unimaginable: “How—on earth—is expected to see. story from many perspectives, it forces it possible?” she asks, adding that this is Her character’s response to the grace us to consider experiences different from the “great question of this play.” offered by the Amish families was what we might have thought logical. And while The Amish Project deals with unexpected. It is an emotional, gut- The play really asks us to look inward the act of extending grace, it also explores wrenching scene, where she imagines and consider where we can extend for- the challenge of receiving it. Kelsey herself yelling at Aaron, the father of two giveness to those we have hurt and how Krogman, who played the killer’s wife, of the victims. “Where was God?” she we might respond when grace is extended Carol, was a standout among the strong, screams, collapsing in grief. to us. l

Et cetera Mennonites from Mexico travel to Angola

A group of nine people from the Cuauhtémoc area of Chihuahua, Mexico, travelled to Africa on Nov. 28, 2018, to explore the possibility of creating new Mennonite settlements in Angola. They met with representatives of the Angolan government, who expressed interest in having foreign farmers to work their land, but no decisions were made.

From Die Mennonitsche Post, Nov. 30, 2018. 12 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

Viewpoint Is there such a thing as a Mennonite song? Darryl Neustaedter Barg

ow many of the songs in our coming to us from the contempo- folk, pop, rap, skater punk and everything Hymnal: A Worship Book and rary worship music movement, but we in between. Hthe two supplements Sing the wondered if we couldn’t create music that All the songs that survived through a Journey and Sing the Story do you think are might put that summer’s Bible curricu- summer at camp have been collected on Mennonite? What does that even mean? lum teaching from a Mennonite perspec- the CwM website. It has been gratify- If it means songs that are embraced by tive right into campers’ hearts. ing to hear about these songs moving Mennonites in worship, well, the answer We organized our first songwrit- out through the church and serving in might be all of them. ing weekend in the spring of 2000. We contexts we could not imagine. I have If it means songs with what some specifically invited people who had been heard people claim that this is the largest might call Mennonite theological dis- involved in leading music at our camps collection of Mennonite music anywhere. tinctives, that would be quite a few of the previous summer. There were no “real I have no idea if that’s true. I still don’t them. songwriters” among us. really know if we can or should call music If it means songs written by self- We analyzed what we liked about other Mennonite. It has been part of the work of the We’ve found that there are fewer writers creating music worship and song committee creating the for corporate worship than we hoped. This probably new Voices Together hymnal to collect music by Anabaptist songwriters for says something about the environments we have or inclusion in the hymnal. We found that have not created for songwriters in our congregations, there are fewer writers creating music for corporate worship than we’d hoped. but that would be a conversation for another day. This probably says something about the environments we have or haven’t created identifying Mennonites, you might be songs, and then spent a bunch of time for songwriters in our congregations, but surprised. The number of tunes, texts and investigating the Bible curriculum and, that would be a conversation for another full songs in Hymnal is less than 60. The particularly, the theme scripture text day. supplements might add a couple dozen for the upcoming summer. Finally, we We do know that there will be a greater more. spent time in prayer, inviting the Spirit’s number of Mennonite-created songs in There is a little place in Manitoba creative movement in us. We all went to Voices Together than in previous col- where songs with Mennonite distinctives, individual spaces for a while and, after an lections, possibly even one or two from written by Mennonites, are embraced in hour or two, brought rough ideas back CwM. worship, even though we don’t talk about to the circle. A few songs emerged that Also watch for the new Together in our songs as anything but “our songs.” weekend, and one of them—“Lord You’ve Worship website, a project parallel to In the mid-1990s, a few of us camp Searched Me,” based on Psalm 139 and Voices Together, that will gather worship staff at Mennonite Church Manitoba’s I John 4—is still sung very regularly to resources, art and music from Anabaptist camping ministry, Camps with Meaning this day. creators. l (CwM), tried writing songs. I have no Every year since, we have gathered recollection of why we thought this was camp staff who were involved in music Darryl Neustaedter Barg a good idea but, to our great surprise, the prior summer to take a chance and is energized by leading our efforts were well received and they become vulnerable by trying to write singing in worship in very quickly became part of our ever-evolving music together. The process has evolved diverse styles but feels most camp song canon. in a number of good ways, but some of at home by the camp- This modest success had us thinking the principles from that first weekend are fire. He is a communicator employed by more about the role of music in worship still very much in place. Some years the both Mennonite Church Manitoba and at camp and what we sing. songs are awesome and some years they Canadian Mennonite University, and is a We recognized the power of music in are very much not awesome. But they member of the Voices Together Worship worship and teaching, and wondered if are ours and they serve a purpose for and Song Committee. we couldn’t be a bit more deliberate. that summer: connecting campers from There was much great praise music various walks of life with the gospel via Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 13

Viewpoint water or even money. The request was for dialogue. It became a demand. But no one was listening. There is a price being paid Lessons from Haiti for that today. • A question I am often asked when What can it mean for engagement with our Indigenous communities? someone is considering a trip to Haiti is, “What am I going to do?” My response is, Betsy Wall “Be still and listen. And we will exhaust Special to Canadian Mennonite you.” I asked Rita what she thought we could do. She said, “Be ne may well ask what does Haiti compassionate, understand have to do with Indigenous com- what it means to share. . . . Omunities in Canada? Compassion and sharing is Well, the most significant lessons are something we can teach you!” the shared history of colonialism; the • I recall at a seminar hosted systematic and abusive undermining of at St. Jerome’s University, other cultures; and the resulting fear and Waterloo, Ont., entitled mistrust, low self-esteem, low productivity “Catholic church: Saint or and deference to powerful leaders, to name sinner in Haiti?” a question a few. Add to this, a worldview that is more asked of my Haitian colleague circular than linear, and a value system FIDA PHOTO was, “Why is Haiti poor?” His that understands environment, progress, Betsy Wall, left, chats with mothers and children who are response stunned the audience. autonomy, materialism, achievement, part of a FIDA-sponsored nutrition project for mothers “I am poor,” he said, “because honesty and spirituality, in a very different in Haiti. you tell me I am poor.” We are way than the western world. moved to develop a relation- In my long observation and experience ship with them because of what they do in Haiti, the general response to people and the first female Anglican priest in her Inuit not have and what they are not. This is not situations that we see as “poor” or “in need” community on Hudson Bay in northern the basis of a respectful relationship. usually is in the form of helping, healing, Quebec. When I asked if she would tell • As a witness to the aftermath of the 2010 saving or fixing. me something about her community, she earthquake, I saw that few Haitians were I recall being invited to meet with eagerly launched into a description of an asking for a house. “A house is just a house,” several men and women who represented economically vibrant community based I heard over and over. “What I need is a a number of informal organizations in Port almost entirely on cooperative enterprise. livelihood. And all this free food and free au Prince, Haiti’s capital. Their members “We have become so strong that the banks water and free help is killing me.” History had been the recipients of micro-credit are starting to feel a little threatened,” she has told us that housing alone does not funds. They radiated commitment, intel- said with a laugh. magically imbue people with an ability to ligence, energy and motivation. But their As the cooperative business model is overcome their poverty. Ask Rita. A house plea was: “We are tired of being dependent. at the heart of what I do in Haiti, I was is just a house. Credit is just credit. We are tired of being treated like we can intrigued to hear how much of our discus- do nothing for ourselves. We are together. sion resonated with my own experience: Former British prime minister Benjamin We are strong, but we know nothing Disraeli said, “The greatest thing you can about structure, about how to organize • I believe we must remember the colour do for someone is not to share your riches, ourselves as a business. We may each have of our skin. To a people who carry the but to reveal to them their own.” Without a little something, but what we want is scars of colonialism, we must be aware that motivation, there is little likelihood of how we can be taught a system for us to we may not be seen or received as well- worthy action, either in Haiti or in Canada. grow collectively and not be dependent on meaning or well-intentioned as we believe Personal and community transformation someone else.” we are. rooted in the dignity that comes through What is it we’re not getting? To be • I advise visitors to Haiti to come with productivity and ownership is the real hope sure, Haiti is not poor for lack of money. a spirit of humility. It requires more than of the poor. I think Rita would agree. l Perhaps poverty has become its commod- an apology for the sins of our fathers and ity that serves as an opportunity for our mothers; it requires that we be forgiven in Betsy Wall is the executive director of the affirmation? return. Foundation for International Development My new friend, Rita, gets it. She sat • Relationship begins with dialogue. The Assistance - productive cooperatives beside me on her way to Toronto to cele- one thematic plea in Haiti following the Haiti, and a member of Rockway brate the ordination of her friend, who is 2010 earthquake was not for houses, food, Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont. 14 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019 news Get ready to be shaken ‘Rattled by the Radical’ gathering to focus on creation care, Indigenous relations and holistic health

By Rachel Bergen Contributing Editor

eady to be rattled by the Radical? Youth and minds of the youth of the church?” Rfrom Mennonite Church Canada con- Giesbrecht says. “These were the themes gregations in grades 6 to 12 (including new that rose for us. Each day in the Scriptures ‘Shake: Rattled by the Radical’ takes place graduates) are invited to take part in “Shake: we engage and our experiences in our from July 28 to Aug. 1 at Saskatchewan’s Rattled by the Radical,” which takes place at workshops and road trips will focus on the Shekinah Retreat Centre, 75 kilometres north Saskatchewan’s Shekinah Retreat Centre, theme of that day.” of Saskatoon. located 75 kilometres north of Saskatoon, One of the people involved in planning from July 28 to Aug. 1. the retreat is Haley Funk, 20, who attends “Shake” is being co-organized by Wildwood Mennonite Church in Saskatoon I bring that different perspective.” representatives from MC Manitoba and and serves as its youth coordinator. She believes it’s important to give back MC Saskatchewan, including Kathy Funk has been involved in the local and to help make church events successful. Giesbrecht, associate director of leadership nationwide church for years. Before she “When I was in youth, I loved it,” she says. ministries for MC Manitoba, and Kirsten graduated, she was on the Saskatchewan “I loved getting together with other youth Hamm-Epp, regional church minister for Mennonite Youth Organization’s planning that I didn’t see all the time. The energy and MC Saskatchewan. committee and took part in youth retreats showing that you’re not the only one out According to Giesbrecht, participants as often as she was able. In 2013, she was a there—there are so many people out there will engage with three themes: youth participant at the Fat Calf Festival in who have just as much love for Jesus as you Winnipeg put on by MC Canada. She also do. I want to continue and be part of it, too.” • Climate change and creation care. attended the Mennonite World Conference For Giesbrecht, that’s heartening to see. • Our relationship with our Indigenous Global Youth Summit in Pennsylvania in “It’s really fun to see youth who grow up neighbours: Walking into reconciliation 2015. in our community invited to not only be and truth. Now she’s taking that lived experience formed by the community but to inform • Holistic health: Paying attention to body, and using it to plan a similar event. “I know it,” she says. mind and spirit. what worked out or didn’t work out from She thinks it’s important to bring people a youth’s perspective,” she says. “I can say, from the national church together. “Our The themes came up as the planning ‘When I was in youth, I wouldn’t have liked faith is impacted in different ways when committee asked themselves, “What are that. We should be having more activities we sit with the wider church—the people the things that weigh heavy on the spirits and shouldn’t be sitting down for this long.’ to which we belong and to which we share deep theological and historical connection. Whether that’s at the lunch table or the conversation table, it strengthens us in a way that’s different when that only happens within your own geographical region.” To make it easier for youth from the nationwide church to come together, MC Canada is offering $5,000 in travel subsidies, and groups that register before April 26 are eligible for an early bird discount. l

To take part in Shake, visit prairieyouth.ca. Follow @shake_prairieyouth on Instagram, too. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAILEY FUNK Hailey Funk is on the planning committee for ‘Shake: Rattled by the Radical.’ Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 15 ‘Audacious preacher’ tackles racism at School for Ministers Story and Photo by Janet Bauman Eastern Canada Correspondent WATERLOO, ONT.

hrough worship, workshops and Bailey cited numerous examples of Tkeynote addresses, Anthony Bailey outcasts and people from other nations challenged participants at Mennonite who were integral participants in God’s Church Eastern Canada’s annual School salvation story. He noted that Hagar, an for Ministers to be audacious: bold, daring, Egyptian woman, was protected and provocative and courageous. blessed by God even though she was an Bailey, lead minister at Parkdale United outsider in Abraham and Sarah’s family. He Church in Ottawa and a community brought attention to texts in Exodus and the activist for racial justice and reconciliation, prophets that describe God saving other explained to the gathering at Conrad nations besides the Israelites (Exodus 12:38, Grebel University College last month ‘Audacious preacher’ Anthony Bailey is Amos 9:7). He identified the inclusion of that his “sacred calling” to engage and pictured with Marilyn Rudy-Froese, MC gentile women in the lineage of Jesus and dismantle racism comes from a promise he Eastern Canada’s leadership minister, at this gentile Magi in the nativity story. He also made to his brother who died in his arms year’s School for Ministers event. noted the diverse leadership in the church of stab wounds from a racist attack. at Antioch, described in Acts 13, including Pressing home the point that racism people from sub-Saharan and North Africa. is a life-threatening reality, he simply does not exist. Racism does.” He also showed how Jesus used the stated, “The colour of my skin caused He outlined how racism found its way encounter with a Canaanite woman people to want to kill me.” He emphasized into all the major institutions of society, (Matthew 15:21-28) to test his disciples. that racism continues to infect Canadian and then explored how this systemic When they failed to move beyond an society, with deadly consequences. racism plays itself out in daily life. He cited exclusive, Israel-only view, the Canaanite In his wide-ranging keynote addresses, examples from the justice, education and woman ended up schooling them on he tackled the uncomfortable topics of race social service systems in which white people the generous nature of God’s grace for and racism. He explained that race as a way experience unearned privilege, power and everyone. of classifying humans is a relatively recent, rights, and black and Indigenous people He noted that there is resistance to this socially constructed concept, describing experience disadvantages. He also reviewed plotline within the Bible. For example, how it emerged in European societies in some black history, noting how these Jonah pouted when God’s mercy was the late 1600s and later served to justify contributions have been largely ignored. extended to the hated Assyrians. In a taking advantage of others as European He then challenged MC Eastern Canada different incident, people listening to nations began to colonize the world. In the pastors to re-examine their theological and Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth turned 1800s, philosopher Immanuel Kant used biblical heritage, to see where it has been on him when he highlighted stories of race classifications to create a hierarchy that infected by racism. He called for a “radical grace extended to gentiles. In the early privileged some and disadvantaged others, reorientation about how we understand church, Peter, after baptizing and eating he said. the Bible.” Instead of reading with the lens with gentiles, later backed away from such Citing evidence from the Human of the privileged, chosen ones, he called inclusion, demonstrating how hard it is to Genome Project, in which researchers pastors to see and preach from a different make such changes. studied 3.3 billion base pairs of DNA plotline. He said that the story of God Despite resistance, Bailey insisted that over the last decade, he explained how can only be told by testimonies of people the “story of God’s incarnate Christ and the the concept of race has been debunked as from all nations, even people considered mission of God to and in the world can only bogus, with “no biological basis.” Scientists outsiders, outcasts and inferior. be comprehensively told and experienced determined that “race was not a scientifi- He said that “God’s enduring by the full-throated, embodied testimony cally valid construct.” Unfortunately, commitment to all nations” is not an of people from all nations.” Otherwise, Bailey said, racist ideology “has huge extra appendage, but is “seminal to God’s he said, the telling of God’s story will be repercussions” that people still suffer from salvation history,” and “interwoven into the incomplete. “The grace of God . . . can only today. Several times he emphasized, “Race very incarnational story of Jesus.” be true if it is for everyone.” l 16 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019 New structure brings challenges and opportunities MC Manitoba works through change at annual delegate gathering

By Nicolien Klassen-Wiebe Manitoba Correspondent STEINBACH, MAN.

he people of Mennonite Church that because it was a year of transition TManitoba discussed and dreamed between the old and new structures, what the new structure of MC Canada it is hard to get an accurate picture of means for their regional church, at this donation patterns, and he anticipated year’s annual delegate gathering. that next year’s patterns will be clearer. Nearly 150 delegates and other However, not meeting the budget has attendees representing 35 churches from been a trend for the last several years, across Manitoba gathered at Steinbach and he noted that MC Manitoba Mennonite Church on the first weekend can’t keep this up much longer. He is PHOTO BY DARRYL NEUSTAEDTER BARG in March. hoping for a more positive conversa- Henry Paetkau, interim executive minister of MC tion next year. Canada, holds the covenant document between Budget matters Both the financial reports and the regional churches that make up MC Canada. The main focus of this year’s meeting the 2019 budget were presented in He said they are now more connected with each was the finances. Congregational dona- a new format, as part of a standard- other than before. tions in 2018 came in at $970,000, roughly ized reporting happening in several $100,000 short of what was expected in regional churches. In the new budget the budget. The regional church was format, amounts put towards partner is how this will affect CwM, which was consequently $50,000 short of meeting its ministry support, such as MC Canada and allotted $125,000 in the budget, less than budget in 2018. Canadian Mennonite University (CMU what the camping ministry had requested. Board member Richard Klassen said are listed under revenue, which created a CwM is essentially being asked to do more, point of confusion for some atten- but with the same financial contribution, it dees. Klassen explained that it is an was voiced from the floor. attempt to have the budget show Judith Friesen Epp, co-pastor of Home clearly that MC Manitoba’s priorities Street Mennonite Church, asked about are just as much about the nation- the pain it is causing camp staff when the wide church as the regional church. regional church can’t meet their needs, while their camper numbers are dropping. Camping questions Ken Warkentin, MC Manitoba’s Camps with Meaning (CwM) is executive minister, admitted there is extra now doing its own bookkeeping pressure on CwM, but he said the regional and has a separate budget from church is working with what it has, and that of the regional church. When couldn’t afford to give more in addition to asked whether this means that its other commitments. CwM was not a regional church Dave Wiebe, a delegate from Springstein program anymore, Klassen assured Mennonite Church, followed this by PHOTO BY AARON EPP delegates that MC Manitoba is still sharing small actions congregants in A Saskatchewan Roughriders jersey was spotted in 100-percent committed to the camps MC Manitoba churches can take to help Winnipeg Blue Bombers territory. Ken Warkentin, but wants to give them freedom to CwM in a substantial way. They include executive director of Mennonite Church Manitoba, operate. In the future, delegates will churches sending one extra child from speaks at the MC Manitoba delegate gath- receive camp financial statements their congregations to camp, hosting one ering in Steinbach, Man., on March 2, as Ryan and budgets as well. fundraiser a year, or donating as little as Siemens, executive director of Mennonite Church Congregational donations are set $20 a month through the Club 84 initiative. Saskatchewan, looks on. at $975,000 for 2019. One concern Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 17

Other church business The nomination slate for 2019, including Canada workshop that there are challenges Warkentin reported that MC Manitoba’s delegate nominations for the MC Canada with the transition, but that things are need for accounting services has decreased biannual gathering, was also approved. slowly becoming clearer. He reported that due to the separate accounting by CwM there is more interpersonal interaction and the standardization of MC Manitoba’s More than just a business meeting between the regional churches, especially financial system. Going forward, MC The day began with worship, singing and among leaders. Eastern Canada will provide accounting hearing stories about congregational life, Warkentin agreed that MC Manitoba is services for both MC Manitoba and MC followed by communion, a reminder that more aware of what is happening in other Canada. This resulted in the regional church congregants are the body of Christ together regions now and is sharing resources across releasing long-time employee Tom Seals, and part of a larger church community. the country. “Before the restructuring we which was recognized at the gathering. Three afternoon workshops covered thought of ourselves as separate entities, MC Manitoba will be looking to hire updates from CwM, MC Canada in this not knowing much about each other,” for a church engagement position that new era, and leadership development, said Paetkau. “Now we are envisioning was deferred last year due to budget including the new master of divinity ourselves as one body with many parts.” l constraints. program at CMU. The budget was passed with no Henry Paetkau, interim executive opposition. minister of MC Canada, said at the MC B.C. delegates engage together in ‘God’s mission’ ‘Honouring God with your bodies’ motion defeated

Story and Photo by Amy Dueckman MC B.C. executive minister Garry Janzen, B.C. Correspondent right, gives a blessing to Tammy and Rob RICHMOND, B.C. Wiebe of Church of the Way in Granisle, as they leave the regional church for elegates at the Mennonite Church Perspective, which addresses family life, partnership with another denomination. DB.C. annual meetings at Peace singleness and married life, and states that Mennonite Church in Richmond, Feb. 23, ‘We believe that God intends marriage to found themselves walking alongside each be a covenant between one man and one Mennonite printing of the Maple View other, encouraging each other and some- woman for life’] still stands.” He said that document [“Honouring God with your times disagreeing with each other, yet with Eben-Ezer hoped for the delegate body to bodies”] created so much divisiveness.” a common goal to fulfill “God’s mission: return next year to discuss and vote after • “I believe that the BFC7 process was Our mission” as a church body. discussing the document this coming year. profoundly flawed. This resolution is A presentation by the leadership of Eben- On the other hand, Rob Brown of Eden simply an attempt to have a traditional Ezer Mennonite Church in Abbotsford Mennonite in Chilliwack encouraged biblical understanding [of this issue].” was fraught with disagreement. Noting congregations to engage with the Being • “I have four siblings who feel rejected, that “we observe that theological diversity a Faithful Church (BFC) documents. He excluded. . . . All have closed the door on has created divisions within churches and encouraged delegates to re-read BFC4 that the church. I encourage our churches to within MC B.C.,” the church’s resolution talked about paths and ditches of biblical invite people into the kingdom and join called for the “Honouring God with interpretation and cautioned against us on the journey.” your bodies: Concerning the authority of prooftexting and generalizations. • “It’s a complicated document. Scripture on gender identity and human Other comments included: There’s more to process. . . . Let’s get a sexuality” document to “be recommended conversation going on both sides.” to our MC B.C. congregations for review, • “Why are we trying to spend more time study and discernment.” figuring out ways to keep people out?” The motion was defeated with a ballot Affirming the resolution, Ron Braun of • “I have a high view of Scripture, but vote of 71 to 25. Eben-Ezer said, “We believe Scripture has others have a high view of Scripture that clear teaching, and that Article 19 [from come to different conclusions.” Other church business the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite • “I can’t vote yes or no. The Canadian • MC B.C. gave a formal blessing and 18 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

farewell to Church of the Way in Granisle, and industrial rental units, possibly with an regional church’s Mountainview Fund and which has decided to join the Evangelical anchor congregation as part of the space. $15,000 raised by solicited donations. The Free Church of Canada after 45 years with Some of these options were considered resolution passed. the regional church. Delegates authorized too complex or contrary to the purposes the transfer of the property to Church identified in the MC B.C. constitution. Keynote message of the Way upon its becoming a legal A resolution to have the Clearbrook Using the role of a midwife walking along- society in B.C. and fulfilling withdrawal property “appraised and then sold in side an expectant couple, guest speaker procedures. accordance with a plan to be prepared by Jared Siebert said the role of a Christian MC B.C. identifying priorities, initiatives, is to walk alongside people as they have • The delegates heard a report from the durations, financial requirements and their life experiences. “The work that we do Clearbrook Property Committee, which operating procedures to be approved by takes time, is a journey, and we can’t have has been discussing options for the former MC B.C. delegates prior to any financial it all in one conversation,” said Siebert of site of Clearbrook Mennonite Church withdrawals from the sale proceeds” was New Leaf Network, a Canadian church- that disbanded in 2015. The property passed, including an amendment to decide plant training organization. on Peardonville Road in Abbotsford, on a specific purpose for the property In “Let’s make this personal,” he shared now owned by MC B.C., is estimated before selling. his own story of leading a neighbour to to be worth $2.5 million. Options being Christ through many months of gentle considered have included selling the • The regional church’s Indigenous encouragement, proceeding patiently only property, with proceeds to be used for Relations Group, under the auspices of as the man seemed ready. “We exist for financial support of the regional church. the Service, Peace and Justice Committee, the sake of the world, for the sake of God’s Executive minister Garry Janzen presented a resolution to accept the offer mission,” he said. “Go out and find people outlined several possibilities for the money, of Mennonite Central Committee B.C. to who are ‘spiritually pregnant.’ ” including revitalization of congregations, contract with MC B.C. for the services After his message, delegates had three church planting, pastoral training and of its Indigenous Neighbours Program workshop options to choose from: “What more welcoming office space for the coordinator, provided MC B.C. pays for next?” “Mental health in 3D: Drug abuse, regional church. the cost of 40 percent of the position. It depression and dementia,” and “Listening Other possibilities included developing would be funded for the remaining nine in the image of God: Transforming a multi-storey building with commercial months of 2019 by a $100,000 draw on the prejudice, power and privilege.” l

participant may be struggling. Open- Teaching horse sense ended questions allow participants to discover the nature of the problems and Saskatchewan camp expands horse program address them with changed behaviours. to include Equine Assisted Learning The horse’s behaviour can signal distress. “Because horses are prey animals, their Story and Photo by Donna Schulz senses are keen,” says Gibson. “They are Saskatchewan Correspondent always observing their environment for ROSTHERN, SASK. any perceived threat.” She notes that horses are sensitive to human emotions such as o one likes to be told, “Hey! You need a life skill such as trust, problem solving, anxiety or anger. Nto change your attitude!” But that bit- anger management or communication. Gibson recalls hearing about a youth ter pill is much easier to swallow when it’s And while each session can stand alone, who participated in an EAL program. administered by a horse. Gibson encourages participants to sign During the session one horse kept nuzzling Cheralyne Gibson is horsemanship up for a minimum of six sessions. The the youth and staying close beside him, director at the Valley Equestrian Centre, facilitator selects the objectives based on behaving like a mare with a foal. The a ministry of Youth Farm Bible Camp, participants’ needs. facilitators later learned that the youth’s which is owned by Mennonite Church In a typical EAL session the facilitator mother had abandoned him. Saskatchewan. Not only is she a certified works with two participants and one horse, Not every horse is a good candidate for riding instructor, Gibson is also a trained leading them through a series of tasks to EAL. Gibson says, “We have to be able facilitator in equine-assisted learning (EAL). achieve the desired objective. Tasks might to trust that no matter the situation the She describes EAL as “using horses to include working together to lead a horse horses will keep the [participants] safe.” teach life skills.” It’s built on a curriculum through an obstacle course. The facilitator They also have to have what she calls “a that contains upwards of 40 sessions. observes the human participants as well forgiving personality.” Older horses that Each session has an objective related to as the horse, watching for signs that a are used to being handled are often good Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 19

Cheralyne Gibson is personalities. “One was a leader, the other horsemanship director one held back,” she says. “The objective at the Valley Equestrian of the lesson was teamwork, but it wasn’t Centre, a ministry of Youth working. The horse was confused and Farm Bible Camp. She agitated because it was receiving mixed appreciates being able signals.” Gibson and the participants were to offer equine-assisted able to address this, and two months later learning in a Christian the more-reserved participant reported setting. that the working relationship with the other individual had improved from that moment on. EAL sessions, as well as group and individual riding lessons, take place in Youth Farm’s recently constructed riding arena. Wurtz says the camp had been EAL teachers. leadership training and team development. dreaming of building an arena for about Mark Wurtz, Youth Farm’s executive In an activity called “Crossing the river,” for 20 years. While horses have always been director, points out that humans have a example, five participants are tasked with a component of summer camp, the arena long history with horses and that their moving themselves, the horse and all of will allow programming to continue size alone commands respect. “Using the their gear across an imaginary river without year-round. horse’s voice can be more direct,” he says. touching the piranha-infested water. The Gibson appreciates the opportunity Gibson adds, “It’s easier to take objective is to work together as a team to do the work she loves in a Christian constructive criticism from a horse.” to solve the problem. “It’s about personal setting. “Working at the Youth Farm, I can Youth Farm is partnering with schools to development,” she says, “but it’s lots of fun, talk about being a Christian, whereas in provide EAL for at-risk children and youth. and we try to keep it light and positive.” secular organizations, you’re not allowed Wurtz is also developing a connection The results can be quite dramatic. to talk about it,” she says. “I want people to with Mennonite Central Committee Gibson remembers one young participant know I’m a Christian and that I’m doing Saskatchewan, to provide EAL for inner- who, at the end of his first session, said, this because I care about people.” city youth through its Appleby Kids and “Today I was able to trust the horses and She also notes, “I find it interesting that Youth Clubs. I’ve never been able to trust humans.” the more you acquire Christ-like ways of But EAL isn’t only for troubled youth. In another session she worked with being, the better you are with horses.” l Gibson says it’s an excellent tool for two adult co-workers with very different

ΛΛNews brief Rockway brings Orwell’s 1984 to life

KITCHENER, ONT.—Through a variety of creative elements, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate’s drama department immersed audiences in the dystopian world of George Orwell’s 1984. From spies in the foyer before the play began to the ubiquitous presence of Big Brother on a video screen, Rockway’s version of Orwell’s novel portrayed a chilling realm in which the powerful use fear and hate to control others, and manipulate language and information to define reality. The production, which ran from Feb. 27 to March 1, also featured original piano music composed and performed to suit its bleak mood by Grade 12 student Jonathan Cressman. Undertaking a play with such troubling material was not easy, but director Alan K. Sapp noted, “Rockway’s drama students have never shied away from a challenge.” Thea PHOTO BY JONATHAN LAM Andres, who played a main role, noted how “every single line was analyzed to the bone” to Thea Andres, right, as the ruthless see how it fit with the major theme, “What is truth?” Micah Peters Unrau, another lead, was Comrade O’Brien, interrogates Micah quick to give credit to the tech, costume and make-up crews, whose skills helped to immerse Peters Unrau, playing Comrade actors and audiences in the “horrifying world of 1984.” Sapp saw the play’s exploration of truth, Winston Smith, who has been arrested reality and the power of fear as “timely,” serving as both a “cautionary tale” and a “check-in, for ‘thought crimes’ in Rockway’s to see how much of what Orwell imagined has . . . come to pass.” production of 1984. —By Janet Bauman 20 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

few spoke of a closer connection to the The future is now regional church. Taking stock six years into Future Directions Other responses While the dominant response indicated By Will Braun little or no change, there were other Senior Writer comments. A few said their congregation’s primary connection is to the regional posed one question to the 186 the regional churches, with a portion of church and that will continue. Some IMennonite Church Canada congrega- money forwarded to MC Canada. Some said they are focused on their mission, tions for which my search engine found regional church offices have increased not denominational structures. Some email addresses. My question: “What their staff; one did the opposite. conflated Future Directions with the changes has your congregation experi- A significant reduction in international largely simultaneous Becoming a Faithful enced as a result of the Future Directions work is also a “future direction.” Church process that centred around decisions of October 2017?” One respondent to my query said Future same-sex questions. A few said they don’t The most succinct reply was one word: Directions had “little impact” on her know what Future Directions is about. “None.” End of email. That was also the congregation and, to her, this means “the Some said it was a “waste of time,” bogged best summation of the 51 responses I transition process has been successful.” down by “wordiness” that left most people received—mostly from pastors or church Churches are carrying on despite behind, or simply “irrelevant.” council chairs. This can be interpreted as restructuring. Some praised new communications good or bad. But the whole point of Future Directions staff in Alberta and B.C. In an interview, But first, even people who care about was that the church critically needed Ryan Siemens, executive minister for MC “conference” and went to the assemblies change, both in structure and vision. In the Saskatchewan, said staff from the five are confused about what was decided. end, the vision piece was a focus on the regional churches are working together Here’s the recap. In 2012, faced with gradual congregation as the “foundational unit of more regularly and meaningfully in the decline in donations and people in the the church.” The final report talked about new reality. pews, the Future Directions Task Force was revitalizing and energizing congregations given two questions: “What is God’s Spirit through “congregational clustering,” International Witness calling us to in the 21st Century? And, what “missional catalyst teams,” and best Several respondents expressed concern are the best ways—programs, structures, practices in calling and training leaders. about International Witness work. This strategies—for the church to thrive and In 2016, Keith Regehr told me that, for raises the largest remaining question about grow?” people in the pew, the main difference Future Directions: “As MC Canada’s direct By the time deliberations wrapped up of Future Directions would be a closer support for Witness workers declines, will in 2017, MC Canada had been forced to connection to the regional church. individuals and congregations take up the lay off numerous staff. The final decisions Regehr—a consultant whose firm was slack?” formalized this, with a greatly reduced MC paid about $100,000 to assist with the Over the past year, four International Canada—10 staff—making way for a new Future Directions process—told me he was Witness families completed their terms. emphasis on the five area churches, which excited about the prospect of rejuvenated According to Jason Martin, director of were renamed regional churches. Now, congregations. International Witness for MC Canada, technically, congregations belong only to None of the responses I received spoke these workers will not be replaced. That the regional churches and donate only to about rejuvenation or new vision. Only a leaves 11 Witness workers serving in China, Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 21

the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, the The International Witness Working and Witness workers have developed, United Kingdom and Vietnam. Group had recommended that Witness although no Witness Support Teams are Essentially, this is the new normal, at workers not be required to raise their own as yet in place. A manual for such teams least if Witness workers can raise at least funds, as no other national or regional is forthcoming. Garry Janzen, executive 50 percent of their funding. MC Canada staffers are asked to do so. minister of MC B.C., expects it will take has announced a three-year transitional The Working Group also referred to a some time for the new Witness reality to plan, during which time Witness workers study that found that between 2005 and settle in. will be “enabled to achieve the necessary 2010 only 4.5 percent of congregational Meanwhile, as we enter regional church relational funding,” money that workers giving among MC Canada churches found annual-general-meeting (AGM) season, raise themselves, with the help of regional its way beyond Canadian boundaries. The we will get a closer picture of the financial church staff and Witness Support Teams vast majority was spent on things that sustainability of the new structure, even if (groups of five to eight volunteers from benefit church members. the vision remains obscure. (Read about one or more congregations, as identified Martin says that “at least 10” new the Manitoba and B.C. AGMs on pages 16 by Witness workers). partnerships between congregations and 17, respectively.) l

One question, many answers what [MC Canada] does and how we connect with it. I am personally confused Below are a sampling of responses, in no particular order, to Will Braun’s question: about what is going to happen with our “What changes has your congregation experienced as a result of the Future Witness program. I was sad to see how Directions decisions of October 2017?” Respondents were granted anonymity. much it shrunk. • I am skeptical about the gathering in • We have seen next to no change that • I think the basic outcome of these changes Abbotsford and wonder if people will would be noticed in the pew. is confusion. . . . While there is still good show up. • MC Eastern Canada is now more directly belief in, and support for, the working of the • I feel like we have lost a lot and are at a involved in “overseas mission,” as some of church, there is an increasing distance from stage of uncertainty, which feels uncom- our newer immigrant congregations are the ways and movements out of ongoing fortable. But I am also hopeful that some- returning directly to their countries of imprecise directions. Greater communica- thing new will emerge. origin in shorter-term initiatives. tion is definitely needed to rebuild identity • Anticipating that building or main- • Probably the biggest change we have and direction of who we want to be. taining relationships across the country seen is increased attention to the regional • I would be surprised if 50 percent of our may be more challenging with the changes church news/information. It took a little church knew what the old national church of the Future Directions decision, in 2018 while to get communications sorted out, structure was, and how and why it has we invited a pastor from B.C. to be a part but [the communications person] has changed. The reality is that we have always of our AGM (via video). done a stellar job of taking initiative and valued our connection to the wider church, working hard to connect the churches. It but we have not been as invested in being a To read more responses, visit has been really heartening! part of the decision-making and program- canadianmennonite • We have not experienced any changes ming of the larger body. .org/fd-responses.  that I can put my finger on. • I think there is general confusion about 22 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

the 1920s more than offset the emigration Looking back on Saskatchewan of Old Colony Mennonites. Acccording to Regehr, the 1931 census showed Mennonite migration Saskatchewan to have a larger Mennonite population than any other province. l Two significant anniversaries to be celebrated in coming years

Story and Photo by Donna Schulz News brief Saskatchewan Correspondent ΛΛ SASKATOON Grebel, MCC formalize partnership to advance peace ed Regehr, speaking at the Mennonite Saskatchewan for Mexico. THistorical Society of Saskatchewan’s That same year, the Canadian government annual meeting, provided context for opened its doors to Russian Mennonite celebrating two significant anniversaries immigration. The Canadian Mennonite in the coming years. Board of Colonization was established, PHOTO BY FRED W. MARTIN In 2022, it will be a century since Old with David Toews as chair. Over the next From left to right: Paul Heidebrecht, Colony Mennonites migrated from several years, more than 22,000 Russian director, Kindred Credit Union Centre for Saskatchewan to Mexico, while 2023 Mennonites came to Canada. Peace Advancement; John Head, execu- will mark the centenary of the beginning “A large majority of them came to tive director, MCC Ontario; Rick Cober of Russian Mennonite immigration to Saskatchewan,” said Regehr. “Many moved Bauman, executive director, MCC Canada; Saskatchewan. on to Alberta, but Saskatchewan was a and Marcus Shantz, president, Conrad At the March 1 gathering, held at critical stopping point.” Grebel University College, at the signing of Saskatoon’s Bethany Manor, Regehr This influx of newcomers created the memorandum of understanding. recounted the history of Mennonite tension, as the Russländer Mennonites settlement in Saskatchewan. The former came with different attitudes and leader- University of Saskatchewan history ship styles than those of their Kanadier Conrad Grebel University College, professor, who now resides in Calgary, cousins, he said. Waterloo, Ont., and Mennonite Central said that following the First World War The Russian Mennonite immigration of Committee (MCC) formalized their the provincial government mandated partnership to advance peace through English as the only language of instruction the Kindred Credit Union Centre for in public schools. Old Colony Mennonites Peace Advancement (CPA) by signing taught their children in German-language a memorandum of understanding. The private schools. CPA is home to peace-oriented inno- As there were no public schools where vators and established organizations from they lived, the government built schools at Waterloo Region’s vibrant peacebuilding local ratepayers’ expense. “If they refused ecosystem. Over the past four years, the to send their students to the public schools, CPA has enabled Grebel and MCC to they would be fined,” he said, “and if they partner in new ways through consulta- sent their children to school, they faced SAUBLE SKI CLUB PHOTO / tions, conferences and gallery exhibits. This excommunication from the church.” TEXT BY JANET BAUMAN agreement builds on that foundation by It was a no-win situation. In 1922, Tanya Dyck Steinmann, pastor and deepening this unique partnership over about 1,700 Old Colony Mennonites left spiritual director, centre in the blue ski the next three years. Going forward, MCC jacket, is pictured at the Sauble Ski Club will be identified as a “core collaborator” with some participants in the ‘Women’s in the CPA. This category of participa- rest and renewal retreat’ she led at Silver tion includes established organizations Lake Mennonite Camp, Hepworth, Ont., in such as Project Ploughshares, whose staff mid-February. In times of worship, reflec- are located in the CPA, as well as Grebel tion, creative expression and play aimed faculty and research fellows. MCC is spon- to enrich body and spirit, women explored soring a “hot desk” for occasional use by a Ted Regehr, right, discusses details of the theme, ‘The mark of a wild heart: Living staff member, partner or one of the peace- Mennonite immigration with Leonard Doell the paradox of love in our lives,’ and what building start-ups in the CPA’s Epp Peace and Leo Schulz at this year’s annual meeting it means to be vulnerable and courageous Incubator program. of the Mennonite Historical Society of in the search for true belonging. —Grebel / MCC Saskatchewan. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 23 Voices Together visual art chosen 12 works to accompany new hymnal due out in 2020

By LeAnn Hamby MennoMedia

isual art for the Voices Together hym- Kauffman, the hymnal committee chose Vnal has been chosen by the Mennonite visual art to represent the following Worship and Song Committee. The 12 vis- themes: gathering; praising; praying; ual art pieces selected will appear in the creation; Advent and the birth of Jesus; forthcoming hymnal—including the pew, the life, teaching and ministry of Jesus; worship leader, digital app and projec- the death and resurrection of Jesus; Holy tion editions. These pieces will be placed Spirit, Pentecost and church; baptism; throughout Voices Together, inviting wor- communion; service and witness for peace; shippers to encounter God creatively in and sending. ways that engage all the senses. Each of the 12 works selected for the “Mennonite communities are diverse collection is by a different artist and in a in terms of language and age, as well as distinct style. ‘Alive,’ a pen and ink drawing by Anne H. ways of learning and expression,” says “The theme of death and resurrection is Berry, chosen for the theme of ‘the death and MennoMedia publisher Amy Gingerich. challenging in the sense that both words resurrection of Jesus.’ “Including a series of visual worship tend to conjure binary associations of resources in the bound and projection light/good versus dark/bad,” says Anne H. editions of the new worship and song Berry, creator of “Alive.” “It was important collection celebrates that diversity.” for me, consequently, to integrate the With guidance from a visual art imagery of life and death together in the committee composed of Randy Horst, composition, uniting light and dark in a Merrill Miller, Tom Yoder Neufeld, SaeJin complementary way. The visuals provide Lee, Sarah Kathleen Johnson and Bradley a certain level of agency for people like me—people of colour—who want to see ourselves acknowledged and affirmed through positive representation.” “Our hope is that including visual art in Voices Together will encourage Explore: A Theological congregations to invite visual artists to !Program for High School share their gifts in worship alongside other Youth allows young people music and worship leaders,” says Sarah (grades 10 to 12) to engage Kathleen Johnson, worship resources their faith questions, develop editor for the new hymnal. their passion for ministry and “We aspire to honour a diversity of test their leadership gifts. human experiences, including race and ethnicity, class and economic status, The program includes: age, and ability,” says project director • 16-day group experience Bradley Kaufman. “We aim to celebrate in Elkhart, Indiana, in July the theological diversity of the Mennonite • 100-hour congregational church and to provide multiple ways of experience with a envisioning and encountering God, one mentoring pastor another and creation.” l FIND OUT MORE: ‘Nine patch No. 8,’ a monotype by Brenton To learn more, visit Visit ambs.ca/explore Good, chosen for the theme of ‘praying.’ VoicesTogetherHymnal.org.  24 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

women living in shelters or second-stage Fundraisers provide Centre4Women housing. with purses and money Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd., a dairy products co-operative in Canada, recently By Maria Klassen gave Centre4Women $6,000 to purchase Special to Canadian Mennonite eggs and milk for the centre’s pantry. The ST. CATHARINES, ONT. donation should keep these staples in stock for a year. l estview Christian Fellowship’s WCentre4Women has been the bene- ficiary of recent generosity. News brief A major fundraiser held last November ΛΛ raised $3,000. The money will be used for Trivia nights raise funds summer outings for the centre’s women for Camp Valaqua and a fall retreat at Crieff Hills in Puslinch. The theme of the event was “A passage in time,” and many women and staff took PHOTO BY GRAZIA SHEPPARD leading roles. They sang their way through For the Purse Project Niagara, Mandi Neiser, the decades, starting with the 1920s and left, Jane LaVacca and Sarah Boville collected finished with Carol Burnett’s “I’m So Glad new or gently used purses, 180 of which were We Had This Time Together,” sung by Jane given to Westview Christian Fellowship’s LaVacca, the centre’s executive director. Centre4Women in St. Catharines, Ont. As a janitor mopping the floor, LaVacca shared about needs in the community, including household items, clothing, food, scarf and hat; mints and coffee gift cards; PHOTO BY JUNE MILLER bus tickets, feminine products, hygiene makeup and feminine hygiene products; a Calgary’s winning Team Jemmll members, items and diapers. pen and notebook. The theme was “Fill a pictured from left to right: Marie Fraser, The Purse Project Niagara encouraged purse with love and a woman’s heart with Steve Zimmerly, Mikaela Heidebrecht, people to donate new or gently used purses hope.” Two-hundred-and-fifty purses Lori Pauls (down low), Ethan Heidebrecht, and items to fill them, such as shampoo, were filled, 180 of which were donated Lauren Harms (down low), and Jonas deodorant and body wash; socks, mitts, a to Centre4Women, and the rest to other Cornelsen. Not pictured, Edmonton’s Not Cheating team consisted of Martin and Jean Blank, Karl and Kurt Blank, Donita News brief and Jacob Wiebe-Neufeld, and Pat and ΛΛ Ev Buhr. Jazzing up relationships of all kinds Foothills Mennonite Church in Calgary WATERLOO, ONT.—Shalom Counselling Services hosted and First Mennonite Church in “Celebrating love: In our relationships, families and friendships,” Edmonton held trivia night fundraisers at the Jazz Room in Uptown Waterloo on Feb. 14. Billed as for Camp Valaqua on Feb. 9. Teams of six a “casual evening of music, appetizers and good company,” the event highlighted the to eight people answered sets of ques- importance relationships of all forms play in people’s lives. A jazz ensemble (pictured) tions, and results were posted after each made up of vocalist Laura Joy Moolenbeek, saxophonist Willem Moolenbeek, keyboardist set. Projections of the scores at each Caleb deGroot-Maggetti and acoustic bass player Mark Spagnolo entertained the crowd venue allowed teams in both cities to of some 125 people. The music reflected both the delights of love and the pain of loss and compare results in real time. Calgary’s loneliness. Favourites included “What a Wonderful World” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” In Team Jemmll and Edmonton’s Not explaining the context for the evening, Wanda Wagler-Martin, Shalom’s executive director, Cheating team tied for first place. By the noted that the most common reasons people seek help at Shalom are struggles with end of the evening, a total of $5,200 was anxiety and depression, and “struggles with all kinds of relationships.” She said that while raised through team admission fees and people spend a lot of time focused on addressing mental health and illness, they don’t donations. The money will be used to pay pay as much attention to healthy relationships. “Celebrating love” was an opportunity to down a line of credit taken out in 2018 for change that. A light-hearted love quiz distributed to each table gave those in attendance needed washroom renovations. A total of a chance to test their understanding of healthy relationships. $13,000 is left owing on the project. —By Janet Bauman —By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 25

PHOTO BY WALKER GIESBRECHT / TEXT BY NICOLIEN KLASSEN-WIEBE Walker Giesbrecht, 16, braved the -40C degree weather to capture this mesmerizing shot at the Manitoba Mennonite Youth Organization’s senior-high youth retreat. Rick Unger, youth sponsor at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, lit a piece of steel wool on fire and spun it around in a circle while Giesbrecht, a congregant at Charleswood Mennonite, also in Winnipeg, took a long-exposure shot with his camera. The youth retreat took place at Camp Assiniboia at the end of January, when 45 youth and sponsors gathered to worship, play and eat together.

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Abundance Canada is a faith-based public foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Since 1974, we have helped individuals with their charitable giving in their lifetime and estate through our donor-advised model. Charity Registration No: 12925-3308-RR0001. 26 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019 people Searching for a ‘generous space’ LGBTQ+ Mennonites find community in queer Christian groups

By Rachel Bergen Contributing Editor

handful of Christians were looking movement that is passionate about Afor community and a place to meet connecting young people in Waterloo with others with similar experiences. They Region with vibrant faith experiences PHOTO COURTESY OF SYLVIA HOOK found it at Queerly Christian. outside and inside of church walls. Sylvia Hook is a member of Erb Street The participants identify under the According to its website (erbstchurch Mennonite Church and is a founder and LGBTQ+* umbrella and take the time to .ca/program/queerly-christian/), Queerly co-leader of Queerly Christian. sing queer hymns, pray, take communion, Christian is meant to provide a safe space reflect on Scripture and take part in a for LGBTQ+ Christians to explore the community meal. They gather twice a intersections of faith and sexuality or even if it is affirming.” month to worship together outside of, or gender identity in a welcoming community. For other LGBTQ+ Mennonites, queer instead of, at their church. “One of the main needs it’s filling is Christian spaces don’t need to be worship- According to Sylvia Hook, who is a community,” Hook says. “For some of the or Bible study-oriented to meet needs that founder and one of the leaders of the group members of the group, it’s the first time other Christian and social groups aren’t. as well as a board member of Canadian they’ve met other queer Christians. For Mennonite Publishing Service, it’s a time some people, it’s a place to go when the Community building for people to come as they are and find faith of their childhood failed them. Their Ben Borne, 29, attends Wildwood spiritual nourishment with others who are church may have rejected them, or the Mennonite Church in Saskatoon, which like-minded and like-experienced. theology of their church didn’t make room is an inclusive church. He takes part in a The 28-year-old attends Erb Street for them.” monthly group for LGBTQ+ Christians Mennonite Church in Waterloo, Ont., But the group isn’t just about queerness through an organization called Generous which is an affirming congregation, but and Christianity. It’s also a place for Space. says Queerly Christian is a special place participants to check in on each other’s Generous Space, which has small groups where they can just be. “Worshipping mental and physical health. all over Canada, is motivated to disciple in a queer-normative, a queer-majority “The smaller group like this also makes it “Christ-followers to work together to environment is a very different experience easier to bring your whole self,” Hook says. eliminate fear, division and hostility at the than worshipping in an affirming space,” “It’s much easier to say, ‘I’m having a really intersection of faith, gender and sexuality.” Hook says. hard time right now,’ to 10 people rather The group, like others in the Generous Queerly Christian is an initiative of than 150. This is sadly not that common Space community, meets monthly for food Pastors in Exile (PiE), an Anabaptist-rooted and something we don’t feel in church, and fellowship, and to share about their lives. Sometimes participants talk about their faith, but in general they just socialize. “Attending an affirming church is great, but being part of a group of like-minded and like-experienced people is helpful in terms of providing a space to articu- late my experience of faith that perhaps isn’t the same as others,” he says “Plus, it also provides an opportunity to pass on wisdom and experience to others who are on their way.” Clare Schellenberg helped start a small group for the LGBTQ+ members of Hope PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMARA SHANTZ Mennonite Church in Winnipeg when Members of Queerly Christian often take communion together during their meetings. she worked as an associate pastor there in Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 27

Although small groups provide unique experiences for these LGBTQ+ Mennonites, they all agree that affirming churches and church-borne LGBTQ+ groups are important. Creating an inclusive space Schellenberg says that queer church groups are important for all Mennonite PHOTO COURTESY OF BEN BORNE Church Canada congregations, whether PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARE SCHELLENBERG Ben Borne is a member of Wildwood they’re affirming churches or not. “These Clare Schellenberg is a member of Hope Mennonite Church and attends a Generous groups remind our congregations that we Mennonite Church in Winnipeg and attends Spaces group in Saskatoon. exist, that we care about our faith, and that an LGBTQ+ group there. we have a place within the body of Christ,” she says. “While welcoming statements are 2017. “The hope for this group was that it a huge step in a congregation’s journey of feel safe,” he says. would be a safe and confidential place for affirmation, having an LGBTQ+ group is Hook says that having a safe space is those who identified, or were questioning, putting action into those statements and energizing: “It makes it easier for me to go their place in the LGBTQ+ community, providing a sense of healing.” out and do advocacy in the wider church. to connect and be with one another,” she Borne believes that safety for people on It gives me more energy and helps me explains. the LGBTQ+ spectrum is paramount in remember why I do it.” l Much like the Generous Space group a church setting. “I believe that the first Borne attends, Schellenberg’s group imperative for the church is to create * LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, spends the majority of its time sharing safe spaces for queer people to simply be. gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ food, talking, supporting one another Whether it’s an intentionally queer Bible questioning, plus all of the other and connecting with other LGBTQ+- study, or an all-inclusive Bible study, it sexualities, sexes and genders that identifying Christians. doesn’t matter to me. As long as people aren’t included in these few letters.

June 28 to July 1, 2019

Worship and workshops Youth events, including an over- night stay at Camp Squeah Programs for children Leadership Day for pastors and lay leaders MC Canada AGM for delegates Field trips to local communities and ministries 28 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

adding, though, that Bolivian dancing was ‘I feel like it is God’s the hardest thing for her to get the hang of during their week together. Su Jia Hui, a 23-year-old from Fujia, will that I am here’ China, is posted at the MCC Thrift Store in Edmonton, where his first observation Worship, curling, intercultural gathering, all part of IVEPer conference was, “It’s pretty cold.” He shared that being in a different country away from friends Story and Photo by Zach Charbonneau is lonely, adding that he has learned to Special to Canadian Mennonite depend on God for connection in a new LEAMINGTON, ONT. way and that he’s grown as a person through this experience: “You can find or a week in early February, North Mennonite Home as a speech pathologist. yourself in a new environment. I know FLeamington United Mennonite Church A fourth generation Mennonite, Dass myself better.” played host to the annual mid-year confer- was strongly encouraged by her family Oscar Suárez, 24, from Ibagué, ence of the Mennonite Central Committee to pursue an IVEP experience. Despite Colombia, volunteers as a Spanish and (MCC) International Volunteer Exchange support from her home community, she music teacher at Central Christian School Program (IVEP), including an internation- was hesitant to participate in IVEP. But, as in Kidron, Ohio. He said he became al worship service on Feb. 10. she put it, “If God’s will is there, you can’t interested in IVEP through a friend The pews were filled with 50 IVEPers escape. I feel like it is God’s will that I am who encouraged him to check it out. He from 29 nations surrounded by their 16 here.” was unsure, but after attending the last host families from four local Mennonite She shared that the cold climate and Mennonite World Conference in the churches. The IVEPers came dressed to the culture were surprising to her, but that United States in 2015, he realized he was nines in traditional clothing representing the most surprising thing was the lack of passionate about sharing language and their countries of origin and brought young adults at North Leamington United culture with others, so he connected with with them music, dance, stories, skits and Mennonite, where she is living with Pastor MCC. Suárez credited his IVEP experience cultural highlights. The young adults from Alicia Good during her time as an IVEPer. with helping him grow professionally and around the world first met six months ago Good has her own connection to IVEP, personally, and opening his mind to new in Akron, Ohio, for an orientation week having participated in MCC’s Serving experiences of the world and life. before being dispatched to different year- and Learning Together (SALT) program As the night of worship wrapped up, long postings across Canada and the in Bolivia. SALT is the North American Kathryn Dekkert, MCC Canada’s IVEP United States. equivalent of IVEP, sending North coordinator, reminded everyone in attend- Leamington has hosted an IVEPer since American volunteers to Asia, Africa, Latin ance, “When we’re away from loved ones last fall. Sharon Dass, 25, is from the town America and Europe. and apart from friends, worshipping of Bhilai in the Chhattisgarh province of Dass said the Leamington conference together reminds us that we are part of a India and is working at the Leamington was like a huge reunion among friends, much bigger family.” During the rest of the time the IVEPers spent in Leamington, they took part in many local activ- ities, like throwing rocks at the Sun Parlour Curling Club and visiting Canada’s southernmost tip at Point Pelee National Park. Something that stood out in their itinerary was a meeting with the elders of the Caldwell First Nation representing Canada’s Indigenous peoples in the region. l

For more photos, visit canadianmennonite.org /ivep-2019. 

This year’s IVEPers pose with their flags at North Leamington United Mennonite Church on Feb. 10 during a worship service with their hosts from four local Mennonite congregations. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 29

Obituary situation, their workday was not over until they had found her a safe place to spend the night. A disciple who met Betty accompanied Adolfo for more than 50 years as his wife and colleague. “It is not always easy to follow someone Jesus in the wounded with a very clear vocation, because that vocation takes priority over everything,” Adolfo Puricelli she says, recalling one year on Christmas Aug. 24, 1936 - Dec. 31, 2018 Day when he left his family to visit a migrant detention centre. By Madalene Arias Don Francisco, an illiterate farmer who Special to Canadian Mennonite knew nothing of big cities or bureau- cracy, had left his country because the dolfo Puricelli had a and the Toronto Mennonite conflict between the guerrillas and civil profound love and New Life Church. army had left him without cattle to raise. Arespect for humanity, At their onset, the centre “When I asked Adolfo why he couldn’t not only in his words but in and church both operated get a volunteer to do that, he would say, the life he lived and in his work out of rented spaces. In 1992, ‘Because I am learning,’ ” he says. with migrants and refugees. Toronto United Mennonite Former refugee and Colombian author He was born in Trenque- Church invited the Puricellis Luis Mata considered Adolfo to be Lanquen, Buenos Aires Adolfo Puricelli to a meeting to discuss the someone who could provide spiritual Province, Argentina, on Aug. possibility of creating new support through a social or political 24, 1936, and studied at the spaces for both organizations. context. They first met at an anti-war Seminario Metropolitano with Jorge Several months later, they established demonstration in Toronto in 2003. As Mario Bergoglio, more commonly known a successful building partnership that a refugee, Mata looked to Adolfo for today as Pope Francis. Adolfo did not join provided the New Life congregation with guidance on immigration matters; his the priesthood but would later obtain a a bright and airy space to worship within family had few resources and found degree in sociology from the Catholic the same building as Toronto United themselves living in a very precarious University in Buenos Aires, where he met Mennonite, as well as space for the cen- way back then. his wife, Betty Kennedy. tre’s offices. This arrangement allowed “One Sunday, Betty and Adolfo had His journey within the network of the centre to expand its services to new- prepared a cake for my son’s fifth birth- Canadian Mennonites began in the comers, including emotional integration day,” Mata says. “It was our first celebra- 1980s. Many of those who fled Latin support groups for newcomers dealing tion here. That day we definitely felt that America during this decade sought with grief and trauma. we were not alone in this country. We refuge in Canada. In 1981, the United Adolfo served as the centre’s executive had the company of two humans who Mennonite Church of Ontario invited director of New Life Centre until 2006 would not only centre their attention him to conduct research into the needs of and led the New Life Church as pastor on immigration or spiritual matters, but Spanish-speaking newcomers. until he retired in 2013. they also took care of the smaller details.” After investigating the situation, he Bruce Burgetz of Toronto United As Adolfo’s life drew to a close, Betty proposed a multi-service community Mennonite worked with a task force that asked spiritual director Mary Klein to centre for refugees and the develop- oversaw Adolfo’s ministry and sought join the Puricelli-Kennedy family. Less ment of a church community that ways to sustain it. He says Adolfo often than an hour before he drew his last offered alternative faith exploration in spoke during prayer requests to make breath, Klein read a prayer she’d written Anabaptism. other Mennonites aware of the chal- for Adolfo: “Alive, in the doing, in Christ In his proposal to the Mennonite mis- lenges faced by Latin American refugees Jesus, your work is never done. Know sions committee, he wrote that “to meet and immigrants. this and draw your first eternal breath, in Jesus in the wounded demands that we Retired settlement services worker peace. Peace, my brother.” come with deep respect. It is not enough Mario Bianchi worked alongside Adolfo Adolfo passed away on Dec. 31, 2018. l to go to them through a sense of duty just for nearly 26 years at the New Life because God told us to visit the poor.” Centre. He says Adolfo had a strong By 1983, Adolfo’s vision and the col- devotion to serving others, and he laborative efforts of Mennonite organ- instilled this spirit in every staff member izations across Canada established the at the centre. If the centre learned of Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto a woman who had escaped an abusive 30 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019 focus on Travel Couple enjoys being ‘on the road’ with MDS By John Longhurst Mennonite Disaster Service MDS PHOTO year off to travel and volunteer—that’s other organizations in North America, Neil and Audrey Rempel, a semi-retired Awhat Neil and Audrey Rempel are Nicaragua and Mexico. couple from Winnipeg, are part of the doing. Plus, he adds, “we enjoy travelling. This Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) The semi-retired couple from Winnipeg isn’t a hardship.” recreational vehicle program, whose are part of the Mennonite Disaster Service “We get lots out of it,” adds Audrey. volunteers drive their RVs to worksites to (MDS) recreational vehicle program, “We’re making lifelong friends.” assist with rebuilding after disasters. whose volunteers drive their RVs to work- The couple think that even when the sites to assist with rebuilding. year is over, they will keep volunteering Neil, 66, was a painter for 20 years, and “as long as we are able,” Audrey says. says. Through MDS, “they are able to do all he also built homes. Audrey, 67, worked “Our faith calls us to serve others,” says those things, and come away from it at the alongside him. Neil. “MDS is one way for us to do it. We end knowing they have made a significant “We enjoy helping people,” says Audrey have skills and talents in this area, so why impact on the lives of people who lost of their decision to join with MDS. not use them?” homes due to disasters.” “God has blessed us so we can bless The Rempels are just one of a number At the same time, she adds, for others,” adds Neil. of individuals, couples and whole families Canadians there is the added incentive of Last summer, the two provided super- who spend weeks or months of every year “escaping the winter” by doing service in vision and guidance to young volunteers travelling and serving with MDS across the south. working with MDS in Williams Lake, B.C., Canada and the United States, says MDS “Winters are long,” she says. “For some, where MDS rebuilt four houses in the area volunteer development coordinator Evelyn they’d rather work on a house in the warm following the wildfires that tore through Peters-Rojas. sun than sit on a beach. Through MDS, the northern B.C. region in 2017. “They tell us they are looking for they can do that and make a real difference “Through volunteering we’ve met so adventure, a chance to see other parts of in the lives of others.” l many good people,” Neil says of how they Canada and the U.S., meet new people have volunteered with MDS and several and to do something to help others,” she

Personal Reflection Learning through space and time By Safwat Marzouk AMBS PHOTO BY SARA WENGER SHENK Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Participants in the January 2016 AMBS ‘Encountering Egypt’ learning tour visit a nabaptist Mennonite Biblical Together we engaged with texts from Nubian house in Aswan, Upper Egypt. ASeminary organized a trip to Egypt in ancient Egypt that relate to the Bible and January 2016. The goal was to encounter texts from the early church, as well as the long history of Egypt as well as to get to discussions about translating the Bible into course is unique in that we read texts from know Christian and Muslim communities. Arabic, western missionary encounters across a 3,000-year span.” Of the 37 participants from Canada, the with the Egyptian church, and socio- Whether in the course structure or United States and Australia, seven took the political changes since the Arab Spring. in the trip itinerary, we were always trip as a seminary course. As one of the students put it, “This conscious of not only encountering Egypt Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 31 focus on travel

but also being encountered by Egypt, and to be faithful to the gospel. likely to view mission work as a mutual the faithfulness, strength and resilience of One of the students reflected on what enterprise, experiencing God’s faithfulness the Egyptian communities. the Christian minority in Egypt teaches not only through their ministries but also We visited the Pyramids, of course, but her about being a Mennonite living in through those of others. l there were also times when we were hosted North America as she negotiates the by Muslim scholars to hear about Islam, facets of her identity as a Mennonite who Safwat Marzouk is associate professor of and by the head of the Protestant churches comes with privilege. This is indeed the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible at AMBS in in Egypt to hear about the church’s witness kind of reflective work that can be sparked Elkhart, Ind. He is originally from Egypt. in its own context. The long history of through travel and through encountering Another learning tour, “Encountering Christianity in Egypt and the complex the church in a new context. Egypt: Past and present,” is scheduled contemporary context of the church as a Students and church members who from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8, 2020. To learn minority in Egypt have a lot to teach the travel to encounter and be encountered more, email [email protected]. church in the West about what it means by the church’s faithfulness will be more The Great Trek from Russia to Central Asia remembered By Sandra Reimer TourMagination

n Tashkent] the nearby river was sandstorm, and decimation of “[Ifull of fish and the banks were their crops by grasshoppers. lined with trees loaded with apples, pears, In 1884, 38 of the remaining plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, pom- families settled in Ak Metchet egranates, lemons, oranges and many near Khiva, where they built fruits we had no name for. a thriving life. Although the “It seemed like the ideal place to settle,” Mennonites were all deported wrote Elizabeth Unruh Schulz, reflecting in one fell swoop by the Soviets on the Great Trek migration from Russia in 1935, locals still remember to Central Asia. their excellent wood crafts- It was 1880 when 14-year-old Schulz manship, agricultural produc- and her parents travelled with a caravan of tivity and the introduction of 125 covered wagons from the Molotschna PHOTO BY JOHN SHARP new technologies including colony in Russia to Central Asia. Like other Audrey Voth Petkau of Waterloo, Ont., left, is welcomed photography. Mennonite migrants, they wanted to avoid with flatbread by Muslim villagers in Ak Metchet, On a tour in Uzbekistan military conscription. Influenced by Claas Uzbekistan. Mennonites from Russia settled in Ak later this year, Juhnke and John Epp, many in this group also believed Metchet from 1884 until 1935. Sharp, another historian and Christ was returning to Earth in Asia. Great Trek scholar, will retrace The migrants discovered a beautiful the Great Trek migration and land, but then experienced many hard- Jim Juhnke, a Great Trek researcher visit the Ichan Kala Museum in Khiva with ships. “We stayed in Tashkent nine months and Bethel College professor emeritus of a new exhibit containing Mennonite arti- and, in that time, 80 people died. Some history, says, “Two Mennonite couples facts from Ak Metchet. l were sick only three days before they were married and 21 Mennonite young passed,” she wrote. people were baptized in that mosque.” Listen to a dramatic reading about After leaving Tashkent, the migrants In the spring, a wealthy Muslim sent Elizabeth Unruh Schulz’s memories of had a failed attempt to settle near the them on their way with gifts and money. migrating to Central Asia at Himalayan Mountains. It was the rainy Before giving up and emigrating to youtu.be/DHmnucRvtek. season and they had no place to stay. North Dakota, Schulz’s family endured See details of the Central Asia: Thankfully, Muslims in the village of more sickness, her youngest brother’s Crossroads of Faith & Culture Serabulak housed them and allowed the death, conflict within the group, hostility tour, Sept. 22 to Oct. 3, 2019, at Mennonites to use their mosque. from locals, near death in a violent tourmagination.com/central_asia.  32 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

focus on travel

Peters to live in and help their community. ‘A community of friends Business for God’s people is always about mission for them. For the past two years, they have employed 25 full-time contract around the world’ staff and another 25 casual workers, which means 50 nuclear and extended families Story and Photos by Dashir Lodge and Safaris receive a steady income. Over the past eight years, seven were uilding “a community of friends around devoted to building the lodge and grounds. Bthe world” is a driving force behind The goal is to continue to develop the Dashir Lodge and Safaris, based in the facility and to provide income for as many Arusha area of Tanzania. people as possible. Doing all the work by Darryl and Shirley Peters’ vision is hand makes it possible to employ many. founded on bringing Africans and guests The Peters are committed to living and together as friends. Dashir, a blend of Darryl dying in Tanzania if God wills. l and Shirley’s names, is also a way for them to live in Africa, sending their roots deep into the community in which God planted Shirley and Darryl Peters’ vision is founded them. on bringing Africans and guests together as The Peters see Dashir as building a home friends. and not just a lodge, putting relationships first as they strive to live with their staff through a very leaky roof. Bakari fixed the as family and not just in an employer- roof and they became best friends with employee relationship. him and his wife Agnes. That’s how they Living in Africa was in the “prenup,” connected with Tanzania. Bakari and Agnes but getting there was put on hold with helped the Peters get started with their new the birth of their first child, who was born life in the Arusha area. prematurely and spent half of his first year For the entirety of their married lives, in the hospital on a respirator. home life revolved around people coming The Peters eventually found their way for meals. Now the Peters have a business to Botswana with Mennonite Central that includes people coming to their home Committee from 1999 to 2002, when their for meals. Their guests have the added children were 9, 11 and 13. Darryl worked bonus of interacting with the extend Dashir with a mission school as a teacher, while “family” from the surrounding community Shirley led Bible studies in a women’s prison and experiencing wildlife safaris to the in the capital city, Gaborone. Serengeti and other game parks. Maasai men dance for joy in Tanzania, home During that time, they met a Tanzanian The business makes it possible for the to Dashir Lodge and Safaris.

Personal Reflections Insights from abroad By Kara Bergstrom Columbia Bible College ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

ince I began as director of intercultural After two years of academic Sstudies (ICS) at Columbia Bible College learning, leadership equipping in 2013, the college has sent out 45 young and spiritual preparation on adults to serve in a variety of contexts— campus, they practise imple- PHOTO COURTESY OF DEXTER VOLKMAN Mongolia, Mexico, Mayotte, Myanmar, menting what they’ve learned Dexter Volkman and friends in Wadi Rum, Jordan, during Macedonia, Moldova—and those are just abroad through a variety of his year of teaching high-school music through the MCC the countries beginning with “M”! service agencies, including Serving and Learning Together program. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 33 focus on travel

Mennonite Central Committee. All third- year ICS majors experience a unique, ‘Go if you can’ accredited internship as they minister cross-culturally for eight months to a year. MCC learning tours a transformative way to travel When they return, I am inspired. Many exhibit a deeper faith, a matured character By Renata Buhler and a nuanced view of issues encountered Mennonite Central Committee Canada in the local context. What follows are a few of their insights: eeing for yourself” can be a compel- with partners in the area. “Sling motivator. It’s one of the reasons “The quiet pride in nearly all Ethiopians • There are many issues I’d cared about, but Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) of- we met was incredible and has stayed with now that I’ve experienced them firsthand, fers learning tours several times a year. me,” he says. I have such a deeper understanding and With projects in more than 50 countries For Adelia Neufeld Wiens, who attended passion for those issues. It is one thing to in the areas of relief, development and an MCC learning tour to India, a highlight be aware of what is happening in the world; peacebuilding, the scope of MCC’s work of her tour was meeting the MCC workers it is another thing entirely to live where is vast and complex. Learning tours are a in the Indian capital, Kolkata (Calcutta). those things are happening and among tangible way to engage with MCC’s work, “The staff hosted us for several days, those who are affected. . . . I have a much often resulting in transformation for the taking the time to show us around, visit greater ability to empathize with those participants. with us, and take us to visit their projects,” living in poverty. “The tour was a bit of a shock to the she says. “We not only got to see the work • I experienced God’s love for the poor and system but in a good way,” says Paul Langel of MCC, but also meet the people who marginalized. . . . I was so grateful to be able of his experience on an MCC learning tour. work so hard at creating meaningful and to talk to the mothers for my ethnography “It widens our horizons to other realities.” impactful projects.” project and to hear their stories. . . . These Paul and his wife Tabitha travelled to MCC plans the tours in consultation women spoke about God as their ultimate Ethiopia from their home in Winnipeg as with local partner organizations. There’s comforter and companion. . . . I believe part of a learning tour in 2017. The tour an intentional focus on interaction with God loves all people, but the way the poor highlighted MCC’s education projects (Continued on page 34) and marginalized feel his presence seems to be something special. • My perspective and understanding of refugees were shaped by my internship experience. My heart grew for these friends in a way I did not know it could. We chatted, laughed, drank tea, played with the kids and shared stories. It was a genuine time. Some became curious, asking questions and becoming more interested in Jesus. One asked for a Bible of his own. I saw that my passions lie with helping and befriending those on the margins of society. • We went with the mindset of serving local pastors however possible. We were there to join what God was already doing through them. Serving looked like scrubbing mouldy kitchens, leading Bible studies or worship, or preaching on Sundays. Whatever we were asked to do, we tried to do it with a posture of a servant heart. This helped form deep friendships and freed the pastors for more ministry.” l 34 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

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(Continued from page 33 Neufeld Wiens and her husband, Werner For more information about local people and learning more about the Wiens, the former leader of MCC’s educa- MCC learning tours, visit work together. tion projects support program in Canada, mcccanada.ca/events.  The tour generated new perspectives to both grew up in households involved with consider for Neufeld Wiens. “The learning MCC. “When the opportunity came up tour opened my eyes to the complexities where we could actually see some of the of ‘doing good,’ ” she says. “It also made me MCC projects in India, I was keen to join PHOTO NEXT PAGE BY ROSE SHENK aware of the interconnectedness of our in,” she says. “I would say, ‘Go if you can!’ During an MCC learning tour in 2017, lives. I watch the news and look at what I It is an incredible experience.” l visitors and villagers walk along a gully in the purchase with different eyes.” Wotebet watershed in Ethiopia.

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MDS values partnering with the local community. This summer we are blessed by the enthusiasm of Cariboo Bethel Church (Mennonite Brethren) mds.mennonite.net as they host our volunteers in BC. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 35 focus on travel Online Now!  at canadianmennonite.org Give up complaining for Lent? On the CM blog, John Longhurst writes about a Kansas pastor who challenged his congregation not to complain. canadianmennonite.org/no-complaints

Internationally renowned peacebuilder receives award John Paul Lederach has been awarded the 36th Niwano Peace Foun- dation Peace Prize. canadianmennonite.org/lederach-award

‘She was ahead of her time’ Remembering Peggy Unruh Regehr, who championed the cause of women in leadership in Mennonite denominations in Canada. canadianmennonite.org/pioneer-remembered

Advocating for change so women can flourish “When women flourish, men also flourish,” writes Carol Thiessen from Canadian Foodgrains Bank. “Their families flourish. Their communities flourish. We all win.” canadianmennonite.org/advocating-change

38 Canadian Mennonite March 18, 2019

Calendar May 24-26: Junior-high retreat, at ΛΛ Elim. British Columbia July 28-Aug. 1: “Shake: Rattled by the Radical,” a gathering for Mennonite May 4: Women’s Inspirational Day, youth in grades 6 to 12, at Shekinah at Emmanuel Mennonite, Church, Retreat Centre. For more information, Abbotsford, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. visit prairieyouth.ca. Early deadline for Speaker: Sarah Bessey. travel subsidies and sponsor discounts June 28-July 1: “Igniting the is April 26. imagination of the church” MC Canada delegate assembly, at the Quality Hotel Manitoba and Conference Centre, Abbotsford: (28) leaders assembly; (29) business/ April 4: Spring at CMU fundraiser, at delegate meeting; (29-1) inspirational CMU, Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. Featuring conference. Special events for youth the presentation of the 2019 CMU Pax and children. Award to author Rudy Wiebe. April 6: Canadian Mennonite Alberta 48th annual fundraising dinner, at Mennonite Heritage Village, May 13-15: Faith studies conference, Steinbach, at 6:30 p.m. Music by in Lethbridge. the Accent Women’s Ensemble. May 31-June 1: MCC Relief Sale, in Reservations required; email office@ Coaldale. canadianmennonite.org and put “CM April 6 dinner” in the subject line, or Saskatchewan call toll-free 1-800-378-2524 x221. April 19: Winnipeg’s First Mennonite April 6: “Thirsting for God” Lenten Church, accompanied by an orchestra, silent retreat, at Shekinah Retreat presents Bruckner’s “Requiem in D Centre, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Minor and Mendelssohn’s “Christus”

The word rapture is not in the Bible. So how did we build a whole theology around it?

Part memoir, part tour of the apocalypse, and part call to action, Unraptured traces how the church’s focus on escaping to heaven has it mired in decay. Teetering on the brink of irrelevancy in a world rocked by refugee cri- ses, climate change, war and rumors of war, the church cannot afford to focus on the end times instead of follow- ing Jesus in the here and now.

Herald Press books available from Common Word or your favourite bookseller. 1-877-846-1593. CommonWord.ca. CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY Canadian Mennonite Vol. 23 No. 6 39

oratorio, at the church, at 7 p.m. “Lamentation,” a Lenten service: (6) Offering will be taken. at Rockway Mennonite Church, April 26: Spring concert, at CMU, Kitchener, at 7:30 p.m., (7) at Knox Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. Presbyterian Church, Elora, at 3 p.m. May 4: Exhibitions by Yisa Akinbolaji April 13: Women of MC Eastern and Gabriela Aguero open at the Canada Enrichment Day, at Floradale Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, Mennonite Church. Resource Employment opportunity Winnipeg. Runs until June 22. person: Marilyn Rudy-Froese. Theme: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION “Travelling companions: Staying This full-time position provides leadership and expertise to Ontario centred and attuned to God’s voice the accounting operations of MCC BC and its subsidiaries, and through the uncertainties of life.” manages the various administrative functions of the Until April 12: “Gichitwaawizi’Igewin: April 15,16: Spring seniors retreat, at organization.

Honouring” exhibition of artworks Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp, New Qualifications by Catherine Dallaire, at the Grebel Hamburg. Theme: “The many faces of CPA Designation. Minimum of 5 years of accounting experi- Gallery, Conrad Grebel University Africa. Speakers: Dave and Mary Lou ence in a leadership and supervisory role. Knowledge and College, Waterloo. Klassen. (Same program each day.) For experience of both for-profit and not-for-profit accounting : “Sites of Nonresistance: more information, visit hiddenacres.ca. principles & regulations strongly desired. Strong analytical and Until May communication skills. Ability to coordinate finance and admin- Ontario Mennonites and the First (Register by April 8.) istrative needs in a multi-faceted organization. World War,” an exhibit of letters, April 19: Grand Philharmonic Choir, photographs and documents from Children’s Choir and Youth Choir, with All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a the Mennonite Archives of Ontario, the K-W Symphony, present J.S. Bach’s personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking. at Conrad Grebel University College, “St. Matthew Passion,” at Centre in the Waterloo. Square, Kitchener, at 7:30 p.m. Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2019 March 31: Pax Christi Chorale presents April 22-26: MCC Ontario meat For full job description and to apply visit: mccbc.ca/openings Miziwe . . . (Everywhere. . . .), the world canning, in Elmira. For more information contact Sophie Tiessen-Eigbike, MCC BC premiere of a newly commissioned HR Manager at 604-850-6639 Ext 1129 oratorio sung in the Ojibwe Odawa To ensure timely publication of language (with subtitles), at Koerner Hall, upcoming events, please send Toronto, at 3 p.m. Calendar announcements eight April 6: “Following Jesus together weeks in advance of the event as Anglicans and Mennonites, Pt. date by email to calendar 1,” at Waterloo-Kitchener United @canadianmennonite.org. Mennonite, Waterloo, from 9 a.m. to For more Calendar 4 p.m. Instructor: Pablo Hyung Jin Kim listings online, visit Sun. canadianmennonite April 6,7: Menno Singers present .org/churchcalendar.  ΛΛClassifieds Employment Opportunities Thank you! You are continuing Ted Friesen’s vision for a Mennonite publication for prophetic voices. Your gifts this past fall totalled nearly $60,000, with close to 20 percent coming from new donors. We are grateful for your confidence in us as we continue to build this publication, both digitally and through the printed word.

Ted Friesen, the driving force behind The Canadian Mennonite, walking home from work as he did every day, into his 90s. Artist: Margruite Krahn