PM 40063104 R09613

September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17

RJC turns 100 pages 6, 21 On the threshold page 9 DeskTop

Brother Roger’s gift to the church Its familiarity is a testament to how many have felt the depth of God’s presence in a new way through it. ust as he had sung so many times in his life, Roger Taizé has helped restore the mystery and high holy rever- Louis Schutz has again found rest and peace in God ence of worshipping our almighty God. Jalone. Through its silences, it showed that God was worth wait- The 90-year-old Swiss monk and pastor, better known ing for. Through its simple, profound song lyrics, it taught simply as Brother Roger, died a few weeks ago on August us old truths about our faith. Through repetition and refl ec- 16, killed by a woman who was probably mentally ill. He tion, it helped those truths come to rest deep within our was attacked as he prayed during an evening service at the souls, ready to emerge later when needed. Reconciliation Church in Burgundy, southern Many of you have experienced Taizé France, while 2,500 young people were pres- services or have seen Taizé ideas infl uence ent worshipping. regular worship at your church. In remem- Schutz affected the church in a way few brance of Brother Roger’s life, we’d welcome have in the past century. He founded the your comments describing or refl ecting on now-famous Christian community in Taizé, the infl uence Taizé has had on the church. France in 1944. Part of the entrance vows of the Taizé Helping both Jews hiding from persecu- community state, “So, refusing to look back, tion and, later, German prisoners of war, the and joyful with infi nite gratitude, never fear small community of monks demonstrated a to rise to meet the dawn, praising, blessing, life based on the reconciling love of Christ. and singing Christ your Lord.” Taizé would be a place where, in Schutz’s Thank you, Brother Roger, for rising each words, “kindness of heart would be a matter day in the service of Christ our Lord. of practical experience, and where love would Shoes for your Feet: We are starting be at the heart of all things.” Brother Roger showed how a new column series this issue, Shoes for Despite its small size, the community has compelling quiet worship your Feet (see page 14). Over the next had great infl uence on Christian worship and prayer could be. few months, Mennonite pastor Matthew around the world through its pattern of con- Bailey-Dick will help equip us in our call- templative singing, community and personal prayer, candle ing as Christian peacemakers. The basis of the column is lighting and, especially, silence. Many were attracted to a Ephesians 6:15: “As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will less word-fi lled practice of worship and thousands, mostly make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” Matthew’s young people, now come from around the world to visit goal is to refl ect on Christian peacemaking practices and Taizé each summer. fi gure out what kinds of “footwear” we need for the justice Taizé worship has been a revitalizing gift to Christian journey, both as individuals and as congregations. churches regardless of denomination, language or location. —Tim Miller Dyck

Mission statement: Published by Canadian National correspondent: Leona Dueck Penner, Mennonite Publishing Service, Canadian Mennonite Winnipeg. Phone: (204) 888-6781, x178 serves primarily the people and churches of E-mail: [email protected] Mennonite Church Canada and its fi ve area Regional correspondents: conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ Mennonite Eastern Canada: Maurice Martin, Phone: (519) 662-1031 periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the E-mail: [email protected] church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate Manitoba: Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Phone/Fax: (204) 745-2208 and fair information, faith profi les, inspirational/educational materials, E-mail: [email protected] news and analysis of issues facing the church. Saskatchewan: Karin Fehderau, Phone: (306) 933-4209 E-mail: [email protected] Head offi ce: 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7 Alberta: Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Phone: (780) 436-3431 800-378-2524 Phone: (519) 884-3810 Toll-free: Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: offi [email protected] British Columbia: Amy Dueckman, Phone: (604) 854-3735 Editor/Publisher: Tim Miller Dyck E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Board of directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld, John W. Goossen Staff: Ross W. Muir, managing editor; Lisa Jacky, admin. assistant; Alberta: Brenda Tiessen-Wiens, Jan Wilhelm. Saskatchewan: Bernie Tim R. Dyck, art director; Barb Draper, editorial assistant. Thiessen. Manitoba: Aiden S. Enns, Bernie Wiebe, Paul Krahn. Advertising: Barbara Burkholder Phone : 800-316-4052 Ontario: Mary Lymburner, Brice Balmer, Ester Neufeldt, Larry Cornies. Fax: (519) 884-3331 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.canadianmennonite.org Postmaster: Send returns to head offi ce. PAP Registration No. 09613. Agreement No. 40063104. We acknowledge the fi nancial assistance of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward mailing costs. Contact head offi ce for subscriptions and address changes. Order form on inside back cover. ISSN 1480-042X

2 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 ThisIssue

September 5, 2005 4 UpClose Volume 9, Number 17 World record holder 4 Perogy passion 5

6 Faith&Life In Christ all things hold together 6 Mennonites on the threshold 9 11 Arts&Culture Treasuring the moments 11 Witness concerts in Asia 12

13 InConversation Letters 13 Radical faith 14 Page 16 Family visits 15

Page 4 16 WiderChurch New General Secretary 16 Filipino peacemaking 16 MCC Manitoba 20 Web site preview Get a preview of the next 21 LocalChurch Canadian Mennonite before it Mennonite school turns 100 21 comes in the mail. Selections are posted on our web site at Grace Mennonite 23 www.canadianmennonite.org Benin comes to Ontario 24 on the Thursday before the Transitions 26 issue date. So you can check out the September 19 issue by September 15. 27 TheChurches Being and doing 28

Cover: Kristina Friesen, 30 ToMorrow Gary Friesen and Louise Friesen, along with Blake Friesen, cooper- ate in lighting the Page 20 candelabra at Rosthern Junior College’s cen- tennial celebration. Kristina, Gary and Louise are, respectively, great-granddaughter, grandson and daughter of the school’s founder, Bishop David Toews. Photo by Henry Harms.

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 3 UpClose

Abbotsford, B.C. That has a nice ring to it: B.C. bell ringer sets world record ing-a-ling.” “Dead ringer.” “It • A maximum of 30 seconds between rings a bell with him.” compositions played. D Joe Defries of Abbotsford has • One 15-minute break every four heard all the bell jokes and puns, but hours. he doesn’t mind. In fact, to a man who • The pieces played had to be pub- collects jokes, they are music to his lished, recognized compositions at ears. least two minutes long.

The 54-year-old handbell choir dir- • No piece could be repeated in a Amy Dueckman photo ector at West Abbotsford Mennonite four-hour period. (Defries took it one Joe Defries, the handbell choir direc- Church recently rang his way into step further, deciding not to repeat tor at West Abbotsford Mennonite the record books by playing handbells any piece at all during his entire Church, B.C., is awaiting confi rma- continuously for more than 28 hours. marathon. He had 1,300 selections tion from the Guinness World Record Currently, he is awaiting offi cial verifi - prepared.) organization that his nearly 29 hours cation of his accomplishment by the • There had to be two witnesses pres- of continuous handbell ringing is, in Guinness World Record organization ent at all times and constant docu- fact, a world record. in London, England. mentation, which was done through planning to name their son Elijah, “What I’m trying to do,” says live feed on the Internet. Defries and and he was prepared with the chorus Defries, “is to promote an awareness of his team had to supply a videographer “Days of Elijah” to honour the new handbells, a truly unique and beauti- to fi lm everything and purchase tim- baby. ful instrument.” ing equipment to conform to Guinness’ After about 28 hours of playing, He became intrigued with rec- standards. Defries felt the bells were truly taking ord-setting when looking through a Defries began playing his bells at 8 their toll on him. Guinness World Record book last fall a.m. on July 5 with “O Canada” and “I was starting to clink bells to- and thought, “I could do that.” His just kept going, one piece at a time, gether and that’s bad,” he says. “Also I passion for handbells inspired him to through hymns, Christmas carols, started to reverse bells. That’s when I pursue setting a handbell-ringing rec- and popular, classical, children’s and knew enough was enough.” ord, which he was surprised to learn folk songs. All his careful prepara- Realizing he had reached his limit, had never been done. tion worked. Defries had methodically Defries decided to end the session with Defries then began the lengthy arranged the order of pieces by key to the song he had pre-selected to be his process of making an offi cial applica- make transitions more smooth. last, “Jesus Loves Me.” His fi nal time: tion with the Guinness organization, During his allowed pauses he 28 hours 50 minutes 21 seconds. which eventually led to his marathon did stretching and fi nger exercises With all the paperwork submitted ringing session at the B.C. Guild of in order to prevent carpal tunnel to Guinness, Defries now has to wait English Handbell Ringers convention syndrome. to see if the organization will offi cially in Penticton, B.C., on July 5 and 6. He credits his team of assistants acknowledge his feat. He knows there “Now I know why no one’s ever done with taking care of the external details is no guarantee. But no matter what it,” says Defries in retrospect. “It’s to make his marathon ringing session the decision, Defries knows what he very demanding.” possible. In addition to making sure has accomplished and has gained tre- Much preparation was required for the washroom was available for him mendous satisfaction from his effort. such an ambitious feat. To assure he with no line-ups at breaks, the team Defries has always asked himself was in the best possible physical con- supplied energy drinks and a bucket how his bell ringing could be used for dition, Defries lost 52 pounds in the of ice water for Defries to plunge his God’s glory. He feels he has achieved months before his record attempt. He head into for rejuvenation. a “higher communion with God” also practised playing handbells for Another source of rejuvenation came through his playing. “It’s been a great hours at a time. And with the largest at about 24 hours of playing, when he experience,” he says. “All things are bells weighing about 20 pounds, he learned that his third grandchild had ‘possibell’!” practised lifting weights. been born. Defries had known that (Visit www.possibells.com to learn Rules for qualifying for the world his son Joel, youth pastor at the West more about Defries and his bell-ring- record attempt were exact and Abbotsford Church, and his wife were ing record.) infl exible:

4 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 UpClose

Morden, Man. Perogy maker helps spread the gospel in Pauingassi elena Rempel can’t sit still. Either the phone rings or Hsomeone is at the door. It seems there is no time for an interview, but she puts on the kettle and brings out photos, and still has time to inquire of each person who stops by or calls. She is afraid she might miss them as she shuffl es slowly across the fl oor, hanging on to every wall and corner for balance. “I’m coming, I’m coming,” she calls Photo by Evelyn Rempel Petkau quietly with each careful step. Helena Rempel does her daily devotions with an open Bible and World of At 88, Rempel has no idea how Witness book. She collects the money from her perogy sales in a plastic many dozen Glums Warenecki (cot- container. This summer, she passed on her earnings for the VBS program at tage cheese perogies) she has made the northern Manitoba First Nations community of Pauingassi, and she is now this year, but she has raised $528 collecting her earnings for MCC Global Family program and the Canadian Bible for the vacation Bible school (VBS) Society. program in Pauingassi, Man., this summer. Last year, she raised more took a major building expansion. and prayer with residents for 17 years. than $1,000 by selling her perogies for “From the fi rst load of gravel to the There is a part of a life that still $3.50 a dozen. last shingle, I walked every day past “hurts to the core of the soul,” though. The young people in her church— the church,” she recalled. “I would stop In 1941, when her oldest son was Morden Mennonite—have been fl ying and say a prayer.” just over a year old and three months to the remote First Nations commun- She also made and sold perogies to before her second son was born, her ity of Pauingassi in northern Manitoba help fund the project. fi rst husband died suddenly of double for the past fi ve summers to offer a “I had a container where I put all pneumonia in Siberia. As a widow VBS program there. Pauingassi was the money and my granddaughter with two children she had to go back among the most needy of the commun- would help keep track of the money,” to school. She became a Kindergarten ities that Mennonite Church Canada she said. “One weekend it was so low, teacher in Russia and Germany. worked in before program cuts were and I wanted to give up, but then the “But not for long,” she said. Because made several years ago. next Saturday I sold 22 dozen! It put of the Second World War, “we were “I thought to myself, what can I do?” me to shame.” always fl eeing.” said Rempel of the need to help. She raised more than $1,000 for the With two children, Rempel said, “we And so she began her VBS perogy building project by using her pen- needed to fi nd a way to come over” to fundraiser. It’s a quiet campaign that sion cheque to cover her ingredient Canada. She learned of a Mennonite keeps her busy. Her only advertise- expenses. farmer in the Morden area who ment is an announcement in the Twenty-three years ago, after her was willing to sponsor her and her church bulletin—with a phone number second husband died, Rempel did not two children. In 1949, they came to to place an order, but no name. let her loneliness pull her down. She Canada. Rempel is reluctant to talk about went to the local personal care home “He was a wonderful father and what she does, or to put her name or and volunteered. grandfather,” she said of her second picture to this effort. “...and this is “I picked up older people and drove husband. “I have 20 great grandchil- not your own doing, it is the gift of them around, describing to them the dren and 10 grandchildren.” God—not because of works, lest any scenery because they couldn’t see it VBS is over for this year. Rempel man should boast,” said Rempel quot- themselves,” Rempel said. “They could is now fi lling her jar of earnings from ing Paul in Ephesians 2:8b-9. experience the beauty through my eyes.” perogy sales for Mennonite Central With some urging and much humil- She also helped feed the residents, Committee’s Global Family program ity, Rempel talks about her life. assisted in the activity room and and the Canadian Bible Society. Several years ago, her church under- shared times of Bible reading, singing —Evelyn Rempel Petkau

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 5 Faith&Life In Christ all things

The following sermon—based on Colossians 1:3-4, 9-20—was preached by John Rempel, assistant professor of theology and Anabaptist studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, and associate director of the Institute of Mennonite Studies, at the centennial celebrations for Rosthern Junior College (RJC), Rosthern, Sask., on July 31. For more RJC news, see pages 21-22.

hundred years is a very long time in the life of a school. Each year and each class gathered here adds a layer to the centennial birthday cake. We have gathered here to taste all the layers of the Acake—the people and events that have made which we provide only for our own, nor RJC into an enduring institution, an agent of God’s grace in such an uncritical embrace of soci- shaping the minds and inspiring the visions of generations ety around us that our salt loses its of students, and through them, church and society in savour. I want to sketch out a vision western Canada. of Christian identity that fi nds its way Retracing the steps of the past is rewarding because it between these extremes. brings to life the ideals, struggles, failures and achieve- The letter to the Colossians was ments that have worked together for the good we now cele- written to people who were tempted by brate. As I read Education With a Plus, Frank Epp’s history many gods and authorities, as we are. of Rosthern Junior College, I was astonished at the tenacity Paul writes that it is only in Christ of those teachers, ministers, parents and students who went that all things hold together, only against the grain in each generation and refused to give up in him that the fullness of God was on the dream. pleased to dwell. These are audacious Over a year ago I received a letter from Geri Baltzer on words in a pluralistic society! behalf of the Centennial Worship Committee. The invita- What led me to this passage for this tion was an opportunity to get to know the story of a sibling occasion? It’s grandeur! Paul confesses Mennonite institution, striving with us at AMBS, to make nothing less than Christ as the clue Christ relevant to church and society. She said that much to the meaning of history. In Christ of the weekend would be devoted to memories of the past. the purposes of God have become What the planners wanted on Sunday morning was a vi- known. His light is more powerful sion of how RJC might enter the future inspired to prepare than all darkness. In his presence we young people to take responsibility in church and society in recognize, but need not despair of, our the spirit of Jesus. frailty. Like Paul, we know that we We live in a time of thrilling, but also confusing and are earthen vessels, clay jars. It is not overwhelming, change. We ask ourselves, in the midst of we who bring healing to ourselves or this tumult, how we fi nd a stance toward the world that to the world; it is God’s transcendent is neither a retreat into a fortifi ed Mennonite sphere in power in us and through us. But how are we to recognize this transcendent power at work in every- day life? The hardships and perplex-

6 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 Faith&Life ities of day-to-day existence dull our awareness of the wonder of God’s intervening presence. Even when we don’t feel it, Paul reminds us that we already belong to a new reality. We the God of the Bible is too small to provide enough love to go have been rescued from the power of around. darkness and transferred to the king- But listen to Paul: “Christ himself is before all things dom of God’s beloved Son. and in him all things hold together.” The molecules of the As we read on, we see the grandeur biosphere, the institutions of culture, the thoughts of the of the text unfold. In Christ, all things mind! Paul declares that in the man from Judea everything in heaven and earth were created. God has made coheres. In him, everything God intends for Paul goes from one amazing claim the cosmos is summed up. about Christ to the next. Reading If we open ourselves even a little to this stupendous claim through this passage is like climbing that Christ is the tangible and unifying presence of God in higher and higher on a mountain. the world, the intimate reality that grounds the life of the I once had the enormous thrill of vis- church and of each believer, we gain a fresh perspective on iting Nepal, the land of breathtaking the baffl ing antagonisms of the “culture wars” of our time. peaks. We asked villagers whether As mainstream Mennonites in Canada and the United there was a way for people without States assimilate, our identity moves from that of a separ- training as mountain climbers to get a ate, homogeneous religious culture to full participation in view of the highest peaks. They gave a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-ideological society. us directions to Nuggarkoat, the low- Here, partisan loyalties pull our small church in many dir- est mountain directly opposite Mount ections and pit us against one another. Liberal Mennonites Everest. I will never forget the ecstasy follow one credo, conservative Mennonites another. of arriving at the tip of Nuggarkoat If we were clearer about the centrality of the Christ, “in at sunrise on a cloudless morning and whom all things hold together,” many other convictions and having my breath taken away by the experiences that divide us would be negotiable. In order to sight of the mythic mountain. fi nd the way of faithfulness we need the whole Christ—so- Nuggarkoat is an image for the cial activist, teacher, redeemer, living presence. church: it is the place from which we Right now in Mennonite Church Canada and USA, we glimpse God’s grandeur. The sun is pick the parts of Jesus we like. Some choose Jesus the an image for Christ—in him God’s redeemer, who brings us to heaven. Others follow Jesus the purposes are disclosed. Everest is Continued on page 8 an image for the kingdom—it is the fi nal, shimmering outcome of those purposes. To put it into Paul’s words: In Christ, all things have been created. In Christ, all things hold together. In Christ, all things are reconciled. Mennonites have rightly placed great weight on Jesus’ earthly min- istry, teaching and death. We believe that Jesus’ life is the pattern for our lives. What counts is living his kind of life amidst the confl icting demands of our existence. What we sometimes forget is that the reality of Christ is greater and nearer than his years in human history. Christ is our window to God. Through him we look into the mystery of love. Christ is also God’s window to us. Through him we grasp the mean-

ing of being human. Photo by George Epp As Christians become more and Representatives of Rosthern Junior College staff, board, students and more a minority in North American alumni over the years prepare to light the centennial candelabra. society, and as we make our way in an increasingly complex and divided world, we are tempted to conclude that

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 7 Faith&Life Photo by Henry Harms Quilt designer Alma Elias of Saskatoon introduces the audience to the compo- nents of the quilt after the unveiling.

Hold together From page 7 As of yesterday, RJC’s fi rst century came to a close. Today, the sun rises prophet, who brings heaven to earth. The New Testament on a new century of educational chal- offers us the whole Christ, the one who is all these things. lenge. We have climbed the mountain Each faction in our church follows a Christ who is too of nostalgia and been rightly inspired small, smaller than the picture the Bible gives us of him. by the myriad ways Rosthern Junior Some of the issues we fi ght about are really proxies for the College has shaped the lives of genera- suspicion we have of each other’s view of Christ, but are un- tions of individuals and the wider life willing to address plainly. If we could agree that the Christ of MC Canada. we follow is bigger than all our favourite parts of him, many But soon we will descend from the of the agonizing questions—about different worship styles, heights of remembering and envision- views of homosexuality—and arguments about the mission ing, to return to the fl atlands where of the church would lose much of their sting. love has to wear work clothes. As we I’m not talking here about dissolving all the convictions go, may we be guided by the down-to- we hold into a happy haze. But I am saying that if all of us earthness of Jesus, our fellow-activist, made ourselves accountable to the whole Christ, we would as well as the grandeur of Jesus, God’s have enough of a shared faith to trust one another in work- intimate presence, wherever the call to ing the other things out. ministry leads us. The world is desperate for people with convictions they As we go, let us remember that this are willing to live for and die for. Let us make this centen- reality is big enough to encompass all nial a turning point in which we confess humbly and non- our confl icts and all our dreams. Let violently that Christ is the way, the truth and the life. It is us follow in the footsteps of the teach- that foundation which makes a life of sacrifi ce possible and ers, ministers, parents and students worthwhile. When we live that way, Muslims are not our of RJC, who went against the grain in enemies, consumerism is not our god, and the environment their generation and refused to give up is our sacred trust. on the dream of living as if the reign of God is present now. No one who believes that will be put to shame. Amen.

8 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 Faith&Life Mennonites on the s a child growing up on a farm, I had no shortage of play spaces. I could climb A the maple trees in the front threshold yard, play hide-and-seek in the barn, and explore the big, bushy gooseberry plants beside the house. Then there were the more distant corners of the property: the evergreens on the other side of the river and the fence rows along the farthest fi eld. The most daunting place was just beyond our property where there was an over- grown dirt road—a road that wasn’t marked on any map—that headed off toward who-knows-where. So it was that I discovered the peripheries, the boundaries, the forbidden zones of life. Yet, along with the danger I discovered opportunity. I discovered that it is precisely at the periphery that I sometimes get the best perspective on things. Instead of broken bones, I’d rather see our Mennonite community inviting strength and courage as we explore our thresholds together. I believe the Holy Spirit is working within our Mennonite communities to bring a heightened sense of our peripheries, our “thresholds.” It’s not really up to us to build the thresholds in the fi rst place; that’s what God does. And I believe that God is work- ing to change us from within by urging us beyond what we think are our boundaries. there are times when we realize that those on the periphery “Being on the threshold” has two actually embody more of the identity of the community than seemingly contradictory meanings. On we want to admit. the one hand, to be on the threshold Think of the early Anabaptists whose identity was based is to be standing on the doorsill, the on their radical opposition to the most entrenched church entryway from one room to another. practices of that time. Even within the Anabaptist move- On the other hand, “threshold” also re- ment, some of the most powerful advancements in theology fers to an upper limit, a ceiling beyond came as a result of the preaching and writing of some who which something becomes unbearable were seen as radicals, perhaps even lunatics. or impossible. And yet the fascinating thing about Anabaptist history is A scholarly textbook might refer that the whole project was about getting back to the roots to this as a “dialectic”—a circum- of Christian faith—ranging far and wide in order to return stance defi ned by two opposing forces. to the core. Our spiritual forebears defi ned the traditions Perhaps we can simply see it as a and set the boundaries while simultaneously breaking new healthy tension in our lives. Part of ground for the sake of faithfulness to the gospel. what happens at “threshold moments” Continued on page 10 is that the more we push the limits, the more we confi rm what is at the core. In terms of human communities,

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 9 Faith&Life

By the power of the Holy Spirit, our sticking close to home will be in our taking the peacemaking message “out there” with gusto. I’d like to see Threshold From page 7 our Mennonite community inviting strength and courage for the road If we look to the early Christians, they too were regarded ahead. as peripheral and treasonous, even though their intention Incidentally, that overgrown road was to reinvigorate the central truths of the Jewish faith. near our farm didn’t hold me back for- Jesus himself was the “pioneer and perfecter” of calling ever. I remember times when I biked people back to the centre—being in faithful relationship clear through to the other side of that with God—while at the same time eating with outcasts, “scary spot,” and then I found beauti- ministering on the margins, and proclaiming bold new ful farmland with even more places to truths about loving enemies and overcoming evil with good. wonder about and explore. Our history is punctuated with these threshold moments Yet, as much as I needed to expand in which the impetus for healthy church growth comes from the horizons, I also found myself more more than reiterating popularly accepted views. and more intrigued by what adven- To bring all of this close to home, I fi nd that those who tures could be had right around our are regarded as being on the periphery of today’s Mennonite house. The going out was connected community are often providing the most helpful perspective to the sticking close to home, and in on what being Mennonite is all about. I fi nd that the rad- that truth—grasped only later in my icals are the ones who are testing and confi rming the issues life—there was something of the grace that are central to our faith. of God. So the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective will —Matthew Bailey-Dick probably undergo some fascinating changes when we more The author is a husband of one, father of two, fully understand the perspectives of our Mennonite brothers and half-time pastor of many at Erb Street Men- and sisters who are pioneering new forms of nonviolent so- nonite Church in Waterloo, Ont. cial change, who are promoting environmental sustainabil- ity, or who are challenging our theological horizons. These apparent peripheries will allow us to clarify and strengthen our core identity as Christians because they are, in fact, at the core. Our peacemaking ministries provide a very tangible example of a current threshold not only for Mennonites, but for Christians in general. For example, I’ve talked to folks who are surprised that the “radical” work of Christian Peacemaker Teams is actually sanctioned by our Mennonite churches. Paradoxically, the gospel of peace—as much as it seems to push the limits—is also the core of our faith. God’s work in the world is the work of overcoming evil with good, trans- forming violence and rectifying injustice. This was the core of Jesus’ ministry. Today, our peace work takes us back to the core, and yet it takes us to completely uncomfortable places where we stand on street corners with prayer vigils, put ourselves out there with letters to the government, and call for peace when many other voices call for war. I believe that our current vocation as a Mennonite com- munity has a lot to do with how we embody the gospel of peace. I agree with those who point out that our “quiet in the land” chapter has now drawn to a close, and that the coming years will see us much more actively involved in bringing healing and hope to our communities.

10 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 Arts&Culture

Abbotsford, B.C. Goshen, Ind. Mom learns to Treasure the Moments Mennonite women or Laurel Hildebrandt, being a ling practice that I can’t keep up with wife and mother to two children because of my lack of sleep…. I can of colour share Fwhile juggling a counselling barely stay awake to supervise my stories of faith career means life is full. But intern counsellor and have zero time Hildebrandt found that in the midst of for any administrative work. My self- tories collected from Mennonite it all, she wanted to be able to treasure analysis seems to ring true in my very women of colour from around the moments with her husband and Sthe world are now ready to tired brain. Diagnosis: crazy mom.” be shared and to connect persons of children—especially when she had But as she considers her diagnosis, faith. had a particularly rough day. One of she also wonders if Jesus’ mother, The documentary Living Water, her habits is to journal and to fi nd Mary, ever felt like she was losing her Living Faith is the culmination of the blessings in each day. The result mind. Considering all that Mary had more than two years of work by Pat of this habit is a new book entitled to deal with in simply bearing the Son McFarlane, associate professor of Treasure the Moments, Spiritual of God, it would be understandable communication at Goshen College, Insights for Motherhood. if Mary felt at loose ends. Linda Christophel, a licensed clin- “Some moments were Yet, Hildebrandt says, all ical social worker and 1983 Goshen scary, funny or just wonder- indications are that Mary College graduate, and professional ful kid moments, but the video producer Ed Cundiff. Its pre- accepted her calling with miere was at the binational conven- important thing was, ‘What grace: “Mary understood tion of Mennonite Church Canada and can I learn from this? What that she had been called Mennonite Church USA in Charlotte, is God teaching me?’” she for this purpose in her life N.C., on July 7. says. and completely trusted God “We believe these videos will allow “At the time it was being with her calling, no matter for many people in the Mennonite written I was in the midst what the consequences.” church to hear the often unheard of two years of severe sleep It is this simple insight stories of Mennonite women of col- deprivation…. Joshua, our that has made the book our—their faith stories, their stories youngest,…was severely popular with mothers. of perseverance and courage, their colicky and just wouldn’t stories of forgiveness and overcoming “People are telling me discrimination,” says McFarlane. sleep,” Hildebrandt recalls. “I wanted that they love the book and are en- Over three years, the team collected to hold onto moments. Those moments couraged by it,” she says. “People are stories from 41 women throughout the and the writing of them became my telling me that they are now okay with United States, as well as interview- sanity because I was looking for the just spending some quality time with ing 11 international women at the next chapter, I was looking for treas- their kids rather than fretting about 2003 Mennonite World Conference in urable moments which added much cleaning up all the messes that little Zimbabwe. “Linda and I are passion- joy to being a mother.” ones make—with balance of course!” ate about this project because of our Using a storytelling format and Her greatest hope is that the book own awareness that the voices of sharing from her own experience, will draw people closer to God, whom women of colour in the church often Hildebrandt connects those moments remain unheard,” said McFarlane. she sees as the perfect parent. She “Our hope is that the Mennonite to the lessons that can be learned from felt that God was with her throughout Church as a whole will experience the them. Chapters with titles like “A the writing of it. “I asked God how I great contribution of these women’s higher calling,” “Feeding time at the should pray for this book,” she says. stories of faith and courage.” zoo,” and “Super Mom,” highlight a “His answer was simple, ‘Pray that it Christophel and McFarlane will humorous approach to topics that hit gets published and widely read to my continue with this project by writing home to most mothers. glory.’ Praise God for the fi rst part of a book about the women they have In the chapter titled “A day in the answered prayer. Now I am on the sec- interviewed, including stories not life of…,” Hildebrandt shares the ex- ond part of that prayer—to God be the featured in the documentary and perience of a sleep-deprived day when glory!” interesting things that happened she questioned her sanity: throughout the process. Treasure the Moments is published The DVD will be available to “My tired brain runs through the by Tate Publishing & Enterprises. purchase this month by e-mailing juggling act I seem to be performing. Ordering information is available [email protected]. I have a two-year-old. I have a baby at Hildebrandt’s website: www. —Goshen College release by Jennifer who refuses to sleep and cries much laurelhildebrandt.com. Rupp of the time. I have a private counsel- —Angelika Dawson

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 11 Arts&Culture

Nanchong, China, and Sapporo, Japan Baritone sings of peace, understanding in East Asia s the last note hung in the otherwise silent auditorium, Alisteners sat in wonder of Anthony Brown’s voice, wiping tear- damp eyes. Then the crowd burst into applause, the sound of their hands ringing into the building’s rafters. Brown, well versed in opera, orato- rio, art song, contemporary works and spirituals, made his Asian debut on a tour May 9 through June 13. Hosted by Mennonite Church Canada Witness partners China Educational Exchange (CEE) and Mennonite Mission Network (MMN), the baritone gave concerts and lectures in China and Japan at universities, concert halls, churches and Mennonite centres. In each venue, Brown’s goal was to con- nect across race, language and culture Photo submitted by Witness workers Jeanette and Todd Hanson to promote peace and help his audienc- During his fi rst Asian tour, singer Anthony Brown, right, greeted members of es focus on their oneness in the family Nanchong (China) Christian Church following a Sunday morning worship ser- of God. vice. Translating for him was Li Na, a senior at China West Normal University, “If I can go to a very different part left. of the world and connect deeply with others and fi nd in our meeting our common humanity, something very on the road. He also visited the signifi cant has occurred,” Brown said. Nanchong church, leading a Saturday According to Teresa Sherrill, afternoon choir workshop, singing in Witness worker in Japan, Brown’s the Sunday morning worship ser- presentations allowed for self-exami- vice, and then visiting with Chinese nation, encouraging listeners to look Christians. deeper at their own attitudes and see According to Gordon Janzen, who beyond others’ exteriors to the Christ oversees Witness ministries in Asia, INVESTMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE inside. the Anthony Brown tour illustrates “As Japanese society continues to the benefi ts of working with partner be confronted by their Asian neigh- agencies. “In this case, Tony Brown, bours for their past and ongoing racial through Hesston College [where he tensions, Tony’s words were thought- is artist-in-residence], was able to provoking and led us to consider the minister to people of another culture power and presence of the transcen- in another continent. The world of in- dent one,” Sherrill said. ternational ministry would be so much In Japan’s busy and competitive smaller without these networks,” said society, current trends have brought Janzen. “a relativism and freedom that was Brown said the tour helped him un- not tolerated or encouraged in the derstand and feel solidarity with the past,” Sherrill said. “Allegiance to the Chinese and Japanese. “My family has group identity has been diluted and been increased and I thank God for Earn a competitive return more people are expressing their own the opportunity to share my life and plus 1/2% in BONUS interest preferences.” to receive the gift of new brothers and In Nanchong, a music professor for your faith community. sisters,” he explained. “Hearing their expressed gratitude for the baritone’s stories only confi rmed for me just how willingness to learn from the Chinese. much we are alike and just how much A tradition of trust. Audience members were delighted to we need each other.” Elmira 669-1529 | Kitchener 576-7220 | New Hamburg 662-3550 join Brown in singing several African- —MC Canada Witness release Milverton 595-8796 | Waterloo 746-1770 | Leamington 326-8601 American spirituals, as well as a MSCU serves members of Mennonite, Amish and Brethren in by Bethany Keener Christ churches across Ontario. www.mscu.com Chinese folk tune the singer learned

12 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 InConversation

Letters This section is a forum for discussion and discernment. Letters express the opinion of the writer only, not necessarily the position of Canadian Mennonite, Work article connects with our any of the fi ve area churches or Mennonite Church Canada. Letters should ad- dress issues rather than criticizing individuals and include the writer’s contact Mennonite heritage information. We will send copies of letters discussing other parties to the named As a Mennonite Brethren member, individuals or organizations to provide the opportunity for a response. Letters can Mennonite Church Canada has always be sent to [email protected] or to “Letter to the Editor,” Canadian Mennonite, 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON N2L 6H7. had a place in my mind to one de- gree or another, but I have not taken the time to look at its publication were extremely pleased to see the ar- McLaren books provide (Canadian Mennonite) or the website ticles in the June 27 issue of Canadian (www.canadianmennonite.org) until Mennonite. Christian cultural insight today. Our experiences are so similar to Phil Wagler asks for responses regard- The article, “Can work be re- what was written—the negative label- ing Mennonite culture (“Our future is deemed?” (June 13, page 6), caught my ling, isolation, guilt feelings of “be- politically incorrect,” July 11, page 11). attention because it connected with ing a bad parent,” and, for the child, To begin to understand how much of what is part of our mutual rejection. Christianity is shaped and informed heritage. By the time I read the sec- We are so glad that awareness is by a larger culture, I recommend read- tion, “Work as our defi ning charac- being created, and feel very strongly ing and studying books like Brian D. teristic,” I refl ected on hearing news that our churches and community McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian that the mandatory retirement age of need to show more care, compassion and Adventures in Missing the Point. 65 will soon go out with the horse and and support to families suffering from The fi rst book is a conversation buggy. this totally preventable syndrome, but between two characters: one a pas- My ex-employer offered early retire- they need to be educated. We need to tor, the other formerly a pastor. It ment and that has its own challenges. educate and look at how we can help begins: “Sometime in 1994, at the age Keeping busy or productive is not one and understand, rather than label and of thirty-eight, I got sick of being a of them, but how and why are the big- judge both the child and the adoptive pastor. Frankly, I was almost sick of ger questions. parents. being a Christian.” Questions like “Does work defi ne We basically diagnosed our daugh- McLaren has his characters con- you?” and, “Have you found the ter ourselves after reading The Broken verse about many topics. One topic is balance between being and doing?” Chord by Michael Dorris. We were about the Bible; one of the characters are sadly, in my opinion, the typi- able to get an offi cial diagnosis for our suggests that we should perhaps “let cal Mennonite way of asking, “What daughter from a geneticist when she the Bible read us,” rather than the is your fi nancial status and level of was 18. Until that time, we were on other way about. independence?” our own, searching, seeking and strug- The second book is by McLaren and I ask myself and others if I have gling to fi nd help and understanding, Tony Campolo; each writer contributes found that balance that satisfi es me feeling very inadequate and alone, as essays and they then respond to each and my relationship with God and my we tried to understand what was go- other’s essays. Campolo, as many church, and will there be continued ing on with our child. know, is highly regarded in evangeli- respect and fellowship even though She is now on a disability pension, cal circles in the United States and, it may not include the “sweat of the since holding a job is almost impos- perhaps, in Canada. For those who brow”? I can hear hypothetical leaders sible. To people who see her for a short are concerned about homosexuality, in our congregation reply with, “Yes,” time, she appears perfectly normal, Campolo’s essay on this may surprise providing you donate your tithes and but the bottled emotions, frustrations, some. offerings to the church.” hurts and frequent explosive behav- When we begin to understand how —R. Hiebert, Abbotsford, B.C. iour are hidden behind her smile. our larger culture is informing and Consequences have no meaning for shaping Christianity generally, we FASD articles help educate her. She struggles daily to be accepted may be able to begin to see how the churches, communities and not be taken advantage of. larger culture affects our Mennonite She is affected for life. faith specifi cally. As parents of an adopted FASD (fetal —George and Irma Hildebrandt, —Jim Suderman, Winnipeg alcohol spectrum disorder) child, we Kingsville, Ont.

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 13 InConversation

True discipleship means argue that “liberal” and “conservative” percent” female. It appears that Kipfer following Christ’s example alike need to examine the church’s is suggesting that women in leader- role in this moral labyrinth. ship may be the underlying cause I was glad to read Joel Dick’s timely Of course I’m not advocating for his predicted change in church argument that the Mennonite Church withdrawal from the larger society, membership. risks its relevance unless it debates although some more traditional Rather than blaming women, a the meaning of true discipleship Mennonites may choose that option. study should be undertaken to explore (“Prophetic peace witness needed,” But for the sake of our own salvation, why men are not choosing pastoral July 11, page 10). we need to examine the possibilities of ministry as a vocation or why men are We have indeed been wasting our Christ’s example of peace. withdrawing from services of worship time recently with the same-sex con- —Robert Martens, Abbotsford, B.C. and church membership (if that is the troversy. To say the least, the discus- case). Accountability and responsibil- sion around this issue has not been a Jesus liberated women; ity are part of the commitment made shining example of peace. church should do the same to God and to our sisters and brothers The Mennonite Church is in danger at baptism, regardless of one’s gender. of losing its authenticity unless it In the July 11 issue of Canadian Perhaps the “secular women’s returns to root principles of pacifi sm. I Mennonite, Reynold Kipfer expresses liberation movement” would not have would argue, as Dick seems to suggest, concern that of the 13 Canadian been needed if the church had contin- that we are inextricably involved with graduates of Associated Mennonite ued to follow the patterns of liberation affairs of power and state, even those Biblical Seminary, 10 were women set by Jesus. In his culture, a man was of us in the “helping professions.” Our (“Modern trends will lead to decline forbidden to speak with a woman in education and welfare systems, for in the church,” page 10). In the next public, nor was he to have contact with example, may well primarily serve the paragraph, he paints a picture of the the Samaritans. The story of Jesus’ state’s own interests. I would further church of the future as “almost 100 conversation with the Samaritan

Radical faith and gospel peacemaking and gospel evange- violence and injustice, I encourage you lism are essentially the same task. to explore what it means to be a radical running shoes Ours is a radical faith because it is follower of Jesus Christ. I encourage you challenging and transformative: The to see how the gospel of peace is on the “As shoes for your feet put on whatever gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel that move and then to join this movement will make you ready to proclaim the calls us to speak daringly for peace when with concrete acts of prayer, resistance, gospel of peace” Ephesians 6:15. many others holler for war. It is a gospel justice advocacy, nonviolent intervention, that calls us to take real-life risks as we or whatever other forms of Christian hat happens if you imagine our join in the peacemaking work that God is peacemaking to which the Spirit leads collective peacemaking ministry already doing among us. you. And I encourage you to fi nd tangible Was a race? What are the running This gospel is defi nitely on the move. ways of sharing both your successes and shoes that you would recommend to That’s why we need running shoes! your struggles with others. It is through someone who wants to join this race? I feel excited about how this radical learning from each other that our col- How is your church fi nding ways of faith is becoming embodied in the peace lective peace and justice ministry will taking the gospel of peace and running become strongest. with it? This column has been titled “Shoes Hebrews 12:1-2a contains the follow- Shoes for for your feet” because of the challenge ing challenge: “Therefore, since we are offered in Ephesians 6:15. This passage surrounded by so great a cloud of wit- your feet gives us a sense that we have already nesses, let us also lay aside every weight been equipped. (Check out also Paul’s and the sin that clings so closely, and Matthew words in II Corinthians 5:11-21.) The let us run with perseverance the race “shoes” or “tools” are here among us that is set before us, looking to Jesus the Bailey-Dick already. We just need to put them on and pioneer and perfecter of our faith….” proceed with the work at hand: proclaim- This passage offers a wonderful ing the good news of peace. encouragement for us to continue run- and justice work of our churches, and I We are living in a time of tremendous ning forward with boldness even while feel a strong sense that God is calling us opportunity. May God give us courage we look back at the “radical” pioneer in to become even more fi red up about our and wisdom as we fi nd ways to walk the whose footsteps we follow. peacemaking ministries. The Holy Spirit talk of peacemaking. And may we pull on Ours is a radical faith because it also is moving, people in our churches are the shoes that are already at hand. takes us back to the root of Christian yearning for new ways of doing things, faith—the word “radical” comes from the and our world urgently needs the minis- The author is a husband of one, father of two, Latin word for “root”—to the Bible, to the tries of reconciliation and peacemaking. and half-time pastor of many at Erb Street life of Jesus, to the moving of the Holy This is a powerful combination. Mennonite Church in Waterloo, Ont. Spirit, to the love of God. It is here at the During these times when our world taproot of our faith that we discover how seems to be suffocating because of

14 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 InConversation woman at the well must have been an We read there a perspective on an Peace Offi ce newsletter: “Christian important story in the early church for incredibly diffi cult life in the midst Zionism and peace in the Holy Land.” it to have become a part of the Gospel of a constantly boiling cauldron. His It offers a critical analysis of Christian of John. Jesus broke the old taboos is a perspective that we are deprived Zionist theology and readings of and even had a theological discussion of in the popular press and by the Scripture. with a woman of a despised race. She dominance of attitudes driven by —Dave Cressman Waterloo, Ont. took that gospel of liberation back Christian Zionism. Chacour’s stories to her city and invited “the people” are both eye-opening and inspiring, as Jazz musician (NRSV)—probably women and men— he shows by example how peacemak- appreciates coverage to meet Jesus. ing can be worked at in tangible and I am grateful that we have both helpful ways, beyond just talk. Thank you for your very kind and male and female leadership in the My sympathies for the plight of thoughtful words about my Keeping church today. the Palestinians began while shar- Time project (“Keeping church time to —Grace Bauman Weber, Kitchener, ing a small offi ce at the University of a jazz beat, June 27, page 12). Ont. Guelph with a Palestinian soil science It is always an encouragement to doctoral candidate during the Six-Day me to know that there are at least a Abuna Chacour stories War in 1967, as he daily agonized few people out there whose imagina- provide eye-opening insight over the unknown plight of his family, tions are being engaged by this music. and then over the loss of the family I share your hope that our churches I commend you for your July 11 issue farmlands, with centuries-old vine- will, in coming years, be ever more which included extensive and informa- yards and orchards that had been in willing to seek and embrace new (old?) tive coverage of Abuna Elias Chacour’s his family’s hands for generations. ways to connect with God. fi rst-hand accounts of life in Palestine To those who count themselves —Nelson Boschman, Abbotsford, B.C. from the perspective of a Palestinian among the massive Christian Zionist Christian cleric who is profoundly throng, which seems to be to be fan- committed to practical expressions of ning the fi res of confl ict in the Holy peacemaking. Land, I encourage a careful reading of the July-September issue of the MCC

Family Visits with glee. “Cross-cultural” encounters eluded me. I sought encouragement (or and confl icts are normal, on a range of was it avoidance?) in daily devotions ive days. That is one friend’s time issues, including food, religion, politics from a prayer book I carried along. One limit for visiting in her parents’ and leisure activities. Humour helps, challenging day, I read, “God be in my Fhome. Or that of her in-laws. “Less and fl exibility, and not taking oneself head, and in my understanding. God be than that,” she says, “and it doesn’t feel too seriously. (For example, I played The in my eyes, and in my looking. God be in like we’ve had the chance to connect. Game of Life with my nieces, aged 9 and my mouth, and in my speaking. God be More than that and tensions start to 11. My playing piece was a tiny car, with in my heart, and in my thinking. God be build.” You may agree, or fi nd your limit a pink person—me—in the driver’s seat. at my end, and at my departing” (from is different. Perhaps like my mom, you When I reached the marriage spot on the Sarum Primer). say, “I’m glad when they come home I felt calmed by these words. If I was and I’m glad when they leave so I can approaching relationships with a sense get my rest!” Drawn by a deep instinct of God’s presence in me, I was more to ground our identities with lineage Family patient and understanding. Later that and place, many of us spend a portion of Ties day, at table blessing, my host prayed, our summers crisscrossing roads or sky “God, help us when we are impatient and routes. We do so to honour our family frustrated. Help us to be kind with each relationships, and we do so knowing full Melissa other.” I felt the Spirit hovering, nudg- well we may encounter such disruption Miller ing, wrapping us in compassion. and disappointment that we question if A fi nal lesson. Anticipate joy. A fi erce the effort is worthwhile. hug from one who loves you from a This summer I was a guest in my distance. The pleasure of summer foods relatives’ homes for more than fi ve the board, my younger niece told me that in the presence of those who share your days. I learned (again) some valuable I could move over and let my husband bones and blood. The blessing that comes lessons. The weather can be a boon or drive, “if you want to...or you can just when holding the hand of your oldest a curse. Oppressive heat stifl es. Rain sit in the back seat and bug him from relative. can trap everyone indoors, bringing on there,” she offered with a smile.) Yes, it is worth it. claustrophobia. Double dip ice cream At points, though, I was discouraged. cones refresh. So does access to large I seemed far removed from the mid-life Melissa Miller is a pastoral counsellor, author bodies of water, especially when shared maturity I’ve cultivated. My best confl ict and teacher from Winnipeg. with young ones, whole bodies squiggly resolution skills and Christian charity

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 15 WiderChurch

Winnipeg Suderman to be new MC Canada General Secretary he General Board of Mennonite [is a] simple agenda, but also very Mennonite Church Canada, said, “I Church Canada has announced complex and complicated. We need all am very pleased with the decision to Tthe appointment of Robert the gifts we can muster, and more,” appoint Jack Suderman as the next J. (Jack) Suderman to the post of Suderman said, alluding to the confi - General Secretary for Mennonite General Secretary. He will succeed dence he placed in his staff Church Canada. Jack’s outgoing General Secretary Dan colleagues. rich experience working Nighswander, who served in the post As a founding chair or with the church in Canada since 1999. director of fi ve organizations and globally will be a real Esther Peters, Assistant Moderator, in Canada and Colombia, asset as he assumes this made the announcement to staff on be- Suderman has used his new role. His passion for half of the General Board and search extensive experience as a the church and vision for committee. Peters noted that the teacher, principal, facilita- the future will help us as a Search Committee and the General tor, and consultant to hone national church to continue Board unanimously supported the his leadership, administra- to move into what God is decision. Together with staff, Peters tive, and team building calling us to.” offered a prayer of guidance and bless- skills. In recent years he The transition from ing for Suderman. has enjoyed keeping abreast Suderman Nighswander to Suderman Suderman has served the Mennonite of the evolving church by will begin in September. Church in Canada since 1996, most teaching various courses in theology in Suderman, who will offi cially begin in recently as executive secretary of Canada and Latin America. the role on Dec 1, noted his grateful- Mennonite Church Canada Witness, Suderman is fl uent in Spanish, hav- ness for Dan Nighswander’s signifi - the mission and outreach ministry ing completed his doctoral studies in cant contributions of energy and of the national church. He has nine the Spanish language in Bogotá, and devotion to the formative years of years of experience at the executive has authored several books in Spanish Mennonite Church Canada. leadership level, and played a key role and English, as well as numerous Suderman is married to Irene in the transformation process of the papers, articles, and curricula. He (Penner). They have three married former bi-national General Conference has served in international ministry sons: Derek and Rebecca (Zoe), Bryan Mennonite Church and the Mennonite in Bolivia, and Colombia, and has and Julie (Matthew), and Andrew and Church to Mennonite Church Canada. worked and lived in Saskatchewan, Karen, all of whom reside in Ontario. Suderman noted that the shift will Manitoba, and Ontario. —Mennonite Church Canada release trigger a “domino effect” as Witness Henry Krause, Moderator for by Dan Dyck will seek a successor for his current role as executive secretary of Witness. “I feel that my own energy and vision Mindanao, Philippines for what Witness can be had not yet been exhausted. I was looking forward Muslim peace movement looks for to continuing to lead this department. However, the encouragement, from so Mennonite encouragement many quarters, to consider this other position, has simply been too strong to Muslim leader in Marawi City Muslims—who are in dialogue with ignore. At some point I felt that I did in Mindanao, Philippines, was each other—about ways to reduce the need to listen to these voices from the Abanned from many mosques violence that has plagued this land. church,” he said. Suderman invited when he initiated dialogue with Relying on faith in God and trust prayers for this time of transitional Christians. The Muslim peace in the many partnerships cultivated adjustment. movement, he said, needs Mennonite by Mennonite Central Committee In response to the announcement, encouragement. (MCC) during its 28 years of presence Suderman said that the agenda for And that’s what it got from April in Mindanao, the delegation began its Mennonite Church Canada, though 24-May 2, when fi ve Mennonites trav- sojourn in Davao City, where I live simple, has complex implications. elled through confl ict-ravaged areas of and work. To be “… a Mennonite church Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Besides myself, the group travel- within Canada as well as a church The group was there for the purpose ling through the violence-prone area for the world from a Canadian base of learning from Christians and included Dann Pantoja, a Filipino

16 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 WiderChurch

Basilan Island, Philippines arrangements and pencil hold- ers. In the future, they hope to War trash to art melt brass bullet casings into traditional gongs and bells. is swords to As a measure of the success of this project, Dedette Suacito, di- ploughshares rector of Nagdilaab Foundation he name Basilan Island strikes fear on Basilan Island, says, “We in the hearts of many foreigners. This have been asked to replicate Tis where the Abu Sayyaf terrorist this project in Jolo,” another group held hostages, killed villagers and island in the Sulu Archipelago, terrorized the whole island for nearly four where fi ghting and tensions are years. This is where missionaries Martin ongoing. and Gracia Burnham and Debra Yapp “Communities were fi rst sus- were held hostage for more than a year picious of this project,” Suacito before Martin Burnham and Yapp were admits. “They thought we were killed. collecting war trash to report The island has seen fi ghting and to the army which communities Photo by Jon Rudy death since the 1970s, when Ferdinand Flourantine Pamposa works to convert war still have lots of guns.” Marcos, former dictator of the Philippines, But, Suacito asked the declared martial law. The confl ict has left trash into art. communities, “Do you want to much debris scattered throughout commu- hang on to this stuff forever? If nities. In hanging on to it, the islanders providing some income from the refuse of you are ready to give it up, it can be part are constantly reminded of past trauma war. Through this program, which trains of your healing.” They won the trust of and pain. youths in metallurgical skills, this poorest people by explaining that collecting the In giving it up to the War Trash Project, of the Philippine islands is being given a debris from years of fi ghting—spent rifl e they are offered a chance to let go of the chance for economic advancement. cartridges, machine gun shells and mortar hate so associated with the violence. The project currently turns 105-mil- casings—could be part of a healing ritual The War Trash Project is designed to limetre howitzer shell casings into works for them. provide healing for communities while of art, such as candleholders, steel fl ower — Jon Rudy member of Peace Mennonite Church in Vancouver, B.C., who now serves in Mindanao; Richard Rancap, president of the Integrated Mennonite Churches Closer Than a Brother (IMC) of the Philippines; Luke Men’s Series Schrock-Hurst, an Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) worker in Manila; This series of five booklets invites men’s groups and David Shenk, global missions to develop relationships of emotional and consultant with EMM. spiritual intimacy while focusing on the topics As the 10-day journey across of friendship, money and power, sexuality, and Mindanao’s primarily Muslim regions family relationships. Each booklet, for ages 40- began, Shenk led a one-day seminar 60, provides biblical reflections and emphasizes on “Christians ministering in Islamic personal sharing in the context of Christian communities” at a theological semi- nary in Davao. “Islam,” Shenk said, fellowship. Leader’s tips are included. $5.99 each “needs to be engaged at a spiritual level. Christians are equipped for this conversation since our understanding of God is that he is dialogical.” Pantoja, who felt called to begin work among Muslims after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, invited the Mennonite delegation into conversations with his Muslim housemates and the mayor of Sultan Kudarat, a small town in central 1 800 245-7894 • www.mph.org Mindanao, where he serves. “When I fi rst came, I was ignorant Continued on page 18

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 17 WiderChurch

Muslims From page 17 of any peace-building and dialogical methodologies,” Pantoja mused. “But I jumped in and immersed myself.” At fi rst, the predominantly Muslim community was very suspicious of Pantoja. They had suffered at the hands of soldiers who were predomi- nantly “Christian.” But as he set about listening to people’s stories of trauma, offering relief to displaced people in the area, and demonstrating Christ’s Photo submitted by Jon Rudy love in his behaviour, barriers broke A Mennonite group including Jon Rudy, left, Richard Rancap, Dann Pantoja, down. David Shenk and interviewer Melody Arandela visited Mindanao, Philippines, Often it just takes one person to to learn about how the Christian-Muslim dialogue there is helping to bring initiate dialogue, to reach across the about peace between the two religious communities. gap that so easily divides people of dif- ferent religions. Violence narrows the In Cotabato City, the group visited Mennonites spoke with Muslim stu- range of what people see as possibili- an evangelical partner of MCC’s that dent groups they raised the diffi cult ties in any given situation. We were so works in predominantly Muslim com- question of forgiveness as the students encouraged to see people of faith offer- munities. A leader in this effort told shared their stories of pain and loss at ing innovative alternatives to revenge us that the project’s role is to bring the murder of loved ones. and retribution. By showing the world “Jesus to the community” through “Christianity is centred in forgive- that Christians and Muslims can live acts of service, not to bring community ness through Christ’s atonement,” in harmony, the myth that this is a members to church. Schrock-Hurst told a student group. religious confl ict will be put to rest. Several times as the group of “Our own spiritual ancestors suffered, as you have, but through God’s grace we have been called to forgive our Winkler, Man. enemies.” and professional counselling services. The group was inspired by the ex- Eden Health Following the business meeting, the ample of an evangelical church leader community was invited to a celebration in Mindanao who organizes a “Bless Services like a rock and dessert evening that featured pas- Muslims Day” every Sept. 11. Under tor, author and storyteller Dan Unrau den Health Care Services reported from Richmond, B.C. Unrau illustrated his leadership, the church is awaken- another successful year at its the need for strong relationships that ing to the call for holistic development. Eannual general meeting at Winkler celebrate the good times, but which must The group also visited Father Bergthaler Mennonite Church on June also remain there for the “darker” times. Sebastiano, a Catholic priest who 16. Pam Driedger was elected incoming Even when we may not expect it, a genu- has formed the Silsilah Dialogue chair, following Dr. Paul Peters. Driedger inely “spiritual” connection is made when Movement in Zamboanga City. They has served on the board in various we attend to those who pass through our approach interfaith dialogue from the capacities for the past nine years. lives if even just momentarily. context of deep spirituality and prayer, In refl ecting on her new role, Driedger Local musician, music teacher and seeking to mend broken relationships. shared the following analogy: “The Eden choir instructor Wes Hamm, together “What we heard consistently from organization is a lot like a rock face, with his family, provided music for the thrown up by the violent forces of the evening. Images in the lyrics carried on Muslims and Christians on this trip world, carved out by the constant batter- the theme of strong relationships involv- was the importance of Mennonite ing of life, yet enduring, sustaining life, ing both holding on and letting go. encouragement to them on the some- and offering shelter and the promise of a After dessert, farewells were said to times lonely road of peacebuilding and new and better perspective. Serving on Ted and Mary Goossen, Eden supporters dialogue,” Shenk said. “Muslims have the board of the organization might be who are moving to Thompson, Man., to respected Mennonites because they compared to setting the belays for those pastor the Mennonite Brethren Church recognize that the church, when true who will climb the cliff.” there. Melvin Smith, a family friend, to Christ, marches to a different tune Eden Health Care Services includes an presented the Goossens with a framed than the government. On this trip acute treatment mental health facility, print of a sketch created by their son we’ve again been moved to see that residential care services and counselling Josh, with an inscribed quote by Henry services, as well as vocational assess- Nouwen and the theme verse for the love in action overcomes fear.” ment and training. Donations to Eden evening: “And now these three remain: —Joint MCC and EMM release are used for mental health services not faith, hope and love. But the greatest of by Jon Rudy covered by government funding, includ- these is love.” ing supported housing and employment, —Eden Health Care Services release The author is a regional peace resource person for MCC in Asia and is an EMM co-missionary.

18 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 WiderChurch

London, England “We are excited at MCC about the possibility of partnering with Mennonite World Conference to create Davis joins Christian call a broad dialogue about these is- for aid to global poor sues,” Davis noted. “We hope to learn from our brothers and sisters in the obb Davis, executive director of industrialized nations, which was global South about how we can better Mennonite Central Committee preparing to meet for a summit in partner with them to confront poverty R(MCC), joined a transatlantic Gleneagles, Scotland in early July. At and examine how consumption choices gathering of Christian leaders in the summit, the G-8 nations pledged here affect them.” London in late June to call upon to cancel the debts of 18 of the world’s —Joint MCC/MWC release wealthy nations to do more to help the poorest countries and provide $50 world’s poorest people. billion US in aid to impover- Cuauhtemoc, Mexico Davis joined leaders ished countries by 2010. of Christian denomina- “While we are excited tions and organizations in about the aid and debt Judge declares the United States, Great forgiveness being offered by MCC Canada service Britain and Ireland for a the G-8, we must continue “Transatlantic Forum on to educate ourselves and worker innocent Global Poverty.” The forum advocate for just imple- judge in Cuauhtemoc has was hosted by Rev. Rowan mentation of the promises confi rmed that MCC Canada Williams, Archbishop of made,” Davis said after the Aservice worker John Janzen is Canterbury, and included G-8 summit. Davis innocent of all charges laid against Rev. Jim Wallis, execu- Focusing on the needs of him in early April. After reviewing tive director of Sojourners, the world’s poorest people them, the judge issued a written and Rev. Ron Sider, president of should lead Christians in wealthy decision declaring that no evidence Evangelicals for Social Action. countries to refl ect on the great dispar- had been presented to substantiate The forum called specifi cally for a ity between their lifestyles and those the charges. Mexican offi cials did not greater commitment to ending poverty of many of their sisters and brothers, release the nature of the charges. The from the Group of Eight (G-8) major Davis added. written decision brings an end to the investigation that began on April 6 with Janzen’s arrest in Mexico. DISCOVERING THE “It is good to see this positive out- WORLD FOR 35 YEARS come,” says Don Peters, MCC Canada executive director. “The Janzens’ expe- 2005 TOURS ISRAEL-PALESTINE (July 19-29) rience underscores both the challenges CANADIAN MARITIME PROVINCES (August 5-14) and the opportunities of the service EUROPEAN FALL HARVEST (September 22 - October 6) SEVEN CHURCHES of REVELATION (September 15-26) assignment they accepted.” EGYPT with MEDA (October 9-21) IRELAND (September 22 - October 3) Peters is also grateful for the very FOLLOWING JESUS in ISRAEL (October 19-31) CHINA (October 9-25) capable support of the local Mennonite leaders during the investigation. In the FOOTSTEPS of the APOSTLE PAUL INDONESIA and SINGAPORE (November 9-26) (November 6-22) Janzen, a retired school principal from Manitoba, and his wife Ruth 2006 TOURS began a two-year service assignment EXPERIENCING JAMAICA, its CULTURE at the new Addictions Treatment and PEOPLE (January 13-20) Centre near the city of Cuauhtemoc in SERVICE TOUR in SUNNY JAMAICA (February 3-10) September 2003. They offered support AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND (February 3-23) in establishing the guiding principles VIETNAM (February 8-25) for the centre, facilitating job training MEXICO (March 10-18) “Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians programs for local staff, assisted in the around the world through custom-designed travel.” PARAGUAY, BOLIVIA and PERU (March 21 - April 6) development of prevention programs and in writing job descriptions. The MOSCOW, SIBERIA and ST. PETERSBURG CALL 1-800-565-0451 centre celebrated its grand opening on (May 26 - June 9) FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 7-19) Feb. 15, 2004. E-MAIL: [email protected] With the completion of their two- WEST PRUSSIAN MENNONITE HERITAGE WEB: www.tourmagination.com (June 25 - July 5) year service term in Mexico, the 9 Willow Street 1011 Cathill Road Janzens have returned to North ENGLAND and SCOTLAND (June 28 - July 10) Waterloo, ON N2J 1V6 Canada Sellersville, PA 18960-1315 EUROPEAN HERITAGE (July 5-20) Reg. #1567624 USA America. —MCC release by Herb Heppner

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 19 WiderChurch

News brief

MCC Manitoba appoints new executive director Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba has appointed Peter Rempel as executive director, beginning Nov. 1. He will assume full duties from Ron Loeppky, interim executive director, after the annual general meeting in Arborg, Man., Nov. 18 and 19. Rempel, a member of Charleswood Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, brings a strong understanding of the Mennonite Church and its mission, having most recently worked for MC Canada Witness as facilitator for partner- ships in Africa and Europe. As well, he has been engaged with Mennonite World Conference and Africa Inter- Mennonite Mission in various roles. MCC Manitoba photo “He comes with passion for MCC, Inmate Mike Gantner, left, and Jim Motherall, a volunteer with Mennonite Central MCC’s work, and putting Christianity Committee Manitoba’s Open Circle program, performed songs from their CD for into action,” says search committee more than 80 people at a barbecue picnic celebrating the launch of the new member Irma Janzen. Rempel holds Community Integration Program (CIP) that will extend the ministry of Open Circle outside of prison walls. CIP will allow volunteers and inmates to continue and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from deepen their relationships after their sentences have been served. Those recently the University of Manitoba; he began released will have a community of support to turn to as they adjust to a new life. his educational journey with a bach- Murray Barkman assumes the role of CIP’s community integration coordinator elor of theology degree from Canadian and Don Collins steps into the prison visitation coordinator position formerly held Mennonite Bible College (now by Barkman. To learn more about Open Circle, visit www.mcc.org/manitoba/pro- Canadian Mennonite University). grams/opencircle.html. —MCC Manitoba release Matthew Sawatzky, left, and Milton Friesen were two of 74 participants who took part in the 10th anniversary Bike the Whiteshell fundraiser in Manitoba. This year’s two-day, 160-kilometre ride raised $60,286 for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC); the funds will go towards providing clean water for people in countries such as Honduras, Brazil, and Laos. “It’s been a fun thing to do,” says 21-year-old Sawatzky, regarding his annual participation in this MCC Manitoba fundraiser. “I like the projects they pick,” says Sawatzky, who is in the process of fi nishing a degree in international devel- opment studies at Canadian Mennonite University. “I like their grassroots feel.” MCC Manitoba photo

20 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 LocalChurch

Rosthern, Sask. A century of higher education on the Prairies osthern Junior College turned a German. apparent, but nothing was begun for hundred this year. Not everyone shared the vision, another decade. Even then, the new R Tucked into a corner of this however, and in the ensuing years building was only fi nished in 1963. small Prairie town of 1,500 inhabit- many requests for donations were sent During the 1940s, a desire was ants, the Mennonite high school— out to keep the school running. In expressed to expand the curriculum which isn’t really a college at all—be- particular, the exhausting task mostly so students could get a head start on a gan life in a rented room around the fell to the principals. Rev. Toews was university education. The name of the turn of the century with just eight the fi rst principal and by the 1930s school was changed from the German students and a single vision burn- principals were spending increasing English Academy to Rosthern Junior ing in the hearts of the community amounts of time keeping up with the College with this plan in mind. Plans leaders. growing demands of the school. to continue along this vein were never Like one small light in a dark room, Five years after the school opened, fully developed and the idea was even- the impact of RJC has radiated across classes were moved to a two-storey tually dropped, although the name the country—and even the ocean—as brick schoolhouse, and in 1912 a girl’s stuck. year after the year the institution has residence was opened. By the 1940s, Support from beyond the govern- sent one graduating class after an- the need for a larger school became other into the community and beyond to live their lives for Christ. It all began with an idea and one Remember your history, conversation. His memory is crystal clear man willing to take leadership. In oldest RJC alumnus advises and he includes many interesting details 1903, Reverend David Toews began about his experiences at the school. meeting with others about developing en Fast stands to greet me as I I ask him if RJC helped him in his an education system for their youth. enter the room. Almost 95 years Christian walk? “Oh yes, defi nitely, it Bold, and dressed in a three-piece was a wonderful thing,” he replies em- “Implicit in this perceived need were suit, Fast is feeling popular these days. phatically, adding that it prepared him concerns among Mennonite settlers The reason? Rosthern Junior College for leadership roles in the church. for the preservation of…the German celebrated its centennial this summer His advice to present day RJC language, concerns that arose directly and the diminutive former educator is students: “Don’t forget the Mennonite from the pressure in the province to the oldest, living alumnus of the school. history.” make education English and assimila- Attending from 1923 to 1926, he took Coming from a man who contrib- tive,” notes George Epp, RJC board in Grades 8 through 11 at a time when uted to the history of Mennonites in chair. the school only offered classes up to Saskatchewan, it seems like a fi tting Their experiences of religious perse- Grade 11. Fast was one of only four sib- comment at the twilight of a long and cution and threats to their pacifi st way lings from a large family to get a chance productive life. Karin Fehderau of life contributed to preserving what at this education and it came at a great — cost to his parents. their convictions had helped estab- From RJC, he went on to lish. In addition to the preservation earn three degrees, including of language and culture, the training one in theology. For 60 years, of teachers for local high schools was he taught in the Saskatoon important. And encouraging church public school system. For 25 leadership for the growing Mennonite of those years, he also led community was necessary. Another three different churches, important factor was the training of working as a teacher during Mennonite youth in case they could the week and as a pastor on not, or didn’t want to, go into farming. Sundays. Fifteen years ago, Fast lost A strong Anabaptist focus was vis- the use of his voice when a ible in the fi rst courses offered that bout of cancer destroyed his day on Nov. 14, 1905. The fi rst teacher larynx. He would be voiceless was Herman Fast and classes offered today except for the “elec-

included church history, Bible stories, trolarynx” he uses to speak. Photo by Karin Fehderau German language, Bible reading and Despite this setback, he still Oldest living RJC alumnus Ben Fast is pictured world history. Most were taught in has a lot to contribute to the with his wife Mary in their home.

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 21 LocalChurch

RJC From page 21 ing authorities didn’t fall into place until 1964, when the Liberal govern- ment promised students of separate schools an $85 per pupil grant. Those payments have continued up to the present, increasing according to the cost-of-living index. Today, the provin- cial grant accounts for 30 percent of the school’s budget. Over time, many graduates contin- ued on in their studies. Ernie Epp, who spent 13 years as RJC principal, conducted a survey in the 1970s to see how students fared after leaving. He found a high number of students went on to further educa- tion. He also realized that 75 percent of RJC graduates ended up in confer- ence leadership and 95 percent were members of the Mennonite Church. Traditional jobs like nursing, teach- ing, farming and mission work made up the backbone of the careers of

those who graduated from the college. George Epp photo But some students ended up follow- Principal Erwin Tiessen, Mel Siemens and Vic Krahn plant the centennial oak. ing slightly different paths. Cornelia Lehn, who graduated in the 1940s, to be able to attend…continues to In honour of RJC’s past, present and became a well-known author of chil- grow,” he explains. future, staff, supporters and former dren’s stories told from a Mennonite Always aware of the changing needs students celebrated its centennial perspective (see her obituary, August of today’s youth, board and staff make from July 29 to 31. To commemorate 22, page 5). Raymond Funk served as it a priority to shape their programs the event, a quilt was designed and a member of parliament (NDP) for the accordingly. That includes exploring stitched together by graduates across Prince Albert area. a need for building Grade 9 into the the country, a history book was as- More recently, Chris Epp, a 1980s program—the school currently offers sembled and a cookbook was written, graduate, pursued a path in the media Grades 10 to 12—and making sure the all in an effort to commemorate what and today works as a video reporter second language program stays cur- God has done in Rosthern. for the CBC. Mathew Schaaf, who rent with the needs of the community. —Karin Fehderau fi nished high school in 1994, spent time with the Christian Peacemakers Team. What does the future hold for the school? Erwin Tiessen has been the principal for 17 years. One focus right now, he says, is to develop further support net- works. “We hope to explore more in- tentional relationships with some (MC Saskatchewan) commissions, such as the camping, youth and Christian Ed groups,” he says. Building and renovating is always a sign that forward thinkers exist within an institution, and RJC is no Karin Fehderau photo different. First, says Tiessen, a build- Pastor Peter and Marg Sawatzky stand with several couples he married ing fund needs to grow and, along with while ministering in Saskatoon over a 17-year period. During that time, he that, a fi nancial assistance fund for performed 150 weddings. One summer, 11 couples tied the knot under his prospective students. “The number of leadership. students needing fi nancial assistance

22 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 LocalChurch

Regina Grace Mennonite celebrates ‘God’s gift of grace’ he theme of the 50th anniversary of Grace Mennonite Church Tof Regina was “Celebrating God’s gift of grace.” The sanctuary resounded with the singing of “Old 606” as the natural acoustics of the building re-echoed the deep feelings of all those who came to participate in the festivities. On July 23 and 24 the fellowship of more than 200 parishioners past and present gather for hugs, tears and warm greetings, in addition to the singing, reminiscing, praising and praying. The food and weather helped Tony Nickel photo as well. Storytelling, a Jeopardy-style Parishioners old and new celebrated the 50th anniversary of Grace Mennonite game of answers and questions, and Church in Regina in July. The theme of the two-day event was “Celebrating some gentle roasting and toasting God’s gift of grace.” were all part of “getting to know you in some ways they show us more A record of the Grace Mennonite again.” about the greatness of God than our story is available on a short DVD Stories like the one about how the accomplishments.” as well as a 400-page Celebrate the old manse had been sold for a herd of Ken Bechtel, Mennonite Church Journey book. A video of the 50th an- cattle are captured in the history book Saskatchewan conference pastor, also niversary events was also made. All prepared for the occasion: Celebrate addressed those gathered. “We and three are all available—at cost—from: the Journey: Grace Mennonite Church you also share this inheritance as Grace Mennonite Church, 2935 1955 - 2005. “Peter Epp, Irvin Martens God’s own people...in order to grace Pasqua Street, Regina, SK S4S 2H4. and Ed Heinrichs drove to the farm yet others,” he said. —Tony Nickel in the fall of 1973 to make arrange- ments to take possession of the herd Elmira, Ont. (12 cattle). Along the way back these three enterprising gentlemen stopped at a neighbouring farm to inquire if by New York volunteers work the Civic Holiday chance the neighbour might wish to uring the fi rst week of August, discover that Aug. 1 was a holiday purchase the aforementioned cattle. a group of 23 volunteers from in Canada and Habitat would not [Ed says it was Peter’s serendipitous Da Reformed church in Wallkill, be building that day. Haldeman had following his nose story.] The neigh- N.Y., arrived in Waterloo Region to worked with Mel and Esther’s daugh- bour agreed and the cattle were sold participate in a one-week Habitat ter and son-in-law, Marlene and John for cash.” for Humanity build. The group has Nighswander, during an assignment The Sunday morning service volunteered with Habitat for 14 years. with Mennonite Central Committee in featured a mass choir that included This year, they chose to come to Kentucky in the early 1980s, and so he members from the Laotian and Waterloo Region to commemorate asked the Nighswanders Chinese Fellowships—as well as Mel and Esther Weber what other work they old-timers—and was accompanied by from Hawkesville could do. a string quartet as well as organ and Mennonite Four different piano. Church who were job sites were lined A number of former pastors were killed in a car up for the holiday able to attend. Pastor Fred Unruh accident in northern Monday. Half of the group (1969- 1975) encouraged the worship- Michigan while driving worked in Elmira, where pers, saying, “We celebrate God’s home from Winnipeg a they re-shingled the roof of a abundant goodness that has nurtured year ago. The volunteers wore family struggling to maintain their us here.” He added, though, “There scarves (pictured) to remember home, and did some house repairs for are also stories we won’t tell, stories them—Mel had been very involved a single mother. The rest of the group that contain memories of mistakes, with Habitat. worked in the Cambridge area, where failures, broken relationships, shame Two weeks before their arrival in Wanner Mennonite Church hosted the and sorrow. These experiences are Ontario, Dave Haldeman, the leader group for the week. also part of our shared history, and of the group, was disappointed to —Barb Draper

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 23 LocalChurch

Although they came by car to the Taste of Benin Mission Festival, Michael Thiessen of Wanner Mennonite Church, Ont., found it much harder to transport his daugh- ter Hannah, seven, and a load of baskets on a bicycle, a popular mode of transportation in Benin.

In the African tradition, Mennonite Church Canada Witness worker Nancy Frey leads Photos by Ross W. Muir parishioners in an Mennonite Canada Witness workers Nancy offering dance at Frey and Bruce Yoder spoke about their work the Taste of Benin in Ghana, Nigeria and Benin, where they Mission Festival live. Their efforts include working with the held outdoors Benin Bible Institute, which trains indigenous at Steinmann pastors, and partnering with organizations Mennonite Church, involved in health, development and microfi - Baden, Ont. Nearly nance, and the Casa Grande orphanage. 400 people donated $8,136 to MC Canada Benin comes to Ontario Witness. The Benin Festival Singers actually doesn’t have any Beninese sing- ers. The group consisted of vocalists and musicians from Poole, Steinmann, St. Jacobs and Wanner Mennonite Ardra Fisher-Skau congregations in of Toronto learned Ontario. one of the simple games Beninese children play.

24 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 Canadian Mennonite Yellow Page

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Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 25 LocalChurch

Emilia, June 9. Man., at Altona Park, May 28. Bergthaler Mennonite, Man.) People&Events Mohr—to Sarah and Tony, Elias-Fast—Rob and Alison, and Carla (Winkler MB Erb Street Mennonite, Altona Bergthaler Mennonite, Church, Man.), Sept. 5. Nairobi, Kenya—Joe Shenk, a Waterloo, Ont., a daughter, Man., near Altona, July 16. Wiebe-Clyne—Jeff and Tracy, long-time Eastern Mennonite Avery Elizabeth, May 19. Fehr-Enns—Jason Altona Bergthaler Mennonite, Missions (EMM) and Nafziger—to Cheryl and (Mennonite Fellowship of Man., in Winnipeg, July 2. Mennonite Central Committee Larry, Poole Mennonite, Rosthern, Rosthern, Sask.) (MCC) worker in East Africa, Milverton, Ont., a son, Nolan and Niki (Calgary Inter- Deaths died on July 21 in Nairobi, Larry, Aug. 22. Mennonite, Calgary), at Camp Kenya. Shenk, 67, who Peters—to Lee Ann and Valaqua, Alberta, Aug. 28. Baergen—Henry (Heinrich), was serving as principal of Shawn, Steinbach Mennonite, Friesen-Falk—Shane (Altona 96, Niagara United Mennonite, Mennonite Theological College Man., a daughter, Brynley Bergthaler Mennonite, Man.) Ont., May 30. of East Africa in Musoma, Jade, Aug. 8. and Kim, in Winnipeg, Sept. 3. Bahnmann—Peter, 76, Tanzania, died from injuries Polanco—to Rosanne Heinrichs-Wong—Andrew III Rosthern Mennonite, Sask., after being hit by a truck while and Ricardo, Maple View (Altona Bergthaler Mennonite, Aug. 15. jogging on July 9. Mennonite, Wellesley, Ont., Man.) and Sandy, Sept. 4. Bender—Rosetta, 87, East —Joint MCC/EMM release a son, Juan-Carlos Norman, Klassen-Myert—Carl and Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, May 25. Dawn, Altona Bergthaler Ont., July 28. Scott—to Jennifer (Thiessen) Mennonite, Man., in Winnipeg, Burkholder—Helen, 86, and Nathan, The First July 9. Breslau Mennonite, Ont., Mennonite, Vineland, Ont., Kliewer-Bruck—Karl and July 28. a daughter, Abigail Jessie Kathleen, Waterloo-Kitchener Dick—Adolf, 82 (b. Sept. 16, Thiessen, May 11. United Mennonite, Waterloo, 1922), Waterloo-Kitchener Snyder Cairns—to Carrie Ont., Aug. 6. United Mennonite, Waterloo, and Kevin, Erb Street Pot-Iutzi—Chris and Amanda, Ont., July 10. Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont., a Steinmann Mennonite, Baden, Dueck—Diedrich (Dick), 73, daughter, Flora Linda, Aug. 8. Ont., Aug. 13. Toronto United Mennonite, Stoesz-Gouthro—adopted McKay-Penner—James and Aug. 24. by Yvonne Stoesz and Brent Kristi, Altona Mennonite, Horst—Osiah, 85, Danforth Gouthro, Pembina Mennonite, Man., in Winnipeg, Aug. 1. Mennonite, Toronto, July 4. Morden, Man., a daughter, Miller-Doell—Jordan and Jewitt—Shirley, 64, First Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont., Shenk dies in accident MeiLing Joyce, May 15 (born Diana (Altona Bergthaler April 10 in China). Mennonite, Man.), near July 28. Toews—to Brunilda Altona, Man., June 18. Kavelman—Joan, 65, Erb and Franklin, Steinbach Ramer-Steinmann—Philip Street Mennonite, Waterloo, Transitions Mennonite, Man., a son, and Candace, Steinmann Ont., April 21. Florian Matthew, Aug. 18. Mennonite, Baden, Ont., Krueger—Jacob J., 84, Altona Bergthaler Mennonite, Man., Births/Adoptions Wiens—to Amanda (Hiebert) Aug. 6. and Joe, Altona Bergthaler Regier-Jantzi—John and July 2. Bauman—to Dana (Batchelor) Mennonite, Man., a son, Gavin Joanne, Waterloo North Letkeman—Nettie, 82, and Steven, Floradale Jeremiah, July 27. Mennonite, Ont., Aug. 19. Rosthern Mennonite, Sask., Mennonite, Ont., a daughter, Wiens Soshycki—to Teresa Rempel-Schritt—Jeff and Aug. 14. Kate Olivia, Aug. 3. Wiens and Darryl Soshycki, Brenda, Altona Mennonite, Pauls—Mary, 88, Warman Funk—to Daina and Roger, Toronto United Mennonite, a Man., near Altona, June 11. Mennonite, Sask., July 9. Steinbach Mennonite, Man., a son, Dylan, Aug. 3. Ropp-Logel—Greg and Dana, Snyder—Clara (Weber), daughter, Reed Avery, Aug. 12. Wirth—to Melissa and Poole Mennonite, Milverton, 85, Erb Street Mennonite, Gingerich—to Monica Jason, East Zorra Mennonite, Ont., July 23. Waterloo, Ont., May 21. and Bryan, Waterloo North Tavistock, Ont., a daughter, Ruby-Leis—Dave and Mennonite, Ont., a daughter, Hayley Alexis, Aug. 15. Kim, East Zorra Mennonite, Baptisms Julia Carol, Aug. 15. Tavistock, Ont., July 27. Erb Street Mennonite, Harper—to Colette and Marriages Shantz-McFeeters—Ryan Waterloo, Ont.—Andrew Craig, Erb Street Mennonite, and Leslie, Erb Street Andrews-Loewen—Mark Cressman, May 15. Waterloo, Ont., a son, Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont., Springstein Mennonite, Alexander Frederic, Feb. 27. and Elizabeth, Toronto United Sept. 3. Mennonite, Aug. 20. Springstein, Man.—Todd Kuepfer—to Claudia and Southorn-Neufeld—Michael Rempel, Aug. 14. Dale, Maple View Mennonite, Cressman-Ropp—Chris and Brigitta, Waterloo- Wellesley, Ont., a son, and Janna Lynn, East Zorra Kitchener United Mennonite, Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont., Canadian Mennonite welcomes Brandon John, May 26. Waterloo, Ont., July 15. Transitions announcements within Lebold—to Susan and Terry, Aug. 6. Vanderform-Neufeld—Steve four months of the event. Please Maple View Mennonite, Dyck-Keely—Andrew and and Amanda, Bethany Menno- send all Transitions announce- Wellesley, Ont., a son, Brody Eiméar, Waterloo-Kitchener nite, Virgil, Ont., Aug. 20. ments by e-mail to transitions@ Terry, July 7. United Mennonite, Waterloo, Veldhoen-Dyck—Jason and canadianmennonite.org, Logan—to Lori Kroeker Ont., June 25. Kristin (Trinity Mennonite, including the congregation name and location. When sending death and Dennis Logan, Toronto Dyck-Thiessen—Myron Calgary), in Okotoks, Alta., and Julia, Altona Mennonite, notices, please include birth date United Mennonite, a daughter, July 16. and last name at birth if available. Voth-Wiebe—Colin (Altona

26 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 TheChurches

Life Resource catalogue Mennonite Church Mennonite Church Canada which highlights exciting Manitoba third quarter Sunday School curriculum on themes such Financial Update as “Peace Heroes” (Junior Young Adult Invitation High), “Generation Why Bible Leaders say they are thank- Studies” (Youth Ministry) and Bob Wiebe, director of ful to God and givers for “Second Mile: a peace journey Education Ministries for MC Mennonite Church Canada’s for congregations.” Manitoba, sees a “growing fi nancial performance to date. • A Resource Centre update vision” in the area of young Donation revenue is tracking that highlights new resources adult ministry. “I see the about 1% ahead of annual encouraging intentional inter- growing vision in places like projections. generational worship. Dan Nighswander’s article in The expense side of the • Information on a North the June 27, 2005 Canadian ledger indicates spending is American Young Adult retreat Devon Wagler of Blank Mennonite (p. 34) and in 1.5% less than annual projec- on “Morality: Learning at Blue Sky the reports from Charlotte tions, due largely to later- the Mountain” at Hidden where young adults shared than-planned timing of some strength and truth that they Acres Camp, New Hamburg, their passion for the church’s expenses. have found in Jesus Christ.” Ontario from Sept. 30-Oct. future.” said Wiebe. “Young Donation income for the The group went on tour 2 and for the Pastors Week adults have not given up on fi rst half of the fi scal year August 19-27, singing music conference on “Enacting Our the church. Rather, they wish represents about one-third from their CD Hallways of Faith: Rites of Celebration and to be engaged in meaningful of total anticipated dona- Complacency, performing Commitment in Community,” ways.” tions. Typically, two-thirds of at several area Mennonite at AMBS from January 23-26, “I think our work with donations are received in the churches. 2006. young adults at the (Manitoba) second half of the fi scal year. According to Pat Wagler, Also included are several in- conference level is also ripe for Leaders are cautiously opti- mother of the two sisters and spiring letters from Mennonite renewal. I am hoping that the mistic, but remain concerned their resident “booking agent,” Church Canada leaders refl ect- Young Adult Retreat (January about how the rest of the year they are trying to spread the ing on issues such as healing 13-15, 2006 at Camp Koinonia) will shape up. Some congrega- Word of God in a way that is prayer for the “soul” of church will be a time for fruitful tions are struggling or are not “in your face,” in ways that structures (Sven Eriksson), brainstorming and visioning.” already fully committed for the youth can relate. Pat (youth coming of age celebrations On September 11, the Young year, and many donors from worker at Riverdale Mennonite in former “mission” churches Adult Council is facilitating a the agricultural sector are fac- Church) admits that their (Dan Nighswander) and mov- meeting in Winnipeg at 581 ing a disastrous year. Church- music is “loud,” therefore may ing from “vision to practice” Cathcart Street to plan this wide prayers are encouraged not be appreciated in just any in the missional church (Jack retreat. for families and congregations Mennonite church! Suderman). The Young Adult Retreat struggling to make ends meet. Tonia and Maegan say that will focus on “the idea of how —Dan Dyck for Mennonite they started playing acoustic young adults engage or want Church Canada Mennonite Church guitar, only to fi nd that noth- Eastern Canada to engage with and participate ing could quite compare to the in the church. We envision the September Equipping Punk rock band rock show; feeling the bass retreat as a time of discussion, harvest of resources beat in your chest and hearing sharing, debating, hearing one tours churches a concert from a kilometre another’s perspective, worship, The September issue of away was what their acoustic Sisters Tonia and Maegan prayer and of course, broom- Equipping notes an abundant experience was missing. The Wagler, with their cousin ball,” said Wiebe. harvest of education resources opportunity to write about all Devon Wagler, all from “An opportunity for ‘growing and opportunities that are the things that had been stuck Steinmann Mennonite Church vision’ at the bi-national level now available in your church in their hearts and heads all in Baden, Ont., and their high has yet to be claimed,” said offi ces. These include: their lives, being able to belt school friend, Graeme Harvey, Wiebe. “MC Manitoba is offer- • A new KidsPak, “Peace those same sentiments out on formed a band called Blank ing to pay registration for the Roots & Fruits,” offers many stage, this passion was what Blue Sky. They relate in their North American Young Adult suggestions on how to help was missing. web site (blankblueskyband. Fellowship Retreat scheduled peace take root and grow Blank Blue Sky members com) that they “found a way to September 30-October 2 at in congregations, such as are constantly improving their put their messed-up thought Hidden Acres Mennonite making white poppies for music to provide a better live processes and constant musical Camp in Ontario.” Remembrance Day, and sign- performance. With the motiva- opinions into a positive force.” For more information about ing on for “virtual peacemak- tion of spreading God’s word, Their focus stems directly from these events contact Wiebe at ing” at www.alternativeser- the group writes all their own the source of all their lives, 896-1616 ext. 254 or offi ce@ vice.ca/teachers. lyrics from life experiences God. They are trying to show mennochurch.mb.ca. The 2005-2006 Faith & and play from the heart, in the • “whoever will listen, the love, Continued on page 28 hope of touching lives.

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 27 TheChurches

Construction of a new ball at the Peace gym for two Mennonite Church Pastors back Alberta from leave building is planned to begin years. An e-mail list informs early in 2006, and an architec- the group not only about Two Alberta pastors experi- tural fi rm has been selected volleyball but also concerts, Trinity building enced sabbatical leaves this to design it. Completion of the seminars, retreats and other taking shape summer. Roy Hewko, of the building is expected to take up social events. Rosemary Mennonite Church, to a year and a half. VCE provides a way for The new Trinity Mennonite has just returned from Africa. Meanwhile, the Olivet singles in the Vancouver area Church building is taking Doug Klassen, of Foothills congregation is back in its tem- to get together and make shape! The foundation and Mennonite in Calgary, has just porary home at the Columbia friends. Members from smaller main fl oor are complete and completed a sabbatical in clini- Bible College chapel after churches like Peace, which volunteers are working hard cal pastoral counseling. being displaced from that facil- lack large numbers of single to set up the walls. Building ity in July. When the chapel adults, especially appreciate has been slowed somewhat by Mennonite Church was unavailable for several this opportunity. It is also the busy construction scene British Columbia weeks due to a previous college an outreach to non-churched in Calgary which has kept commitment, Olivet joined the friends and a place that pro- contractors stretched to their East Abbotsford Community vides them with a diverse faith limits. Heavy August rains Fire-damaged church razed Church for Sunday morning community to relate to. also slowed the work down. worship services. Tentatively, the congre- Demolition crews took just Unless otherwise credited, the gation hopes to move into three days to reduce the articles in TheChurches pages were their new church in ear- Peace opens facilities former Olivet Mennonite for fellowship group written by: Leona Dueck Penner ly spring. Pastor Erwin Wiens Church in Abbotsford to a pile (MC Canada), Maurice Martin (Eastern Canada), Evelyn Rempel began his ministry with the of rubble the week of August The gym at Peace Mennonite congregation in August, and Petkau (Manitoba), Karin Fehde- 8. After a major fi re last Church in Richmond is any- rau (Saskatchewan), Donita Wiebe- will be offi cially installed with December and a smaller fi re in thing but quiet most Friday Trinity on Sept. 18, 2005. Neufeld (Alberta), Amy Dueckman April, the church building was evenings as the Vancouver (British Columbia). See page 2 for Until the new building is deemed unusable. The decision Christian Events group holds contact information. completed, the congregation was made to raze the church, weekly volleyball games there. will continue to meet in the which had been built in1961 Mostly singles in their thirties Menno Simons School facilities with several further additions and forties, the VCE has been on Sunday mornings. between 1963 and 1980. meeting regularly for volley- From our Purpose leads to showers on the church. I love be discerned, affi rmed, equipped, being and doing to see people do well what leaders nourished, and utilized by the they are gifted to do. It is community of God for the sake of At the recent Mennonite Church energizing for everyone. God has gifted God’s purposes in the world. Canada assembly in Charlotte, our del- each of us. Let’s delight in that, encour- Use the gifts and seek effective egates discussed, edited, and approved age each other in our areas of gifted- ways that God’s giftedness to us can a recommended Statement of Purpose ness, and make lots of space for all gifts engage God’s world for the sake of and Identity for our church (see Aug. 1, to function at full capacity. reconciliation and redemption. Gifts of page 13). Equip the giftedness that God has God to persons, encouraged in commu- Our hope is that this brief statement offered to our church. Gifts are not auto- nity, equipped for God’s purposes, and can help focus not only the activities matically useful: they can be misused or aligned with God’s vision for the world and strategies of the national church, under-used. It is the task of the church need to “hit the road.” We talk about but also those of each congregation and not only to delight in God’s gifts but this as “sending” the church to “engage” each part of the church. Purpose must to equip these gifts for effective and the world with the reconciling inten- lead to a way of being and doing things focused ministry. tions of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. in the life of the church; it must be Focus the giftedness and the equip- When I think about this simple yet implemented. ping of gifts towards a clear and profound strategy that God is using to I have been thinking about how pur- compelling vision for the vocation of the redeem the world, I am hopeful. These pose turns into action. Five integrated, church in the world. Equipped gifts, are practical steps that each person, complementary, crucial ingredients without vision, can still be misused, each congregation, each organization, come to mind (in no particular order): under-used, and abused. A simple and and the national church can work at. By Delight in the giftedness that God compelling vision of the purpose of the doing so our stated purpose is converted church is needed so that the giftedness into effective, joyful, and meaningful God bestows on us is indeed used for the ministry and our vocation as a church. purposes these gifts were designed for. Envelop God’s giftedness to us in com- Jack Suderman is Execu- munity. Indeed, God’s gifts are given to tive Secretary of Mennonite strengthen the vocation of the church. Church Canada’s Chris- Gifts are not meant to be the private tian Witness Council, and the church’s next General property of the individual. Gifts need to Secretary.

28 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 Advertising

Employment opportunities CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

a unique blend of entrepreneurship, strategic finance and the advancement of social values Mennonite Central Committee Ontario invites applications for the position of Performance Our client is a visionary organization having proven that profitability and ethical values can be blended successfully.This YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT COORDINATOR House Ltd. since 1975 newly created senior position is just one example of the values- (BASED IN TORONTO) based growth they are experiencing and wish to further. The position requires a person with a commitment to Christian The CFO will have ample opportunity to be creative in faith, active church membership and nonviolent peacemaking. molding this role from the inside out. Engaging with the MCC is seeking an individual with a commitment to invite youth Board, management team, staff and clients, this position will and young adults into vital engagement with MCC at all levels, International consultants encompass all financial and treasury functions. The potential and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, espe- impact of this position on the growth and development of cially in interactions with youth and young adults. in the management the organization is nothing short of outstanding. This position includes the coordination of the TOOLS (Toronto of human The ideal candidate will likely see a CFO position as the next resources Ontario Opportunities for Learning and Service), a learning step in his/her career.Experience and competencies in financial, and service program of MCC Ontario in Toronto. business and human leadership are prerequisites. A university This full-time salaried position is available beginning Decem- education and professional qualifications are required. ber 1, 2005. Application deadline: September 15, 2005. Our client’s instructions are to locate a candidate with proven For more information, contact: experience, potential and a values-based approach to all corporate matters. They are offering a competitive compensation Cath Woolner and benefits package that reflects the importance they place on Phone: 519-745-8458 this role. E-mail: [email protected] The organization is located in a significant community west of Toronto where there are ample social, sports, cultural, educational and medical facilities. Relocation support will be provided.

Postal Box 456 To pursue this opportunity, in strict confidence, Waterloo, Ontario forward your resume by email to Canada N2J 4B4 [email protected] Facsimile Though we do not wish to be discourteous, only those candidates (416) 512-9599 that we view as matching the client’s needs will be contacted.

Mennonite Central Committee (Ontario) invites applications for the position of STREET PASTOR FOR LAZARUS RISING, TORONTO This position requires a person with a commitment to Christian faith, active church membership and non-violent peacemaking. MCCO is seeking an individual who will develop pastoral rela- tionships and connect those who live on the streets of Toronto to an existing Christian community. The ability to walk with people from diverse experiences, abil- ity to access community resources, pastoral skills, and Biblical approach to street ministry are preferred. This half-time position (may expand into full-time ministry in the future) is available on a salaried basis. Application deadline is September 15, 2005. Inquiries and requests for applications may be directed to: For advertising information: Cath Woolner Barbara Burkholder Mennonite Central Committee 1-800-316-4052 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1 [email protected] Phone: 519-745-8458 E-mail: [email protected]

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 29 ToMorrow

Ontario. This series is spon- pers with Abendmusik Choir in the chapel. sored by MC Eastern Canada at Emmanuel Free Reformed Oct. 21-23: B.C. Women in and is part of the conference’s Church, Abbotsford. Donations Mission annual retreat at Season of Discernment on to Menno Simons Centre. Camp Squeah. homosexuality. The Friday Oct. 3-5: MC B.C. pas- Nov. 5-6: Peace Mennonite evening public address is at tor/spouse retreat at Church, Richmond, 25th an- RIM Park in Waterloo and Mountainview Retreat Centre, niversary celebration. Saturday sessions are at Hope. Nov. 18-20: Senior youth Breslau Mennonite. A pastor’s Oct. 13, 14, 16: Mennonite IMPACT retreat at Camp dinner with the couple is also Disaster Service B.C. des- Squeah. being held on Friday. Space is sert information evenings: limited for some events. Willingdon MB Church, Alberta For more information go to Burnaby (13); Eben Ezer www.mcec.ca/WhatsNew or Mennonite Church, Abbotsford Sept.25: Coaldale Sunbeam call 1-800-206-9356. (14); Yarrow MB Church (16); Ladies Aid celebrates its all meetings at 7 p.m. Kevin 60th anniversary, 3 p.m., at King, guest speaker. Coaldale Mennonite Church. Calendar Former members and friends Peggy and Tony Campolo Oct. 15: Mennonite Historical Society of B.C. banquet at welcome. British Columbia CBC, 6 p.m. Speaker: John Oct 21: Mennonite Disaster A weekend with Tony Ruth. Topic: “From American Service dessert/information Sept. 23-25: Mennonite evening, 7 p.m., Dalhousie and Peggy Campolo Church of Vernon 25th an- with love.” Oct. 20: CBC annual meeting Community Church. Speaker: Ontario—“‘Is The Homosexual niversary celebration Gerald Klassen. Everyone My Neighbour?’ we ask? Isn’t Sept. 29-Oct. 1: Mennonite welcome. that an insensitive question? Disaster Service B.C. dessert/ Announcement Nov. 5-6: Rosemary Of course the homosexual is information evenings: Kelowna Mennonite Church 75th an- my neighbour! Yet, regrettably Mennonite Church (29); niversary celebrations. Westwood MB Church, Prince For part-time evening self em- it is an all too credible and per- ployment/small business train- tinent question because many George (30); Northgate MB ing, call ASSETS Vancouver, Saskatchewan of us Christians have not been Church, Dawson Creek (1); all 604-708-0448. treating homosexual persons meetings at 7 p.m. Lois Nickel, Oct. 2: Eyebrow Mennonite as our neighbours,” states the guest speaker. For rent Church Thanksgiving and event preparation material. Oct. 1: Special delegate ses- 50th Anniversary celebration. Tony and Peggy Campolo sion to present fi nal report Morning worship service and will be presenting talks and of MC B.C. ad hoc commit- lunch followed by informal dialogues on the topic of “Is the tee on future of MC B.C. at afternoon program and faspa. homosexual my neighbour?” Bethel Mennonite Church, For more information, or to on Oct. 14-15 in southern Aldergrove, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. register, call 306-759-2185. Oct. 1-2: Thanksgiving ves- Oct. 4: Annual fall supper at Youth Farm Bible Camp, Rosthern. Employment opportunities Oct. 14-15: Women in Mission retreat at Shekinah. Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13: “Stories Jesus told: A look at the parables,” with Vern CARPENTER ASSISTANT Housing Ratzlaff, Nutana Park Way-Mar Inc. is seeking an effective self-motivated individual Mennonite Church. to assist with general carpentry tasks. Some experience in Oct. 29: Equipping conference woodworking would be an asset but is not required. For Rent: New Hamburg area, at Mount Royal Mennonite 2 storey, 2 bedroom “Doddy” Church, Saskatoon. The successful candidate must be able to function well in a house. Quiet, rural, seclud- team environment as well as have the ability to work carefully ed. Large deck, treed yard. Nov. 4-5: MCC annual meet- in customers’ homes. 20 minutes from K-W. Call: ing in Yorkton. 519-625-8899. Nov. 4-6: RJC visioning meet- Please forward your resume to: ing with Jeff Steckley. Way-Mar Inc. Farmhouse near Springstein, Nov. 4-6: Quilting retreat at 3585 Ament Line, RR#3 Manitoba, west of the Perim- Shekinah. Wallenstein, ON N0B 2S0 eter. Available October 1st. Nov. 7-8: “Personal fi nancial Fax: 519-699-4878; E-mail: [email protected] Two storey, 3+ bedrooms, management for families” 2 washrooms. Please call workshop with Jim Brown of 905-468-2398. Mennonite Foundation, Osler

30 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 ToMorrow

Mennonite Church. bar of soap, and a new or used Sept. 25: UMEI School opening with Tony and Peggy Campolo. Dec. 11: RJC Christmas article to be sold. at North Leamington United Theme: “Is the homosexual concert. Oct. 28-30: Manitoba Mennonite Church, 2:30 p.m. my neighbour?” For more Jan. 13-15: Refreshing Winds Mennonite and Brethren Sept. 26, 27: Seniors retreat information, go to www. retreat at Shekinah. Theme: Marriage Encounter weekend at Hidden Acres Camp. Theme: mcec.ca/WhatsNew or call “Worshipping through mu- in Winnipeg. For more informa- “Welcoming the stranger as our 1-800-206-9356. sic,” with a focus on the new tion call Peter and Rose Dick at neighbour.” Speaker: Barbara Oct. 16: Christian Steinman(n) Hymnal supplement. 204-757-4705. Lehto. Same program each day. reunion at Shakespeare January 13-15: Young Adult Registration deadline: Sept. 19. Optimist Hall. Potluck at 1 Manitoba Retreat at Camp Koinonia: “Get For more information, e-mail: p.m. Engaged! ... With the Church!” [email protected]. Oct. 22: Launch of the second Sept. 20: Retirement event Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Young Adult Hope Rising CD at Hamilton for Walter Franz, MC Canada Ontario Fellowship annual retreat at Mennonite Church, 7 p.m. Native Ministry director, at Hidden Acres Camp. Theme: Proceeds to MCC Ontario’s Sargent Avenue Mennonite Sept. 9-11: Annual cross dis- “Morality: Learning at the Circles of Support and Church, 6:30 p.m. To regis- ability “Building Community” mountain.” For more informa- Accountability Program. ter, phone: 204-888-6781 or retreat at Hidden Acres Camp. tion, e-mail: bwiebe@menno- 1-866-888-6785. Theme: “Jesus and commu- church.mb.ca or markrachel@ Please send Calendar events Sept. 23-24: Brandon MCC nity.” Speaker: Allan Strong. golden.net. by e-mail to: calendar@canadian- Relief Sale at Keystone Centre. Volunteers needed. Call Oct. 14-15: MCEC weekend mennonite.org. Sept. 23-24: Canadian 519-748-0539. Mennonite University Sept. 11: A service of remem- Homecoming 2005. Theme: bering and thanksgiving at “Building, renewing, celebrat- Altona Mennonite Meeting ing.” For more information, con- House, 3 p.m. Call Joe tact 1-877-231-4570 or e-mail Nighswander at 905-640-1536 [email protected]. for details. Sept. 24: Westgate Collegiate Sept. 11-12: Storyteller and Cyclathon. stewardship theologian Lynn Sept. 25: Westgate Collegiate Miller is speaking at Grace opening program at Bethel Mennonite, St. Catharines, Mennonite Collegiate, 3 p.m. 7 p.m. each evening. Topics: Sept. 30-Oct. 1: “Mennonite “Putting the camel on a diet Hosts and Refugee Newcomers: is not what Jesus is talking 1979-Present” history confer- about” (11); “How to give your ence at Echkardt Gramatte life away” (12). Hall, University of Winnipeg. Sept. 17: Black Creek Pioneer Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Camp Moose Village Relief for MCC, Lake workathon. Toronto, Ont. Gates open at 10 Oct. 1: Equipping the a.m.; quilt auction at noon in Congregation conference at new pavilion. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Sept. 18: UMEI Fish Fry, 11:30 Church. a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15: Manitoba Women Sept. 18: Sandra Birdsell, in Mission retreat at Camp author of The Russländer, will Assiniboia. Theme: “Prayer— do a free reading from her new just do it” with Pam Driedger novel Children of the Day in and Marilyn Houser Hamm. the Conrad Grebel University Arrive 5 to 6 p.m. with sup- College Chapel, 7 p.m. per at 6:15 p.m. All women Sept. 21: My Self-help/Ten welcome. Thousand Villages Journey Oct. 18-19: J. J. Thiessen to the Philippines and Laos: Lectures at Canadian Edith Kool tells stories of Mennonite University with artisans and view some of their Paul J. Griffi ths, profes- handiwork. SCOC Meeting sor of Catholic studies, U. of Room, 2701 St. Clair Ave. East, Illinois, speaking on “Curiosity: Toronto at 7:30 p.m. Towards a theology of intellec- Sept. 24: Worship and music tual appetite.” leaders workshop on the new Oct. 22: Manitoba Women for hymnal supplement Sing MCC annual conference at the Journey, Conrad Grebel Rosenort EMC. Registration at University College Chapel, 8:30 9:30 a.m.; session begins at 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration a.m. Bring a brown bag lunch, includes the new songbook.

Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17 31 BackPage

Oops! instead, “For this purpose, Christ was revealed / To destroy all the woks Voted by readers of the shipoffools.com website, the Top 10 of the evil one....” Clearly a case of winners in the Parish Pump Church Magazine Misprint “Repent—or be stir fried.” Competition 2005 are: 2. The advent of the computer spell- checker has ensured that the church 10. Calvinism—and the doctrine of 5. Isabel Clark from Peterborough, secretary doesn’t need to proofread the predestination—is clearly alive and U.K., noted that in the recent edition service sheets any more—or does she? well in Ft. Myers, Fla. The First of her local Christian newsletter, the In one church, the word “speaking” United Methodist Ash Wednesday bul- Friday night service was listed as “a was spelled incorrectly, so the spell- letin announced that Lent was a time service of prayer and medication.” At checker gave the nearest equivalent. for us all to “...prepent of our sins.” the meeting that followed, she reports, As a result, puzzled worshippers sang all the worship leaders were laid low “Teach us, Lord, the art of spanking.” 9. Paul Mitchell, of Guildford, Western with fl u. It didn’t help that the next verse in Australia, was surprised to discover the hymn begins with the words, “You Jesus acquired a useful domestic skill 4. Kory Stamper from Amherst, release us from our bondage.…” during his time on earth. The local Mass., told us how his overworked paper, quoting Luke 24:35, informed pastor faithfully typed up hymns on 1. One character—or lack of it—can its readers that “the Lord was known transparencies for use on an overhead make all the difference in encourag- in the baking of the bread.” We can projector—until one fateful Sunday. ing the faithful to devotions. Winner only presume that his use of self-rais- During the classic hymn, “Crown Him of the Parish Pump Church Magazine ing fl our was meant to be a sign. With Many Crowns,” congregants Misprint Competition 2005 is a were exhorted to “Awake, my soul, Baptist Church near Ambleside, U.K., 8. Worshippers at St. Mary and sin.…” which recently announced that “the Magdalene, Ashton-on-Mersey, U.K., meeting will be gin with prayer.” were invited to stay behind after a re- 3. Daisymay sent us a misprint of Worshippers left looking tired and cent carol service to enjoy “coffee and diabolical proportions. The Graham devotional. mice pies.” No one’s heard a squeak Kendrick-penned classic hymn usually out of them since. reads “For this purpose, Christ was revealed / To destroy all the works 7. Anna from Chicago, Ill., wonders of the evil one.” When put through a just what kind of food was made avail- demonically oppressed spell checker, able to guests at a local Episcopalian the Easter Sunday service sheet read Church function recently. Tied in with one of America’s biggest sporting events, Anna received an invitation to attend “a Super Bowel Party.”

6. Just how far was the destination, wonders Kat, when the weekly notice sheet at Aylesbury Methodist Church, Bucks, U.K., energetically announced that “the Wesley Guild walk will start from the Hen and Chickens car park at 10 a.m. Please bring a packed lung.”

32 Canadian Mennonite September 5, 2005 Volume 9, Number 17