Greying Church

February 20, 2012 Volume 16 Number 4

A greying church

inside CMU new president 15 Mennonites can dance 29 Assembly 2012 37 2 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Editorial even though we are cancer survivors. I know you get tired of us quoting Dr. Andrew Weil, who with his pioneering work in integrative medicine has been Letter to my children called by the New York Times, “America’s best-known doctor.” He has helped us to reframe our health as “a dynamic condi- and grandchildren tion of wholeness and balance that allows us to move through life and not succumb Dick Benner to malfunctions of our own physiology or Editor/Publisher suffer harm from all the damaging influ- o my family, But it goes beyond politics. It shows ences we encounter.” Since our Saskatchewan corres- how sensitive this issue is and how, in a Even though your mother and grand- Tpondent wanted to write about car- world of seesaw economics, the senior mother has been trained in good nutri- ing for seniors in the church (p. 4), population can become the focal tion, she and I are seeing more and more I wanted to share some personal point of multiple frustrations and how important diet, exercise and an thoughts triggered by her investi- national anxieties. While this might “attitude of gratitude” are to our health gation. I hope you don’t mind my sound a little paranoid, hear me out, and well-being. No, we aren’t vegetarians, getting a little more “philosophical” please. but we have cut out the sugar and fat, in- than usual. Count your blessings. Right now creased the intake of fresh vegetables and I must confess to becoming we are not a burden to you, or to fruit and downsized the meat portions a little weary of society nearly always society. You know me—too stubborn to on our plates. Nuts and berries are our framing this issue as some kind of social retire. I’m not alone in this. Statistics also snacks, few and far between. problem, as if older folks dying off sooner show that in 2001 more than 300,000 Thanks to a new “mindfulness” would make the world a happier, more Canadians 65 or older were in the labour preached by Dr. Weil for good mental productive and vibrant place. You might force. After a lifetime of journalism and health, we have become more aware of think, since your mother and I are in this publishing, we came to Canada where our connection to nature, the inspiration category, we might be a little too sensitive I am running a denominational maga- of simple things like fresh flowers, listen- on the matter, no? zine called Canadian Mennonite. It’s an ing to good music, creating moments Okay, I know the statistics. Canada exhilarating experience, learning a new and spaces for silence and contemplation, is aging faster than ever before. Today, national and church culture. walks in the park, a new appreciation for people aged 65 and over make up some That means we aren’t meddling and art and beauty. 13 percent of the Canadian population. By hovering. We taught you both, dear In our faith community, we see forgive- 2031, there will be approximately 9 mil- daughters, to be self-sufficient and self- ness (one of the gifts of the Spirit) as a lion seniors, and they will account for 25 reliant. You have passed that on to your way of letting go. We seek out people percent of the total population. children. While we miss having regular who like to laugh and spend more time In Parliament in the past two weeks, the Sunday dinners and playing croquet and with persons who are optimistic, posi- opposition has taken the prime minister volleyball in the backyard, you know tive and happy and less time with those to task for using the bully pulpit in Davos, that even though the miles separate us, who tend to be pessimistic, anxious, or Switzerland to warn of future cuts to Old our love is strong, our prayers frequent. depressed. As Dr. Weil says, “emotions Age Security benefits. Admittedly, it was Facebook and Skype are our handy daily are contagious.” a bit cagey to sound this surprise warning tools of communication. And we share Now, if all of this adds up to being a thousands of miles from home and revers- stories of long-distance relationships “social problem,” let us know. We hope ing something he said he wouldn’t do with our peers, many of whom carbon you can feel this good at our age! when he started out as a career politician in copy our situation. —Love, Dad/Papa Alberta. And don’t worry about our health,

About the cover: Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at Elsie Springer of Floradale (Ont.) Mennonite Church is a nimble quilter. As 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ an older member she still contributes to the church, but perhaps not with canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- the energy she did when she was younger. dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at our web site. We acknowledge the financial support 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 Caring for our seniors 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsKarin Fehderau, Saskatchewan correspondent, explores what happens 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 when congregations have increasing numbers of older members. WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 Ask open questions toward the Bible 16 Web site: canadianmennonite.org Church leaders receive tips about facilitating dynamic Bible study reports Please send all material to be considered for publication to: Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada correspondent. General submission address: [email protected] Hard truth about hunger 22 Readers Write: [email protected] Will Braun investigates a UN report that says thousands Milestones announcements: [email protected] died in East Africa because food aid was slow in coming. Obituaries: Lisa Metzger, [email protected] Calendar announcements: [email protected] Refugee sponsorship rules change 24 Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/Obituaries/ The Canadian government is limiting refugee sponsorships that name a Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. specific refugee family. Reprint requests: [email protected] Nazareth experience awesome! 27 To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing Mission statement: Kayla Thiessen of Steinbach Mennonite Church served in Nazareth Mennonite Church Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist perspective. We do this through a regular publication and other media, Village as an MC Canada intern. working with our church partners. Exploring War with Goya 30 Guiding values: B. C. correspondent, Amy Dueckman, reports on a Goya Hebrews 10:23-25 • Accuracy, fairness, balance • Editorial freedom • art exhibit and peace symposium. Seeking and speaking the truth in love • Open hearts and minds in discerning God’s will • 34 Covenantal relationships and mutual accountability Facebook can help church stay connected Young Voices writer, Aaron Enns, describes how congregations can use Area churches and MC Canada financially support 44 percent of Canadian social media to build community. Mennonite’s annual budget. Regular features: Board of Directors (by appointing body): For discussion 6 Readers write 8 Milestones 14 MC Canada: Ed Janzen, Les Klassen Hamm, Joon Hyoung Park, Doreen Martens; Pontius’ Puddle 14 Calendar 37 Classified 38 MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: James Moyer; MC Saskatchewan: Joe Neufeld; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; Letter to my children and grandchildren 2 MC Eastern Canada: Tim Reimer; Dick Benner CMPS: Carl DeGurse, Margaret Ewen Peters, Tobi Thiessen Board Chair: Tobi Thiessen, [email protected], 416-622-7850 Are we asking the right questions? 9 Renata Klassen Head Office Staff: Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Four points of silence 10 Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Phil Wagler Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] By what authority? 11 Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] David Driedger Emily Loewen, Young Voices Editor, [email protected] Advertising Manager: Lisa Metzger, [email protected], toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Correspondents: Rachel Bergen, National Correspondent, [email protected], 204-885- 2565 ext. 259; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, [email protected], 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan Correspondent, [email protected], 306-933-4209; Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected], Online NOW! 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, ec@ canadianmennonite.org, 519-579-7258. at canadianmennonite.org Searching for “the one”: Susie Guenther Loewen Award-winning member of the Religion often contributes to war: World Canadian Church Press Council of Churches Caring for our seniors Church leadership facing increasing number of grey heads

By Karin Fehderau Saskatchewan Correspondent, Saskatoon, Sask.

cross the country, many MC Canada churches are staring at the numbers and scratching their heads. As young people drift away from the church and the baby boomers retire, church leadership is faced with increasing numbers of grey heads. Those faithful church founders, so consistent in at- tendance and giving, have reached the declining years. For decades, they were the backbone of the congregation as they taught Sunday School, served on commit- tees and worked with the youth. They gave vision and energy to the church of their day. Now, having given their best years to their church families, these precious souls spend quiet days quilting, or meeting friends for coffee. And they pray. They pray for their children, they pray for their grandchildren and they pray for the pastor. Martha Brubacher, Florence Frey and Vera Martin work on They’ve traded board chair for rocking chair and, a relief sale quilt at Floradale Mennonite Church. no longer able to contribute to the life of the church as before, this demographic now needs, in varying degrees, to be cared for by others. So besides building Mennonite Nursing Homes and seniors complexes to provide safe havens for their final years, what more can the church be doing? John Neufeld, former president of Canadian Mennonite Bible College, recently spoke on the assembly floor of the Mennonite Church Canada sessions in Waterloo Ontario. He urged delegates to consider a bigger picture. “For years, we’ve talked about what we can do for the youth,” he said. What about our seniors? Neufeld, now Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 5

in his seventies, has done a lot of thinking place,’ she stressed, adding “When a bond German and English message. about the needs of his generation. His of love (between husband and wife) is cut “It wasn’t working well,” admits Bergen. presentations on the needs of seniors can by death, it hurts.” A discernment process led to a new be found on the MC Canada Resource Patkau, a former missionary, is often approach. “Now we have an integrated Centre website. But he does not put his called upon to visit the dying in hospitals worship service,” he said. “We try to in- focus on practical needs such as adding and then walk families through funeral volve all ages.” The needs of different age elevators to church buildings and hearing preparations. In her job, she has dealt groups are taken into consideration dur- aids in pews. His assessment considers with 41 deaths in the past 10 months. ing the sermon time. Youth and children the mental and emotional health of sen- Funerals are the biggest part of her role, attend their own class. For the adults, iors as well as social and physical issues but she knows that the simple act of there is a German class and an English faced by his peers. being a caring listener can be very heal- class for spiritual input. “The church needs to encourage ing for people going through a loss and The needs of the seniors are also im- seniors groups to think intentionally another vital aspect of her job. portant to leadership. For four years, they about living [out] their senior years,” he “The ministry of presence is very im- put in place a seniors’ pastor, but that said, pointing out the numerous oppor- portant,” she said. recently changed because of budget con- tunities afforded to seniors simply due to In addition to the mental and emotion- straints. However, on a Sunday morning, having long hours to fill. One area we can al challenges, many seniors struggle with much effort is put into working with work on, said Neufeld, is relationships. reduced mobility, loss of driver’s license, specific challenges. During the service, Whether it’s mending strained relation- isolation and declining health. They there is help for those who are far-sighted ships from the past or working on our re- might need help with simple tasks like (power-points) and those who are near- lationships with God, both are important. getting groceries or going to the doctor sighted (bulletins), explains Bergen. But “For most of our lives, those relation- but find it difficult to ask for assistance. that doesn’t always work for everyone. ships were shaped by work,” he said add- Pastoral staff, too, wonder how to bal- “For some, they can’t follow the service, ing, “How do we shape those relation- ance the needs of their seniors with other the program just goes by too quickly,” he ships in older age?” age groups. They have limited time to said. Work has also dominated our time so visit and usually focus on crisis visits or In response, the church has developed that people did not have time to deal with palliative care visits of church members a CD ministry. Copies for members to old memories. He stresses the import- in the hospital. The worship needs of sen- take home are made after the service and ance of creating a safe place for seniors to iors also need to be considered. Seniors some copies are also brought to seniors talk about those past memories, without often find German or their mother who can’t get out. fear of judgement. tongue the most meaningful way to con- Another congregation in the Several years ago, after giving a talk nect with God. And they prefer hymns Abbotsford area has hired a person about these concerns, a woman shared her over choruses. specific to the needs of seniors. Laura experience of abuse with him, admitting When a death occurs, the demands Loewen, 66, works two days a week at she had never told anyone else about it. on the pastor are almost immediate. Emmanuel Mennonite as the Seniors “Imagine, keeping a secret for six decades,” All other duties are pushed to the side Ministry Coordinator. She knows the said Neufeld. In scripture, Jacob even and meetings with family members are needs of seniors and sees the struggle sets an example when he faces his fear of quickly arranged to decide on funeral for pastoral staff to balance those needs, meeting Esau after tricking his brother programs and burial plans. especially with visiting. out of the birthright. “With the older generation, the ex- Dealing with emotions that stem from Solutions that Work pectation is that the senior pastor should “repeated grieving” is also a regular part Artur Bergen, 52, is the pastor at Eben- come; a pastor should be on call 24/7,” of life for many seniors as they attend one Ezer Mennonite in Abbotsford, B.C. In a she says but knows that is unrealistic. At funeral after another. Esther Patkau is the congregation of 350, almost 200, includ- Emmanuel, the deacon groups step in the Spiritual Care Co-ordinator at Bethany ing shut-ins, are seniors. fill that need. Manor, a large senior’s complex in “What I see in many churches across First Mennonite Church in Saskatoon Saskatoon. She sees the elderly struggling Canada, and this concerns me, is we have also values the contributions of its to cope after a loved one dies. “old” churches with seniors and we have deacons. In a congregation where almost “Grieving can bring a person down “young” churches with young people . . . everyone is retirement age and older, the to where they don’t function at all,” she in some churches, seniors are pushed needs are great. They have developed observed. People, she said, want to be away. In some churches, seniors have the idea of visitation deacons. These “accepted in their grief.” But sometimes, pushed young people away,” he said. are people, says Arnie Fehderau, pastor, well-meaning friends derail the process At Eben-Ezer, there has been a lot of whose role is simply to visit. through insensitive comments. work to avoid that. For about eight years, At Mount Royal Mennonite church, “It doesn’t work to say, ‘He’s in a better the Sunday morning worship involved a Elsie Siemens is the Minister of Health. 6 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Her job description is based on the parish visitors effectively cares for over a hun- accountability to the church body. nurse idea. Siemens herself is a retired dred seniors in a church of 450 mem- Will Loewen, pastor of Trinity nurse and spends three days a week bers, he said. Mennonite, a church set picturesquely in attending meetings at the church; visit- If others churches approach St. a wheat field close to Calgary city limits, ing and trying to bring an educational Catherines United Mennonite to learn puzzles too over how to help the seniors component on preventative health to the about their success, he is careful to tell in the congregation. seniors at Mount Royal Mennonite. them that one size does not fit all. “We want to give the help we’re But not all Mennonite churches Another way volunteers can care for experienced to give, but what happens if embrace the concept of using a parish their elderly friends is to bring them a CD the seniors don’t want it? he asked, noti- nurse to provide extra care. The idea of the morning service. At some point cing the reluctance of some seniors to ask was considered at the pastoral level at in the future, the church hopes to make for help. Foothills Mennonite but nothing came of DVD’s of the service as well. it, said Doug Klassen. First Mennonite in But not all seniors need or even want The money issue Saskatoon had a parish nurse for one year care. Perhaps no-one has put it more suc- but then discontinued the program. In one Prairie congregation, the group cinctly than Renata Klassen, Mennonite “People really didn’t think there was a of recent retirees shuns the typical Church Saskatchewan moderator. In a re- need for it. It was not well utilized” said seniors label and has opted for some- cent consultation for MC Sask members, Heidi Bartsch who served in the position thing that defines them more clearly. At she made the direct correlation between until she needed to care for her own Foothills Mennonite in Calgary, they call this passing generation and reduced parent’s ailing health. It’s hard for people themselves Unrestricted By Jobs (UBJ’s). funding for programs. It is no secret that to grasp that the church can offer more They are not hampered by health con- this has largely been the generation that than spiritual care, she said. cerns. This is a different class of elders has worked hard yet lived frugally. They Loewen, herself, believes that the altogether. They are the New Seniors. have carefully saved and now, have been needs will continue to grow. “Those in their 50s and 60s are very so generous with their wealth. “Because of the baby boomers, [the mobile,” said Doug Klassen, pastor. A fact, “It is clear to us in MC Sask that we issue of senior care] is going to be huge,” which, he notes can be disruptive to the have an aging population. This has impli- she says. “MC Canada talks about using life of the church. Describing that age cations for the future,” she said. our gifts. In a traditional culture, that is group as being more independent than Herman Wiebe, pastor of Zion where the wisdom is. How do we receive the older generation at Foothills, Klassen Mennonite in Swift Current, agrees. that, acknowledge it and use it? She asks. wonders if their career success and status “It’s a big issue for the conference because Across the country, in south- contributes to their independence. that’s the age [group] that supports the ern Ontario, St. Catherines United “It’s a tricky and sensitive thing,” he said conference,” he said simply. Mennonite Church has also developed a describing the relationship between recent “It will have a ripple effect to every- new approach to senior care. Ken Gazley, retirees who are chafing to live out their re- thing,” he said, adding “The grey tsunami pastor, led the congregation through tirement years in freedom versus practising is just beginning.” l a situation that was reaching crisis proportions. “Six years ago, we had a hundred ΛΛFor discussion people in nursing homes,” he notes. The deacons struggled to keep up with the 1. What are the demographics of your congregation? What percentage is over 65? care needs of this age group. Together, How many of those are frail elderly? What programs or ministries are designed the church looked in Acts 2 and the early specifically for seniors? Do the older members of your congregation feel involved church model of caring for each other to and engaged? find a solution. Out of that, says Gazley, 2. What are the benefits of hiring a congregational parish nurse? Is this something came the Caring and Connect program. your congregation would consider? How much are physical, emotional and spirit- A call went out for volunteers to help ual health connected to each other? so that seniors who had needs could be paired up with a caring church member. 3. How will the aging of baby boomers affect the church of the future? Is it accurate High-needs individuals could be bet- to call it a grey tsunami? What will happen to church institutions (such as schools, ter served by the deacons and pastors. mission boards or publishing agencies) if the next generation does not give them Gazley held a training session for the strong support? volunteers. The only requirement was 4. How does your congregation work at engaging young and old together? Do older two visits a year. members sometimes feel excluded? How could you work at involving those who “Most are exceeding that,” says Gazley. are not able to come to worship? In total, a group of 33 Care and Connect Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 7

focus, have made her and this ministry a “Your congregation knows success. Supported by the Health and Wellness Committee in the congregation, she has how to care for seniors” a ministry that includes counselling, education and advocacy. Working together Waterloo-Kitchener Parish Nurse ministry a success with Pastor Nancy Mann they assess the needs of parishioners and decide By Dave Rogalsky who should make the first visit and who Eastern Canada Correspondent will do follow-up. Dirks finds that many Waterloo, Ontario seniors, having grown up during a time when doctors were held on a pedestal, hen Gloria Dirks was retir- on support for dementia, family violence, need help in advocating for their needs, ing from the joint position of blood pressure clinics after church and in the office or in the hospital. Families WAdministrator and Director many others. In this work Dirks depends at a distance have emailed to thank her of Care at Parkwood Mennonite Home on the Health and Wellness Committee. for the work she has done with elderly in Waterloo, Ont. in 2003, she knew she Asked “why her?” she points to her parents. And a person from the larger wanted to use her skills in some way. The training as a nurse, as well as her own community, hearing about the many call of her congregation, the Waterloo- philosophy of wellness that includes aspects of WKUM’s ministry, told her, Kitchener United Mennonite Church, to the whole gamut which parish nursing “Your congregation knows how to care for research the potential of a parish nurse supports. Growing up in an era that did seniors.” From all reports, Gloria Dirks is seemed like a good fit. Her 23 years at not support women in ministry, she a central part of that care. Parkwood and her own registered nurse chose a professional field that gave her As Dirks retires Pries notes that status gave her the skills to look into the many opportunities to minister to the continuing the ministry is an accepted McMaster Divinity School’s program in whole person. Being a nurse, and now fact. Both the pastor’s and the parish Hamilton. a parish nurse, has given her places to nurse’s job descriptions describe the The eight-day course “felt like a retreat” exercise “compassion, to listen, to walk parish nurse as part of the pastoral team. as she learned about connecting the with people who are suffering, not only According to Pries, WKUM’s aging spiritual to the mental/emotional and physically but relationally, mentally/ demographic presents “both a need physical aspects of nursing. What she emotionally, spiritually, and especially to and an opportunity” to minister. But he learned there excited her and she brought focus on end of life issues.” sees the benefits for youth, children and back a positive report to the congrega- Edmund Pries, chair of the Health families around sexuality, nutrition, and tion. In the fall of 2005 the congregation and Wellness Committee, and one of especially mental health for all congrega- asked her to show them how this might those who instigated the beginning of tions. Though not finalized he expects function by doing it. She’s been paid for this ministry at WKUM, agrees that both the number of hours for paid ministry to 10 hours/week but often works many her professional standing as a nurse and increase. “Parish nursing has revitalized more hours, and is retiring, again, in administrator, as well as her spiritual our congregation,” he says. l December 2012. Along the way an extra 5 hours/week were added by Waterloo Mennonite Homes. Established by the congregation in the early 1980s on a property adjacent to the church, the apartment building has 46 apartments for seniors, with a focus on low income. Dirks has a significant ministry to both congregational members and others who live in the building, as well as those who attend the weekly “Silver Spoons” seniors’ luncheon at the church. A number of groups—grief, cancer survivors, a wellness circle, weight and exercise—meet after the luncheon on alternating Tuesdays. Other education events take in children, youth and Gloria Dirks, parish nurse at Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church, holds the larger congregation, including work a plush “microbe” that she uses in children’s education in the congregation. 8 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Viewpoints for climate justice,” Jan. 9, 2012) on Willard Metzger’s visit to the international climate negotiations was ΛΛReaders write also much appreciated. It is exciting to hear that Mennonite Church Canada asserts we must do some- We welcome your comments and publish most letters sent thing to address climate change. Yet that article also by subscribers intended for publication. This section is illustrates a need for careful journalism. largely an open forum for the sharing of views. Letters are Smack in the centre of the article, reference was the opinion of the writer only—publication does not mean made to Canada’s Environment Minister. That he endorsement by the magazine or the church. Keep letters suggested the public wasn’t concerned about climate to 400 words or less and address issues rather than indi- change flies in the face of all the survey data. This min- viduals. We do not countenance rancour or animosity. ister also withdrew Canada from the Kyoto Protocol Personal attacks are inappropriate and will not see the during that very same international climate meeting light of print. Please send letters to be considered for publi- Metzger attended. He has effectively dissembled about cation to [email protected] or by postal mail such environmental travesties as climate change, and or fax, marked “Attn: Readers Write” (our address is on the “ethical oil” of the oilsands, and has overseen gut- page 3). Letters should include the author’s contact infor- ting Environment Canada’s capacity to research and mation and mailing address. Letters are edited for length, monitor climate-related changes. style and adherence to editorial guidelines. Preference will If such charges seem “political” it is because care- be given to letters from MC Canada congregants. taking God’s creation forces such action. The article should have pointed out that governments have responsibilities. Addressing serious international issues simply cannot be the role of faith groups, even if we Correction also transcend national boundaries. Climate justice ΛΛ requires action beyond the churches. In the article “Four generations . . . feed the world” Most importantly, we simply MUST wean our- (Nov. 14, 2011), Roy Rempel (grandson of Peter S. selves from the fossil-fuelishness [sic] of our profligate Rempel) notes that the land was purchased by Peter energy use and the types of carbon-intensive energy S. Rempel, not Peter F. Rempel and the acreage was 64 that we use. With peaking oil production, the energy hectares, not 32. And the land borders North Dakota, return on investment is declining. Carbon emis- not Minnesota. Canadian Mennonite regrets the sions provoke atmospheric changes. We are avoiding error. climate policies, creating new pipelines, exploiting oil sands and fracking for natural gas. The main conse- quence of such projects is to keep us going down the EE Climate change is happening same profligate path. Better would be to use our God- given creativity to innovate new energy and social sys- Climate change is one of the most serious prob- tems that can also maintain high quality of life without lems to face humanity right now, a long slow process such devastating impacts on the rest of creation. that will hit the most vulnerable human populations Randolph Haluza-DeLay, PhD, more than those that contributed to the problem. Where once only God Almighty could create and Associate Professor, Sociology and Environmental destroy on a global scale, humanity has made itself Studies, The King’s University College, Edmonton, Alta. like God in that destructive capacity. Therefore, it was with great disappointment to read how a recent article began (“Metzger’s address on climate justice warmly EE New finance minister for received,” Dec. 19, 2011). The opening gave license to MC Manitoba suggested doubt our best scientific knowledge. While science isn’t perfect, the uncontested bulk of research shows Re: “Hard numbers to consider” article, Dec. 19, that global climate change is happening and that page 18. humans are contributing to it. And the social science I find it very odd and very hard to believe what I shows how a tiny and generally well-funded special see in this article. I grew up to be a thrifty Mennonite, interest group that seeks to raise doubts about climate but I see that Mennonite Church Manitoba has been change (references available upon request!). Those budgeting way over the actual giving it receives from special interests have had an effect far in excess of the 2005 till 2011. Maybe it should get a new finance accuracy of their claims. minister. The follow-up article, (“People of Faith must call Irvin Jantzi, Wellesley, Ont. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 9

EE Bible only one sacred in which Mohammed exhorts people to treat animals text among many with dignity: “Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, God will hold Re: “Learn from the Bible, not cults or other reli- him accountable on the Day of Judgment” (Al- gions,” Jan. 9, page, 8. Tirmidhi, Hadith 1108); “Fear God in your treatment Fran Klassen rightly points out the positive values of animals” (Abu Dawud, Kitab-ul Jihad); “There is not that are communicated in Christian scripture. However, a moving creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with I disagree with her dismissal of the ethical teachings its two wings, but are communities like you” (Quran that are found in the sacred scriptures of other religions: 6:38). I don’t think there is anything comparable in “All cults/religions contain teaching that mirrors the the Christian Bible that so explicitly and passionately Christian faith, but this does not make them examples counsels humans to treat animals with respect. that Christians should be following.” To my mind, the sacred texts of Christianity, Islam I think that the holy texts of Islam, Judaism and and Judaism are different lenses for apprehending the other faiths often provide ethical guidance in areas same creator. If so, then we can learn something from where the Christian Bible says little or nothing. In the all of them. Islamic Qur’an and Hadith, there are many passages Mark Morton, Kitchener, Ont.

From our Leaders compassion for God’s world and all who inhabit it. Those three things need to form a coherent whole. If we are faithful Are we asking the in doing what God is calling us to be and do, we are the church. We assume that God is active in the world; we need to recognize God’s ac- right questions? tion and partner with God. Two years Renata Klassen ago, Alan Kreider, writer, theologian and retired AMBS professor, spoke to ast fall, the leadership in We need to be faithful every day, and our Area Church delegates about how to Mennonite Church Saskatchewan not worry too much about the future.” be the church. He reminded us of three Lorganized regional consultations We also heard concern about ways to things. First we must talk to God, daily, with congregational leaders. We were get more people into our churches. weekly, individually and corporately. very pleased at the thoughtful participa- Members challenged leadership to think Secondly, we must talk to each other in tion from almost all the churches. We about planting churches to replace those our churches (locally to nationally) and heard that the membership in many which have closed or left in the past. tell one another the stories of where God congregations is getting older. Some congregations are get- “We need to be faithful every day, and not ting smaller. Commitment to church is changing as other worry too much about the future” things compete for time and loyalty. We also heard that God is at work Are we asking the right questions? Is is acting in our lives and in our world. in our communities. Congregations are our goal to get more people into our And thirdly, we must open our individual engaged and committed to nurture and churches, or are we focused on being and corporate eyes to what God is doing spreading the gospel. the church? Jack Suderman tells about around us, and learn to engage with God In all parts of Mennonite Church a meeting that he had with Fidel Castro. in those activities. Canada, we are worried about declines Castro grew up nurtured by the church In order to do that effectively in our in membership and contributions to in Cuba and told Jack that if the church confusing, ever-changing world, we will budgets. Where will we be in ten years? had done what it should have been do- require an active imagination, the ability Can we survive? At our consultation, ing, the revolution would not have been to ask new open-ended questions, and some small congregations said, “Ten necessary! a trust that God has not changed and years ago, if you had asked us, we would What are the marks of the church? is with us on our journey. Ubi Caritas! have said that we would be gone in ten Worship of God, love and care for those (Where charity and love are found, God years. We are still here. God has a plan. with whom we worship, and care and is there.) l 10 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

EE Info sought on ‘ashes to ashes’ phrase When my parents died a few decades back, I requested the officiating ministers at both funerals In the last three months I have attended the funeral to omit that confusing phrase, and would be far from of two of my wife’s brothers, Menno H. and Rudi Epp. surprised if others have had that same objection. I noted that during the committal services the I would appreciate some explanation or other re- traditional phrase, “dust to dust and ashes to ashes,” sponses to this conundrum via e-mail at was quoted. The “dust to dust” I can understand, as it [email protected]. is quite biblical. However, I am at a loss to understand Les Friesen, Abbotsford, B.C. the “ashes to ashes.” Although through cremation some bodies are reduced to ashes, they certainly were not created Phoenix-like from ashes.

Outside the box ethics. Henry Van Til said, “Culture is religion externalized.” If he’s right then the culture we see developing—for good and Four Points of ill—is the product of who has won the heart. This battle for the heart and mind must be engaged with Christian compas- Eerie Silence sion and conviction; not silently ignored while we sing our songs of sixpence. Phil Wagler Fourth, the uniqueness of Christ. This is perhaps where our silence screams am beginning to wonder why there is said a lot about life beyond apart from most hauntingly. We have become those an increasingly eerie silence on four God that we almost completely avoid. hiding a lamp under a bushel; happy to Ipoints: Jesus said there are sheep and goats. Jesus talk about “God” but almost ashamed to First, violence against the unborn. said there would be those who opt out proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. Our faith Persevering to end violence in all forms and those who are cast out. Have we rises and falls on the uniqueness of Jesus is a work of the Kingdom. Yet, though begun clinging to universalism and on Christ, God with us, who has risen from many protest paying taxes or donning what grounds? Why do we not wrestle the dead. Have we become more con- Jets jerseys because of militarism, I have over these Scriptures in the same way we cerned about championing our unique- yet to see any as passionately decrying wrestle over other things? ness than his? While we joy-ride with the state-sanctioned violence against We have become those hiding a lamp under a bushel; happy to talk the unborn or questioning the about “God” but almost ashamed to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord ethics of political parties that unreservedly endorse it. This Third, the war for the human next social fad are we downplaying the is a sensitive topic to be sure, but it seems heart. Humanity has an unwavering uniqueness of Jesus whose truth cannot we, who cherish life and seek even the love affair with religion. A war for the be buried, stands every test thrown his good of our enemies, seem hesitant to spiritual centre is raging in our culture way, loves lavishly and offers forgiveness declare that a society that will not protect between monotheism and deistic or to every humble sinner, has something to its most vulnerable is a society adrift. We atheistic secularism. That’s why you find say about our political quandaries, and are called to steward all of creation, but Christians, Muslims, and other theists has sent us to break the chains the bind we are shamefully silent on the cries of chatting as never before. The desperate in his name? the unborn, the arguments that have look for allies. Every theist position is be- What fears have caused these eerie made the topic taboo, the renewed social ing challenged by a religious secularism silences? l debate that is stirring, and the wounds of that is working like leaven through dough. women and men who carry the pain of Its humanistic tenets, often met with Phil Wagler is pondering his own eerie having made that choice. blank shrugs, are thoughtlessly embraced silences. He lives in Surrey, B.C. where he Second, the topic of hell. Jesus never by many and winning the allegiance of a is a pastor, father, husband, and friend scared anyone into the Kingdom and hell new generation. This raises huge ques- ([email protected]). is not hammer. At the same time Jesus tions about the future of society and Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 11

EE Church members should be A comprehensive survey, referendum or plebiscite queried on sexuality statement could be used to query every individual member of Mennonite Church Canada with an answer to the Since, in 1984-85, the congregations of the simple question: “Does the Saskatoon Resolution Conference of Mennonites in Canada empowered its accurately represent your position on a biblical state- delegates to request the General Board to develop a ment regarding human sexuality?” Bible-based resolution on human sexuality, I sug- Then, and only then, can we begin to deal with gest querying these same congregations to determine this issue with a reasonable degree of honesty and whether they want or need to change the resolution. openness. This should be an integral part of the “Being a Armin Ens, Reinland, Man. Faithful Church 3,” representing proper protocol.

Defining our beliefs presently into situations. Prophets called for renewed visions of engagement with the world. Paul called the church to responsibility with having “the mind of By what authority? Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). John is called away from worship to see Jesus in the churches David Driedger (Rev. 1:10). Jesus declares that to begin and end with scripture will lead away his past year I prepared for or- 6. The Holy Spirit continues to speak. from life (John 5:39-40). dination with Mennonite Church 7. The Holy Spirit will not contradict the Perhaps it could be argued that I am TCanada. Part of the process of Bible’s witness of Jesus. simply trying to use the Bible to create ordination is to read and comment on 8. The Bible is authoritative for the another authoritative reading. I want to aspects of our Confession of Faith in church. be clear on this. The Bible as we have it Mennonite Perspective. 9. It is in the church that the Bible must is not self-evidently authoritative. I am While I was generally familiar with the be interpreted. simply interested in reading the Bible Confession, a new question formed in my I can’t help but see these statements as well and gaining from what it has to offer. mind as I read over it again. How does creating a recipe for confusion, frustration, To continue down our current path is to the Mennonite church articu- and abuses. As I read our Confession continue the risk of allowing the Bible to late and express authority? I did not find a clear answer to this question and I think The Bible as we have it is not self-evidently authoritative at the very least we need to be clear about this ambiguity. and as I read the Being a Faithful Church be an authoritative object, or idol as we Within the Confession we have authorita- documents that are coming from our would call it in another vocabulary. I take tive statements on Scripture, Jesus, Holy national church leadership, I see the com- the Bible very seriously. It is this serious- Spirit, and the church that create confus- mendable desire to engage the ongoing ness that has led me to question how the ing lines of authority. There is not space task of discernment, but I remain con- Mennonite church continues to use the here it outline all the relevant passages cerned over the context this task is placed Bible. so I will try and summarize what I see within. The common thread in these I think it is human nature to seek the happening. intersecting lines is the Bible. We ultim- affirming presence of some object of 1. The confession teaches us how to read ately claim the Bible as the final authority. authority. This can be science, politics, the Bible. What I want to suggest, though, is that status, and wealth as easily as the Bible. 2. The confession is in submission to the this practice is unbiblical. If we want to It is perhaps time to take the fearful and Bible. look for criteria in how to understand necessary steps of acknowledging that 3. The Bible is the Word of God written and interpret the Bible then we need to we live by no authority that we did not and is authoritative for establishing truth recover the multitude of voices within create. Having received the Spirit and and error. the Bible that point away from the Bible. endowed with the mind of Christ and 4. Jesus is the Word made flesh and so the These voices stretch from “empty space” with Scripture as an accepted witness to Bible finds its fulfillment in him. between the cherubs’ wings in the Holy these things, let’s get about the business 5. Jesus is known in the words of the Bible. of Holies that allowed God to speak of being a faithful church. l 12 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

EE Thankful for Rudy Wiebe’s “truth” Obituary

I was too young when the stirring happened in CLARENCE BLAKE FRIESEN response to Rudy Wiebe’s book, Peace Shall Destroy May 26, 1918 – January 9, 2012 Many. When I read this book as an adult it blessed my heart because it articulated so well my experiences Blake Friesen passed away peace- and questions as a boy growing up in the northern fully with his family by his side at Alberta community of La Crete. I felt understood. the Newport Harbour Care Centre As a young boy I could not understand how we in Calgary on Monday, January 9, could live side by side with the native people and view 2012. them as less than us, and why we spoke about them as Blake was born in Langham, SK “half breeds.” I recall witnessing many good inter- in 1918 to Cornelius and Elizabeth actions between my people and the native people. Friesen. He graduated from Children don’t make the same distinctions as adults Rosthern Junior College and subse- do, and while going to school, friendships with native quently studied to be an accountant and auditor. In 1944, people developed and a few even learned to speak Low he married the love of his life, Louise Toews, daughter German. I will never forget one Friday night while the of the late Rev. David Toews. Blake had a distinguished women were doing the shopping and the men were career with the Canada Revenue Agency spanning over standing around smoking and in discussion. When my three decades. friends and I entered the store some of the men (who Blake was an inspired, dedicated leader who worked would be in church on Sunday) started to speak in dis- tirelessly for the Mennonite community. He was instru- respect about my native friend in their mother tongue. mental in forming the Regina Grace Mennonite Church Our native friend spoke back to them in Low German in 1955. Between 1963 and 1972 Blake served on the and the silence was deafening. Rosthern Junior College Board of Directors in various Experiences shape us and can challenge us. I’m capacities including chairman. From 1973 to 1984, he often asking myself, what kind of advocate am I? Do I was a prominent Charter Member of the Mennonite have the courage to speak up when needed and to be Foundation of Canada, and also served as a Stewardship silent when appropriate? Sadly I have to confess that Consultant and the National Manager. many times I have abdicated my responsibility and the Blake enjoyed current events, photography, bowling circle of hurt has been enlarged. and golf. He and Louise loved travel, spending winters I concluded at the young age of 12-14 that if this is in Arizona and Palm Springs, as well as trips to Europe the kind of people God wanted his people to be, then I and Mexico. didn’t want any part of that kind of God. Blake was a true gentleman whose gracious optimism Thank God for the revelation in Jesus Christ as to will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by what kind of people He wants us to be! I’m thankful his loving children, Gary (Anne) Friesen, Alan (Sharon) for people like Rudy Wiebe. Friesen, and Howard (Julie) Friesen. He was an inspira- George Goertzen, New Westminster, BC tion to his grandchildren, Kristina (Josh) Tiessen, Scott Friesen, Shaun Friesen, Erin (Garver) Friesen Wong, Kim Friesen and Mark Friesen. Also left to mourn are his siblings Ed (Lillian), Eleanor (Menno) Mantler, John (Leola), and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his cherished wife of sixty-six years, Mennonite Mutual Insurance Co. (Alberta) Ltd. Louise, in 2010 and his sister Lillian (Albert) Peters. As Mennonite Insurance Agency Ltd. a husband, father, and grandfather, Blake’s warmth and good nature shone through. His many accomplishments Meeting Needs Together have provided a role model for his loving family. Insurance for Alberta Church Members A service of thanksgiving for Blake took place at Property, Liability, and Automobile Insurance for Homes, Farms and Businesses Trinity Mennonite Church (DeWinton, Alberta) on January 17, 2012. Interment followed at Eden Brook Toll Free: 1-866-222-6996 Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations were www.mmiab.ca made to MCC. The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by the staff of Newport Harbour Care Centre. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 13

to the point of death, then is raised to life and exalted as Lord of all. Everyone who signs with him receives forgiveness of sins: God’s love is lavish for those who sign up and stick with their promise. This healing liberation is worth proclaiming, living out, and inviting others to consider: “Where do I sign?” Confession and Assurance We are fully convinced by the testimony of Scripture that God is able to keep each promise made to all who choose to “sign in” to join God’s covenant people. God wants to redeem us and restore our relationships Lent meditation with God, our neighbors at home and around the world, and with all creation. As we gather to worship each week, we enter Where do I sign? into this work of redemption and restora- tion by confessing our sins—admitting our n the course of daily life we are routinely Jesus? And what does that look like in our lack of faith, our destructive actions and Iasked to sign in, sign on, and sign up. communities? apathetic inactions, and our need for for- We do so without giving it a thought—at The Old Testament lessons in Lectionary giveness, renewal and grace—and by re- the computer, as a wedding guest, at the Year B tell us about God’s covenant with ceiving both the assurance of God’s pardon bank, or when attending a funeral. We sign Noah, Abraham and Sarah, and Moses, and the opportunity to try again. when we agree to pay for goods received. people who signed up with God. At Sinai, We sign forms when we start a job. God offered the people of Israel the fullness For Sunday, Feb. 26 (Lent 1): “Signing” carries a variety of meanings. of relationship with God and with each Texts: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Signing in can mean something as simple other through the Ten Commandments. Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15 as “I’m here” or something as meaning- Faced with challenges in the wilderness, Focus statement: Covenants are a two- laden as “I’m legitimate.” Signing on can the people spoke against Moses and God way street: both God and we sign on indicate we’re willing to try something new and fractured their relationship with God, together. God’s covenant with Noah is a or that we’ve committed to follow through resulting in sickness and death—covenant commitment to give up violence as a way in a project or idea. Signing up can mean broken. When they owned and confessed of “solving” the problem of sin. But coven- we’d like to know more or that we can be their sin, God heard them and saved them. ant making also requires something from counted on. And signing all by itself usually They were invited to sign on . . . again— us—usually more than once. How can we means “I promise”—that these statements covenant renewed. The prophet Jeremiah, continue to sign on for this relationship of are true, that there’s money in this account, reflecting on this pattern of covenant mak- new life? that I’m attending this college. Signing in, ing and breaking that seems so typically signing on, and signing up not only have human, anticipates a new kind of coven- For Sunday, March 4 (Lent 2) implications for right now, but they also ant, one written on the heart rather than Texts: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23- say something about tomorrow and next imposed from the outside. 31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38 year. The Gospel readings focus our atten- Focus statement: We give up everything to We chose the theme, “Where do I sign?” tion on the life of Jesus, God’s obedient follow Jesus and in turn gain everything— for our Lent-Easter theme this year be- son. We begin with his baptism followed as Abraham and Sarah did when they cause in our relationship with God and by his forty days of testing in the wilder- accepted God’s generous covenant and the people of God we have opportunities ness as he sorts out what this “signing on” committed themselves to a walk of faith. again and again to sign in, sign on, and means. In his ministry, Jesus invites people How can we too sign on to the journey, sign up. Do we understand the implica- to sign up with him, to take up their cross following in the footsteps of our ancestors tions of “signing on” with God, our part and follow him. When Jesus cleanses the in faith and responding to God’s initiating in maintaining and growing that relation- temple it becomes clear that signing up call to let go of our lives for the sake of the ship? Are we hearing God’s invitations to with God can be tough—doing the right gospel? l journey in the way of Jesus? How can we thing is sometimes costly. In the Palm encourage worshippers to “sign on” as they Sunday and Easter lections, Jesus, the initi- —Taken from Leader magazine, Winter consider taking new steps as disciples of ator of the new covenant, first suffers even edition 14 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Λ Milestones Leamington, Ont.) and John Hamilton at Colosanti’s Births/AdoptionsΛ Tropical Garden, Leamington, Dec. 29, 2011. Guigon/Reddekopp—Rachel Guigon (Rosthern Mennonite, Clark—Ava Grace (b. Oct. 22, 2011), to Andrew and Chrissy Sask.) and Randy Reddekopp, in Mexico, Jan. 24, 2012. Clark, Laird Mennonite, Sask. Derksen—Lucille Elizabeth Loewen (b. Jan. 20, 2012), to Deaths Kevin and Pam Derksen, St. Jacobs Mennonite, Ont. —Robert, 45 (b. April 20, 1966; d. Jan. 11, 2012), East Dueck—Nevaeh Jade (b. Oct. 27, 2011), to Josh and Bender Michelle Dueck, Laird Mennonite, Sask. Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. —Barbara, 61 (b. May 30, 1950; d. Jan. 18, 2012), Douglas Heinrichs—Jack Edwin (b. Oct. 13, 2011), to Robert and Ens Lisa Heinrichs, Langley Mennonite, B.C. Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. —Don, 81 (b. Aug. 23, 1941; d. Jan. 1, 2012), Laird Hill Lepp—Victoria Annie (b. Jan. 18, 2012), to Jamie Lepp Epp and Christina Hill Lepp, Ottawa Mennonite, Ont. Mennonite, Sask. —Jacob, 81 (b. March 1, 1930; d. Jan. 18, 2012), Krahn—Isaac Mitchell Penner (b. Jan. 21, 2012) to Fransen Trishia Penner and Dennis Krahn, Fort Garry Mennonite, Vineland United Mennonite, Ont. Winnipeg, Man. Friesen—Blake Clarence, 93 (b. May 26, 1918; d. Jan. 9, 2012), Trinity Mennonite, Calgary, Alta. Kropf—Georgia Marie (b. Nov. 12, 2011), to Chad and Rachel Kropf, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Friesen—Henry, 90 (b. Dec. 11, 1921; d. Jan. 20, 2012), Level Ground Mennonite, Abbotsford, B.C. Mugosa—Gael (b. Jan. 2, 2012), to Giscard Mugosa and Sylvie Mukabaha, Fort Garry Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. Gingrich—Lois, 68 (b. June 16, 1943; d. Jan. 2, 2012), Wanner Mennonite, Cambridge, Ont. Namwira—Jehali Nsima (b. Jan. 10, 2012), to Deo Namwira and Esperance Mugosa, Fort Garry Mennonite, Winnipeg Gingrich—Ron, 69 (b. Sept. 20, 1942; d. Jan. 2, 2012), Wanner Mennonite, Cambridge, Ont. Rogalsky—Tabitha Ruth (b. Jan. 25, 2012), to Allan and Christine Rogalsky, Erb Street Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont. Heinrichs—Edwin Ronald, 71 (b. Sept. 4, 1940; d. Oct. 31, 2011), Langley Mennonite, B.C. Siemens—Isaiah Alfred Sinnaeve (b. Dec. 25, 2011), to Ryan Siemens and Sandra Sinnaeve, Grace Mennonite, Prince Kinzie—Alma Irene, 87 (b. June 14, 1924; d. Dec. 9, 2011), Albert, Sask. Preston Mennonite, Cambridge, Ont. —Helen (nee Unrau), 76 (b. June 17, 1935; d. Jan. 28, Stobbe—Benjamin Paula Wates (b. Aug. 19, 2011), to Joel Rempel and Tracy Stobbe, Langley Mennonite, B.C. 2012), Carman Mennonite, Man. Rock—Stella (nee Kråck), 81 (b. Dec. 11, 1929; d. Dec. 2, Baptisms 2011), Laird Mennonite, Sask. Ropp—Edna (nee Poole), 77 (b. June 8, 1934; d. Jan. 10, Caitlin Draper, Irene Heyder, Rachel Krause, Dayna 2012), East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Morrison, Celia Rossi, Estela Unger, Gabiela Unger, Sauder—Dorothy Schwartzentruber, 87 (b. June 23, 1924; d. Candace Wright, Vannessa Wright—St. Catharines Jan. 23, 2012), First Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont. United Mennonite, Nov. 27, 2011. Thiessen—Victor Jacob, 80 (b. July 26, 1931; d. Dec. 4, 2011), Nickolas Peter Wiens—Nutana Park Mennonite, Faith Mennonite, Leamington, Ont. Saskatoon, Sask., Feb. 5, 2012. Unger—Arthur, 72 (b. June 16, 1939; d. Jan. 9, 2012), North Leamington United Mennonite, Ont. Marriages Wiebe—Robert Richard (Robbie), 50 (b. June 9, 1961; d. Jan. Founk/Hamilton—Kristen Founk (Faith Mennonite, 23, 2012), Sargent Avenue Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 15

God at work in the Church CMU names new president from within By Rachel Bergen National Correspondent WINNIPEG, MAN.

hen Cheryl Pauls takes over the 2004 paper on Scholars as Servants of the Cheryl Pauls takes over as CMU presi- Wreins from Gerald Gerbrandt, Nov. Church, that “the Anabaptist tradition would dent on Nov. 1. 1, as president of Canadian Mennonite suggest that Christian scholars should do University, she will guide the institution their research in continual dialogue with the from a different academic discipline and larger community in the church.” served as coordinator of the music depart- from a different historical narrative. He prided himself with the high percent- ment, and played a key role in program de- Pauls, a CMU professor of piano and age of Mennonite students in the early years, velopment. Since 2008 she has been chair of music theory, was named by the board telling a Winnipeg Free Press reporter that the Shaftesbury Campus and member of the of governors early this month after more “in 2000, two-thirds of the students were President’s Council. Her keen sense of per- than a year-long search for a successor to Mennonite. Today, that’s more like 40 performance resulted in her regularly playing a Gerbrandt, 65, who retires on June 30 after cent, though the Mennonite numbers have lead role in planning major public events. nearly 12 years as the university’s found- not decreased.” The search committee for the new ing president. His field is biblical studies, Pauls, wanting to now extend both the president, led by Chair Ron Loeppky, began something to which he will return after a reach of the university and conversations its work in the fall of 2010, saying it cast year in retirement, he says. across the disciplines, claims that CMU a wide net, advertised extensively, and re- Pauls, growing up in eastern Ontario “has found a way of interfacing with them. ceived interest from across North America. but making her adult home in Manitoba Whether it’s about the Occupy movement “We’re absolutely delighted with Cheryl for the past 29 years, comes out of the or Bill C-10, the Omnibus crime bill, CMU Pauls’ qualities, enthusiasm, energy, and vi- Mennonite Brethren historical stream is the place where people can grapple with sion,” says Loeppky, who noted her nomina- while Gerbrandt, son of the late well- these issues together.” tion came from multiple sources. known Mennonite Church leader Henry She also hopes to strengthen the dis- “She was recognized both internally and Gerbrandt, grew up in a Russian Mennonite ciplines by pushing for students to be externally for her special gifts and abilities church setting in southern Manitoba. The required to take courses in certain areas. in leadership. Given her commitment to the younger Gerbrandt, familiar with the “Communication and Business, for in- institution, her passion for what CMU is and tensions of the Mennonite merger that stance: I’d like to see that every student is can become, her vast talents, and the per- brought together the three predecessor required to take a public speaking course. sonal leadership gifts she brings, our com- schools forming CMU, was well equipped To then be working with students in learn- mittee feels she is well positioned to serve to guide the new university through the ing good stewardship and good money this institution.” thickets of its early development. management.” Gerbrandt plans to take a year off af- Pauls, the beneficiary of this success, A well-established solo and collaborative ter he retires to write a commentary on says her primary imperative “is to support pianist, known particularly for performances Deuteronomy and also to do some trav- and sustain the impulse of the university’s of new music and for multi-media worship elling in Jerusalem. After his year off, he mission so that it resonates both within events, Pauls has also undertaken research plans to return to CMU to teach, because and beyond the institution, and to work projects focused on the interface of studies CMU has a policy that retired professors collaboratively to sustain the will and the in music theory and performance with those can return for five years to teach at one- capacities of our CMU community to in memory, physiology, liturgy, and cultural third time. l achieve the university’s strategic goals and expression. mission.” Pauls’ administrative and leadership gifts —with files from Dick Benner and Nadine Gerbrandt, always careful to nurture the have been recognized and utilized through- Kampen. church-university relationship, said in a out her time at CMU. From 2000 to 2007 she 16 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

table groups do Bible study. The excited Ask open questions conversations around the room showed something of what he suggested could happen in congregations when they would toward the Bible use his methodology and, like Jacob at the Jabok, struggle with God. Church leaders explore Bible study In short additional sessions, Seiling and Moyer Suderman explored Bible study By Dave Rogalsky for children, or for creating music for the Eastern Canada Correspondent church (see accompanying CD review). Vineland, Ontario Seiling focused on similar questions for children, suggesting that teachers and parents not “dumb down” teaching to children. atching the spark . . . Carrying true or false answers—or open—eliciting If the teachers are excited about the stor- “Cthe light: Facilitating Dynamic answers that explore the story’s and char- ies and how they apply in life, children will Bible Study” was the title of Mennonite acters’ thoughts, motives, and feelings. pick this up and begin to study and learn Church Eastern Canada’s annual pas- Besides that questions can be either on their own. As has been so often empha- tors, chaplains and congregational leaders toward or away from the text. Questions sized she encouraged the ‘telling’ of stories, event. Over 110 gathered at the Vineland that explore the story and characters them- rather than reading the text to children. United Mennonite Church on Jan. 21 to selves are toward the text, while questions Or have the children help create a play or hear brothers Brian Moyer Suderman and of theology or application are away from drama from the story, asking open toward Derek Suderman, together with Derek’s the text. While all the kinds of ques- questions and building the presentation spouse Rebecca Seiling encourage more tions—closed away, closed toward, open based on the children’s answers. l engaging methods of Bible study. toward and open away—are valid in study, Suderman, the main teacher, encour- Suderman maintained that much Bible aged leaders to ask questions in Bible study has focussed on closed toward— study more than offering input. While facts—and open away—application/ Detectives background and theology are important moralizing. he challenged leaders to lead in discovery Providing questions to study the stories rather than providing answers. Questions of Jacob at the Jabok from Genesis 32:22- of Divinity can be either closed—eliciting yes or no, 32 and the book of Jonah, Suderman had Bryan Moyer Suderman looks for God in Bible stories and everyday life

By Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent

s part of the team at MC Eastern ACanada’s recent pastors, leaders and congregational leaders event, Bryan Moyer Suderman described how a Bible story often spawns a song for him as he asks “open toward” questions of the text. These questions get at the feelings, thoughts and motives of the characters in the story. As an example he sang the twin songs from Detectives of Divinity, “Take Heart” and “Jesus, Son of David,” both about the blind man from the Mark 10 story of the blind man in Jericho. The songs explore the blind man’s thoughts and feelings and then ef- Derek Suderman (left) and Gerald Good engage in dynamic conversation about fectively turn these over to the singers who Bible study at the MC Eastern Canada pastors, chaplains and congregational lead- in their own ways are blind and calling out ers seminar. to Jesus. Most of the songs on Detectives Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 17

of Divinity are accompanied by a scripture singers’ personal enemies, and commun- feels that they should be a part of the reference which inspired Moyer Suderman ion, moving us from the text to action, ask- process. to write. ing an “open away” question of the Bible. “For me, this is personal. I encourage you While the musical styles are not as di- Suderman’s music is available on line to seek out marginalized voices,” she said. verse as on some of his previous albums, in either CD form, or by download from Several members of the group, including album by album and song by song Moyer www.smalltallmusic.com. Individuals or Freed, Jodi Read and Ben Borne, also asked Suderman is creating a sound track for the congregations can sign up for regular “de- Board members to seek out other ways to church. The title song is a kind of Psalm 8, liveries” of music by being a member of his discern this issue including psychology, finding God in the works of nature, tied “community shared music” (CSM) becom- sciences, social sciences and theology. to Luke 7 where John the Baptist wonders ing a member of smalltall music, much like Metzger affirmed this by saying that MC about Jesus, inviting the singers to “ask people sign up for vegetables from com- Canada would move forward on this issue questions, follow leads, check for DNA, munity shared agriculture plans. l by discussing other methods of discern- dusting for God’s fingerprints each and ing, the possibility of broadening the on- every day.” line feedback tool to include these meth- Drinking deeply at an Anabaptist ods, and to intentionally seek out various Mennonite Christian well, Moyer voices. He added that this will help mem- Suderman is offering the church and fam- bers of the area churches to stretch their ilies sound Bible stories and theology to hermeneutical muscles. live and grow by, using a variety of musical “We don’t know how to disagree well. styles. Especially fine are the cuts already Our hermeneutical muscles are flabby. mentioned and Peace Meal, connecting We need to develop a regimen that’s light- us from David and Abigail from the Old weight at first and then move to a more Testament, Psalm 23’s “a table set before heavy discussion,” he said. me in the presence of my enemies,” to a Val Warkentin, a member of Harmony soup kitchen where God’s peace is offered said that she hopes for people who disagree in a cup of coffee and bowl of soup, to the to still love one another. “That is an over- whelming experience,” she said, “That kind of relationship is what I long for.” Though this kind of relationship some- Scripture first, then sexuality times seems far off or nearly impossible, Metzger affirmed the fact that the process conversation, Board tells Harmony of discerning BFC 3 with regards to same- By Rachel Bergen sex relationships is very slow for those National Correspondent whom it directly affects. He demonstrated Winnipeg, Manitoba a deep commitment to the issue. “This seems to some to be terribly slow, e hope to come up with a state- Hilda Hildebrand, assistant moderator, unjustly slow. To others it’s brave. We are “Wment of how we will move and Lynell Bergen, representative from committed to see it through.” forward with regards to scripture by the the Witness Council. Harmony consid- Others demonstrated hope for the future time Mennonite Church Canada meets ers itself a grassroots initiative started of the relationship between members of the in Vancouver for Assembly 2012,” Rudy within Mennonite Church Canada that LGBTQ* community and the Mennonite Baergen told a meeting Feb. 4 of repre- believes in full inclusion and affirmation church. sentatives of the General Board and the of people within the church and the larger For Bergen, who pastors Hope Harmony Group. “We then hope to deal Mennonite and Anabaptist community Mennonite Church, the only church in with specific questions around sexuality.” who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Mennonite Church Canada to fully en- Baerg, chair of the Faith and Life and queer/questioning (LGBTQ*). dorse Harmony’s motion, she hopes that Committee, was one of four General Board Part of the motion approved at Assembly one day her colleagues that don’t agree members following through on a prom- 2011 held in Waterloo was a call on area with her church will still embrace them as ised update to the Harmony group where churches to work at healthy and loving dia- brothers and sisters in Christ. “The rest will a motion at Assembly 2011 entrusted the logue with members of this community. take a long time,” she said. Board to treat the sexuality issue as part Kirsten Freed, a member and one of the Camp Assiniboia manager, David of a much broader Being a Faith Church 3 coordinators of Harmony, shared her con- Hogue, said that he hopes that the church scriptural discernment process. cern that the scholars discerning this issue can “get the ball rolling” in his lifetime. Others from the General Board includ- are mainly male and heterosexual. Because “I hope there is enough going on to keep ed Willard Metzger, executive director, the issue is about a group of people, she them hopeful and to stick with it.” l 18 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Photos by Tom Bileski (Rockway Mennonite Collegiate)

Youth play ‘capture the flag’ in the snow. Terrific, hilarious weekend! Youth retreat offers lots of laughter and worship

By Anneli Loepp-Thiessen Special to Canadian Mennonite Silver Lake Mennonite Camp

he sound of 180 youth laughing was a share with each other as part of each ser- During a worship service, youth brought Tfamiliar sound for us at the Mennonite vice and individuals had the opportunity to their burdens to the cross. Church Eastern Canada winter retreat this explore the prayer room, a beautiful area past January at Silver Lake Mennonite for quiet reflection. Camp. From the amazing speakers to the The Saturday night service held an op- movie-in-2-minutes show on Saturday portunity for youth to write down their night, laughter was shared by all. burdens and bring them up to the front Our guest speakers for the weekend were where they could nail them to a cross. On Ted Swartz and Company, who brought Sunday morning youth were invited to biblical stories to life in their incredibly come forward and be anointed by a leader funny dramas! They were definitely a high- at the front. Both of these services were light of the weekend for many. opportunities for growth for everyone. On Saturday afternoon, the weather was All in all, it was a terrific and hilarious crisp, the sun was shining, and everything weekend!! Anneli Loepp-Thiessen (left) thanks Ted was perfect for a game of Capture the Flag! The retreat is co-sponsored by Conrad Swartz and Jeff Raught (far right) for We also got to know each other on a whole Grebel University College, Mennonite their contributions to the MC Eastern new level when our hands were tied to- Church Eastern Canada, Rockway Canada Winter Youth Retreat, held gether for lunch on Saturday! Mennonite Collegiate and Silver Lake at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp on Youth groups had time to reflect and Mennonite Camp. l January 13-15. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 19

education and being a nurturing place that Westgate Mennonite Collegiate prepares the students for other things.” The committee anticipates the new development plan will take until May or pursues redevelopment plans June 2012 to pass through city hall. “This By Evelyn Rempel Petkau will give us a full year to raise a significant Manitoba Correspondent amount of money so we don’t have to mortgage as much. We will then need to fter examining several alterna- in 2008. Newly constructed space will be look for a temporary place to relocate for Ative sites for relocation, Westgate set within the old construction’s footprint. the 2013/2014 school year, reopening in Mennonite Collegiate (WMC) is pursu- Selective interior renovation and recon- the fall of 2014.” ing redevelopment plans for its central figuration will take place in the remain- WMC continues to actively work at Winnipeg campus in 2012. The grade 7-12 ing structure for improved efficiency and building positive relationships with its school has been at its 86 West Gate loca- accessibility. neighbours in the Armstrong Point resi- tion since 1964. “The changes to the present structure dential community that is nestled in a A Facility Search Committee was formed are very subtle and curbside changes will bend of the Assiniboine River. While some in 2008 for the purpose of identifying pos- be indistinguishable,” said Hummelt. The residents are in full support of the school sible courses of action for redevelopment plan does not include increasing the cap- others continue to lament the school’s after the neighbourhood contentiously op- acity for more students. “We anticipated presence. “We are confident this proposal posed the earlier proposed redevelopment some of the neighbourhood might be con- will allow us to meet our needs and to live plans. Several sites suitable for relocation cerned about the square footage we are within our means, and at the same time were extensively analyzed by the commit- proposing if it means more students and mollify some of the neighbours’ concerns tee but it became apparent that develop- more traffic. The increase in square footage about the expansion getting too big. We ment of any of those sites was well beyond is designed to live more comfortably and feel we have listened to what their con- the school community’s funding capacity. improve accessibility, not accommodate cerns are and have addressed them.” l As a result it was concluded that the best more students. We are trying to stay with alternative was to pursue redevelopment the enrolment we currently have, 340-350. of its present location by refining earlier In the face of declining enrolment that is Λ Briefly noted plans. Bob Hummelt, principal, believes happening virtually everywhere, we think Λ the new redevelopment plans reflect “a our current enrolment might be difficult BC pastor to edit ‘Rejoice!’ concept that is sustainable, achievable and to retain in the next little while. It’s go- Jonathan Janzen of acceptable to the broader community.” ing to be a challenge but we are counting Abbotsford, B.C., has The new building proposal is significant- on the school having a solid and earned been appointed editor of ly scaled down from the project presented reputation of providing a good Christian Rejoice!, a daily devotional magazine co-published by MennoMedia and ΛΛBriefly noted Kindred Productions. Janzen Mennonite pastor in Honduras killed Janzen, a part-time pastor of Highland Community Church Rafael Erasmo Arevalo, a Mennonite pastor in Honduras, was attacked and killed after in Abbotsford, is also an instructor leading an evening worship service on Jan. 22. Arevalo, from Santa Rosa de Copán, for Canadian Mennonite University’s drove about 20 kilometres north to Veracruz, where he had led worship services Outtatown program in British Columbia for the past 10 years. According to a report in a Honduran newspaper, La Prensa, and has taught part-time at Columbia Arevalo parked his car at the home of a Veracruz city councillor and then walked to Bible College. He recently filled in as the church. When he returned to his car after the worship service, he was attacked by editor of Mennonite Brethren Herald “unknown persons.” His body was not discovered until the next morning, about five while the editor was on maternity kilometres from the scene of the attack. Arevalo’s funeral was held on Jan. 24 in his leave. Janzen succeeds Byron Rempel- home community of Santa Rosa de Copan. “We ask your prayers for his wife, children Burkholder of Winnipeg, who edited and church,” wrote Erlinda Robelo of the Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Hondureña Rejoice! for 10 years. MennoMedia is an (Evangelical Mennonite Church of Honduras). “The church laments his premature agency of Mennonite Church USA and death.” In a Jan. 24 email, Robelo reported that the police still had no details of who Mennonite Church Canada. Kindred was responsible for the murder. She indicated that Arevalo, affectionately called Mito, serves Mennonite Brethren churches will be remembered for “his great spirit of service to the church and its neighbours.” in Canada and the U.S. —Mennonite World Conference —MennoMedia 20 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Another highlight named by partici- MWC Asia Caucus strengthens pants was the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their role as members of the MWC General Council. “The identity, looks to future challenge,” commented Peacock, “will be By Ron Rempel to see whether what was learned will be Mennonite World Conference communicated back to the local congregations, and how that will better bring about trengthening Anabaptist identity, Australia were missing. Serving as conven- an understanding of the connectivity we Slearning more about Mennonite World ers were Canadian Bert Lobe and Cynthia have as a global church through MWC.” Conference (MWC) and proposing pri- Peacock from India. In anticipation of the next gathering of orities for the future were the main issues A desire to learn more about their the MWC General Council in May 2012 in that engaged Asian members of the MWC Anabaptist identity ranked high on the Switzerland, the Asian Caucus members General Council at a training session for list of interests named by participants. proposed a number of priorities for the the Asia Caucus last November during In discussions on the meaning of the three years leading up to the 2015 global meetings in Kolkata, India. MWC vision of being “a communion of assembly in Harrisburg, Pa.: The event was attended by 32 par- Anabaptist-related churches,” many ex- ticipants from 18 national churches in pressed a desire to strengthen their iden- • Strong encouragement to include inter- Asia and the Pacific. Only Vietnam and tity as peacemakers in order to contribute faith dialogue as an MWC priority, since to the wider Christian church and society. interfaith relations are a reality for many They said they want be a community of of the congregations; faith through loving and serving those in- • Work camps for youths, focusing on Λ Briefly Noted side and outside of the church, and equip- Anabaptist identity; Λ ping each other through the teaching of • Workshops on peace as foundational to Churches nurture Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. the gospel, and leadership training; indigenous relations “Our vision should be expanded • Focus on women and their role in the Mennonite churches,” said one participant, church and its ministries, including the Mennonite Church Canada and adding, “We want to see churches involved possible formation of a network of Asia Mennonite Church Manitoba are host- in abolishing the caste system, dowry and women theologians; and ing the annual Building Bridges event corruption.” • An increased regional exchanges of pas- at Circle of Life Thunderbird House in Anti-conversion legislation pending in tors. l Winnipeg on Friday March 16. A din- four Indian states poses challenges for the ner by invitation at 6:00 p.m. will be fol- vision of expanding the church. From reports by Bert Lobe. lowed by an open public meeting at 7:30 Photo by Bert Lobe featuring Eva Solomon and Francois Paradis, “two wonderful teachers who will be sharing through art, ceremony and story, God’s call to ‘indigenize’ the gospel,” said Norm Voth, director of Evangelism and Service for Mennonite Church Manitoba. Brander “Standing Bear” McDonald, presently working as MC BC’s Indigenous Relations Coordinator, will share his gifts as a singer and songwriter. Partnership Circles, a partnership ministry between MC Manitoba congregations in southern Manitoba and northern aboriginal communities, will draw upon these resource people the next day as they meet at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church to learn from the past year and plan for the next. —By Evelyn Rempel Petkau Irene Suderman of Canada, left, and Agus Setianto of Indonesia lead the singing at the Asia Caucus training sessions in Kolkata, India, last fall. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 21

Mennonite Church Canada • Assembly 2012 • Vancouver, BC • July 12-July 15

Reading our Time... Authority for our Time... Wisdom for our Time... Hope for our Time...

Study Conference The Bible is a controversial book – even among Christians. Be sure to attend the Mennonite Church Canada 2012 Assembly where you will delight in interpreting scripture for our time. Keynote speakers will address the themes of reading, authority, wisdom and hope found in the Bible.

Vancouver B.C. Assembly 2012 will be held in the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, B.C. Consider combining the conference with a vacation and take in the beautiful mountain views and the many excellent local attractions..

Oxfam International photo God at work in the World Hard truth about hunger: Report says thousands died needlessly in East Africa

By Will Braun Senior Writer

n a January report, two major humani- Itarian agencies confessed that they, along with the rest of the world, responded too slowly to the food crisis in East Africa last year, and that thousands of people died unnecessarily. “How come, more Bokayo Kanchoro collects water in Berena, Ethiopia, from an underground system than a generation after man walked on the filled with Oxfam tankered water. There are 3.2 million Ethiopians affected by the moon, we would let fellow human beings current drought and food crisis. die needlessly?” asks Jan Egeland, former UN Relief Coordinator, in the forward to representative for Ethiopia, along with his staff in North America, need to be more the report. wife Karin Kliewer. responsive he says. The report, entitled “A Dangerous Delay,” The media came in July—led by the Urgency is critical, but Leonard, and was commissioned by Oxfam and Save BBC—and only then was the international Bruce Guenther, MCC’s disaster response the Children. It challenges us as Canadian response jolted into high gear. director, emphasize that addressing hunger Mennonites to examine the performance A full year prior, early warning systems is about more than emergency response. of agencies we support and to understand began indicating trouble. Jim Cornelius, Equally important are ongoing efforts to that responding to hunger is more complex head of Canadian Foodgrains Bank reduce people’s vulnerability to disaster. than securing donations, loading maize on (CFGB)—of which MCC is a member— This is called “disaster risk reduction” and trucks in Africa and driving off to an arid said his organization received these warn- the “Dangerous Delay” report stresses it village. ings and discussed them with partners. too. Manage risks in advance, it advises, The report’s discussion of complexity Speaking from Ethiopia, where he was on instead of just managing the crisis when it and blunt admission of failure mark a devi- a media tour, Cornelius said that by the hits. “Early action is more cost effective.” ation from the usual public storyline about end of 2010, the rains had clearly failed And it saves more lives. food crises, which tends to go something and concern was growing. The wheels of Assisting people in their homes is cheap- like: hungry people urgently need our help, response were in motion, he said, but “be- er and more effective than assisting them aid agencies responsibly and promptly dis- fore you know it, a few months drift by.” It in camps, after they’ve sold or lost the ani- tribute food bought with our donations, was not until March 3, 2011 that the first mals and other assets that could provide a lives are saved and our backs get patted. CFGB (and MCC) funds were committed livelihood later. There is often a twist—a corrupt govern- to the crisis. And it was not until mid-July, And even before any signs of drought, ment or war in the way—but the plot is 2011—in the wake of the media blitz— efforts are needed to reduce risk. MCC’s relatively standard. And misleading. that CFGB and MCC issued appeals for long-standing work in Ethiopia on sand Addressing food disasters is often a logis- donations. dams, forestation and soil and water con- tical and political puzzle. Many things can Famine is a slow-onset disaster, unlike an servation are a preventative element of its go wrong, as happened in East Africa. earthquake, which is sudden, dramatic and drought response. Drought will happen; In May, 2011 Dan Leonard predicted telegenic. This adds complexity. Cornelius rains will fail. But famine and starvation that the food crisis in Ethiopia, Kenya says it is hard to muster a sense of urgency can be prevented if systems are in place and Somalia would hit the news in three in the early stages because “things on the to prepare people for lean times and assist months and at that point aid agencies, in- ground are not noticeably problematic at them through those periods. cluding Mennonite Central Committee that point.” Unfortunately, “by the time Despite the complexities of humani- (MCC), would look back and wish they they do become problematic, then you’re tarian assistance and the failures in East had acted sooner. Leonard is MCC country late.” All players, including head office Africa, the death toll there—an estimated Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 23

50,000 to 100,000—was far lower than the Children have emphasized the need simplistic food aid narrative, and entrusting in the 1984 Ethiopian famine, in which to learn from the mistakes of 2011. They their supporters with a frank discussion of nearly a million starved. Still, thousands have also set an example by discarding the the complexities of their work. l of people died needlessly, largely people from Somalia where conflict and govern- ance issues hindered the response. With their report, Oxfam and Save Sustainable urban agriculture flourishing in Cuba Emergency food assistance: By Deborah Froese ΛΛ Mennonite Church Canada 15 typical steps in an MCC response* rystofer Penner’s studies in inter- interconnectedness and support.” To this Note: In cases such as Ethiopia and Knational development piqued his in- end, specialized stores selling feed and Kenya, MCC’s emergency response terest in food supply issues and drew his seed, and booklets on a wide variety of must be seen in the context of its long attention to Cuba’s system of sustainable crops are found in many places. term work to reduce people’s vulner- urban agriculture. That sparked a conver- During his practicum, Penner studied ability to food insecurity, which is an es- sation with Mennonite Church Canada to urban farming practices under the tutelage sential element of the overall response. explore internship possibilities with some of Benedicto Castañeda, who introduced 1. Request for assistance from local of its church partners in Cuba. Penner to local urban farmers. What partner organizations “Cuba is the largest centre of this sort in Penner observed has increased his opti- 2. Situation assessment by MCC and the world,” says Penner. mism for our ability to feed the planet. partner staff “Krystofer is the first intern that “Often it feels to me like we’re heading 3. Project design (selection criteria for Mennonite Church Canada has been able for a crisis in our food system and that we beneficiaries, determination of appropri- to successfully place in Cuba and it would can’t do anything about it,” Penner says. ate food ration, length of response, etc.) not have been possible without the assist- “This has shown me that there is hope, 4. Approval of project by government ance of our partners at the Martin Luther we can change things around if we want authorities in local country King Memorial Center [MLKMC],” says to.[The Cubans] did and we can too. We 5. Submission of plan for review and Tim Froese, Executive Minister, Witness. just have to want t o .” funding by MCC or other donors From April 26 through July 23 of 2011, Penner says that he was impressed by 6. Revision and approval of project plan the fourth-year Canadian Mennonite more than agriculture during his time in 7. Transfer of funds University student, whose double major Cuba. “I think what resonates with me the 8. Selection of beneficiaries also includes Peace and Conflict Studies, most is the community I saw there. The 9. Local procurement of food (call to engaged in a practicum at MLKMC in people that I interacted with were so open tender, selection, contract) Havana. Raul Suárez, Director of the and welcoming. They made me feel at home 10. Independent inspection of com- Center, and his wife, Eva Deulofeu, hosted and took care of me like I was one of them. modity for quality (such as moisture Penner during his stay. And they treated everyone this way.” l level) etc. In 1989, Cuba plunged into economic 11. Delivery of commodity to partner crisis. The withdrawal of Soviet support warehouse and a tightening US embargo hit the food 12. Distribution of food assistance industry particularly hard. With massive 13. Collection of baseline household reductions in imported fertilizers and seed food security data for monitoring and from the Soviet Union, and declining food evaluation imports from the US, the country was 14. Monitoring by partner and local forced to make sustainable agriculture— MCC office food—a top priority. 15. Submission and review of project “[Sustainable urban agriculture] is in narrative and financial reports every town in the country,” Penner says, describing the system as “top down from During his Mennonite Church Canada *Not included are steps such as sending the government,” but says that the idea was internship in Cuba, Krystofer Penner donkeys to haul grain after the truck gets to build the capacity of farmers to grow had the opportunity to meet with several stuck. sustainably without creating dependency local farmers to discuss sustainable Source: MCC on government. “They are trying to build urban agriculture and to study their a system of independent farmers with operations. 24 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Refugee sponsorship sponsorships for more than 70,000 people resettling in Canada. MCC is among 70 organizations in Canada that has an agree- rules change ment with the government to sponsor Gladys Terichow refugees under the private sponsorship Mennonite Central Committee Canada program. Three years ago, the government WINNIPEG, Man. asked these organizations to voluntarily limit the number of named sponsorships, n an effort to clear a backlog of refugee Under the new limits, MCC can submit but Wiebe said the number of named Iapplications, the Canadian government applications for only 29 named refugees in sponsorships continued to increase. is limiting the number of new applications 2012, said Wiebe. There is no limit, how- A review of MCC’s refugee assistance for private sponsorships that name specific ever, on the number of private sponsor- program undertaken in 2009 recom- refugees. This change will affect the kind of ships of refugees identified and named by mended that MCC reduce the number of refugees that congregations and commun- Canadian embassies. people sponsored through named spon- ity groups sponsor, said Ed Wiebe, national “Clearing the backlog is expected to take sorships to 40 per cent of their total spon- coordinator of MCC’s refugee programs. at least four years,” said Wiebe. “During this sorship—a significant reduction from 90 For example, in the past a congregation time, MCC will encourage congregations per cent. might begin by sponsoring a refugee. As and sponsoring groups to adjust to the new “When the program started in 1979, all people got to know the refugee they might realities and invest their time, energy and refugees were unnamed,” said Wiebe. “We also learn about the desperate situation resources to help embassy-referred refu- want to continue listening compassion- of the refugee’s family members and be gees build new lives in Canada.” ately to the requests of the families we have moved to sponsor them as well. These For more than three decades, MCC sponsored but we also want to respond to would be considered “named” refugees be- Canada’s refugee assistance program the compelling stories of refugees who cause the congregation specifically identi- has enabled congregations and other cannot contact us directly.” fied the refugees it wished to sponsor. sponsoring groups to fund one-year Currently, about 80 to 90 congregations and other sponsorship groups welcome about 150 to 180 new refugees to Canada RRSP Special each year through MCC’s refugee assist- .10%* ance program. l 33 Month Term 2*Rate subject to change ΛΛBriefly noted Mennonite Church Get to know your local Canada supports flood Investment Specialist! relief in Bangkok Meet with a member of our On Nov. 16, Mennonite Church investment team today and Canada executive staff approved a discuss your financial goals proposal to send $3,500 for flood re- with someone you can trust. lief in Thailand. MC Canada Witness workers Pat and Rad Houmphan, Narima Whitman, mba, cfp with the congregation of Living Manager Investment Services Water Church in Borabu, assembled care packages for those displaced by flooding. While Borabu is located in local | secure | trusted the unaffected northeastern part of the country, the Living Water congregation felt compelled to help those impacted by flooding, includ- A Mennonite financial cooperative ing family and friends. www.mscu.com | 1.888.672.6728 serving communities of faith across Ontario —Mennonite Church Canada Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 25

MCC photo by Chai Bouphaphanh

Through MCC’s IVEP program, architects Rany Putri (left) and Charles Olfert work together on projects at aodbt, an architecture and interior design firm in Saskatoon.

in landscape design enables her to make MCC exchange program connects valuable contributions to aobt’s involvement with MCC Saskatchewan’s green Saskatoon firm and young space and building improvement project, said Olfert. As a member of MCC architect from Indonesia Saskatchewan’s creation care work team, By Gladys Terichow he is enthusiastic about the project be- Mennonite Central Committee Canada cause it will help MCC Saskatchewan con- SASKATOON, Sask. tribute to MCC’s overall goal of reducing carbon emissions by 20 per cent over the earning about trees and shrubs suitable adults with host families and volunteer next years. In addition to planting trees on Lfor the Canadian prairies was a new ex- placements in Canada and U.S. the south side of the building, the project perience for Rany Putri, an architect from This is the second year that Charles includes improving the insulation in the Indonesia trained in landscape design. But Olfert, a founding partner of aodbt, has in- walls and building a slightly slanted roof she was up for the challenge as she assisted vited an IVEP participant to join the firm’s and adding insulation under the slope. staff at aodbt, an architecture and interior bustling workforce of about 50 people. He Putri said she is learning a lot about design firm developing drawings for the said aodbt strives to provide services and re- sustainable development through this and green space around Mennonite Central sources that assist charitable organizations other projects, as well as the work that has Committee Saskatchewan’s office. The plan and being an IVEP partner agency enables been done by aodbt on its own facility. is to beautify the grounds and reduce the his firm to increase this involvement. Several years ago, aodbt converted an building’s heating and cooling costs. “The biggest thing is it allows us to do old warehouse into a professional and “It was like a puzzle,” said Putri, when work we couldn’t do otherwise,” he said. efficient office complex that meets inter- describing the task of sketching trees and “Ideally, we would like to have three or national standards and recognition for its shrubs she had never heard about. Putri, four IVEPers working here and put them energy and environmental designs. 25, is one of 53 young adults from 26 coun- together to work as a group. That would be “This is very good training and experi- tries participating in MCC’s International an interesting challenge for an employer ence for me,” said Putri. “The most im- Volunteer Exchange Program. IVEP is a who would have the time to be a mentor.” portant thing is that I can bring back my one-year vocational and cultural exchange Putri’s experience with industry-stan- experiences and integrate them into my program that connects international young dard computer programs and her interest work in Indonesia.” l 26 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Canadian Foodgrains Bank photo by Carol Thiessen One plot at a time MCC, partner agencies are rethinking agriculture for small-scale farmers worldwide

By Emily Will Mennonite Central Committee

s world population recently leapt over Conservation agriculture relies on min- Athe seven billion mark, global con- imal soil disturbance, rotating crops, and cern about how to feed that many people keeping the soil covered with mulch. This is growing, especially as cropland is dimin- is in contrast to conventional agriculture’s The health and productivity of ishing in quantity and soil is degraded, emphasis on fertilizer, herbicides and Sukoluhle Moyo’s cornfields in even depleted, in many places. pesticides. Zimbabwe has made her an “evangel- “Farmers everywhere are seeing the need “To build food security, we have to start ist” for conservation agriculture. She to rethink how we do agriculture,” says Dan with the soil,” Wiens says. Soil health de- learned about the farming method Wiens, water and food production coordin- pends on as little tillage or digging as pos- through United Church of Canada, a ator for Mennonite Central Committee sible, Wiens explains. Turning over the soil, partner Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Fortunately, Wiens says, conserva- whether by tractor, animal-drawn plow or supports with equity from the Canadian tion agriculture shows great promise to even vigorous hoeing, injures soil. It com- Foodgrains Bank. revitalize soil and increase crop yields. In pacts it, disturbs or kills its beneficial organ- some African countries farmers are achiev- isms, and allows erosion to occur. Farmers “Healthy, nutrient-rich soil equals ing yield increases of more than 300 percent who practise conservation agriculture sow healthy, strong plants, which equals more within two years of implementing conserva- seeds directly into untilled soil that retains resistance to disease and injurious forms of tion agriculture techniques. residue from the previous crop. insects,” says James Alty of Howden, Man., a proponent of conservation agriculture in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, where he is an MCC representative. Alty is enthusiastic about the results of MCC partner, Growing Nations Trust, a small, faith-based non-profit organization Newfrom Herald Press in Lesotho dedicated to conservation agriculture. Lesotho farmers using Growing Go to Church, Change the World Nations’ techniques produced a surplus of Christian Community as Calling seven tonnes of corn in 2007 and about 30 by Gerald J. Mast metric tons in 2008. MCC efforts, through partners like In a time when many are questioning the relevance of Growing Nations, are dedicated to small the church to their spiritual journeys, this book asserts scale, often impoverished, farmers. Due that “going to church”—not just personal virtue or to Growing Nations’ success in Lesotho, ethics—is at the heart of Christian vocation. Drawing on as well as similar achievements by partner Anabaptist life and conviction, Mast presents Christ’s call agencies in other African countries, MCC to all believers to be the church, whether gathered for is encouraging food-security partners else- worship or scattered for service. where to consider this approach. $16.00 CAD MCC worker Miriam Harder of Clavet, www.MennoMedia.org/GoToChurch Sask., recently assumed the role of MCC’s conservation agriculture consultant in 800-631-6535 Latin America. From her base in Chiapas, Waterloo, Ontario office Mexico, Harder will work with partners to start trial plots in five countries. “Wherever MCC implements conserva- Herald Press is the book imprint of MennoMedia. tion agriculture,” Wiens says, “it brings hope for feeding the world’s growing number of inhabitants, one small plot at a time.” l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 27

God at work in Us teaching, hungry to learn what God wants to say to them,” Thiessen says about the youth groups. “The only difference was of Nazareth service their background, so they would do some things differently. In the Arab church, they have singing at the beginning, a ser- experience awesome! mon, more singing—the same as here, but By Deborah Froese louder. They are more outgoing in the Arab Mennonite Church Canada church.” She also became aware of the segregation ayla Thiessen bubbles with en- After spending a week in England to of communities in Israel. While she was Kthusiasm when she talks about her prepare for service, Thiessen’s assignment there, she says that “one Arab Christian short-term service experience through took her to Nazareth in the Galilee region went to a [Messianic] Jewish church on Mennonite Church Canada in Nazareth. of Israel last summer. She spent two days his own volition and was welcomed. They The University of Manitoba graphic design a week at Nazareth Village, where a farm are not opposed to interaction, but I don’t student, who attends Steinbach (Man.) and Galilean village have been recreated to think it happens a lot because of history,” Mennonite Church, experienced life far represent life in Nazareth as it was during she speculates. away from her Prairie home, learning the time of Jesus. Dressed in clothing of Thiessen says the experience gave her the about life in biblical times and sharing her that era, Thiessen led a donkey around the opportunity to “build relationships with faith with children and youths in the area. threshing floor, trampling grain from the people in Nazareth [and] it also allows you It was Thiessen’s first time overseas and recent wheat harvest. After wheat kernels to travel and get a better understanding of the experience was facilitated through were loosened from the chaff, she picked the Bible.” l an MC Canada partnership with Serve out individual grains by hand. Nazareth. Using her graphic-design skills, Thiessen “I had been talking to a friend about also designed stationery and posters. “I Λ Briefly noted the places I wanted to go,” Thiessen says. confirmed my direction,” she says of the Λ “Israel was one of them. A week later I saw experience. Although she has had similar Ten Thousand Villages the ‘Adventurers Wanted’ ad [about oppor- work experience before, she says that in appoints general manager tunities for service] in my church bulletin. Nazareth, “I had to do it more on my own, N E W H A M B U R G , I applied and it took off after that.” learning how I work and how to deal with ON—The Ten Thousand With four other young adults from the new challenges and how to adapt.” Villages Canada board of U.S., Thiessen took part in a three-month Thiessen related to the church in Galilee directors is pleased to an- internship, an MC Canada program de- through Children’s Evangelical Fellowship nounce the appointment signed to help grow the kingdom of God in camps in the area and youth groups, in- of Ryan Jacobs as gen- Nazareth through the service of volunteers cluding those from Arab and messianic eral manager. In this role and to grow the kingdom of God within churches. Jacobs will oversee the overall oper- the participants themselves. “They are passionate about what they are ations and direction of Canada’s leading fair trade retailer. Jacobs joined the Photo courtesy of Kayla Thiessen non-profit organization in March, 2011 as director of finance and operations. “The board was impressed with Jacobs’ passion, fit with the organizational culture, strong interpersonal skills, and his overall leadership ability,” says Bruce Burgetz, board chair. Prior to joining Ten Thousand Villages Canada, Jacobs held managing roles with a variety of organizations. Jacobs has a diverse academic background including a B.A. in religious studies and philosophy from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Theology degree from the Kayla Thiessen, right, with a fellow Serve Nazareth intern wear period clothing University of Edinburgh. for their work at Nazareth Village. Thiessen’s service experience resulted from a —Ten Thousand Villages Mennonite Church Canada advertisement in her church bulletin. 28 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Personal Reflection members, such as the water walk. I experienced culture shock from being Culture-shock immersed in something so different than what I was used to, and seeing the challenges people faced compared to our “chal- experience in Africa lenges” at home. Coming back to Canada By Christine Strong was almost worse, as I saw the extremity of Special to Canadian Mennonite the differences in culture and beliefs. As I look back, Kenya really did change remember when I first found out I would myself on my way to Kenya. me. It touched my heart, and I fell in love Ibe travelling on a MeToWe trip to Kenya I knew about MeToWe trips, and had with not only the people and their open last summer. always been really passionate about global generosity, but also the beautiful country. Only about a month earlier, I had heard and social issues. Ever since seeing Free I grew up with Mennonite traditions in about the opportunity Research In Motion, The Children’s founder, Craig Keilburger, my household, and was taught to be happy makers of the Blackberry smart phone, was speak in Grade 6, I was inspired and always with what I had. I saw this reflected in the providing to a lucky group of 50 students did what I could to help. village we worked in, because, although they had very little, they were happy. It helped It helped me realize that all we need in life is me realize that all we need in life is what we what we believe in and the values we hold. believe in and the values we hold. This trip has only inspired me to help from the Waterloo Region District School While in Kenya, I got to experience the change the issues I witnessed first-hand Board, to travel on a sponsored trip to differences in our cultures, participate in and bring awareness to those at home and either Kenya or India. I immediately was building a school in a rural community, play anywhere I can. l interested, but I was only 14. What were and build relationships with the children of the chances I’d actually win? the village and other people on my trip, and Photo courtesy of Christine Strong But not even in high school yet, I found also partake in activities with community

ASK SOMEONE WHO HAS TRAVELED WITH US! 2012 TOURS 2013 TOURS EXPLORE SOUTH AMERICA (March 18-31) AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND (February 1-21) ISRAEL/PALESTINE with PASTOR STEVE LANDIS (April 25-May 4) CHURCHES and SAFARIS in KENYA and TANZANIA (February 8-20) HESSTON COLLEGE TOUR to EUROPE (May 25-June 7) PANAMA CANAL CRUISE (February 26-March 8) GLORY of RUSSIA: MOSCOW and ST. PETERSBURG (July 3-13) MEDA in MOROCCO (April 2-12) EUROPEAN HERITAGE with JOHN RUTH (July 10-23) ISRAEL/PALESTINE with PASTOR PHIL WAGLER (April 16-25) LANDS of the BIBLE: JORDAN and ISRAEL/PALESTINE with MYSTERY TOUR (April 17-26) PASTOR TYLER HARTFORD (July 19-28) EXPLORE the WORLD of PAUL with TOM YODER NEUFELD (May 1-17) ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (August 23-September 3) EUROPEAN HERITAGE with PAUL ZEHR (May 2-15) TOUR to LITHUANIA (in partnership with LCC International University) GREAT TREK TOUR with JOHN SHARP (May 7-18) (September 12-19) EUROPEAN HERITAGE with JOHN RUTH (June 6-19) MENNONITE STORY in POLAND and UKRAINE (September 18-29) ICELAND ECO TOUR (June 10-19) SCENIC AUTUMN CRUISE: CANADA and NEW ENGLAND (October 6-16) COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE ANABAPTIST HERITAGE TOUR (July 2-15) MEDA TOUR to ETHIOPIA and TANZANIA (October 12-24) FOLLOWING the STEPS of MOSES with SERVICE TOUR to ISRAEL/PALESTINE PASTOR NELSON KRAYBILL (July 22-31) with PASTOR JAMIE GERBER (October 13-22) THE BRITISH ISLES (England, Scotland and Wales) with ISRAEL/PALESTINE with PASTOR DOUG KLASSEN DAVID and JOYCE ESHLEMAN (September 13-25) (October 17-26) BEHIND the VEIL - EXPERIENCING EGYPT (October 17-28) ISRAEL/PALESTINE with PASTOR KEITH BLANK (November 7-16) CHINA and a YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (November 1-14) VIETNAM and SINGAPORE (November 12-26) MUSIC and MARKETS: DANUBE CHRISTMAS CRUISE (December 1-9)

“Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians and Christine Strong, a 14-year-old from faiths around the world through custom-designed travel.” Wellesley Mennonite Church, Ont., tries to carry water in the same way CALL 1-800-565-0451 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR e-mail: [email protected] web: www.tourmagination.com that women her age do in Kenya during 9 Willow Street 2308 Wood Street Waterloo, ON N2J 1V6 Canada Reg. #50014322 Lancaster, PA 17603 USA a MeToWe volunteer service trip last summer. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 29

Les Grands Ballets Canadien photo by Damian Siqueiros Artbeat Mennonites can dance Ontario-based Peter Quanz takes his choreography skills around the world

By Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent Baden, Ont.

t the age of 17, dancer Peter Quanz felt strong support from Ed Buller, the as- Aof Wilmot Mennonite Church was sociate pastor. That was 1996. already living in Winnipeg on his own. Fast forward 15 years, and Quanz, 30, Before heading to Winnipeg, he commuted was busy preparing a new full-length bal- to an arts high school in nearby Kitchener, let for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in instead of attending his local high school. Montreal. Based on the story of Camille His parents had always supported his inter- Claudel, the late 19th-century sculptor est in dance, although they all kept it quiet Auguste Rodin’s mistress and fellow art- in the congregation and community. ist, this was a coup for Quanz. Although he felt that he was doing noth- With the whole organization behind him Émilie Durville (Claudel) and Marcin ing wrong by being involved with modern and 38 dancers in the piece, it gave him Kaczorowski (Rodin) dance in Peter dance, somehow there was a conflict with a chance to show his skill at home after Quanz’s ballet Claudel/Rodin at Les his faith community. He says that when working in Hong Kong, Cuba and Siberia. Grands Ballets Canadien in the fall of he eventually “did a little dance piece for At the same time, a full evening of his 2011. the congregation, and gave a speech” ex- work was being presented by the Bolshoi plaining what he had done and why, not Ballet in Moscow, a first for any Canadian everyone accepted it. Some elders ex- choreographer. champagne, served in the carefully pre- pressed concern that this wasn’t appropri- The Claudel/Rodin Ballet speaks to served cups from the cappuccinos. ate for a Mennonite Christian. Growing his Mennonite roots, as it attempts to He had similar experiences in Montreal, up, he admits he was unaware of the give voice to the oppressed and voiceless. where he consulted with the wardrobe de- “seedy” elements to the body, wondering, Claudel was only known as a sculptor in partment and others, who told him he was “It’s about our bodies, what’s wrong with her day because she was associated with an the first choreographer to have ever come them?” already known male artist. When she at- down to their rooms. In Winnipeg he connected with Portage tempted to strike out on her own, she was Praying before practices “to not be alone, Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church and accused of copying Rodin. After what ap- to be fed images and ideas, have doubts peared to be a mental breakdown, kept away, to be open and wise enough to Photo by Dave Rogalsky she was committed to asylums, accept others ideas,” Quanz says that his where she spent the rest of her life vagabond lifestyle keeps him from being at her family’s insistence, although rooted in a congregation, an apartment or doctors and other caregivers a long-term relationship of any kind. But he thought she could be released. feels that he is doing what God wants him Quanz appreciates how he was to be doing, and he feels God’s presence at taught to deal with people in the significant points along his travels. Mennonite church. Each part of His parents’ home in Baden is as close the team that puts together a bal- to a base as he has. After a few days to rest let is important to him. While in to “fatten up” in Baden, Quanz was on the Siberia, he treated the costumers road again, looking for funding for a troupe to cappuccino from a take-out to perform in a number of American Choreographer Peter Quanz, centre, sits in the coffee shop. They told him that venues. Then it was back to Winnipeg, kitchen of the home of his parents, Ken and Lil, no choreographer had ever done where his troupe, Q-Dance, made up Royal in Baden, Ont. His parents have posted the clip- this before and they fêted him the Winnipeg Ballet dancers, would be practis- pings of his latest dance on the fridge. day after with local delicacies and ing for that tour. l 30 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Photo by Amy Dueckman Exploring War with Goya Nature of art and peace at symposium

By Amy Dueckman B.C. Correspondent Abbotsford, B.C.

panish artist Francisco Goya’s graphic during his lifetime. They were not shown Swar illustrations were the centrepiece publicly until 1862, after his death. of a symposium Feb. 4 exploring peace, The drawings made from copper plate war and art. etchings were not large and by necessity “Goya: Conversations on War and were displayed in low light, forcing the Peace,” designed to explore the relationship viewer to look closely. “They demand you between art and peacemaking, was held in engage on a close, personal level,” said cur- conjunction with the current exhibition at ator Scott Marsden. “If you feel sick, dis- The Reach Gallery Museum, “Goya: the turbed and sad, that’s exactly what Goya Disasters of War and Los Caprichos.” The wants you to feel.” He ended the tour by 200-year-old etchings are on loan from the reminding viewers, “This [war] is happen- National Gallery of Canada. ing today, all over the world.” Goya had done his etchings during the Following the art gallery tour, partici- Peninsular War (1808-1814) when Spain pants continued with a discussion on war was at war with France. Previous to that and peace. Keynote speaker Ernie Regehr time, explained curator Scott Marsden, war of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Goya: The Disasters of War and Los deaths had been depicted in art as glori- Studies at the University of Waterloo [Ont.] Caprichos is on display at Abbotsford’s ous and heroic. Goya changed all that with and co-founder of Project Ploughshares, The Reach Gallery Museum until drawings of shootings, dismemberment, spoke on the topic of “The Nature of War March 25 and attacks on non-combatant women and Today.” He noted that in contrast to the children. first half of the twentieth century with its that we’re in the most peaceful period in So controversial and graphic were Goya’s two world wars, no two countries today are history,” he said. prints that he dared not display them at war with each other. “One could argue However, continued Regehr, the bad news is that currently there are 26 wars in the world, mainly civil wars. There are fewer direct combatant deaths, but the Λ Briefly noted devastating effects of war remain, and 40 Λ million people are now displaced due to ‘Naked Anabaptist’ author on tour war. Stuart Murray, British author of the popular book The Naked “Wars are in fact preventable,” he said. Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith, will speak in “The more one investigates, the more Canada and the U.S. this spring. Published by Herald Press in the one discovers how they could have been spring of 2010, the book has sold nearly 12,000 copies. It has also been avoided.” released in Spanish. Murray lives in Bristol, England, where he is a Rounding out the afternoon were a panel trainer and consultant with the Anabaptist Network. His particular discussion on the “Nature of Peace” with interests include urban mission, church planting, and emerging forms Regehr, Dr. Saul Arbess and Dr. Victoria of church. For 12 years he was a church planter in London and for Marie, and a talk by Calgary artist Dick nine years he was director of church planting and evangelism at Spurgeon’s College Averns on how cultural practitioners ex- there. The author’s tour will start in Waterloo, Ont., at the School for Ministers plore the issue of war and conflict. of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. Then he will travel under the auspices of Co-sponsors for the event were Forge Canada to Vancouver on Feb. 25, Portland on Feb. 28, Calgary on Feb. 29, Mennonite Central Committee B.C., and Edmonton on March 1. Murray will go to Abbotsford, B.C., March 2-3 to speak Mennonite Church B.C., Ploughshares at meetings of the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society and Mennonite Church Fraser Valley, Langley Mennonite British Columbia. Fellowship and Emmanuel Mennonite —MennoMedia Church. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 31

MennoMedia’s financial of severance pay and unfunded pensions since 2001. health improving MPN also had other challenges to face. Director reports on finances before and after July 1, 2011, merger “These included tectonic shifts in the publishing industry, changes in the size and By Steve Shenk structure of our parent denominations— MennoMedia Mennonite Church U.S.A. and Mennonite Church Canada—and the worst financial recession since the Great Depression,” said espite the costs of merging last sum- Scottdale property shortly after the merger, Eanes. Dmer and losses on inventory and a despite a depressed real-estate market in “We have emerged as a stronger and building, MennoMedia finished 2011 with the area. Due to the sale price of $125,000 more responsive business and church improving financial health, according to being less than book value, MPN incurred agency,” said Phil Bontrager, an Ohio busi- executive director Russ Eanes. His assess- a non-cash loss of $472,000 on the sale of ness executive who chaired the board dur- ment was confirmed by a financial audit the property. ing the merger process. “We are optimistic released in December. Since the July merger, overall financial about the future.” l The merger of Mennonite Publishing results have continued to improve with Network (MPN) and Third Way Media savings realized through a variety of effi- into MennoMedia cost about $350,000, ciencies, including consolidation into one Eanes reported. That included severance building and a slight reduction in total ΛΛBriefly noted pay for nine former MPN staff, disposal of staff. Sales of products—especially Herald MennoMedia releases excess books and other obsolete materi- Press books—also have increased. als, moving expenses and legal fees. MPN Third Way Media was previously part first catalogue closed its 7,000-square-metre building of Mennonite Mission Network (MMN) The first catalogue representing the in Scottdale, Pa., and moved to the Third and the new agency continues to receive newly branded MennoMedia arrived Way Media building in Harrisonburg, Va., financial support from MMN during the in homes and churches in January. The where MennoMedia came into being on transition to assist with the merger. annual catalogue lists products for July 1. In addition to repaying its $5.1 million three imprints: Eanes, who was previously MPN’s dir- debt, MPN has paid approximately $1 • Herald Press—Books, e-books, and ector of finance and operations, sold the million to former employees in the form CDs. • Faith & Life Resources—Curriculum, periodicals, hymnals, and church supplies ΛΛBriefly noted • Third Way Media—Videos, CDs, web MennoMedia releases Bible school materials downloads, and other materials Each imprint offers a variety of new Mennonite Vacation Bible School materials have been avail- titles this year. For example, Faith & able earlier this year. “Typically, our customers use Bible Life Resources has a new Bible study school materials during the summer months,” says Mary Ann and devotional series for adults called Weber, MennoMedia’s managing editor for curriculum. “But With the Word, and a 2012 vacation they begin exploring options far in advance.” This year’s cur- Bible school curriculum, Take Me to riculum, “Take Me to the Water: God’s Love Flows,” includes the Water: God’s Love Flows. Third flexible materials for children from age 4 through Grade 8. Way Media recently produced a docu- The content may be organized for a traditional weekly VBS mentary, Waging Peace: Muslim and plan or as a 12-week Sunday school program. “Take Me to Christian Alternatives. New Herald the Water” includes several new items including the ability to Press books include Go to Church, offer individual mp3 files of songs in addition to a song CD. Change the World and Dive: Devotions Also a PowerPoint slide show with the Bible memory verses for Deeper Living. People are also en- and a calendar for children to use at home after VBS is over couraged to use the website, wwwMen- will be available free online. Weber worked with a team from the Virginia Conference noMedia.org for updates. of Mennonite Church U.S.A. to develop the materials for VBS 2012. The writers for —Mennonite Church Canada and VBS 2013 are from Manitoba. MennoMedia 32 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Schools directory Elementary/Secondary Post-Secondary NURTURING DISCIPLES AND TRAINING LEADERS TO SERVE

Menno Simons Christian School Integrating sound academic learning with growth in character, faith, and service to God. www.mennosimons.ab.ca An EducA tion for LifE ! Calgary, Alberta ΛΛStaff change New PACS professor coming to Grebel this summer WATERLOO, Shape ONT.—An ex- your Journey pert in civil society peacebuilding, Reina Neufeldt CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY www.cmu.ca will be joining the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) Neufeldt ROCKWAY D e p ar tment at MENNONITE th e Un i v e r s i t y COLLEGIATE of Waterloo, based at Conrad Grebel For Grades 7 to 12 University College, beginning July Forming Faith... Building Character 1. Neufeldt comes to Grebel from American University in Washington, w w w . r o c k w a y . c a D.C., where her research has focused on the intersection of identity, social change, ethics and peace processes. Rosthern Junior College Her dissertation examined Mennonite Christian Day & Resident GREBEL identity maintenance and change dur- High School (Grade 10-12) Challenging Mind and Spirit ing three periods of conflict in the 20th www.rjc.sk.ca Hundreds of programs. 306.232.4222 Dozens of friends. century. She received her Ph.D. in inter- One campus. national relations in 2005, and holds a than your Ordinary MoreMore grebel.uwaterloo.ca master’s degree in social psychology. High School! “Neufeldt’s service and work in North America and overseas with Mennonite Central Committee, Catholic Relief Services and the Kroc Institute for Discover the UMEI Difference!

International Peace Studies at Notre Dame provide valuable experience in applying the scholarship and teaching Leamington Ontario of peace,” according to Grebel president 519-‐326-‐7448 Susan Schultz Huxman. Neufeldt says www.umei.on.ca she is “delighted to join the PACS team and to help launch the [Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, MPACS] program. The Peace and Conflict Studies under- Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary & Middle Schools Is your educational institution graduate program at Conrad Grebel Celebrating 30 years of Christian education was an early pioneer in the field, and I missing from this directory? believe MPACS builds on this superb Come see the difference we can make in your Contact our Ad Rep, Lisa Metzger, to foundation and breaks new, exciting child’s life. Visit us online find out how to book your ad. ground.” for more information. TRAIN UP A CHILD… [email protected] —Conrad Gebel University College Proverbs 22:6 www.wmems.ca Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 33

young voices Indigenous youth report to the United Nations Canada’s Aboriginal youth call on the government to meet its young commitments in the Convention on the Rights of the Child voices Story and Photos by Emily Loewen Young Voices Editor TORONTO, ONT.

ix indigenous youth from across oppression and marginalization in Canada SCanada travelled to Geneva, than young, indigenous people,” he said. Switzerland this month telling the United Though their concerns include a num- Nations that Canada needs to end inequal- ber of issues, each touches on the level of ities experienced by aboriginal children. funding aboriginal programming receives. The UN Committee on the Rights of the In education, for example, First Nations’ Child will review Canada’s compliance schools receive $2,000-3,000 less per stu- with the convention later this year—these dent than their provincial equivalents, youth hope to influence the process and states the report “Honouring our Children.” outcome of the evaluation. The family caring society and KAIROS The trip was a joint effort between the submitted “Honouring our Children” to The youth and their accompanying First Nations Child and Family Caring the UN committee in 2011. family members at the pre-trip press Society of Canada and the ecumenical The report also suggests that disagree- conference in Toronto. Back Row: John- organization KAIROS. Organizers select- ments between provincial and federal Paul Chalykoff, Leonard Edwards, ed six youth as ambassadors: John-Paul agencies have left many indigenous chil- Wendell Starr, Collin Starblanket, Chalykoff, Chelsea Edwards, Helen Knott, dren without proper health care. And an Kendall White, Madelynn Slade, Helen Madelynn Slade, Collin Starblanket, and auditor general’s report from 2008 stated Knott, Front row: Chelsea Edwards and Kendall White. The key points in the am- that the funding models used for child Melinda White. “There is probably no group that suffers more from oppression and marginalization in Canada than young, indigenous people,” Ed Bianchi

bassadors’ presentation to the committee welfare were outdated and lead to serious relate to unequal opportunities in educa- shortfalls for many agencies on reserves. tion, the welfare system and health care. The ambassadors all come from different Inequality between provincial and backgrounds and have different expecta- Aboriginal services creates a justice issue tions of what constitutes a successful trip. that all Christians should care about, said Kendal White, 17, hopes the presentation Ed Bianchi, indigenous rights program will encourage other indigenous youth, in- coordinator for KAIROS. “This is a clas- cluding those who have had to leave their John-Paul Chalykoff expresses the hope sic situation where as people of faith we communities to attend school. that the UN meeting will encourage need to stand up for those who are dis- “I’ll consider it a success if there is at least action on education for First Nations advantaged and marginalized and there is one youth who hears what we’re talking youth in Canada as Helen Knott and probably no group that suffers more from about and understands that what they’re Madelynn Slade listen. 34 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

going through, it isn’t right,” she said at a combined with her personal family experi- press conference in Toronto. ence in the child welfare system prompted For 24-year-old Jean-Paul Chalykoff her to apply for the trip to Geneva. As a voicing their concerns isn’t enough, he teen she was removed from her home and wants concrete action. “There’s been talk until recently she wasn’t willing to talk for years and years and years and if it’s just about that experience. “I was ashamed to going to be more talk then I don’t see that state that I’d been taken from my home as a success,” he said. because there’s such a stigma carried with Madelynn Slade hopes that their pres- that,” she said. But Slade believes that story ence at the UN will direct the committee’s will have an impact on committee mem- questioning of Canada in the fall review. bers. “It gives what I say power,” she said, “We will be making a difference in a mas- “I’m able to speak to this from the pain I’ve sive way by just helping the United Nations suffered.” recognize that Canada has not lived up to The young ambassadors were accom- its agreements when they ratified the UN panied to Geneva by Bianchi as well as [Charter on the Rights of Children],” said Cindy Blackstock, executive director Kendall White, Helen Knott and Madelynn 22-year-old Slade. of the Caring Society and Irwin Elman, Slade get to know each other before the trip. As a child and youth care student, Slade Provincial Advocate for Children and Most of the youth have never met before. has studied the UN charter, and her classes Youth in Ontario. l Facebook can help church stay connected AARON EPP Special to Young Voices WINNIPEG, MAN.

hen a church member suffered a In 2010, a group of Christians in the Wmedical emergency in Winnipeg, United States started The Table Project, a Man. where his heart stopped for a full 45 social networking platform designed spe- minutes, many members of Level Ground cifically for churches. Any church can ac- Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, B.C., cess the resources provided by The Table relied on Facebook for updates regarding Project to create an online social network the young man’s condition. that is customized to fit the needs of the “Through the crisis, our [lead] pastor individual church. All of the information was able to update her Facebook account, that is posted on the site also stays private Dan Loewen and then we would copy that message within the church. and put it on our church [Facebook] wall, The Table Project aims to promote group which then got sent out to people and they interaction, sharing and openness within would put it on their Facebook walls,” says individual church communities. It is not Dan Loewen, the worship pastor at Level a Christian alternative to Facebook, but Ground. “You could just see it spreading rather, churches can incorporate things to thousands of people who would pray for like Facebook and Twitter into their Table the situation.” site if they choose to. Also, a congregation Social media are more pervasive than member does not need to be a member ever. According to a June 2011 article of Facebook to be a part of their church’s from The Canadian Press, 16.6 million Table page. Canadians use Facebook. It is not uncom- Loewen, whose work at Level Ground mon to find church leaders using Facebook includes web design, communications and and Twitter to update congregation mem- creating videos for the church, has heard of bers on what is happening in the life of the The Table Project but has not implemented church. it at Level Ground. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 35

“I think it can be helpful, I think it can be started—on Facebook can continue on in a good tool,” the 29-year-old says. face-to-face conversation. However, Loewen points out that in today’s “I think it’s easier to hear people and get social media landscape, it is difficult to com- their perspective” in person, he says. “It’s plete with Facebook. He points to Google+ one thing to have a conversation digitally as an example. When Google’s foray into via text or Facebook comments, but it’s social media launched last fall, many people a completely other thing to sit with that created accounts to check it out. Six months person in the same room . . . People com- later, the buzz has fizzled out and the majority municate with more than just words, and of people have stuck with Facebook for their it’s hard to communicate that when you’re social networking needs. leaving comments on Facebook pages or For Chris Lenshyn, the associate pas- even on blogs.” tor at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Loewen agrees that Facebook has its Abbotsford, B.C., Facebook is an effect- drawbacks, but he has also seen how the ive tool to communicate with the church’s site has been a boon to the work that pas- youth group. tors at Level Ground do. “The majority of the youth are on “[Facebook is] kind of like if there was a Facebook often,” the 31-year-old says. coffee shop in town that was the place to “It’s the primary way that I get in touch be and everyone was there, and whenever with them about stuff. Some things war- people were there, they shared things about rant a phone call, some things warrant a how their day was going and how their Facebook message, and it’s pretty much a life was,” Loewen muses. “You as a pastor guarantee that my [youth] will receive the would want to be at that coffee shop. You Facebook message and will respond to it.” would want to be at the place where it’s all Lenshyn also posts on Mennonite going down, where it’s all happening.” Church Canada’s Facebook page. A ques- “There are pros and cons [to Facebook], tion he posted at the end of January about but this is a place where so much is hap- Mennonite theology and masculinity start- pening,” he adds. “How can we as a church ed a 98-comment discussion on the topic. not engage that and use that as a tool, and Lenshyn says he found the discussion connect with people in the space where helpful, but ultimately, he hopes that they are, rather than expecting them to any connections made—and discussions come to us?” l Lenshyn Going all the way Youth discuss commitments through the lens of love, sex and baptism

By Ben Borne Special to Young Voices WALDHEIM, SASK.

ove, sex, and baptism are seemingly conversation, Fast Dueck asked the question Lunrelated topics, but according to during the opening session, “What does it Irma Fast Dueck, they each involve a deep take for us to go the whole distance? To go commitment. all the way?” Roughly sixty youth, youth pastors, and It is important for the church to talk to youth sponsors gathered on the last week- youth about commitment because they end of January at Shekinah Retreat Centre don’t see it modeled elsewhere, said Anna near Waldheim, Sask., to hear Fast Dueck, Rehan, youth minister for Mennonite share her insight into what seems like a Church Saskatchewan. “Everything is strange union of topics on the surface. To about instant gratification, one-night relate these ideas and shape the weekend’s stands, if it feels good do it,” she said in Borne 36 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

an email, “adults are leaving relationships act of committing to the church and be- for something better . . . or different, they coming a member through the waters of don’t want to have to work at things and it’s baptism is low. easier to start again.” For Hamm, one of the possible reasons Fast Dueck had the youth discuss the for low commitment in relationships and social issue of co-habitation, and what to the church is that, “commitment is one the implications of co-habitation were for of the scariest things for teenagers, and youth and young adults who were consid- they only show their commitment when ering living together before marriage. they are forced to, not when they feel ready Fast Dueck, associate professor of to commit.” Practical Theology at Canadian Mennonite Fast Dueck remedied the fear by pre- University, presented research from the senting the idea that what we believe about National Marriage Project at the University water, the church believes about baptism. of Virginia that suggested, “the quality of We believe that water cleans and nourishes relationships for those who cohabit pre- us. Also we believe water is a force to be Youth gather in the Timber Lodge main marriage report poor relationships.” reckoned with, it kills us. worship space at the senior high retreat Two youth from Wildwood Mennonite “In baptism, you lose your identity. In at Shekinah Retreat Centre. Church, Emily Hamm and Ian Epp, said Christ you are not the definitions you Fast Dueck’s message made an impression, define yourself by. In baptism, we drown “Ads, TV shows, and movies show that you those definitions. In baptism, we are all don’t need to be committed for things to brothers and sisters, that is the miracle of work in relationship,” Epp said. baptism.” she said. Hamm agrees with Epp, adding that, After leaving the retreat, Hamm left with “There are so many misconceptions, espe- a certainty that baptism was not about cially on the topic of living together before having all the answers, “getting baptized marriage, that hearing the facts and statis- doesn’t necessarily mean you know every- tics first is extremely important,” she said. thing, It means you simply want to learn For Silas Friesen discussing commitment more,” she said. is important because of our consumer so- For Epp, going into the retreat he felt ciety that encourages youth to keep look- unsure about committing to the church ing for something new and better. “We are through the sacrament of baptism. After, not of this world, we are of God’s world,” however, he may be in a different place. he said in an email, “Let us embrace the “I am on fence about it. But after I do think everlasting love and commitment of God about it more, and if I’m at that stage with by committing ourselves, in life or death, God, I could be ready to commit,” He said. sickness or health, to another.” By the end of an exhausting, fun-filled, Another facet of relationships explored and thoughtful weekend, Fast Dueck pre- this weekend, is the one formed with the sented a strong, unabashed message about church through baptism. One of the key baptism, love and sex, and challenged the problems that link the issue of co-habitation youth’s future commitment to each other and baptism together is the issue of low per- and to the church. sonal commitment. Epp feels that there is a For Hamm, she felt strongly that Fast very real problem with youth not commit- Dueck put fears to rest regarding the idea ting to things like relationships. He feels that of baptism and what it implied. “Irma was this is an area that youth can work on. great at putting baptism into perspective, “The reality is, youth need to learn to fol- and taking the confusion and fear out of it low through with things, whether it would for us,” she said. l be school work, jobs, relationships, and all things that need a certain level of commit- Ben Borne is a fourth year student at ment,” Epp said. Canadian Mennonite University studying Fast Dueck emphasized that while in- Biblical and Theological Studies with terest is high in Church and Christianity a minor in Music. He currently attends among youth and young adults, the actual Hope Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, Man. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 37

Assembly 2012 keynote ΛΛUpcoming speakers announced Call for biblical artwork Mennonite Church Canada WINNIPEG, MAN. Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery is looking for artwork that will “dust off hree biblical scholars and a humor- biblically to the influences and challenges the Bible for the 21st century,” at the Tist will be the keynote presenters at of the 21st century. Study sessions will be Mennonite Church Canada assembly this year’s Mennonite Church Canada enhanced by daily worship. in Richmond, B.C. July 12-15, 2012. Assembly to be held in Vancouver July 12- On Friday, July 13, Mennonite Church Artists are invited to submit scripture- 15 on the theme, “Dusting off the Bible for British Columbia is hosting a special sup- based artworks for possible inclusion in the 21st Century.” They include Tom Yoder per event open to all, including those who an assembly exhibition. Each accepted Neufeld, professor of religious studies and are not registered for Assembly. Worship artwork will be placed with a Bible peace and conflict studies at Conrad Grebel services on Saturday evening (14th) and opened to the specific text referenced University College; Gerald Gerbrandt, Sunday morning (15th) are also open to by the art. Send digital images of sub- president of Canadian Mennonite all. In addition, local Assembly planners mitted artworks, along with an explan- University; Sheila Klassen-Wiebe, asso- are developing special activities for youth ation, name of artist, size and medium/ ciate professor of New Testament, CMU; and young adults. media to Ray Dirks at rdirks@mennon- and video presentations of actor, director Registration for Assembly 2012 has begun. itechurch.ca. Artists can submit up to and humorist, Ted Swartz. All those who plan to attend are encouraged three artworks for consideration. Participants will gather at the Sheraton to register by May 15 to save a late registra- —Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery Vancouver Airport where they will have tion fee, streamline their arrival, and receive access to an onsite prayer room, a display confirmation and other helpful informa- of Mennonite Church Canada Resource tion prior to the Assembly. Registration Centre materials, and the opportun- closes on June 15th. ity to tour an art exhibit of pieces based Further details will on Scripture. For the past 18 months, be posted on www. Canadian School Mennonite Church Canada’s Faith and Life mennonitechurch. of Committee (FLC) has been developing a ca/vancouver2012 Peacebuilding AN INSTITUTE OF CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY platform to renew focus on biblical inter- as they become pretation, equipping churches to respond available. l

ΛΛCalendar British Columbia Saskatchewan March 2: MC B.C. LEADership March 11: RJC Guys and Pies Conference at Emmanuel Mennonite fundraising event. Church, Abbotsford. March 23-24: Songfest at First March 3: MC B.C. annual meeting Mennonite Church, Saskatoon with and 75th anniversary celebration and Clayton Braybrook conducting; (23) banquet. Registration at 6:30 p.m. and session March 31, April 1: Lenten Vespers at 7 p.m.; (24) sessions at 9 a.m. and 1 with Abendmusik Choir (31) at p.m., with a program at 7:30 p.m. Emmanuel Free Reformed Church, April 24: RJC/CMU choir concert at Abbotsford, 8 p.m.; (1) Knox United Osler Mennonite, at 7 p.m. Church, Vancouver, 8 p.m. Offering to May 16: RJC choir spring concert, at Menno Simons Centre. 7:30 p.m. April 27-29: Junior youth Impact May 26: RJC fundraising golf retreat at Camp Squeah. tournament, at Valley Regional Park. May 5: MC B.C. Women’s Inspirational June 22,23: RJC year-end musical Day at Bethel Mennonite Church, performances. Langley. 38 Canadian Mennonite February 20, 2012

Manitoba Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. For more information, or to register, 745-8458 May 31: Westgate Mennonite contact Denise Bender at 519-656- April 27-28: Engaged workshop March 2: Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Grade 10-12 spring 2005. Advance registration is required. (affiliated with the Mennonite and Collegiate gala concert. concert, at Bethel Mennonite Church, March 24: Elmira meat canning Brethren Marriage Encounter), at March 4: Mennonite Community Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. fundraising breakfast, at Calvary United Milverton Mennonite Fellowship. Orchestra and CMU Choir in concert. Church, St. Jacobs, at 8 a.m. Speaker: For more information, or to register, March 8: MCI, Gretna, Open House, Ontario John Hillegass, MCC meat canning contact Denise Bender at 519-656- supper and musical at 5:30 p.m. Call coordinator. For tickets, call 519-745- 2005. Advance registration is required. 204-327-5891 to register. March 3: Menno Singers performs 8458. Proceeds to MCC Elmira meat April 27-28: MC Eastern Canada : MCI, Gretna, presents its “Choral Romantics,” the centrepiece of March 8-10 canning project. annual church gathering; Leamington. spring musical, The Pirates of Penzance, which is Dvorak’s Mass in D Major, at March 30-April 1: Marriage Encounter May 6: Pax Christi Chorale’s 25th at Buhler Hall. For tickets, call 204-327- St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener, weekend at Jericho House, Port anniversary gala concert featuring 5891. at 8 p.m. Colborne. Contact Marjorie Roth at Elgar’s The Kingdom, at Koerner Hall, : CMU Peace-it-Together. March 7: Grand opening, Mount March 9-11 519-669-8667 or [email protected]. Toronto, at 3 p.m. With the Youth For more information, visit cmu.ca/pit. Forest branch of Mennonite Savings April 14: MC Eastern Canada youth Choir, orchestra and soloists. : MCC Manitoba spring and Credit Union, 116 Main St. N., March 10 Bible quizzing; at East Zorra Mennonite banquet with John Janzen, Kennert Mount Forest. For more information Church, Tavistock. To ensure timely publication of Giesbrecht and Tina Fehr Kehler call 888-509-6728 or visit www.mscu. April 16: New Hamburg Mennonite upcoming events, please send speaking about Low German com. Relief Sale promotion dinner at Calendar announcements eight programs. Call Paul at 1-888-622-6337. March 12,13: Grandparent/ Bingeman’s, Kitchener, 6:30 p.m. Guest weeks in advance of the event March 12-13: CMU presents the Grandchild Days at Hidden Acres speaker: Phil Enns, returned MCC date by e-mail to calendar@ Proclaiming the Claims of Christ Mennonite Camp. This retreat is for worker, Indonesia. For tickets call 519- canadianmennonite.org. Lectures. grandparents and their grandchildren March 16: CMU campus visit day. in grades 1 to 6. For more information, March 17: CMU Friesens Arts Café, call 519-625-8602 or e-mail info@ ΛΛClassifieds featuring Dustin Wiebe playing hiddenacres.ca. Balinese Gamelan music. March 15,16: Bechtel Lectures at Travel March 19: Westgate Mennonite Conrad Grebel Chapel, at 7:30 p.m. Collegiate fundraising banquet, at the Speaker: John D. Roth. Topics: “The Visit Europe the Mennonite Way! Mennonite Heritage Tours Marlborough Hotel, Winnipeg, at 6 p.m. challenge of church unity in Anabaptist 2012: 10-18 day Hotel Tours fo- April 4: Jazz at CMU. tradition (15); “What has Zurich to do cussing on Mennonite heritage April 12: Winnipeg and area with Addis Ababa? Ecclesial identity in Holland, Germany, Poland, celebration banquet for CMU. in the global Anabaptist church” (16). Belgium and Switzerland. www. mennoniteheritagetours.eu April 21: MCI, Gretna, fundraising For more information, visit grebel. supper, “God’s Kingdom: Here and uwaterloo.ca/bechtel. Abroad,” 6 p.m. March 16-17: Engaged workshop May 30: Westgate Mennonite (affiliated with the Mennonite and Employment Opportunities Collegiate Grade 7 to 9 spring Brethren Marriage Encounter), at Living concert, at Bethel Mennonite Church, Water Fellowship, New Hamburg.

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY Notice 41st Annual General Meeting CAREER OPPORTUNITY Saturday, March 24, 2011 6:00 pm Administrative Assistant Toronto United Mennonite Church CMU Registrar’s Office 1774 Queen Street East, Toronto ON M4L 1G7 Full Time | Sixteen month term commencing April 2012 Banquet to follow

Tickets to the banquet are free of charge but must be Administrative Coordinator ordered in advance from Toronto United Mennonite Church. Menno Simons College Email: [email protected] Tel: 416-622-7850 Full Time | Commencing April 2012 A call for donations will be made at the end of the night.

Open to members of More information: http://www.cmu.ca/employment.html Mennonite Church Canada congregations. Call 204.487.3300 or Email [email protected] Canadian Mennonite Vol. 16 No. 4 39

NURSING DEPARTMENT CHAIR VACANCY

Eastern Mennonite University announces a full-time Depart- ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CAMPS WITH MEANING ment Chair position in Nursing beginning Fall 2013. Ph.D. in nursing or other terminal degree required. Experience Mennonite Church Manitoba invites applications for the full- in nursing education. Demonstrated leadership qualities time position of Associate Program Director for Camps with with excellent interpersonal skills. We are seeking a dynamic Meaning. This person will give leadership to the summer mission-driven faith-based nursing leader for the depart- camping and winter retreat ministry of Camps with Meaning, ment of nursing, which includes the traditional Baccalaureate including camp and retreat promotion; program design; Program, RN-BSN Adult Degree Program (Virginia & Lancaster, budget preparation and management; and summer staff and PA), and the MSN in Leadership and Management. Additional volunteer recruitment, training and support. responsibilities include facilitating compliance with and reporting to accreditation agencies. Represents nursing on Qualifications include experience in camping ministry; Undergraduate Council and reports to the Undergraduate Dean. excellent communication and management skills; and the ability to work well with staff and volunteers of all Twelve-month contract, salary determined by education and ages. The successful candidate must demonstrate a personal experience. Eastern Mennonite University uses an extended faith commitment to Jesus Christ, affirm the Camps with contract system. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, Meaning Statement of Faith, and uphold the vision and transcripts (unofficial acceptable), and three reference letters mission of Mennonite Church Manitoba. A complete job to Nancy R. Heisey, Vice President & Undergraduate Academic description is available at www.campswithmeaning.org. Dean, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or [email protected]. Applicants will be acknowledged by Application deadline is Tuesday, March 13th. Send resume in letter or email. Review begins immediately. Applicants will be confidence to: Justin Zacharias, Interim Director of Camping asked to respond to questions specific to EMU’s mission after Ministries, Camps with Meaning, 200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd., the initial inquiry. EMU reserves the right to fill the position at Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1; e-mail: [email protected]; any time or keep the position open. AAEO employer. We seek or phone: 204-362-6386. applicants who bring gender, ethnic, and cultural diversity. www.emu.edu

Mennonite Central Committee Ontario invites applications for the position of HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR Kitchener, Ontario PEACE MENNONITE CHURCH This position coordinates and manages all Human Resources RICHMOND, BC needs for MCC Ontario. Peace Mennonite Church invites applications for the full-time Qualifications include: position of Associate Pastor. • excellent interpersonal and relational skills This position places major focus on youth ministry and family • proficiency in administration ministries, along with a minor focus on general congregational • ability to work collegially in a team environment ministry. • previous MCC service experience preferred • education and/or experience in human resources work Applicants should have a relevant degree in Christian ministry, strongly preferred an understanding of contemporary Anabaptist theology, and an interest and ability to relate to young people. This position requires a person with a commitment to Chris- tian faith, active church membership and non-violent peace- Please send resumes either by mail to: The Search Committee, making. Peace Mennonite Church, 11571 Daniels Rd., Richmond, BC V6X 1M7, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Please send cover letter and resume to Cath Woolner at [email protected] by March 13, 2012. Starting date May 6, 2012. Complete job description available at mcc.org/ serve/positions/employment.

PROJECT MANAGER PROJECT MANAGER needed to develop new Sunday school curriculum for children and youth to be published by MennoMedia and Brethren Press. Responsibilities also Urgent senior line management include project oversight, staff recruitment and supervision. service opportunity: Must have experience or education in theology, Christian education, or publishing. Full-time, salaried position for the Area Director for length of the project, projected to be three to five years. Europe and Middle East Preference given to candidates who can work out of a Menno- Media or Mennonite Church office. MennoMedia is receiving applications at [email protected]. mcc.org/serve/positions/volunteer L eonard ) an /D hoto (MCC P (MCC

Halima (last name unknown) uses water from one of the MCC-supported water projects in Ethiopia. She and her family fled from Mogadishu, Somalia, to avoid conflict and violence. Not going home any time soon Somalis fleeing famine and political instability could remain refugees for years

By Linda Espenshade Mennonite Central Committee

hen MCC representative Dan they have no livestock or land, but because Dollo Ado, where many people have ar- WLeonard visited Dollo Ado refugee of the violence and instability. At this point, rived traumatized and vulnerable. camp in late December, he was struck by they can’t leave the camps for other cities “When you travel through the camp you the reality that the 150,000 Somali refugees in Ethiopia, either.” don’t just see pain. You see children playing who found safety and food in Ethiopia were “I fear for them,” said Leonard, who with soccer and families laughing. Many people not going home any time soon. Somali his spouse Karin Kliewer, also an MCC traveled with neighbours from Somalia refugees have been streaming out of their representative, live in Addis Abada, the and so you see genuine community and country since last summer to escape fam- capital of Ethiopia. “Donor money will old friends. ine and political instability. dry up when this is off the headlines, but “And when you see the smile on the face Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) the need is not going away.” Kliewer and of a young girl getting water at water points has committed $5.5 million in response to Leonard are from Winnipeg, Man. that you are supporting and she tells you the drought and food crisis that has been With $1.1 million, MCC is working to that one of the hardest things she is facing gradually growing in East Africa since 2010 respond to needs for water, sanitation and is the adjustment to new food, you can’t as two poor rainy seasons left subsistence skills training. MCC funding purchases help but smile in return. farmers and pastoralists with little food, supplies needed to pump, hold and deliv- “I do truly hope that the hardest thing livestock or money. er well water for about 70,000 people. In she faces in this camp is tasteless food,” In Dollo Ado, located in the southeastern addition, MCC is supporting creation of Leonard said. “These young women have a tip of Ethiopia, Leonard said, the refugees latrines and education about sanitation. hard life, but they can also be saints among “can’t go back to Somalia, not just because Leonard saw signs of hope, even in u s .” l