Preaching of the As Is the Case with Other Public Ministries in Word Was Called a Prayer of Illumination

April 5, 2010 Volume 14 Number 7

Violet against violence inside Making the Word in worship come alive 4 Thinking outside the law 13 Gene Stoltzfus obituary 20 2 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

Editorial leadership and an area church described as “still a patient in critical condition” Words are powerful after recovery from a “near-death” experience of division and strife. As a new- Dick Benner comer to the Canadian scene, I had to be Editor/Publisher brought up-to-speed on these histories. That, perhaps, is a good thing, because peech seems to be on the public While this war of words engulfs us, I can bring a fresh set of eyes to these mind these days. it might be instructive to examine how settings. Still, regardless of the past, the S As I write this, much of the we use words in our own settings. We language bothered me. No stranger to Canadian press and Ottawa University Mennonites, too, sometimes resort to conflict, I know all too well the destruc- seem to be in a spat over the sanctity of the force of words to diminish each other tive dynamics of church members walk- free speech springing from the rather than, as the Apostle Paul ing away from each other when failing invitation, then the cancelling, of instructed the Ephesians, to “speak to agree on what is often camouflaged as right-wing American pundit Ann the truth in love . . . so as to build “doctrinal” or “spiritual” issues. Our pre- Coulter, who was to speak to the up the body.” disposition, as faithful disciples, to hold students. Having just returned from visits fast to our beliefs often trumps the call to “The university itself loses out to three of the area churches’ keep in covenantal relationship with our when it lacks the courage to be annual general meetings, I have sisters and brothers. a social laboratory,” opined the Globe heard a lot of words. Many of them were Let me suggest two antidotes: and Mail. “The University of Calgary is inspiring, the imagery rich, oftentimes • First, it might be helpful to see all of our a ‘beacon of light’ compared to Ottawa’s moving. I am remembering specific- work as, in the words of Alan Kreider, ‘darkness,’ ” droned Rex Murphy, CBC’s ally Don Rempel Boschman’s wonderful “God’s kingdom-coming.” He urged a silver-tongued pundit, in praising the analogy of comparing God’s “chosen spiritual discipline that he practises him- Calgary institution for actually following people” to a “parade in which all partici- self of praying that portion of the Lord’s through on its invitation to let Coulter pate and there are no spectators,” when Prayer “your kingdom come, on earth as speak there. leading Mennonite Church Manitoba in heaven” three times daily—morning, South of the border, political leaders delegates in worship. noon and night. He asks God to show opposed to the newly passed health care Or when Alan Kreider urged the MC him where and how he is working rather reform bill have become so incensed that Saskatchewan delegates to move from than the other way around. they have taken to employing the lan- “exhortation to incarnation” in formu- • Second, take heed of the words of Betty guage of violence, such as John Boehner, lating witness language as they relate Pries, who, in working with churches the House minority leader, who declared “authentically” to an increasing number through their lifecycle stages, says that the passage was “Armageddon.” of non-church-going neighbours. congregations should consider conflict The Republican National Committee Or when Terry Schellenberg, speaking as an ongoing dynamic. What matters is put out a fundraising appeal that includ- to the MC Alberta delegates, compared not that it exists, but how it is managed. ed a picture of Nancy Pelosi, speaker of so vividly the powerful influences of Faithful people can disagree respect- the House, surrounded by flames, while the dominant Roman Empire on new fully. She believes the church to be a the committee’s chair declared that it Christians in Paul’s time to our consum- place of “risk, searching, questioning and was time to put Pelosi on “the firing line.” er-driven culture of today. listening.” And Sarah Palin put out an online map But I also heard some discouraging These constructs should give us some literally putting Democratic lawmakers in words. I heard references to “rumours” framework in choosing our words care- the cross hairs of a rifle sight. floating around regarding styles of fully for the building up of the body.

About the cover: Tying violet ribbons for peace on a tree at Foothills Mennonite Church, Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at Calgary, are, from top left: Darcy Krahn, Lil Bartel, Trudy Rempel and Marg 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ Werner. They joined worshippers in all Calgary Mennonite churches on canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and address changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at March 21 in a pledge to witness for peace and ‘acceptance of all people’ our web site. We acknowledge the financial support of after a year of violence in the city by white supremacist groups. See story the Government of Canada through the Publications on page 17. Assistance Program towards our mailing costs. ISSN Photo: dick benner, canadian mennonite 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 Making the Word in worship come alive 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsIf your church is like most, you spend more time 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 with announcements than reading the Bible during WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 worship. For those churches that want to reverse this Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 trend, provides nine prac- Web site: canadianmennonite.org Christine Longhurst tical suggestions to again make Scripture an integral Please send all material to be considered for publication to: part of our Sunday morning gatherings. General submission address: [email protected] Readers Write: [email protected] New residence hall to be built at CBC 14 Milestones announcements: [email protected] B.C.’s Columbia Bible College is actively fundraising to build a new $3.5 Obituaries: Lisa Metzger, [email protected] million residence for its Abbotsford campus. The new four-storey resi- Calendar announcements: [email protected] dence will house 134 students. Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/Obituaries/ Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. Violet against violence 17 Reprint requests: [email protected] On March 21, Calgary’s Mennonite churches banded together to distribute violet ribbons as a peaceful response Mission statement: Canadian Mennonite (CM) is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ to the race-related violence that has flared up in the city in Mennonite-oriented periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate the past year. and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, and news Introducing Muslims to Jesus 18 and analyses of issues facing the church. In fulfilling its mission, the primary con- A Sudanese convert from Islam—now a Christian evangelist—gives stituency of CM is the people and churches of Mennonite Church Canada and its CMU students and faculty tips on how to open up their Muslim con- five related area churches.CM also welcomes readers from the broader inter-Men- tacts to the possibility of accepting Jesus as their personal Saviour. nonite and inter-church scene. Editorial freedom is expressed through seeking and speaking the truth in love and by providing a balance of perspectives in news and Celebrating abilities 19 commentary. CM will be a vehicle through which mutual accountability can be Carrying the Paralympic flame represented the spirt of the games for exercised within the community of believers; the paper also encourages its readers Bonnie Sawatzky, a Peace Mennonite Church member and former to have open hearts and minds in the process of discerning God’s will. wheelchair athlete. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, A greater voice for minority Reformation traditions 22 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, AMBS professor Walter Sawatsky chronicles recent consultations and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:23-25, NRSV). between various Reformed church denominations in the spirit of ecu- Board of Directors (by appointing body): menical dialogue. MC Canada: , Ed Janzen, Les Klassen Hamm, Joon Hyoung Park; MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: James Moyer; Regular features: MC Saskatchewan: Joe Neufeld; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; Pontius’ Puddle 6 For discussion 7 Readers write 8 MC Eastern Canada: Larry Cornies; Milestones 11 Yellow Pages 22 Calendar 29 Classifieds 30 CMPS: Carl DeGurse, Margaret Ewen Peters, Tobi Thiessen Board Chair: Tobi Thiessen, [email protected], 416-622-7850 Words are powerful 2 Dick Benner Head Office Staff: Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Putting the cat to sleep 9 Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Melissa Miller Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Counting the cost of retirement 10 Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Mike Strathdee Advertising: Lisa Metzger, [email protected], toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 New blog postings Correspondents: at canadianmennonite.org/blog/ Rachel Bergen, National Correspondent, [email protected], 204-885- 2565 ext. 259; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], An ocean prayer: Cheryl Woelk 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, 391 (God’s dirt): Paul Loewen [email protected], 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan Worth living for—worth dying for: WillowMan (aka Correspondent, [email protected], 306-933-4209; Gene Stoltzfus). This was his last blog Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected], posting before his sudden death on March 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, ec@ 10. (See obituary/tributes on page 20.) canadianmennonite.org, 519-579-7258 Photo courtesy of the Mennonite Heritage Centre

Worship Feature Making the Word in worship come alive

By Christine Longhurst

ow much of your worship service is spent reading and hearing Scripture? 10 percent? 15 percent? More? Less? In 2004, my doctoral thesis advisor, Constance Cherry, who teaches worship and Christian ministriesH at Indiana Wesleyan University, surveyed a wide variety of churches in the U.S. to see how much time was spent reading Scripture during worship. She discovered that in trad- itional, contemporary and “blended” churches, only 5 percent or The Word we proclaim in worship is less of the service was spent reading the Word of God. In most not merely a record of how God once congregations, significantly more time was taken for announcements than for Scripture reading. intervened in history—it is a living Granted, this was a study of American congregations. But I continuation of that intervention. suspect a study of Canadian churches would look quite similar. A history of reverence for the Bible Throughout history, the reading and hearing of God’s Word has been an integral part of Christian worship. Early worshipping communities seemingly couldn’t get enough of hearing Scripture. In one of the earliest descriptions of Christian worship (155 A.D.) we read that “the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits.” By the beginning of Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 5

mennonite church canada photo by dan dyck

Worship Feature Making the Word in worship come alive

the seventh century, a listing of suggested Scripture readings for each worship service (known as a lectionary) had been That the Word has an important legacy in Mennonite churches is apparent in the established. 1952 photograph on the opposing page. That legacy certainly continues in many The great Reform movements of the places around the world today, if not so much in North America; in the photo above, 16th century sought to keep Scripture worshippers at the Zion Church of the Messiah near Gabarone, Botswana, are at the very heart of the church’s life and asked to read Scripture “on the spot,” according to photographer Dan Dyck. Worship worship. Lengthy Bible readings—often workshop leader Christine Longhurst offers suggestions to churches that may be giv- a chapter or two at a time—were part of ing Sunday morning Bible reading short shrift, in order to revive the practice. every worship service. Some churches even provided a running commentary alongside the readings, so that people illustrated. Reviving the practice could understand what was being read. The reading of Scripture in worship If your congregation is interested in Tremendous reverence and respect was understood to be much more than strengthening the reading and hearing of for Scripture was demonstrated in many just the sharing of information. There Scripture in worship, here are a few ideas different ways: through the careful selec- was a clear expectation that, when the you might consider. tion of gifted readers; in the reverent way Word was read, God was again speaking in which biblical texts were handled in to the gathered community. • Pray before the reading of worship; in the spoken and sung con- Is this how you experience the read- Scripture. Throughout history, gregational responses before and after ing of Scripture in worship? Do you find congregations have prayed for the the Word was read; even in the beauty yourself listening eagerly and expectantly, active presence of the Holy Spirit before with which Scripture was copied and anticipating a word from God? Scripture is read. Traditionally, a prayer 6 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

before the reading and preaching of the As is the case with other public ministries in Word was called a prayer of illumination. A prayer like this reminds us that we are worship, those who read Scripture should dependent upon the leading and guiding possess some natural gifts and be willing to of the Holy Spirit if we are to hear the Word that God has for us. work at improving their public reading skills.

• Use more Scripture. Instead of a single passage, exploring it textually, • Use drama. In 2001, Wanda Vassallo, limiting the Scripture reading to the musically, dramatically and visually. a D.Min. student at McMaster Divinity sermon text alone—as is the case in many College in Hamilton, Ont., studied the congregations—consider using multiple • Use a variety of voices—young effect of adding drama to Scripture texts throughout the service. Whether and old; men, women and children; readings. She discovered that people you follow the Revised Common newcomers and life-long believers. What remembered and responded to Scripture Lectionary or devise your own reading better way to illustrate that the Word of readings much better when they were plan, increasing the number of readings God belongs to the whole congregation? acted out in some way than when they and their placement in the service can were simply read. greatly enhance your opportunity to hear • Encourage and equip readers Not all Scripture passages lend them- God’s voice. to read well. As is the case with selves to dramatic presentation, but many There are many places where Scripture other public ministries in worship, those do. Costumes and sets are not always re- texts can enrich worship: in a call to wor- who read Scripture should possess some quired; a simple readers theatre approach ship (Psalm 100); an invitation to praise natural gifts and be willing to work at can also be effective. Michael Perry’sThe (Psalm 33:1-4); a prayer of thanksgiving improving their public reading skills. Dramatised Bible (recently republished (Ephesians 1:3-14); an invitation to the Rather than being handed readings at by HarperCollins) does a wonderful job offering (Psalm 116:17-18); a prayer of the last minute, readers should be given of presenting Scripture in a readers the- lament (Psalm 12) or confession (Psalm a chance to study the texts and prepare atre approach. 51); the assurance of God’s forgiveness them carefully in advance. following confession (Romans 8:1-2); a Some churches put together a list of • Interpret texts visually. While call to prayer (Psalm 55:16-17); the bless- guidelines to help readers in their prep- we continue to value print and oral ing of God as we leave (Numbers 6:24- aration; others have found it helpful to media, we live in an increasingly visual 26). Some congregations make a point create a readers group, in which individ- culture. Why not consider adding a visual of including a spoken or sung psalm in uals can receive feedback and encourage- component to Scripture readings? If your every service. ment in a smaller setting. church is set up for video projection, you Reading the same passage of Scripture Two books that can help are Jack can easily access a wide range of trad- more than once in the same service Hartjes’s Read the Way You Talk itional and contemporary art on biblical can be very meaningful. Using differ- (Liturgical Press) or Aelred Rosser’s A themes. (Make sure you get permission if ent voices and translations can help us Well-Trained Tongue (Liturgy Training it is copyrighted.) hear the passage in new ways. An entire Publications). A website like The Text This Week worship service can even be built around (textweek.com) offers a wonderful index Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 7

In one of the earliest descriptions of Christian not a history lesson, though there is history in it. The Word is not a story, though worship (155 A.D.) we read that ‘the memoirs it is full of stories. It is not a set of rules to of the apostles or the writings of the prophets live by, though there is much in it to guide our choices. No, the Word of God is a liv- are read, as long as time permits.’ ing and dynamic presence, achieving the very salvation about which it speaks even of online artwork linked to scriptural pas- Stookey’s Let the Whole Church Say as the reader proclaims it.” l sages and topics. You might also explore Amen! A Guide for Those Who Pray in the use of video; The Work of the People Public (Abingdon Press). Christine (TheWorkOfThePeople.com), for -ex Longhurst has ample, offers thoughtful video clips and is • Listen attentively, and with been studying, searchable by keyword or lectionary date. anticipation. The writer of Hebrews teaching and tells us that the Word of God is “living working in worship • Sing Scripture. Many of the hymns and active. Sharper than any double- for the more than and songs we sing are scripturally based. edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing 25 years. In 2006, Some are metrical settings of complete soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it she completed her scriptural texts; others are paraphrases judges the thoughts and attitudes of the doctor of worship or clearly allude to biblical events or heart” (Hebrews 4:12). studies degree teaching. The Word we proclaim in worship is from the Robert Acknowledging the scriptural basis not merely a record of how God once E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies of the songs we sing—either verbally intervened in history—it is a living con- in Jacksonville, Fla. She is currently or in print—is a good way to highlight tinuation of that intervention. Those who a sessional instructor at Canadian Scripture during worship. Churches that read Scripture in worship are not merely Mennonite University and Booth College use bulletins can simply note the scrip- teachers conveying information about in Winnipeg. She spends much of her time tural source beside the song title in the God. Rather, they are the vehicle through offering workshops on worship and music worship order. For example: “Praise, My which God’s Word comes to life again in to congregations across Canada. She can Soul, the King of Heaven” (Psalm 103). the presence of the gathered people. be reached at clonghurst@ If you use video projection, it’s easy to faithmatters.ca. simply note the relevant scriptural text The last word on the first slide. Aelred Rosser, author of A Well-Trained If you use hymnals, you can take Tongue, once wrote: “The Word of God is advantage of the “Scriptural allusions and references” index at the back to help you find songs to match the day’s readings. For discussion If you sing more contemporary styles of ΛΛ music, you may need to do a bit more 1. What have been some of the more effective and less effective ways that you have research on your own; while much praise heard Scripture read during worship? What are the advantages and disadvantages of and worship music is deeply scriptural, reading longer passages? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a wide accessing scriptural references is not yet variety of people in reading Scripture? quite as easy. 2. What would it take for your congregation to use more drama, readers theatre or • Allow Scripture to shape visual effects to enhance the use of Scripture in worship? Is the planning and energy prayer. That is, allow the images and required worth the effort? Is it better to have worship carefully scripted and planned, substance of scriptural passages to enrich or to leave room for spontaneity? the content and shape of your corporate prayer—what Russell Mitman in Worship 3. Longhurst quotes Aelred Rosser, who says that “the Word of God is a living and dy- in the Shape of Scripture (The Pilgrim namic presence.” In what situations have you experienced Scripture in that way? What Press) calls “the art of transposition.” If you does it take for the Bible to come alive? Is this more difficult for a “wired” generation? are interested in exploring how Scripture can help shape worship leading, check out 4. The Bible tells the story of God’s people from earliest recorded time to the first Mitman’s chapter on “Transposing the century of the Christian era. If you were collecting stories of what God has done texts.” since then, what stories would you include? What would it take for such a collection Another wonderful source for learn- of stories to gain the respect and authority given to the Bible? ing to praying biblically is Laurence Hull 8 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

Viewpoints reinforced by being highlighted in a larger colour font as the one thing that will stick in the mind of readers Λ Readers write who don’t have time to read the whole article. Λ Certainly, this is a challenging and excellent goal We welcome your comments and publish most letters sent for many readers. However, there are also many of us by subscribers intended for publication. Respecting our in our Mennonite family and churches for whom it theology of the priesthood of all believers and of the im- would be serious self-indulgence and poor steward- portance of the faith community discernment process, this ship to spend 80 percent of what we make. section is a largely open forum for the sharing of views. Mennonite Foundation of Canada and other or- Letters are the opinion of the writer only—publication ganizations would be limited in their ability to serve does not mean endorsement by the magazine or the church. our communities and the world if all higher-income Letters should be brief and address issues rather than individuals gave only 10 percent. individuals. Davidson states that “the percentages are not the Please send letters to be considered for publication to issue.” But the percentages are very much the issue. [email protected] or by postal mail or fax, Depending on the capacity of the person or family, marked “Attn: Readers Write” (our address is on page 3). they are precisely the way to show “what we value Letters should include the author’s contact information most.” and mailing address. Letters are edited for length, style Rebecca Yoder Neufeld, and adherence to editorial guidelines. Waterloo, Ont. E EE Percentages of giving E Where Mennonites came show ‘what we value most’ from actually is important Re: “DNA does not a Mennonite make” letter, Re: “Show me the money” column, Feb. 8, page 9. March 8, page 13. I was surprised to see that Mennonite Foundation While questioning whether his non-Low-German- of Canada stewardship consultant Kevin Davidson is Anabaptist ancestry makes him any less Mennonite, calling “give 10 percent, save 10 percent and spend the Mark Morton declares, “I don’t think that ‘where we rest” excellent financial advice. The message is further came from’ matters one bit.” Such an anti-historical perspective is disconcerting on many levels, and its increasingly frequent voicing in Mennonite churches is particularly disheartening. ΛΛCorrection One would assume that, since Morton chooses to call himself Mennonite, he sees some value in the Rick Zerbe Cornelsen’s name was spelled incorrectly Anabaptist perspective or theology that we bring to throughout the “In his father’s footsteps” article, March the larger church family. The fact that Anabaptism 25, page 31. Canadian Mennonite regrets the error. survives to this day is thanks, at least in part, to those generations of Mennonite believers who evolved into an ethnic unit. My own Ésau ancestors were likely among Welsh Puritans who joined Dutch Mennonites Announcing Final before migrations began towards eastern Europe as a survival mechanism in the face of recurring Mennonite Heritage Cruise persecution. Had the movement not survived, there would have Ukraine: October 1 - 16, 2010 been no one to bring an Anabaptist perspective of Odessa to Kyiv via Crimea the gospel to Africa, India or North America, or to with Paul Toews, Rudy Friesen, Alan Peters Morton’s own community.

contact: Marina Unger The fact thatA nabaptism Vision 2000 Travel, Toronto 1-800-475-9494 ext. 2827 survives to this day is thanks, at [email protected] least in part, to those generations

Google Mennonite Heritage Cruise of Mennonite believers who evolved into an ethnic unit. Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 9

The majority of North American Mennonite EE Mennonite DNA Project churches still have a core of descendants of those detractors have over-reacted survivors of history. While most are making very real efforts to open up, welcome and integrate believers of In the March 8 issue of Canadian Mennonite, the different backgrounds, this need not mean the denial merits of the Mennonite DNA project were brought of who we are and, yes, of “where we came from.” into question in two letters: “Faith, not DNA, at the I would invite Morton to celebrate this rich heri- heart of being Mennonite,” and, “DNA does not a tage while adding his own story to the ever-growing Mennonite make,” pages 12 and 13. While I concur Mennonite story and his own “colour” to the with the points the writers make regarding the true Mennonite tapestry, without feeling he has to obliter- basis of our Christian (Mennonite) faith, I do believe ate the rest of it in order to feel included. they have over-reacted or have not carefully read the Barry Ésau, Gatineau, Que. article in question (“Piecing the Mennonite puzzle together one DNA at a time” article, Jan. 25, page 21). The article is quite clear on a number of points that

Family Ties

the end of life, we may wonder about Putting the cat to sleep euthanasia. If I can humanely euthanize my pet, to end its suffering, can I hu- Melissa Miller manely euthanize a loved human being? Most Christians say no. Most ecently I took my sick cat to the action. And there’s a set of questions to Christians say that God is the giver of life, vet, who diagnosed him as having ponder, including the different values and we leave to God the timing of our Ra significant tumour lodged in we assign to different animals. Cats and deaths. To take on the role of medically his intestines. That explained the odd be- dogs get a place of affection in the family causing or assisting in a human death haviour we’d observed, like him using the home. Pigs and chickens become dinner. is to usurp God’s role. And trying to breadbox for a bed and the bathtub for a While I give some attention to these be God has been a human failing since toilet. There were other signs of distress, questions, mostly I return to a belief Adam and Eve tasted forbidden fruit in including loss of weight and difficulties that pets are like friends in furry coats. the garden. walking. I had prepared myself for eutha- They’re part of God’s good and beautiful Our medical technology gives us many nizing my cat, but it was still a hard step creation. The liveliness and affection of complex choices, but we, as a human to take. I gave my consent to the kind veterinarian, and Most Christians say that God is the giver of life, soon my pet had “gone to sleep,” as the euphemism and we leave to God the timing of our deaths. goes. Pet euthanasia is described as “a gentle my animals has sustained me through race, have not developed the same level death and a hard decision.” I can’t say if some of the hardest times of my life, and of complexity to guide our decisions. Our it’s a gentle death, although I’ve stayed I know I’ll continue to make a place for technology is driven by desires to control with my three pets as they’ve died, and it them in my home. life and death, to reduce suffering or seems to be peaceful enough. It certainly As I was preparing for my cat’s end, avoid pain. We see much good in tech- is a hard decision. On each occasion, part I was also saying goodbye to human nology, but our world includes suffering of what sustains me is knowing that the friends dying in the early months of 2010. and pain, and we, as Christians, confess choice to end a painful life is preferable to While some of them died suddenly, with- that God is in control. Our human task seeing the pet continue to suffer. out warning, others died after months of is to find our way through these contra- There are a host of moral and ethical declining health and great struggle. They dictory values and tensions, to arrive at issues wrapped up in the small act of and family members agonized over the compassionate, moral decisions. euthanizing a family pet, not the least of steps of dying and faced questions about which is exercising the awe-full choice the quality of life: what measures to take Melissa Miller ([email protected]) lives to end a life. There’s also consideration to maintain life, and what interventions in Winnipeg, where she ponders family of the significant emotional and finan- to decline. When we are walking with our relationships as a pastor, counsellor and cial resources that are tied up in such an loved ones who are suffering and facing author. 10 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

dispel Dave Metcalfe’s apparent concern, one which have a bearing of any kind on our faith, whether inher- he finds “quite disturbing,” namely that I Timothy 1:4 ited or adopted. is a biblical basis on which to dismiss all pursuits of I’m sure both letter writers are aware of the fact that genealogical information. It is made very clear that many people—not only Mennonites—share a passion this project is “exclusively for people of Low-German for genealogy with the Mennonite DNA project’s “sci- Mennonite background,” the inference being that there entists.” Neither University of Guelph chemistry prof are Mennonites who are not of Low-German back- Glenn Penner nor Tim Janzen, a doctor in Portland, ground. The article clearly states that the project “aims Ore., believe, or have stated, that their Christian faith to determine the number of common male ances- is grounded in DNA. And the fact that this project has tors for each Mennonite [Low-German background] been called “the Mennonite DNA Project” is no more ancestor, the number of female Mennonite common presumptuous than calling a particular congregation, ancestors, and the deep ancestry for each.” At no time “First Mennonite Church.” is there any assertion that this project will somehow Dave Loewen, Abbotsford, B.C.

God, Money and Me

saving for retirement. This suggests many people don’t have the cash to save for Counting the cost retirement or are spending it on other things. The picture is not all bleak, however. Actuary Malcolm Hamilton says even of retirement people who start saving for retirement Mike Strathdee at age 50 with their debts paid off, and make large contributions every year re you somewhat jealous of your retirement. until they retire, will be okay. He thinks teacher friends, who, in their Part of that pessimism may relate to many Canadians can live comfortably on Aearly 50s, are already counting ever-increasing expectations of what a a much lower retirement nest egg than the days, only a few years away, when “comfortable retirement” means. Most what other expert voices claim. Saving they can say goodbye to their day job North Americans now view as necessities $300,000 in an RRSP while receiving while enjoying a full pension? Do you many things that previous generations full Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age wonder how your circumstances will ever would have called luxuries, or in many Security benefits, a retired Canadian make retiring possible? cases, not even have dreamed of. The would have an annual income of about It is pretty difficult to find any bib- financial industry contributes to retire- $30,000 after tax. lical support for the modern notion of ment fears and gloom by insisting that What’s the church’s role in all of this? retirement—turning our back on work at people need to save $1 million or more to Will leaders help people to live within a certain age. God made us to be pro- avoid being in dire straits in the autumn their means, save for later years and ductive. But society has taught us all to and winter of life. Hearing what seems maintain God-honouring expectations? look forward to retirement, if not how to an impossible goal induces paralysis and Help us, O Lord, to number our days and plan for it properly. denial for some. to count the cost of getting there. Concerns about retirement are in- Only a third of Canadians put money into an RRSP this year, creasingly common and 30 percent haven’t yet started saving for retirement. in media and government discussions, as the largest generation of Canadians ever It is also true that many of us aren’t approaches and enters its retirement making retirement savings a priority. Mike Strathdee is a stewardship years: Fear about not having enough is Some may be better off paying down consultant at the Kitchener, Ont., office a dominant theme. One recent poll of debt or contributing to the new Tax Free of Mennonite Foundation of Canada Canadians aged 50 and over found that Savings Account (especially people earn- (MFC). For stewardship education and about half of them weren’t sure that their ing $36,000 a year or less). Only a third of estate and charitable gift planning, pensions, government and otherwise, Canadians put money into an RRSP this contact your nearest MFC office or visit would provide them with a comfortable year, and 30 percent haven’t yet started MennoFoundation.ca. Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 11

EE Trusting in Jesus’ blood alone, MARCHAVAILABLE 2010 not Mennonite bloodlines 1 & 2 BEDROOM Re: “Faith, not DNA, at the heart of being INDEPENDENT LIVING SUITES Mennonite,” and, “DNA does not a Mennonite make” letters, March 8, pages 12 and 13. I would like to thank Dave Metcalfe and Mark Morton for the godly replies to the “Piecing the Mennonite puzzle together one DNA at a time” article, Jan. 25, page 21. At the time I had noticed this article I could not bring myself to read it. Sadly, I have mourned because of the effect of a genetic disorder known as hypo-phosphatase linked to this bloodline. It has taught me to trust in Jesus’ blood alone. Maybe that is why this horrible disease exists. Donna Neustaedter, Brandon, Man. Superbly constructed and fully equipped with contemporary amenities, Primrose Gardens offers a ΛΛMilestones unique combination of refinement and relaxation - Births/Adoptions of quality and comfort - in a secure environment. Blank—Elizabeth Anne (b. March 4, 2010), to Martin and Jean Blank, First Mennonite, Edmonton, Alta. Friesen—Lauryn Georgia (b. Feb. 21, 2010), to George and Jennifer Friesen, Niagara United Mennonite, Niagara-on-the- Lake, Ont. Janzen McMinn—Annika Eve (b. Dec. 24, 2009), to Melana 604.851.4007 | www.mennoplace.ca Janzen and John McMinn, Toronto, Ont. 2099 Primrose St., Abbotsford, BC, Canada Wiens—Zelda Marie (b. Feb. 2, 2010), to Tim and Laura 1709 Wiens, Grant Memorial Baptist, Winnpeg. Zehr—Georgia Elizabeth Joan (b. Jan. 31, 2010), to Matthew and Avelea Zehr, Tavistock Mennonite, Ont. Martyrs Mirror: Marriages Isaac/Petit—Tabitha Isaac and Dennis Petit, Mount Royal Reﬂ ections Across Time Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask., Feb. 6, 2010.

Deaths June 8–10, 2010

Boese—David, 86 (b. Oct. 8, 1923; d. March 7, 2010), Tofield The conference, marking the 350th anniversary Mennonite, Alta. of the ﬁ rst publication of the Anabaptist Brenneman—Art, 75 (b. April 19, 1934; d. Feb. 17, 2010), martyrology Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Poole Mennonite, Milverton, Ont. Christians…, will feature plenary speakers Epp—Ken, 47 (b. Sept. 22, 1962; d. Feb. 16, 2010), North James Lowry, Julia Spicher Kasdorf, Leamington United Mennonite, Leamington, Ont. Patrick Erben, and Sarah Covington. It will Janzen—Ella (nee Heinrichs), 79 (b. Feb. 11, 1931; d. March include presentations on spirituality, accounts 8, 2010), Arnaud Mennonite, Man. of women, translation from Dutch to German, —Katie (nee Enns), 82 (b. Nov. 14, 1927; d. Jan. 3, Krause history of the ﬁ rst edition in America, and the work’s reception among 2010), Bethel Mennonite, Aldergrove, B.C. Anabaptist groups, as well as background on author Thieleman van Braght Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones and illustrator Jan Luyken. announcements within four months of the event. Please send Milestones announcements by e-mail to For more information or to register, [email protected], including the visit www.etown.edu/youngctr, congregation name and location. When sending death e-mail [email protected], or call 717-361-1470. Elizabethtown College notices, please include birth date and last name at birth Elizabethtown, PA 17022 if available. 12 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

This Preacher has 22 Minutes nonviolent activity, but preaching is not a non-resistant activity. Preaching should clearly name and resist sins, wounds and A few words away powers that are contrary to the good news, even if a few listeners in the pews have tomatoes at the ready. In the end, throwing tomatoes or rocks from danger at the preacher is a dangerous activity, By Allan Rudy-Froese but the real danger is the gospel itself— for it radically confronts in love. The gos- reaching can be spoken up in college class- pel is a grace-filled event that confronts, physically danger- rooms and in Mennonite cuts through and judges us at the same Pous. The preacher pulpits on the issue of sexual time it transforms and speaks a radical standing alone at the front abuse has received death word of love. of the gathered church is threats! In worship we are calling on the all- highly vulnerable. Tomatoes, The violence done or powerful God to mold us, deliver us from chickens and rocks have been threatened against preachers evil and bring on the kingdom. These are thrown at preachers over the suggests, at a minimum, that not casual actions we are calling on God years. Guns have even been spoken words are powerful. to perform. There is much at stake in our brandished, and hecklers have These days we are tempted to worship, even if we do not seem to see or made death threats from the say that words are empty and acknowledge it. Perhaps we should carry back pews. devoid of meaning, or that visual media tomatoes to church as a way to show Preachers in the Reformation have replaced the power of the spoken that what is done, sung and preached in era—whether Catholic, Protestant or word. Perhaps, but spoken words—be worship actually matters. Or, at the very In worship we are calling on the all-powerful God to mold us, deliver us from evil and bring on the kingdom. These are not casual actions we are calling on God to perform.

Anabaptist—were often just a few words they words that incite violence, words least, we should be sitting on the edge of away from clear and present danger. that preach peace, or the encouraging our seats listening for the catastrophe of Much was at stake: The Trinity, the words of political leaders (“Yes we judgment and love that God is bringing sacraments and church hierarchy were can!”)—continue to shape people and our way. life-and-death issues. Any sermon that communities. Annie Dillard writes of the dangers of deviated from what was considered The apostle Paul made a fascinat- such worship in Teaching a Stone to Talk: normative from the viewpoint of the ing connection between preaching and “On the whole, I do not find Christians, listening congregation (or the mob on the violence, or more properly, between outside the catacombs, sufficiently sen- street) could result in verbal abuse or the preaching and nonviolence. After his sible of the conditions. Does anyone have pitching of any objects at hand, like rocks Damascus road experience, Paul inten- the foggiest idea what sort of power we or eggs. tionally exchanged a violent strategy for so blithely invoke [in worship]? Or, as I Preachers of other eras have faced a pacifist strategy: preaching. Charles suspect, does no one believe a word of it. considerable risk as well. Charles Wesley L. Campbell, professor of homiletics . . . It is madness to wear ladies straw hats writes in his diary in June 1746 that in at Duke Divinity School, argues in The and velvet hats to church; we should all one town he was allowed to share the Word Before the Powers that preach- be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should sacraments, but was threatened if he ing in the early Christian church was a issue life preservers and signal flares; they dared preach. Martin Luther King and conscious alternative practice to violence: should lash us to our pews.” l Oscar Romero are likely the most public human speech, as opposed to coercive examples of the violent blowback that action, was the way that the gospel of Allan Rudy-Froese is a doctoral student can occur when a liberating gospel word Jesus Christ would be communicated, in the area of homiletics—the art and threatens the status quo. shared and made present. The Word is theology of preaching—at the Toronto But even closer to home, a Mennonite mightier than the sword. School of Theology. He can be reached at woman in North America who has Preaching is, by its very nature, a [email protected]. Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 13

Stories of Faith in Life

still others admitted to a desire to whip Thinking outside them. But they quietly identified themselves as offenders and made their apolo- gies. Then they offered to repay each victim. the law After working hard to raise the money, By Jack Dueck the teens again knocked on the 22 doors presenting each victim with a certified n May 1974 the idyllic offence is an offence against cheque. One older lady, who lived alone, farming community of the Crown, and the law deals invited the four in for milk and cookies, IElmira, Ont., was breath- only in guilt and punishment, telling them how terrified she had been ing spring’s resurrection. not in the human complex- that night. Never expecting to actually Shrubs were in bud; robins ities of offender and victim. see the money, she promised to donate it rhapsodized at their complet- Yantzi and another MCC to another worthy cause. ed nests over the expectation employee, Dave Worth, be- This mustard seed planted in the of new life; seed catalogues came troubled by a law blind rocky soil of the law germinated and were set aside for the real to the human dimension. grew into a tree of life-giving branches. thing. Elmira was a churched Yantzi wondered aloud that “it First, the Victim Offender Reconciliation community, a region at peace would be neat for offenders to Program. This program, in turn, spawned with neighbours, where doors were not meet their victims and take responsibility Community Justice Initiatives, which locked, all in the harmony of law and for their actions.” today operates 17 programs and became order. Worth thought it not only a great idea, a template for victim-offender programs But an early morning rampage by two but he suggested putting it into action in across Canada and the U.S. drunken teenaged hooligans vandal- the Elmira case, offering a It also effected a change izing 22 homes and businesses one May solution rather than mere in the law. In 2003, the day shattered the idyll. They broke plate evaluative criticism. With Canadian government glass windows, slashed car tires, smashed his pre-sentence report, replaced the Young store windows and destroyed a church Yantzi included a sugges- Offenders Act with the cross. Stunned community members tion that it might be more Youth Criminal Justice Act, called police and their insurance adjust- helpful to the teens, their and the Canadian Criminal ers. Someone had seen the two thugs on victims, the community and Code was amended to their lawn and around breakfast time the the state if the perpetrators include restorative justice police picked them up for questioning. faced their victims to apolo- provisions in sentencing. Five years before, Mark Yantzi, a young gize and make a commit- Russ Kelly, one of the Mennonite of Amish background, had ment to make restitution. Elmira offenders, wrote in completed a B.A. in sociology from the Judge Gordon H. his 2006 autobiography, University of Waterloo, Ont. Uncertain McConnell, known for From Scoundrel to Scholar on a choice of profession, he agreed to a being tough on offenders, . . . The Russ Kelly Story, “It volunteer stint with Mennonite Central called the idea interesting, but without still amazes me that something so wrong Committee (MCC). Doug Snyder, then precedent in law he was initially reluctant could result in something so good that executive director, assigned Yantzi to the to take it under consideration. However, has affected many lives in a positive way.” court as a fill-in probation officer, writing a few days later he agreed to remand Did Yantzi and Worth plan for big pre-sentence reports on offenders for the sentencing on two conditions: that the changes in society and government law judge, listing the nature and time of the boys meet the victims to apologize and more than 35 years ago? “No, we just offence and a history of previous cita- that they make restitution for damages wanted to address this one case,” Yantzi tions. To him, the process seemed like a not covered by insurance. replied. veritable chute into jail for those charged. Knocking on 22 different doors, the The kingdom of God, it seems, is truly Finding himself living and working teens—with Yantzi and Worth behind like a mustard seed. l in two kingdoms—the court, with its them—did what one of them called laws, and MCC, with its “in the name of “the hardest thing we ever did.” They Mennonite storyteller Jack Dueck can be Christ” slogan—Yantzi soon noticed that faced each of their victims. Some were reached by e-mail at eajdueck@gmail. in the Canadian legal system a property shocked, others expressed anger, while com. 14 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

God at work in the Church ΛΛBriefly noted School, camp benefit from New residence hall successful fundraisers Two Mennonite institutions recently experienced a satisfying show of sup- to be built at CBC port from the Mennonite community By Amy Dueckman in Saskatchewan. On March 7, a Guys B.C. Correspondent ’n’ Pies event raised almost $16,000 for Abbotsford, B.C. Rosthern Junior College from a cake auction and separate donations. The undraising for a new residence hall, es- Penner. “It depends on how God leads and evening included the musicianship of Ftimated to cost $3.5 million, is under- prospers.” the Buncha Guys men’s chorus along way at Columbia Bible College (CBC). In 2004, the college demolished two with a male group from the school. The four-storey residence for 134 stu- outdated residences that had to be re- Paul Thiessen auctioned off a total of dents will be located on a section of cam- moved to permit expansion of the stu- 15 cakes, while people consumed a pus that now contains several houses. This dent centre. Currently, the college has variety of pies. A second fundraiser, location was chosen to maximize campus only one residence hall, Columbia Hall, held two nights later in the same area, life participation, being only a half-minute’s which houses female resident students. was for the Youth Farm Bible Camp; walk from the dining room, classrooms and Male students are housed off campus in it netted $8,000. The money will be library. The suites are planned in a modular nearby apartments. used to move the current Eigenheim style allowing several students to live in Penner emphasizes the importance Mennonite Church building to the each suite. of campus life for CBC students, adding camp property, to serve as the camp’s The capital campaign began last that students who must live off campus in new chapel and office space, while a November, and currently the college is apartments don’t really feel the same sense basement to be dug under the build- working on raising the middle million. The of being a part of college life. “The lessons ing will serve as guest rooms, bath- CBC board is working to have the needed learned living in residence are priceless,” rooms and meeting space. The move funds in hand before construction can he says, adding, “Our definite hope is that will take place sometime between this begin. students will be in a top-notch residence fall and next spring, depending when “We will start building when the money setting that will foster their sense of safety Eigenheim’s new church is built. is in place,” says CBC president Ron and community.” l —By Karin Fehderau ‘We will start building when the money is in place. It depends on how God leads and prospers.’ (CBC president Ron Penner)

Drawing courtesy of Columbia Bible College

An artist’s rendering of the new Columbia Bible College residence, anticipated to cost $3.5 million. Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 15

ΛΛBriefly noted Church may be Saskatchewan historical ‘on to something’ society meeting profiles EMMC This year’s Mennonite Historical Society During ‘Sabbath rest’ Whitewater Mennonite discovers of Saskatchewan annual general meeting ‘just how few things are really necessary’ focused on the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference (EMMC). As part By Canadian Mennonite Staff of the activities, tributes to the late EMMC pastors John D. Friesen and Abram M. Neudorf were given by family t’s been six months since Whitewater she suggests. “Didn’t Jesus say to Martha, members. Keynote speaker Martha IMennonite Church in Boissevain, Man., ‘You are worried and distracted by many Martens from Winkler, Man., showed laid aside its committee work, to rest, read things; there is need of only one thing. Mary slides of all the EMMC church build- Scripture, and engage in prayer and fellow- has chosen the better part, which will not be ings in Canada, both open and closed, ship with one another as part of the con- taken from her’ [Luke 10:41-42]? We are and shared extensively on the history gregation’s year-long “Sabbath rest.” trying to learn what it means to sit at the of the conference. The historical soci- “All decisions or work that is deemed Lord’s feet.” l ety decided to increase its membership ‘nonessential’ has been deferred for the rates: annual memberships are now $30; year and all other necessary issues and de- From a release by Whitewater Mennonite two-year memberships are $50; and the cisions are discussed at monthly congre- Church and files from Manitoba three-year rate has been raised to $75. gational meetings,” explains pastor Judith correspondent Evelyn Rempel Petkau. —By Karin Fehderau Doell. “In Leviticus 25, God’s people were instructed to observe a year of jubilee; a year of Sabbath rest away from the regular work of getting ahead, and a year where freedom and release became the main activities of ΛΛStaff change the community,” she says, adding, “We at MC Canada appoints new executive secretary of support services Whitewater Mennonite Church wondered what a year of jubilee might look like in WINNIPEG—Vic Thiessen has been appointed as our context. What would it look like in our Mennonite Church Canada’s new executive secretary of context to stop our regular church work, support services as of April 1; he replaces interim execu- and seek a new sense of freedom and re- tive secretary Louie Sawatsky. The position will eventually lease in our life together?” transition to chief operations officer. Thiessen has signifi- A year ago, Doell told Canadian cant experience in many aspects of administration, most Mennonite that the decision to explore recently as the director of the London Mennonite Centre a new approach was because the church in England, where he worked for seven years. Before that, structure had become too cumbersome. he was the director of the Welcome Home Community Since the year of jubilee was proclaimed in Edmonton, a government-funded Mennonite social last September, work that the congrega- service agency working with young families in danger of Thiessen tion mutually determines as “essential” is losing their children to children’s services, for five years; accomplished through voluntary sign-up he also founded the Rockmere Christian Study Centre in New Brunswick and then sheets. co-directed it for six years. Thiessen was instrumental in organizing the Root and “Our motto through all this is: ‘If no one Branch Radical Christian Vision Network and has chaired the Network of Christian signs up, we just don’t do it,’ ” Doell says. Peace Organizations, both in the U.K. He is a graduate of Canadian Mennonite Bible “This is accompanied by: ‘No judging!’ If College and the University of Manitoba, both in Winnipeg, and Associated Mennonite someone is not volunteering their gifts this Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. He brings with him a strong passion for the work year, we will assume they need a Sabbath of the church, for what it means to be Anabaptist in today’s world, and for the church r e s t .” to relate to young adults in a way that genuinely includes and involves them, accord- To the congregation’s surprise, Doell says ing to MC Canada general secretary Robert J. Suderman. Thiessen continues to be Whitewater Mennonite is discovering “just Canadian Mennonite’s regular film reviewer. how few things are really necessary.” —Mennonite Church Canada Release “We might actually be on to something,” 16 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

continues as vice-chair in her second term John Goosen of Delta, B.C., representing God at work in the World Board changes as a member at large. MC Canada for a second term, chose not Ed Janzen of Abbotsford, B.C., beginning to stand for another term. MC Canada will at Canadian his second three-year term representing name his successor later this year. l Mennonite MC Canada, continues as secretary. By Dick Benner ΛΛBriefly noted Editor/Publisher Myths about abuse exposed at MCC workshop Abbotsford, B.C. LEAMINGTON, ONT.—“Building healthy relationships within the family and obi Thiessen, a church” was the theme of a Jan. 30 workshop, sponsored by Mennonite Central Ts t a y - a t - h o m e Committee Ontario and led by Gavin Michaels, a Christian counsellor who has mom from Toronto worked with community service agencies in southwestern Ontario. More than 20 with an M.B.A. degree, people from various Mennonite churches met at United Mennonite Educational was elected chair of the Institute, Leamington, for the event. “To be our authentic self requires us to embrace Canadian Mennonite a journey with a risen Saviour, Michaels said. “We were created with a core longing Publishing Service to experience God at our deepest levels; anything less would leave us with an internal ( w h i c h p u b l i s h e s Thiessen void.” He presented many myths and facts about abuse among Christians, which Canadian Mennonite), reminded participants that, even though the church has been talking about sexual at the annual meeting of the 12-mem- abuse for years, many myths are still alive. Participants were left with questions like, ber board held last month at Emmanuel “How do you forgive abuse?”, and, “How do you report it?” The Amish resource on Mennonite Church, Abbotsford. During setting healthy sexual boundaries, “A fence or an ambulance,” was distributed. Books her first term as a member-at-large, were available on building self-esteem for children and adults. Hearing first-person Thiessen was treasurer for the board. accounts of the journey from being abused to living life out of abusive situations Thiessen succeeds Larry Cornies, a proved inspirational for many. journalism professor from London, Ont., —By Ruth Boehm who decided to step down after six years on the board. Cornies stays on the board, however, representing Mennonite Church Eastern Canada until that area church’s annual meeting later this month. New members elected to the board are: • Carl Degurse, a writer- editor for the Winnipeg Free Press newspaper; and DeGurse • James Moyer, a retired Agriculture Canada research scientist from Lethbridge, Alta. Degurse fills the seat left by Joanna Reesor McDowell of Stouffville, Ont., who decided not Moyer to run for a second term. Moyer, representing MC Alberta, fills the unexpired first term of Doris Haysom Visit a Personal Lender Daley, a western cowboy poet, who re- today for more details signed in December 2009. Les Klassen Hamm of Saskatoon, Sask., was elected to fill the vacated treasurer 1.888.672.6728 position. www.mscu.com Margaret Ewen Peters of Hanley, Sask., Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 17

God at work in the World home with them. Those ribbons contained a pledge: “Today, I will reject all forms of Front Cover Story hate; respond to all with peace and nonviolence; work with justice, peace and compassion for all people; stand with those Violet against violence who are victims of hate and racism; see By Dick Benner God in every person I meet.” Editor/Publisher The event was initiated by the Calgary Calgary, Alta. Mennonite Inter-Ministerial Association, which chose March 21 because of its elanie DeSouza-Cook, the wife celebrate the different races in their church significance as the International Day for Min a mixed-race marriage, knows and neighbourhood. the Elimination of Racism. With a strong first-hand the sting of discrimination in Blue turned to “violet,” but that serv- statement opposing race hatred (see side- Calgary. She has had obscenities and ra- ice came to pass on March 21, as bar below) and the special worship empha- cial slurs hurled at her in the grocery store. Foothills joined other Calgary Mennonite sis Sunday, the association issued a call for Some neighbours are uncomfortable with churches to focus on the topic of racism peaceful responses to the rise of white su- her family living in that part of the city. and pray for peace in their worship services. premacist activity in the city. But DeSouza-Cook, a Catholic by faith, Worshippers were given violet ribbons to “We are deeply concerned about the her husband Derek Cook and their eight- wear as an expression of their peaceful dis- spread of hate activity in the city and the rise year-old daughter refuse to be cowed by sent to the ideology of white supremacy and in violence associated with it,” said Doug fear. DeSouza-Cook has just self-published hate so evident in this city over the past year. Klassen, senior pastor at Foothills and chair A Family of Ice Cream, written primarily More than 2,000 ribbons were distributed of the inter-ministerial association. “We be- for her daughter, who, three years ago, at services throughout Calgary. lieve we are called to speak out against in- asked why their local Calgary commun- After tying their ribbons to a tree, wor- justice and advocate for peace, and witness ity couldn’t have a “blue ribbon” service to shippers were given a violet ribbon to take against all forms of violence.” l

injustice and advocate for peace in solidarity with the Excerpt from a joint statement of the oppressed, and witness against all forms of violence, Calgary Mennonite Churches concerning including hostility between races. white supremacist activity in Calgary: 6. We believe that God’s ultimate goal is to reconcile all creation to himself, and this includes all peoples. As local members of the Mennonite church that forms Consequently, we believe that we are called to seek rec- a worldwide community of faith and life that transcends onciliation between peoples while ensuring that past boundaries of nationality, race, class, gender and lan- injustices do not continue. guage, we offer the following statement of beliefs: 7. We also acknowledge that, historically, church leader- 1. We believe that all people are created in the image of ship has failed to speak out against injustice and has God and that all humanity shares a common ancestry. often remained silent in the face of oppression and 2. We believe that God cares for creation and has con- violence. sequently expressed a universal love for all humanity. As such, we are called to live in peace with one another, and A call for reconciliation the mission of humanity is to build a just and peaceful As members of the Christian faith community, we world in the likeness of God, whose work is peace. therefore: 3. We believe that no portion of the Earth belongs to any • Reject publicly and completely the doctrine of racial one particular people or group. The Earth is the Lord’s, supremacy and hate, both as individuals and collectively and we serve as stewards of a portion. Consequently, as a faith community; we believe that racism is violence and a violation of the • Affirm our belief in nonviolence; integrity and harmony of human relationships. • Call on all persons and institutions to move toward jus- 4. We believe that no one can be whole in a broken tice, peace and compassion for all people, and seek recon- world and every part of our being is affected by the ciliation between all peoples in our community; and world that we inhabit. Racism is a “dividing wall of hos- • Express our solidarity with those who have found tility” that prevents all humanity from sharing in the themselves the victims of racial supremacist ideas or ac- cosmic good. tions, or the ideology of hate, and call all people to show 5. We believe that we are called to speak out against love and compassion to the stranger in our midst. 18 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

pray towards Mecca, he said, “[The teach- God at work in Us Introducing Muslims to Jesus er] thought I was blaspheming and I was suspended for a week.” Self-proclaimed ‘Christian of Muslim background’ When a friend of his wrote a poem about speaks of his conversion experience Allah’s laws of punishment years ago (including the line, “You cut off my hands, you Story and Photo by Rachel Bergen cut off my legs, are you God or a butcher?”) National Correspondent El-Shariff said his friend was executed for Winnipeg blasphemy. Because of these reasons and more, El- Shariff said he became a Christian and his hen Christians pro- those born blind, and the life was changed “without doing the five Wclaim the unique lepers, and I raise the dead prayers [toward Mecca], without fasting claims of God to Muslims, by Allah’s permission.” for 30 days, and without doing anything it often goes awry when “This was the verse that the Koran asks.” they bring Jesus into the started elevating Jesus “Jesus miraculously intervened in my equation, according to Christ, to think of him as life,” he concluded. Emmanuel Ali El-Shariff, more than a messenger,” El- El-Shariff is a teacher and public speak- who says it is inconceiv- Shariff told the CMU crowd. er, and is deeply involved in evangelism able—even sacrilegious—to “If you are really planning and media ministry. He also established Muslims to say that Jesus is on proclaiming the unique the Evangelism by Correspondence the Son of God. claims of Christ to Muslim Network. l A t t h e C a n a d i a n people, this is your verse,” Mennonite University he said. (CMU) public lecture El-Shariff Another thing that helps series, “Proclaiming the Muslim people understand ΛΛBriefly noted unique claims of Christ: Negotiating the the Bible, especially Jesus, is the examples it Growth at Eden Christian-Muslim interface,” that took provides, as well as the stories. “The Koran requires more space place last month, El-Shariff, who was born never gives any explanations, and no ex- and raised a Muslim in Sudan, examined amples. The Bible has examples and stories,” WINKLER, MAN.—Two of the newest how Jesus can be extremely offensive, and he said, explaining that the story of Lazarus programs of Eden Health Care Services yet at the same time amazingly moving, to “made Jesus very distinct to me.” have grown so rapidly in the last three people who practise Islam. Another thing that opens Muslims up years that additional space is being After 26 years of being a Muslim, El- to the possibility of accepting Jesus as the built to accommodate the increased Shariff now believes that changing his view Christ, he said, is that Jesus was the only activity. Eden’s newest program, run in of Jesus from only a prophet was the first one to claim to have authority over sin. partnership with four congregations, is step towards accepting Christ as his per- El-Shariff thought that he understood Mennonite Addictions Services; it pro- sonal Saviour, and is the first step for most the concept of sacrifice because Muslims vides biblically based, cultural and lan- Muslims. believe in sacrificing, but the idea that guage-specific counselling and support It is important to build off of the Jesus Jesus would die to take away all of his sins for individuals, couples and families spoken about in the Koran, El-Shariff said; made him think, “Hey, I would give him a experiencing challenges due to addic- otherwise, Muslims more often than not chance,” he said. tions. The growing number of requests reject the claims. Verse 3:49 of the Koran El-Shariff became a Christian in 1995 for this service from across the region is a good place to start, he said, noting that when Christian missionaries visited him has now stretched the ministry beyond this verse opened the door to Christianity and they had discussions about the Bible the capacity of the existing Eden office for him. It states that Jesus was a messenger and the Koran. When he could ask ques- space in downtown Winkler. At the to the people of Israel and that he created tions freely, El-Shariff was surprised, as same time, Eden’s Segue employment a clay bird, breathed into it, and, by Allah’s many of his questions about Islam ended program has also grown at a rapid pace, permission, the clay bird became a real, live with him being punished. When he asked requiring more space for vocational as- bird. Later in the verse, Jesus says, “I heal a teacher at school why Muslims need to sessments, and group and classroom activities. Both programs will expand El-Shariff now believes that changing his view into available space next to the Segue of Jesus from only a prophet was the first step and Eden Health Care Services offices. towards accepting Christ as his personal Saviour. —Eden Health Care Services Release Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 19

God at work in Us potential involvement through a phone call from the Paralympic Organizing Committee last Christmas Eve. “That was a Christmas present in itself,” she admits. Celebrating abilities Just as the torch for the Olympics trav- Carrying the Paralympic flame represented the spirit of elled across Canada, so did the Paralympic torch. The flame had come from Greece international games for Peace Mennonite Church member to Ottawa, and then went to Montreal and Toronto before coming to B.C. The By Amy Dueckman B.C. Correspondent last day before the Paralympics began, the flame arrived UBC photo by Martin Dee in Vancouver and hen Bonnie Sawatzky rolled her Sawatzky was the Wwheelchair down the student union first person to carry plaza hill just after lighting the Paralympic it that day. Each torch at the University of British Columbia torchbearer carried (UBC) in Vancouver last month, she re- the flame a distance members a crowd of people surrounding of 300 metres. her. “Go, Bonnie, go!” they yelled. Although not “It was the most amazing experience active as an athlete and quite an honour,” recalls Sawatzky, now, Sawatzky did a member of Peace Mennonite Church, participate in sports Richmond, B.C., and associate professor of in earlier years. “I orthopaedics at UBC. “My friends, family, loved cycling and and students from my lab and class came swimming prior to a out to celebrate with me. I felt so special.” car accident in 1993,” With controversy surrounding the mil- she says. “However, lions of dollars spent on British Columbia’s I was born with a hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic birth defect called Winter Games, and with some Mennonites arthrogryposis, a wondering if the games’ inherent empha- spinal cord disease sis on nationalism and winning are in line similar to polio. It with a Christian worldview, Sawatzky has affected my hands her own opinion. and feet. I competed “The games are about celebrating abil- in the B.C. Summer ities,” she says. “Yes, it’s expensive, and we, Games and also did as Mennonites, are socially conscious of a triathlon for fun. this fact. However, if one considers the In 1993, I had a car immense expense of [different] countries’ accident which [in- war efforts, the Olympics is much less ex- jured] my hip and pensive and brings the world together to Bonnie Sawatzky, a member of Peace Mennonite Church, generally left me celebrate their athletes and just enjoy some Richmond, B.C., was the first to carry the Paralympic torch very weak, so I now competition.” upon its arrival in Vancouver. She is pictured with her sup- use a wheelchair to Sawatzky also notes that a spontaneous porters and Leon, her service dog. get around outside spirit of fun and celebration in Vancouver of home.” surrounded the games: “For Canada, it disabilities that follow the international Sawatzky used to run with her first serv- brought us together. The world needs rea- Olympic Games in the same city). She re- ice dog, Phoenix, who has since passed sons to come together and put aside their minds herself, “It’s not about me, it’s about away. She is also a member of the Disabled political differences for a change.” the Olympians doing these amazing things. Sailing Association. For Sawatzky, carrying the flame was a Whether they recognize it or not, God gave A member of the UBC Faculty of memorable and thrilling experience that these [athletes] the gift of abilities and the Medicine, Sawatzky does research in the represented the spirit of the Olympic and flame symbolizes that spirit. We are amaz- field of spinal cord injury. She also leads Paralympic Games (the latter are elite ing creatures of God.” a provincial network called the Disability sporting competitions for athletes with Sawatzky first learned about her Health Research Network. l 20 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

Obituary early years of this decade, he guided CPT through its growth and maturation as an ‘Little by little there organization supporting nonviolent action around the world. Stoltzfus travelled to Iraq immediately will be change’ before the first Gulf War in 1991, and spent time with the Iraq CPT Team in 2003 to Gene Stoltzfus facilitate consultation with Muslim and Feb. 1, 1940 – March 10, 2010 Christian clerics, Iraqi human rights leaders and families of Iraqi detainees, all the From Christian Peacemaker Teams Releases while talking with American administra- tors and soldiers. The team’s work con- ene Stoltzfus, the founding director of tributed to the disclosures of abuse at Abu GChristian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), Ghraib Prison that gave impetus to the died of a heart attack in Fort Frances, Ont., still-tentative worldwide movement for while bicycling near his home on the first leaders at Techny Towers outside Chicago military forces to attend to the rights and spring-like day of the year. He is survived in 1986. protection of civilians and prisoners. by wife Dorothy Friesen and many peace- Two years later, he became the first From mid-December 2001 to mid-Janu- makers who stand on the broad shoulders staff person of the newly formed organ- ary 2002, Stoltzfus and current CPT co- of his 70 years of creative action. ization, and continued as CPT’s director director Doug Pritchard were in Pakistan Stoltzfus was at the heart of those who for the next 16 years. In the early years, and Afghanistan listening to the victims of planted and nurtured the vision for teams Stoltzfus and CPT’s steering committee bombing and observing the effects of 23 of peacemakers partnering with local com- experimented with various approaches years of violence—much of it fed by forces munities in conflict zones to build justice to activate faith-grounded peacemaking. from outside Afghanistan. and lasting peace. This vision grew into Through the early 1990s, he gave leader- CPT, with Stoltzfus playing key roles in ship to solidifying the vision and practice CPT photo CPT’s founding gathering of Christian of sustained teamwork in situations of activists, theologians and other church lethal conflict. During the late ’90s and Tributes

Gene was a special person. He was also my friend. By chance, I met him on March 7, just a few days before he died. He and Dorothy were in Winnipeg, and decided to attend worship at my church before heading back to Gene Stoltzfus talks with Shia women in Fort Frances. After the service we spent a few minutes Najef, Iraq. The women were pleading for reminiscing about old friends and old times. We prom- help in finding missing relatives. ised to stay in touch. That won’t happen, now that he is gone. But Gene Stoltzfus’s legacy lives on. John Longhurst, Winnipeg phase. His presence in congregations and a conference showed a rare mix of empathy, humour and personal Gene Stoltzfus was indeed larger than life . . . . His conviction. For each audience he had a special way to spirit, courage, warmth and humble, engaging nature approach dialogue. This example will stay with me as a will live long in the hearts of many, from co-workers guiding image of how to work for peace. in the struggle for peace and victims of oppression Maarten van der Werf, CPT support group, around the globe, to the children of Emo, Ont., who Netherlands thrilled to his role of jolly, white-bearded St. Nick. Thomas Friesen, Vancouver, B.C. I like to thank God for having had the opportunity of meeting Gene last year in Berlin. He was an inspira- The message of Gene’s death touched me deeply. I tion for my congregation, the Berlin Mennonite Con- know him since the Techny consultation in 1986. Just gregation, and for my work. over a year ago I sat with him at the kitchen table at my Martina Basso, director of the Mennonite Peace- home. We talked about getting CPT involvement going center of Berlin and pastor of the Berlin Mennonite in the Netherlands. He was a great help in that starting Congregation, Germany Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 21

“Where have you been all these years?” community and congregationally based blogged regularly at peaceprobe. asked an Afghan leader, articulating the peacemaking efforts. wordpress.com, and made twig furniture voices of others around the globe. Later that decade, he and his wife and jewellery as a contribution to the Stoltzfus’s commitment to peacemaking co-directed the Mennonite Central greening of the world. was rooted in his Christian faith and ex- Committee program in the Philippines The closing paragraph of Stoltzfus’s perience in Vietnam, where he served as a during President Marcos’s martial law era, final post on his blog is an expression of conscientious objector with International focusing on human rights and economic his conviction and hope: “Every one of us is Voluntary Services during the mid-1960s, justice. The couple then went on to help es- impacted by a dominant culture which in- when U.S. military action there was escal- tablish Synapses, a grassroots international sists that military or police force will make ating. He recalled watching the helicopter peace and justice organization in Chicago, things right. Every day, that culture tells personnel unload their cargo of bloodied to connect the United States and people in us that dirty tricks, usually done in secret, bodies. He said this experience set him “on the developing world. are required for our survival. After all, it’s the search to make sense of life and death Stoltzfus grew up in Aurora, Ohio, then argued, someone has to do this dirty work. where the terms of survival, meaning and a rural town in the northeast part of the It’s called a noble work and . . . mercenar- culture approve and even train for killing.” state, where his parents gave leadership ies are required for the work. It will take He had to ask himself if he was willing to in a Mennonite church and his father was an expanding worldwide but grassroots die for his conviction of loving the enemy the pastor. He graduated with a degree culture reaching beyond national borders just as Vietnamese and American soldiers in sociology from Goshen College, Ind., to fashion a body of Christian peacemakers all around him were being asked to give and earned master’s degrees in south and to be an effective power to block the guns their lives in order to achieve peace and southeast Asian studies from American and be part of transforming each impend- security. University, Washington, D.C., and divin- ing tragedy of war. Little by little there will In the early 1970s, Stoltzfus directed a ity from Associated Mennonite Biblical be change.” domestic Mennonite Voluntary Service Seminary, Elkhart, Ind. More than a hundred locals attended his program with a view to engaging with the Stoltzfus and Friesen lived in Chicago memorial service at Emo United Church in social justice and peacemaking needs of for 25 years until his retirement to Fort northwestern Ontario. Other memorials that day. He recognized then the enormous Frances. After retiring from CPT, he trav- were held around the world in the U.S., importance of local, disciplined, trained elled widely to speaking engagements, Jerusalem, the Philippines and Iraq. l

Come with us to Jordan & Egypt... We’ll visit Mt. Nebo, Petra, Jesus’ baptismal place at the Planting Churches in the 21st Century Jordan, Herod’s prison for John the Baptist, Is the goal of church planting to plant more churches or plant new kinds of churches? For Pyramids at Giza/Cairo, Stuart Murray, church planting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about developing new ways Mt. Sinai and St. Catherine’s, of being the church in the world today. Aswan, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, 232 pages, paper. $19.99 USD/$22.99 CAD. www.mpn.net/plantingchurches a 4-day Nile Cruise, and more. Glenn Edward Witmer BA, MDiv, ThM 10-year church worker in Israel. The Naked Anabaptist November 11-26, 2010 The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith Another MennoJerusalem Tour What does Anabaptism look like when not clothed in Mennonite traditions? Stuart for Ami Tours International Murray peels back the layers to show that it is a radical way of following Jesus that IATA and TICO Registered challenges, disturbs and inspires. Tour Info: 519-696-2884 [email protected] 300 pages, paper. $13.99 USD/$16.09 CAD. www.mpn.net/nakedanabaptist Bookings: [email protected] 800-245-7894 (USA) • 800-631-6535 (Canada) More tour itineraries and dates at: Herald Press is the book imprint of Mennonite Publishing Network. www.mennojerusalem.org 22 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

Artbeat a broader sweep of Reformed churches. The volume just published includes proceedings of the sixth consultation, which New book gives greater voice to met in Strasbourg, France, in 2000, and the seventh, which met in Prague, the Czech minority Reformation traditions Republic, in 2003. “The conversations began with minority Story and Photo by Mary E. Klassen Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Release churches, and the integrity of the discus- Elkhart, Ind. sions gradually attracted Lutherans and other groups,” explained John Rempel, associate director of the Institute of alter Sawatsky, professor of church offered for the first time a place for voices Mennonite Studies at AMBS. Because the Whistory and mission at Associated from minority Reformation traditions to marginalized churches had been partici- Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), be heard within the larger context of ecu- pants from the beginning, “they remained has edited proceedings of two ecumenical menical conversations. They started with on equal footing in the discussions,” he consultations in a newly released book, participants who represented European noted. Sawatsky, in his work of editing and Prophetic and Renewal Movements: The Reformed movements nearly 500 years facilitating publication of the proceedings, Prague Consultations, published by the ago—the First (Hussite) Reformation and “has carried them forward to an audience World Alliance of Reformed Churches the Radical Reformation. that would not otherwise know about it,” (WARC). Through sponsorship by WARC, the Rempel concluded. This volume includes the proceedings of Lutheran World Federation and Mennonite Sawatsky said that the consultations gave the two most recent consultations in a se- World Conference, the consultations participants opportunities to consider how ries that began in 1985. These consultations expanded to include participants from they have lived with their histories. The Reformation groups asked themselves and Photo by Rachel Bergen each other, “What failed? What got tested ΛΛBriefly noted and proved worthwhile?” Sawatsky said Len Enns nominated that his emphasis “was to notice how we for Juno Award talked with each other, and how ecumenical fellowship and dialogue changed us. WATERLOO, ONT.—Len Enns, con- “Change processes that matter develop ductor of the DaCapo Choir and music slowly,” he continued, “but some trans- professor at Conrad Grebel University formations happen when more of us learn College, has been nominated for a Juno to think differently.” Award for his composition, “Nocturne,” Sawatsky and Rempel both believe this from the choir’s Shadowlands CD. volume can be helpful as the different “Nocturne” is nominated in the “clas- Reformation traditions prepare to cele- sical composition of the year” category. The four choirsof Canadian brate their 500th anniversaries. l The piece was composed specifically for Mennonite University (CMU), the DaCapo Chamber Choir by Enns together with the Mennonite back in 2005. The text Enns used is from Community Orchestra, performed Yellow Page Business Directory Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, in classic works by Mendelssohn and which Lorenzo is describing the music Education Resources Haydn and lesser known pieces at Mennonite & BIC Resource Centre of heaven to Jessica. “I tried to recreate, the March 14 “Choral Connections” 519-745-8458 x225 www.mbicresources.org in the music, a moment of engaged, energized, near-magical reality,” Enns event at CMU. Soloists included says. “The closest picture of this is stars Dave Dueck (tenor), Kelsea McLean Financial Services playing hide and seek with the curtains (soprano), Katie Doke Sawatzky of northern lights on a prairie winter (mezzo-soprano), Amanda Bruneau- night.” Enns and his wife plan to attend Schroeder (soprano), DeLayne the Juno Awards ceremony in St. John’s, Toews (tenor), and Jorge Hidalgo Newfoundland and Labrador, later this (baritone and conductor for one Listen. Understand. Plan. month. Duane Eby, MBA, CFP, CLU Financial Advisor piece); the soloists were all CMU 410 Conestogo Road, Unit 208, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 4E2 —Conrad Grebel University College tel 519.725.2006 fax 519.725.2003 Release students or alumni. email [email protected] Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 23

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Focus on Summer

ΛΛUpComing Combines called back to Winkler for another world-record harvest attempt WINKLER, MAN.—Four years after Winkler hosted more than a hundred combines in an attempt to set a record for harvesting 65 hectares, the rural southern Manitoba community is at it again. On Aug. 7, World Harvest for Kids 2010 hopes to bring together more than twice as many combines to harvest 97 hectares and hopefully set a record this time. An adjudicator from Guinness World Records is to be in attendance to determine if the event can set a record for “the most combines working simultaneously in one field.” The current record is held by a group of Irish farmers, who harvested a field of wheat with 175 combines. Children’s Camps International of Winkler is sponsoring the event, and hopes the harvest record attempt will raise awareness and funds for the international evangelical children’s camping ministry. For more information about this event or ministry, visit ChildrensCampsInternational.com. —From a Children’s Camps International Release CMU cyclists to pedal for foreign student aid WINNIPEG—A team of five cyclists, made up of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) faculty members and alumni will race from Vancouver to Winnipeg in pursuit of ultra-marathon cyclist Arvid Loewen, to raise money for international student financial assistance and international practicums. Hot Pursuit 2010 begins on July 17, when CMU’s team of five will try to overtake Arvid Loewen, who is racing for the Mully Children’s Family Charitable Foundation, which helps abandoned and or- phaned children in South Africa. Team CMU will race around the clock, attempting to cover 2,400 kilometres in three-and-a-half days. CMU director of enrolment Abe Take the Next Bergen says, “Many [international] students wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our Step on your financial awards program. Monies raised through Hot Pursuit 2010 will strengthen support for international education.” For more information, or to sponsor a Team Journey CMU participant, e-mail [email protected]. —Canadian Mennonite University Release Vancouver School of Theology

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inside this issue

2 Engaging Pastors: What we learned

3 Key learnings affirmed but further discussion is needed Your gifts at work

4 President’s Window Panorama

Spring 2010 Volume 20 Issue 2 w i A Mn B S d o w

Sustaining strong and vibrant congregations Jewel Gingerich Longenecker, associate dean for leadership education

ngaging Pastors will transform conference centers, publishers and and I can attest to the transformative seminary-church connections other supporting organizations. power of these conversations for both “Ethrough sustained interaction This network is the “ecology of professors and pastors. between professors and pastors. Our ministry.” Others also read the reports, looking learnings will feed into our formation of Engaging Pastors created time and for recurring questions and issues, and pastors and serve as a primary vehicle space for sustained conversations three themes emerged. (See page 2) for AMBS strategic planning even as we about ministry so that people from The Summative Conference, December support the ecology of ministry.” different points in the network— 1 to 3, gave us an opportunity to test This bold claim served as the pastors, professors and area church, these and explore them further with mission statement for the Engaging conference and denominational pastors, denominational leaders, Pastors project, which AMBS leaders—could learn and benefit from leaders of regional conferences and coordinated from 2005 through 2009. these exchanges, and so they could area churches, and educators from Lilly Endowment, whose grant begin to imagine new ways of working Mennonite ministry and theological funded the program, emphasized that collaboratively. schools. strong and vibrant congregations need: When we established the program We brought together representatives • high quality pastoral leadership we decided to build in a lot of entry of each sector of the church charged • theological education points, so we had ten separate with preparing and sustaining • a network of institutions that programs within the larger Engaging pastors—denominations, schools, and must work collaboratively in Pastors grant. congregations. We discovered that addressing challenges and in Over the last five years after each our learnings from Engaging Pastors maintaining strong and vibrant “engagement,” we received reports resonated with these leaders but that religious communities, including from participants. As someone who is more conversation is needed to move congregations, regional and charged with reading all these reports, forward. Although the grant period national judicatories, colleges I assure you that it is almost mind- is over, I pray that the conversations and universities, seminaries, boggling how many of these pastor- will continue for the sake of sustaining independent agencies, retreat and professor conversations occurred, strong and vital congregations. l

AMBS Window is a publication of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary ~ www.ambs.edu Promotional Supplement

Engaging Pastors: What we learned Dorothy Nickel Friesen

grads (in this case) were now life- We were surprised that no long friends was matched only by structures exist for regular remembering classes, worship in the conversation between academy chapel, spiritual direction and faith- and judicatory. There are no formal shaped classes and prayers that stayed exchanges, no structures, and little with them. In short, the person of the encouragement to become engaged. professor and the person of the pastor We are all wandering students, full have an impact on each other’s lives in of expertise, but we do not find a ways we had not articulated. classroom where we sit down together. We found out how narrow our contexts are. Professors saw how Conclusion: For the sake of the church, Anglo they were when faced with let’s engage professor and pastor. For the Seminario Bíblico Anabautista the sake of the God’s mission in the in Dallas. What micro-world was world, let’s continue to not just talk but imagined when teaching a routine let’s create new ways to call leaders, class in Elkhart? What good was AMBS new ways to form leaders, and new to an immigrant, undocumented ways to be leaders. It’s a surprising Hispanic pastor in Dallas? time that we just might be the ones to We were surprised how easily we shape a new generation of Mennonite learned from each other, how thirsty leaders. we were for each other’s passion for Jesus Christ, how much we looked Dorothy Nickel Friesen is conference n the opportunities I had to meet to the same Bible for guidance, how minister for Western District Conference. Iwith professors and other pastors much we loved to talk with each other. She also has been a pastor and associate through the Engaging Pastors program We were surprised by each other’s dean of AMBS. She is with Joel Miller, over the last five years, I discovered loneliness. No one prepared us for pastor of Cincinnati (Ohio) Mennonite that both pastors and professors were those first years in ministry—alone, Fellowship, in the photo at left. l surprised to discover all kinds of isolated—with few peers to have things. discussions with. How much we n the front page: Samuel Olarewaju, pastor We love our congregations! We missed the classroom in spite of the Oof Berean Fellowship Church, Youngstown, were surprised to articulate so easily grumbling about heavy reading loads Ohio, represented a missional pastor surrounded that most of us truly love our work and endless reflection papers and by church agencies and organizations that and our small part in the larger picture long class periods. And no one told support him. Gayle Gerber Koontz represented of discipleship, faith formation and professors that they would study by seminaries, and others in their small working experiencing the closeness of the reign themselves a lot and would counsel group took the roles of conferences and area churches. In this final activity of the Engaging of God. individual students a lot and would feel they were teaching in isolation Pastors Summative Conference, each working Professors were startled at how group illustrated some aspect of support for important they were to forming often convinced that their discipline was the most critical for the students. pastors and congregations in the ecology of pastors. The reality that AMBS ministry.

Engaging Pastors key learnings

ngaging Pastors provided oppor- professors regularly engage each To see more about Engaging Pastors, Etunities for sustained conversation other; visit the AMBS Web site: and collaboration among AMBS • Key learning 2: There is an urgent www.ambs.edu/engagingpastors faculty, pastors and denominational, need to strengthen pastoral, biblical Follow the link to the Engaging Pastors conference and area church leaders. and teaching authority in the blog for reflections from participants From these experiences over the last church; about these three themes. l five years, several common learnings • Key learning 3: The church and emerged: seminary need to equip pastors and • Key learning 1: The practice professors to read and engage their and teaching of ministry is missional contexts with joy. strengthened when pastors and

2 AMBS Window Spring 2010 Promotional Supplement

Key learnings affirmed but further discussion is needed

egan Ramer, a member of the and learning; and 3) the need for MSummative Conference Listening substantive, ongoing support and Committee and pastor of Chicago mentoring for pastors. (Ill.) Community Mennonite Church, observed that each of the three key Key learning 2 learnings (see page 2) names a breach This learning garnered much less in the ecology of ministry. “The consensus, with more nuanced first learning identifies a disconnect support. There was ambiguity between the academy and the church. about what the statement means The second learning identifies a and ambivalence about the notion disconnect between pastor and of authority itself. “What is urgent church—the church at all levels, but is that we don’t have a common particularly the congregation. Learning understanding of authority and the three identifies a disconnect between multiple dimensions of authority,” the the academy, church and pastors, and listening committee said. “Engagement missional contexts.” with this learning has the most The listening committee also potential for substantive change; this included Noel Santiago, executive one goes to the heart of the matter.” minister for Franconia Mennonite Conference; Jack Suderman, general Key learning 3 secretary of Mennonite Church Missional engagement and joy Canada; and Sara Wenger Shenk, feed each other, some participants acting dean of Eastern Mennonite noted. Themes from working groups Seminary and president-elect of AMBS. included: 1) the importance of They concluded that the key learnings looking at the ecology of ministry were affirmed by participants of the comprehensively, including parts Summative Conference, but the second that weren’t represented, such as learning needs more clarification and Mennonite Central Committee, Top: Cyneatha Millsaps, pastor of Community Mennonite Church, Markham, Ill., and Don Yoder, discussion. Mennonite Mission Network, director of admissions, Eastern Mennonite Mennonite Economic Development Seminary, participated in one of 16 working groups Key learning 1 Associates and interim pastors; 2) we that met multiple times during the conference to The listening committee heard a strong need leaders (conference and area grapple with issues raised by the key learnings. “yes.” They noted several themes church ministers, professors) who emerging from working groups: 1) are missional leaders. The committee Bottom: Brenda Hostetler Meyer, pastor of Benton Mennonite Church near Goshen, Ind.; John Rempel, the critical role of conference and area suggested, “Let’s be willing to make AMBS professor; and Jerry Buhler, area church church ministers in bridging the gap new mistakes in going forward. Might minister for Saskatchewan, were among the 100 between pastors and professors; 2) we place higher value on creativity, pastors, church leaders and theological educators the importance of the first five years innovation and risk, rather than who met in Summative Conference working groups of ministry for continued formation success in forming good leaders?” l to reflect on how the church can better support pastors and foster vibrant congregations.

Your gifts at work

oon Hyoung Park is a first-year student at AMBS, originally from Korea but Jmore recently from Vancouver, B.C. With financial help from Mennonite Church Canada, AMBS and other sources, he and his family moved to campus last fall, and both Joon and Shim Beack, his wife, are taking seminary classes, while their daughters are studying at nearby Bethany Christian High School. Gifts from friends across the church are important to keep tuition costs low, especially for students with families, international students and students preparing for service and ministry assignments. Tuition provides 17 percent of the funds AMBS needs each year and AMBS relies on contributions for 41 percent of annual income. Thank you for your gifts which help keep study affordable. To read Joon’s story and the stories of other students at AMBS, please see www.ambs.edu/admissions/why-choose-ambs/student-stories l

AMBS Window Spring 2010 3 Promotional Supplement

President’s Window George R. Brunk, III, Interim President alumni news uring a small group discussion that in-a-web reality but the question of Ordinations: Rachel Siemens Dwas part of the Engaging Pastors how to work the connections in more (Master of Divinity 2007) First Summative Conference, a seasoned fruitful ways. Mennonite Church, Wadsworth, leader of a major Mennonite Church The call for strengthening the Ohio; Ruth R. Harder (Master USA area conference observed that this ecology of ministry, as reflected in of Divinity 2007) Bethel College was the first time he had engaged in the discussions of the Summative Mennonite Church, North Newton, sustained interaction with seminary Conference, comes at the time that Kan.; Juanita Laverty (Master of personnel around key issues of church our denomination is reviewing its Divinity 2007) Hanover Mennonite life. I know for a fact that he had organizational patterns. This creates Church, Hanover, Ont.; Char Harris been in settings where organizational an ideal time for a serious look at Allen (Master of Divinity 2005) Elder questions of pastoral training were how we improve the structures of in the United Methodist Church. discussed, but, true, there was no time communication that link leaders at the given for substantive sharing about denominational and area conference/ Jean Kilheffer Hess (Master of the deeper questions of the church’s area church levels, local pastors in the Arts: Theological Studies 2004) health, including the role of church congregation, and the pastoral and recently launched StoryShare, a leadership in those matters. theological training programs. business providing oral history This situation is the reason why The Engaging Pastors program at interview services for individuals, this novel language of the “ecology AMBS has demonstrated how fruitful businesses and institutions. of ministry” (see the articles in this this engagement can be between issue) is important. Ministry is part pastors and seminary. It points to what David Voth (Master of Arts: Peace of a complex system of structures, could happen at the other levels of the Studies 1980) authored the book relationships and policies that define system. The better flow of interaction Quality Victim Advocacy: A Field how we do church. Ministry cannot would first of all build strong trust. Guide, published by Workplay be considered in isolation from the In that context, but only then, can Publishing. He has been director network of interactions with other we do effective problem solving. of Crime Victim Services, Ohio, parts of church life. Our denomination has leadership since 1985. The book is a guide for Because the seminary’s mission is development as one of its priorities. measuring and improving quality focused on ministry preparation, the All the more reason then to tend and outcomes in crime victim seminary is part of that larger system. the network that is the “ecology of l service programs. In some ways this is all obvious ministry.” enough. What is significant here is not just the recognition of this ministry-

Associated 3003 Benham Avenue Mennonite Elkhart, IN 46517-1999 Biblical 574 295-3726 Seminary www.ambs.edu panorama

Spring 2010 everal sessional faculty members Ph.D. from Fordham University. In his Volume 20 Issue 2 Sare teaching at AMBS during spring recent work he has focused on medical ethics and health care access. The purpose of AMBS Window is to invite read- semester, augmenting the regular ers to call people to leadership ministries, and AMBS teaching faculty. Joni Sancken is co-teaching Founda- to provide ways for readers to become involved James R. Krabill teaches The Spirit tions of Worship and Preaching with with AMBS through financial support, prayer Rebecca Slough, AMBS academic dean. support and student recruiting. World and the Global Church. He holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Joni studied at AMBS and received Editor: Mary E. Klassen from AMBS and a Ph.D. from the her M.Div. from Princeton Theological Designer: Nekeisha Alexis-Baker University of Birmingham in England. Seminary and her Ph.D. in homiletics Photographers: Mark Gingerich, Mary E. Klassen from the University of Toronto in 2009. Paul Keim teaches Beginning Hebrew. Distributed three times a year as a supplement Perry Yoder, AMBS professor emeritus to Canadian Mennonite and The Mennonite. He is on the faculty of Goshen College, Goshen, Ind., and holds an M.Div. of Old Testament, co-teaches Biblical from AMBS and a Ph.D. from Harvard. Foundations for Peace and Justice with Mary Schertz, professor of New Joe Kotva teaches Thinking Ethically. Testament, in four weekend sessions Joe has an M.Div. from AMBS and a during the semester. l

4 AMBS Window Spring 2010 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 29

Aberdeen. Hamilton Mennonite Church for the ca. ΛΛCalendar May 9: RJC spring concert. MCC meat canner; 5 to 7 p.m. MCC April 24, 25: Pax Christi Chorale British Columbia May 25-28: MC Saskatchewan displays, Hope Rising music concert. presents Mozart’s Requiem at Grace April 23-25: Junior youth IMPACT continuing education event. Speaker: For more information, call 905-528- Church-on-the-Hill, Toronto, 7:30 p.m. retreat, at Camp Squeah. Wilma Bailey. Topic: “Lamentations.” 3607 or 905-387-3952. (24), 3 p.m. (25). May 1: Women’s Inspirational Day, June 5-6: Aberdeen Mennonite April 17: Watchmen Quartet perform April 27,28: Bäretswil Church Choir, at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Church centennial celebration. at Kitchener MB Church, 7 to 9 p.m. a Reformed church choir from Abbotsford. June 6: Shekinah Retreat Centre For more information, call 519-698- Zurich, Switzerland, performs at St. May 6: CBC Friends of the Library fundraising concert with House of Doc. 2091. Jacobs Mennonite (27) and Crosshill Lectures feature Marlene Epp, June 11: Steve Bell concert at April 17: Women of Mennonite Mennonite (28); both concerts begin author of Mennonite Women in Prairieland Exhibition, Saskatoon, at Church Eastern Canada spring at 7 p.m. Canada, and Gareth Brandt, author 7:30 p.m. Enrichment Day, at Leamington United April 28: MC Eastern Canada will of Under Construction: Reframing June 11-12: MCC Relief Sale at Mennonite Church, from 10:15 a.m. hold “A day of quiet prayer” at Cedar Men’s Spirituality; at the CBC Library, Prairieland Exhibition, Saskatoon. to 3:30 p.m. Speaker: Liz Koop. Theme: Springs Retreat Centre, Stratford, in Abbotsford, at 6:30 p.m. “Bolivian Mennonite women: A vision conjunction with the Mennonite May 8: Mennonite Historical Society of Manitoba for the future.” To register, call Florence Spiritual Directors of Eastern Canada. Jantzi at 519-669-4356. For more information, call 519-880- B.C. lecture with Marlene Epp, author April 18: Eden Foundation fundraising April 18: Menno Singers presents an 9684 or e-mail mennospiritdire@gmail. of Mennonite Women in Canada, at Four on the Floor concert featuring a cappella hymn sing at Mannheim com. Level Ground Mennonite Church, Winkler Men’s Community Choir, at Mennonite Church, Petersburg. May 1: Bethany Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, at 7 p.m. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, April 23-24: Engaged workshop St. Catharines, hosts “A friend’s hand: May 27,28: Lenten Vespers with the at 7 p.m. for all engaged or newly married Healing in community (Recovering Abendmusik Choir; (27) Emmanuel April 24: CMU spring concert, at couples, Living Water Fellowship, New from abuse),” with keynote speaker Reformed Church, Abbotsford; (28) Loewen Athletic Centre, 7:30 p.m. Hamburg. For more information, e-mail Canadian Mennonite columnist Knox United Church, Vancouver. Both April 24: CMU celebration dinner. [email protected]. Melissa Miller (“Family Ties”). For more concerts at 8 p.m. May 8,9: Southern Manitoba Choral April 23-24: MC Eastern Canada information, or to register, call MCC May 28: Fundraising dessert evening Society presents a “Saengerfest,” at annual church gathering, Niagara Ontario toll-free at 1-800-313-6226 or for Communitas Supportive Care Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church Peninsula. For more information, call e-mail [email protected]. Society, at Bakerview Mennonite (8), and Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite 519-650-3806 or e-mail mcec@mcec. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Brethren Church, Abbotsford, at 7 p.m. Church (9); both events begin at 7 p.m. Featuring Father’s Daughter. For more May 9: Mother’s Day fundraising information, call 604-850-6608. dinner at Camp Assiniboia. May 15,16: Faith and Life Choirs Alberta concerts; (15) SpringfieldH eights ΛΛUpComing May 25-27: Summer Training Institute Mennonite Church, Winnipeg; (16) Online stewardship course available for Church Leaders presents “Holy Steinbach Mennonite Church. from Eastern Mennonite Seminary conversations: Strategic planning as a May 21-23: Camp Moose Lake work- spiritual practice for congregations,” a-thon. HARRISONBURG, VA.—Eastern Mennonite Seminary is May 28-30: Birding retreat at Camp with keynote speaker Gil Rendle; offering an online course for anyone who works with church Koinonia. at Providence Renewal Centre, finances. Beryl Jantzi, stewardship education director with Edmonton. For more information, visit Mennonite Mutual Aid/Harrisonburg, will teach “Money, conciliationservices.ca. Ontario Ministry and Me” from May 3 to June 23. The course will begin April 11: Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Saskatchewan with basic budgeting and financial-planning strategies, then annual general meeting, at Waterloo identify stewardship educational resources that can be used North Mennonite Church, Waterloo, April 18: Carrot River Mennonite in congregational life to help leaders and church members at 3 p.m. Church celebrates 50 years in Carrot develop a stewardship plan for different life stages and for the River. Worship service begins at 10:30 April 11: 2010 bi-national Mennonite congregation. “In a Canadian study, parents indicated that they a.m., followed by a full day of events. Schools Council mass choir concert, For more information, or registration at Centre in the Square, Kitchener, 7 felt better equipped to talk about sex, drugs and alcohol than forms, e-mail [email protected] or p.m. For tickets, visit centre-square. talking to their kids about finances,” Jantzi said. “This course will [email protected]. com online, or Rockway Mennonite help anyone concerned with the church of today and tomorrow April 20: MC Saskatchewan pastors Collegiate or MSCU in person. think through their own values and how to communicate those gathering with speaker Irma Fast April 14: Toronto Mennonite values to others. . . . The allure of consumer culture is only get- Dueck. TheologicalC entre hosts a book ting stronger, and if we hope to keep our values alive in the area April 28: CMU/RJC fundraising launch for On Spirituality: Essays from of Christian stewardship we need to become more intentional banquet and concert, at Osler Shi’i-Muslim Mennonite-Christian in teaching about money.” Registration for the course will be Dialogue III, at the Toronto School of Mennonite Church; banquet at 6 p.m., accepted until filled or through April 30. For more information, Theology on the University ofT oronto concert at 7:30 p.m. or to register, visit emu.edu/seminary/distancelearning. May 1: MC Saskatchewan Missionfest campus, at 4 p.m. —Eastern Mennonite Seminary Release tour to churches in Regina and April 16: Ham dinner fundraiser at 30 Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010

May 8: Niagara United Mennonite information, visit mennosingers.com. Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake presents May 25-29: View “Quilts for the ΛΛClassifieds its ninth annual Springfest, 10 a.m. to 2 world” at St. Jacobs Mennonite For Rent ZOAR MENNONITE Church (Waldheim) 100th Anniversary p.m. Includes bake sale, silent auction, Church—part of the Quilt & Fibre Art Retreat cottage on the Lit- Celebration. Friday, July 2 - open book sale, garden centre, inflatable Festival: Waterloo Region & Beyond. tle Mississippi River for rent, house, barbecue supper and bouncer game for kids, live music, View the work of talented local Bancroft area. Daily or weekly. concert. Saturday, July 3 - late Call 519-471-3309 or e-mail barbecue and café. quilters, daily demonstrations and a gift morning brunch and official [email protected]. Celebration Service. A catered May 8: Grand Philharmonic Choir boutique. Proceeds to MCC. For more supper, including reminiscing, presents Verdi’s Requiem; Centre in the information, visit stjacob.s.com or call will be open to all (small charge Square, Kitchener; 7:30 p.m. toll-free 1-800-265-3353. Announcements to cover costs). Former resi- May 8: Shalom Counselling Services June 4-6: Mennonite and Brethren Cassel Mennonite Church dents and the local community Waterloo fundraising breakfast and Marriage Encounter weekend, at of Tavistock, Ont., will be hav- are invited to participate. If you ing a 75th Anniversary Cele- plan to attend, please advise annual meeting, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Conrad Grebel University College, bration - From the Past Will the office before June 1. Mail: Keynote speaker: Dena Moitoso. Topic: Waterloo. Begins at 7 p.m. (4) and ends Come the Future - on May 7, P.O. Box 368, Waldheim, SK S0K “Understanding suicide and how it at 3 p.m. (6). For more information, call 8 & 9, 2010. Come and enjoy a 4R0; e-mail: zoarwaldheim@ affects our community.”C all 519-886- 519-669-8667. weekend of music, speakers, sasktel.net; or phone: 306-945- memories and food. For more 2271. 9690 by May 3 to reserve a ticket. To ensure timely publication of information, contact: Duane May 15: Annual “Paddle the Grand and Nicole Swartzentruber at Parent Support Group: An- upcoming events, please send River” event for Silver Lake Mennonite swartzhomefarms@execulink. nouncing a bimonthly support Calendar announcements eight group for Mennonite parents Camp. For more information, visit slmc. com; Cassel Church at 519-462- weeks in advance of the event of gay, lesbian, bisexual and on.ca. 2251 or casselmc@execulink. transgendered (GLBT) persons date by e-mail to calendar@ com; or check out our website May 15, June 13: Menno Singers, in Southwestern Ontario. We canadianmennonite.org. at www.casselmc.com. provide confidential support, with Mennonite Mass Choir and fellowship, resources and op- soloists, present Haydn’s Creation, St. Salem Mennonite Church of portunities for dialogue in the Tofield, Alberta is celebrating Spirit of Christ. For more in- Peter’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener, 100 years as a congregation formation please contact the 7:30 p.m. (May 13); Riverstone Retreat on July 24 & 25, 2010. We would following: [email protected], [email protected], Centre, Durham (June 13). For more love to have you help us cele- or Roy and Mary Gascho, 519- brate this historic and joyous 742-1850. event. Pre-registration by May 31, 2010 is imperative so we can properly plan for our time to- Housing Wanted UpComing gether. For further information Housing: Returning MCC family ΛΛ and/or to pre-register contact of five looking for housing (3 Mennonites and modernity the topic Joe & Elaine Kauffman by mail: bedroom) near the University Box 212, Tofield, AB TOB 4J0, by of Waterloo starting in August. of historical conference at Bethel telephone: 780-662-2344, or by Please contact Kurtis Unger at e-mail: [email protected]. [email protected]. NORTH NEWTON, KAN.—Historians and scholars from across Europe and North America will gather at Bethel College on June 25 and 26 for a conference that will shine a light on a Employment Opportunities heretofore neglected area in Anabaptist and Mennonite histor- CARETAKER POSITION ical study. “Marginal or mainstream? Anabaptists, Mennonites and modernity in European society” will look at such questions Job opportunity for a couple or individual to serve as Caretakers of the Canadian Men- as: “Over five centuries of Anabaptist and Mennonite history, nonite University Braintree Creation Care Centre buildings to what extent did this often-marginalized community none- and grounds in East Braintree, Man. Position comes with a theless provide models or stimuli for important developments three-bedroom house and monthly stipend. Call 204-487-3300 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. in European economics, politics, religious practice, gender relations or other areas?”, “What did Mennonites have to offer that interested, aided or offended the world?”, and, “How did YOUTH/ASSOCIATE PASTOR Mennonites experience and help to shape industrialization, ur- Eden Mennonite Church is located in Chilliwack, B.C., one banization, capitalism, imperialism, feminism, republicanism, hour east of Vancouver. We are a congregation with an active nationalism, institutionalization and Enlightenment rational- membership of about 150 people with diverse ages and ity, or were most Mennonites happy to stay on the margins of occupations. European modernity?” Presenters for the conference include The Youth Ministry focus is to equip, train, teach and counsel both the youth and youth sponsors. Associate pastor respon- Michael Driedger, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ont.; Ernie sibilities are: to be involved in other ministries within the church Hamm and Jeremy Koop, York University, Toronto; and Karl such as leading music or worship, preaching and teaching. Koop, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg. To register, Qualifications: Degree in Youth Ministry/Biblical Studies. visit bethelks.edu and follow the “Mennonites and modern- Application deadline: May 15, 2010. ity” link. Apply to Brian Goertzen: [email protected]. —Bethel College Release Canadian Mennonite April 5, 2010 31

MANAGING CURRICULUM EDITOR Lead Pastor Mennonite Publishing Network seeks a full- Calgary First Mennonite Church, located in central Calgary, time Managing Curriculum Editor. Primary invites applications for a full-time Lead Pastor position. Our responsibilities include developing, manag- congregation seeks an applicant with a commitment to Men- ing and editing curriculum and other publications with the nonite theology and to the practices of the Mennonite Church. Faith & Life Resources imprint. Must have training and/or ex- We seek a spiritual leader with the gifts of preaching, teaching perience in education, theology and editing. Preferred loca- and pastoral care. Related education and experience in pas- tion in Elkhart or Goshen. Other locations will be considered. toral leadership is a priority. Mid-July start date. Contact Ron Rempel for more information: [email protected] or 800-631-6535. Please direct resumes to our Pastor Search Committee Contact: Marguerite Jack – [email protected].

LEAD PASTOR Altona Mennonite Church (AMC), located 100 km southwest CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY of Winnipeg, Man., invites applications for a full-time Pastor starting September 2010. AMC is a progressive and caring congregation of 100, in a rural community of approximately CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 4,000. The candidate to be considered needs to be committed to Mennonite Anabaptism, educated in a conference school, and have gifts as a preacher, spiritual leader, teacher, and in Information Technology Technician pastoral care. • full-time position Please see our website - www.altonamennonitechurch.ca - for contact information. Direct resumes to: Financial & Student Services Advisor • full-time position Altona Mennonite Church c/o The Pastoral Search Committee Box 1237 Volunteer Coordinator Altona, MB R0G 0B0 • part-time volunteer position

www.cmu.ca/employment.html Stewardship 204.487.3300 [email protected] Consultant

MFC seeks a full‐time Consultant to work in its St. Catharines, Ontario office. The successful candidate will be responsible to promote biblical stewardship of financial resources and to provide charitable gift and estate planning services.

The successful candidate will: • Support and incorporate MFC’s core values of Leadership Openings stewardship in personal life fOr MennOnite CentraL COMMittee prOgraMs • Communicate effectively with individuals and in public presentations MCC RepResentative in asia: • Have knowledge of, or ability to learn, charitable gift BangLadesh in Dhaka (June 2010) and estate planning MCC RepResentatives in afRiCa: • Be creative, organized, and self‐motivated in balancing Burkina fasO in Ouagadougou (Jan. 2011) multiple projects Chad in n’Djamena (Jan. 2011) • Be willing and able to contribute as part of an ethiOpia in addis ababa (Jan. 2011) inter‐dependent staff team. MOzaMBique in Beira (Jan. 2011) A start date for the position is negotiable. Processing of applications will begin immediately and continue until the MCC RepResentative in the MiDDle east: position is filled. Submit resumes to: LeBanOn and syria in Beirut (June 2011)

Darren Pries‐Klassen, Executive Director MCC RepResentative in euROpe: 22‐595 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, ON L2M 4Y2 sOutheast eurOpe in sarajevo, Bosnia-herzegovina fax: 204‐488‐1986 (June 2011)

[email protected] fOR asia anD afRiCa, COntaCt BeCky stahly: [email protected] Mennofoundation.ca fOR MiDDle east anD euROpe, COntaCt MaRsha JOnes: [email protected] In a ‘blaze’ of glory CMU women’s teams win 2010 provincial volleyball, basketball championships

Story and Photos by Nadine Kampen Canadian Mennonite University Release WINNIPEG

ore than 300 spectators packed the MCanadian Mennonite University (CMU) Loewen Athletic Centre on March 6 to witness the CMU Blazers women’s basketball team down Red River College 70-26, to win the 2010 Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) title. CMU’s Christie Anne McCullough was named tournament MVP. At the same tournament, the top-rated CMU men’s basketball team earned a silver medal, losing 70-65 to the Red River Rebels in the final game. The week before, the CMU women’s volleyball team captured gold at the provincial college championship held in Brandon, defeating St. Boniface in three straight games in the semi-finals before taking the final match against Red River The Canadian Mennonite Blazers basketball team (photo above) and volley- three games to one. ball team (photo below) won their respective 2010 Manitoba Colleges Athletic Evelyn Kampen was selected as the 2010 Conference titles. MCAC most valuable volleyball player of the year and player of the game in the conference final. The men’s volleyball team earned a bronze medal, downing Assiniboine Community College in straight games. The CMU Blazers men’s hockey team came one game short of “three-peating” as the conference champions, losing in this year’s final to the Assiniboine Community College Cougars by a score of 7-4, a loss that earned CMU a silver medal. The game was actually closer than the final score would indicate, as Assiniboine’s last two goals were scored into an empty net after the Blazers pulled their goalie in the dying minutes in an unsuccessful attempt to get the equalizer. l