Inside Retirement Planning 4 Too Hot for God? 15 New Vision, Structure for MCC 20 2 Canadian Mennonite May 25, 2009
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May 25, 2009 Volume 13 Number 11 Laps for life Focus on Seniors begins on pg. 25 inside Retirement planning 4 Too hot for God? 15 New vision, structure for MCC 20 2 Canadian Mennonite May 25, 2009 Editorial agricultural development in Third World countries. And of the new and exciting “micro-managing” model established to Neighbourhood extend credit to low-income entrepre- neurs in these same settings. I think of all the similar national “part- ners” my friends work with as Mennonite Pentecost Central Committee (MCC) country rep- Dick Benner resentatives in Beirut, one of many dozens Editor/Publisher in over 50 similar international settings. Then my mind wanders back, way back, he thrill persists every time I drive poor souls. My parents were considered to the ancient formative event of the early down my street in Waterloo on the one of the few visionaries, going into the church, the one we refer to and celebrate as Tway to work, observing neighbours hills of eastern Pennsylvania, “experien- Pentecost, when those filled with the Holy of many nationalities, persons of cing an enthusiasm, a freedom of Spirit began to speak in other tongues. all ages and professions—some in expression,” as historian John L. Is it too much of a stretch to interpret their traditional garb, all blending Ruth put it, “an intensity seldom, these new thrills as our 21st century into what seems to be a vibrant, if ever, experienced in their home glossolalia, our new Pentecost? Is my middle-class community of families congregations.” drive down the street an ecstasy of “other and, in time, hopefully, friends. How misguided, yet sincere, I tongues”? Are our MEDA and MCC vol- What a privilege, I muse, and ponder in looking back through unteers learning the language of many na- so unlike the closely-knit German-Swiss my 2009 lenses. How fortunate to have tionalities as they work in tandem to meet community in which I grew up, where, come so far in so few years when seeing the injustices of repressive regimes around yes, we were friendly enough with our “A Common Word” letter signed by MC the globe, and to use new technologies in neighbours, but always keeping them at Canada promoting a “thoughtful and meeting hunger and health needs? arm’s length because they were considered respectful call for a conversation of peace Are we learning the new language of our “outsiders.” They were, after all, somewhat between Muslims and Christians.” Muslim sisters and brothers as we accept suspect as Protestants or Catholics, reli- How good to hear Tony Bender from their gifts to meet the needs of our own giously tolerated at best and considered Kitchener’s House of Friendship tell the ministries to the impoverished right here prospects for proselytizing at worst. As Sunday school gathering at Waterloo in our own Canadian cities and towns? young children, we were warned of the North Mennonite Church of the Sikh Doesn’t Pentecost come to us, in 2009, vices into which we could be drawn, and community near Milton, Ont., donating after getting release from that well- were limited in our sports and drama par- 36,000 kilograms of potatoes to this min- intentioned, but misguided parochial- ticipation at public school, always a reli- istry’s food needs, and of the Muslims ism of the past, to embrace the new and able security measure for parents wanting giving food as part of their annual Feast lasting effects of the ecstatic speech of to diminish “worldly” influences. of Sacrifice close to our Thanksgiving. Pentecost? “Seen no longer as a mo- This new, friendly perception of my I’m sure that takes some humility, I mentary and largely incomprehensible neighbours, of course, is my 21st century think to myself. Don’t we normally take religious ecstasy,” write biblical scholars enlightened view of this monumental great satisfaction in being the giver, Richard J. Dillon and Joseph A. Fitzmyer, societal shift. Back in the 1950s and ’60s, rather than the receiver? Quickly, though, “the apostolic utterance at Pentecost a preoccupation with “separation” was my wandering mind returns Sunday becomes the inauguration of a truly uni- the accepted ethos of good Mennonites. school, where Mennonite Economic versal preaching that will transcend every My goodness, we even went into “mis- Development Associates (MEDA) boundary of nationality and speech.” sion work” in remote rural areas, the representative John Pauls tells us about Are you experiencing the ecstasy of more brave and sophisticated going into the many national “partners” the or- Pentecost in your neighbourhood, in blighted urban centres, to “convert” these ganization depends on in carrying out your congregation, on your street? About the cover: Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at Stuart Martin does practice laps in the Wilfrid Laurier University pool in 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ Waterloo, Ont., for 90 minutes four mornings a week to stay in shape for canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- swim meets . and his chores around the house. See story on page 25, dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at which begins our annual Focus on Seniors section. our web site. We acknowledge the financial support of PHOTO: DAVE ROGALSKY, CANADIAN MENNONITE the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program towards our mailing costs. ISSN 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 What your retirement planner doe$n’t tell you 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsSave your money in order to give your life away—not retire comfortably, 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 Lynn Miller, the stewardship theologian for Mennonite Mututal Aid, WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 urges people of all ages as they contemplate their future. Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 Web site: canadianmennonite.org ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ 14 Please send all material to be considered for publication to: Inspirational Day speakers talk of God’s abiding presence in their lives to General submission address: [email protected] more than 200 Mennonite Church B.C. women, many of whom made Readers Write: [email protected] the long trek from the Fraser Valley to Kelowna, in this report by Amy Milestones announcements: [email protected] Dueckman. Obituaries: Karen Suderman, [email protected] Calendar announcements: [email protected] Utopian paradise or peril? 18 Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/ In preparation for this summer’s Mennonite World Conference assembly Obituaries/Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. in Paraguay, Cal Redekop provides snapshots of the various utopian Reprint requests: [email protected] societies that were attracted to this South American country. Mission statement: Canadian Mennonite (CM) is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ From the Prairies . to Palestine . and back 22 Mennonite-oriented periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relation- Saskatchewan correspondent Karin Fehderau sits down ships within the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing with Stephanie Epp of Eigenheim Mennonite Church, accurate and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, Rosthern, to discover what she learned during a recent CPT and news and analyses of issues facing the church. In fulfilling its mission, the visit to Palestine. primary constituency of CM is the people and churches of Mennonite Church Canada and its five related area churches. CM also welcomes readers from the New peace choir seeks to inspire peacemakers 24 broader inter-Mennonite and inter-church scene. Editorial freedom is expressed Timothy Corlis, who is studying composition at the University of British through seeking and speaking the truth in love and by providing a balance of Columbia, launched his new Vancouver Peace Choir on Earth Day. perspectives in news and commentary. CM will be a vehicle through which mutual accountability can be exercised within the community of believers; the Laps for life 25 paper also encourages its readers to have open hearts and minds in the process Seventy-five-year-old swimmerStuart Martin still has of discerning God’s will. his sights set on the podium . and his health, in our Focus Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has on Seniors feature article. Plus, ‘A Russian childhood remem- promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and bered by Elly Takaki, and more. good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:23-25, Regular features: NRSV). For discussion 7 Readers write 8 Milestones 11 Board of Directors (by appointing body): Obituary 12 Pontius’ Puddle 12 Yellow Pages 27 MC Canada: Ed Janzen, John Goossen; MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: Calendar 29 Classifieds 30 Doris Daley Haysom; MC Saskatchewan: Joe Neufeld; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; MC Eastern Canada: Larry Cornies; Elected by CMPS: Margaret Ewen Neighbourhood Pentecost 2 Peters, Joanna Reesor-McDowell, Tobi Thiessen Dick Benner Board Chair: Larry Cornies, [email protected], 519-854-9204 Invited to the table 8 Head Office Staff: Karen Martens Zimmerly Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Musings on Marilyn 9 Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Melissa Miller Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Can too much be not enough? 10 Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Mike Strathdee Advertising: Karen Suderman, [email protected], toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224, home office: 519-745-4507 Correspondents: Aaron Epp, National Correspondent, [email protected], 204-885-2565 New blog postings ext.