PM 40063104 R09613

March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5

A rock star’s prayer page 6

Focus on Summer page 14 DeskTop

workers and refugee claimants. Church planting strategies “The Mexicans, they come to plant strawberries, blueber- ensus data shows that Canada’s population will ries. Those people, they arrive for two months, and they increasingly look different as this century unfolds. say, ‘Are you a pastor? Could you come with us please? We CCanada’s birth rate has been dropping steadily, to don’t speak any English. We need information to buy phone about 1.5 births per woman in 2001, below the replacement cards, to send money to my family.’ I visit them. There are rate of two children per woman. 32, 35 people. Two are Christian. I serve [communion] to Immigration is helping make up the loss in population them. The next Sunday, they prepare taco salad for my wife due to the birth rate. Canada welcomed 2.2 million new and me. Two Sundays in the month I have spent with them immigrants in the 1990s, more people than any decade in to preach. the past century. China is now Canada’s largest source of “It is very difficult to consolidate the church because peo- new immigrants, followed by India, the Philippines and ple are refugee claimants and they stay only for two, three Hong Kong. Three-quarters of these newcomers settled in months and then they leave Canada. A lot of people come in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal. without Jesus, they meet Jesus, and when they leave, we re- At the MC B.C. delegate sessions at Eben-Ezer Mennonite ceive letters from those people that say, ‘Thank you, pastor. Church in Abbotsford late last month, I met with a number I have not lost my time. Why? Because I met Jesus. Thank of people who are helping start new congregations in the you, pastor.’ province. All six church plant projects are focused on grow- “It’s many an amazing experience I had. One time, a guy ing Asian and Central American communities in the greater from Chile, he had applied for refugee status in Quebec. Vancouver area. He left Quebec because it was so cold. He came here and Language classes, personal discipling and children’s worked for two months. Immigration said you have to leave ministries are three important ways to be effective in Canada. Now he is in Chile and now he said, ‘I didn’t get my witnessing and ministering to newcomers, according to papers, but I met Jesus.’ Now he is meeting in a different Edgar Rivera, MC B.C. staffer for Evangelism and Church church in Chile.” Development. “What we found out is the effectiveness is We’ll be having a number of articles from these new limited to the need,” he said. “If they don’t need the church edges of the Mennonite church in coming months. Bringing for this specific need, they say, ‘Well, why should I go to the together the rich heritage of faith and strong family con- church?’ But the people who want to see Christ will stay. nections that Russian and German Mennonites have with We have to love them. We have to serve them as any other the vibrancy and energy of growing segments of Canada’s people. That is one of the ways to reach them.” population is the church’s challenge for this century. The John Melendez, who is from Colombia himself, is working Great Commission calls for it and our own future health and as a church planter in east Vancouver. He told me about growth depend on it. some of the specific challenges of his work with migrant —Tim Miller Dyck

Mission statement: Published by Canadian Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, Mennonite Publishing Service, Canadian Mennonite [email protected]; serves primarily the people and churches of Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, Mennonite Church Canada and its five area [email protected]; conferences. Canadian Mennonite is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/Mennonite Tim R. Dyck, Graphic Designer, [email protected] periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the Correspondents: Leona Dueck Penner, National Correspondent, church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate [email protected], 204-888-6781 x178; and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], news and analysis of issues facing the church. 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, [email protected], 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Head office:490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON, N2L 6H7 Saskatchewan Correspondent, [email protected], 306-933-4209; : 519-884-3810 : 1-800-378-2524 : 519-884-3331 Phone Toll-free Fax Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, erpetkau@ : canadianmennonite.org Web site cici.mb.ca, 204-745-2208; Maurice Martin, Eastern Canada Please send all material to be considered for publication as follows: Correspondent, [email protected], 519-662-1031 General submission address: [email protected] Circulation/Finance: Lisa Jacky, [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] Advertising: Barbara Burkholder, [email protected], Calendar announcements: [email protected] toll-free: 1-800-316-4052, fax: 519-884-3331 Transitions announcements: [email protected] Board of Directors: British Columbia: Henry Neufeld, John W. Goossen. Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Letter to the Editor/ Alberta: Brenda Tiessen-Wiens, Jan Wilhelm. Saskatchewan: Bernie Calendar/Transitions” by postal mail or fax to our head office. Thiessen. Manitoba: Aiden S. Enns, Bernie Wiebe, Paul Krahn. Editorial Staff: Tim Miller Dyck, Editor/Publisher, Eastern Canada: Mary Lymburner, Brice Balmer, Ester Neufeldt, [email protected]; Larry Cornies. Please contact Lisa Jacky at [email protected] or x221 for subscriptions and address changes. A mail-in subscription order form is in the Tomorrow section. Postmaster: Send returns to head office. We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program toward our mailing costs (PAP Reg. No. 09613, Agreement No. 40063104). ISSN 1480-042X

 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 ThisIssue

March 6, 2006 4 UpClose Volume 10, Number 5 Ethiopian student 4 Faith of the dying 5

6 Faith&Life Put out the fire in Africa 6

9 Arts&Culture New Hope Rising CD 9 Films of faith 10

11 InConversation Letters 11 Prayer is a gift 12 The vision of the two planks 13 Page 4 16 WiderChurch MCC helps Somalis disarm 16 Archbishop Chacour 17 Web site preview MC Canada survey results 20 Get a preview of the next Canadian Mennonite be- 21 LocalChurch fore it comes in the mail. Page 21 Selections are posted on Scent sensitive church 21 our web site at www. Transitions 22 canadianmennonite.org on the Thursday before the issue date. So you can 23 TheChurches check out the March 20 issue by March 16. Engaging the world 23

26 ToMorrow

Cover: The unique 14-sided Talkabout “ball” is a unique component of the new Gather ’Round Sunday school cur- riculum that helps teachers, students, and parents make the connection between church and home. Each side Page 6 contains suggestions to spark talk about faith around the dinner table at home. See story, page 19. —Photo courtesy of Church of the Brethren

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5  UpClose

Elora, Ont. Ethiopian student compares worship practices tarting Grade 1 at age 14 in 10 a.m. service begins, for a time of impoverished rural Ethiopia prayer. Sseems like an unlikely start Ethiopian services tend to be loud, for graduate seminary training emotional and animated, Legesse in Ontario, but then God leads in explains. Singing is lively and accom- mysterious ways. panied by drums and handclapping. The second oldest of eight children An hour-long sermon is expected. in a primitive agricultural family, In comparison, he says Canadian Fanosie Legesse learned the hard worship is more professionally han- hand labour connected with raising dled and things happen on schedule, crops and livestock. No electricity or with audience participation limited telephones were a fact of life for him. and subdued. Although the Legesse family was of- Because the church in Ethiopia is ficially part of the Ethiopian Orthodox growing rapidly, new believers need to Church, superstition ruled the lives of be introduced to a new understanding their society. Photo by Art Byer of spirituality. It is difficult for them When Legesse was 17, his older Ethiopian Fanosie Legesse, right, to shake their belief in spirits and brother (now living in a town 90 attends Bethel Mennonite Church in demons that dominated their past. minutes from their home) heard a Elora with his wife Debbie and son Because of this situation, there is small group of young people witness- Zachariah. a great need for one-on-one ministry, ing about Jesus and he joined them Legesse says. His Ethiopian congrega- as a believer. Some of these witnesses tion, which today has more than 250 tion provided him with more than 10 were of Mennonite (Meserete Kristos) members, for a year-and-a-half. Then unpaid assistants who would teach, background, the spiritual progeny of he received a full scholarship to attend pray, visit and preach, providing es- Mennonite missionaries who had come Meserete Kristos College for a one- sential help for the members’ many to Ethiopia in the early 1950s. year certificate program. needs. Abandoning the faith of one’s par- His outstanding grades opened the The message of the Ethiopian ents is never easy, but Legesse joined door for him to study for a degree, church is the gospel of Jesus Christ ac- his brother and others in accepting and his church gave their approval. In companied by healings and exorcism. Jesus, and a new centre of faith began his third year of study, Legesse met Prayer and fasting are important, and to emerge in the town. The young a young woman from Fergus, Ont., all-night prayer meetings are com- evangelists, who witnessed to anyone who was in Ethiopia leading a service mon. All the gifts of the Spirit are at on the roads around the town, met venture with a group of Swiss youths. work when believers gather for prayer three times a week for prayer, asking Later, he married the woman— and worship, Legesse says. Tithing is God’s Spirit to empower and equip Dianne Dobbie, a member at Bethel strongly taught, with people giving them, and praying for a change to the Mennonite in Elora, Ont. They moved whatever they can, including livestock. communist government that had come to Ontario, where Legesse received Alcoholic drinks are strictly forbidden to power in Ethiopia in 1972. a scholarship to study at Heritage for churchgoers. Legesse moved to the town, where Theological Seminary in Cambridge. Compared to Ethiopia, Legesse he started school, worked and did As part of his studies, Legesse recently sees a lack of differentiation be- church visitation. He also went home completed a three-month internship tween Canadian Christians and each weekend, to help on the family at Bethel, where he and his family non-Christians. farm. He read the Bible to his fam- regularly attend. When Legesse graduates in 2007 ily and within a year all were led to With a sense of humour and with a master of divinity degree, Christ. Every Sunday they all walked thoughtfulness, he compares his expe- he plans to return to Ethiopia with to church. riences of life in Ethiopia and Canada. his family—wife Dianne and son Legesse’s pastoral gifts were recog- In his Ethiopian congregation, most Zachariah—to continue his teaching nized and eventually he was called to people can’t read or write, he notes, so and preaching ministry. be a full-time minister of the growing printed materials are not required so —Art Byer congregation—with a salary of $40 much. Instead of driving, the parish- ioners walk to church, often from a The author is a member of Bethel Mennonite a month. He served the congrega- Church, Elora, Ont. distance. Many come well before the

 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 UpClose

Winnipeg There were many critical and challenging visits in her experience, Chaplain amazed by faith of the dying but Klassen also enjoyed moments hen Kay Klassen began you their story,” she explains. “It is of humour. “One time in the clergy as a volunteer chaplain at amazing how people open up.” room, a young man from the Catholic WWinnipeg’s Victoria Hospital “It is so humbling to enter into faith came in and asked, ‘Are you a in 1986, she never imagined that she somebody’s confidence,” she adds. “It is Father?’ I had to tell him I wasn’t even would be making that weekly trip for like you are treading on holy a mother,” she says with a 19 years. ground. I’m always amazed smile. Her call to hospital chaplaincy came at the strong faith so often “At times the chaplain after a 30-year career as an elemen- emitting from the frailest has to be a liaison between tary school teacher and, although she body. Your own faith is re- the patient and nursing had been a deacon at First Mennonite inforced by some little dying staff. Sometimes certain Church for five years, it struck her as person who has no idea what needs are ignored,” she being something uniquely different they are offering you.” says. Klassen recalls the and something she was not sure she Klassen’s experience as a time she was told that a was particularly suited to. deacon was helpful. She took newly admitted woman While she was considering the call, courses from the Manitoba was mute. “When I walked the coordinator of the chaplaincy Association for Pastoral Klassen into her room and started program invited her to a volunteer Care during her first year as speaking Plautdietsch [Low luncheon meeting. “I found it was such chaplain. Conferences and workshops German] her face lit up and she talked a dedicated group of people,” she says. also provided helpful and interesting and talked. The nurses dropped their “I wanted to be a part of that.” interaction with people from different jaws. This patient had just come from She was hooked. denominations. Mexico and knew no English. She Nineteen years later, Klassen feels “And strength came from above,” didn’t know what was happening to grateful for the blessings she has Klassen acknowledges. “You can be her and why she was in the hospital.” received through her once-a-week min- assured that Christ is there in the Klassen is part of a group of nine istry. “I’ve learned that it is important hospital room already, so you have the volunteers who make up the Volunteer to be a good listener and let them tell support.” Chaplaincy Program of Mennonite Church Manitoba. In 2002, MC Manitoba withdrew funding for the program. “That was when we found out how much support there was for [it],” Klassen says. “Many of the churches heard about the program for the first time, and so it may have been a bless- ing in disguise, because upon learn- ing about it, people rallied, ministe- rial councils wrote letters. The other chaplains in these hospitals were very supportive and wrote letters.” MC Manitoba reinstated the pro- gram, but not the funding. The program is now entirely run by volunteers. Changes to the Personal Health Information Act have also affected the chaplains. “Before it was imple- mented, there was no problem getting access to patient lists,” she says. “Now, there are greater limits as to who we are able to see.” Together with her sister, Klassen plans to continue sharing her diaconal gifts by visiting hospitalized members of her church, which has an aging population. —Evelyn Rempel Petkau

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5  Faith&Life

A rock star’s prayer: Put out the fire in Africa The following speech—in excerpted form—was delivered by U2 lead I’d always read the Scriptures, even singer and international AIDS and debt relief activist Bono on Feb. the obscure stuff. There it was in Leviticus 25: “If your brother becomes 2 to the American National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. poor and cannot maintain himself... you shall maintain him.... You shall f you’re wondering what I’m doing here, at a prayer not lend him your money at interest, breakfast, well, so am I. I’m certainly not here as not give him your food for profit.” a man of the cloth, unless that cloth is leather. It’s It is such an important idea, certainly not because I’m a rock star…. Jubilee, that Jesus begins his min- I’m the first to admit that there’s something un- istry with this. His first words are Inatural...something unseemly...about rock stars mounting from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is the pulpit and preaching at presidents, and then disappear- upon me because He has anointed me ing to their villas in the south of France. to preach good news to the poor.” And I’d like to talk about the laws of man, here in this city Jesus proclaims the year of the Lord’s where those laws are written. And I’d like to talk about favour, the year of Jubilee…. higher laws. It would be great to assume that the one serves So fast-forward 2,000 years. That I was the other, that the laws of man serve these higher laws... same thought—grace—was made but, of course, they don’t always…. incarnate in a movement of all kinds cynical... Yes, it’s odd, having a rock star here—but maybe it’s of people. It wasn’t a bless-me club, it odder for me than for you. You see, I avoided religious wasn’t a holy huddle. These religious not about people most of my life. Maybe it had something to do with guys were willing to get out in the God, but having a father who was Protestant and a mother who was streets, get their boots dirty, wave Catholic in a country where the line between the two was, the placards, follow their convictions about God’s quite literally, a battle line. Where the line between church with actions...making it really hard for politics. and state was…a little blurry and hard to see. people like me to keep their distance. I remember how my mother would bring us to chapel on It was amazing. I almost started to Sundays...and my father used to wait outside. One of the like these church people. things that I picked up from my father and my mother was But then my cynicism got another the sense that religion often gets in the way of God. helping hand. For me, at least, it got in the way. Seeing what religious It was what Colin Powell, a five- people, in the name of God, did to my native land...and in star general, called the greatest WMD this country, seeing God’s second-hand car salesmen on the (weapon of mass destruction) of them cable TV channels…offering indulgences for cash...I must all: a tiny little virus called AIDS. And confess, I changed the channel…. the religious community, in large part, Even though I was a believer. missed it. The ones that didn’t miss it Perhaps because I was a believer. could only see it as divine retribution I was cynical...not about God, but about God’s politics. for bad behaviour. Even on children... Then, in 1997, a couple of eccentric, septuagenarian even though the fastest growing group British Christians went and ruined my shtick—my re- of HIV infections was married, faithful proachfulness. They did it by describing the millennium, women. the year 2000, as a Jubilee year, as an opportunity to cancel Aha, there they go again! I thought the chronic debts of the world’s poorest people. They had to myself: Judgmentalism is back! the audacity to renew the Lord’s call…. But in truth, I was wrong again. The Jubilee! Why Jubilee? What was this year of Jubilee, this church was slow, but the church got year of our Lord’s favour? busy on this—the leprosy of our age. Love was on the move. Mercy was on the move. God was on the move. Moving people of all kinds to work

 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 Faith&Life

Scriptures, poverty is mentioned more than 2,100 times. It’s not an accident. That’s a lot of air time—2,100 mentions. You know, the only time Christ is judgmental is on the subject of the poor. “As you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me” Matthew 25:40…. After 9/11 we were told America would White House photo have no time for the world’s poor. America Rock star Bono addresses the National Prayer would be taken up with its own problems Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 2. of safety. And it’s true, these are danger- ous times, but America has not drawn the with others they had never met, never blinds and double-locked the doors. would have cared to meet...conserva- In fact, you have doubled aid to Africa. You have tripled tive church groups hanging out with funding for global health…. Your emergency plan for AIDS spokesmen for the gay community, all relief and support for the Global Fund…have put 700,000 singing off the same hymn sheet on people onto life-saving anti-retroviral drugs and provided AIDS.... This is what happens when eight million bed nets to protect children from malaria. God gets on the move: Crazy stuff Continued on page 8 happens!... It was breathtaking. Literally. It stopped the world in its tracks. When churches started demonstrat- ing on debt, governments listened— and acted. When churches started organizing, petitioning, and even that most unholy of acts today, God forbid, lobbying...on AIDS and global health, governments listened—and acted…. God may well be with us in our mansions on the hill. I hope so. He may well be with us as in all manner of controversial stuff. Maybe, maybe not. But the one thing we can all agree…is that God is with the vulner- able and poor. God is in the slums, in the card- board boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and

God is with us if we are with them. Photo by LaShinda Clark “If you remove the yoke from your Beatrice Naava, 32, right, and her mother, Margaret Biyinzika, look at the new midst, the pointing of the finger and towel she received recently as part of a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) AIDS speaking wickedness, and if you give care kit, one of 180 distributed in and around Kampala, Uganda. Besides the towel, yourself to the hungry and satisfy the each kits includes bedding, bath soap, a T-shirt, rubber gloves, a jar of petroleum desire of the afflicted, then your light jelly and medicated body powder. The kits are delivered by local HIV/AIDS clinic will rise in darkness and your gloom staff, who make twice-weekly visits to bedridden patients; the cost of the visits is will become like midday and the Lord covered by MCC. will continually guide you and satisfy your desire in scorched places” Isaiah 58:9-11. It’s not a coincidence that in the

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5  Faith&Life

that’s a justice issue. Holding chil- dren to ransom for the debts of their grandparents...that’s a justice issue. Withholding life-saving medicines out of deference to the Office of Patents... that’s a justice issue. And while the law is what we say it is, God is not silent on the subject. That’s why I say there’s the law of the land. And then there is a higher standard. There’s the law of the land, and we can hire experts to write them so they benefit us. So the laws say it’s A smiling U.S. President okay to protect our agriculture, but it’s George Bush shakes rock not okay for African farmers to do the star Bono’s hand follow- same, to earn a living…. ing Bono’s speech to the God will not accept that.

White House photo National Prayer Breakfast. Mine won’t, at least. Will yours? “Do to others as you would have them do to you” Luke 6:30. Jesus said Bono From page 7 that. But here’s the bad news…. There is much more to do. Thus sayeth the Lord: “Bring the There’s a gigantic chasm between the scale of the emergency homeless poor into the house; when and the scale of the response. you see the naked, cover him; then And finally, it’s not about charity after all, is it? It’s about your light will break out like the dawn and your recovery will speedily spring Get involved justice. And…justice is a higher standard. Africa makes a fool of forth;, then your Lord will be your rear in what God our idea of justice; it makes a farce of our idea of equality. guard” Isaiah 58:7-8. It mocks our pieties; it doubts our concern. It questions our That is a powerful incentive: The is doing— commitment. Lord will watch your back. Sounds like a good deal to me, right now. because Sixty-five-hundred Africans are still dying every day of a preventable, treatable disease for lack of drugs we can buy A number of years ago, I met a wise it’s already at any drug store. This is not about charity—this is about man who changed my life. In countless justice and equality. ways, large and small, I was always blessed. Because there’s no way we can look at what’s happening seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was say- in Africa and, if we’re honest, conclude that deep down, we ing, you know, I have a new song; look really accept that Africans are equal to us. Anywhere else in after it. I have a family; please look the world, we wouldn’t accept it. Look at what happened in after them. I have this crazy idea. And southeast Asia with the tsunami—150,000 lives lost to that this wise man said stop. misnomer of all misnomers: “mother nature.” He said, stop asking God to bless In Africa, 150,000 lives are lost every month. A tsunami what you’re doing. Get involved in every month. And it’s a completely avoidable catastrophe. what God is doing—because it’s al- It’s annoying, but justice and equality are mates…. ready blessed. Justice always wants to hang out with equality. And equal- Well, God, as I said, is with the ity is a real pain. poor. That, I believe, is what God is Think of those Jewish sheepherders going to meet the doing. And that is what he’s calling us Pharaoh, mud on their shoes, and the Pharaoh says, to do…. “Equal?” A preposterous idea: Rich and poor are equal? There is a continent—Africa—being And they say, “Yeah, ‘equal,’ that’s what it says here in this consumed by flames. I truly believe book. We’re all made in the image of God….” that when the history books are writ- We hear that call even more powerfully today, as we ten, our age will be remembered for mourn the loss of Coretta Scott King, mother of a movement three things: for equality, one that changed the world, but is only just get- • The war on terror; ting started…. • The digital revolution; and, Preventing the poorest of the poor from selling their • What we did—or did not do—to put products while we sing the virtues of the free market... the fire out in Africa. History, like God, is watching what we do. —Bono

 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 Arts&Culture

Hamilton, Ont. such damaged indi- miraculous sign/But viduals I must believe to open our hearts and that there is hope for minds to those we face/ Hope Rising redemption and grace we become like mirrors in everyone,” says of light and grace.” produces songs Pauw. “This is some of In the process of what I try to bring to writing his songs, after of redemption the songs—looking for the basic melody and glimpses of hope, resto- chords are in place, and grace ration and grace amidst Pauw enjoys taking a ick Pauw, a songwriter from the darkness and despair that collaborative approach. Hamilton Mennonite Church, often surrounds us.” Most of the songs During the rehearsal process the other Rtogether with the musical group reflect a journey from brokenness to musicians, who are friends from the Hope Rising, has recently released a restoration, from despair to hope. Hamilton area, add their interpreta- second CD—Still and Still Moving. Another dimension to Pauw’s tions through improvising the accom- The music on this CD reflects Pauw’s songwriting is the fact that he is paniment. As the musicians respond approach to life; the lyrics are very visually impaired, with less than 10 to each other, a deeper texture to thoughtful and contemplative. percent functional vision. Because the songs is developed and the music When Pauw begins writing a song, his vision could decline at any time, comes alive. Instrumentation includes he pauses and reflects on some of the he is very mindful of the mysterious guitar, bass, percussion, piano, violin, struggles and questions he has experi- wonder of sight. Some of his thoughts flute, trombone, saxophone and man- enced in the course of the day. He then are reflected in his song, “The Giver,” dolin, plus five vocalists. listens, waiting for the song to come which tells the story of Christ heal- Since the CD was released last fall, to him, thinking of it first in terms of ing the blind man and the fact that members of the group have per- a melody with guitar accompaniment. he is scorned and questioned by the formed at various concerts and church Pauw finds water a powerful source of religious leaders when his sight is services. inspiration and many of the songs on restored. Pauw says he felt compelled To order the CD, or for more infor- this CD use water as a metaphor. The to end the song with the following mation, call 905-528-3285 or e-mail CD title—Still and Still Moving—is words: “I don’t believe faith means just [email protected]. borrowed from a poem by T. S. Eliot, standing in line/waiting in vain for a —Barb Draper and in the song “Grace Brought Me Here” he describes grace as a river After touring Africa, that is “still and still moving/moving Europe and North yet still.” America, “In God’s Image: The songs provide insight into life. A Global Anabaptist “I have a deep longing to draw out Family”—a collection of some meaning from the seemingly about 100 pieces of art chaotic messes that we sometimes find from 17 countries—has found a permanent home ourselves in,” Pauw says. “Music has in Winnipeg at Canadian been my way of occasionally stepping Mennonite University outside of the anxious struggles or the (CMU). The collection of wonderful moments of connectedness, paintings and photographs and to explore the beauty, meaning or by 59 artists, includ- grace that can be found.” ing Mennonite Heritage All the money raised from the sale Gallery director Ray Dirks, of the CDs, as well as honoraria the pictured, shows daily group receives from performances, life in Africa, Asia, the goes to the work of Circles of Support Caribbean, Europe, and South and North America. and Accountability, a Mennonite The donation of “In God’s Central Committee Ontario program Image” was made pos- which helps offenders integrate into sible by CMU supporters society after their release from prison. Bill and Margaret Fast, Pauw is the Hamilton coordinator for Herb and Erna Buller, and the program. Frank and Agnes DeFehr “In order for me to carry on with of Winnipeg. CMU photo by John Longhurst

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5  Arts&Culture

Hollywood, Calif. Book tries hard to connect us to ‘The Story’ Bernhard Ott. God’s Shalom Project, The 17 chapters cover the main Films honoured for translated by Timothy J. Geddert, points of the biblical story; each is their faith content Good Books, 2004, 140 pages. followed by a set of discussion ques- tions and a letter to two imaginary he cover of this book promises y the time this issue of young people (Monica and Peter) “an engaging look at the Bible’s Canadian Mennonite arrives who are reading the chapters and sweeping story,” and that is a in your home, the Academy T responding to the author. The ques- B strength of Ott’s work. God’s Shalom Awards (Oscars) will have already tions often seem too “stock in trade,” Project traces the sweep of God’s been handed out. Ad campaigns not particularly helpful in jumping for the winning films will fill the work—the healing of relationships— from “The Story” into 21st century life. entertainment pages of local papers, from the beginning to a place from The letters that respond to the ques- enticing moviegoers back into the which we still anticipate the end. tions raised by the imaginary Monica theatres. Treating the Bible as story and its and Peter sometimes succeed in But for those not impressed by the content as “The Story” is not unique making that move into life, but often Hollywood glitz—who seek out spiri- to Ott. Others have gone before (The tual themes in the movies they pay to fail because of their brevity and the Story We Find Ourselves In by Brian see—another set of awards might be absence of the “letters” to which Ott is D. McLaren, for example). of more interest. The Faith and Film responding. Ott may have However, Ott’s brevity and his Critics Circle (FFCC)—a group of re- tried to do too much in less simple writing style make it ligious reviewers who have published than 150 pages. in print and online (Christianity easily accessible. The bibliography at the Today, Hollywood Jesus and Bible Ott understands and end is labelled “For further Films Blog, among others)— has tells God’s story from an reading,” but I found my- released its own list of cinematic win- Anabaptist/Mennonite self wondering “for whom?” ners from 2005. perspective. He sees in “The It’s a long leap from the Millions (reviewed in Canadian Story” the great Anabaptist Mennonite, Feb. 20, page 11) was the simple style of Ott’s work themes of peace, community big winner, taking home four FFCC to the heavy discussions of and faithfulness in lifestyle awards and tying for first in a fifth Berkhoff, Yoder and others. (discipleship). The title category. Although Millions did not As it is written and de- itself, God’s Shalom Project, make the Oscars short list, a number signed, the book is an excel- of the winning FFCC films are up encapsulates those foundational lent student manual for a course in for Academy Awards (*), proving that pieces. God’s project is to bring people the basics of Christian faith. I plan to faith-based films do not have to be bad. back into relationship with him and use it for my next class of potential The winning faith-based films of each other, starting with the two great baptismal candidates. Anyone who 2005 are: questions of human accountability: chooses to use it should be prepared • Millions: Most Significant “Where are you, Adam?” and “Where Exploration of Spiritual Issues; Best to have other background material at is your brother, Cain?” Narrative Film; Best Child Actor/ hand (the books in Ott’s bibliography, These are questions that each per- Actress (Nathan Etel as Damien); perhaps) and to do the work in the son must answer as an individual, but Best Film for the Whole Family; Best classroom of moving beyond Ott’s ma- answering them in a reconciling way Original Screenplay (tie with The terial to how “The Story” fits into the Squid and the Whale). will always lead the individual into a 21st century and how we, the people of • A History of Violence: Best community that is the model and sign this century, fit into “The Story.” Ensemble Cast; Best Director for what things will look like when —Ray Friesen (Canadian filmmaker David God’s shalom project is complete. Cronenberg); Best Supporting Actress (Maria Bello)*. • Born Into Brothels: Best Documentary. • Capote: Best Actor (Phillip Seymour Hoffman)*. • Cinderella Man: Best Supporting Actor (Paul Giamatti)*. • March of the Penguins: Best Cinematography. • Munich: Best Adapted Screenplay*; Best Original Score (John Williams)*. • Walk the Line (the biography of country singer Johnny Cash): Best Actress (Reese Witherspoon)*. —Ross W. Muir

10 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 InConversation Book tries hard to connect us to ‘The Story’

Letters This section is a forum for discussion and discernment. Letters express the opinion of the writer only, not necessarily the position of Canadian Mennonite, the five area churches or Mennonite Church Canada. Letters should address issues rather than criticizing individuals Land restitution and include contact information. We will send copies of letters referring to other parties to under consideration them to provide an opportunity to respond in a future issue if their views have not already I am compelled to comment on the been printed in an earlier letter. Please send letters to be considered for publication to let- [email protected] or to Canadian Mennonite, 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, “Mennonite groups oppose land specu- ON, N2L 6H7, “Attn: Letter to the Editor.” Letters may be edited for length, style and adher- lator” story in the Jan. 23 issue of ence to editorial guidelines. Canadian Mennonite. First and foremost, the article states that the Caobo Company, of which I Company to prospective investors. values he greets “the guy going dump- am CEO, is seeking the restitution of Nevertheless, two of the sources quot- ster to dumpster with a plastic milk land “now owned in part by individual ed in the article question the capacity crate strapped to the back of his bike,” Ukrainians.” The process of deter- of their fellow Mennonites to know the and then declares that he sees “the mining which properties the Caobo difference between an investment and figure of Jesus.” But here we have a Company will seek to secure through a charitable gift. I find this a gross rich young Christian—with the luxury restitution is not even yet complete. underestimation of our people. of Christ’s suggestion to “sell your pos- Caobo Company personnel based in These same sources allege that the sessions and give to the poor” ringing Ukraine have been examining histori- Caobo Company put critical invest- in his ears—helping himself in what cal title records to accurately locate ment information in “fine print,” infer- might be the only place his fellow man the Mennonite properties that were ring that the company was intention- can afford to shop. confiscated. ally attempting to deceive. There is no Satisfying a whim or a desire for At the same time, Caobo staff are cloak and dagger here. Just a little old something different in the house— working with the people of the region fashioned business. something new, like a chrome bread- to begin identifying prospective busi- On Dec. 29, Anatoly Smerdov, box, or a great pair of pants (which nesses that would prosper in their mayor of Molochansk in the he manages to scrounge just before communities. These two simultaneous Zaporizhzhya Region, announced at a the poor guy with the milk crate gets processes, coupled with negotiations holiday gathering of young people and there)—is neo-consumerism, a propos- with Ukrainian officials, will ultimate- their parents that the Caobo Company al that you can cool that consumptive ly determine which lands Caobo will plans to build new businesses in their fever as long as you take it from some- seek to acquire through restitution. community, and this means jobs for where else and brush it off, launder it Erwin Warkentin questions whether them. or staple it down. the Caobo Company can claim “to For many years, Mennonites have All you need to do is change your speak for all Mennonites that have done amazing humanitarian work in tastes and you won’t have to change suffered loss as a result of leaving this region, but charity is not the same your urge to take. Then you can Ukraine.” Caobo does not make such a as providing jobs. What the people of declare your new-“found” stuff as a claim. Such an audacious declaration the Zaporizhzhya Region need and badge for your theologically imagina- would be disrespectful and insensitive want most now are not charitable tive thoughts. to the magnitude of loss our people handouts, but employment. The Caobo The examples Enns cites to support suffered. Company aspires to give them the jobs his theological rationale do not help But should the Ukraine agree to they want. me to understand how this is “grace entertain the restitution bill sought —Paul Henry Willms, Everett, Wash. that moves in the back lanes.” Grace by the Caobo Company, the Ukrainian for whom? This is simply low-impact people want the assurance that no materialism that still feeds the ego of other Mennonite claimants will step Dumpster ‘shopping’ individualism. There is no real need forward to seek redress from their just neo-consumerism here, only the luxury of picking and government. Therefore, upon restitu- choosing which freebee one will take. tion, the Caobo Company proposes to Re: “Backlane castaways bring hope,” Shouldn’t we, as “upside down assume this role. Canadian Mennonite, Jan. 23, page 12. kingdom” dwellers, instead head out A third point that should be clarified Why does Aiden Enns “need to to the dumpster with boxes of our own is the blurring of lines between “for invent some theological rationale for clothes or food, and save “the guy who profit” and “nonprofit.” As a business, picking through other people’s gar- pokes through the bags with his stick” the Caobo Company is a “for profit” bage”? And whose garbage is he pick- the trouble by offering him some of our enterprise. This is made abundantly ing through anyway? stuff? clear in the material sent by the Caobo From the comfort of his middle class —Paul Krahn, Altona, Man.

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 11 InConversation

World Vision ‘brand’ not for Mennonites While I commend Willard Metzger on his appointment to World Vision’s church relations position (Canadian Mennonite, Jan. 23, page 30), I have concerns that the association of World Vision with Witness will further erode Anabaptist principles already at risk. And the news that Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is thinking of partnering with World Vision raises tithetical to the Anabaptist principles that ties food aid and infrastructure serious concerns of accountability and of mutuality, respect, stewardship and improvements in a developing country stewardship that all the tear-streaked faith, and, in many cases, is contribut- to adoption of U.S.-friendly policies faces on television cannot overcome. ing to the destruction of those same and business practices. World Vision boasts of its “brand of principles. Branding is something My own experience with World goodwill” that is aggressively market- that Anabaptists should never become Vision was much tainted by my trip ed on television and radio and in print. involved in. It is truly a time when we to Zimbabwe for Mennonite World This branding seeks to divorce issues are taken to the high place and told, Conference in 2003. There, I saw from image, and promotes that image like Jesus was by the devil, that we World Vision vehicles (new Toyota so donors feel assured they are partici- can have the whole world (Luke 4:5-7). Land Cruisers with every possible pating in something greater than they World Vision has an uncomfor- chrome accessory) and staff in three- are, regardless of actual results. tably close association with USAID, piece suits, along with USAID using What they are participating in is an- the relief arm of the U.S. government U.S. overseas personnel, instead of

Melissa Miller Family Ties

he morning after my grandmother died, their 50-year marriage. Alternating the lead, I drew comfort from the daily prayer they prayed through the childhood struggles and Tselection in Swallow’s Nest, by Marchiene adolescent perils of their children, and the aging Vroon Rienstra. Psalm 23 was one of the frailty of their parents. Each night they closed in readings, offered with feminine pronouns. I unison reciting the Lord’s Prayer. I believe their read, “Because El Shaddai shepherds me, my prayers embraced, protected and guided their deepest needs are met.… She restores me, children in ways too numerous to count. body and soul. She leads me in the paths of My niece, born when I was 27, is a wholeness.” Prayer is a gift close companion, although we’ve lived Such phrases seemed particularly sooth- far apart most of our lives. We sing our ing as I marked my grandmother’s passing, recalling the prayers to each other during our regular phone calls, strong outpouring of productivity and caregiving which and when we meet face to face. We often pray the gospel had flowed from her hands. A second psalm (103) noted hymns we both know from childhood. Such prayers link “You know how fragile our bodies are.… They so quickly us in faith and family, from the past to our hopes for the return to dust!” The biblical texts were perfect for my future. spirit’s needs that day. At the age of 96, my grandmother’s death was not a The tradition of daily prayers using the Psalms or surprise. In the previous months, she had gone to death’s other Scriptures is a long one in the Christian church. door on several occasions. Family gathered around, and Mennonites have joined in a revival in this practice. A each time she turned from death, rallied and began distinctly Anabaptist prayer book, Take Our Moments speaking and eating again. Keeping vigil on such occa- and Our Days, has been produced sions can be emotionally and physically by Associated Mennonite Biblical wearing. Over the phone, I heard my Seminary. It offers a four-week cycle Family relationships mum’s weariness, and longed to share weaving together faith-shaping biblical benefit from prayer. her load. “Can I pray for you?” I finally passages with hymns and prayers. asked, and mum, with a deep sigh, as- One benefit I’ve received from daily sented. The Spirit breathed words and prayers includes the manner in which the texts capture comfort into our prayer, blessing us with peace. my concerns in ways I could not articulate. Often biblical Prayer is a gift, available at any moment. Whether we phrases have a timeless capacity to express our yearn- use prayer books, our own spontaneous words, music, ings to God. This has been most powerful when I’ve been silence or many other forms, we have access to the rich most silent, most troubled, and least able to form words resources of the Spirit through prayer. What a great gift around my struggle. to share with our families! Family relationships benefit from prayer. My parents Melissa Miller is a family life consultant, pastoral counsellor, knelt side by side at their bed and prayed every night of and author from Winnipeg.

12 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 InConversation locals, giving to certain groups (often of Irish raiders who were attacking faithful to his calling. family-based) and not to others. his family’s English estate. Alone and One of my favourite prayers is called There will always be a fine line afraid during his six-year captivity, “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” between the Anabaptist ideals of mu- he became a devout Christian before Christ be with me. Christ within me. tuality, respect, stewardship and faith, escaping back to England. Patrick soon Christ behind me. Christ before me. and the worldly ideals of account- began religious training there. After 15 Christ beside me. Christ to win me. ability, profit and aggrandizement. In years of study, he became a priest. He Christ to comfort and restore me. my view, any closer association with was sent to Ireland with a dual mis- Christ beneath me. Christ above me. World Vision and USAID steps too sion: minister to the few Christians in Christ in quiet. Christ in danger. far over that line. I encourage every- Ireland and help to convert the rest. Christ in hearts of all that love me. one involved to seriously rethink any Since the Irish were used to honouring Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. potential marriage with World Vision. their gods with fire, he superimposed It is hard to know what impact St. —Andre Pekovich, Vancouver a sun—a powerful Irish symbol—onto Patrick would have if he came today. the Christian cross to create what is It was difficult enough for him when How would St. Patrick now called the Celtic cross. he came in the mid 5th century AD; be received today? To me, St. Patrick was a man of the at that time there was a lot of super- Lord that no denomination can lay stitions; people had beliefs and fears St. Patrick, the patron Saint of claim to. He was lonely and afraid—as that they could not understand. But Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most we are all at some point and time in if something came from a power- widely known figures, but for all of his our life—and he turned to his religion ful body such as the church—whose celebrity, his life remains a mystery. for help, as we of all Christian denomi- priests were considered well-educated We know that at the age of 16, nations do. He endured hardship, as people—then it was taken as gospel. Patrick was taken prisoner by a group a lot of us have, but he still remained —Bill J. Heavener, Cochrane, Ont.

Matthew Bailey Dick Shoes for your feet

t happened one Sunday morning while I was where they set them down in parallel about two sitting in church. Although the sermon was feet apart from each other. Irather interesting, I really needed to shift Then I couldn’t believe my eyes, for I saw the my weight in order to prevent my buttocks entire congregation form a straight line, and from going to sleep. I slowly shifted myself and everyone put their right foot onto the right- repositioned my legs underneath the pew. My hand board and their left foot onto the left-hand foot knocked against something hard. board. As people grabbed hold of the I looked, and there on the floor was ropes, I heard a voice say, “Come on and what appeared to be a wooden plank. It The vision of limber up! We’re following Jesus!” was unlike anything I had ever seen un- In one coordinated motion, everyone derneath the pew. I bent my head down the two planks lifted their right foot while those holding in order to get a better look, and I noticed the ropes pulled up on the right plank. a length of rope tied around the plank. What on earth? I It was a single step forward with dozens of feet moving pushed the plank with my foot but it didn’t seem to move. together! Then the left plank moved forward with a simi- I looked around to see if anyone else was watching. lar motion. What synchronization! Off they went, across Nope. Now the curiosity was overwhelming and, against the parking lot and down the street. The two-by-fours my better judgment, I moved down furtively and knelt clunked on the pavement as this long row of believers on the floor so that I could peek underneath the pew. I headed off into the world. was amazed to see that the wooden plank was, in fact, as That’s the vision I want to share with you for this long as the sanctuary itself! And it had more ropes tied last column in the “Shoes for your feet” series. It’s about around it—about one every six feet. a sort of “collective shoe,” and I think I returned to a sitting position and it has something to do with bringing pondered this unusual sight. Later in ‘Come on and limber up! together spirituality and peacemaking. the morning when I needed to get some We’re following Jesus!’ It has to do with finding ways of making books from the room where the peace worship and social justice more inter- and justice committee meets, I noticed connected. It has to do with leaving the another long wooden plank lying on that floor. This one comfortable surroundings of our regular churchly ways so was quite similar to the one underneath the pews—very that we can take risks with the gospel of peace. long and with ropes tied around it too. What specific peace ministries would get your whole What was this all about? Was I seeing things? congregation involved? How is the Holy Spirit calling Suddenly, a fog lifted inside of me and I saw a new you to work together to build justice? What are the “two vision. It was a vision of the whole congregation work- planks” that allow your church to overcome violence in ing together to get the one plank out of the sanctuary the world? Blessings as you practise this discipline! and the other plank out of the peace and justice room. I The author is the husband of one, father of two, and half-time saw congregational members carry these incredibly long pastor of many at Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ont. boards out of the church and onto the church parking lot,

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 13 A special advertising feature

program for students and a summer daycare program.

For more information, visit www.menno- niteheritagevillage.com. —From Mennonite Heritage Village website

Shantzes celebrating 200 years in Ontario The Shantz family name is well known Summer and widespread in Waterloo County in southern Ontario. From July 14 to 16 Travel, Food in New Hamburg, Ont., the family will celebrate the 200th anniversary of their

& Events Mennonite Heritage Village photo ancestors coming to Canada. The Livery Barn restaurant is popular with visitors to In 1806, Christian Shantz came to Heritage Village Mennonite Heritage Village in Waterloo County from Montgomery Steinbach, Man. County, Pa. His Grandfather Jacob was offers a summer born in Switzerland and lived in Holland celebration of our country and pioneers before settling in Pennsylvania. of fun, learning who settled here. Enjoy the music, food and activities for all ages. Christian’s parents, Isaac and Barbara, Beginning with “Spring on the Farm” had six sons and two daughters, and on May 22, Mennonite Heritage Village “Pioneer Days” run from Aug. 4 to 7. the sons were interested in farm- in Steinbach, Man., offers a number of This is Mennonite Heritage Village’s ing. By the early 1800s, farmland in spring and summer events for visitors biggest event of the year. Over four Pennsylvania was very expensive and wanting a taste of living Mennonite days experience pioneer activities, scarce, so Christian and his older history. “Spring on the Farm” features steam-powered threshing, milling, horse brother decided to come to Waterloo plowing, sheep shearing, demonstra- shows, a petting zoo, food, drama and County, where farmland was plentiful. tions and food. The Mennonite Central more. Committee (MCC) quilt exhibit “Passing on the Comfort” will be on display Sept. 4 features “Fall on the Farm.” during this event only as an MCC Experience harvest work along with fundraiser. hearty food, music and pioneer demonstrations. Station Arts Centre An “Antique Farm Equipment Show” Rosthern presents is slated for June 10. Feel the excite- Besides the special events, Mennonite ment of antique farm power enthusiasts Heritage Village—with its outdoor vil- driving or operating a variety of tractors, lage, general store, Livery Barn res- Dry Streak farm trucks and stationary engines. taurant and art gallery—is open seven By Leeann Minogue days a week from May to September. It Director Stephen Heatley On Canada Day, July 1, there will be a also offers a spring and summer school June 29 - July 30, 2006 ChristianService … the story about a drought stricken farm Serve this summer in more than community in 1988, waiting for rain – a city chick 13 locations including Sri Lanka, coming into town has a bizarre solution! Colombia, Denver, or Montreal. A hilarious prairie comedy! Art Gallery Exhibit Go online for: Pre-show dinners • Youth Venture individual options • DOOR options for youth groups For more information and reservations call (306) 232-5332

Service.MennoniteMission.net • Toll-free: 1-866-866-2872

14 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 A special advertising feature

The 800-kilometre trip to Waterloo still live on some of the farms on Erb’s Township (now Kitchener) took six Road. Many of Christian’s descendants weeks by covered Conestoga wagon, are buried at the Shantz cemetery, travelling over the Alleghany moun- which is adjacent to Shantz Mennonite tains and crossing the Niagara River. Church, Baden, Ont. Christian, his wife Magdalena and their children settled in the area that is now The rich 200-year history of the Shantz the east end of Kitchener. Christian sent family coming to Waterloo County is back positive reports, so in 1808 his certainly reason to celebrate! This July, mother and her four youngest children Christian Shantz’s descendants from moved to Waterloo County (Isaac had across Canada and the United States died in 1802). will gather in Waterloo County to meet, fellowship, reminisce and pay tribute to In 1820, with the help of many neigh- the heritage of the Shantz family. bours, Christian built the first bank barn in Waterloo County. That barn was The three-day event will include lo- moved to Doon Heritage Crossroads cal tours, storytelling, a presentation in 1958 and remains there as part of of the video A Grand Decision by the the historical tourist attraction. In 1837, Pennsylvania German Folklore Society Christian built his “dream home,” which of Ontario, a Saturday evening pie and is still standing in Kitchener today. ice cream social, and a Sunday morn- In total, Christian purchased 670 ing thanksgiving worship service at the acres of land, and an 1831 census lists New Hamburg arena. Christian Shantz as one of the lead- ing landowners in Waterloo Township. For more information about the cel- In the early 1830s, Christian and his ebration, visit www.christianshantz.ca or sons also bought about 650 acres of e-mail Ralph Shantz at land in Wilmot Township. Today, five of [email protected]. Christian’s great-great-great-grandsons —Lori Shantz

More than a great cookbook, it’s a way of life. Simply in Season Recipes that celebrate fresh, local foods in the spirit of More-with-Less Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert “We are looking for ways to live more simply and joyfully, ways that grow out of our tradition but take their shape from Are you 18-24 years of age? living faith.”—Doris Janzen Longacre Do you speak French? Simply in Season continues this tradi- Would you like to participate in tion by providing recipes and reasons to a cross-cultural living experience eat seasonal foods grown locally. Here is a in Montreal? great way to improve your health, support MCC Canada has the local farmers, and help the environment program for you— while eating wholesome, delicious dishes. Harmonie Paper, 352 pages, $17.49 Spiral, $24.99 www.mcc.org/harmonie (514) 278-3008 Mennonite Central 1 800 245-7894 • www.heraldpress.com Committee

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 15 WiderChurch

Akron, Pa. MC Canada members beginning MCC assignments hree Mennonite Church Canada members are among T28 workers who participated in an orientation session at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) offices in Akron in January. Sixteen are beginning assignments in the United States and Canada, while 12 are beginning assignments in other countries. The MC Canada members are: • Amzie Brubacher, a member of Nith Valley Mennonite Church, New Hamburg, Ont., who is beginning a two-year assignment in Ontario as a management support worker. Brubacher obtained a master’s degree in religious education from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind. He last served as a pas- tor at Erie View Mennonite Church, Port Rowan, Ont. Photo courtesy of Christy Sprinkle Christy Sprinkle, a Mennonite Central • Douglas and Jodie Johnson Hatlem Mogadishu, Somalia of Toronto United Mennonite Church, Committee worker in Mogadishu, who are beginning a two-year assign- ival warlords and militias have Somalia, is helping a Somali organ- ment in Toronto. fought each other for control of ization collect weapons that local They join three other MC Canada Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, people turn in to be destroyed. couples who went through orientation R last fall: since the collapse of the national government in 1991. Machine guns are weapons,” Sprinkle wrote in an e-mail. • Barrette and Sandra Plett of Bethel common weapons in this violence and “If the weapon fired, it was taken and Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, who are serving three-year terms in Egypt are often available in local markets for they were told to show up to register as English teachers. as little as $35. for classes on Jan. 1.” • Abram and Helena Unrau of River Christy Sprinkle, a Mennonite Militia members are attending East Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, Central Committee (MCC) worker classes in literacy, basic math and who are serving as community work- in Mogadishu, is helping a Somali business skills in exchange for giv- ers in Mexico. organization collect machine guns ing up their machine guns. When the • Brian and Verena Enns of that local people turn in to be de- classes are finished, SAACID will Kitchener, Ont., (members of Toronto stroyed. SAACID (meaning “to help” destroy the guns in a public ceremony. United Mennonite Church), who in Somali), an MCC partner organiza- “People are ready for peace—and so- are serving three-year terms in the tion, is collecting machine guns from ciety has to reintegrate those fighters Ukraine as administrative assistants. Each year, some 250 people enter 500 militia members in exchange for into society, when all they’ve known MCC assignments in more than vocational training. Sprinkle is help- for years is the gun,” Sprinkle wrote. 50 countries around the world. ing SAACID document the project by SAACID reports that the project Currently, 784 board-appointed MCC taking photos, shooting videos and has already had an effect on the prices workers serve in assignments such as writing reports. of machine guns in local markets. community development, education, “For the entire month of December Because fewer guns are available, they health, food production, emergency militia [members] came daily to now cost about $175. response and administration. register, do interviews, and test their —MCC release by Tim Shenk —MCC release

16 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 WiderChurch

Ibillin, Israel Traditionally, the icon would depict the raised hand of Jesus the enthroned Christ, holding the sacred text, repre- Chacour senting an authoritative Christ-figure that has dominated many Eastern promoted to churches through the centuries. “It may start a revolution,” says archbishop Chacour, smiling, “but…I’ve chosen an is Excellency, the Archbishop icon of the image of Jesus washing the Metropolitan of the Melkite feet of his disciples.” HCatholic Diocese of Acco, Haifa, Chacour started his reconcilia- Nazareth and Galilee: This is the new tion ministry more than 40 years official title of Abuna (“Father” in ago by providing basic education for Arabic) Elias Chacour, whose entire Palestinian-Israeli students without life has been dedicated to reconciling access to schooling. Over the years, the Palestinians and Israelis in this facilities have expanded to accommo- troubled region. date the now 4,000 students attending With his appointment, he becomes the Mar Elias educational institutions the first-ever native-born leader of the from many of the towns and villages largest Christian denomination in the of upper Galilee, where religious and Middle East. A heavy gold neck chain ethnic backgrounds are completely now stands out against the simple interwoven in the student body. black cassock of the internationally When they visit him in Israel or known self-described “Arab Christian when on international speaking tours,

Israeli Palestinian.” Photo courtesy of the Vatican Chacour always encourages greater “But my close friends must still call Archbishop Elias Chacour is pictured Anabaptist participation in his rec- me Abuna, as before,” he insists. And in his new ceremonial vestments. onciliation efforts. It was the central with his warm welcome and expan- theme of his speaking tour of southern sive manner, he still greets pilgrims theme he consistently returns to in Ontario last year (see “History of a and prelates from far and wide to his his talks, there is a blank space on the peacemaker,” Canadian Mennonite, home in Ibillin, about 25 miles west of wall above the bishop’s chair where an July 11, 2005, page 5. Ed.) Nazareth in Galilee. icon should be. —Glenn Edward Witmer While his historic title—announced Feb. 8 by the Vatican and Melkite Catholic Synod—clings to the des- ignations imposed under Ottoman rule of the 1800s, the archbishop’s responsibility extends to some 76,000 Melkite Church members throughout Israel. Chacour is the senior denomi- national leader in the country, subject directly to His Beatitude Patriarch Gregorios III in Damascus. The Melkites comprise about half of all Christians in Israel and Palestine. There are over one million Melkites in the world, about the same number as Anabaptists, according to Mennonite World Conference figures. Jesus Village Church in Chun Chon, South Korea, celebrated its 10th anniversary The appointment puts Chacour into in January with food, festivities and a commemorative book by Sang-Uk Nham, the church’s coordinator. A common thread throughout the celebration was the a new position of influence, which he acknowledgement of God’s leading hand in the life of the church. Jesus Village intends to use in caring for the op- was begun in 1996 by a group of curious Christians seeking alternatives to the pressed and promoting reconciliation. predominant Protestant faith expression in South Korea. A cultural inclination “My plan is to work for reconcili- for study led them to a Korean translation of a 1963 book, The Anabaptist Story, ation and dialogue among the three by William R. Estep, which eventually led to connections with workers from the religions of the Holy Land,” says Commission on Overseas Mission and Mennonite Board of Mission—both of which Chacour. are predecessors of Mennonite Church Canada Witness. The Korea Anabaptist In the sanctuary of his still incom- Center, a ministry offering training, resources and service opportunities for dis- plete Church of the Sermon on the cipleship and peacebuilding, is an outgrowth of a vision by Jesus Village and other Mount, named for the New Testament Korean Anabaptists.

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 17 WiderChurch

Winnipeg Conference ‘bridges the gap’ between pastorate, laity e all need to be told we are sentiments, recounting how one of his doing all right, that we’re pastors had taken time to visit him Wdoing a good job—our need at his workplace, and then created a for affirmation is very strong,” Trudy forum where church members could Schroeder, director of the Winnipeg discuss issues facing Christians in Folk Festival, told pastors during the business. “I was affirmed by his inter- “Toast to Ministry” event at Canadian est in me,” said Wall. Mennonite University (CMU) on Jan. 31. The “Toast to Ministry,” which Schroeder was one of three was sponsored by CMU’s Centre for Winnipeg laypeople asked to tell pas- Leadership and Management, was tors from across Canada how they had part of Bridging the Gap, a conference been influenced and encouraged by for pastors and church leaders organ- pastors during their lives. Something ized by the university’s Institute for that she was especially grateful for Theology and the Church. was having a pastor “take interest in Featured speaker Ray Bystrom,

my world, and take special interest in an associate professor at Mennonite Photo by Leona Dueck Penner my children.” Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Donita Wiebe-Neufeld of Edmonton’s Fred Wall, a retired business- Calif., led the pastors through a series First Mennonite Church, right, felt it man and member of Charleswood of reflections on the Apostle Paul’s was good to get together and “talk Mennonite Church, echoed Schroeder’s vision for pastoral ministry. He told shop” with other pastors and lay church leaders at CMU’s Bridging the Melissa Miller, Gap conference. right, led a work- them that Paul’s vision is for lead- shop on pastoral ers who will “participate with God in self-care at CMU’s transforming the community,” that Bridging the Gap God doesn’t only “offer us grace and conference. forgiveness, but that God claims us for a new kind of existence.”

Photo by John Longhurst For him, this means living differ- ently than “our self-centred culture” by “looking out for the interests of Pastoral self-care fact that pastors are always on the job. others—not just our own.” Church Unlike counsellors, who see people for topic of Bridging short and proscribed amounts of time, leaders can help members do this pastors can see people they are caring for through their preaching, and through the Gap workshop at church, at meetings or standing in line corporate worship and prayer that hen it comes to taking care of the at the potluck. Providing spiritual care in doesn’t “echo the individualism of our pastor, there’s only one person a congregation is “incredibly rewarding,” culture—not ‘me’ and ‘I’ all the time.” Wwho can do it—the pastor him- she said, “but it is also taxing.” The conference also featured a or herself. Pastors can add to the problem by not variety of workshops on topics such That was the message given to pastors taking enough time to rest. “If you are as helping people cope with grief, at a workshop entitled “Who’s taking willing to work 70 to 80 hours a week, practising communion, ministering to care of the pastor?” at Bridging the the church isn’t going to tell you to stop,” businesspeople, dealing with con- Gap, a winter conference sponsored she said. “Individuals may be concerned by Canadian Mennonite University’s about you, but the church as institution gregational conflict, and self-care for Institute for Theology and the Church. will eat you up. That’s a very hard lesson pastors. During the workshop, Melissa Miller, to learn.” For Donita Wiebe-Neufeld of a Winnipeg counsellor and author (and Miller’s recommendation is that Edmonton’s First Mennonite Church Canadian Mennonite’s “Family Ties” pastors follow Jesus’ example and take (and Canadian Mennonite’s Alberta columnist), told participants that pastors regular times “in the wilderness” by correspondent), a valuable part of “aren’t always good about self-care.” taking regular one-day retreats. The Bridging the Gap was hearing a wide Using the story of the woman who sought wilderness “is an important part of the variety of pastors “talk shop.” to be healed by touching Jesus, she said spiritual journey,” she said, adding that “I came away from these candid that “the work of caregiving requires another biblical model to keep in mind is sessions somewhat apprehensive energy. Over time, a pastor can feel the the Sabbath. “Pastors need to rest from energy going out.” their work to find balance,” she said. about the risks of being a pastor,” The challenge is exacerbated by the —CMU release by John Longhurst she acknowledged. “Many leaders tell painful stories. The stronger feeling I

18 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 WiderChurch

Pittsburgh, Pa. Sunday school leaders ‘Gather ’Round’Round’ he new “Gather ’Round: Hearing focus on strengthening and Sharing God’s Good News” the relationship between TSunday school curriculum was church and home, and an officially launched by Mennonite intentional emphasis on Publishing Network and Brethren worship and keeping the Press last month in Pittsburg. The focus on God. The cur- launch was also a training workshop riculum makes a renewed for more than 100 Christian educators commitment to inviting Photo by Ron Rempel and staff of Mennonite Church questions from learners, Canadian resource advocates for the new Gather Canada, MC USA and the Church of and the call to share the ’Round Sunday school curriculum are, from left the Brethren. Anabaptist faith. to right, front row: Arlyn Friesen Epp, director, Gather ’Round may be the first “Our curriculum is MC Canada Resource Centre; Donna Schultz, MC Sunday school curriculum to offer a different” than those of Saskatchewan; Monika Neufeld, MC B.C.; and, class for parents and caregivers, the larger publishers because Lisa Carr-Pries, MC Eastern Canada; and, back publishers said. Another feature is a it shares our Anabaptist row: Elsie Rempel, director, Christian Education multi-age option designed for small heritage, said Anna and Nurture, MC Canada; Marla Langelotz, MC congregations that do not have enough Speicher, director and edi- Manitoba; and Tracy Brown Ewert, MC Alberta. children to hold separate classes for tor of the Gather ’Round different age groups. curriculum. Designed for busy teach- first quarter of the curriculum is Presenters emphasized that the bib- ers who may not have time to research scheduled to be used in churches lically based Gather ’Round materials Scripture texts for themselves, each this fall. Materials for the fall may offer sessions for all ages of children lesson includes a short Bible insight be ordered now from Mennonite and youth, as well as a class for par- piece by a Mennonite or Brethren Publishing Network by calling toll-free ents and caregivers of children, and a biblical scholar. 1-800-245-7894. multi-age option for Kindergarten to “The basic premise is that chil- —Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Grade 6. Each group studies the same dren come into the world with a text on the same Sunday. The three relationship with God,” in accord foundational texts for the curriculum with Anabaptist theology, explained are Luke 10:27, Matthew 18:20, and Eleanor Snyder of Mennonite Deuteronomy 6:4-9—known as the Publishing Network. Gather ’Round shema. The shema begins, “Hear, O “invites children to discover that won- Israel: The Lord is our God,…” and is derful relationship,” she said. the memory verse for the first quarter A unique piece called the Talkabout of the curriculum. helps make the connection between Stilland still moving, The curriculum includes a new church and home. The Talkabout for the fall quarter—a 14-sided cardboard Hope Rising’s “ball”—intrigued participants at the left with, however, was one of renewed launch with its suggestions to spark 2nd CD project purpose and assurance. Congregations talk about faith around the dinner and their leaders are works in prog- table at home. Songwriter and guitarist ress. When we remember that God is “I’m very impressed,” said Monika Rick Pauw brings a message of in control, everything else eventually Neufeld, of Abbotsford, B.C. “What’s Grace, Hope and Restoration falls into place when we learn to be been done is definitely God’s plan,” she with his original songs truly open to God’s leadership.” said, “with a lot of people working very and music. “It inspired me, gave me a boost to hard to make it happen.” keep on going,” said Herman Wiebe of During closing worship led by Proceeds from CD sales go to Zoar Mennonite Church in Langham, Mennonite Publishing Network Sask. executive director Ron Rempel, each Circles of Support The conference also included an participant placed a shema scroll on and Accountability, opportunity for CMU students to meet a doorpost, literally carrying out the A Restorative Justice Initiative and hear pastors like Wiebe-Neufeld, command to “write them on the door- of MCC Ontario MC B.C. conference minister Henry posts of your house and on your gates.” Kliewer, and MC Manitoba conference Rempel commissioned the participants To order: minister John Klassen, describe the go out and share the good news. [email protected] ups and downs of being a pastor. New materials are produced —CMU release by John Longhurst quarterly for every age group. The Or call 905-528-3285

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 19 WiderChurch

Winnipeg Survey provides insight but few surprises ennonites are victims makes a positive contribution to denomination does. of their own success, congregational and personal Christian Respondents tended to be quite ac- Mconsultant Larry Matthews life, and meets many, or most, of their tive in their local congregations. A sig- told Mennonite Church Canada’s expectations, much, or most, of the time. nificant percentage (36 percent) have General Board in November. What The survey results also offered a served on a church committee, as wor- once set Mennonites theologically snapshot of financial giving to MC ship leaders (23 percent), and Sunday apart from other denominations has Canada. Ten percent of respondents School teachers (20 percent). Sixty-two become more commonplace, he said indicated that their household giving percent had attended an area confer- in a presentation of the results of a to MC Canada had increased in the ence assembly, and 45 percent an MC 2005 survey sent to 5,000 Mennonite past two years, while almost one-third Canada assembly. Ninety percent said Church Canada members. indicated an increase in giving to they attend church worship services While respondents said that work- their local congregation. Twenty-three weekly or almost every week. One- ing with other church partners is percent said they had increased giving third indicated having completed a often conditional on affirmation of to Christian organizations outside the voluntary service assignment with a Mennonite values and beliefs, in- local church and denomination in the Mennonite organization. creasingly those values and beliefs last two years. On the question of “What does it are being shared by other groups. “Clearly, Mennonite Church Canada mean to be Mennonite?” 75 percent Consequently, an individual, pastor or is not ranked as high a financial prior- said they think of themselves as even a congregation may feel comfort- ity as local ministry or other Christian Mennonite no matter what congre- able working with a wide range of organizations. This is the same in gation they attend. Less than half partners. The risk is the possibility of almost every denomination,” said thought of themselves as Mennonite diluted loyalty for the denomination Matthews. because of ethnicity. Eighty-two and lessened commitment to support- On the question of “value” provided percent of respondents were raised ing MC Canada ministries. by MC Canada, 53 percent agreed or in a household that participated in a But Matthews added that peace strongly agreed that they got “good Mennonite church, and almost one- and justice work continues to set value for the funds committed to the third attended a Mennonite high Mennonites apart from many activities and initiatives of Mennonite school, college or university. Christians, while personal and corpo- Church Canada.” But another 42 per- Half of the respondents live in com- rate piety sets Mennonites apart from cent were neutral or gave no opinion, munities of 50,000 persons or less. The many in mainline denominations. suggesting either a lack of conviction response rate was 18 percent. The survey found that respon- or lack of awareness about what the —MC Canada release by Dan Dyck dents had high expectations from the denomination when it comes to youth and children’s ministry, and provid- ing resources such as Sunday school materials. Respondents also expect the denomination to “set up programs for action,” and in doing so partner with other Christian organizations in the areas of native, international and multi-cultural ministries. When it comes to how MC Canada should communicate with indi- viduals and congregations, Canadian Mennonite, personal leadership visits and participation in annual assemblies were ranked as the most valuable.

Seventy-five percent said they read Connexus photo by Lee Jae-Sung some to all materials received from Tim Friesen of Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church, back row right, has been teaching MC Canada. This would be “a wel- at Connexus, an institute of the Korea Anabaptist Center in Seoul, South Korea, come result for many groups,” noted since last June. He is pictured with some of his students who have become friends Matthews. Respondents are not TV as the result of their interaction in his English language classes, some of which faith consumers; almost 60 percent combine language learning with Anabaptist peace and pacifism studies. Begun in of respondents said they watch no October 2004, Connexus has grown to five teachers and more than 100 students. Christian TV stations regularly. Teachers like Friesen gain a cross-cultural learning experience themselves, as Respondents said that MC Canada they live with a Korean host family during their tenure.

20 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 LocalChurch

Winnipeg Church, university seek to be scent sensitive or people with scent allergies, instead use unscented or lightly-scent- going to church can be tough if ed products that won’t cause problems Fthey have to sit near someone for people like Retzlaff. As well, the wearing a lot of perfume. But at least university has changed to one Winnipeg Mennonite church is unscented or low-odour striving to be sensitive to people with cleaning products in the scent allergies. bathroom dispensers “We don’t have a policy on being and for washing floors. scent free,” says Lois Friesen-Wiebe, Maintenance staff also office administrator at Fort Garry purchase low-odour Mennonite Fellowship. “We are trying paints and adhesives for to be scent sensitive.” tile and carpet. For that church, being scent sensi- Retzlaff appreciates the tive means putting occasional remind- effort. “It’s really great ers in the bulletin about not wearing that there are so many strong perfumes, colognes or scented people here who take this products. seriously, and who try to help,” she Reece Retzlaff: With her carbon filter “Having [Canadian Mennonite says. mask and without it (inset). University (CMU) student] Reece Even so, life can still be difficult. Retzlaff worship with us has also Retzlaff never goes anywhere without before Canadians give up scented made us more conscious of the issue,” her special carbon filter masks—the products entirely. “The perfume Friesen-Wiebe says. “She, and others ones that make her look a little bit industry is huge, but it wasn’t so long in the congregation who have scent al- like Darth Vader from the Star Wars ago that people could smoke wher- lergies, are a visible reminder for us.” movies. ever they wanted, too. Maybe one day Retzlaff, 23, is studying theology “We are on the lonely edge of a wearing fragrances will be seen the and music at CMU. She also has social revolution,” says Retzlaff, noting same way.” trouble with scents of various kinds. that it will probably take a long time —CMU release by John Longhurst Her reactions can range from nausea and severe headaches to loss of some muscle control; if the attack is bad enough, she may need help walking. She calls her condition “an invisible disability.” Friesen-Wiebe also has a personal stake in the issue—over the years she has developed a reaction to perfumes. “I get splitting headaches, and it’s hard to breathe,” she says, adding that “it’s gotten worse over time.” One thing Friesen-Wiebe appreci- ates is how CMU is taking leadership in this area. “It helps to make the public more aware of the issue,” she says. MCC B.C. photo by Sophie Tiessen Eigbike CMU has committed itself to becom- ing a scent-free university, making Some of the 54 participants at this year’s Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) it one of only a few universities in International Visitor Exchange Program (IVEP) mid-year conference enjoyed a day at Lynn Canyon in British Columbia. The week-long conference included worship, Canada, and the only university in workshops, recreation and sharing that focused on the theme of “peaceful action Winnipeg, that is trying to do so. in social conflict,” learning what it means to be a peacemaking and prayer-minded Students are encouraged to refrain Christian actively engaged in kingdom-building service. The event ended with an from using scented products, and to international worship service at Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C.

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 21 LocalChurch

Ont., a daughter, Simone, Jan. Man., Dec. 31. Springfield Heights People&EventsTransitions 23. Neufeld-Kinman—Jason Mennonite, Winnipeg, Feb. 10. Births/Adoptions MacLaurin—to Tracey and (Glenlea Mennonite, Man.) Peters—Esther, 78, Rosthern Scott, Steinmann Mennonite, and Ashley, in Versailles, Ky., Mennonite, Sask., Feb. 13. Campbell—to Sarah and Baden, Ont., a son, Grayson Dec. 31. Rogalsky—Jacob, 88, Glenlea Andrew, Brussels Mennonite, Connor, Jan. 5. Mennonite, Man., Jan. 30. Ont., a daughter, Charlotte Penner—to Debbie and Alvin, Deaths Thiessen—Leo, 85, Toronto Anne, Dec. 9. Morden Mennonite, Man., a United Mennonite, Feb. 11. Dechenes—to Tara and son, Jordan Luke, Feb. 14. Braun—Jake N., 82 (b. May Warkentin—Lorraine, 71, Yvon, Preston Mennonite, Pickel—to Angie and 7, 1923), Altona Bergthaler Glenlea Mennonite, Man., Jan. Cambridge, Ont., a son, Jeremy, Springfield Heights Mennonite, Man., Feb. 1. 10. Sebastien Yvon, Aug. 11. Mennonite, Winnipeg,, a son, Claassen—Elenore, 49, First Wiebe—Alvin, 83, Morden Giesbrecht—to Helma and Carson Jeremy, Nov. 2. Mennonite, Calgary, Feb. 10. Mennonite, Man., Feb. 12. Stephan, Springfield Heights Rorke—to Janine and Froese—Bruno, 85 (b. Feb. 3, Mennonite, Winnipeg, a Joel, Preston Mennonite, 1920), Springridge Mennonite, Baptisms daughter, Shanna Alexa, Nov. Cambridge, Ont., a son, Eric Pincher Creek, Alta., Jan. 13. 24. David, Sept. 9. Goetz—Susanna, 78, Bergthaler Mennonite, Hiebert—to Jacqueline and Thiessen—to Nadine Springfield Heights Plum Coulee, Man.—Abe Wilfried, Springfield Heights Neudorf-Thiessen and Mennonite, Winnipeg, Jan. 27. and Tina Hildebrand, Kristen Mennonite, Winnipeg, a Brandon, Point Grey Inter- Heinrichs—Donald, 69, Kehler, Tracey Kehler, Chrisie daughter, Daniella Leanne, Mennonite, Vancouver, a son, Trinity Mennonite, Mather, Giesbrecht, Jessica Rempel, Dec. 17. Ben Coal, Oct. 19. Man., Feb. 13. Jan. 22. Kim—to Angelique Toews Janzen—Brock A., 2 years 3 Breslau Mennonite, Ont.— (Arnaud Mennonite, Man.) and Marriages months, Tiefengrund Rosenort Brenton Schmidt, Feb. 5. Gus, a son, Adam Christopher, Mennonite, Laird, Sask., Jan. Preston Mennonite, Jan. 29. Doig-Kroeker—Rod and 28. Cambridge, Ont.—David Kinsie—to Krista and Candace, Trinity Mennonite, Kehler—Edgar, 70 (b. June 7, Penny, Jan. 8. Josh, Preston Mennonite, Calgary, Feb. 3. 1935), Steinbach Mennonite, Springridge Mennonite, Cambridge, Ont., a daughter, Friesen-Sawatzky—Brent Man., Feb. 17. Pincher Creek, Alta.— Faith Carolyn Nancy, Jan. 5. and Tara, Altona Bergthaler Klassen—Else, 87, Springfield Jessica Buhler, Jan. 29. Lewis Fretz—to Beverley Mennonite, Man., Feb. 4. Heights Mennonite, Winnipeg, Toronto United Mennonite, Fretz and Pat Lewis, Froese-Letkeman—Bob and Dec. 25. Ont.—Karl Reimer, SuYoun Bloomingdale Mennonite, Janaya, Steinbach Mennonite, Krause—Maria, 82, Kim, Jan. 1; Geisa Roveri, Nino Rodriguez, Feb. 12. Zurich Mennonite, Ont.— Stephanie Elliott, Dec. 18.

Canadian Mennonite welcomes Curriculum Transitions announcements within four months of the event. Please Writers Wanted send Transitions announcements by e-mail to transitions@cana- dianmennonite.org, including Gather ’Round: Hearing and Sharing God’s Good News is accepting the congregation name and loca- writer applications for its third curriculum year. A project of the Church of tion. When sending death notices, please include birth date and last the Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA, name at birth if available. Gather ’Round will be available for congregational use beginning this fall. Curriculum units are designed for Preschool (ages 3-4, with tips for Advertising 2s), Primary (grades K-2), Middler (grades 3-5), Multiage (grades K-6, Due Dates with tips for older students), Junior Youth (grades 6-8), Youth (grades 9- 12), and Parent/Caregiver. Issue Copy Due April 17 April 4 Accepted writers will attend a writers conference October 15-19, 2006, May 1 April 18 and begin writing immediately thereafter. First quarter materials will be (Focus on Books and due by January 13, 2007. Writers generally commit to writing the entire Resources) May 15 May 2 curriculum year. Payment varies according to the writing requirements May 29 May 16 for each unit. (Focus on Seniors) For an application, please contact the Gather ’Round project office at June 12 May 30 June 26 June 13 [email protected]. Telephone: 847-742-5100. See the website at www.gatherround.org for product samples and more information. Contact: Barbara Burkholder Application deadline is May 31, 2006. 1-800-316-4052 / advert@ canadianmennonite.org

22 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 TheChurches

passed away on Feb. 16. (Art who write about the good forces of good and evil, not un- Mennonite Church and Helen Rempel served with connections they are making like what is seen in Star Wars. Canada the Commission on Overseas in their new ministry. “In Does God use violence? Mission in Taiwan from 1983 building relationships among What is it directed toward? A Prayer requests to 1986.) As she returns, pray the people of Mindanao, being reading of Genesis and various Please pray for: for peace during a time of loss, introduced to other people and Psalms, as well as some of the • George and Tobia Veith and and energy for the challenges community leaders is every- prophetic materials, show that Tim and Cindy Buhler as they of her work in China. She re- thing,” they write. Pray that the battle is against water. host church partners and mis- cently moved from the Korean God would continue to open Recent experience with the sion representatives in Macau, border region to the Chinese these relational doors for this Asian tsunami makes clear from March 13 to 16, for the capital, where she now works peacebuilding ministry. that water continues to be Consultation on Anabaptist in Mercy Corps’ Beijing office a chaotic power of biblical Leadership Development in supporting its microfinance proportions. eastern Asia. Pray for wisdom programs countrywide. Of her Mennonite Church But evil is also embodied in and creativity as church part- new duties, she says, “I will be Eastern Canada the creatures that inhabited ners discern new approaches kept busy providing capacity the waters—the Dragon of to address leadership training building training, technical Pastors taught about the Deep, and Leviathan, the needs for Anabaptist churches oversight and managing the God’s ‘star wars’ seven-headed monster, which in Asia. donor relations. I’m looking were actually Canaanite dei- • Theresa Rempel, Witness forward to these new chal- “Star Wars is all wet,” said ties, or their agents. Israel’s mission associate serving lenges, as well as living in a Ben Ollinger as he spoke God does battle against the with Mercy Corps in Beijing, main city again.” to pastors at the annual gods of Canaan. China, who came home to • Joji and Dann Pantoja, School for Ministers. Many It is all about God’s sover- Manitoba for the funeral of recently appointed Witness Scriptures, he said, depict a eignty. When God roars (often her father, Art Rempel, who workers in the Philippines, cosmic struggle between the Continued on page 24

Henry Krause From our leaders

s you read this, Leadership Assembly how as a national church we can encourage and is taking place in Winnipeg. This is give leadership and resources to our congrega- Aan annual opportunity for the various tions and area conferences to do this well. councils and other parts of Mennonite Church We see the need to engage churches around Canada, as well as staff, to discern together our the world and so become a global church. We role as leaders, and to seek God’s guidance in are in a new reality in our relationship with the our efforts. global Anabaptist/Mennonite community, This gathering gives me joy and hope for where we are learning to both give and the future of our church across the coun- Engaging receive counsel and gifts. Through our now try, as we all come with a common vision official membership in the Evangelical of strengthening our congregations, area Fellowship of Canada and the Canadian conferences and our national church. the world Council of Churches, we are better un- Our agenda includes giving attention derstanding what we can contribute to, to the priorities we see as central to the work of MC and receive from, the church that extends beyond the Canada. At our delegate assembly in Charlotte last Mennonite/Anabaptist community in Canada—a stepping summer we worked on a discernment process to identify stone to the global church. what the priorities for our church should be for the next Finally, we also identify the need to continue to grow chapter of our ministry. At our General Board meeting leaders for the church. It is of primary importance for the in November we spent time looking at this question of national church to give priority and resources to training priorities as well, and saw our work being “To engage the leaders, both lay and professional, for our congregations world with the reconciling gospel of and for ministry around the world. We Jesus Christ,” so that we can: want to continue to have pastors, teach- • Form a people of God; One clear priority is to ers and ministry leaders at a variety of • Become a global church; and, form a people of God. levels who are knowledgeable, full of • Grow leaders for the church. grace and wisdom, rooted in Anabaptist We want to clearly identify what we theology, and able to discern the times discern God is calling us to as MC Canada. and the Scriptures well. One clear priority is to form a people of God. This hap- We continue to believe and trust that the “God who pens in our congregations as we meet together week after began a good work among us will bring it to completion,” week for teaching, fellowship, worship and sharing the as Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. good news of the reconciling love of God through Jesus Henry Krause is the moderator of MC Canada. Christ. Our challenge as leaders is to discern together

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 23 TheChurches

TheChurches From page 23 May 26 to 28. This is the fifth meals every day to transient Mennonite Church annual retreat. Leaders Adolf and homeless individuals, and Manitoba translated “rebukes”) at the Ens and Fran Giesbrecht will helping with a kids carnival in waters, they flee. The psalmist assist novices and experienced an inter-denominational inner- declares that God has estab- Two congregations birders alike in identifying city outreach known as “The lished his rule over the waters. join MC Manitoba new species and appreciating Bridge.” The God of creation—who cre- God’s winged handiwork. Those heading to Regina ated order out of the “formless At the annual delegate ses- will be helping at the Healing sions in Gretna on Feb. 25, void” and chaos of the prime- MennoniteMennonite Church Church Hearts Church, plugging into val swamp—also created hu- two northern congregations— SaskatchewanSaskatchewan the ministries of that local mankind to “have dominion,” Living Word Church in Cross congregation. that is, to “keep the peace,” as Lake and Riverton Fellowship The troupe will reassemble Circle—were welcomed into Youths team up to God’s regents. serve during Easter in Saskatoon on Thursday night All the “star wars” in MC Manitoba. for a debriefing, said Rehan. Scripture are God’s battles Walter and Hilda Franz are Saskatchewan youths are Youth pastors and sponsors for peace, culminating in interim pastors at Riverton teaming up with Mennonite will also be involved. Revelation, when the cosmic Fellowship Circle. Central Committee (MCC) struggle will cease and Christ Lorna McIvor is the pas- Saskatchewan for a chance to Mennonite Church tor at Living Word Church. Mennonite Church the Lamb will reign. This is serve others. AlbertaAlberta the same Jesus who “roared” This church, formerly Elim During their Easter break at the wind and waves, saying, Mennonite Church, became from March 18 to 20, about chartered in 2004 and last Bergen rink wins “Peace, be still.” 50 high school students will Didsbury bonspiel Sometimes, as in Exodus, year undertook a major build- be participating in an MCC God turns things on their head ing project. They held their Chalo experience in Saskatoon The much-anticipated and uses the very forces he first service in the new build- and Regina. According to the Mennonite men’s annual had previously opposed for his ing last Christmas Eve. October issue of the MCC curling bonspiel in Didsbury own purposes, said Ollinger, Saskatchewan monthly on Feb. 10 and 11 was, once referring to the sea in which Spring retreats at newsletter Connect, Chalo is a again, a lively social event Pharaoh’s army drowned, Camps with Meaning “short-term exposure and ser- enjoyed by participants and adding that many Scriptures vice experience for people age their families and friends. The declare that God breaks apart Camps with Meaning will be 13 to 30.” The program works sheets were busy with 22 rinks the weapons of war. presenting three retreats in to break down stereotypes and competing in four divisions, When asked by a seminary the spring. Plus 55 Retreats misunderstandings about in- encompassing a variety of skill student several years ago how will be held at Moose Lake ner-city lifestyles and choices. levels and ages. he views the “violent” God of (May 29 to 31) and at Koinonia “It will be a cross-cultural This year, one rink gained the Old Testament, he replied, (June 5 to 7). At the Moose experience,” affirmed Anna the distinction of becom- “I would rather worship the Lake retreat Henry and Elna Rehan, MC Saskatchewan ing definite fan favourites. God I find portrayed in the Neufeld will speak out of their youth minister. Teenager Nicholas Bergen of Old Testament than any God I life ministry experience with Teenagers will first meet at Edmonton and three friends might create myself.” aboriginal communities on the the MCC office in Saskatoon from his curling club played topic “Approaching another for a morning of orienta- very well, narrowly missing people.” Pam Driedger will ad- tion before being sent out to out on the A division finals. dress the topic “Rooted in the their different locations. In The famous pie counter was, centre, living on the edge” at Saskatoon, the students will as always, at least as busy as the Koinonia retreat. be working at the Friendship the ice. People left the bonspiel A birding retreat will be Inn, which serves about 500 held at Camp Koinonia from Continued on page 28

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Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 25 ToMorrow

Concert to raise AIDS from 12 botanical hotspots and April 22: Columbia Bible Anna Maria Tremonti, Boyce awareness, funds a variety of levels of difficulty. College graduation ceremony. Theatre, Calgary. Fundraising/ Some hikers might opt to April 24-29: MEI spring musi- awareness-raising event for Waterloo, Ont.—On March stroll through Etawah Woods, cal The Secret Garden. MCC AIDS projects. 22, Carol Ann Weaver, music where columbine, trillium, April 28-30: Jr. Youth May 29-June 1: Theological professor at Conrad Grebel wood anemone, geranium, IMPACT retreat at Camp studies week at Camp University College, is hosting goldenseal and celandine wood Squeah. Valaqua. Guest speaker: Dan a benefit concert in response to poppies are set against impos- May 2: Columbia Bible College Epp-Thiessen. the AIDS pandemic in Africa, ing rock walls and the shadows 2006 Open golf tournament. June 2-4: Foothills Mennonite in support of Mennonite of giant hemlock trees. Others April 29-30: Bethel Mennonite Church 50th anniversary Central Committee (MCC) and might choose a more rigor- Church 70th anniversary. celebrations. the Stephen Lewis Foundation. ous scramble up to Buzzard’s May 7: B.C. Mennonite June 16-17: MCC Alberta For this event, Weaver has Roost, 600 feet above nearby Women in Mission Relief Sale and bikeathon, composed a piece entitled, Paint Creek—perhaps the Inspirational Day, First Didsbury. “Every Three Children,” that most spectacular vista in the Mennonite Church, Vancouver. July 5-9: MC Canada annual symbolizes the number of state. May 26-27: “Come to the ta- assembly in Edmonton. children infected with the Those joining Merry Lea ble: A conference on the arts in AIDS virus in parts of Africa. will travel by van and stay at worship” explores the theme of Saskatchewan This new piece—with live Beechcliff, a restored turn-of- collaborative worship (dance, music and original African the-century hunting lodge in drama, visual arts, writing March 24: RJC open house for field recordings of children’s a wooded setting at Highlands for worship, storytelling and prospective students. singing—is based on writings Nature Sanctuary. more). Keynote speakers from March 26: Commissioning by Stephen Lewis, Stephanie Costs for the pilgrimage are AMBS: June Alliman Yoder, service for incoming MC Nolen of the Globe and Mail, $335 US per person—double Marlene Kropf and Rebecca Saskatchewan conference and many others who re- occupancy. Single occupancy is Slough. For more information, minister Jerry Buhler, First count stories of AIDS deaths, available for an additional $90 e-mail Angelika Dawson at Mennonite, Saskatoon. especially among children in US. All meals are included in [email protected]. March 31-April 1: Pleasant Africa. the package except those eaten June 1: MEI graduation Point Mennonite Church pre- “Every Three Children” will while on the road. ceremony. sentation of Daniel. be performed in two settings: The deadline for registra- April 1: Shekinah Retreat Centre fundraising banquet in the noon hour concert and tion is March 20. For more Alberta in the 4:30 chapel service. information on the trip, or to and auction at Mount Royal Both concerts feature Weaver register, call 260-799-5869 April 7-8: Mennonite Church Mennonite Church, Saskatoon, on piano, vocals by Rebecca or e-mail jenniferhs@goshen. Alberta annual assembly, 7:30 p.m. Special guests: Campbell, and the Conrad edu. For complete details on Foothills Mennonite Church, Simply Superb. Grebel Chapel Choir, among the pilgrimage, visit www. Calgary. April 2: Buncha’ Guys spring others. highlandssanctuary.org. April 21: MCC’s third annual concert at Knox United This is a free concert, but Merry Lea Environmental fine arts festival, Master’s Church, Saskatoon, 7:30 p.m. donations towards African Learning Center is an 1,150- Academy, Calgary. Theme: April 8: Women’s Enrichment AIDS relief work via MCC acre nature centre owned and “What does peace look like to Day. Africa or the Stephen Lewis operated by Goshen College. your neighbour?” April 18-20: Saskatchewan Foundation would be greatly —Merry Lea ELC release April 21-23: Strengthening Mennonite Youth “Chalo” appreciated. Family Ties men’s retreat at experience in Saskatoon and —Conrad Grebel release Camp Valaqua. Guest speaker: Regina. Calendar Gordon Houser, associate April 22: MHSS fundraising banquet and retirement cel- View foliage on British Columbia editor of The Mennonite. For more information, call Marvin ebration for Dick Epp, editor wildflower pilgrimage March 28-29: Cross-cul- Baergen at 403-256-2894. of The Historian, at Bethany Goshen, Ind.—Merry Lea tural interactive First Nation May 6-7: Songfest hosted by Manor. Environmental Learning and Mennonite gathering Edmonton First Mennonite April 22-23: North Star Center of Goshen College at Emmanuel Mennonite, Church. Theme: “God’s people Mennonite Church 100th an- invites nature fans to join its Abbotsford, 7 p.m. For more now.” A choir from Canadian niversary weekend. To register staff for a trip on the Southern information, call MCC B.C. at Mennonite University will be for meals or billets, or for more Ohio Wildflower Pilgrimage, 604-850-6639. the featured guests. information, call 306-363-2125 April 20 to 23. Participants April 6: CBC view day. May 26-28: Women in Mission or e-mail [email protected]. will spend two-and-a-half April 8,9: Lenten Vespers annual retreat at Camp April 29: Ministries days hiking the foothills of with Abendmusik Choir, Valaqua. Theme : “Women Commission second annual Appalachia with experienced 8 p.m. at Emmanuel Free in conversation: Celebrating Touring Mission Fest. naturalists and botanists Reformed Church, Abbotsford women’s lives.” May 6: RJC alumni golf tour- at the height of wildflower (8), and Knox United Church, May 28: “Glimmers of Hope” nament. To enter, visit www. season. Travellers can choose Vancouver (9). with Brian Stewart and rjc.sk.ca

26 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 ToMorrow

May15-18: Anabaptist spiri- in Winnipeg. For more infor- annual general meeting, Conrad Grebel college chapel, tuality continuing education mation, call Peter and Rose Winnipeg. 7:30 p.m. course with Arnold Snyder at Dick at 204-757-4705. Jan. 18-20: CMU Refreshing April 2: Conrad Grebel’s First Mennonite, Saskatoon. May 4-6: Institute for Leaders: Winds conference on wor- April Fool’s Café at the May 27-28: Three-camp Part 1, sponsored by CMU’s ship and music. Keynote Church Theatre, St. Jacobs. retreat at Shekinah Retreat Centre for Leadership and speaker: Marva Dawn, author 3 p.m. Featuring Rick Cober Centre. Management. For more infor- of Reaching Out Without Bauman, John Moyer and No June 3: Prairie Falcon motor- mation, visit www.cmu.ca. Dumbing Down: A Theology of Discernable Key. Proceeds cycle rally fundraiser for MCC, May 6: Worship and enrich- Worship For This Urgent Time. to Grebel student aid and Saskatoon. ment day at First Mennonite, Feb. 20-21: CMU winter scholarships. For tickets, call June 4: Shekinah Retreat Winnipeg. Registration at 8:30 lectures with Robert Russell, 885-0220 ext. 381. Centre triathlon. a.m. Bring a bag lunch. All professor of theology, Graduate April 8: Fraser Lake Camp June 9-10: MCC Relief Sale women invited. Theological Union. Topic: 10th annual fundraising and quilt auction in Saskatoon. May 17: Westgate Mennonite “Science and theology.” dinner and auction at Rouge Collegiate work day. Valley Mennonite Church, 6:30 Manitoba May 25: Westgate Mennonite Ontario p.m. E-mail info@fraserlake- Collegiate Senior 2 to 4 spring camp.com or call 905-642-2964 March 18: Winnipeg MCC concert, at Bethel, 7:30 p.m. March 14: Campus Day at for more information. Relief Sale banquet. May 29-31: Plus 55 retreat at Conrad Grebel University April 21: Guelph MCC meat March 25: CMU chamber Camp Moose Lake. College. Guided campus tours canning fundraising ham choir and men’s chorus at the June 1: Westgate Mennonite and information about aca- dinner at Hamilton Mennonite Laudamus Auditorium, 7 p.m. Collegiate Grade 7 to Senior 1 demic and residence programs Church, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Music April 1: MDS awareness spring concert, at Bethel, 7:30 available. by Hope Rising. For tickets, and fundraising banquet, p.m. March 16-18: Conrad call 905-679-6506. Richmond Park Church, June 5-7: Plus 55 retreat at Grebel student council April 24-28: MCC meat Brandon, 6 p.m. Guest speak- Camp Koinonia. presents Footloose in the canning at the University of er: Kevin King, MDS executive June 11: MCI Saengerfest. Humanities Theatre, Hagey Guelph. coordinator. Call 1-866-261- Worship, 10:30 a.m.; concert, Hall, University of Waterloo. April 28-29: Engaged 1274 for ticket information. 2 p.m. 8 p.m. each night; 2 p.m. workshop at Living Water April 2: CMU fundraising June 15-17: Institute for matinee (18). For tickets, call Fellowship, New Hamburg. To faspa/light supper and vespers Leaders: Part 2, sponsored by 519-888-4908. register, call Delmar and Mary at Mennonite Collegiate CMU’s Centre for Leadership March 18: Sawatsky Visiting Bender at 519-656-2256. Institute, Gretna. Supper at and Management. For more Scholar fundraising dinner April 28-29: MC Eastern 5:30 p.m.; vespers at 7:30 p.m. information, visit www.cmu.ca. and tribute to the late Rod Canada spring conference, St. For more information or reser- June 16-17: MCC Winnipeg Sawatsky. Keynote address Catharines. vations, call 204-487-3300. Relief Sale. by Doug “Jake” Jacobsen. May 13: Menno Singers pres- April 6: Jazz at CMU, 7:30 p.m. June 20: CMU President’s For more information, e-mail ent “Psalms and Hymns” with April 6,7: MCI western Golf Tournament, Kingswood [email protected]. Marilyn Houser Hamm, Zion Manitoba and Winnipeg fund- Golf and Country Club, March 22: Every Three United Church, Kitchener, raising banquets. LaSalle. Visit www.cmu.ca for Children fundraising concerts 8 p.m. April 8: MCI Gretna fundrais- more information. by Carol Ann Weaver for ing banquet and concert with Aug. 21-25: CMU Blazers MCC and the Stephen Lewis U.S.A. Canzona. multi-sport overnight camp. Foundation, Conrad Grebel April 14: Sargent Ave. For more information, visit chapel, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. June 8-10: “Holding fast to Mennonite Church Adult www.cmu.ca. March 23: MEDA Waterloo our faith: Confession of Faith Choir, orchestra and soloists Aug. 28-Sept. 1: CMU Blazers Chapter breakfast meet- in a Mennonite Perspective 10 present The Seven Last Words multi-sport day camp. For ing at the Stone Crock, St. years later” conference, AMBS, of Christ on Good Friday, April more information, visit www. Jacobs, 7:30 a.m. Speaker: Elkhart, Ind. 14, 10:30 a.m., at the church. cmu.ca Richard Stevanus, Vandel April 22: CMU annual spring Sept. 10: Covenant Mennonite Construction. concert, 7:30 p.m. Church, Winkler, 25th an- March 25: Mennonite Aid April 23: Spring concert niversary celebration. For Union annual meeting at St. Winnipeg’s North Kildonan further information, call 204- Jacobs Best Western Inn, 9:30 To ensure timely Mennonite Church, at the 325-4374 or e-mail covenant@ a.m. For more information, call publication of upcom- church, 3 p.m. mts.net. 519-634-5267 ext. 202. ing events, please April 28-29: Manitoba Sept. 16: Morris MCC Relief March 27: MSCU annual send Calendar Mennonite spring curling general meeting, Steinmann Sale. announcements funspiel, Winnipeg. For more Sept. 16-17: Brandon MCC Mennonite Church, Baden. information, call Gerald Registration: 6:30 p.m.; meet- EIGHT WEEKS in advance Relief Sale. of the event date by Warkentin at 204-487- Oct.15-16: CMU J.J. Thiessen ing: 7 p.m. Special music by 2972 or Dave Zacharias at Lectures with Ellen Davis, Bryan Moyer Suderman. e-mail to: 204-477-4714. professor of Bible and practi- April 11: A reading by Rudy calendar@ April 28-30: Manitoba cal theology, Duke Divinity Wiebe from his new memoir canadianmennonite.org Mennonite and Brethren School. Of This Earth: A Mennonite Marriage Encounter weekend Nov. 17-18: MCC Manitoba Boyhood in the Boreal Forest,

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 27 TheChurches

TheChurches From page 24 all the nations,” based on featured. Creek and Port Hardy. For more Revelation 7:9-12, with On March 29, Gitksan carver information on the program, or with happy memories and speaker Ingrid Schultz, pastor Eric MacPherson will talk to register for the camping trip, singing taste buds. of FUMC. about art, culture and faith. visit www.mcc.org/bc. This year’s bonspiel winners Registration begins at 1:30 These events are part of Unless otherwise credited, the were: p.m. with coffee and displays; an interactive listening and articles in TheChurches pages • A event: Bruce Baergen, the worship service starts at learning process to bring First were written by: Leona Dueck Lowell Thiessen, Vince 2:30 p.m. A supper will con- Nation and other communi- Penner (MC Canada), Maurice Friesen, Paul Bergen. clude the afternoon. ties together. A learning and Martin (Eastern Canada), Evelyn Runners-up: Dick Sawatzky, All Mennonite Church B.C. get-acquainted camping trip Rempel Petkau (Manitoba), Karin Dan Zacharias, John women are welcome to attend, is planned for Aug. 8 to 13 Fehderau (Saskatchewan), Donita Sawatzky, Tony Funk. whether or not they attend a this year on Vancouver Island, Wiebe-Neufeld (Alberta) and Amy • B event: Peter Enns, Rob women’s group at their church. and will include visits to First Dueckman (British Columbia). See page 2 for contact information. Enns, Gerald Enns, Brian Nation communities in Black Seniors condo units in Genesis Enns. Runners-up: Bill Joint venture with Estates, Rosthern, Sask. One- Neumann, Byron Koop, Dick aboriginal neighbours & two bedroom units include 4 Neufeld, Ron Neufeldt. For sale appliances, air-conditioner and • C event: John Bergmann, How can traditional spiri- single heated parking space. Walt Dyck, David Dyck, Paul tuality and understanding Seniors condo units in Genesis Condo fees include utilities Neufeld. Runners-up: Abe be fulfilled in the gospel, or Estates, Rosthern, Sask. One- & taxes. Call Elmer Schultz, Fehr, Will Martens, David transformed by it, in the same & two bedroom units include 4 RE/MAX North Country, 1- appliances, air-conditioner and 306-221-8262 for details. MLS Martens, Ervin Martens. way that European cultures single heated parking space. $49,900 and $69,900. • D event: Quentin Dyck, Len interpreted the gospel into Condo fees include utilities Franz, Karl Blank, Martin their context? & taxes.For rent Call Elmer Schultz, Blank. Runners-up: Mike This is the question that RE/MAX North Country, 1- Goerzen, Tony Stauffer, Artlen Mennonite Church Canada 306-221-8262 for details. MLS Basement suite, Scotia St. Motz, Eric Goerzen. and Mennonite Central $49,900 and $69,900. Looking for roommate to share area. In character home, close 2-bdr w-out bsmt with female Committee B.C. are asking to bus. Appliances, laundry in Toronto, Hwy 404/401. $490 MennoniteMennonite Church Church as they host two evenings of parking, furnished. Available incl. parking, laundry. Ravine, BritishBritish Columbia Columbia cross-cultural experience at March 15. $525. Faith or Peter park out back. 416-391-1998. Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 334-5675. FUMC to host Abbotsford, on March 28 and 29. Inspirational Day Micmaq theologian Terry Employment opportunities LeBlanc of Edmonton and The B.C. Mennonite Women in Cree theologian Ray Aldred of Mission annual Inspirational Winnipeg will be featured on Day will take place May 7 March 28, 7 p.m., acquainting Accepting resumes for full-time Linux & Windows at First United Mennonite aboriginals with Mennonites Client Network Administrators Church (FUMC), Vancouver. of European and other cultural Winnipeg, MB & Waterloo, ON The afternoon’s theme is backgrounds. Aboriginal drum- www.peaceworks.ca “Preparing to worship with ming and singing will be

News brief Announcement

Immigration reform last December. The Border MCC campaign target Protection, Antiterrorism and Opportunity for pastors: Applications are now being accept- ed for the 2006-2007 Pastor-Faculty Colloquies, a series of Illegal Immigration Control The Mennonite Central discussions involving pastors and seminary professors spon- Act would make being in the sored by Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. The topic for Committee (MCC) Washington country without immigration 2006-2007 is the role of pastor as teacher of Bible in the con- Office is inviting congregations documents an aggravated gregation. Pastors are invited to apply if they are interested in to gain awareness about the felony and criminalize church study and discussion of this topic and can attend all sessions, plight of immigrants along the workers and social service scheduled for August 21-23, October 30-November 1 and Feb- U.S./Mexico border by joining providers who assist un- ruary 26-28. Eight pastors will be selected. Travel and lodging an effort to send at least 463 documented immigrants. The costs are reimbursed, and participants receive a stipend. letters to Congress about im- campaign website suggests Information and application forms are available online at www. migration reform. The online that letter writers share with ambs.edu; choose Church Leadership Center, then Engaging campaign (www.mcc.org/letter- lawmakers their vision for Pastors; or go to: sontheline) remembers the 463 policies that lead to justice www.ambs.edu/php/EngagingPastors/ep_colloquies.php. immigrants who died along the and peace for immigrants. Pastors may phone 574-296-6269 for information. border last year, and provides Congregations or individuals Send applications to: congregations and individuals who send letters are asked to AMBS, 3003 Benham Avenue with suggestions for speaking notify the Washington Office, out in response to an immigra- Elkhart, IN 46517 and the website will track how E-mail: [email protected] tion reform bill passed by the many letters have been sent. U.S. House of Representatives —MCC release

28 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 AdvertisingToMorrow Employment opportunities Springridge Mennonite Church invites applications for a full-time Steinbach bible college PASTOR invites applications for the position of The applicant’s duties will include preaching, teaching, visita- tion, community involvement, as well as wide Conference in- PRESIDENT volvement, some administration and generally giving spiritual Steinbach Bible College is an evangelical-anabaptist school drawing leadership to the congregation. A Mennonite/Anabaptist theo- students from across North and Central America and overseas. logical understanding is important. We are seeking a candidate who has a passion for equipping leaders Springridge Mennonite Church is a small, hospitable, rural, for ministry and can help our institution move to the next level of ex- inter-generational congregation with an average attendance cellence in post-secondary Christian education. of about 50 people. The church is located 45 minutes from the Rocky Mountains and a half-hour from Pincher Creek. The The successful candidate will have a... starting date is August 1, 2006. . Demonstrated excellence in educational or ministry leadership Contact: . Graduate degree in a relevant ministry, theological, or educational field Abe Janzen . Strong commitment to an evangelical-anabaptist understanding Phone: 403-627-3991 . Mature faith and excellent spiritual character E-mail: [email protected] . Exceptional communication and organizational skills Web: http://springridge.mennonitechurch.ab.ca/ . Proven ability in effective teamwork Position to begin prior to 2006-2007 school year. Please send your résumé to: Presidential Search Committee c/o Steinbach Bible College 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1T4 more information on the SBC website: www.sbcollege.ca Subscriber services How to subscribe: 1. Individuals who attend churches that are part of Men- nonite Church Canada or one of its five area churches can subscribe through our Every Home Plan (paid for by  your church giving and CM’s own fundraising). Please contact your church office to be added to the list.  2. Personal subscriptions are also available to anyone. A one-year subscription (24 issues) is $36.00 plus $2.52        GST in Canada, $53.50 (Can.) to the USA, and $73.00       (Can.) for elsewhere. Two-year and group subscriptions        are also available.         Name______         Address______       ______Postal Code______o Payment enclosed     o Charge my o VISA o Mastercard •        ______         card number expiry date •          Subscription changes:  1. When submitting a change of address or cancellation, please include your subscription number: •      Subscription number Expiry date •          •               2 column ad - 3.5” x 3.5”prepared for Canadian Mennonite           Sample $65/col inch = $227.50 3 insertions  (less  5% $34.13) = $648.37 2. Subscription changes are not considered Transitions notices (these go to [email protected]).        3. Changes will be made immediately but may take four to     six weeks to take effect because of printing schedules.        Contact information:    Canadian Mennonite, 490 Dutton Dr., Unit C5,   Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 6H7  Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 Fax: 519-884-3331 E-mail: [email protected]

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 29 Advertising

Employment opportunities Blumenort Mennonite Church in Rosetown, Man. is seeking a PASTOR MANAGER ACCOUNTING SERVICES to lead our multi-generational congregation forward. Our aver- ______age attendance is around 180-200 people. We are looking for Head Office, Mennonite Savings and Credit Union ______someone with a compatible faith commitment, someone who communicates and relates well to all ages, and is able to work Mennonite Savings and Credit Union is a progressive faith-based financial institution well with people. Areas of responsibility would include preach- with six full-service branches;serving a membership base of more than 15,500,with ing, discipling, visitation, administration and giving spiritual more than $570 million in assets under administration.MSCU serves members of leadership to the congregation. The pastor would be working Mennonite,Amish,and Brethren in Christ churches across Ontario.Plans are together with a strong Youth and Lay ministry team. underway to open additional branches in the Niagara region and in Aylmer. Send inquiry or resume to: Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the successful incumbent will be responsible for: Attn: Blumenort Mennonite Church Search Committee • Providing leadership and being responsible for all aspects of the c/o Blumenort Mennonite Church accounting services area Box 457 Gretna MB R0V 0V0 • Providing direction and being responsible for the preparation, accuracy Phone: 204-362-2223 or 204-829-3625 and integrity of the financial reporting E-mail: [email protected] • Providing direction in the development of risk management, audit controls and reporting Qualifications include: • CGA (or equivalent) designation Mennonite Central Committee Ontario • a minimum of 5 to 6 years financial accounting experience invites applications for the position of • proven supervisory skills • in-depth knowledge of excel spreadsheet applications WORKROOM MANAGER • experience using computerized financial report and financial New Hamburg Thrift Centre, New Hamburg, Ontario statement generators • experience with various database modeling software tools The position requires a person with a commitment to Christian • strong analytical, organization, and time management skills faith, active church membership and non-violent peacemaking. • an understanding and commitment to cooperative philosophy and values New Hamburg is in the process of building a new Thrift Centre, would be a definite asset which would combine the work of its two current thrift shops. We thank all candidates but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. MCC is seeking a person with: Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled, •Strong interpersonal and management/ leadership skills. with interviews expected to begin as early as March 27, 2006. •An awareness of second hand retail market trends. •Experience working with volunteers. Interested persons should send their resume to: •Good organizational skills. Pam McCartney, Human Resources Manager Mennonite Savings and Credit Union •Willingness to work in a team environment with board, staff 1265 Strasburg Road • Kitchener, ON N2R 1S6 Tel: (519) 746-1010 and volunteers. 1-888-672-6728 • Fax: (519) 746-1045 • E-mail: [email protected] This full-time salaried position is available beginning May 1, 2006. Application deadline is March 27, 2006. Complete job description available on MCC’s website at www.mcc.org. A tradition of trust. To apply, send cover letter and resume, or for more information ELMIRA • KITCHENER • LEAMINGTON • MILVERTON • NEW HAMBURG • WATERLOO • www.mscu.com contact: Cath Woolner 50 Kent Ave., Kitchener , ON N2G 3R1 Phone: 519-745-8458 E-mail: [email protected] Mennonite Church Eastern Canada invites applications for REGIONAL MINISTERS A team of three half-time Regional Ministers is required for ministry in different geographical areas within MCEC. Appli- FULL-TIME LEAD MINISTER cants will draw on their previous pastoral experience, their Waterloo North Mennonite Church is a dynamic, urban, multi- familiarity with congregational denominational resources, their generational congregation with an average attendance of 250. depth of spiritual maturity, and their commitment to Anabaptist Responsibilities include leading a Ministry Team that includes theology to be a resource for pastors and lay leaders for effec- the Associate Minister (staff) and three lay ministers. The suc- tive congregational ministry. Applicants will be excellent com- cessful candidate will have a Master of Divinity, a commitment municators and team-builders who are energized by working to Anabaptist/Mennonite theology, pastoral leadership experi- alongside the conference Leadership Team to realize MCEC’s ence, and will be gifted in preaching, administration and pas- mission of “Extending the peace of Jesus Christ: Making Dis- toral care. ciples, Growing Congregations, Forming Leaders.” Application deadline is March 31, 2006. For more information, or to re- Apply by March 15 to: quest a job description, please contact: Waterloo North Mennonite Church David Martin, MCEC Executive Minister c/o Muriel Bechtel, Conference Minister Phone: 519-650-3806 /1-800-206-9356 4489 King St. East E-mail: [email protected] Kitchener, ON N2P 2G2 Web: www.mcec.ca Phone: 519-650-3806; Email: [email protected]

30 Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 Advertising

Columbia Bible College announces a faculty opening in SENIOR AND ASSOCIATE PASTOR COUNSELLING/PSYCHOLOGY Niverville Mennonite Church is a group of believers that wishes Columbia is seeking a faculty member in the field of Counsel- to reach out and receive people with the grace, love and mercy ling and Psychology for a 3-year term appointment to begin in of Jesus Christ, journeying, worshipping and serving together Fall 2006. For a full list of qualifications and job description, in community as a growing witness to God and the World. The please consult www.columbiabc.edu. NMC is in a unique position of requiring both a Senior and As- sociate Pastor. Please forward resume to the attention of Dr. Ron Penner by March 31, 2006. In accordance with Canadian immigration re- We are seeking a Senior Pastor who is a spiritual leader with a quirements, this advertisement is directed in the first instance compassionate heart willing to serve and equip others. This in- to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. dividual must have pastoral experience and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible or related studies. We are also seeking a vibrant, enthusiastic and energetic in- dividual for the position of Associate Pastor. The Associate Foothills Mennonite Church invites applications for the posi- Pastor would provide direction and care in the areas of Senior tion of Youth, Junior Youth, Education and Children’s Ministry. ASSOCIATE PASTOR Niverville is a growing community located 30 minutes south of Winnipeg. Our church has a membership of 150, with balanced with primary responsibility in the areas of youth and family demographics and an active youth program of approximately ministry. Those interested, please indicate so by contacting 50 individuals. Further information concerning the church and Foothills Mennonite Church at: these positions is available upon request. Phone: 403-289-7172 Please submit inquiries and resume to: E-mail: [email protected] The job description can be viewed at NMC Pastoral Search Committee http://foothills.mennonitechurch.ab.ca. c/o Gerry Rempel Box 854 Niverville, MB R0A 1E0 Phone: 204-388-4572; E-mail: [email protected] HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER ______Head Office, Mennonite Savings and Credit Union ______

Mennonite Savings and Credit Union is a progressive faith-based financial institution with six full-service branches;serving a membership base of more than 15,000,with more than $500 million in assets under administration.MSCU serves members of Mennonite,Amish,and Brethren in Christ churches across Ontario.Plans are underway to open additional branches in the Niagara region and in Aylmer. MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE OPEN POSITIONS: As a member of MSCU’s Senior Management Team, the Human Resources MDS is expanding its bi-national staff as a result of the in- Manager will identify, implement and measure progress toward organizational creased need following the Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2005. MDS and human resources objectives in line with overall organizational strategies. will interview and hire qualified candidates to head the follow- This will entail planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating programs ing areas, each reporting directly to the Executive Director: related to staff recruitment, selection and development, employee relations, health and safety, compensation, benefits, appreciation and recognition. As the COMMUNICATIONS - Primary Responsibility: To develop and leader of a small team, you will have a variety of additional related responsibilities administer a comprehensive communications plan to share the and opportunities that support the continued growth and development of MDS message with the constituency and stakeholder commu- service to our credit union members. nities as well as the general public, interpreting MDS philoso- phy/vision and promoting strong support. The ideal candidate will have: • a generalist background with progressive experience in human resources FIELD OPERATIONS - Primary Responsibility: To manage all management field operations and to assure effective and efficient team effort • a reputation as a good listener, an effective mentor and coach in all field relationships and activities in serving MDS “custom- • a university or college degree in a relevant area of study ers/clients” within the philosophy and resource parameters of • completed or be actively pursuing a certified program in Human Resource MDS. Management (CHRP designation preferred) • demonstrate awareness and understanding of the Amish, Brethren in Christ FINANCE & ACCOUNTING - Primary Responsibility: To over- and Mennonite communities in Ontario see the financial management, reporting and controller func- • share a commitment to MSCU’s co-operative philosophy and values tions, assuring integrity in all financial aspects of MDS. We thank all candidates but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. HUMAN RESOURCES - Primary Responsibility: To assure Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled, prompt provision of qualified staff for all leadership positions with interviews expected to begin as early as March 20, 2006. and long-term volunteer positions and program needs. To en- hance effective teamwork throughout the organization. Interested persons should send their resume to: Nick Driedger, Chief Executive Officer Address inquiries to: Mennonite Savings and Credit Union 1265 Strasburg Road • Kitchener, Ontario N2R 1S6 MDS Human Resources, Attn: Arleta Martin Telephone: (519) 746-1010 • Fax: (519) 746-1045 • E-mail: [email protected] 1018 Main Street, Akron, PA 17501 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 717-859-2210; Fax: 717-859-4910 A tradition of trust. www.mds.mennonite.net ELMIRA • KITCHENER • LEAMINGTON • MILVERTON • NEW HAMBURG • WATERLOO • www.mscu.com

Canadian Mennonite March 6, 2006 Volume 10, Number 5 31 For where two or three are gathered in my name,

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m e th r fo re ca o wh lts du e a d th , an uth n, yo 6 hildre 200 for c Fall gins Be Orders and information: Produced by: www.gatherround.org Mennonite Church Canada Mennonite Publishing Network Mennonite Church USA Church of the Brethren 1-800-245-7894

I32 Canadianam Mennonite March there 6, 2006 Volumeamong 10, Number 5 them. —Matthew 18:20