September 2, 2013 Volume 17 Number 17

One milk crate of debris

at a timepg. 20

inside Hindsight foresight insight 4 Healing the Mennonite class divide 14

PM40063104 R09613 What is the ‘settler problem’? 23 2 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

Editorial champions “justice” as one of its core beliefs. Can we, with God’s help, bring some kind of redemption to this shadowy Healing sexual abuse narrative? In both cases, we in the larger com- Dick Benner munity can feel rather helpless. In the Editor/Publisher Yoder case, it is a distant event, happen- ing in an era when, in a more patriarchal wo stories on sexual abuse have the experience, what could go better in religious system, men took liberties that re-emerged recently on the restoration of victims and perpetrators today are not tolerated. In the Bolivia TMennonite scene that call for so- in cases of sexual harassment and abuse? Old Colony story, these are far-distant ber reflection and some self-examination, Where can growth continue?” she asks. cousins, both in faith and practice, and but not self-obsession. They should be The safety of women in another in geography. We are shamed and sad- seen, in the present, as “teachable mo- setting—the Manitoba Old Colony of dened, but barely capable of reaching into ments” and occasions for healing, Bolivia—has also hit the inter- such an insular communal group that rather than harsh judgments on national media in a recent first and foremost resents and resists any the sins of our fathers. in-depth story by Time reporter outside counsel or help. We refer to the re-surfacing, Jean Friedman-Rudovsky as a Let me suggest two possible responses, after some 20 years, of the sexual follow-up to the horrendous one of which is already well underway: abuse of women by one of our event in August 2011, when eight leading theologians, the late John Manitoba men, aged 19 to 43, • Acknowledge the far-reaching Howard Yoder. Although he creatively were convicted of raping women and damage of Yoder’s behaviour while still schooled those of my generation in a peace children, using an anesthetic spray on maintaining respect for, and receiving theology from our Anabaptist roots, that their victims while they slept, and were theological instruction from, his creative “provided a crucial witness to the secular sentenced to 25 years in prison. Officially thinking and influence well beyond our world and combat[ted] a host of injustices,” there were 130 victims—at least one per- denominational borders. as his obituary in the New York Times noted son from more than half of all Manitoba Sara Wenger Shenk, president of on Jan. 7, 1998, he also sexually violated Colony households. Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, some 80 women, at last count. Two years later, Friedman-Rudovsky Elkhart, Ind., where Yoder’s influence was These victims, now feeling free to tell visited the colony, spending a week talk- most felt, has called for a public “revisit” their stories in a more enlightened time, ing to the victims and to the leaders in of his legacy—“getting the facts straight are asking for an official acknowledge- an attempt to assess the culture that may and shouldering the urgent healing work ment from church leaders, and a more have fostered this reprehensible behav- that must still be done.” open and honest discussion of sexism iour. To her dismay and surprise, and Mennonite Church U.S.A., through a broadly in the Mennonite church. to ours looking on, she found that rape joint effort with Shenk, has convened a “My generation is still impacted by is still occurring, with the colony lead- six-member discernment group to “guide residual practices of church decision- ers taking a rather casual, if not cavalier, a process that hopes to contribute to the makers,” wrote Charletta Erb, a marriage attitude towards the crimes. “If a perpe- healing of victims of Yoder’s abuse as and family therapist intern, in a blog trator is not ready to admit his sins, the well as others deeply hurt by his harmful entry published online by The Mennonite. question is whether the victim or the behaviour.” “I am wary of our conflict avoidance, accuser will be believed . . . and women in cautious for safety in the church, cau- Manitoba already know where that goes,” • Look to persons like Eve and Helmut tious of why women are not more at the she writes. Isaak, already working with the Old forefront of church life, publishing our Both of these stories are hard to read, Colony leaders to address the problems ideas in equal frequency to men. I have to and even harder to reconcile, as mem- from the inside, “creating spaces for more ask what the church has learned through bers of a faith community that ironically wholesome living.”

About the cover: Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at ‘We’ve never dealt with anything like this in Canada before,’ says Janet 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ Plenert, MDS director for Canadian operations, of this summer’s flooding canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- in southern Alberta. See story on page 20. dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at our web site. We acknowledge the financial support Photo: janet plenert, mennonite disaster service of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund for our publishing activities. ISSN 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 Hindsight foresight insight 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsIn our Christian Formation Sunday feature, Susan Schultz Huxman, 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 president of Conrad Grebel University College, writes of the impor- Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 tance of the ability to see clearly as Christians and as Mennonites. Web site: canadianmennonite.org Plus, Virginia A. Hostetler profiles three women presidents of Mennonite institutions of higher learning. Please send all material to be considered for publication to: General submission address: [email protected] Congolese youth strengthen Mennonite ties 17 Readers Write: [email protected] In a world where differences and distance often divide people of faith, Milestones announcements: [email protected] Obituaries: Michael Hostetler, [email protected] Mennonite youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo are participat- Calendar announcements: [email protected] ing in an exchange program to strengthen ties among the country’s Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/Obituaries/Calendar” three Mennonite conferences.. by postal mail or fax to our head office. Reprint requests: [email protected] One milk crate of debris at a time 20 ‘All we could do was take one milk crate of debris up Mission statement: To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing Mennonites the stairs at a time,’ recalls MDS volunteer in Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist perspective. We do this Nancy through an independent publication and other media, working with our church partners. Thiessen of her experience in one flood-stricken home in High River, Alta., this summer. ‘I could not Guiding values: imagine the stress of facing that alone.’ Hebrews 10:23-25 • Accuracy, fairness, balance • Editorial freedom • Seeking and speaking the truth in love • Open hearts and minds in discerning God’s will • A friend remembers 28 Covenantal relationships and mutual accountability Wilfrid Laurier University music professor David Falk is recalled by Area churches and MC Canada financially support 38 percent of Canadian Mennonite’s long-time friend Jack Dueck. annual budget. ‘Dig in’ to Scripture 32 Board of Directors (by appointing body): MennoMedia collaborates with partner denominations in a going-back- MC Canada: Les Klassen Hamm, Doreen Martens; to-the-Bible series. MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: James Moyer; MC Saskatchewan: Marianne Harder; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; Young Voices 34-37 MC Eastern Canada: Tim Reimer; Poet and CMU professor Sally Ito shares about creativity, writing and CMPS: Carl DeGurse, Roger Epp, Tobi Thiessen inspiration in an interview with Nick Schuurman. Plus, in Voice of the Board Chair: Tobi Thiessen, [email protected], 416-622-7850 Voiceless, Paulin Bossou, an African student at CMU, sees beyond Head Office Staff: this country’s affluence and materialism to its busyness and shallow Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] faith, and Kristina Toews of Abbotsford, B.C., reports on her work in Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Colombia. 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By Susan Schultz Huxman Conrad Grebel University College

he ability to see clearly is an important sense to us as Christians and as Mennonites: our theology, The Anabaptist Vision; our music, “Be Thou My Vision”; our scripture, “Without a vision, the people perish.” Mennonite education at its best gives our church Ta special kind of seeing—akin to high definition or 3D. I call that hindsight, foresight and insight. A Princeton historian, Harris Harbison, once said, “The goal of the liberal arts is to provide hindsight and foresight in this universe of things and events. The part of Christian belief is to provide insight, which is of crucial significance for living.” I want to explore these three dimensions of seeing with more direct application to the distinctiveness of Mennonite education:

But what an amazing and history- altering 18 months [Conrad] Grebel lived! Our students in residence, many of whom are not Mennonite, are Hindsight attracted and empowered by his story. Hindsight is the ability to see what has come before. And that can only happen if a firm foundation of one’s past is communicated with clarity and conviction over and over again. In Deuteronomy 4: 5-10, as Moses tells his people of God’s new laws for them, he is most concerned about them not retelling the story—and keep- ing the covenant alive—for the youth and future generations. Moses says, “Watch out. Be careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you. Tell your children and your grandchildren about the glorious miracles he did.” Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 5

Moses invokes all kinds of “memory on the left, many with ties to Goshen cues” for keeping hindsight alive, saying, College in Indiana, dismissed the idea “Impress these commandments on your because a Waterloo campus would insight children in this way: Talk about them compete with Goshen for students when you sit at home and when you walk and donors. To quote a leading U. S. along the road, when you lie down and Mennonite scholar of the day, “There when you get up. Tie them as symbols would be too few qualified academics in on your hands and bind them on your Canada to do the job right!” foreheads. Write them on the doorframes Taves was not to be outdone, though. of your houses and on your gates.” Without being dismissive or discouraged One way to practice hindsight is to with either of these formidable blocs of remember to tell the stories you learned naysayers, he quietly worked behind the while at church, at camp, at Rockway scenes to line up support. Shortly before Mennonite Collegiate, at Conrad Grebel’s charter was finally granted in Grebel University College, at Canadian 1961, Taves wrote, “One thing seems Mennonite University, at seminary or any absolutely certain to me, and that is that other place where Mennonite education the young person who maintains his faith is practised! in the face of opposition is in a much Every Mennonite church and school daughter Isabella, and performed the first better position to represent that faith has its own story. Grebel’s name- adult baptism in Zurich in January 1525. once he enters professional life. For this sake, Conrad Grebel, was an unlikely For these “treasonous” acts he was ar- reason, starting a Mennonite college that Anabaptist hero. He was born into rested, imprisoned and later died before is affiliated with the UW [University of a wealthy, leading family in Zurich, he reached his 30th birthday. His entire Waterloo] is worth the risk.” Switzerland. He dressed in elegant, regal Christian ministry was compressed into Most of our stories about Mennonite attire. He was extremely well educated. the last four years of his life, and his education are more personal. For me, His father used his political connec- powerful witness as an Anabaptist did at my alma mater, Bethel College, a tions to gain scholarships for him in not emerge until the last 18 months of his Mennonite school in Kansas, the experi- three leading universities of the day—in life. But what an amazing and history- ence of a Mennonite history class—a Vienna, Paris and Rome. But Grebel got altering 18 months Grebel lived! Our class I really didn’t want to take—made into trouble at all three universities, and students in residence, many of whom an indelible impression. he ran out of his father’s money. He came are not Mennonite, are attracted and The final unit of the course, American home without earning a degree! Sounds empowered by his story. Mennonites and War, culminated with a like a real loser! This year at our college retreat for film that celebrated Mennonites’ stead- And yet he prevailed. He became the Grebel students we also told the story of fast devotion to faith in the face of war. first Anabaptist. He was dubbed “the Harvey Taves, one of the founders of this The only note I took that day was a state- ringleader” of this new “radical” Christian institution. Here was a man who, before ment made by its narrator, a Mennonite ministry. Through lively debates and pro- his untimely death at age 39, worked tire- historian. “War is good for Mennonites,” vocative letters and speeches, Grebel first lessly and patiently for six years in the late he said. “It brings out their best.” articulated the need for the Reformation 1950s to get the Mennonites in Ontario to Scribbled in the margin, I wrote, “What? to go a step further, to embrace a new embrace the idea of starting a Mennonite You’ve got to be kidding.” church that favoured a voluntary college on a secular university campus. Eight years later, I wrote a dissertation Christian fellowship—a gathered free Detractors on the right dismissed for my Ph.D. in communication that ex- church of believers, based on the New the idea of a Mennonite college as “too plored that very subject. And I have been Testament. He refused to baptize his worldly” or “too expensive.” Detractors writing about various aspects of rhetoric 6 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

of the marginalized and Mennonite faith- also eager to promote a vibrant future of fulness to church and state ever since. “countercultural” education, to embrace These stories are not unique. “peculiar peoplehood” for the 21st Graduates of Mennonite institutions century. We want to push the frontiers have many formative stories that have of what it means to study peace in our made all the difference in their lives, so culturally diverse world and so we are we all must tell our stories, and we must excited to launch our new Mennonite tell and retell them in our churches and Savings and Credit Union Centre for in our communities. Hindsight builds a Peace Advancement in 2014. We are “firm foundation” of knowledge and faith looking ahead, not just to prepare our principles that can be transferred from students for a meaningful career, but for Insight one generation to the next. Hindsight a meaningful life. Insight is discernment. It is the power of fortifies us and grounds us. There’s a This attention to balance runs counter apprehending the inner nature of things. reason we say, “Hindsight is 20/20.” to the fragmentation and extreme It is this inner way of seeing found in But if our vision is reduced to just specialization that is common in the Romans 12:2, where Paul says, “Do not be looking in our rear-view mirror, we can stand-alone secular research university conformed to this age, but be transformed become overly cautious and risk-averse. or trade school. Some educators have by the renewing of your mind, so that you We get stuck in neutral. So we also need called this trend, “The Home Depot ap- may discern what is the good, pleasing another way of seeing. proach to education,” where there is “no and perfect will of God.” differentiation between consumption Our students in Mennonite institu- and digestion.” As the Chronicle of Higher tions are encouraged to seek insight—to Education has reported, like Home practise shalom—by learning to serve Depot, “college degrees can become like a others in Christ-centred discipleship. vast collection of courses, stacked up like CMU has a signature service/learning sinks and lumber for do-it-yourselfers to program called Outtatown, a six-month- try to assemble on their own into a mean- to-a-year-long service commitment to ingful whole.” Our Mennonite schools South Africa or Guatemala. Rockway counter that trend by meeting the strong has an all-day Envirothon/Servithon push of specialization with the gentle pull day in Kitchener-Waterloo, and trips to of community accountability. China, Guatemala, France-Germany and For example, this past spring at Grebel Florida. Grebel has service/learning trips Foresight we celebrated the accomplishments of to South Africa, Palestine/Israel, London, Foresight is the ability to see what is com- two students both named “Caleb.” Caleb and many places in North America. ing, to be “ahead of the curve.” Foresight Gingrich wrote the top research essay in These kinds of experiences are forma- pushes us and makes sure we don’t get engineering in all Ontario universities tive for students and make real our aim to too complacent, too insulated, too com- with his paper, “Industrial symbiosis: educate the whole student intellectually, fortable! Foresight demands we embrace Current understandings and needed emotionally, socially and spiritually. our future full-throttle! ecology and economic influences,” and One of the best ways to remember In an educational context, this means Caleb Redekop won the C. Henry Smith the importance of service to others is to asking whether my college experience will prepare me for the future, for a meaning- We are looking ahead, not just to prepare our students ful, relevant and marketable career. Our Mennonite schools are all eager to for a meaningful career, but for a meaningful life. champion academic excellence, to cele- brate the achievements of our students Peace Oratory Contest at Grebel with hear the ancient words of St. Francis of and faculty, and to roll out new academic “The church needs to occupy.” The tale Assisi, the world’s most revered patron programs that are “cutting edge.” And we of the two Calebs is about the push of saint of animals, the environment and the all have many distinguished alums! specialization meeting with the pull of poor. In the year 1223, a young appren- Given Grebel’s unique relationship community accountability. tice monk expressed frustration because with UW—rated Canada’s most in- So foresight is important, but if just Francis, his mentor, was late yet again novative university—we are especially foresight is our vision, then we are only for a speaking engagement. Francis had well-equipped to “hitch our wagon” to chasing the self-serving next big thing. stopped three times along the road to this “shooting star.” But at Grebel we push Even community-building initiatives, attend to a homeless man and a wounded the boundaries of academic excellence removed from a larger ethic of care and animal, and to pray for some beauti- with an eye to balance, because we are discipleship, can foster shortsightedness. ful birds. Francis turned to his young, Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 7

Insight teaches us never to miss an opportunity Conclusion Our Mennonite schools prepare us for to witness shalom by performing works seeing in many ways. Hindsight is built by of mercy, extending generosity, supporting passing the faith traditions to future gen- erations through the telling of founda- community and serving the church. tional stories. Foresight is built by seizing opportunities to advance and extend our impatient colleague and said in his to witness shalom by performing works knowledge of the world and connections humble and gentle way, “My friend, there of mercy, extending generosity, sup- to the world. Insight is built by a distinct- is no use walking anywhere to preach, porting community and serving the ive witness of “shalom,” steeped in the unless our walking is our preaching.” church. good news of the resurrected Jesus and Insight tempers the extremes of fore- Without insight we have not captured practised in community. l sight—opportunism that is merely fast- the distinctive of Mennonite education tracking or self-promoting—and asks that says knowledge and practice are not Susan Schultz Huxman is president of us always to think about opportunities sufficient unless they are connected to a Conrad Grebel University College. to advance the cause of others. Insight witness grounded in Christ, committed teaches us never to miss an opportunity to peace and practised in community. Profiles in education Three women presidents talk about their calling to leadership and the gifts they bring to their schools

By Virginia A. Hostetler Special to Canadian Mennonite

he Mennonite church is at A call to lead held conference and denominational po- a unique time in history. The previous chapters of their lives have sitions. A gifted teacher, she has authored Currently, women lead three been varied. numerous books and articles on educa- of the four major institutions Before her call, Pauls served on the tional and theological topics. of higher learning serv- faculty of CMU, teaching music theory Huxman has been an active scholar ingT the church in Canada. In October and practice, and serving in various in the fields of rhetoric, media literacy 2010, Sara Wenger Shenk began her administrative roles. As a piano soloist, and corporate communication. She has term at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical she was active in the new music scene in held leadership posts in professional Seminary, Elkhart, Ind.; Susan Schultz Winnipeg and beyond. She also partici- organizations as well as in congregational Huxman began serving at Conrad Grebel pated in congregational worship plan- and conference leadership settings. As University College, Waterloo, Ont., in ning and worship leading. “I care about a member of the Mennonite Education July 2011; and Cheryl Pauls took leader- how things operate, care about how what Board (Mennonite Church U.S.A.), she ship of Canadian Mennonite University we’re doing academically extends into the helped in the presidential searches for (CMU), Winnipeg, last November. The church and the larger community,” she three other Mennonite schools. role of president is new to all three of says. “People around me were noticing Both Huxman and Shenk see the influ- them, and it is the first time these schools the things I care about.” ence of their families in modelling and have come under the leadership of a Shenk was a child of missionary- encouraging involvement in Christian woman. educator parents in Ethiopia, and she education. Shenk’s grandfather served Recently, the three reflected on their and her husband collaborated in an as president at what is now Eastern calling, gifts and challenges as they lead ecumenical theological seminary in the Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., institutions that shape higher education former Yugoslavia for nine years. She has and Huxman’s father served as president for Mennonites in Canada. participated in church planting, and has of Bethel College, North Newton, Kan. 8 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

‘I test ideas in a broadly collaborative, consultative way and am open to experiment with solutions in somewhat playful, provisional ways to find a way forward.’ (Sara Wenger Shenk)

Both women moved from other schools anything if I’m talking,” she explains. “The Shaping Mennonite schools to take on their presidential responsibil- prism reminds me that there are always and education ities. Shenk served in administration and different ways that people will perceive This is the first time the presidents of teaching at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, issues. The ceramic bowl—a gift from an these three schools have been women. Harrisonburg, and Huxman was dean of international student years ago—reminds “It’s timely that these institutions have the Elliott School of Communication at me that community and generosity are been working for a while already at the Wichita (Kan.) State University. values in our Mennonite schools.” question of gender balance and affirming They speak of mentors who encour- The three enjoy developing strategic women,” reflects Pauls. aged them to seek positions of leadership plans, working with change and moving As married women with children, all within the Mennonite church, and of a their institutions forward towards their three are in a unique position. Huxman process of spiritual discernment around goals. cities a Chronicle of Higher Education re- accepting their new roles. In her former role as a performer of port in noting that only a small percent- Shenk explains, “I accepted the call avant-garde music, Pauls developed skills age of women administrators in higher to leadership as a sacred trust, joining a to explain that kind of music to people education—in the roles of dean, provost team of extraordinarily gifted, spiritually and to help them see why it matters to or president—are full professors, are grounded and delightful persons who their lives. She transfers that skill to ex- married and have children. find great fulfillment in preparing lead- plaining the university, interpreting its vi- She says, “I think female leadership in ers for God’s reconciling mission in the sion and inviting people to participate in our high schools, colleges, universities world.” CMU’s vision. She highlights both disci- and seminaries sends a powerful message pline and imagination as key ingredients to our current and prospective students Leadership gifts in her leadership. “I tend to be perceived that gender is not a barrier to career “It is no surprise that many of the as energetic and enthusiastic, and able to aspirations, that healthy communities of required and preferred qualities for a involve others in the things I care about.” faith and learning can be led by people presidential post involve effective com- Shenk identifies a readiness to face who took unconventional paths to their munication,” Huxman says, citing inspir- challenges, to set her mind on a goal post, and that one way to honour diver- ing faculty, relating to students, listen- and pursue it, and to engage actively in sity is to recruit and retain women and ing to constituents, articulating vision, problem-solving with others. She is ready minorities to positions of authority.” problem-solving and recruiting students to pursue innovation and to imagine new Shenk recalls that she has experienced and donors as examples. possibilities. “I test ideas in a broadly col- excellent leadership by both men and As one would expect, all three pres- laborative, consultative way, and am open women, with complementary leadership idents stress their ability to enjoy people to experiment with solutions in some- styles. “But, she posits, “it may be that and to develop relationships with them. what playful, provisional ways to find a with some heightened mistrust about And, of course, the importance of careful way forward,” she says. institutions and church organizations in listening. Huxman keeps visual remind- Other qualities include being resilient, general, a woman’s relationally attuned ers on her desk: a large rubber ear and a having a willingness to be authentic and leadership style is a welcome, restorative prism in a handcrafted ceramic bowl. honest in communication, and a desire to antidote [to a more hierarchical style].” “The ear reminds me that I can’t learn live a life of integrity. ‘I think female leadership in our high schools, colleges, universities and seminaries sends a powerful message to our current and prospective students that gender is not a barrier to career aspirations . . . .’ (Susan Schultz Huxman) Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 9

‘I care about how things operate, care about how what we’re doing academically extends into the church and the larger community. People around me were noticing the things I care about.’ (Cheryl Pauls)

Job challenges For Pauls, the simple practice of regular- what fills me with gratitude and courage. Both CMU and Grebel are facing the ly riding her bicycle to work grounds and It’s about Jesus. It’s about the great God challenge of major capital campaigns. invigorates her. Family life is important; of the heavens who comes near to us with Grebel is in the midst of erecting and she and her husband have two children tender love, forgiveness and justice for all. raising funds for a building to house living at home. She also admits that she That is what we’re each called to testify to additional music, library, archival and gets energy out of most of the things she through whatever it is we are and do day community space, at a cost of $8.7 mil- does at work. “And I am told daily about in and day out—with integrity—in spirit lion. CMU is engaged in a $13.9-million the people who are praying for me,” she and in truth.” l campaign for a new library, learning says. “That always gives me energy and commons and pedestrian bridge. brings me to a healthier place with God.” Virginia A. (Ginny) The presidents list other challenges: Hostetler lives in Gratitude and commitment Kitchener, Ont., • Managing change to programs and Pauls expresses gratitude “for the kind where she fills a va- facilities in ways that create more excite- of imagination that has allowed higher riety of roles: writer, ment than anxiety education and the church to work editor, wife, mother, • Dealing with the complexity of together so well and for a long time [and] daughter and active academic institutions for the deeper commitment and imagina- member of Stirling • Fostering partnerships with tion that has been possible within the Avenue Mennonite church, government, community, busi- Mennonite church.” Church, Kitchener. ness and industry “What we’re about is really the mission • Making decisions about work/life of God in the world,” says Shenk. “That’s balance in a technological world while maintaining a commitment to family life

From her vantage point at the church ΛΛFor discussion seminary, Shenk identifies the current 1. What is a story from your life or from the history of your congregation that has “shifting ground” for theological educa- had an impact on you? What stories from the past are important to pass on to future tion in today’s world—how theological generations? What is the best way to share these stories so that they are not forgotten? education is financed, delivered and assessed. “Crisis creates an opportunity 2. Susan Schultz Huxman says that foresight is “the ability to see what is coming.” Does to rediscover the firmer ground of our your church tend to be proactive in responding to change? What makes congregations shared mission,” she says. fearful about the future? Do Mennonite schools have special skills to help us discern the future? Finding comfort in difficult times 3. Huxman describes insight as “the power of apprehending the inner nature of things.” Huxman mentions humour, prayer, Why is insight important for the church? Does insight improve as we age? Do you agree friends and family, sports and the class- with Huxman that learning to serve others improves our insight? room. “These are ‘life-lines’ that ground me, keep things in perspective, and bring 4. How do you explain the sudden shift of women to roles of leadership in Mennonite me much comfort and pleasure,” she says. schools? Is this part of a larger shift of more women to leadership roles? How do you Shenk emphasizes the spiritual think the church will be affected by this shift? grounding that is necessary for her. She 5. In the last 50 years, education has been highly valued, and the number and size feels nurtured by early morning birdsong, of institutions of higher learning have increased considerably. Do you think respect Russian Orthodox choral music, words of for education will continue to grow or has it already begun to wane? What role will Scripture, and prayer with the Anabaptist Mennonite schools play in the future? prayer book, Take Our Moments and Our Days. —By Barb Draper 10 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

Viewpoints EE Portrayal of Old Colony Mennonites called ‘irresponsible and unethical’ ΛΛReaders write Re: “Ministry in a very different world,” July 8, page We welcome your comments and publish most letters sent by 4. subscribers intended for publication. This section is largely an I am troubled that Canadian Mennonite would open forum for the sharing of views. Letters are the opinion of represent a group in the way that the Old Colony the writer only—publication does not mean endorsement by the Mennonites of Durango Colony are portrayed in this magazine or the church. Keep letters to 400 words or less and article. Old Colony Mennonites are not given the address issues rather than individuals. We do not countenance benefit of the doubt and they are silenced by such rancour or animosity. Personal attacks are inappropriate and categorical and harsh judgments as: will not see the light of print. Please send letters to be considered for publication to [email protected] or by postal • They live in an “emotional, physical and spiritual mail or fax, marked “Attn: Readers Write” (our address is on vacuum.” page 3). Letters should include the author’s contact informa- • They are “impoverished in every aspect of life.” tion and mailing address. Letters are edited for length, style • “[T]he church restricts them from basic and adherence to editorial guidelines. Preference will be given freedoms.” to letters from MC Canada congregants. Making such a negative assessment of Old Colony

From Our Leaders as they discerned its implications. Twenty-four nations then came together at Niagara to clarify the principles that Lost and found would govern this relationship, prin- ciples of peace, mutual respect and Steve Heinrichs non-interference. “Your government, Ms Prime Minister, 2013 marks the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763, a foundational affirmed these principles. The indige- but forgotten “scroll” for Canada. Steve Heinrichs, Mennonite Church Canada’s direc- nous, in turn, accepted the proclamation. tor of indigenous relations, plays with the Josiah story in II Kings 22 to ponder what To ratify this pact, wampum belts, like could happen if we remembered the covenants of this land. the one you hold, were exchanged, gifts were given and pipes smoked. The treaty t 38 years of age, she’s the young- The treaty is passed to the PM with a was alive! It was a covenant that was to est prime minister to take office. beautiful wampum, the sacred belt that last forever, a chain never to be broken.” AShe’ll serve for eight years, and indigenous and settler governments The PM is shocked. “Why didn’t I she’ll do her best. once used to symbolize their collective know this? Why don’t we all know this?” In her fifth year, Ottawa obligations. Visibly shaken, she weeps and prays. Then, experiences significant As the PM runs fingers over the straightening her suit, she gives orders: struggle with host peoples: beaded scroll, her secretary invites elders “It’s time to redress the wrongs of the grassroots demonstrate, into the office—two indigenous, two set- past. We haven’t honoured our treaty. elders cry out. They speak tler—to explain its meaning. With shared No wonder there’s no harmony in our of broken covenants and proclaim, understanding they offer these words: land. It’s not about lazy Indians. We’ve “Treaty rights!” “In August of 1764, 2,000 chiefs betrayed our promises. It’s not a native The PM is confused. Why the frustra- gathered at Niagara to meet with issue. It’s our problem. Call my Cabinet tion? The Department of Aboriginal representatives of the Crown. The year and get the Governor General. Things are Affairs tells her to ignore it: “They’re prior, King George III issued a royal about to change.” blowing off steam. It’ll pass.” But the proclamation, declaring all lands west And the Canadian public marvelled. PM decides otherwise. She summons of the Appalachians to be ‘reserved to The PM did not need to heed the treaty. a trusted secretary: “Go to the federal the Indians as hunting grounds’. No land She did not need to respond to her alarm. archives. See what you can find.” could be taken by settler society without She did not need to depart from the prac- That’s when they find the Treaty of indigenous consent. tice of other PMs. But she did. It would Niagara, 1764, buried in the records, “The chiefs discussed this proposal cost her. Yet she would be remembered covered with dust. with their communities. They prayed because she did right. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 11

Mennonites is possible in this article because of its assess Old Colony Mennonite faith, then, indeed, all implicit assumption that Canadian Mennonite forms we can do is judge it. of religiosity are normative and the faith of Old Colony But I think there can be another way in which we Mennonites, which differs significantly from most take seriously Old Colony Mennonites as they repre- forms familiar to Canadian Mennonites, is aberrant sent themselves. Every society, including ours and Old and harmful. If categories of religious life that are fam- Colony Mennonite ones, has its dark side where the iliar to Canadian Mennonites are the only tool used to (Continued on page 12)

God, Money and Me

Gimme, gimme happens more often than we think. Do we practise what we preach? Do we mod- el gracious receiving ourselves? What do children hear and see in us when we never gets! adults receive a gift: sarcasm, ungrateful- Kevin Davidson ness, whiny attitude, payback? • Prayer. Ask God to empower us to y son takes after his father. recognize when receiving a gift? be gracious receivers. He’s a picky eater. It’s no sur- Mprise that our family isn’t very • God ultimately provides and he is The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 adventurous when it comes to menus and worthy of our thanks. provides us with godly characteristics cultural cuisine. • Without the giver, there is no gift. that show us how to be good gift receiv- Recently, we visited Grandma’s house Honour both, and in that order. ers. Love, goodness and faithfulness help for dinner: a wonderful, authentic • See the giver’s heart apart from the us to show love and appreciation towards Mexican meal. As we were served, my gift, even if the gift is something they givers for who they are and the spirit with son boldly stated, “I don’t like this food.” don’t care for. which their gifts were given. Joy allows I was embarrassed by his lack of appre- • Realize the gift is a gift of grace. No us to demonstrate contentment for what ciation. This awkward situation opened one made the giver give it. we have, rather than envy for what we the door for a life lesson. Grandma had • There are no strings attached, no don’t have. Patience and gentleness give worked hard and had lovingly prepared requirement to repay the giver. us grace to kindly accept even those gifts a meal she thought we would enjoy. At that we may not like. Peace, kindness and the very least, we needed to show her As parents, we are charged with teach- self-control provide the good judgment to some respect and appreciation for what ing our children some difficult lessons. avoid making sarcastic or rude comments. she had prepared. I reminded my son What do children hear and see in us when we adults receive that being thankful involves more than a gift: sarcasm, ungratefulness, whiny attitude, payback? just giving thanks by saying grace. But the Bible promises it’s a worthwhile Teaching kids to be gracious receivers A similar scene often plays out at investment: “Train a child in the way he is a two-way street. Receivers extend sin- children’s birthday parties. Surrounded should go, and when he is old he will not cere appreciation to the givers for their by brightly coloured packages and bags, turn from it” (Proverbs 22: 6). thoughtfulness and generosity. When you many children dive in, one bag after Some practical methods for teaching see it, affirm it . . . then try to model it. another, without taking the time to read graciousness to our children involve: the card or to recognize the generosity Kevin Davidson is a stewardship consult- and thoughtfulness of the givers. The • Apologizing to the giver whenever ant in the Calgary office of Mennonite excitement of the moment is often just necessary. Not easy at any age. Foundation of Canada (MFC). For more too much for them and they forget all the • Role playing: Practise how to information on impulsive generosity, stew- lessons learned about being a gracious respond to disappointment and distaste ardship education, and estate and chari- receiver. beforehand. table gift planning, contact your nearest What is it that we want kids to • Seeing us parents in action. It MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca. 12 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

(Continued from page 11) But in the end, it is ourselves to whom we do the vulnerable, those who don’t fit and those who threaten greatest disservice. We create a sterile—perhaps even the status quo are hurt and displaced. vacuous and box-like—environment in which we I believe there is a time and place to ask hard ques- can be confident that we are right, but in which the tions about groups of people different from ourselves, richness of genuine human-to-human interaction especially if we have committed ourselves to live with with others who challenge our status quo is absent. them for four years, as the Penners have. But doing so We impoverish ourselves in so many ways—mentally, without first honestly examining our own assumptions emotionally, physically and spiritually—when we try to and motivations—doing so with the naïve un-self- re-form Old Colony Mennonites, or any other group, critical approach that this article models—leads to an in our own image. unfair and skewed representation of a people. This is Kerry Fast, Toronto irresponsible and unethical.

Family Ties Lament and let go of life,” Smucker says in the Spring 2012 Melissa Miller edition of The Leader. This hard work can include the death of a spouse, the loss ecently I was asked to deliver a so, she opens herself and invites others of ability to drive or to care for oneself, devotional at a seniors condo- into the spiritual questions of aging. Her to walk without pain, or a sudden move Rminium complex. The suggested laments are one way she is talking with, from a familiar home. Learning how to theme was, “How do we live with aging and listening to, God. The Bible, espe- lament becomes an important task in and illness and loss of abilities in light of cially the Psalms, are full of laments, the aging. the hope we have in heaven?” Good ques- cries of the heart proclaiming to God our Smucker also speaks of the spiritual tion, I thought. sorrows and hurts. The act of voicing the task of letting go as one ages, to nurture I immediately thought of a conversa- complaint is itself a statement of belief in “an attitude of yielding to the reality of tion I had with a family friend, a woman God and God’s compassion. this stage of life.” With such an attitude, I’ve known for 40 years. When I last saw So when I talked to the seniors, I talked we give ourselves over to the life that God her, she told me that Psalm 91:16 says with them about the value of lamenting has given us today, open ourselves to that long life is a blessing. But she added the changes they are experiencing, and how it is that God is with us in our senior that when life gets to be too long, then the way such lamenting makes room for years, and the blessings that he has for it isn’t such a blessing any more. At least hope and trust to be nourished. “God us in the midst of a season of diminished I think that’s what she said. My friend, already knows what we are thinking and abilities. In a spirit of hope and trust, who is well into her 80s, has a form of feeling,” I said. “Telling it to God just Smucker proclaims that such yielded- Parkinson’s disease, which causes her makes it easier for us to see our reality, to ness “is preparing for the transition to the to shake so much that it’s difficult for accept it, and to hear whatever message it next world.” Like the Anabaptist virtue of her to speak clearly, to move from one place to Yieldedness frees our spirits to rest another or to feed herself. Certainly that is the gist of and trust in God’s providence. what she intended to com- municate to me. Long life is that God has for us.” gelassenheit, yieldedness frees our spirits is a blessing from God and, in her case, My thinking about the spirituality of to rest and trust in God’s providence, a with her frailty and difficulties, long life aging has been influenced by the con- spiritual discipline we can practise at any isn’t such a blessing any more. versations I have with seniors who are season of life. I valued her honesty. Were I in her living the hard tasks of aging. Pastoral shoes, I would likely have a similar per- counsellor Marcus Smucker says that ag- Melissa Miller ([email protected]) spective. She is grieving the loss of health ing is the hardest work a person can do. lives in Winnipeg. She is wrapped in the and mobility she knew in the past, and “Advanced old age is the most physically, family ties of daughter, sister, wife, mother, is frankly expressing her grief. In doing mentally and emotionally trying period friend and pastor. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 13

EE Online article ‘brilliant, brave, sympathetic’ ComingComing Soon Soon Re: “The ghost rapes of Bolivia” from MennoMedia (canadianmennonite.org/articles/ghost-rapes-bolivia). Coming 9/13/13 Coming 11/1/13 I would like to thank the reporter Jean Friedman- Rudovsky for her brilliant, brave, sympathetic and insightful reporting of the horrific story of the horrific so-called “ghost rapes” in the traditionalist Mennonite community of Bolivia. She does not vilify the Mennonites or their traditionalist project, but rather zeroes in on the specific systemic factors that con- tribute to the making of such a pervasive community horror. The factors she lists in an insightful online inter- view—ochbergsociety.org/how-do-you-heal-a- journalist-revisits-a-community-traumatized-by- rape—include “a lack of checks and balances, warped use of forgiveness, lack of sexual and reproductive Coming 9/30/13 Coming 9/19/13 She does not vilify the Mennonites Save 30% if you order now! or their traditionalist project,

but rather zeroes in on the www.MennoMedia.org specific systemic factors that 1-800-631-6535 contribute to the making of such a pervasive community horror.

health education, and a religion that tells them that their time on earth is meant for suffering, so when something bad happens, you just accept it, rather than raise a fuss, particularly if you are a woman.” In the same interview, Friedman-Rudovsky further reflects that, “whenever you have a group that sees itself outside the limits of the rest of society and that values the reputation or integrity of the group over the safety and protection of the individual, that commu- nity is more likely to be prone to sexual abuse.” I hope the Mennonite church-based communities of North America take this story and insightful analysis as a challenge and opportunity to embark on a serious process of self-reflection and wide-scale internal revisioning, since these “systemic factors” and atti- tudes—along with the harmful effects on the intimate and social lives of women and men—are widely preva- lent throughout the Mennonite world, even if not as dramatically expressed as in Bolivia. Di Brandt, Brandon, Man. 14 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

Viewpoint

The Penners also spoke with great Healing the Mennonite warmth and affection about the people— people who willingly participated in the programs MCC offered and came knock- class divide ing at the Penners’ door at all hours. I could have emphasized this more. By Will Braun One could say the article about the Senior Writer Penners presented the Durango Colony as a problem, or one could say that it told he recent coverage I also remind myself that the story of people who immersed them- of three issues raises we have important things selves in a community for four years; Tthe delicate ques- to learn from traditional developed a remarkably broad range of tion of how we mainstream people. As a kid, I recall my spiritually rooted, caring relationships; Mennonites relate to our dad making this point in and encountered profound problems more traditional Anabaptist reference to our black-clad along the way. That is a credible and vital cousins, especially when old-school neighbour. We message. their troubles surface. can learn much about sim- I think it is worth saying that women In August, New York- plicity, humility, commu- and children suffering various forms of based Vice magazine ran a nity and resisting worldly abuse do not need an academic defence lengthy article entitled “The influences. of their church or culture. What they ghost rapes of Bolivia,” to I also feel a sense of re- need are people on the ground to help which Canadian Mennonite provided sponsibility to the victims of dysfunction. provide safety and healing. The same links on its website and Facebook page. In defending these communities—or could be said of the abusers. That is our It revisits the horrific five-year-old case shifting focus to their strengths—one responsibility as a family of faith. Of of numerous men from a Mennonite runs the risk of defending the indefen- course, the work of intervention and Colony in Bolivia who gassed and raped sible. If our defence glosses over the healing must be done in a way that is dozens of colony women and children. trouble, it can leave oppressed people dignifying and culturally sensitive. This summer, national media also hidden behind a cloak of idealized Other people will strike the balance reported on the case of government offi- sensitivities. between respect and responsibility dif- cials in Manitoba apprehending children In short, I think an appropri- ferently than the Penners. Those per- from a traditional Mennonite community ate response to troubled traditional spectives are also of value. That is why I due to allegedly harsh punishment by 13 Mennonites is one that embodies contacted both Loewen and MCC, which adults in the community. (See “Old Order respect, responsibility and a sense of also responded in print to my article (“A Mennonite community in turmoil,” July 8, reciprocity. different take on ‘a very different world,’ ” page 16). Respected Mennonite historian Aug. 19, page 13). I wanted to better Finally, I wrote an article for this maga- Royden Loewen accused the Penners and understand their perspectives. We had zine in which Dave and Margaret Penner me of presenting the Durango Colony as constructive exchanges. described profound dysfunction among a problem. In his critique (“Boxing up the I also wanted to ask them about the the Low German Mennonites of the Old Colony Mennonites,” Aug. 19, page piece of this puzzle that weighs most Durango Colony in Mexico, where they 14), he said the portrayal of the colony heavily on me: the fact that in southern worked for four years with Mennonite was dehumanizing. It’s a point worth Manitoba—I can’t speak for other parts Central Committee (MCC). considering. of the country—Low German-speaking Canadian Mennonite has taken some The Penners spoke bluntly about the Mennonites have long been segregated sharp criticism for my article (“Ministry dysfunction they encountered, although and treated by us as an underclass within in a very different world,” July 8, page 4) they requested that I not publish the the Mennonite community. This is a and the Vice story. This is an important more graphic examples they shared collective sin. I confess my part in it. I conversation. What is an appropriate (unlike the “ghost rapes” story, which have a deep sense of unfinished spiritual response when our cousins in the faith lays the truth bare in horrific detail). The business, something I have never heard a experience difficulties? main message I heard from the Penners Mennonite leader acknowledge. Part of me wants to defend them. was this: Tremendous need exists in the In my view, those of us who care about No person or place is all bad. The good colony, people are yearning for change, traditional Mennonites must take se- should also be highlighted. and we have a responsibility to respond. riously this legacy of segregation. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 15

Life in the Postmodern Shift Sehnsucht joy By Troy Watson music of Wagner, but it was sehnsucht, or joy, that brought him to Christian faith. had the good for- staggering, rugged As he got older, he experienced joy more tune of camping in beauty of nature ushers frequently and spontaneously. That is one IAlgonquin Park in me into sacred space of the chief characteristics of joy: it hap- northeastern Ontario a more consistently pens without warning and beyond reason few weeks ago, a perfect than any other set- in the smell of a bonfire, the sound of place to observe the ting. Elizabeth Barrett crashing waves or the opening lines of Perseid meteor shower Browning wrote, inspired poetry. that happens every “Earth’s crammed with More than nostalgia, though, joy re- August. heaven, and every kindles a desire for something this world I love stargazing. Some common bush afire cannot give us. For Lewis, the experience of my most cherished with God: But only he of joy was validation of God, of another summer memories who sees takes off his world and of life beyond this one. He include lying out under s h o e s .” reasoned that there is no desire on earth the vast night sky in I hope I continue to lacking a source of satisfaction. Hunger remote unlit areas from grow and mature to the has food, thirst has water, sexual desire the Grand Canyon and Zimbabwe to point of seeing God primarily in other has its gratifications. It is only logical, he northern British Columbia. people, but for now it is in the company concluded, that this otherworldly longing One evening in Cape Breton, N.S., of trees, mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans of joy has a fulfilment as well. It does, he about a decade ago, I remember feeling a and stars that I most often sense divine claimed; it is only not of this world. tinge of claustrophobia as I was bom- presence. “Sehnsucht joy” is one of the Being washed in the fragrance of cedar barded with celestial light from every most common spiritual experiences I while walking through the woods, hear- angle. There were stars everywhere, hori- have in response to these divine encoun- ing the wind howling through the trees as zon to horizon, completely surrounding me. I wondered how different my per- That is one of the chief characteristics of joy: it spective on life would be if I’d lived before the era of electric power and relentless happens without warning and beyond reason . . . . illumination, when ignoring the rhythms of nature was not an option. ters. It is a feeling of indescribable long- a storm moves in, staring up at a meteor- I’m often overcome with a sense of awe ing for something I cannot comprehend. streaked night sky, I’m grateful for these and mystery when immersed in the raw Some have described the German unplanned divine appointments that reality of nature. Its grace yet apparent word sehnsucht as a yearning for a far-off unexpectedly evoke joy—a divine home- indifference to my survival grounds me country that feels like home, but not an sickness—within my soul. Like a bitter- in the paradox of existence. For instance, earthly home we can identity or have ever sweet epiphany of emotion, it brings a underneath the stars I feel incredibly been to. double-edged realization that my life is small and insignificant, but I also feel C.S. Lewis translated sehnsucht with both precious because it is so fleeting and deeply connected to the universe and the word “joy.” He distinguished joy from at the same time so much more than this history. That the moon I look upon is happiness and pleasure, in that happiness temporary, material existence. the same moon that Moses, Jesus and St. and pleasure are responses to traceable These experiences of sehnsucht do Francis gazed upon in moments of prayer stimuli, whereas joy is an “inconsolable not move me away from the world, in and reflection, brings a humbling yet longing for we know not what.” Joy is a attempts to escape or detach from it, in inspiring sense of communion with not kind of divine homesickness, a poignant order to find God. They move me deeper only humanity, past and present, but also desire for something agonizingly elusive. into communion with the earth and the with our “sister moon.” It comes upon us like a pleasurable stab, mysterious omnipresent God who dwells Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Nature a pang, a wound, “an unsatisfied desire here. is too thin a screen; the glory of the which is itself more desirable than any omnipresent God bursts through every- other satisfaction.” Troy Watson ([email protected]) is where.” I think this rings true for anyone Lewis’s own spiritual journey began spiritual life director of Quest Christian with eyes to see and ears to hear. The with Norse mythology, the stars and the Community in St. Catharines, Ont. 16 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

ΛΛMilestones Births/Adoptions Fast/Martens—Jacoba Fast (Nutana Park Mennonite, Saskatoon) and Russell Martens (Hoffnungsfelder Aguiar—Lillian Grace-Ann (b. June 15, 2013), to Nelson and Mennonite, Rabbit Lake, Sask.), Aug. 10, 2013. Delfina Aguiar, North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg. Forget/Toews—Christine Forget and Walter Toews, Fuglerud—Carter Henry (b. May 28, 2013), to Kendra and Sherbrooke Mennonite, Vancouver, Aug. 3, 2013. Clinton Fuglerud, Hanley Mennonite, Sask. Friesen/Hoeppner—Ian Friesen (Altona Bergthaler Heska—Noah William (b. July 14, 2013), to Ryan and Kelsey Mennonite, Man.) and Krista Hoeppner, at Glencross Heska, The Gathering, Kitchener, Ont. EMMC, Morden, Man., Aug. 10, 2013. Kasdorf—Max Jacob (b. July 29, 2013), to Anthony and Klassen/Madigan—Quinn Klassen and Matthew Haley Kasdorf, Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg. Madigan, at Breslau Mennonite, Ont., Aug. 4, 2013. Lizotte—Summer Michelle (b. April 6, 2013), to Jessica and Kuepfer/Wickie—Simon Kuepfer and Tamara Wickie, Jean-Michel Lizotte, North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg. Riverdale Mennonite, Millbank, Ont., July 27, 2013. Martin—Emmalynn Joy (b. Aug. 8, 2013), to Devin and Megan Martin, St. Jacobs Mennonite, Ont. Deaths Robins—Sophia Skye (b. Aug. 4, 2013), to Heide and Loren Robins, Hanley Mennonite, Sask. Bergen—Rosella (nee Epp), 95 (b. April 5, 1918; d. Aug. 2, Suderman—James Robert (b. July 3, 2013), to Andrew 2013), Nutana Park Mennonite, Saskatoon. and Karen Suderman, St. Jacobs Mennonite, Ont., in Enns—John, 91 (b. Jan. 7, 1922; d. March 12, 2013), Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Charleswood Mennonite, Winnipeg. Thiessen—June Rosalie (b. May 21, 2013), to Jessica and Friesen—Mary, 87 (b. June 16, 1925; d. March 17, 2013), Chris Thiessen, Emmanuel Mennonite, Abbotsford, B.C. North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg. Toews—Avielle Patricia (b. Aug. 3, 2013), to Nathan and Harder—Henry, 81 (b. March 23, 1932; d. July 23, 2013), Tara Toews, Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg. Hanley Mennonite, Stask. Yantzi—Everleigh Joy (b. Aug. 6, 2013), to Erin and Dustin Ilg—Gustav, 87 (b. May 25, 1925; d. March 31, 2013), North Yantzi, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg. Klippenstein—Anne, 87 (b. Sept. 24, 1925; d. Aug. 12, Baptisms 2013), Altona Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. Martens—Henry, 92 (b. Oct. 21, 1920; d. Aug. 8, 2013), Doyle Penner—Arnaud Mennonite, Man., May 26, 2013. Altona Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. Chris Dick, Kara Warburton, Stephanie Doerksen— Martin—Henry, 91 (d. Aug. 7, 2013), Waterloo North Carman Mennonite, Man., July 21, 2013. Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont. Kyle Hirschfeld, Linda Loewen, Jessica Pikel, Ben Peters—Dorothy Marie (nee Schmidt), 87 (b. July 11, 1925; White—North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg, June 9, 2013. d. June 9, 2013), Fort Garry Mennonite, Winnipeg. Jesse Reimer Watts—Rockaway Mennonite, Kitchener, Rempel—Margarete, 92 (b. Feb. 16, 1920; d. Feb. 3, 2013), Ont., March 31, 2013. North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg. Sawatzky—Henry, 87 (b. April 6, 1926; d. Aug. 6, 2013), Marriages Sargent Avenue Mennonite, Winnipeg. Schulz—Henry Alvin, 88 (b. July 16, 1924; d. Jan. 9, 2013), Dueck/Ogezi—Karen Dueck (Rosthern Mennonite, Sask.) Arnaud Mennonite, Man. and Duke Joseph Ogezi, at Rosthern Mennonite, Aug. 3, 2013. Siemens—Helene, 93 (b. Jan. 29, 1919; d. Jan. 13, 2013), Enns/Wagner—Jared Enns and Tonya Wagner, Douglas North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg. Mennonite, Winnipeg, July 6, 2013.) Wismer—Vera (nee Nafziger), 100 (b. Sept. 15, 1912; d. Aug. 4, 2013), Steinmann Mennonite, Baden, Ont. Zacharias—Nancy, 52 (b. March 1, 1961; d. March 16, 2013), North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg.

Correction Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones ΛΛ announcements within four months of the event. Please Arnold Gingrich’s surname was misspelled as “Gingerich” in both a send Milestones announcements by e-mail to milestones@ July 8 article on page 17, “Built on tradition, open to change,” and a canadianmennonite.org, including the congregation name subsequent correction on page 9 of the July 29 issue. Also, he grew up and location. When sending death notices, please include in the Mennonite Conference of Ontario, which he later served as an birth date and last name at birth if available. adult. Canadian Mennonite regrets the errors. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 17

Photo by Suzanne Lind God at work in the Church Congolese youth strengthen Mennonite ties By Sheldon C. Good Gina Molumbe Mongala , left, Mennonite Central Committee Persévérance Luzindalalu and Judith Malembu Fumulombi, from Mennonite n a world where differences and distance the women’s choir and the youth choir at congregations in Kinshasa, Democratic Ioften divide people of faith, Mennonite her host church, a Mennonite Brethren Republic of Congo, participated in youth in the Democratic Republic of congregation in Kikwit. She leads a praise a Menno-Monde exchange during a Congo are participating in an exchange group and directs the youth choir at her school break earlier this year. They were program to strengthen ties among the home church. hosted by congregations in Kikwit and country’s three Mennonite conferences. Menno-Monde, which was developed Bandundu City. The exchange program, called Menno- by Mennonite Central Committee Congo’s Monde (Menno-World), allows youth to advisory committee, has supported five spend a week or two living with a family, exchanges so far that involved 13 men, 12 representative in Congo, youth “are eager attending church and learning to know women and 39 congregations. Exchanges to think in terms of Mennonite, rather than youth from a Mennonite conference dif- take place during school holidays at [separate Mennonite] denominational tags.” ferent from their own. Christmas and Easter, and during a long Menno-Monde coordinator Leya Muloba Developed in 2012, the program is spon- break in July and August. Buabua hopes the exchange program can sored by Mennonite Central Committee So far, exchanges have taken place in promote Anabaptist values and lay a firm (MCC) and the three Congolese western Congo, but Menno-Monde co- foundation for youth to consider partici- Mennonite conferences. The conferences ordinators hope future exchanges will pating in MCC’s International Volunteer send youth to different parts of the country eventually include Mennonite congrega- Exchange Program (IVEP) or the Young to help establish relationships that reach tions in the central and eastern parts of the Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network across borders that historically have di- country. (YAMEN!), a joint program of MCC and vided Congolese Mennonites. According to Suzanne Lind, an MCC Mennonite World Conference. l Designed for people aged 15 to 25, Menno-Monde has given youth like Gina Molumbe Mongala, 24, the opportunity to explore what it means to be Mennonite in ΛΛBriefly noted another part of their country. For Molumbe Works of theologian John Howard Yoder Mongala, a member of the Peniel congre- gation of the Mennonite Brethren confer- to be digitized, published online ence, participating in Menno-Monde was GOSHEN, IND.—The Mennonite Historical Library has received a $12,023 grant to the first time she travelled “into the coun- digitize and provide online access to unpublished and informally published works try” without her family. “The day I was to of John Howard Yoder, one of the most prominent theologians of the 20th century. leave, I had no appetite all day,” she says. The project is a collaborative effort between Goshen College’s Mennonite Historical She visited a congregation in Bandundu Library and Mennonite Church U.S.A. Yoder, who served for nearly 30 years as City, about 240 kilometres northeast of a teacher and scholar on the faculties at Goshen Biblical Seminary, Associated Kinshasa, her home area. Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) and Notre Dame University, introduced “At church one Saturday, I preached Anabaptist thought, including pacifism, into mainstream Christian theology. The to the youth for the very first time in my digital library will provide improved access to Yoder’s unpublished works, including life,” she says. “I showed the Sunday school lectures, essays and correspondence. Digital files of these works will become freely teachers how to use lesson books. Since accessible through the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana and Indiana I am a Sunday school teacher in my own Memory websites. “We are delighted to partner with the Archives of Mennonite church, I had brought some booklets for Church U.S.A. and AMBS in this collaborative venture,” says John D. Roth, director the children and for the teachers.” of the Mennonite Historical Library. “This project is an important step in making Judith Malembu Fumulombi, 25, from the unique resources of our collections more accessible to researchers regionally the Sanga-Mamba congregation of the and around the world.” Mennonite Communion of Congo in —Goshen College Kinshasa, the capital city, worked with 18 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

Conrad Kanagy, professor of sociology Seeking understanding at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, who has extensive experience with similar church member profiles; Kanagy will serve as a of shared identity co-director of the project. The 25 MWC member conferences that Mennonite World Conference launches are participating in the Global Anabaptist new study of its global members Profile were selected randomly, with pro- portional representation within each of Goshen College MWC’s five regions. In the spring of 2013, Goshen, Ind. church leaders from each group identified research associates to carry out the project new Mennonite World Conference North America.” said John D. Roth, di- within their country. At the recent consul- A(MWC) study was launched this rector of the institute and secretary of the tation in Goshen, the research associates summer at Goshen College to determine MWC Faith and Life Commission. “Yet met for four days to revise the survey, re- how the MWC’s “shared convictions” we really don’t know very much about the fine additional questions specific to their are finding expression among 25 groups lived experiences—the beliefs, practices conference, and receive basic training in around the world. and challenges—of our global body. We social research methods. The Global Anabaptist Profile, which hope this project will provide a clearer Participants in the consultation ex- is organized and funded by the Institute understanding of who we are as a global pressed resounding enthusiasm for the for the Study of Global Anabaptism at family and deepen our sense of a shared project. Goshen College, will also shed new light identity.” “The task ahead is enormous, but I’m on the demographics of the rapidly grow- In 2011, Roth helped to establish very hopeful that the project will help my ing global Anabaptist family and create the Institute for the Study of Global church better understand where we are, a digital library of testimonies from pas- Anabaptism at Goshen College and initi- where we are heading and how we fit into tors and lay members of Mennonite and ated a series of conversations with MWC, the global church—the bigger body of Brethren in Christ congregations around Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Christ,” said Tigist Tesfaye Gelagle, rep- the world. the mission agencies of various Mennonite resentative of Meserete Kristos Church in “The size of the Anabaptist-Mennonite conferences regarding the global survey. Ethiopia. global fellowship has nearly tripled in Following the approval of the project by “The research will be owned by our the past three decades, with most of the MWC’s Executive Committee and General church,” said M.Z. Ichsanudin of the growth coming outside of Europe and Council, Roth forged a partnership with GITJ Church in Indonesia, “so that our

Photo courtesy of John D. Roth

Pictured during a work session of the MWC Global Anabaptist Profile project are, from left to right: Cesar Montenegro, Guatemala; Diego Martinez, Colombia; Andrea Moya, Ecuador; Alfonso Cabana, Paraguay; and Tiago Lemes, Brazil. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 19

Seven shared convictions

y the grace of God, we seek to live and proclaim the areas of life so we become peacemakers who renounce Bgood news of reconciliation in Jesus Christ. As part violence, love our enemies, seek justice and share our of the one body of Christ at all times and places, we hold possessions with those in need. the following to be central to our belief and practice: 6. We gather regularly to worship, to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and to hear the Word of God in a spirit 1. God is known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of mutual accountability. the Creator who seeks to restore fallen humanity by 7. As a worldwide community of faith and life, we calling a people to be faithful in fellowship, worship, transcend boundaries of nationality, race, class, gender service and witness. and language. We seek to live in the world without con- 2. Jesus is the Son of God. Through his life and teach- forming to the powers of evil, witnessing to God’s grace ings, his cross and resurrection, he showed us how to be by serving others, caring for creation, and inviting all faithful disciples, redeemed the world and offers eternal people to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. life. 3. As a church, we are a community of those whom In these convictions we draw inspiration from God’s Spirit calls to turn from sin, acknowledge Jesus Anabaptist forebears of the 16th century, who mod- Christ as Lord, receive baptism upon confession of faith, elled radical discipleship to Jesus Christ. We seek to and follow Christ in life. walk in his name by the power of the Holy Spirit, as we 4. As a faith community, we accept the Bible as our confidently await Christ’s return and the final fulfilment authority for faith and life, interpreting it together under of God’s kingdom. Holy Spirit guidance, in the light of Jesus Christ, to dis- cern God’s will for our obedience. Adopted by Mennonite World Conference General 5. The Spirit of Jesus empowers us to trust God in all Council, March 15, 2006.

conference will have data that can help assembly in Harrisburg, Pa. longer strangers, that we are part of the our decisions. This is a bridge for build- As he departed the consultation, Jethro family of God, citizens with God’s people ing brotherhood among the Mennonite Dube, research associate for the Brethren wherever we are in our little corners of churches all around the world.” in Christ Church of Zimbabwe, summar- the world,” he said. “And that we have the Roth acknowledged the complexities ized his hopes for the survey. “It’s been responsibility of upholding each up and of the project, noting especially the cross- wonderful to be reminded that we are no maintaining our unity as a family.” l cultural differences in understanding theo- logical terms, the logistical challenges some research associates will face in reaching re- mote congregations, the challenge of illiter- ΛΛBriefly noted acy in some contexts, and the fact that sur- New leadership for Vietnamese church vey results can never fully capture the full reality of Anabaptist beliefs and practices. Abbotsford Vietnamese Fellowship will welcome Ken Ha as pastor beginning the “Ultimately, the survey is more like an first of September. Ha will take over duties on a volunteer basis from Nhien Pham, X-ray than a photograph,” he said. “But we pastor of Vietnamese Mennonite Church in Vancouver, who has been commuting hope that it will give a better understand- to Abbotsford to give leadership to the group since its inception four years ago. Ha ing of some basic trends and directions in is returning from the United States to Abbotsford, where he served previously with our global family, and that the interviews Mennonite Brethren Vietnamese ministries. The Vietnamese group in Abbotsford can supplement the quantitative data with is small, currently with only five members, and Ha will attempt to expand the group individual stories that provide greater tex- through visitation, sharing the gospel and helping with translation in the local ture and nuance.” Vietnamese community. Currently, the Abbotsford fellowship gathers together for The project has received grants from prayer on Friday night and worship services at Emmanuel Mennonite Church on MCC and the Schowalter Foundation, with Sunday night. Pham tells Canadian Mennonite that the group has been reduced most of the financial support coming from in number because of many moving out of the community, but that Ha’s previous individual contributions. Organizers hope connections in the Abbotsford area should be a help in expanding attendance again. that the Global Anabaptist Profile will be —By Amy Dueckman completed in time for the 2015 MWC 20 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

God at work in the World ΛΛBriefly noted Cover Story Monsanto Fund grants $100,000 to Foodgrains Bank One milk crate of WINNIPEG—The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has received a grant of $100,000 from the Monsanto Fund. The grant, debris at a time given to the Foodgrains Bank on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, will Mennonite Disaster Services at work in be used to support growing projects Alberta flood clean-up and recovery in rural communities in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and By Trish Elgersma Alberta. The funds will be used to help Mennonite Central Committee Canada start or support new growing projects in MDS photo by Janet Plenert Canada—community fundraisers where t was extremely daunting, knowing farmers and others come together to “Iit was only one small basement on grow and sell a crop to raise money for one street,” says volunteer Nancy Thiessen, the Foodgrains Bank; support from the one of about 250 people who volunteered fund will also be used for inputs or land with Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS) rental. The grant from the Monsanto to help with clean-up in High River, Alta., Fund is in addition to Monsanto after a flood devastated the city of about Canada’s annual donation of $60,000 to 13,000 in late June. “All we could do was the Foodgrains Bank for growing proj- take one milk crate of debris up the stairs ect inputs. The Monsanto Fund is the at a time. I could not imagine the stress of philanthropic arm of Monsanto; created facing that alone.” in 1964, it works to substantially and “We’ve never dealt with anything like meaningfully improve the lives of people this in Canada before,” says Janet Plenert, around the world by strengthening both MDS director for Canadian operations. farming communities in other countries “We knew we needed to be present and and the communities where we live and help in a significant way.” work. After the flood, Plenert and Jim Dyck of —Canadian Foodgrains Bank MDS Alberta began constant communi- cation with the Alberta unit, a group of Flood damage in High River, Alta., is about 12 volunteers from across the prov- the worst Mennonite Disaster Service ince. During the first week, Plenert and Canada has ever experienced. worked the lady was so overwhelmed with Dyck, along with other local MDS leaders, appreciation that she had all of us in tears. worked many hours touring and meeting I learned so much about graciousness and with people and organizations affected across Canada. A businessman and sev- gratitude.” by the flood. They also worked with their eral businesses from La Crete, Alta., do- MDS is now working on transitioning disaster management partners to ensure nated a new fully stocked tool trailer. Local from emergency-response mode to long- collaboration and make sure plans could residents, and several from other parts of term recovery, seeking individuals and groups to volunteer for a week at a time ‘There are still many unmet needs and I’m confident as rebuilding begins. The hope is that this that our constituency will rise up and come and help.’ work will start in October. “We have an opportunity here in Canada (Janet Plenert) to rally together and serve a group of stran- gers that need hope,” says Plenert. “There be adjusted to meet the most urgent needs. Canada, came to help for a day or a week. are still many unmet needs and I’m confi- Beginning its work through Samaritan’s Despite the hard work and unimaginable dent that our constituency will rise up, and Purse, MDS was able to set up on the devastation, volunteers were encouraged come and help.” ground within a week after the flood. This by the energy and spirit on the ground. To volunteer with MDS in Alberta, call was due to overwhelming support and “I’ve never experienced anything like the Alberta volunteer coordinator at 587- generosity from churches and individuals it,” says Thiessen. “In one home where we 216-6169. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 21

Sheila Wiebe, left, and Karen Schellenberg, associate pastor of Carman Mennonite Church, Man., stand on the bridge over- looking the Boyne River during a vigil held to remember the lives of Lisa Gibson of Winnipeg, who drowned her two young chil- dren in the bathtub and then took her own life in the Red River. Schellenberg, who planned the vigil, says it was held by the water ‘because of the significant role water . . . played in the final hours and minutes of Lisa, Anna and Nicholas’s lives, and because of the frequent mention of “the river” throughout Scripture. Water can be powerfully destructive and powerfully healing as well.’

in I Kings 19. “You would think that having ‘It is enough, O Lord’ such a powerful experience of God would keep Elijah going for a long, long time,” she Vigil held in wake of tragic deaths of a said. “You would think that the birth, the Winnipeg mother and her two children gift of a healthy child, would be enough to keep Lisa going for a very long time. She Story and Photo by Evelyn Rempel Petkau had it all, it seemed.” But her plea was the Manitoba Correspondent same as Elijah’s: “It is enough, O Lord. Take Carman, Man. away my life.” The group tossed flower petals into the hen news of the very tragic deaths but a version of deep sadness or despair.” river and lingered on the bridge, watch- Wof a young mother and her two When she saw how this tragedy impact- ing the petals gently float with the slow young children hit front pages, shocking ed her community, she said she decided current. They watched the reflections and residents of Winnipeg and surrounding to plan a vigil “as a way of giving people took note of how the clouds configured to communities, Karen Schellenberg began some space to express their sorrow, their form the wing of an angel. Slowly one by to feel its impact in her rural church, an pain and their questions . . . because Lisa’s one they crossed to the other side of the hour’s drive from the city. story is our story.” She extended an open bridge and continued watching the floating Lisa Gibson’s body was discovered in invitation to the congregation and any of petals. the Red River several days after her two their friends and neighbours. “That was so powerful and moving,” children, Anna, 2, and Nicholas, 3 months, Eleven people gathered along the banks said Wiebe. “I had never taken part in were found unresponsive in the bathtub of the Boyne River that flows through something like this before. It was a time of of their home on July 24. As the story un- Carman on the evening of Aug. 7. solidarity and standing together.” She and folded in the national media in the days Sheila Wiebe, a mother of four, attended many of the others gathered that evening following, people began to understand the the vigil. “I went because . . . I remember resonated with Lisa’s story. “I walk very tragedy as one of a loving mother who was very clearly how dark some of those times closely with anxiety and depression,” she in deep psychiatric distress. could be [as a new mom]. Your lack of said. “You don’t have to have postpartum to Schellenberg, associate pastor at sleep, your emotions and your guilt be- be able to recognize there are times when Carman Mennonite, said, “In conversa- cause you have this wonderful baby. I felt life just seems overwhelming and difficult, tions with people here, mostly mothers, very close to that situation even though the and despite your best efforts you come up both younger and older, [the recent trag- years have passed since that time for me. short.” edy] kept coming up. I started to recognize That feeling has definitely stayed with me, As evening fell, the group walked across how deeply so many felt and how quickly the intensity of all the emotions that come the road to the church offices and con- stories of ‘I remember how that was for me’ along with having children.” tinued to talk, weep and laugh together. l surfaced, maybe not to the same extent, Schellenberg shared the story of Elijah 22 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013 ‘Who can we trust?’ Mennonites stand with indigenous brothers and sisters

Story and Photos by Deborah Froese Mennonite Church Canada Winnipeg

f the approximately 150 people who Oattended an Honour the Apology rally at the Forks in Winnipeg on July 25, more than 20 were members of the Manitoba Mennonite community. Steve Plenert, left, peace coordinator for Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, Rallies held across the country urged prays at Winnipeg’s Honour the Apology rally on July 25. In an e-mail following the the federal government to honour its June event, Plenert wrote: ‘My prayer is that, as peoples who dwell in this land, . . . we 2008 apology to Indian Residential School would carve out history stories that we can all be proud of. My prayer is for com- (IRS) survivors by releasing all documents passion for those who have suffered. My prayer is that the shame of the residential related to those schools. school experience would be transformed into hope, goodness and understanding. It The files are considered crucial to the is God who can change our hearts.’ Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s mandate to acknowledge the injustices in- flicted upon indigenous populations by the Court of Ontario to release all related files, 16 reports of nutritional experiments per- IRS and to create a public record of what the vast majority are still in the hands of formed on more than 1,000 IRS students happened. various government departments. during the 1940s. Despite a Jan. 30 order from the Superior Honour the Apology was sparked by July Since the July 25 rally, the commission has reported another discovery: aboriginal children were also subjected to medical testing. “If we’re going to walk a good path towards reconciliation, honest and open truth-telling is critical,” says Steve Heinrichs, Mennonite Church Canada di- rector of indigenous relations. “Whenever new information like this surfaces, it re- traumatizes indigenous survivors and their communities, and they understandably ask once again, ‘Who can we trust?’ We must demand better of our government,” he says. Ron Janzen, executive director of Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, was one of several religious leaders from the local faith community who addressed the gathering. He told participants that Participants at an Honour the Apology rally at the Forks in Winnipeg on July 25 in- “the work of justice adds honour to the cluded members of the Manitoba Mennonite community: Pam Peters Pries; Karen national apology and thereby becomes a Martens Zimmerly, MC Canada denominational minister; Dora Dueck; Byron true testimony of Canadian citizenship and Rempel-Burkholder; Steve Heinrichs, MC Canada’s director of indigenous rela- respect.” l tions; and Arlyn Friesen Epp, MC Canada’s Resource Centre director. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 23

Viewpoint Five years have now passed since Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that the attitudes that led to the residential school system had no place in contem- What is the porary Canada and that the burden of the survivors needed to be borne by all Canadians. By all accounts, the words were sincere. But they were not enough. ‘settler problem’? Although they acknowledged what had By Roger Epp happened, they fell on the stony ground that associates apology with erasure. y the end of a long day out to teach Political Science From that perspective, the residential of hearings, there are 101 to a small class of mature school system is old news. Survivors are Bfew adjectives—short students who showed me that left to wrestle with the imperatives of of “monstrous”—that can do education really was about per- forgetting, to “just get over it.” justice to the plain words of old sonal liberation and preparation In Canada, the TRC has taken up the men who face the Truth and to serve their community. They work of listening and collecting stories with Reconciliation Commission also showed me the peepholes a formidable persistence, with and without (TRC) commissioner with tears through which teachers once government cooperation. When it finishes in their eyes and disclose the intimate spied on students. its public work in 2014, it will leave an shame of their residential school experi- I am the great-grandson of settlers on archive accessible to all Canadians. There ences to a room filled with strangers, Treaty Six land. My ancestors are buried will be no excuse for ignorance. grandchildren and people they have here. Over time, my understanding of But by itself the TRC cannot change known their whole lives. For some, it is what it means to live in this place with a attitudes, transfer burdens or build rela- the first time. sense of care and obligation has co- tionships. It cannot widen the circle of The men talk of hunger, thirst, loneli- alesced into three convictions: memory and responsibility. ness, braids cut, beds wet, strange sexual For that reason, what happened at touching by adult supervisors, brutalities, • First, settler people must chal- Hobbema was not just that old men a hand misshapen by a disciplinary beat- lenge in every generation the mythology broke their silences. It was that people ing. They talk of bitterness dissipated by that there was no one here when “we” from Edmonton, Camrose and Ponoka time, traditional teachings or, in one case, came, that we made something of it, and were there to listen. It was that the mayor a miracle. that, therefore, we represent a superior of Wetaskiwin, who attended both days, Likewise, few adjectives can do justice civilizing force. The historical reality is asked to take his turn at the microphone to the grim roll-call assembled and much more complicated than that. to describe his own change of heart, and read out by one of the last generation But the mythology is as powerful as to express his aspirations for the relation- of students at the Ermineskin Indian ever. It offers a simple justification of our ship between his community and the Residential School, located in Hobbema, being here without any need to look back neighbouring Cree communities. It was Alta., until its closure in 1973. Of his or face up to unfinished business. It in- that everyone ate together. classmates, the number of those who spires the endless search for a “solution” In other words, the work of “re-mem- have died prematurely and unnaturally is to the “Indian problem” without ever bering” has begun and will continue as close to 50. turning the question around: What is the those who were present bear witness to When the TRC held hearings last “settler problem”? what they heard. For they will not have month at Hobbema, it did so, fittingly, • Second, all of us who live here are gone home unchanged or unacquainted on the site of the old residential school. treaty people. In other words, the terms with courage. In that, there is reason for The location served as a reminder that of our co-existence were established by hope that a different Canadian story— not only the long-standing policy of the agreement before most of our settler honest, open-ended—can emerge. l national government was to “separate the ancestors arrived. Indian from the child,” but also that such • Third, while political leaders ought Roger Epp is the author of We Are All twisted idealism, destructive as it has to make public apologies and offer Treaty People and one of 12 members been, ultimately did not succeed. compensation for serious wrongs, past of the Canadian Mennonite Publishing I have my own short history at and present, the real work of reconcilia- Service board. This column is adapted Ermineskin, whose building, all but tion is mostly for neighbours. If anything, from his summary comments as honorary condemned, became in its final years governments seem particularly ill-suited witness to the TRC hearings at Hobbema, the temporary home of Maskwachees to it. and is reprinted in shortened form from Cultural College. Twice a week I drove the Edmonton Journal. 24 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

MCC photo by Sarah Adams

This Syrian girl sings, plays musical chairs and paints during a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) visit to the temporary Lebanese community where she lives. The activities are coordinated by Development for People and Nature Association, an MCC partner.

stay where they are currently sheltered. Syrian children Others aren’t sure they will be able to at- tend school, because there’s no school available or because their families are run- carry heavy load ning out of money. By Linda Espenshade “The children are most affected by what’s Mennonite Central Committee going on, especially psychologically,” says Bishop Jean Kawak, a spiritual director hen Syrian children return to happened around them, as the loss of family for children and youth leader of the Syrian Wschool this fall, many will carry a members and neighbours who have died in Orthodox Diocese in Damascus. weight much heavier than a backpack. the Syrian conflict weigh on them. Concern for the children has been part They will remember fleeing their homes Some worry that they will not have a of almost every plan Mennonite Central while bombing, shelling, shooting and raids place to live or that they won’t be able to Committee (MCC) has implemented Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 25

Foodgrains Bank commits another $1.1 million for Syrian refugees By John Longhurst Canadian Foodgrains Bank

anadian Foodgrains Bank has committed another to ensure beneficiary nutrition requirements are met,” C$1.1 million worth of assistance for refugees fleeing says Hillier. “As a bonus, we are providing employment the conflict in Syria. for people in the region who grow and sell the food.” The assistance, which will be used by Foodgrains Bank The conflict in Syria has become one of the world’s member World Renew to assist refugees seeking safety largest refugee crises, with more than four million people in Lebanon and Jordan, brings to just over $4 million the displaced in that country and almost two million others total amount of assistance being made available to help forced to seek refuge in nearby countries. people from that country. Altogether, the assistance is helping to meet the food World Renew photo by Wayne de Jong needs of more than 55,000 people each month. “Our assistance is filling an important niche,” says Grant Hillier, the Foodgrains Bank’s international pro- grams director. “We are providing food for people who have not yet registered with the United Nations, for fear of what registering may mean if they try to return home, and also for those who have increased medical expenses or high housing costs.” For the latter, assistance from the Foodgrains Bank “allows them to use their limited disposable income on these things, rather on daily food needs,” he adds. The assistance, which is made possible with sup- port from the Canadian government, is being provided through food baskets and cash-based food vouchers. Markets in Lebanon have the capacity to provide the necessary quantity, quality and diversity of foods A Syrian family in a refugee camp in Lebanon.

with its partners since the beginning of Housing is a significant issue for Syrian children, and distributes kits and blankets. the Syrian crisis more than two years ago. refugees in Lebanon, where the govern- “The children love it when the young The children who are affected are not ment has not provided shelter for refu- adults from our partner agencies come just Syrian, but also those in Jordan and gees, according to Ali Jammoul, project to do activities with them,” says Sarah Lebanon, who have to share their schools, officer and volunteer coordinator for Adams, MCC representative for Syria and food, homes and resources with relatives Development for People and Nature Lebanon. “They run up to them when they or guests. Association (DPNA), another MCC part- arrive and trail after them when they leave.” MCC’s partners in Jordan, Syria and ner. “It leads to various problems, such as MCC has committed almost $8.2 mil- Lebanon have distributed more than epidemics, inaccessible drinking water, lion in response to the Syrian crisis, pro- 75,000 school kits. MCC has supported sanitation and hygiene issues, living in viding locally bought food, clothing and after-school educational programs, sum- places that are not suitable for living, sex- shoes, cash assistance for rent and other mer camps and special events specifically ual harassment, domestic violence, no abil- priorities, and material resources—blan- for children. ity to attend schools,” he says. kets, relief kits and hygiene kits—for al- Getting children into school is the most DPNA and MCC have been working most 10,000 Syrian families. Peacebuilding positive way to help refugees and dis- together to provide psychosocial activities training—trauma response, conflict reso- placed children within Syria cope, says at one of the biggest shelters in Lebanon, lution and interfaith dialogue—has been Paul Haidostian, president of Haigazian based in and around a partially built part of creating a more secure environ- University in Beirut and a partner of MCC school. DPNA conducts art workshops, ment for adults and children. l Lebanon. group games and musical activities for the 26 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

over the years, its primary activities have been in Winnipeg. However, three people CoSA looking to expand in the Brandon area are currently in need of support and accountability. volunteer base “We’d love to find out if people are will- ing to get involved there,” says Carolyn. Information meeting planned for Oct. 15 in Brandon CoSA is bringing a presentation to Brandon on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Information By Evelyn Rempel Petkau will be shared through readers’ theatre, Manitoba Correspondent storytelling and conversation. “One of our biggest challenges is finding support vol- here is a journey to learning from around high-risk offenders after their re- unteers,” she says. “It’s at times challenging “Tyour mistakes,” says Larry (a lease from prison, explains Joan Carolyn, to get over the reality that people are ask- pseudonym), who has been out of prison program director. “In an attempt to facili- ing for help and we simply can’t supply.” for three years now. He credits Circles of tate healthy relationships and activities, we Currently there are 30 volunteers with Support and Accountability (CoSA) for provide weekly circle meetings with staff the program and 10 core members. Over walking with him on this journey. and trained volunteers,” she says. its 15-year history, there have been 36 “In my first year out, I was very anxious The CoSA model of reintegration began core members who have voluntarily gone and sensitive to criticism,” he says. “Part of in Canada in 1994. It was started by Harry through the program and just over 110 that comes from being inside prison and the Night, a Mennonite pastor, who befriended support volunteers. high stress I felt a lot of the time. When I was a repeat sex offender. Nigh and some of his “We only ask for a one-year commit- inside, I felt constantly watched and judged.” parishioners formed a support group and ment from all circle participants and that A circle of committed volunteers con- obtained funding from Mennonite Central is reviewed annually,” Carolyn explains. “It tinues to meet with him regularly to of- Committee (MCC) and the Correctional is then the decision of the whole circle as to fer him encouragement and hold him ac- Service of Canada to keep the group go- whether they should continue or not. The countable for his actions and decisions. ing. It was effective, as the man did not average circle lasts two-and-a-half years.” “This kind of support is important in re-offend. Karl Langelotz began volunteering this the hard times and the good,” Larry says. “I Today there are 16 main offices across year after completing the training sessions. don’t have the feeling of being judged, and Canada, with 20 program sites. “MCC He recently helped a core member move that’s important to me. There is a gentle- Canada has had an active role over the into a new rental home. ness and respect when the people with years, “ Carolyn notes. “Their restorative “She and her roommates were so ex- CoSA raise concerns. Oh, we’ve had our justice program assists the various MCC- cited to be moving into their own space,” clashes and opinionated conversations, but based CoSAs to network, acts as an advo- Langelotz says. “Finding decent accommo- trying to deal with the issues I face can’t be cacy voice and joins as a representative on dations is probably the biggest challenge sugar-coated.” the more recent work to possibly establish for our core members. Relying on former CoSA is a community-based interfaith a national CoSA.” friends for help isn’t always the healthiest program that works to enhance commu- Although the Manitoba office of CoSA option.” nity safety by creating a human network has been involved throughout the province Despite the challenges, Carolyn, who has been involved with the program for Photo courtesy of CoSA 14 years, says, “there always seems to be more reasons to celebrate than to mourn. When I began, a common view of many people was that the offenders were beyond hope. It’s been inspiring to see what can happen when people come together to seek to break violent patterns and build positive ones. I never want to minimize the challenges facing our clients, circles and communities. Those are real and some- times things don’t work out as one might Adam Klassen Bartel, left, a Manitoba Circles of Support and Accountability have dreamed . . . but there are those who (CoSA) support volunteer, plays the guitar for Daniel Epp, a program associate, do learn step by step to thrive and it’s such during a camping trip for core members and volunteers. CoSA is planning an infor- incredible joy to be even a small part of mation session in Brandon on Oct. 15 in an effort to interest new volunteers in the that journey.” l area. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 204-925-1915. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 27 Workers leave China, richer for godchildren By Dan Dyck Mennonite Church Canada

hil and Julie Bender are leaving the Their leaving has brought another god- Pcountry and ministry that have been child into their lives. Lisa, a second-year their home and vocation for the last nine psychology major, was enrolled in Phil’s years. optional oral English classes for non-Eng- Serving with Mennonite Church Canada lish majors this past year. In a long letter Just before their return to Canada after as English teachers in a university setting to Phil, Lisa expressed her conviction that nine years of ministry in China, Phil and through Mennonite Partners in China, the “God has brought us together.’’ Julie Bender, left and right, became god- couple are busy cramming nearly a decade Lisa, who is responsible for the care parents to Lisa, a second-year psychology of life in China into suitcases and farewell of her 82-year-old grandfather, and the major who was enrolled in Phil’s optional visits into their schedule. Benders have grown quite attached, writes oral English classes for non-English ma- The Benders are already godparents to a Phil in an e-mail. “She was pretty much jors this past year. She credits God with male medical student who just graduated raised by her grandparents after her par- bringing her and the Benders together. as a doctor, and a female senior English ma- ents divorced and moved away, and she jor, both of whom they taught during their tells us we have supplied the parental bond China mission. The couple made a ministry that she never had. We visited her ultra- and delightful blessing at the end.” of inviting students into their home for food rural home at the end of a rutted road deep The Benders will be sharing stories of and hospitality, visits that often led to con- in the hills and rice paddies of Sichuan their ministry in China with congregations versations about faith and God. Province last week. [It was] an unsought across Canada this coming fall. l

Red Deer Advocate photo by Ashli Barrett; reprinted by permission

Byron Peters and Simon Wiebe ride the last stretch of a 960-kilometre trek from La Crete to Red Deer, Alta., this sum- mer. Peters and Wiebe, along with Calvin Elias, not pictured, raised more than $23,000 for Mennonite Central Committee’s Generations program (70 percent) and for Mennonite Disaster Services relief to flood victims in southern Alberta (30 per- cent). Says Peters, “I am blessed to be healthy enough to take up this challenge of cycling. I want to use it to bring awareness about people in need.” 28 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

God at work in Us Obituary friendship, love was the catalyst in the trinity of power, love and sound mind A friend remembers that governed his living. David Victor Falk, 80 • In an image of David in various long conversations about the nature and March 25, 1933 – June 1, 2013 methodology of teaching voice and By Jack Dueck choir, he maintained that a last bastion of dictatorship is the conductor and the ow David Falk is for- • I hold an image from 1968 voice teacher. He declared that the role ever. Even though one in Goshen of David and Viola requires an exercise of power and mental Nagrees with T.S. Eliot inviting us to attend a movie toughness, but he underlined that power that “in our end is our begin- with them in South Bend. without solid love at its core short-chan- ning,” how does one weigh the Shortly before departure, our ges the student. spirit of a friend? babysitter cancelled due to O David, what language shall illness. David and Viola went • I have an image of David teaching at I borrow? alone. A head-on collision with Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Shakespeare claimed that, Falk a drunk driver instantly killed Ont., for 27 years with full creative pow- “the evil that men do lives Viola and hammered David ers, mentoring each student in a love after them; the good is oft interred with into a deep coma. rooted in mental toughness. their bones.” Not so this time, Willy, not Later, he and I sat and sat and sat in During visits, David noted that he was so. Now a parade of images attends my silence, in spiritual and mental darkness, teaching human beings, connecting with remembering: he with wired jaw and broken body. One them on the levels of their strengths, day, in wrenching groan, he wheezed, goals, fears and weaknesses. • I have an image of David choosing “Yakob, I cannot love any more.” A former student commented: “He got love over all reasoning when this young under our skin to understand what made lawyer met with me, a theology and • I also have images of a first drive us tick and from there led us into integrat- music graduate, in a coffee shop near with him to Viola’s grave and he unable ed freedom of expression in making song.” Portage and Main in Winnipeg: to remember the accident, bereft without David: “Yakob, I need to give up a ritual of commemoration, with only • I have an image of visiting David at his lawyering.” retching convulsions, as power, love and studio, where he reiterated his passion: Me (aghast): “But you can’t just give it all mental toughness evacuated. “You know, we may blithely exercise and up: all the studies, the awards, the acco- enjoy the creative gifts, but we dare not lades from professors and judges.” • I have an image of David one day take them for granted. . . . Creation has David: “But none of these mean enough. declaring, “I did not ask for it,” and I’m blessed us with the creative use of power Without love for this noble profession, assuming he was still on the mantra of infused with love and a sound mind. the value of these things diminishes. the unfairness of the senseless event. “No, These can be taken away in one flash, one I’m convinced that jurisprudence would Yakob,” he said. “I did not ask for it, but tragedy, one body failure.” never be truly mine; my heart would not deep in this one corner of my heart, I feel be in it. Music could be mine; creativity a stirring of creative love and with it a For the last 15 years of his life David in music would engage my power and my hope for power and mindfulness.” wrestled with Parkinson’s disease. true passion.” As I sit at his grave, the news media • I have an image of David Falk at flash a litany of a world addicted to • I have an image of David and Viola, Goshen, in 1969, requesting that I power without love, caught in slaughter his first wife, returning from four years present a homily at his wedding to and raging discord. But another image of music study at Detmold, Germany, Patricia Yoder Dreves. For the text I heralds a resurrection: thousands of to face two choices: an invitation to join chose II Timothy 1: 7: “For God has not David’s former students scattered across a prestigious law firm in Winnipeg and given us the spirit of fear; but of power, this globe in opera houses, concert halls, an invitation to be professor of music at and of love, and of a sound mind” (KJV). church music departments, high schools Goshen (Ind.) College. They chose music At his 2013 memorial in Waterloo, and colleges answer the clamorous dis- pedagogy. Ont., I chose the same text because I cord with their harmonies. remembered that, over a 50-year-long So, Shakespeare, not so this time. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 29 Pilgrims in profile: Bonolo Makgale Story and Photo by Karen Suderman Mennonite Church Canada Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

n introduction to Anabaptism has issues of faith, church and theology, and Aprovided Bonolo Makgale with food explore what it means to be faithful dis- for her spiritual journey. She says that she ciples in community within South African is drawn to, and fed by, “the authentic liv- society. ing, the authentic spirituality expressed by At a recent Dialogue, Makgale said, “It Anabaptists, the non-conformist approach was a lovely space to be with people that to life and faith.” are passionate about God, society, people Makgale is the third child in a poor and life, and I am committed to be part of family from a small village in South Africa. the movement.” Raised by a single mother after her parent’s She sits on a planning team for Cape marriage deteriorated, Makgale accepted Town ANiSA activities and serves on the Christ at age 13. She has seen the goodness ANiSA Steering Committee. of the Lord in her life to this day. As her involvement with ANiSA grows, She is an associate pastor and elder in Makgale said she notices more and var- a local church in Cape Town, and works ied expressions of Anabaptism in South Bonolo Makgale says that an introduc- for the Women’s Hope Education And Africa: “Faith, peace and justice, I would tion to Anabaptism has provided her Training (WHEAT) Trust, a non-govern- say. A life of genuine worship to God, with food for her spiritual journey. mental organization that funds women-led and service to society and people of God. organizations. Makgale is passionate about Authentic faith, I suppose, which is actual- social justice, human development and ly a huge thing for me, as I feel that most theology. As well as serving in her church of my Christian journey was robbed of au- and working with the WHEAT Trust, she thenticity because I was caught up in con- is studying for a post-graduate degree in ventional wisdom, legalism and unneces- Youth Singers theology and ethics at the University of the sary expectations created by people and Western Cape. church of what it meant to be Christian.” l COME SING Makgale was introduced to the Anabaptist Network in South Africa Andrew and Karen Suderman are WITH US! (ANiSA) through one of her undergradu- Mennonite Church Canada Witness work- ate studies teachers and has been attending ers who provide leadership to the activities WHO CAN JOIN? ANiSA Dialogues, events that allow people of the Anabaptist Network in South Africa. of all backgrounds to wrestle with difficult Youth age 14-22 WHEN

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Personal Reflection Peter’s in Rome and San Francesco in Assisi; visiting galleries to see art, such as “Night Watch” by Rembrandt in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and What I did on Michelangelo’s “David” in Florence; and attending museums to view artefacts from Pompeii and early Christian burial art in the Vatican Museum. We would my sabbatical also be experiencing the culture, food By Dave Rogalsky and wine of Italy, Germany and the Eastern Canada Correspondent Netherlands, all in a measured way, as it was a sabbatical after all, a rest time. efore we took it, many people salary for a sabbatical, but not a vacation. Besides that, on our return I would questioned my sabbatical. I answered that I and my wife would begin a year-long spiritual direction B Mennonite Church Eastern be visiting historical sites, both Christian seminar and take some hand drumming Canada asked what I would do with my and others, including the Christian lessons. time, as it has a fund that will pay a pas- basilica at Ostia Antica and the Roman The area church granted the request tor’s congregation one third of his/her Forum; attending churches, like St. and the congregation, which had granted

Photo by Annemarie Rogalsky

Dave Rogalsky at the Coliseum in Rome during his sabbatical this May.

Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 31

me full pay on the sabbatical, used the which were good: to sell us a “real” Christian Dior bag for money to pay a short-term interim pastor. 50 Euros. Our congregation at Wilmot • Maria at the farmers’ market in Why did we go? For the things we Mennonite, New Hamburg, Ont., asked Rome, who gave us a bottle of olive oil as didn’t expect: the people, the experiences, questions too: Why? Why now? Why so a gift from an Italian to some Canadians, meeting God at every turn. We spent long? Why there? Will we change and for friendship. nearly every evening praying, journalling, you change? Will you come back? Yes, we • The woman who warned us in Naples thinking about what God had been doing returned. I know I’ve changed, and so that we were in danger of being robbed. in us and around us. have they. • The man who loved Fellini films with It wasn’t a vacation. It was a rest focus- But the question afterward from my whom we discussed our favourites while ing on God, who goes before us in all of friend, “Why to Europe?” rang in my waiting for a subway in Rome. life, who is more visible to us when we head. It became more “Why go travel- • Worship that broke out twice while get out of our regular routine. ling?” as I thought about it. As I thought we were in churches, at St. Peter’s in the Special thanks to the folks at Wilmot, about it, I realized that I went, and hope chapel over the spot where Peter was exe- MC Eastern Canada, and Canadian to go again, not for the things I planned, cuted, and at St. Paul’s outside the walls. Mennonite for the time and financial sup- but for the things that happened, the port to sabbath. l serendipities, the unexpected, most of There was, though, the man who tried Yellow Page Business Directory Financial Services Insurance Real Estate Roth Nowak INSURANCE BROKERS Listen. Understand. Plan. Duane Eby, MBA, CFP, CLU Financial Advisor 119 University Avenue East 410 Conestogo Road, Unit 208, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 4E2 Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2W1 tel 519.725.2006 fax 519.725.2003 email [email protected] Telephone: (800) 576-7166 E-mail: [email protected] Sound Advice, Excellent Products, Peace of Mind www.rothnowak.com Auto, Home & Business John Thiessen, BA, BTh, CFP Insurance Tel: 1.866.324.9574 Dennis Roth u Ed Nowak [email protected] Dennis Roth • Ed Nowak Serving the Mennonite community Investment Planning Counsel TM throughoutServing the Ontario. Mennonite Community IPC INVESTMENT CORPORATION throughout Ontario

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Submit to: Lisa Metzger [email protected] 32 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

Artbeat “Coming up with 13 core scriptures was no easy task,” says Gingerich. “There are far more texts that we could have included. We are trying to suggest some of the core ‘Dig in’ to Scripture texts that shape us as a people who read and interpret the Bible with a certain lens.” MennoMedia collaborates with partner denominations Planners sought to use a balance of Old in a going-back-to-the-Bible series and New Testament texts and settled on the following for the curriculum: John MennoMedia 1:1-18; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; II Timothy 3:14-17; Isaiah 53:1-12; Mark 8:27- f all the texts in the Bible are study periods, MennoMedia 9:1; Philippians 2:1-11; Romans 12:9- Iimportant, how do we decide is producing a resource named 21; Matthew 5:1-12; Matthew 5:38-48; which texts are the most impor- “Dig In: Thirteen Scriptures Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 28:1-8,16-20; tant, the ones that deserve our to Help Us Know the Way.” Acts 2:1-4,14-28,41-47; Colossians 3:1-17. utmost attention, discernment This new 13-session print and Once the texts were chosen, the plan- or devotion? video curriculum focuses on 13 ning team of Bergen, Shue, Gingerich and Mennonite Church Canada core Scriptures for Anabaptist Rempel-Burkholder worked to identify is engaged in a process called Mennonites. people from churches all over the U.S. and “Being a Faithful Church,” de- The project grew out of Canada who could share their perspectives signed to help congregations MennoMedia staff brainstorm- on one of the texts. The 26 interviewees— study and discern Scripture for ing to create a new resource to two per session— submitted videos of today’s world. It examines both helpful build on the biblical emphasis of the de- themselves answering a series of questions and unhelpful ways Christians interpret nominations. The concept was pitched about how they experience and interpret the Bible. to Dave Bergen, MC Canada’s executive the Bible passage in their own context. Meanwhile, MC U.S.A. congregations minister for formation, and Terry Shue, “ ‘Dig In’ is a bit different from many are undertaking a “Year of the Bible.” Rather director of leadership development at Bible study curriculums, in that it focuses than falling into one particular calendar MC U.S.A., for their input. MennoMedia on storytelling and prayerful reflection as year, congregations are asked to devote a staffers Amy Gingerich and Byron Rempel- an essential part of our use of Scripture,” year to biblical study, with each congrega- Burkholder collaborated with Bergen and notes Rempel-Burkholder. “As we hear tion setting its own design and schedule. Shue to discern 13 core biblical passages the voices of brothers and sisters around To help congregations during these that have been important to Mennonites. the continent and the stories of our fellow group members, we exercise the Anabaptist value of community discern- ment of the Word.” ΛΛBriefly noted In each session, after a group reading New titles added to ‘With the Word,’ ‘Kids Can’ series of the text, a five-minute video of inter- view clips opens a time of sharing in which New Bible studies on the books of Acts and John have been re- group members are invited to reflect on leased by MennoMedia, as well as focused children’s studies on how the text impacts their lives. While God’s love and the way of Jesus. “With the Word” studies focus the participant guide provides some good on individual books of the Bible from an Anabaptist perspec- Bible background material written by long- tive; Acts and John are the newest in the series that also includes time Bible teacher Leonard Beechy, the Matthew, Isaiah, Psalms and Luke. If used with a group, the de- discussion and sharing are more personal votionals provide additional food for thought and discussion the and experiential than scholarly. Similarly, following week. Two new titles join the “Kids Can” series. “Kids both the Bible-reading activities and the Can Catch the Love” highlights Old Testament characters to help closing prayer try to give room for personal kids explore God’s love for humanity and the ways people demonstrate their love for responses from the heart. God. “Kids Can Know the Way” shows children the way of Jesus through stories Jesus “In a time when the church wrestles with told and by learning about people he met. The “Kids Can” series includes a Bible story many potentially divisive challenges, I am and discussion starters, along with crafts and games to reinforce the themes. They are inspired when I think of the immensely geared for children in grades 1 to 5, but can be adapted for younger or older children. positive influence of getting immersed, Each study includes 10 sessions. together, in this collection of key texts that —MennoMedia so profoundly form our spiritual and com- munity identity,” Bergen says of the series. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 33

Essays for a church to come ΛΛBriefly noted Web video series to help New book in Polyglossia series on Radical churches sing, learn together Reformation theologies released TORONTO—Fundraising is underway MennoMedia for an innovative online video project called Break into Song, designed to help aking a cue from well known “post- worship leaders learn how to teach new Tmodern” thinker Friedrich Nietzsche music. With a choir and a congregation (1844-1900), the essays in Peter C. Blum’s to help demonstrate techniques and For a Church to Come consist of, as the challenges, each video will unpack new book’s subtitle alludes, Experiments music, and show creative ways to teach in Postmodern Theory and Anabaptist it and use it in worship. At the end of Thought. each episode, leaders will be able to take Blum’s essays—which the author, a a song they’ve only ever seen in a book, professor of theology at Hillsdale (Mich.) and teach it with confidence and use it College, says explore some commonly held in worship as if it were an old favour- ways of talking about knowledge, meaning, ite, says project leader Hilary Seraph commitment and action—are not meant as Donaldson. To raise money to produce arguments intended to demonstrate fixed these free high-quality videos, a month- conclusions. long crowdfunding campaign begins “Some postmodern theoretical work— on Aug. 26. Visitors to breakintosong. which is often either quickly dismissed ca can watch a preview video and do- or uncritically assumed to be anti-Chris- nate to the project using Indiegogo, a tian—is actually well worth bringing into crowdfunding website. The goal is to contemporary Anabaptist-Mennonite con- raise enough funds to produce an in- versations about discipleship and corpor- itial season of three to five episodes, ate life,” Blum says. each roughly 10 minutes long. The The book brings John Howard Yoder series was conceived by Donaldson, to the same table with Nietzsche, Michel a church musician and graduate stu- Foucault and Jacques Derrida, and pro- of readers interested in Anabaptist- dent who holds degrees in theatre and vides a provocative glimpse of what the re- Mennonite thought, from those with sacred music. Says C. Michael Hawn, sulting conversation might look like. John only some undergraduate exposure to the church music professor at Southern D. Caputo, a major figure associated with theorists discussed, to those whose aca- Methodist University, Donaldson postmodern Christianity, has written the demic interests focus on their work. “brings knowledge of worship and the foreword. Blum, who graduated from Goshen people’s song, creativity, theological With the support of Hillsdale College, (Ind.) College, has advanced degrees insight, and a spirit of openness to the Blum has sought to focus his research and in sociology and philosophy from the joyful duty of what I call the Eleventh writing on giving back to the Anabaptist University of Notre Dame. He is a mem- Commandment: ‘Sing to the Lord a tradition, which has nurtured and pro- ber of Salem Mennonite Church near new song!’ ” foundly shaped his experience and under- Waldron, Mich., and has published sev- —Break Into Song standing of Christian discipleship since his eral poems and a number of blog posts on teenage years. The essays collected inFor a contemporary music, as well as his essays Church to Come (Herald Press, 2013) are on the relationship of contemporary social foremost among the results. theory to an Anabaptist understanding of attempts to speak the gospel in new Scott Holland, professor of theology and Christian discipleship. idioms. The series is a form of theological culture at Bethany Theological Seminary, The Polyglossia series is intended for reflection that blends patient vulnerability Richmond, Ind., says of the book, “I have conversation among academics, ministers and hermeneutical charity with considered been waiting for an engaging and experi- and laypeople regarding knowledge, beliefs judgment and informed criticism. The mental work on Anabaptism and post- and the practices of the Christian faith. books in this series emerge out of conver- modernism to add to my syllabus of re- Polyglossia grows out of John Howard sations with contemporary movements in quired texts in an upper-division seminary Yoder’s call to see the Radical Reformation theology, as well as philosophy, political course. Peter Blum has written that book.” as a tone, style or a stance, a way of think- theory, literature and cultural studies. l The book is meant to appeal to a range ing theologically that requires precarious 34 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

young voices Learning to be ‘alert to glory’ young Poet and CMU professor Sally Ito shares about voices creativity, writing and inspiration Photo courtesy of Sally Ito Poet Sally Ito was born in Taber, Alta., and currently lives in Winnipeg. She has published three books of poetry, along with a collection of short stories. Her latest book of poems is Alert to Glory, published by Turnstone Press in 2011. Ito teaches creative writing at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, and was recently writer-in-residence at the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture at the University of Manitoba. Earlier this year, Nick Schuurman of Cambridge, Ont., spoke with Ito about her most recent book of poetry, the work of writing and faith.

NS: Mary Oliver wrote, “To pay attention NS: Many of us, I think, have this image of is our endless and proper work.” Your latest the poet as an entirely cloistered figure. In book, Alert to Glory, is largely about ob- what ways has your work as a poet been servation and making sense of what we see. a shared labour, informed by community What do we risk missing in distraction? and family? Sally Ito SI: Oh, everything and anything, I’d say. SI: It’s not been a shared labour, really, ex- ‘People sometimes have a need to hear words about what they feel, but have never truly articulated to themselves or others.’ (Sally Ito)

Observing and paying close attention is cept insofar as I’ve observed my commu- a discipline. As I quoted a poet friend of nity and family, and drawn conclusions mine, Tim Bowling, in my book: “Poetry from those observations through writing. is a discipline of consciousness.” However, I do think that poetry can be more than that. When it is performed or NS: You also write about more distant, fu- read, it can act as encouragement and in- ture sorts of seeing, about catching glimpses spiration for others. Poetry often says what of things yet unseen in their entirety. What is unsaid, but not unfelt. People sometimes gives you cause for hope and how does that have a need to hear words about what they inform your work? feel, but have never truly articulated to SI: There are a lot of things to be hope- themselves or others. ful about. I’m largely an optimistic person myself, but I think that writing, ultimately, NS: Borrowing from the words of the is a hopeful act. The tenacity people must Psalms, you write about the fact that the have to write in a time when there is so universe is not a mute place, and that, if much written already is a deeply hopeful we take time to stop and listen, we will no- disposition (or delusion!), don’t you think? tice it is, in fact, saying something. What have you heard, and from where? What are Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 35

some of the places in which you have been trouble with the “critical” part. It takes a most overwhelmed by that sense of awe and lot of nerve and energy to create things, wonder? but you also need a thick skin to be told, SI: Poetry comes to me in two ways: snip- or tell people, that the work is “confusing,” pets of words that seem to describe a situa- or “missing something,” or that it can be tion or feeling I am having at the moment; improved by changing certain elements or are “musical” in some fashion, or by way of an image that keeps haunting me. NS: In “Poet” you write, “I had it all wrong Awe and wonder are sparks off the flint these years / trying to make a career out of of the contemplative mind. Places in the skipping stones / on the smooth flat wat- natural world where there is beauty or ers of the lake.” Three books in, do you still grandeur, or the presence of these in the struggle with that tension? human world of created architectural SI: Oh yes. I think every poet struggles forms or in art, bring on a sense of won- with a vocation she or he feels is under- der and awe. But it is all in the disposition appreciated by the world at large. of the seeing eye before the apprehension of these things as awesome and wonderful. NS: Who have you been learning from late- You must be “alert” to see the “glory.” ly, and what has that looked like? SI: My creative writing students recently NS: What sort of things do the students did oral presentations for me on different you work with find most difficult when it contemporary and modern poets, and one comes to creative writing, and what do you student introduced to me the work of Irish find yourself offering in terms of advice and poet Eavan Boland. Boland was an inter- experience to help them work through it? esting writer with a feminist perspective, SI: Creativity is in itself a messy process. whose verse was engaging to read. I took a You must be inspired to create, which is a few books of her poetry out of the library Photo courtesy of nick schuurman different state of mind than what is needed, recently, including a book on the writing say, for editing and revising, or even read- of sonnets in English, as well a book of ing, for that matter. translation of German women poets in After you’ve created, then you have to the post-war period. Poet Robert Bly has take a breath and step back, and say, “Now, talked about the need for poets to read is this good or bad? How can I make it bet- widely from translated works, and I agree, ter? What can I do to improve the work?” so discovering that Boland had done these Then you have to make changes and shape translations of German was a pleasure to your piece accordingly through your own discover and to read. l critical processes and from receiving feed- back from readers engaged in the same Nick Schuurman is a member of First process themselves. Hmong Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Most students don’t have difficulty Ont., and a student at McMaster Divinity with the “creating” part, but they do have College, Hamilton, Ont. Nick Schuurman With eyes of a newcomer African student at CMU sees beyond this country’s affluence and materialism to its busyness and shallow faith

By Bethany Penner

anada is known as a land of plenty he has seen beyond Canada’s relative afflu- Cbut, through the eyes of a newcomer, ence and materialism. it’s not necessarily the land of happiness. “People are not living very well here,” he Paulin Bossou and his family moved to says. “They have money and infrastructure, Winnipeg from Africa two years ago, and (Continued on page 36) 36 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

(Continued from page 35) trusting God to the fullest. “I discovered but people are not happy here. There is a that people don’t want to depend on God lack of something. Money and the other because they have many opportunities to things that we strive after does not bring do things themselves,” he says. “If you can happiness.” do something by yourself, you do not ex- Bossou, currently a student at Canadian pect another person to do it. They try to be Mennonite University (CMU), Winnipeg, rational, instead of using faith.” had worked for La Casa Grande Benin, a As Bossou studies at CMU, his wife is home for disadvantaged children, some of taking classes at St. Boniface University, whom have lost their parents to AIDS, in also in Winnipeg. The family plans to re- the West African country, for the past 10 turn next year to Benin, where Bossou years. will continue being the director of La ‘But here, this time doesn’t exist. People are rushing and looking for money, and they are not living.’ (Paulin Bossou)

Bossou, his wife and their two children Casa Grande Benin, which began in 2000 felt it was time to try something new as a partnership between the Burgos and they were drawn to Manitoba by a Mennonite Church and Mennonite Board Mennonite connection. In Benin, he was of Missions, a predecessor agency of the associated with a Mennonite church, and U.S.-based Mennonite Mission Network. he was fascinated by Mennonites. He had Bossou says he will return to Africa with Paulin Bossou heard that Canada, Manitoba in particular, many positive experiences of Canada. had an abundance of Mennonites, and this “Here is good, but not the place for me,” he brought the family to Winnipeg. says. “For us, it is a privilege to be here and One big difference between Benin and learn more about this country, and share Canada is how people choose to use their what we have learned with other people. time, Bossou observes. “In Benin, I had It is a dream or something special to come enough time to share my time with other and live in this country, and now we will people and help other people,” he says. share it with our friends.” l “But here, this time doesn’t exist. People are rushing and looking for money, and The Voice of the Voiceless articles were writ- they are not living.” ten for Canadian Mennonite University’s Bossou also expresses concern that many Journalism: Practices and Principles course people in Canada appear to live their faith during the Winter 2013 semester. Teacher on a shallow level. “The environment here Carl DeGurse is vice-chair of Canadian does not help to make a good Christian,” Mennonite’s board of directors and assist- he says. “For me, to be a Christian does not ant city editor of the Winnipeg Free Press. mean to just go to church, but to partici- pate in the life of the community. Here it is an option to go to church or be part of the community. But not for me.” To him, being a Christian means spend- ing time with people, enjoying life and sharing experiences with others. It also means taking the necessary time to wor- ship God and grow in faith, which means Do you know of giving God more than an hour on Sunday someone in your morning. God has had a huge impact congregation not getting on the Bossou family and their immer- Canadian Mennonite? sion into the radically different culture of Ask your church administrator to add Canada. them to the list. It is already paid for. Bethany Penner Bossou has learned the importance of Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 37

Connecting the global church By Rachel Bergen Young Voices Co-Editor Photos courtesy of Kristina Toews he old saying goes that it’s better to encouraging and has challenged me to see Tgive than to receive, but Kristina how churches here take these relationships Toews’ six months in Colombia have so seriously.” taught her differently. These churches also actively work in The 26-year-old Eben-Ezer Mennonite their areas to help and advocate for those Church member from Abbotsford, B.C., who are persecuted. Their faith is holis- is doing a three-year service term working tic, Toews says, citing the case of Weaving in communications for both Mennonite Hope Mennonite Brethren Church and Central Committee (MCC) Colombia and MCC that worked in the impoverished Mennonite World Conference (MWC) in Chocó area. At one time, many farmers Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city. grew coca plants that are harvested to pro- Prior to this, she was a member of MWC’s duce cocaine. Although they committed Kristina Toews sits atop Monserrate, a Young Anabaptist Network and served in these crimes out of desperation in order to cathedral on top of the mountain near Bolivia with an MCC Service and Learning provide for their families, Weaving Hope downtown Bogotá, Colombia. Together team in 2007. She has also minis- and MCC helped more than 200 families tered as a youth pastor at Eben-Ezer. participate in the cultivation of legal crops, In Colombia, Toews’s role is to connect like cacao and rice. the global church. Part of this involves vis- Although many farmers stopped grow- iting Anabaptist churches in the area, writ- ing the coca plants, government-ordered ing prayer requests and sharing them with fumigations supported by U.S. Agency for the worldwide Mennonite community. International Development funds took Although she has just started her term, place indiscriminately throughout the re- she has already learned a great deal from gion without consulting communities, kill- the people and places she has visited. The ing what they wrongly assumed were coca biblical concept of sharing is one such plants. This rendered the land sterile and, as thing, rather than merely giving or receiv- a result, the farmers were left with nothing. ing. “Sometimes we think we know best, According to reports from MCC and that we need to ‘give’ that,” she says. Colombia, those affected say the fumiga- “Other times, we might react in the op- tions contaminated their water sources posite end of the spectrum and think we and the health of the people in the area. need to learn from others and shouldn’t Toews says that Colombian churches share any thoughts or experiences.” are intentional about sharing concerns Being in community with others— and stories with the local and wider whether it be locally or globally, by church. This is important to their strength e-mail, social media or face-to-face as a body, and something Canadian conversations—can provide amazing op- Mennonites can learn from, she believes. “I portunities for sharing, according to her. feel like we’re all so much richer by know- “Our churches have a lot of experiences, ing the stories and being united,” she says. gifts and resources which we need to be She hopes that Canadians will partici- willing to share,” she says. “And we have a pate more in communicating with the lot to learn that we need to receive.” global church. “It would be cool to encour- This is something the churches in age people to engage the global community Colombia have taken seriously. In the through sharing or asking questions,” she congregations Toews has visited, the says. faith community extends far beyond To build connections in the global the individual church. “There are always church, e-mail her at kristinatoews@mwc. prayers for brothers and sisters in other cmm.org or “like” MWC’s Facebook page parts of Colombia, and I’ve seen in several to participate in a global Anabaptist dia- Kristina Toews is pictured on the way to churches consistent prayers for brothers logue. Toews blogs about her adventures Chocó, Colombia, the scene of a devas- and sisters around the world,” she says. “It’s at xtinascrossing.blogspot.com. l tating fumigation. 38 Canadian Mennonite September 2, 2013

at Camp Squeah, Hope. in Mission annual retreat at Shekinah Bird’s Hill Provincial Park, north of ΛΛCalendar Oct. 26: Columbia Bible College Retreat Centre. Theme: “I heard her Winnipeg. British Columbia annual fundraising dinner. For more voice: Courageous women in the Bible.” Oct. 18-20: Scrapbookers retreat information, development.events@ at Camp Moose Lake. For more Sept. 18-22: Truth and Reconciliation columbiabc.edu. Manitoba information, e-mail camps@ Commission gathering, in Vancouver. mennochurch.mb.ca. Sept. 28: Mennonite Fall Fair, in Prince Alberta Until Sept. 14: Mennonite Heritage George. Centre Gallery, Winnipeg, hosts the Ontario Oct. 7-9: MC B.C. pastor/spouse Sept. 14: MCC golf tournament, in 81st-annual Open Juried Exhibition of retreat. La Crete. For more information, or to the Manitoba Society of Artists. Hours: Sept. 20-22: Men’s Meat Retreat at Oct. 10: Columbia Bible College register, visit mccalberta.ca/golf. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday to Silver Lake Mennonite Camp, with chef annual general meeting, at 7 p.m. Friday), Noon to 5 p.m. (Saturday). Dave Lobe and resource person Chip Oct. 17, 23: Mennonite Church B.C. Saskatchewan Sept. 14-15: Charleswood Mennonite Bender. For more information, visit dessert fundraising evenings; (17) Church 50th-anniversary celebrations slmc.ca/retreats. Level Ground Mennonite Church, Sept. 20-22: Saskatchewan include a concert, family activities, Sept. 22: Fourth annual Sing the Abbotsford, and Eden Mennonite Mennonite Youth Organization junior worship and food. For more Journey/Sing the Story event, at the Church, Chilliwack; (23) Peace high retreat at Youth Farm Bible Camp. information, call the church at 204-837- Detweiler Meetinghouse, Roseville, Mennonite Church, Richmond. Guest speaker: Joe Heikman. 7982 or e-mail [email protected]. from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., led by Mark Oct. 18-20: MC B.C. women’s retreat Oct. 18-19: Saskatchewan Women Sept. 20: MCC Canada celebrates Diller Harder. For more information, call its 50th anniversary in Canadian Will Stoltz at 519-696-2805. Mennonite University’s Great Hall, Sept. 27-29: 200th-anniversary at 7 p.m. Program includes dessert celebrations and homecoming Socially Responsible Investing reception. weekend at First Mennonite Church, Sept. 21: Brandon MCC relief sale Kitchener. Special anniversary “We chose SRI because it at the Keystone Centre. For more service in the afternoon of Sept. 29 aligns with our values information, visit home.westman.wave. with guest speaker Janet Plenert and what we believe.” ca/~hila/. of Mennonite World Conference. MSCU members Sept. 28: Westgate Mennonite For the latest details, visit www. Scott and Katharine Albrecht Collegiate fundraising cyclathon at firstmennonitekitchener.ca.

ΛΛUpComing CMU offers workshop to help worship leaders find new songs WINNIPEG—Helping worship leaders discover the best new songs is the goal of New Songs for Worship, to be held on Nov. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Canadian Mennonite University Chapel. Led by Christine Longhurst, a former wor- ship pastor and author of the popular re:Worship blog (re- worship.blogspot.ca), the workshop will also address issues of musical style. “We’ll look at new music in a wide range of Looking for investments that match your values? styles—new contemporary hymns, praise and worship, and everything in between,” says Longhurst. “The goal is to help Your conversation begins with MSCU, leaders find ways to bridge the stylistic gaps that often exist in where faith and finances meet. congregations.” It will also include a look at the recent resur- gence of traditional hymnody. “Many of today’s contemporary songwriters are drawing from traditional hymn sources for their Special rate on Term Deposit Special inspiration,” Longhurst says. “We’ll take time to look at these * new trends.” New Songs for Worship is presented by CMU, 2 year term deposits. .00% with sponsorship from Mennonite Church Manitoba and other Call or visit your local branch today! 2 2 Year Term Manitoba-based Mennonite denominations. For more infor- * Rates are subject to change without notice at any time. mation, or to register, contact Longhurst at clonghurst@cmu. ca or call 204-487-3300. A second New Songs for Worship workshop is planned for Jan. 25, 2014, in Winkler, Man. www.mscu.com —Canadian Mennonite University 1.888.672.6728 Canadian Mennonite Vol. 17 No. 17 39

Sept. 30, Oct. 1: Hidden Acres For more information, contact Hillcrest Mennonite Camp fall seniors retreat. Mennonite Church at 519-662-1577 or Wildwood Mennonite Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan The same program of worship, learning [email protected]. is inviting applications for a part time Youth Pastor, a person who has a passion for youth ministry, building relationships and fellowship will be offered each day. Oct. 16: “The multi-staff team: among peers and with God. This person will be committed to Speaker: Sue Steiner. Topic: “Telling our Developing healthy practices”: an MC Anabaptist theology and will be a strong supporter of the Sas- stories.” For more information, call 519- Eastern Canada workshop at Erb Street katchewan Mennonite Youth Organization (SMYO), and Men- 625-8602 or e-mail info@hiddenacres. Mennonite Church, Waterloo. nonite Church Saskatchewan and Canada. Start date is negoti- ca. : Ten Thousand Villages able. Inquiries, resumes, and letters of interest may be directed Oct. 17-19 to the Wildwood Search Committee at secretary@wildwood- Oct. 1: Deadline for grant proposals festival sale at Hamilton Mennonite mennonite.org,1502 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5H8 to the J. Winfield Fretz Publication Church; (17, 18) 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., (19) (306) 373-2126. Fund in Mennonite Studies. For more 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy homemade soup information, visit mhso.org/events and and dessert in the Villages Café. follow the “Fretz Award” link. Oct. 20: 10th annual Gospel Vespers at The MCC Furniture Thrift Store in Winnipeg is seeking Oct. 3: MC Eastern Canada pastors the Detweiler Meetinghouse, Roseville, additional personnel. Dedicated volunteers are needed for spiritual retreat at Hidden Acres with a focus on Life Songs II. Leader: interesting and rewarding positions including: Sales Associates Mennonite Camp. Bob Shantz. For more information, call Cashiers Oct. 5: “Doing worship differently”: an Will Stoltz at 519-696-2805. Delivery Truck Dispatchers MC Eastern Canada workshop with Furniture Movers A Truck Driver position is also available on a volunteer or paid John Bell at Conrad Grebel University To ensure timely publication of basis. Please discuss your interest and availability with: Rick College, Waterloo. upcoming events, please send Janzen, Manager, FCC Furniture Thrift Store, at 204 694 3669 Oct. 11: New Hamburg area Calendar announcements eight or email to: [email protected] churches host Theatre of the Beat’s weeks in advance of the event Forgiven/Forgotten play at Steinmann date by e-mail to calendar@ Mennonite Church, Baden, at 8 p.m. canadianmennonite.org. Conrad Grebel DEAN University College ΛΛClassifieds Announcement We invite nominations and applications of articulate, passionate, and excellent leaders for the position of Dean of Conrad Grebel University Canadian Word Guild College, to begin July 2014. The successful candidate will support AWARDS Conrad Grebel faculty and inspire them to be strong leaders in their field. The Dean will join a healthy institution, with additional prospects to MYSTERIES OF GRACE nurture and secure new partnerships and commitments for innovative AND JUDGMENT DVD educational opportunities; mentor many new faculty in the next decade For special awards sale see: to collectively extend a vibrant identity of the College; offer bold vision about how to grow a “state of the art” centre for peace advancement; www.mysteriesofgrace.com lead the College in articulating a new academic plan; and continue to provide sound administrative direction that has led to a healthy academic Employment Opportunities bottom line, two signature graduate programs, steady enrollment growth, above 4000 students, and academic salaries commensurate with the University of Waterloo. Review of applications begins October 1, 2013 and continues until the position is successfully filled. Founded in 1963 by Ontario Mennonites, Conrad Grebel University College is a rigorous and vibrant Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the world-class University of Waterloo. The College offers academic and Bethel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg Manitoba is inviting residential programs to some of the most talented students in Canada. applications for a full time lead pastor to commence in summer 2014. Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, President [email protected] We are seeking a person with a strong Anabaptist theology 140 Westmount Road North as well as ability to engage the congregation through wor- Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G6 ship and preaching. This person will have strong adminis- www.uwaterloo.ca/grebel/dean trative skills and be able to work with & lead a multi member pastoral team. Our desire is that the successful candidate, along with the pastoral team, can enable and nurture the gifts of the congregation in order to enhance the overall mission of the church. Pastoral experience along Advertising Information with a Masters of Divinity or equivalent is preferred. Contact Michael Hostetler Please send resumes to [email protected] or contact Jake Peters at 204-889-5094 for information. For more about 1-800-378-2524 x.224 Bethel Mennonite Church see: http://bethelmennonite.ca. [email protected] Drop-in hockey scores with

communityphoto courtesy of eden mennonite church

Eden Mennonite Church sports ministry has been going for 17 years

By Amy Dueckman B.C. Correspondent

simple game like roller hockey has turned into a ministry extra helmets and sticks for those who want to play but don’t have Athat has been going on at Eden Mennonite Church in their own equipment, and by hosting fellowship events such as Chilliwack for more than 17 years. Eden offers its church parking barbecues. lot every Wednesday afternoon from April to October for youths “Pastor Rob and everyone involved have turned this enjoy- aged 12 and over to play drop-in hockey. able pastime into a community of friends from both inside and Pastor Rob Brown, who began the missional project in 1996, is outside the church, a place to mentor young people in the ways still involved and his son Kayden now also takes part. The event of sportsmanship and being part of a team,” says a report from draws players from the congregation as well as the community, Eden Mennonite published in the Mennonite Church B.C. “News and promotes interaction among churched and non-churched. & Notes” newsletter. “The roller hockey program takes a simple Some young men from the community make it such a priority to game like hockey and turns it into a practical outreach program attend that they have arranged their work and personal schedules where anyone . . . can participate, have fun and learn important to keep Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. free. life skills, not to mention get a great workout!” The Eden congregation also supports the players by supplying