April 18, 2011 Volume 15 Number 8

M a Rediscoveringr ypg. 16 inside In defence of MCC and Wineskins 4 Saskatchewan annual general meeting 18 Churches unite to help Japan victims 24 2 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Editorial formation? There are 18 different bills dealing with issues aligned with our faith beliefs listed Vote your core beliefs on the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Ottawa website: Canada’s immi- Dick Benner gration and refugee protection policies, Editor/Publisher criminal records, consumer protec- tion, free trade between Canada and hile we won’t endorse can- more comfortable and authentic doing Colombia, corporate accountability for didates of the five political service assignments in far-off Kenya or oil and gas mining, prevention of climate Wparties in the upcoming May Haiti, noble a calling as these creative change, respect for conscientious objec- 2 election, or tell you how to vote, we do acts of kindness are. We shy away from tion to the use of taxes for military pur- ask Mennonite voters to both examine the public square because of its noise, its poses, elimination of poverty in Canada, the political views and voting records of deception, its glamorous media mirages, and regulation of corporate practices in candidates regarding our deeply its repetitive inability to walk the the purchase of minerals from the Great held core beliefs in peacemaking, talk, its cyclical broken promises. Lakes Region of Africa. compassion for the poor and care “It’s all such a fraud,” we say in Unfortunately, the political voices with for creation before placing your disgust to ourselves and our friends. a background in our core beliefs—such ballot in the ballot box. And then, wanting to be good as Vic Toews, Canada’s Public Security With the rise in militarism as an citizens, we inadvertently fall in Minister who was born in Paraguay to unquestioned solution to increas- line with the partisan culture of our a Mennonite refugee family—have suc- ing terrorism, with the economy too often times, voting in the self-interests on which cumbed to the fear-mongering of the built on the backs of the poor and most most candidates build their platforms. present government by postponing Bill vulnerable, and with the corporate greed There is an alternative to this. We ap- C-49, which would provide a safe haven apparent in providing our never-satisfied peal to you to rise above your cynicism, for refugees and not return them to their hunger for fossil fuel-supplied energy, this to take seriously the call to be, in this country of origin. Instead, Toews has is the opportune moment to ask the tough case, countercultural as the “salt” in an called the Tamils who came to our shores questions of those wanting our vote. unjust world. last year, “terrorists.” Much of the campaign rhetoric has Fortunately, there are impatient voices And in a recent hearing regarding bypassed many of these issues, but they calling us to action. In a recent letter the much-publicized ballyhoo of should matter most for those of us who to the editor (Jan. 24, page 14), peace International Co-operation Minister Bev claim to follow Jesus, who came to bring advocate Gerhard Neufeld of Winnipeg, Oda’s “not” funding of a $7 million CIDA peace, not a sword; who threw out the Man., called us to pay special atten- grant for Kairos, the church-based aid money-changers of the ancient Jerusalem tion to Bill C-447, which languished in group of which MCC is a partner, Harold temple because the religious establish- Parliament after its first reading in March Albrecht, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga, ment was exploiting the poor; and who 2010 until the dissolution of Parliament Ont., went to some lengths to distance told the rich young ruler to “sell all his last month. This Act, supported by himself from Mennonites, clarifying goods and give the proceeds to the poor” Mennonite Church Canada, seeks to that he was a member of the Brethren if he wanted eternal life. In today’s par- establish a Department of Peace with its in Christ (BIC) denomination. Even lance that would be cut to, “Get a life!” own minister at the federal level. This though BICs are of the same commun- Historically, we have been far too proposed legislation needs a push from ion, as members of Mennonite World quiet and passive on these matters. Our the grassroots to initiate ongoing discus- Conference, it seemed more important acculturation in recent years has dulled sions as a viable alternative to war. for him to dissociate himself from our our consciences and silenced our wit- Does your favourite candidate know core beliefs than to come to grips with ness. With a certain smugness we feel about this and will he/she advocate its the political motives of denying the grant.

About the cover: ‘Mother of Lovingkindness,’ by Jerry Holsopple, 2011, acrylic and gold Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at leaf on wood; based on the 15th-century Russian icon, ‘Vladimir Mother 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ of God.’ ‘The faces of Mary and Jesus touch, showing us the deep love canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- between them,’ says Holsopple, whose works were shown at the ‘Mary in dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at our web site. We acknowledge the financial support Anabaptist Dress’ Conference at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, of the Government of Canada through the Canada last month. See story on page 16. Periodical Fund for our publishing activities. ISSN Photo: Jerry holsopple, eastern mennonite university 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 In defence of MCC and Wineskins 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contents‘Readers deserve another perspective’ on the Wineskins process, in light 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 of previous criticism in the pages of Canadian Mennonite, according to WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 Robert J. Suderman, a member of the MCC New Wine/Wineskins Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 task force. Plus, , MCC executive secretary emeritus, looks Web site: canadianmennonite.org John A. Lapp back on the organization’s 90 years of meritorious service. Please send all material to be considered for publication to: General submission address: [email protected] Rediscovering Mary 16 Readers Write: [email protected] AMBS gathers scholars, pastors and others to ponder what Milestones announcements: [email protected] Mary, the mother of Jesus, might look like in Anabaptist Obituaries: Lisa Metzger, [email protected] dress. ‘I am grateful to be part of a learning community . . . Calendar announcements: [email protected] that has the courage to invite us back into our own history Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/Obituaries/ . . . for a fresh look at the treasure that there is in Mary’s story,’ says AMBS Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. president Sara Wenger Shenk. Reprint requests: [email protected] ‘A light in the darkness’ 26 Mission statement: Canadian Mennonite (CM) is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ MDS begins work in a remote B.C. First Nations commu- Mennonite-oriented periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing accurate nity. Plus, read about the continuing work of MDS along and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, and news the U.S. Gulf Coast, and in Tennessee, along with a brief and analyses of issues facing the church. In fulfilling its mission, the primary con- report about the need for MDS to make budget cuts. stituency of CM is the people and churches of Mennonite Church Canada and its More than making a profit 32 five related area churches.CM also welcomes readers from the broader inter-Men- Paul Tiessen, owner of Action OfficeI nteriors, Saskatoon, Sask., won- nonite and inter-church scene. Editorial freedom is expressed through seeking and speaking the truth in love and by providing a balance of perspectives in news and ders if business owners are almost obligated to give, since they have the commentary. CM will be a vehicle through which mutual accountability can be wealth. exercised within the community of believers; the paper also encourages its readers A clear statement about stuttering 34 to have open hearts and minds in the process of discerning God’s will. CMU university student Erin Weaver praises The King’s Speech, saying Board of Directors (by appointing body): its ‘flaws are as forgivable as a few stuttered words uttered by a reluctant MC Canada: Ed Janzen, Les Klassen Hamm, Joon Hyoung Park, Doreen Martens; king.’ MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: James Moyer; MC Saskatchewan: Joe Neufeld; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; Focus on Fair Trade 36 MC Eastern Canada: Tim Reimer; Read about MEDA’s role in helping a Peruvian banana co-operative CMPS: Carl DeGurse, Margaret Ewen Peters, Tobi Thiessen maintain the certification standards required by the fair trade and Board Chair: Tobi Thiessen, [email protected], 416-622-7850 organic industries. Head Office Staff: Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Regular features: Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] For discussion 7 Readers write 8 Milestones 15 Pontius’ Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Puddle 15 Schools Directory 35 Calendar 37 Classifieds 38 Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Vote your core beliefs 2 Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Dick Benner Advertising Manager: Lisa Metzger, [email protected], toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Some ‘last things’ 9 Jim Shantz Correspondents: Rachel Bergen, National Correspondent, [email protected], 204-885- Relax 10 2565 ext. 259; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], Phil Wagler 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, Humble labour, profound obscurity 11 [email protected], 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan Correspondent, [email protected], 306-933-4209; Will Braun Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected], 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, ec@ Online NOW! at canadianmennonite.org canadianmennonite.org, 519-579-7258. New book interprets church apologetics: Jennifer Konkle Award-winning Election tools for your church: Dan Dyck member of the Canadian Church Press Blanket exercise (full version + video clip): Dick Benner In defence of MCC and Wineskins ‘Readers deserve another perspective’ By Robert J. Suderman

anadian Mennonite has dedicated significant analysis to the Mennonite Central Committee C(MCC) Wineskins process (Dick Benner’s Nov. 29, 2010 editorial, “Congregations, too, want ‘new wineskins,’ ” page 2; and Will Braun’s articles, “MCC centrality questioned,” Nov. 29, 2010, page 4, and “MCC revisioning loses connection with people in the pew,” Feb. 21, page 23). The last article by Braun has convinced me that an- other perspective also needs to be heard. In that article Braun correctly suggests that “perhaps by focusing on larger issues, some of the internal matters would have fallen into place more easily.” Unfortunately, the rest of his analysis does not reflect this insight. It is this discon- nect that requires a second look; Canadian Mennonite readers deserve another perspective. As one of the 34 members of the MCC New Wine/ Wineskins task force, one of those who listened to the several thousand people who spoke on behalf of churches, partners, staff, and boards, I wish to respond. Three larger issues The Wineskins process responded to three larger issues [Will] Braun’s assertion that the that were repeatedly identified by the voices consulted: Wineskins process somehow • Are MCC’s strategic programming and disconnected MCC from the methodological foci still needed and good for the world of the 21st century? pews is unfounded. Indeed, By asking this question, the “urgent needs facing humanity” were considered, including many not men- the connection ‘with people in tioned by Braun. Indeed, the lion’s share of the time was the pew’ is unprecedented. dedicated to discussing the urgent agenda facing the world. The answer to this question was resoundingly Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 5

positive: MCC’s gifts continue to be 90-year history of MCC being a North not make the process easier, but it did urgently needed around the world. American organization. make it much better. This positive answer was not predict- In a world in which ministry from able. It is possible for large organizations North America is often characterized as Inaccuracies exposed to lose touch with their mission. In the colonial, imperialistic and culturally in- In his February article, Braun contends case of MCC, the voices from all sectors sensitive, this is surely critical agenda to that the Wineskins process was “grafted unanimously confirmed the continuing investigate and consult about, important onto the internal restructuring” of MCC. important role of MCC in today’s world. not only for existing and potential new This, too, is inaccurate.

• Should MCC maintain its [Will Braun] does not give sufficient credit to Christian/Anabaptist/ecclesial identity, ownership and focus? the wealth of experience, and the positive and By asking this question, the summits significant wisdom from around the world that talked at length about “new ways to apply the best of our faith traditions to the was spoken and heard via the consultations. burning needs of the world.” The answer to this question also was not predict- partners, but perhaps more importantly The larger issues of program priorities, able; indeed, there are admirable and for the existing and historic owners of strategic methodologies, ecclesial iden- tempting models that point to different MCC. The very fact that the question was tity and global accountability were front preferences. These alternative models so central was a clear signal of MCC’s and centre, and were dealt with seriously. were alive and passionately articulated by past successes in relating to churches They should not be brushed aside by some of the voices. and ministry partners in many countries Braun’s focus and critique of “internal” Clarifying this question was important around the world. Others wanted to be a dynamics. and timely. There is no doubt that there part of a very good thing. Contrary to Braun, I would suggest had been erosion in other directions, and The Wineskins process heard prefer- that the consequent focus on internal it was important to test this big-picture ences quite different from those of the reorganization, cross-border dynamics question at this time in MCC’s history. MWC process, partly because of the and internal tensions does not indicate These answers, too, were overwhelmingly different audiences that were consulted. that these have taken over the “large positive. In the Wineskins process there was issues,” but that, indeed, “internal matters Braun’s assertion that the Wineskins interest in broadening the governance of [are falling] into place more easily,” just as process somehow disconnected MCC MCC via the potential formation of new he hopes for. from the pews is unfounded. Indeed, the national MCCs in other countries that Implementing relevant strategic min- connection “with people in the pew” is would adhere to the MCC “brand.” This istry initiatives to address the complex- unprecedented. The final Wineskins very important outcome is not reflected ities of the world as an expression of the documents highlight this connection in a in Braun’s November article. body of Christ broken for the world, with stronger way than ever before in MCC’s In the MWC process that took place a commitment to share power, authority history, according to some of the knowl- in Ethiopia, existing agencies were and resources on a global scale, are very edgeable voices. consulted. They expressed no interest in significant outcomes of the Wineskins becoming “little MCCs,” but expressed a process. Given the history and present • Given that MCC’s program- great deal of interest for an extended net- realities of MCC, none of these could ming is local/global, should work of existing agencies for enhanced be taken for granted. It is a gross mis- its ownership and governance information-sharing, cooperation and understanding of the Wineskins process reflect the local/global reality potential partnerships. to characterize it as a facade for internal of MCC’s program? So there were two answers to the tensions and cross-border bickering. Braun asserts that this question “hap- question about globalization: The system Braun suggests that the process does pened largely via a parallel MWC should be open for other potential not “show robust links between the [Mennonite World Conference] process.” MCCs to join the existing governance grassroots consultations and Wineskins This is not accurate. structures; and a North American MCC outcomes.” This, too, is inaccurate. Not The question of whether and how should network and partner effectively only are the outcomes closely linked to ownership, accountability and govern- with other sister agencies and MWC the consultations, but they will also serve ance of MCC could be shared beyond member-churches around the world. to reconnect the people in the pews to North American borders was front and MCC should be commended for the authentic and integral global ministry, centre in the Wineskins process from the serious manner in which it engaged the perhaps as never before. very beginning. It was a legitimate and world church via MWC. Taking seriously The internal administrative complex- very important question to ask, given the the preferences of the global church did ities and the cross-border tensions of 6 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

MCC should be acknowledged and not consultations), and partial/parochial (it the former Soviet Union and Western under-estimated. Braun does us a favour reduces the outcomes to internal North Europe to Canada, the United States, by identifying them as critical agenda American concerns). He does not give Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. for Wineskins. His preference that the sufficient credit to the wealth of experi- Now reflecting back on MCC and my Wineskins process should have focused ence, and the positive and significant years of close involvement in it from 1969- on “larger issues, and to allow the smaller wisdom from around the world that was 98, with some understanding of MCC details to fall more easily into place” is spoken and heard via the consultations. before and since my involvement, I’d like also laudable. The Wineskins process has not only re- to share some attributes that seem to me This is indeed what happened, and affirmed the critical connection between to have been integral to the MCC story. what is now happening in the attempt the pew and MCC, it has also extended As a constituency organization, MCC to restructure MCC based on the the tent in terms of where these pews can is part of a church movement that Wineskins outcomes. And it is here that be situated and what their contribution includes mission agencies, educational Braun’s analysis goes off track: He now can be. The Wineskins process has as- institutions, mutual aid, mental hospitals, highlights the “smaller details” as though sured that the “pew” will also be integral local welfare activities, vital congrega- they have become the “larger issues.” This in providing guidance, direction and tions and conferences. Their collective is unfortunate. governance to MCC. These outcomes achievements have a lot to do with any It weakens his analysis substantially, are critically important. They cannot be MCC successes. Yet it is difficult not to making it incomplete/narrow (it does not taken for granted, and they call for our take great satisfaction in the recognition do justice to the depth and breadth of the support. l MCC has received for good work. One of the nicest compliments came from the evangelical historian, Mark Noll, A Reflection on 90 Years of Service who, a decade ago, wrote: “The best evan- gelicalism is the tireless, unpretentious, but absolutely stunning achievements of the Salvation Army and the [MCC].” What has made I’m pleased he included another agency in his assessment; others could be named. Indeed, MCC is part of a larger church and public commitment to human well- MCC work well? being at home and abroad. MCC benefits By John A. Lapp from the imagination of other church MCC Executive Secretary Emeritus traditions, international Mennonite in- terests, and a variety of support mechan- grew up with the admo- for evidence of this observa- isms from the Canadian and American nition, “self-praise stinks,” a tion. I hope he could make the governments, United Nations agencies Iphrase best expressed in the same assessment today. and numerous host governments. Pennsylvania-German dialect. I suspect Snyder made this Whatever MCC’s achievements, it is During my years as executive positive judgment based on not as an independent agency. Rather, secretary of Mennonite Central the deep and wide spiritual it is a participant in a widely based and Committee (MCC) from 1985- and financial support of MCC widely supported movement to assist 96, I was reluctant to be too from the Mennonite, Brethren refugees; provide food, water and cloth- overtly enthusiastic about this in Christ and Amish constitu- ing for suffering people; bear witness for well-regarded service ministry. I also encies in the U.S. and Canada, and the social justice; and work for peace among believe in the imperative of personal and extraordinary talent, dedication, practi- nations and peoples. organizational self-criticism. However, cality and discipleship commitments after 90 years it may be appropriate to of MCC workers frequently placed in Top 20 list consider what has made MCC work well. difficult and isolated situations. In the mode of list-making, here are 20 My long-time predecessor at MCC, He surely included the risks MCC took keys that come to mind for the achieve- William T. Snyder, may have had fewer to embark on major programs in con- ments of MCC: qualms about speaking well about flicted regions such as post-war Europe; 1. Being explicitly Christian always and MCC. He told a number of people in the with Palestinian refugees in the West everywhere ministering “in the name of 1970s—if not in a public statement—that Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq Christ.” MCC, without a doubt, was the best after 1948; early involvements in warring 2. Being explicitly inter-Mennonite— church-sponsored service and relief South Korea and South Vietnam; helping MCC is a deliberately cooperative effort, agency, although I don’t recall asking him to facilitate movements of refugees from locally and globally addressing human Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 7

suffering and injustice. ‘The best evangelicalism is the tireless, unpretentious, 3. Being both a Canadian and American church organization transcending the but absolutely stunning achievements of the Salvation pervasiveness of national identities. Army and the Mennonite Central Committee.’ 4. Utilizing a large committed base of workers, mostly younger people, and (Mark Noll, evangelical historian) involving thousands more in supportive fundraising activities. Material resources the direction and supervision of local or- Service Committee, Christian Reformed have been a significant ingredient in ganizations and churches. More and more, Relief and Development, Church World MCC ministries. MCC work is done by local workers. Service, Lutheran World Relief, and on- 5. While rooted in the Brethren in Christ 14. MCC is prepared to go to difficult location church and action groups—but and Mennonite ethos, including num- places, imagine unconventional programs, it also strives to make a unique contribu- erous volunteers from other religious and act in a sensitive, respectful, proph- tion in a unique manner. traditions who share the Mennonite etic manner. MCC work includes specific 19. MCC work is centred on such themes conscience and concern, and find MCC a development projects and long-term as church, peace, emergency relief, rec- congenial agency for Christian service. relationships reaching over many decades. onciliation, presence, community rooted, 6. MCC is not a specialist organization, 15. MCC is a growing organization that and pioneer. but develops programs appropriate to adapts to time and place. Since 1930, 20. MCC is noteworthy as a church time, place and local interests and needs. it has strongly supported Mennonite agency in using lay—non-ordained— MCC is a service, not a solution, believ- World Conference while also listening to females and males in its executive offices. ing that process is as essential as product. other church voices. 7. MCC refuses to be simply a financial 16. MCC is not prepared to be the formal This is obviously one person’s list. It resource, believing that people involve- agent of governmental policy, but it has would benefit from the insights of others ment is an imperative in all its activities. pioneered projects that governments on and may be dated. Its greatest value may 8. MCC rightly has a reputation for occasion later adopt. MCC is apprehen- be in stimulating other thoughts and re- stretching dollars, careful expenditures sive of much government funding. finements, above all in encouraging new and open books, with a smaller spread in 17. MCC prefers the role of bearing wit- labourers in the energizing work of God’s salaries than many peer organizations. ness, rather than being a strategy for the kingdom. MCC is, above all, a ministry of 9. MCC majors in supporting indige- church or society. dedicated people incarnating good news nous activities, rather than organizing 18. MCC finds it peer community among amidst the strains and stresses of the and managing its own programs. MCC similar agencies—American Friends constantly changing world situation. l strives to listen carefully to local voices and nurture local strengths. 10. MCC highlights cooperation, ex- change, interchange with local bodies— ΛΛFor discussion often churches that are frequently other than Mennonite, Amish or Brethren in 1. What aid agencies do the people of your congregation support? Do Mennonites in Christ. MCC is accustomed to ecumen- Canada see Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as primary or just one of many ical involvement, but strongly believes agencies? How strong is the connection between MCC and the people in the pew? that programs should have integrity for Does your congregation distinguish between the work of your provincial organization supportive peoplehood. and the national or international parts of MCC? 11. While MCC may profess few achieve- 2. Robert J. Suderman argues that the Wineskins process clarified some important ments, it is rich with stories and testimon- questions about how MCC operates. How important is it for Mennonite institutions ies of workers taking up residence in a to clarify these types of questions? How concerned are you that “internal administra- variety of situations for the cause of Christ. tive complexities” and “cross-border tensions” remain in MCC? Can sharp differences 12. MCC is not impressed by the size in opinion be interpreted as passionate concern? of programs or media hype; rather, by the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit and 3. Is this generation of Mennonites more critical of Mennonite institutions than relationships with churches and commu- the former generation? What are the advantages and disadvantages of large church nities that share common concerns. institutions? 13. MCC, with its deeply held convic- 4. What would you list as the top achievements of MCC? What are its strengths and tions and practices, includes a remarkably weaknesses? Should MCC Canada continue to work with multi-denominational diverse group of volunteers. Some work- organizations such as Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Kairos? What should the rela- ers challenge MCC to make even better tionship be between MCC and Mennonite World Conference? things happen. Most workers serve under 8 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Viewpoints EE Election priorities for the Canadian Council of Churches ΛΛReaders write The following letter was sent to the leaders of the five We welcome your comments and publish most letters sent political parties contesting the May 2 federal election by subscribers intended for publication. This section is by Karen Hamilton, general secretary of the Canadian largely an open forum for the sharing of views. Letters are Council of Churches, of which Mennonite Church the opinion of the writer only—publication does not mean Canada is a member. endorsement by the magazine or the church. Keep letters to 400 words or less and address issues rather than indi- In view of the current federal election campaign, viduals. We do not countenance rancour or animosity. I would like to take this opportunity to put before Personal attacks are inappropriate and will not see the you the top priorities of the Canadian Council of light of print. Please send letters to be considered for pub- Churches. lication to [email protected] or by postal mail or fax, marked “Attn: Readers Write” (our address Poverty in Canada is on page 3). Letters should include the author’s contact The recent Interfaith Forum on Faith and Poverty information and mailing address. Letters are edited for on Parliament Hill ended with a commitment by all length, style and adherence to editorial guidelines. participants to work towards making ending poverty in Canada the No. 1 issue during this election. • What action will your party take to pass an historic EE Former MCC director laments Federal Anti-Poverty Act that ensures enduring ‘big failure’ of Wineskins process federal commitment and accountability for results with measurable goals and timelines, publicly compre- Re: “MCC ‘divorce’ a cause for confession, re- hensible indicators, and a means for monitoring and morse,” March 21, page 12. evaluating progress to reduce poverty? I, too, am saddened and indeed angered with the result of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Global poverty Wineskins process. Canada’s record on meeting the 0.7 percent target In his Feb. 21 article, “MCC revisioning loses con- for overseas development assistance (ODA) has been nection with people in the pew,” page 23, I think Will disappointing, and, despite some recent gains, ODA is Braun did a fine, spot-on analysis of what has hap- currently frozen under 0.3 percent. pened to MCC as a result of the Wineskins revisioning • What commitment will your party make to take process. all necessary steps to achieve the Millennium During the long, drawn-out process, they asked for Development Goals, invest 0.7 percent of gross na- constituency input, but in the end they dealt mainly tional income in development assistance in a transpar- with cross-border internal management problems, ent and accountable manner, and cancel debts of poor “which did not need constituency input.” countries without regressive conditions? I think the cost has been astronomical and, in the end, they have eroded a sense of ownership, dynamic Climate change voluntarism and general interest in the constituency. The Earth, our home, is a gift from the Creator. The I, too, would like to join Kreider’s request. Are there impacts of climate change adversely affect the most others who would wish to join now in an event of vulnerable, who are least responsible for it. The strat- gratitude for an MCC past, contrition for an MCC di- egy of promoting endless economic growth and high vided, and hope for an MCC renewed? consumption lifestyles that contribute to increased I would hope that Mennonite Church Canada ad- greenhouse gas emissions must be challenged and ministration would initiate a process and actually ask constrained. Wealthy countries like Canada must for a reconsideration of the result. come to a more profound understanding of the inter- In my opinion, the Wineskins process has been a big dependence of life and take courageous steps to care failure on the part of fellow Canadians on the board. for the planet. Peter H. Peters, Winnipeg, Man. • In the realm of climate change, what concrete plans will your party implement to ensure global average Peter H. Peters is a former executive director of MCC temperatures do not exceed a two-degree C increase Manitoba. from pre-industrial levels? Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 9

Canada’s role in Afghanistan programs, and responsive governance at local and We believe God desires peace in Afghanistan as district levels, as well as urging the international com- well as in Canada. In terms of political commitment munity to pursue diplomatic efforts to end the war? and dollars spent, Canada’s military investment in Afghanistan dwarfs our support for diplomatic A world without nuclear weapons solutions to the conflict, community reconciliation, In a recent letter from church leaders on the topic, and promoting human rights and development. they wrote, “We cannot conceive how the use of Non-military solutions to resolving the conflict are nuclear weapons could be justified and consistent with out of balance with military approaches pursued so the will of God, and we must, therefore, conclude that far. Meanwhile, excellent principles to ground new nuclear weapons must also be rejected as a means of and important non-military efforts are available in threat or deterrence.” the most recent consensus report of the House of • How will your party work towards achieving the vi- Commons Special Committee on Afghanistan. sion of a world without nuclear weapons, and publicly • How will your party work for peace in Afghanistan, and prominently recommit Canada to the energetic supporting Afghans in implementing reconciliation pursuit of the early elimination of all nuclear weapons?

From Our Leaders the “new age of the Spirit,” as some prom- inent authors and church statesmen have Some ‘last things’ put it, our feet are getting wet and we will either swim or drown! Jim Shantz There are some great training manuals out there to help us swim with the tide: ith 34 years of ministry, The variety of the Alberta landscape is a Gabe Lyons’ The Next Christians, Brian including almost nine years great metaphor for our churches! McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity, Was conference minister for For all the good will and harmony we and Stuart Murray’s Naked Anabaptist. Mennonite Church Alberta, behind me, enjoyed over the past several years, the As the final months move across the I am poignantly reminded that each challenges remain daunting. While a calendar, I found guest columnist Andy public event is my last, having announced handful of congregations are growing, Atkins article in the last Faith Today retirement for this summer. the majority remain on a plateau or are in issue helpful. He says, “I am a ‘finisher’ At our Alberta annual meeting last decline. Some are caught in sociological with a twist. Finisher is the term being month, I reflected on both the energizing factors beyond their control. used in mission circles for people who and challenging times. It has not been Our pastor’s circle enjoys good energy, finish their careers and decide against hard for me to name what energizes. but I wonder how we will fare as we face just kicking back. Instead, they immerse Perhaps it’s my love of driving and geography, Our pastor’s circle enjoys good energy, but I wonder how we but road trips are by far the most energiz- will fare as we face the sexuality question in the next years. ing, as they have been my “life line” to our pastors, leaders and the sexuality question in the next years. themselves, their life lessons, their skills congregations. (See “Being a faithful church,” April 4, and their expertise into some sort of My view from the conference minis- page 12.) Our core Anabaptist values get ministry.” ter’s seat has highlighted the crucial role tested especially around transitions and I resonate with his sentiments. I am pastors play in the health of a congrega- congregational conflicts. This is ironic looking for ways to discern what has tion. Congregational leaders and coun- at a time when many other evangelical gone before to shape a new direction cils are strategically positioned to effect and mainline groups are discovering our for myself, possibly in writing, speaking change and some are making new and theology as a gift for these perilous times. or life-coaching, with an emphasis on innovative changes. Perhaps the answer lies in how well peacemaking. I like to say our congregations are a we adapt to the giant “sea change” that wild, wooly and wonderful bunch— has been happening in our culture the Jim Shantz completes his term as confer- mostly wonderful—but on a few rare past several decades. Call it the “500-year ence minister of MC Alberta at the end of occasions, I scratch my head in wonder. rummage sale,” the “great emergence” or June. 10 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Convention on Cluster Munitions human trafficking in Canada? • When and under what conditions will Canada become a full state party to the Convention on Cluster Prisons and corrections Munitions by ratifying it? Many faith leaders have expressed concern that, in this time of financial cuts to important federal services, a Human trafficking in Canada significant increase in investment in the building of Human trafficking is a growing worldwide and new prisons is proposed. Increasing levels of incar- Canadian phenomenon that exploits and dehuman- ceration of marginalized people is counter-productive izes women. The issue is complex, multifaceted and and undermines human dignity. stretches across different levels of jurisdiction. • What commitments will your party make to enhance • What federal legislation will your party introduce to public safety through healthy communities that sup- better prevent, protect, prosecute and partner to end port individuals and families; that consider the impact

Outside the Box Relax Haiti would simply be glad for a house. Phil Wagler Your neighbours drown in a sea of debt as their marriage crumbles. That awkward was handed a paper that I shoved in passion of the cross, the depth of our kid on your child’s team is being abused. my pocket unread. But, later, the title sin, the glory of resurrection, the trans- Loneliness is pandemic. Countless many Icaught my attention as I was about formative power of the Holy Spirit and are heading towards eternity bound by to drop it in recycling: “Relax.” That word Jesus-centred community first startled us sin and blinded by idolatry. thrust me back to a “Teen-dom” ruled awake—did we not pour from our depths And you! You have been made alive in by mullets and neon, where “relax” was the words of that peculiar band of my Christ by faith. You have been set free by used to call people back from hysterics youth, “Send me, take me, use me, spend the gracious act of God. You are follow- because of some youthful limit-pushing. me, I am not my own”? These are the self- ing a new master and are a citizen of a The article must have been written abandoned sentiments of first love. new land. You are part of an amazing with that in mind. Here’s a snippet: Then, slowly, stealthily, we succumb community of saints in heaven and on “Everyone now take a step backwards to agendas and discontent. Someone earth who carry a treasure in jars of clay. and a quick, deep breath, and remember, lets us down. A decision we don’t like Have you lost the plot? Have you placed before it begins, what this is supposed is made. Something is called “foul” that your ambition ahead of your Lord’s? to be about. It is supposed to be about we’re convinced is “fair” (or vice versa). Relax. Step back before you start kids and too often we—the adults—lose Someone else is given a responsibility we another parking lot conversation, letter perspective and get caught up in our own covet. We suddenly forget what this is all campaign or Facebook defriending. Take . . . ambitions.” about. We make the kingdom about me a breath before you make some political This caution was for parents in my or about those who think like me. We play rather than gospel move. Remember son’s baseball league: A written notice for lose perspective. We turn on each other. who this is for and what it’s all about adults to cease the vein-pop- ping, hernia-inducing stupidity And you! You have been made alive in Christ by faith. that comes with believing your You have been set free by the gracious act of God. kid is the next Jose Bautista. It is plain talk: Relax and remember what it’s supposed to be about. Baseball is We get caught up by ambition or trapped before you ruin it for the kids, before about enjoying leather and laughter, bat by past pain. It’s as if we need a note that tarnishing both your name and his. and ball, sunshine and sweat. Adults, not says, “Relax.” kids, turn it into ambition and agendas. This world is a broken place inhabited Phil Wagler ([email protected]) is This relaxation primer should be given by broken people. Abortions of baby girls a pastor and baseball dad who takes to some people in the church. When in India are staggeringly rampant. AIDS joy in his son’s fun and seeks to build once we first believed—when the wonder is producing a generation of fatherless meaningful relationships with those who of grace, the love and justice of God, the and motherless kids. Folks in Japan and need to relax in the bleachers. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 11

corrections policies have on the most disadvantaged May your efforts help strengthen the common good in society; and that rely on the most effective ways to of all. restore human dignity for individuals, families and the Karen Hamilton, Toronto, Ont. communities they live in? Read Henry Rempel’s letter, “On being a conscientious Please be assured of our prayers for you and your objector during an election campaign,” at members in this time of campaigning and elections. canadianmennonite.org.

New Order Voice

2008. Humble labour, But, alas, I am also drawn by the allure of achievement, accolades and upward mobility. I like getting e-mails from “im- portant” people, I like winning awards for profound obscurity writing, and I treat intellectually engaging Will Braun people differently than uneducated people. harles de Foucauld was humble. when Christians commonly try to make That’s why I try to let stories like de You don’t often hear people as big a “difference” as possible and then Foucauld’s seep into my soul. I think we, Cdescribed that way. Humility is a tell as many people as possible about it. as churches, need to hold such stories fading art. In our age, Christian organ- Brother Charles, as he was known, before us. I think we can further nurture izations shout their good works from resolved “to embrace humility, poverty, humility by celebrating people more than rooftops, many Christian leaders seek all abandonment.” He resolved “to reckon achievements—not everyone graduates, the attention they can get, philanthropy as nothing human greatness . . . and to gets married or wins awards, but every- glorifies ostentatious wealth, and more give equal honour to the poorest man one has a birthday—by refraining from Christians seek self-fulfillment than self- as to the richest, . . . to seek always the public acknowledgment of donations. denial. very lowest place.” He lived out Jesus’ Jesus said not to let our left hand know All this makes the story of de teachings about serving others, denying what the right is doing, let alone put up Foucauld—who devoted himself oneself and not taking the seat of honour. plaques and publish smiley photos of to “humble labour and profound He eventually retreated to the Sahara donors. Or, in the words of de Foucauld, obscurity”—both bizarre and instructive. to live among the Tuareg people. His “[Have] infinite regard for the most un- Born into an aristocratic family in 1858, vision was to start an order of monks important, humble and unsophisticated he was a French army officer and explorer that would lead humble, obscure lives. people.” in North Africa before be- coming a monk. He felt called Brother Charles, as he was known, resolved ‘to to imitate the “hidden life” of Jesus as a common labourer embrace humility, poverty, abandonment.’ in backwater Nazareth before his public ministry began. Fittingly, perhaps, that when he died a Humility has long been an Anabaptist In pursuit of this calling, de Foucauld martyr in 1916 no one had joined him in strength. Last fall, when I was speaking worked at a convent in Nazareth, a “poor the desert to pursue this mission. Today, with an Amish bishop, he talked with servant to poor nuns,” as he put it in his though, hundreds of Little Brothers of great enthusiasm about his neighbours personal writings, which were com- Jesus and Little Sisters of Jesus, inspired from a more conservative Amish group. piled into the 1966 book, The Spiritual by Brother Charles, live in small groups “They’re so humble,” he said with amaze- Autobiography of Charles de Foucauld. In in the forgotten corners of the world, ment. It sounded so unusual, but it made Nazareth, he was “unknown, inordinately common labourers exemplifying the me think that it’s the only accolade for poor, lowly.” He imagined that people humble servanthood of Jesus. which I should ever strive. would take him for a “labourer of the I am drawn by the story of Brother lowest kind,” an “outcast,” or perhaps the Charles and the example of the Little Will Braun attends Hope Mennonite “son of a criminal.” Brothers and Little Sisters, one of whom Church, Winnipeg, Man. He can be It all sounds so odd now, in a time my wife and I visited in Mexico City in reached at [email protected]. 12 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

EE Better ways to deal with our fears priesthood of all believers. Given its public identifica- tion as an Anabaptist idea over the last 50 years, he Re: “What are we afraid of?” Feb 21, page 13. can be forgiven. While I agree with Jerry Buhler that fear is probably However, it is probably time we Mennonites the basis of unkind behaviour, as well as clouding our stopped this kind of use. The priesthood of all believ- ability to see hope and possibility both personally and ers is historically a Lutheran doctrine, not Anabaptist, corporately, I am not sure I can accept his approach and was never used by significant Anabaptists with the to dealing with fears. I see a danger in giving our fear exception of Menno Simons, for whom it was a refer- “lower status.” ence only to the purity of the church, Menno’s driving First, I have difficulty imagining how we would go concern. There is also, as Marlin Miller pointed out about doing this. When we respond to something real in his research, no consistent use of the term among or imaginary with fear, it is very difficult to simply say, contemporary Mennonites. “My fear is not very important,” and be done with it. If we wish to use the concept, we need to explore its Second, does he mean that we ought to deny our historic Lutheran origins and define more clearly what fears and hope that they will then stop having an it means to us in our contemporary world. I am sure influence, often negative, on our lives? I think that it is there are many Lutherans who could help us in this probably healthier to name our fears to ourselves, ad- task. mitting what we are struggling with, and also learn to I think it is time we started recognizing that, while share our fears with others, rather than trying to cope Mennonites have roots in the rich diversity of historic with them on our own. But this means leaving them Anabaptism, not everything we value is Anabaptist, on the front burner of our hearts and minds, rather nor are we the only ones to value Anabaptism and than sliding them to a back burner. claim it. Third, the suggestion to “practise letting go of fear” As well, we have adopted many ideas from other may well be on the right track, but without some hints Christians over the past 500 years, including the as to how we might go about doing this, we are left priesthood of all believers since it was popularized by entirely to our own devices. How do we let go of fears the World Council of Churches in 1954. that clamour for attention every day? How do congre- Perhaps it is time we set aside the “Anabaptist gations practise letting go of the fears that immobilize Vision” project and begin to explore what it means to us and keep us from being courageously faithful? be a people of peace rooted in Christian discipleship Rather than giving a lower status to his fears, the in a changing world. psalmist admitted fear and said, “When I am afraid I Bruce Hiebert, Abbotsford, B.C. put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:1-2). I agree that the Bible repeatedly urges us, “Do not be afraid,” “Be courageous,” and, “Fear not,” but I EE Stirling pastor hired with can’t think of any passages that actually elaborate on ‘overwhelming enthusiasm’ how we go about “not fearing.” Even Jesus, who told his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled,” was Re: “I don’t have anything to prove,” March 7, page himself deeply troubled and fearful in the Garden of 10. Gethsemane. Concerning Martha Smith’s interview for the pas- I would suggest naming our fears, sharing them, toral position at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, paying attention to fear as mentioned in a number of Kitchener, Ont., it should be made clear that she was hymns, and immersing ourselves in the biblical story hired as Stirling’s pastor with overwhelming enthusi- as better options than trying to give fear a lower status. asm. Her short period of leadership was interrupted John H. Neufeld, Winnipeg, Man. when she met and married Gerald Good, and soon thereafter found that she had to curtail her ministry at Stirling because of more urgent family needs at home. EE ‘Priesthood of all believers’ Her services at Stirling were always appreciated and really a Lutheran idea the congregation saw her leave with reluctance. All of this is amply described in Risk and Endurance: Re: “Priesthood: A work in progress,” March 7, A History of Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church by page 2. Laureen Harder-Gissing, curator of the Mennonite In his recent editorial, Dick Benner spent consider- Archives of Ontario located at Conrad Grebel able time exploring our current failure to appropri- University College, Waterloo, Ont. ately use the so-called Anabaptist concept of the Anne Millar, Kitchener, Ont. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 13

MC Canada photo by Dan Dyck Viewpoint Worship changes . . . or does it? By Dave Bergen

ike it or not, the face of worship generations of Christians are often continues to grow and change. So perceived as a great threat to faithful- Lit has always been. What has also ness, the potential destroyer of all that is always been is the fact that the church, deemed churchly and good by a previous or at least some in the church, resist and generation. react negatively to the changes we experi- As the 1863 quotation aptly illustrates, ence in worship. Especially in the area of the tension we experience is not new at music. all. Yet it is lived over and over, as if for Reference this letter received from a the very first time, by each successive concerned church member regarding generation of believers. In light of this, When Dave Bergen isn’t writing about the music used in a worship service: “I’m what becomes clear to me is that how we worship, he is thinking about his min- no music scholar, but I feel I know ap- worship is primarily cultural and, there- istry as executive secretary of Christian propriate church music when I hear it. fore, endlessly changeable. Formation at Mennonite Church Last Sunday’s new song, if you can call The kinds of songs we sing, whether we Canada. He also enjoys arranging tra- it that, sounded like a sentimental love choose to stand, sit or dance, whether we ditional hymns for the guitar. ballad, one you’d expect to have crooned hear brief homilies or extended expo- in a bar. If you insist on exposing us to sitional sermons, are cultural constructs. play. This cultural framework is the only rubbish like this in God’s house, don’t be Neither the Bible nor Jesus leave instruc- vehicle we have to carry our expressions surprised if many of the faithful look for tions on the correct form of worship for of worship. a new place to worship. The hymns we God’s people. That we are called to wor- From generation to generation, this grew up with are all we need!” ship God—and God alone—is obvious. cultural framework changes. And in These are strong sentiments, of the That we are to worship with integrity and keeping with this, what is a meaningful, kind that might be expressed in any num- congruity of word and deed is unmistak- culturally fitting, heartfelt expression of ber of Mennonite congregations. What’s able. That we are created to worship with worship for one generation risks being particularly interesting and illuminating our whole being—heart, mind and soul— simplistically misconstrued by another as is that this letter was not written in 2011, is absolutely clear. But whether we are to wrong, immature or inadequate. but in 1863, in reference to the now well- sing in six parts or in unison, whether we Rather than defaulting to warring over loved hymn, “Just As I Am.” offer praise with or without instruments, worship styles and personal preferences, Clearly the challenges surrounding in baroque, reggae, hip-hop or jazz styles, this strikes me as a unique opportunity to the music we use in worship are ongoing. is all immaterial. recognize that the Spirit of God remains The beloved songs and hymns of one Worship is an offering of the people of faithful in stirring up in all people the generation, safely preserved on the pages God, to God. In praise and gratitude for desire to worship. And that the creative of a worn hymnal, are experienced as God’s goodness to us and God’s stead- work of God that moves God’s people, tired tunes of the past by a succeeding fast love for all creation, we offer what and creation itself, to find ever new, cul- generation. Conversely, the fresh, new, we have, what we are, what we know, turally apt ways to express our longing for, contextualized spiritual songs of new from within the places we live, work and and assurance of, our relationship to God, continues among us even now. I believe our energies in worship are The kinds of songs we sing, whether we choose to most helpfully spent as we learn to name stand, sit or dance, whether we hear brief homilies and bless what God is doing so creative- ly—and sometimes perhaps disturbing- or extended expositional sermons, are cultural ly—in our worship, as the Spirit of God constructs. Neither the Bible nor Jesus leave instructions continues to make, mould and recreate the church to be a fitting instrument for on the correct form of worship for God’s people. God’s mission in this world. l 14 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Viewpoint list—CMU, Trinity Western and Redeemer—are members of AUCC. Not surprisingly, the four schools The truth shall aren’t issuing press releases or defending themselves in public. They don’t need the hassle and, besides, they have lots of other issues to keep them busy. But now set you free support is coming from an unexpected By John Longhurst quarter: CAUT members themselves. In January, Paul Allen, an associ- hen we look back on our stu- Moncton, N.B.; Redeemer in Ancaster, ate professor of theology at Concordia dent days, many of us remem- Ont.; and Krahn’s old school, now University, Montreal, Que., launched a Wber certain professors who, called Canadian Mennonite University petition accusing CAUT of “bullying” the through their teaching ability or personal (CMU)—with putting limits on academic four Christian schools, and calling on it character, left an indelible and formative freedom. to “cease its harassment of these institu- impression that lasted a lifetime. For me, The schools dispute the charge. tions, for which there is no mandate from one of those professors was Henry Krahn, “What CAUT has done is misguided,” the membership at large.” president of Winnipeg’s Mennonite says Earl Davey, CMU’s vice-president “What we have here is an academic Brethren Bible College from 1974-82. for academics. “The notion one can’t do union ganging up on these smaller Krahn, who passed away in 1985, serious intellectual work in a religious Christian universities,” says Allen. “It taught history when I was a student. His institution is naïve.” bothered me that this is anti-religious approach to intellectual inquiry shaped Trinity Western president Jonathan ideology masked as supposedly an aca- my thinking—and still shapes it today. Raymond criticized CAUT for pre-judg- demic freedom issue. . . . I thought it was For Krahn, one of the highest values for ing his school before investigators showed high time that people from the public university education was freedom of up on campus. “It appears that they failed universities take a stand.” thought. He was committed to John 8:32: to take into account evidence that was The petition notes that questions of “You will know the truth, and the truth contrary to the conclusions,” he notes. academic freedom could equally be asked will set you free.” “In our 28 years of existence, we have of non-religious schools, which “may also Of him, it was written: “No student not had a single instance of a faculty have their assumed ideologies, even if no could sit through his courses without be- member alleging that their academic statement of faith must be signed.” So far, ing caught up with his infectious zeal for freedom has been infringed in any 211 academics have signed the petition. truth. Narrow sectarianism and dogmatic way,” says Redeemer president Hubert I suspect that Krahn would have found assumptions were foreign to him. He Krygsman. “We respectfully disagree this situation amusing; the last thing he constantly exhibited a rare combination with the way that CAUT, in our view, would have expected to see was the school of biblical piety with a fearless openness narrowly defines academic freedom.” he helped shape be accused of limiting to new theological concepts.” And that, really, is the big question: academic freedom. But he also would have Last summer, a number of college Who gets to define academic freedom, eagerly anticipated a chance to participate alumni attended a 30-year reunion in anyway? in the debate, arguing that religious faith is Winnipeg. At the event, Krahn’s daugh- CAUT, which represents 65,000 not incompatible with serious, critical and ter, Valerie, shared a reflection about her academics across the country—although thoughtful intellectual inquiry. father. She noted that some people wor- none of the faculty at the four schools—is Krahn was forever encouraging his ried that the kind of serious intellectual one group that can do so. But so can the students to “talk, debate, wrestle with study he championed might lead students Association of Universities and Colleges issues,” his daughter shared at the reunion. away from faith. “My dad thought just in Canada (AUCC), the closest thing “Express the incongruities you see; they the opposite way,” she said. “He was not Canadians have to a credentialing body will lead you to a higher way. . . . [T]hese afraid to take his students’ doubts or fears for higher education. were the beliefs that my dad hoped his seriously. He challenged them to work To become a member of AUCC, students would appropriate for their lives.” through to a new understanding of God schools must, promote and protect “the That’s a good motto for any student, no and their life purpose.” honest search for knowledge without fear matter what or where they are studying. l Thoughts about Krahn come back of reprisal by the institution or third par- to me these days as I read about how ties,” among other things. John Longhurst is a freelance columnist the Canadian Association of University Belonging to AUCC has been de- whose work appears in various forums, Teachers (CAUT) has accused some fined like getting a gold seal of approval including the Winnipeg Free Press, Man., Canadian Christian universities—Trinity from the rest of Canada’s universities. where this piece was originally published Western in Langley, B.C.; Crandall in Three of the four schools on the CAUT on Feb. 19. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 15

ΛΛMilestones Births/Adoptions Haryung—Judith (nee Bassingthwaite), 59 (b. March 11, 1951; d. Jan. 7, 2011), HoffnungsfelderM ennonite, Rabbit Lake, Sask. Coyle—Robin James (b. Jan. 30, 2011), to Richard and Martens—Lydia, 100 (b. Dec. 9, 1910; d. March 13, 2011), Joanna Coyle, Waters Mennonite, Lively, Ont. First Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask. Fast—Elliot Sophia (b. March 11, 2011), to Anne Whitford Nordemann—Fred, 79 (b. Dec. 27, 1931; d. Jan. 16, 2011), and Reynold Fast, Fort Garry Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. Petitcodiac Mennonite, N.B. Leis—Madeline Emma (b. Dec. 20, 2010), to Brandon and Passchier—Anton, 86 (b. Nov. 16, 1924; d. March 23, 2011), Bethany Leis, Stirling Avenue Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont. Brussels Mennonite, Ont. Poettcker—Alina Ruth (b. March 5, 2011), to Grant and Pauls—Jacob, 92 (b. Sept. 4, 1918; d. March 18, 2011), St. Rosalyn Poettcker, Hamilton Mennonite, Ont. Catharines United Mennonite, Ont. Schellenberg—Tyler Laveren (b. March 22, 2011), to Harold Peters—Frieda (nee Falk), 81 (b. March 31, 1929; d. March and Shannon Schellenberg, Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg, 17, 2011), First Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask. Man. Peters—John, 96 (b. Oct. 1, 1914; d. March 25, 2011), Level Yantzi—Colton Tye (b. March 24, 2011), to Jessica and Tyler Ground Mennonite, Abbotsford, B.C. Yantzi, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Phoon—Shiu Shum, 87 (b. Nov. 18, 1923; d. March 5, 2011), Markham Chinese Mennonite, Ont. Baptisms Porter—Kenneth, 85 (b. Dec. 19, 1925; d. Dec. 28, 2010), Mason Wohlgemut—Rosenfeld Bergthaler Mennonite, HoffnungsfelderM ennonite, Mayfair, Sask. Man., March 13, 2011. Porter—Lucille, 89 (nee Wilson), (b. Nov. 1, 1921; d. Feb. 21, Emily Hunsberger, Derek Kropf—Shantz Mennonite, 2011), HoffnungsfelderM ennonite, Mayfair, Sask. Baden, Ont., May 9, 2010. Rempel—Maria (nee Kasdorf), 84 (b. Feb. 20, 1927; d. March 15, 2011), Sargent Avenue Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. Marriages Sawatzky—Katharina (Katie) (nee Kornelsen), 102 (b. Dec. 28, 1908; d. Jan. 20, 2011), North Star Mennonite, Drake, Sask. Derksen/Wiebe—Erin Derksen and Kent Wiebe, Hague Schultz—Henry, 84 (b. Aug. 20, 1926; d. Feb. 25, 2011), St. Mennonite, Sask., Feb. 5, 2011. Catharines United Mennonite, Ont. Johnstone/Wagler—Damon Johnstone and Tanya Wagler, Unrau—Gertrude (Trudie) (nee Giesbrecht), 91 (b. April 17, at Wellesley Mennonite, Ont., Feb. 26, 2011. 1919; d. March 19, 2011), Bethel Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. Wall—Agnes, 91 (b. March 23, 1919; d. Sept. 14, 2010), Deaths North Kildonan Mennonite, Winnipeg, Man. Braul—Walter, 82 (b. April 3, 1928; d. Feb. 16, 2011), St. Wei—Sheng He, 48 (b. July 10, 1962; d. March 14, 2011), Catharines United Mennonite, Ont. Markham Chinese Mennonite, Ont. Enns—Mary (nee Dyck), 89 (b. June 30, 1921; d. March 19, Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones 2011), Vineland United Mennonite, Ont. announcements within four months of the event. Please Friesen—Nicholas George, 87 (b. Nov. 11, 1923; d. Feb. 16, send Milestones announcements by e-mail to milestones@ 2011), Vineland United Mennonite, Ont. canadianmennonite.org, including the congregation name and location. When sending death notices, please include birth date and last name at birth if available. 16 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Cover Story God at work in the Church

‘Mary With Tears,’ a sculp- ture of Mary, the mother of Jesus, by Vilius Orvidas, who did most of his work under the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. He died in the early 1990s. Photographed by Jerry Holsopple, a visual and com- munication arts professor at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., who stud- ied with a Russian Orthodox priest while on sabbatical in Lithuania last year.

Biblical accounts, particularly those in Luke, depict Mary as a woman of cour- Rediscovering Mary age. She accepted God’s invitation to be the mother of Jesus, acting against the What might the mother of Jesus mean for Mennonites today? expectations of her betrothed, her family and her culture. “Mary said ‘yes’ boldly and Story and Photos by Mary E. Klassen with confidence,” Schertz explained. Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary However, it is the Magnificat, Mary’s Elkhart, Ind. song in Luke 1, that is the most revolu- tionary. It is, in fact, so revolutionary that fter two days of singing, discuss- AMBS president Sara Wenger Shenk it is viewed as dangerous by some oppres- Aing, pondering images and praying opened the event with the declaration: “I sive governments, Schertz pointed out. last month, questions continued to swirl am grateful to be part of a learning com- Mary is a poor young woman caught in around Mary, the mother of Jesus, and munity belonging to MC U.S.A. and MC a quandary not of her own making, but what she might mean for Mennonites and Canada that has the courage to invite us she sees her out-of-wedlock pregnancy Anabaptists today. back into our own history, and into the as good news, not only for herself but for The “My Soul Rejoices in God, my Saviour: Scriptures, for a fresh look at the treasure all people. Mary in Anabaptist Dress” Conference at that is there in Mary’s story.” John Rempel, AMBS professor of theol- Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Mary H. Schertz, AMBS professor of ogy and Anabaptist studies, next examined brought together approximately 100 pas- New Testament, presented a biblical sur- how the Reformers of the 16th century tors, artists, musicians, storytellers, spirit- vey of Mary. “We hear a longing for Mary,” viewed Mary. Affection for Mary car- ual directors and scholars to begin conver- she said. “We need to attend more care- ried forward into most Anabaptists’ faith, sations about the place Mary has had in fully to this enigmatic woman. We begin, Rempel pointed out, but “first-generation Mennonite and Anabaptist faith and how as Anabaptists do, with the Mary we en- Protestants were concerned to think of that might be changing. counter in the Scriptures.” Mary in her relationship to Christ, rather Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 17

than as co-mediator of salvation.” One area in which Rempel called for further exploration is belief in the com- munion of the saints. “The saints in God’s presence are now so at one with God’s will that they pray with us for God’s purposes to be realized in our lives,” he said. “The saints pray with us, not because we appeal to them, but because they now unreserv- edly will what God wills.” Re-examination of this teaching is a ne- cessary theological starting point for a re- appraisal of Mary’s place in the Mennonite church, Rempel said. Wendy Wright, professor of theology at the University of Creighton, Omaha, Neb., looked for commonalities between the In the concluding session, panelist Irma Fast Dueck of Canadian Mennonite Catholic devotion to Mary and significant University, Winnipeg, Man., right, said, “We have only a few biblical accounts of elements of Mennonite and Anabaptist Mary. That’s a blessing. We have to use our imaginations to shape our image of faith. Three of these are: Mary that has an Anabaptist-Mennonite sensibility.” Other panelists included • Discipleship—the free acceptance of Adam Tice, associate pastor of Hyattsville Mennonite Church, Md., left. the invitation to do God’s will; • Martyrdom—seeing the love of God visit” others, Wright pointed out. need for more female images in the church and the cross of Christ as connected; and Elizabeth Soto, ordained minister in the to nurture Mennonite spirituality. “We • The corporate nature of the Colombian Mennonite Church, reflected have thrown out the basin with the bath- Christian life—sharing God’s love with in a more personal way on how Mary has water,” she said. “We have kept Jesus,” but others after experiencing it personally. been important in her spiritual journey, not the womb that bore him, the woman Wright emphasized that a template of dis- beginning in her early life as a Catholic. who created with God. By so doing, the cipleship is present in Mary, who said “yes” to She recognized that in Mennonite congre- church lost valuable perspectives that can God and was moved to go to visit Elizabeth, gations today there may be little room for help it to know and follow Jesus. sharing her news. “When we are open to an appreciation of Mary. The last session of the conference gave God—open to the ‘yes’—we intrinsically However, Soto confessed that she sees a a panel of four participants an opportu- nity to continue questioning what Mary might mean for Mennonites. Irma Fast Dueck, professor at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, Man., said, “The conference has given evidence to our yearning and thirsting for the gifts that Mary has given the church over the cen- turies—her understanding of suffering and love.” But Fast Dueck asked how the Mennonite church can separate Mary from the ways it has come to see her in Catholic settings in order to connect with her in ways that are meaningful and fit with Mennonite faith. In the discussion that followed, several participants called for a new appreciation of the communion of the saints, recogniz- ing that those who have died are compan- ions on the journeys of those still living. A step for Mennonites toward appreciating Singing was a significant element of the two-day ‘Mary in Anabaptist Dress’ Mary might be placing her in this context Conference. Paul Dueck, pastor of Windsor Mennonite Fellowship, Ont., acted as of people who can be seen as models for song-leader. faith. l 18 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

MC Saskatchewan Annual General Meeting annual delegate sessions last month in North Battleford. Since Saskatchewan Mennonites have Plowing the way for peace been involved with public acts of peace, the Story and Photo by Karin Fehderau Ad hoc Committee on Peace and Justice Saskatchewan Correspondent took the opportunity in its report to push North Battleford, Sask. further and to challenge the churches to do more. public stand for peace, peace be- neighbours all came to the fore during Gordon Allaby spoke about the need Atween believers and peace with their the Mennonite Church Saskatchewan to communicate clearly to others what

Blanket exercise plumbs the depth of injustice to aboriginals Story and Photo by Dick Benner Editor/Publisher

arly relationships between European settlers and ab- No. 6 (1876) was assigned for settlement by Mennonite Eoriginals were characterized by cooperation and inter- farmers in 1897. dependence, John Bartel, a farmer from Drake, Sask., and a “For aboriginal people,” Bartel continued, “all of this member of Mennonite Church Saskatchewan’s Ministries was more than just a taking of lands. Because of their Commission, told a crowd of 75 huddled on 12 blankets intimate connection to their traditional territories, for representing Turtle Island—an aboriginal term for North many it also meant a loss of ways of life, cultures, hope America—during a session leading up to the area church’s and, in some cases, a reason to live.” annual general meeting in North Battleford. Subsequent political manoeuvres, such as the British But that amicable feeling didn’t last long. In 1493, an North America Act, provided policy “teeth” for Prime edict from Pope Alexander VI established Christian Minister John A. Macdonald’s announcement that Canada’s dominion and subjugation of non-Christian “pagan” goal was to “do away with the tribal system and assimilate peoples. Non-Christians could no longer own the lands the Indian people in all respects with the inhabitants of the and indigenous people were to be placed under the tu- Dominion.” Later, the Indian Act, pertaining only to First telage and guardianship of those Christian nations that Nations and not the Métis or Inuit, was designed to trans- “discovered” their lands. form independent aboriginal communities into physically The two-hour exercise developed by Kairos, and cov- marginalized and economically impoverished bands, and ering five centuries of Canadian history, was planned by individuals into “wards of the state.” the Ministries Commission to sensitize delegates to the “Through this act,” delegates were told, “First Nations specifics of the historical narrative that often eludes well- people were denied the basic rights that most Canadians meaning but sometimes uninformed “white” Christians take for granted.” today, said commission chair Gordon Nesdoly. “Many of While some report having positive experiences, the us know in vague terms the injustices of the past, but the residential schools era resulted in many aboriginals more brutal forms of subjugation are not well known.” suffering from disease, hunger and overcrowding, as Some of the historical events recounted came uncom- well as from emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Many fortably close to home. The land belonging to the band lost family connections and the opportunity to learn known as the Young Chippewayan, as agreed in Treaty their culture and traditions from their elders. Raised in institutions, many lost parenting skills. Some students— Hilda Epp holds a blanket reportedly from 15-24 percent—died in these schools. symbolizing the exposure Many survivors never returned to their home commu- to new diseases (small pox, nities or were shunned if they did. tuberculosis, measles) that Following the exercise, delegates were divided into arrived with the European small discussion groups to process what they had just settlers on Turtle Island— experienced as a white majority trying to cope with just an aboriginal term for how complicit they were in this long, brutal history of North America—as Diane systemic injustice. It proved to be a sobering experience Tiessen looks on. for many. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 19

Mennonites believe, rather than just let this is important today?” If people want to their actions speak for themselves. “When bury this under the carpet, or claim that they a church states, ‘We are a Live For Peace are not responsible for what happened in the church,’ they are projecting a message that past, it doesn’t work, he argued. states action is part of our belief system. “Every community inherits a story,” he And it suggests that it is a journey, a whole- said. One of the stories Saskatchewan is life journey.” While acknowledging the grappling with is the unfair treatment of move may take some soul searching, Allaby the Young Chippewayan First Nation, encouraged all area church congregations whose land was given to Mennonite set- to proclaim that message using signs. tlers without their permission in 1897 and He also put forth a call to other prov- which became part of the Hague-Osler inces: “We are issuing a challenge to all Reserve. congregations in Mennonite Church Grace Mennonite Church, Prince Canada to publicly declare that they are a Albert, and Mennonite Central Committee ‘Live for Peace’ church. . . . And the chal- Saskatchewan came together last summer lenge is that we . . . from lowly and humble to help raise funds for a genealogical search Saskatchewan will have more churches that would help the current members of signed up and declaring to be ‘Live for the Young Chippewayan First Nation with Peace’ churches than any other province.” their push for fair compensation. A similar event is planned for this summer. ‘Our shared path’ Area church youth minister Anna Rehan For some time now, MC Saskatchewan Two proposals passed and area church minister Jerry Buhler has been trying to build friendships with Despite some expressed concern, delegates light candles during the memorial aboriginals in the province. But the topic unanimously endorsed a proposal to move service at this year’s annual general of bringing the cultures together was never the former Eigenheim Mennonite Church meeting in North Battleford. addressed in depth until this year’s annual building to the Youth Farm Bible Camp, general meeting, which had the theme, where it will be used for the growing needs will help MC Saskatchewan to manage “Our shared path.” of the summer camping program. the many monetary dips and spikes that Mennonites and First Nations people An effort to bring some order and struc- occur over time. It will also be useful to set have had a somewhat unsettled history, ture to the finance commission resulted guidelines to help new committee mem- and keynote speaker Ray Funk’s approach in passage of a new financial policy that bers coming on board. l to explain the issues of treaty from a biblical perspective—using the story of Isaac’s treaty with Abimelech in Genesis Sunworld Tours kindly invites Church Leaders 26—brought a new understanding to the for a Complimentary Clergy Lunch Seminar story. “The Bible is fundamentally a pol- Guest Speaker - Dr. Uzi Dahari itical book, a story of God’s people inter- Deputy Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, Chief Scientist and acting with empires through covenantal Head of Archaeological Activities relationships,” he said, adding, “Covenants Archeological Innovations of Christianity are meant to create just relationships.” in the Holyland Pointing to Mennonite history, he spoke about privilegia, the arrangements that 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm Mennonites made with governments to A short presentation will follow – how to lead a successful tour to the Holyland live according to their faith. From Poland Victoria Mon. May 16 Lethbridge Mon. May 23 to Russia to Canada, he said there were 14 at Magnolia Hotel and Spa at Lethbridge Lodge Hotel places where Mennonites made such deals. Vancouver Tue. May 17 Calgary Tue. May 24 at Ramada Hotel & Suites Metrotown at Carriage House Inn When Mennonites came to Saskatchewan Kelowna Wed. May 18 Saskatoon Wed. May 25 in the late 1800s, they were given a tract of at Best Western Inn Kelowna at Holiday Inn Express Saskatoon land called the Hague-Osler Reserve by the Edmonton Thu. May 19 Regina Thu. May 26 government of the day. at Radisson Hotel Edmonton South at Holiday Inn Hotel Red Deer Fri. May 20 Winnipeg Fri. May 27 Funk, who has been involved with First at Holiday Inn 67 Street at Holiday Inn Nations issues for many years, including a stint as Member of Parliament for the north- Please RSVP Phone: 1.800.461.6854 Fax: 403.245.0611 ern riding of Desnethe’-Missinippi-Churchill, [email protected] asked, “So how do we convince people that 20 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

photo by melody neufeld-rocheleau Learning to be ‘radiant witnesses’ of Jesus New academy seeks to bridge gap between Sunday school and seminary

By John Longhurst A lively discussion is held at the Academy of Discipleship in Special to Canadian Mennonite Saskatoon, Sask.

eople in Saskatoon, Sask., who want as being “non-denominational, modestly group of Christians getting together to dig Psomething more intense than Sunday priced, taught by experienced mentors with deeper into Scripture. I thought that maybe school but less focused than a seminary or an emphasis on dialogue and fellowship,” smaller forums like this might be one way university course, now have another op- started with Melody Neufeld-Rocheleau to bring higher learning to the church.” tion: the Academy of Discipleship. of Breath of Life Mennonite Church Inc. The first course was held in 2008, when The academy, which was created by a The goal, she says, is to provide people with five students studied the book Sabbath group of Christians in that city, including an “informal, grassroots, non-institutional Economics, and its companion, Household some Mennonite Church Saskatchewan Sabbath Economics. The class met in a members, seeks to “fill the gap between The first course was held home around a dining room table. conventional church-based Christian The idea lay dormant until last year, education and formal college or semi- in 2008. . . . The class when Neufeld-Rocheleau talked to Walter nary training,” according to its website met in a home around Klaassen, a local professor and author of (AcademyOfDiscipleship.org). a number of books on Anabaptism, in- The idea for the academy, which is billed a dining room table. cluding Marpeck: A Life of Dissent and Conformity. “I spoke with Walter about the academy, and how talking about Anabaptism might ΛΛBriefly noted be a good fit,” she says. “He agreed it was Swartzendruber appointed to third presidential term at AMBS worth pursuing.” So did others. In addition to Neufeld- HARRISONBURG, VA.—Loren Rocheleau and Klaassen, other leaders Swartzendruber will serve another are Ruth Klaassen of All Saints Anglican four-year term as president of Eastern Church; Vern Ratzlaff, pastor of Aberdeen Mennonite University (EMU). Andrew Mennonite Church and a faculty member Dula , chair of the EMU board of trustees, at Lutheran Theological Seminary; John announced at the opening convocation of Dyck of Breath of Life; and Leighton Tebay, second semester that Swartzendruber had a leader of the SeedLife Network, a house “gratefully accepted” an appointment to church organization in Saskatoon. serve a third term that begins on July 1 and Loren Swartzendruber, left, re- In February, the academy offered a new ends on June 30, 2015. Major accomplish- ceives congratulations from EMU course on Anabaptism, using The Naked ments during Swartzendruber’s second board of trustees chair Andrew Anabaptist as a textbook. A total of 16 stu- term include: a successful re-accredit- Dula following the announcement dents are studying the book in two seven- ation for another 10 years by the Southern of Swartzendruber’s appointment to week classes. Classes are held in a local Association of Colleges and Schools and another four-year term as president office building, and students sit at round the Association of Theological Schools, earlier this year. tables. and leading the institution through a dif- “Our goal is to make the classes acces- ficult economic environment while balancing the budget. “The EMU board of trust- sible to all, and for the leaders of the groups ees looks forward to our continuing work with president Swartzendruber,” Dula to be facilitators, rather than lecturers,” said. Swartzendruber became EMU’s eighth president on Jan. 1, 2004. He came to says Neufeld-Rocheleau, adding that each EMU from Hesston College, Kan., a two-year Mennonite school where he served as class begins with prayer and ends with a president beginning in 1994. Before that, he was associate executive secretary of the brief worship time. “The goal is for open, former Mennonite Board of Education in Elkhart, Ind., for 10 years. honest discussion about how we, as fol- —Eastern Mennonite University lowers of Jesus, can be radiant witnesses to him,” she says. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 21

Photo by Lindsey Kolb ‘A long obedience in the same direction’ MC Eastern Canada’s Annual School for Ministers tackles ‘worship as spiritual formation’

Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent Waterloo, Ont.

ennonite Church Eastern Canada’s became the norm—a fixa- Mannual School for Ministers, held in tion on innovation and late February at Conrad Grebel University creativity in worship, that College, Waterloo, was the third event tended to be music-driven, this winter focused on spiritual forma- intimate in nature, casual tion. The events were designed to get and informal. Marianne Mellinger, right, who organized the 2011 pastors and other leaders thinking about • Now re-orientation, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada School for their work as forming individuals and con- or renewal, is taking place Ministers in her dual roles as MC Eastern Canada’s gregations as Christians and as Christian with worship again being coordinator of leadership formation and Conrad Grebel organizations. seen as the place to renew University College’s supervisor of the master of theo- From Feb. 22 to 24, Irma Fast Dueck, the congregation’s relation- logical studies-ministry option program, chats with associate professor of practical theol- ship with God and experi- keynote speaker Irma Fast Dueck, associate professor of ogy at Canadian Mennonite University, ence God anew. The as- practical theology at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, Man., spoke to the need to sumption is that people are Winnipeg, Man. create worship in which people have the longing for a relationship opportunity to encounter God. “There is with God and that worship can provide a spiritual practices of public worship,” a list something more at work” than planning place to meet God with body, mind and of things that worship does for the congre- and leading, she said. Pastors and church emotions. gation, including teaching about generos- leaders need to come to worship planning Fast Dueck’s second presentation fo- ity, justice, mercy and the universality of and leading with humility, as “something cused on the use of ritual, embodied wor- the church. difficult to name, a mystery,” meets the ship. In her final presentation, almost neg- The three-day event also included wor- congregation in worship. ating her earlier comments about worship ship, and workshops on lament, preaching, “Worship is a waste of time; it’s useless,” not getting things done, she focused on “10 rituals, storytelling and prayer. l she said, meaning that worship should not try to do anything other than provide an op- portunity to meet God. “We are created for companionship with our Creator,” she said, Establishing uncommon ground adding, “Worship is good in and of itself.” The early Anabaptists knew this, Fast Bechtel Lecturer says ‘we are all treaty people’ Dueck said, as they yielded themselves (gelassenheit) to God in their worship. Story and Photo by Susan Fish As such, worship is an experience that Special to Canadian Mennonite changes and forms people. She described Waterloo, Ont. early 20th-century Mennonite worship as orientation, disorientation and re- oger Epp, Ph.D., founding dean of west, spoke on the theme, “We are all orientation: Rthe University of Alberta’s Augustana treaty people,” exploring relationships be- • Orientation—solidifying Mennonites’ campus and professor of political stud- tween Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples and intellectual self-understanding as they ies, delivered the 2011 Bechtel Lectures settlers in new ways, with the goal of help- moved out of their communities into the at Conrad Grebel University College, ing all people to live well in their particular world. H.S. Bender’s “Anabaptist Vision” Waterloo. landscape. was part of this. Epp, whose research and writing probe Referring to McMaster professor Daniel • From the 1960s on, disorientation the meaning of place in Canada’s rural Coleman’s ideas of creating “uncommon 22 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

ground,” a place of dialogue rather than ig- noring or fearing human differences, Epp gave two recent examples of establishing uncommon ground: the 2006 Stony Knoll declaration of harmony and justice be- tween aboriginal and non-aboriginal com- munities in Laird, Sask., and the January 2011 Centennial Round Dance held at Epp’s Augustana College, where aboriginal graduates were honoured for their hard work in succeeding academically while liv- ing in two cultures. Roger Epp, founding dean of the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus and Rather than seeking a policy-oriented professor of political studies, was this year’s Bechtel Lecturer at Conrad Grebel national solution, Epp encouraged direct University College, Waterloo, Ont. human encounters. “Be a neighbour, not an advocate,” he said, noting that when people the importance of understanding—rather to co-write her story, respecting their dif- relate to each other, rather than seeking than defeating or dismissing—in order to ferences while, at the same time, listening solutions, they learn and might even enjoy live together well. Rather than seeing them- in order to understand. Mennonites, Epp the process. selves as inheritors of a new land, he said said, do not have a special role in reconcili- Epp’s goal in his lectures was not to that non-aboriginals should see themselves ation, but Mennonites do have resources in “stand on a prophetic soapbox,” but to “en- as being part of a country “founded on an their stories of being outsiders and people courage” those assembled to consider their act of sharing almost incomprehensible in attracted by a land that offered peaceful relationship with aboriginals in their area. its generosity.” co-existence. These stories are ones they Calling for a “practical hermeneutic,” he To Mennonites in particular, Epp sees can share with their aboriginal neighbours suggested the need to recognize the two author Rudy Wiebe’s experience as exem- even as they first listen to their stories. l cultures’ enduring differences, the un- plary as he accepted the invitation of avoidability of face-to-face encounters, and Yvonne Johnson, an aboriginal woman, ΛΛStaff change .34%* MWC appoints new director of finance and administration 45 Year Term After relationship pricing Len Rempel has been appointed the *Rate subject to change new director of finance and administra- tion for Mennonite World Conference (MWC). On March 14, he began work- ing out of MWC’s North American of- fice in Kitchener, Ont. Rempel comes to the position after 10 years in senior management at Ten Thousand Villages (TTV); most recently he was director of operations at TTV’s Canadian head- quarters in New Hamburg, Ont. Rempel is no stranger to MWC. “I had been to the [1990] assembly in Winnipeg [Man.] and attended the [2006] General Council meetings in Pasadena [Calif.], so when I saw this opening, I knew this was some- thing that I had skills for, and I felt a close connection with the purpose of the or- ganization,” he says. Rempel replaces Karen Martin Schiedel, who served in the MWC office for six years. A Mennonite financial cooperative www.mscu.com | 1.888.672.6728 serving communities of faith across Ontario —Mennonite World Conference Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 23

who committed their time to training Vietnam Mennonite Institute Vietnamese church leaders. And I’m grati- fied by the leadership the VMC demon- successfully completes first year strates in their attentiveness to operating the institute in a consistent manner. God By Jewel Showalter Eastern Mennonite Missions has been providing and guiding each step Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam of the way.” Second-year classes began earlier this spring with Keener teaching “Anabaptist arly in 2009, Pastor Trung, a Vietnam here are some suggestions for curriculum history,” and his wife Donna will provide EMennonite Church (VMC) leader, and qualified professors.” training in “Learning strategies and life shared the church’s vision for launch- Last March, the first class of 14 Vietnam skills.” As in the first year, several North ing a training program comparable to Mennonite Institute in Theology and American professors will assist with the a bachelor’s degree in theology, to train Renewal students quietly opened with teaching. l Mennonite and other denominational “Bible survey: Old Testament” taught leaders. So last year, stepping out in faith, by Palmer Becker of Waterloo North VMC boldly agreed to sponsor the new Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ont., a re- training program along with support from tired pastor and former director of pastoral ΛΛStaff change Pastor Lim, a Presbyterian from Korea, and studies at Hesston College, Kan. Rudy-Froese appointed Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM). On two separate visits over the course Christian proclamation prof Recognizing the potential as well as the of the year, Keener taught three courses: challenge of such a vision, Gerry Keener, “Bible survey: New Testament,” “Church ELKHART, IND.—Allan a non-residential missionary to Vietnam history: First to 15th centuries,” and “The Rudy-Froese, Ph.D. candi- and chief operating officer at EMM, raised Synoptic Gospels.” date at Emmanuel College, pointed questions about educational stand- Tuyen Nguyen, a Vietnamese Mennonite Toronto, Ont., and former ards, curriculum, qualified teachers and leader from Philadelphia, Pa., and a Canadian Mennonite the need for adequate facilities. Trung and Lancaster Mennonite Conference bishop, “ This Pa stor ha s 22 Rudy- the organizing committee were willing to taught the “Gospel of John.” Tom Finger, Minutes” columnist, has Froese make adjustments to ensure the quality a retired theology professor from Eastern been appointed professor and practicality of the program, so Keener Mennonite Seminary, taught “Church his- of Christian proclamation at Associated introduced the idea to EMM leadership tory: Reformation to present.” Qualified Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), and to Mennonite educators and admin- teachers from Vietnam and Korea taught beginning July 1. In this position, he will istrators in North America. other courses. teach preaching and public communica- The initial response from Keener’s North “I’m delighted by the tenacity of the tion, including biblical storytelling and American colleagues was, “This is impos- students to study,” Keener says. “I’m missional preaching. He will develop sible to pull off! But if you move ahead, blessed by the dedication of the teachers courses that address speaking and writing about faith in the public sphere; communication and media; spiritual disciplines; and the congregational practices of listening and speaking. He also will serve as the resource person for the AMBS Preaching Institute, a con- tinuing education program for pastors who wish to continue developing their skills. Rudy-Froese is currently complet- ing his dissertation on “Grace and ethics in preaching,” examining the relation- ship between Lutheran understanding of proclamation as a means of God’s grace and Anabaptist-Mennonite eth- ical teaching in the preached sermon. He received a master of divinity degree Palmer Becker of Waterloo North Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ont., gathers in from AMBS in 1992. a circle with his students following communion during the first-ever class at the —AMBS Vietnam Mennonite Institute in Theology and Renewal last year. 24 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Hope for Japan Churches unite to help Japan victims Nearly $6,000 raised for disaster relief

Story and Photo by Amy Dueckman B.C. Correspondent Surrey, B.C. Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, entertained several generations sking “What can we do?” for victims at the ‘Hope for Japan’ fundraiser, held April 2 at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Aof the recent Japanese earthquake, Surrey. Pictured from left to right: Jay Neufeld, Rena Neufeld, Sadako Takeda and tsunami and nuclear reactor breach, Hisako Takashima. church and community came together at Living Hope Christian Fellowship on April Living Hope pastor Lorin Bergen said he told Canadian Mennonite. The idea for 2 for a fundraising evening called “Hope that members of his congregation wanted a family-friendly fundraising event was for Japan.” The event raised $5,650 that to help when they heard of the devastat- born, and three other Mennonite Church evening, with final numbers yet to be tal- ing events in Japan on March 11. “We said, B.C. congregations in the area quickly lied as of April 4. ‘Let’s get together; let’s make a difference,’ ” came on board: Surrey Mennonite Church,

What to pack in the event of an earthquake or tsunami By Amy Dueckman B.C. Correspondent

display on disaster preparedness at the Hope Dust mask/eye protectors Afor Japan fundraising event reminded many that Emergency poncho/blanket British Columbia is also in an area with the high prob- Goggles ability of an earthquake, although surveys show that Hatchet few are fully prepared. The Surrey Emergency Program Multi-purpose knife suggests these contents for an Emergency Grab and Battery-operated radio Go Bag: Flashlight Batteries (stored separately) 4-litre labelled water container and stacking cups Sportsman’s saw/folding shovel Water pouches (three-day supply) Rope Water purifier tablets Shelter survival bag Three days worth of food bars Whistle (for attracting attention) Infant supplies Pouch and money, including coins Medicine (including prescriptions) Games (deck of cards) Dry pet food supplies For family: favourite toy, picture of family, etc. First aid kit Personal toiletries Safety pins Pad and pencil for leaving notes, medical information Clothing, walking shoes Address book with important telephone numbers Work gloves Large garbage bags Hand sanitizer String Light sticks Duct tape Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 25

Hope for Japan

Mennonite Japanese Christian Fellowship of Surrey, and White Rock Mennonite Worldwide prayer and long- Christian Fellowship. Although most of those attending had term response needed for Japan connections with MC B.C., including sev- Mennonite World Conference eral former missionaries to Japan, some neighbourhood residents came as the re- sult of flyers advertising the event being ennonite World Conference efforts and relationships, rather than emer- distributed in the area around the church. M(MWC) is making plans to walk gency relief, which is available locally. The event had something for everyone. and work alongside Japanese Anabaptists A working group led by Deacons Participants could sample and purchase in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami Commission chair Cynthia Peacock of Japanese food, some homemade and and nuclear radiation leak devastating the India and secretary Bert Lobe of Canada, some donated by a Japanese restaurant in northeast region of Japan. and including representatives from Coquitlam. Origami paper folding kept the An intercontinental teleconference on churches and service agencies in the children occupied, while adults bid on some March 16 brought together MWC offi- MWC community, will take further steps 60 donated silent auction items ranging cials and representatives from Mennonite, and provide updates as plans develop. The from sushi and authentic Japanese clothing Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in MWC Deacons Commission will consult to a weekend at a Whistler, B.C., ski resort Christ churches and agencies, including with Japanese leaders about a possible soli- and Vancouver Canucks play-off tickets. Mennonite Central Committee. darity visit later this year. “We had so many generous, wonderful A global call to prayer for the people of While Mennonite Church Canada no sponsors,” Bergen said with gratitude. Japan is first on the agenda; a brief wor- longer has any direct presence in Japan, Cash donations were also received ship resource for churches, including a MC U.S.A.’s Mennonite Mission Network throughout the evening. Because all costs map that locates Anabaptist churches in does. To keep abreast of news from Japan, of “Hope for Japan” were carried by the Japan, is available on the MWC website visit mennonitemission.net and follow the participating churches, 100 percent of (mwc-cmm.org). “Messages from Japan” link. l funds raised were to be channelled directly Responses from both MWC and service through Samaritan’s Purse, which has an agencies are likely to focus on long-term With files from MC Canada. established program in Japan. Several times throughout the evening, a short program was presented in the sanctu- ary, including video depicting the devastat- BE MorE tHAN A tourISt ing effects of the earthquake and tsunami, and music on the koto (Japanese stringed 2011 tourS 2012 tourS instrument) by Gerald Neufeld, pastor of Israel/PalestIne with Pastor JamIe Gerber australIa & neW zealand (February 3 - 23) Mennonite Japanese Christian Fellowship. (April 27 - May 6) tour to Guatemala (February 24 - March 4) exPlore the World of Paul with tom Yoder neufeld Masako Moriyama of Abbotsford, who vIsIt mexICo & its CoPPer CanYon (March 9 - 18) (May 4 - 20) has maintained contact with friends in the leGendarY rhIne & moselle rIver CruIse (May 11 - 24) exPlore south amerICa (March 18 - 31) affected area of Miyagi, reported how the alaska CruIse tour (June 7 - 18) folloWInG the stePs of moses (April 16 - 27) Japanese people were coping. She told of ICeland CountrY tour (June 13 - 22) euroPean herItaGe with Paul zehr (May 3 - 16) a water shortage that meant those in the euroPean herItaGe with John ruth (June 23 - July 6) alaska CruIse tour (June 7 - 18) area could bathe only once every 10 days, WIllIam Penn, the Poets & more... (enGland & sCotland) GlorY of russIa: mosCoW & st. PetersburG (July 3 - 13) (July 22 - August 4) euroPean herItaGe with John ruth (July 10 - 23) and spoke of a friend’s Kindergarten-aged mennonIte storY in Poland (August 9 - 17) daughter who had lost classmates the after- vIsIt ukraIne with edGar stoesz (September 19 - 28) vIetnam and sInGaPore (November 12 - 26) noon the tsunami hit when the school bus a PIlGrImaGe to PortuGal (September 20 - 30) they were riding was washed away. exPerIenCe Ireland with the lederaChs (September 22 - October 3) It was reported that Mennonite Israel/PalestIne with Pastor GarrY Janzen Educational Institute in Abbotsford has (October 14 - 23) offered to host several Japanese students, from nazareth to rome (November 10 - 22) tuition-free, to help some of those in need behInd the veIl-exPerIenCInG eGYPt with meda “Building bridges among Mennonites and (November 14 - 26) get back on their feet. However, Moriyama other Christians and faiths around the world oberammerGau ChrIstmas market (December 7 - 11) through custom-designed travel.” explained that many Japanese people are reluctant to relocate elsewhere and leave CAll 1-800-565-0451 for more InformatIon and to book Your tour their fellow citizens behind. “Japan is a e-mail: [email protected] web: www.tourmagination.com close-knit country,” she said. l 9 Willow Street, Waterloo, ON N2J 1V6 Canada Reg. #50014322 2308 Wood Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 USA 26 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

MDS Stories God at work in the World ‘A light in the darkness’ MDS begins work in remote B.C. First Nation community

Story and Photos by Phil Hood Mennonite Disaster Service Kingcome, B.C.

n the weekend of Sept. 25-26, 2010, flooring, painting and mechanical repairs Othe Kingcome River raged through were begun on two homes. Additional the remote First Nation community of crews will work in Kingcome this spring, Kingcome. Floodwaters forced lifelong and MDS plans to send summer youth residents of the Pacific coastal village to flee crews to work on clean-up and site res- from their homes with only a few minutes toration beginning in June. notice. As the waters quickly rose, villagers The flood—probably caused by clear- gathered at the school and waited to be air- cut logging and a receding glacier—was lifted out by helicopter. Nearly four metres unlike anything seen in recent memory. Destruction path left over from the dev- of water rushed through the community, Even though the community was designed astating flood in Kingcome, B.C. leaving most homes uninhabitable. to withstand flooding, the downpour was Volunteers from the British Columbia so severe—and the river came up so quick- travelled to the community to conduct a unit of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) ly—that most of the community was wiped damage assessment. Many levels of com- began assisting the Kingcome community out. munity and government agencies re- in March. The first volunteer crew worked Immediately after the waters receded, sponded to this natural disaster. But seven in the community for two weeks; drywall, engineers and health representatives months after the flood, many homes are still uninhabitable and the community is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of re- maining debris. Uncertainty with few options is adding tension to an already-stressed community. More than a half-dozen homes that were not eligible for any help are the target for the first MDS crews. Getting volunteers and supplies to the community is a logistical challenge. All people and supplies must be brought across the Queen Charlotte Straight from Port McNeill on a 43-passenger boat to the entrance of the Kingcome River. Everything and everyone then have to be transferred up-river in a smaller jet boat. From the jet boat, people and supplies are transferred to the beach, and supplies are then carried up to the village. Rubber boots and strong arms are essential. Dawn Nicolson, Kingcome community volunteer coordinator, expresses the ap- preciation felt for the first group of MDS volunteers. “You have no idea how much MDS volunteers Dave Friesen and Eric Penner examine the drywall finishing work your guys’ help has meant to us. It has been they are completing. a light in the darkness,” she says. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 27

MDS Stories MDS photo by Gerald Epp

Soil is dumped into the containers that will both protect property along the Louisiana Gulf Coast from storm surges and act as raised-bed gardens.

one way to improve their food quality and help them move toward self-sustainability. ‘Military fortifications’ now “If our seafood diminishes, we can’t pro- vide for our community and we will need used for peaceful purpose an alternative food source,” says Philippe. Their inability to provide for their fam- By Brian K. Pipkin ilies and neighbours is not acceptable to Mennonite Disaster Service Philippe. “We don’t want to go outside our community for food. We want to be self- age-like baskets used for military for- responded with a project their commu-nity sufficient and self-sustaining,” she says. Ctification during warfare are now be- independently initiated and designed prior Ruby Ancar, a long-term resident of the ing used by residents to help sustain their to the oil spill—the raised bed project. Grand Bayou community, decided to stay way of life on the marshes of the Grand Prior to the oil spill, coastal erosion and away from local seafood. “I am not eating Bayou, La. The British-made baskets are soil pollution already limited the coastal the seafood,” she says. “I don’t know what being used to create elevated gardens. people’s ability to grow healthy gardens. the long-term effects will be, but I am not “Our native plants are dying due to salt The oil spill, however, made the issue of willing to take that risk.” water intrusion,” says Rosina Philippe, a food vulnerability and sustainability an Ancar hopes the gardens will reduce her Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) home- ever-increasing priority. monthly grocery expenses. “The raised-bed owner. “It is important for our community Many residents are now looking to sub- gardens that surround my house will help to preserve and protect our future, and we stitute their seafood diet with plant food. me with my grocery bill, especially since believe these raised bed gardens will ac- Not knowing the extent of the damage to our seafood quality has been threatened.” complish that.” the local fishery and the health dangers it Ancar’s home, the first house repaired by During the 2010 oil spill that severely presents, many in the fishing commu-nity MDS following 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, is impacted the Gulf Coast, MDS asked lo- are proactively looking for healthy alterna- serving as the pilot project for the elevated cal residents, “How can we help?” They tive food sources. Raised bed gardens are gardens. “So far I’ve planted mustard seeds 28 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

MDS Stories

and after winter my goal is to grow tomatoes, metre of soil and are fastened together didn’t have any damage.” bell peppers and eggplants,” she says. “I’m by a chain-link fence—have two primary But later, when the local long-term re- looking forward to spring when I can start functions: to act as self-sustaining gardens covery committee came to inspect his planting my vegetables and fruit trees.” and to protect Ancar’s land from debris house, the damage to the floors, flooring The baskets—that each hold a cubic build-up during storm surges. l and supports was evident. “The flood raised a lot of the pre-existing building issues,” Schroeder explains. To stretch their dollars, MDS is using MDS ‘rebuilding families’ some surplus materials left over from an- other job. Despite the widespread impact on central Tennessee, MDS has only re- in Central Tennessee ceived a little over $4,000 for this project and 33 cases remain open. Story and Photo by Scott Sundberg “The work is plentiful and so is the sup- Mennonite Disaster Service ply of volunteers, but the money needed to keep the project going is short,” says omeowner Andy Plank has described was not enough to repair their house,” says Kevin King, MDS executive director. “It Hseveral times to Mennonite Disaster Peter Schroeder of Saskatoon, Sask., the is another one of those disasters that got Service (MDS) volunteers serving in and current MDS project director in Lyles. overshadowed in the news.” l around Lyles, Tenn., how flooding took out MDS is coordinating with a local con- everything in his family home: “The water tractor on the Plank house, as it was the rose rapidly. When we opened the back only financially feasible way to undertake door, water rushed in—knee deep!” The the project. “It’s been a good fit,” Schroeder ΛΛBriefly noted water took away an old desk once owned notes as he tours the house and talks with MDS cuts budget to reflect by Billy Graham, as well as virtually every- the contractor. new realities, original vision thing else the Planks owned. Over coffee on a snowy morning, MDS “But,” Plank interjects, “it’s a Godsend project leaders discuss the finer points of LITITZ, PA.—Reflecting shifts in dis- to see people come into our county to help insulation as volunteers prepare to work on aster response needs, budget chal- people. Because of you all, we’re going to four houses. One of the houses belongs to lenges and a renewed emphasis on come home soon.” Dennis Farris, a disabled Army veteran. the organization’s original vision, MDS started working in Lyles last For Farris, MDS was the only way he Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) has November and is currently working on could get his house repaired. “I don’t have eliminated four staff positions in the nine properties. People whose homes were no family at all—period,” Farris says as he Lititz binational headquarters as part of never before considered to be in a flood helps as best he can the volunteers crawl- overall budget cuts. Four staff positions zone were still greatly impacted. ing under his house adjusting and strength- in Manitoba and one in B.C. continue, “The Planks lost everything in their ening the floor supports. “I had flood in- although the position of one staff person house due to the floods, and the insurance surance, but the insurance company said I in Manitoba is not being filled while on a one-year maternity leave. The organiza- tion is also cutting back on expenses in the field. Executive director Kevin King says MDS will engage local partners to share some on-site disaster response project costs, reflecting a traditional pattern for MDS work, where the local community provides the support and MDS provides the volunteers. MDS will also increase efforts to invite churches and other donors to give. King says he is optimistic for MDS’s future, and also feels deeply for the people affected by the job-cutting decisions. “Each person’s contribution to MDS has been import- ant.” King stresses. Insurance companies did not recognize the flood damage to the Lyle, Tenn., home of —Mennonite Disaster Service Dennis Farris, a disabled Army veteran. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 29

around the sand dam, raising the water table, making for better crops, and allowing Sand dams mitigate locals to take water from behind the dam for both human and agricultural uses. After the dams, trenches and terraces are against climate change then dug along hillsides and river banks to hold more water from running into the riv- MCC supports practical approaches to er. These are planted with trees and gardens, stop desertification in Africa both for local use and for sale in markets. In 2010, more than a thousand kilo- Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky metres of terraces were dug, he said, show- Eastern Canada Correspondent ing photographs of mostly women doing Waterloo, Ont. the work. Over the past 33 years, 1,440 sand dams have been built, protecting ap- limate change is being felt in sub-Sa- in countries like Kenya. proximately 25 percent of the areas need- Charan Africa as torrential rains give way Enter Joshua Mukusya of the Utooni ing reclamation. to long periods of drought. Compounded Development Organization. For 33 years As Mukusya noted, better water and food by over-grazing, desertification is rampant he has been helping communities of farm- supplies results in more girls being in school. ers and tribes of Masai herders to stop the While water is more available, the Utooni relentless destruction of their lands. Begun Development Organization is also encour- with the encouragement of Mennonite aging the growth of drought-resistant crops ΛΛBriefly noted Central Committee (MCC), his work is now that will hold the soil even during prolonged Hope Mennonite at work independent, unfettered by co-dependency. droughts. While he said that “Africa has in the community While MCC continues to add funding for enough water,” more of it comes in deluges materials, the education, work and upkeep than as run-off; each deluge can wash away NORTH BATTLEFORD, SASK.— are all in the hands of Kenyans. up to 250 tonnes of soil per hectare. Hope Mennonite Fellowship in North In a stop at Conrad Grebel University In response, Lowell Ewert, director of Battleford recently became involved College last month while on a cross-Canada the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies with a local drop-in centre, Cornerstone conversation sponsored by MCC, Mukusya at Grebel, noted that this is good news on Outreach, that uses the collaborative described the simple technology. Cement the climate-change front, pointing out that efforts of five different churches in and rebar dams are built on bedrock across the people involved in these proj-ects are the city. Several people from Hope rivers. In time, the area behind the dam is independent, and have hope and a sense of Fellowship serve lunch at the centre filled with run-off sand. This sand holds community without needing continued for- three days a week. “We’re up to about 40 water and allows it to sink into the soil eign involvement or costly technologies. l people now,” says Gerhard Luitjens, pas- tor of Hope Fellowship, speaking of the people who come to eat at Cornerstone. Hope Mennonite has set up a board to help with donations to the drop-in centre, since the church is able to issue tax receipts. The money goes through the church’s books, explains Luitjens. The church, with an average Sunday at- tendance of 25 to30 people, also helps at the local thrift store that is co-owned together with the Hoffnungsfelder churches from Mayfair, Glenbush and Rabbit Lake. The dedicated small con- gregation is also involved with refu- gees; it recently welcomed a second Colombian family, adding three more refugees to the family of five that arrived last October. Joshua Mukusya of the Utooni Development Organization talks with Laura Dyck, —By Karin Fehderau an international development student at the University of Waterloo, about the role sand dams and drought-resistant crops play in stopping desertification in Africa. 30 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

people gathered at Steinmann Mennonite Church, Baden, last month for the church’s ‘Go to the other’s table’ third annual Peace and Justice Community Breakfast. A Muslim perpective on multicultural communities Entitling her talk, “Building a multicul- tural community: A Muslim perspective,” Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent Pandit said she prefers the term “pluralistic” Baden, Ont. to “diversity,” believing the former suggests an “active seeking of understanding across lines of difference.” This is different than he belief that Muslims have long been Pandit, founder and coordinator of Muslim mere tolerance of the other, she said, which Tpart of Canada’s pluralistic society Social Services of Kitchener-Waterloo, a can easily turn to feeling threatened when was central to an address given by Idrissa member of Interfaith Grand River, to 150 the “others” increase in number or visibility.

CPT vigil draws attention to ‘Islamophobia’ Story and Photo by Rebecca Johnson Christian Peacemaker Teams Toronto, Ont.

e don’t refer to the Ulster Unionists as Police arrested four demonstrators, including two “WProtestant terrorists, nor the Irish Republican who were videotaping the demonstration. Police re- Army as Catholic terrorists, but the media is full of refer- leased both videographers without charge, and returned ence to ‘Islamic terrorists.’ This rhetoric incites prejudice one of their cameras after erasing the contents. and violence against Muslims, and must stop!” With signs proclaiming “Yes! to our common human- With these words, Annie Hyder, a Muslim student ity,” and “No! to Islamophobia,” the value of the vigil may at Ryerson University, addressed an interfaith candle- lie most in bridgebuilding across racial, religious and light vigil in Toronto earlier this year. The vigil provided ethnic identities, CPT believes. an alternative voice to a nearby support rally for the To that end, five Muslim women passing by joined the English Defence League (EDL), a British right-wing vigil near its end. “Thank you for doing this,” said one. group responsible for a wave of violent anti-Islamic “It’s very compelling to see people here who are not even street protests in the United Kingdom since 2009. The Muslim literally braving the elements for this cause.” l EDL support rally, believed to be the first in Canada, was organized by the Jewish Defence League (JDL) Canada at the Toronto Zionist Centre. In alliance with the 20-person vigil organized by mem- bers of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) and mem- bers of the CUPE Local 3903 First Nations Solidarity Working Group, approximately 50 members of Anti- Racist Action (ARA) Toronto demonstrated directly outside the Zionist centre. Jewish voices were heard at both the vigil and the demonstration. Jason Kunin of Independent Jewish Voices said, “The JDL is a violent extremist group, and has no place in the Jewish community.” In addition to concern about the “Islamophobic” na- ture of the rally at the Zionist centre, CPTers expressed consternation about the police response to the Anti- Racist Action demonstration. “Without provocation on the part of the ARA, I saw eight mounted police charge Christian Peacemaker Teams helped organize a vigil and drive them to the opposite side of the road,” reported in downtown Toronto calling Torontonians to say demonstrator Julián Gutierrez Castano. “No! to Islamophobia.” Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 31

Pluralism, on the other hand, “is an encoun- ter of commitment with respect,” she said. It is not “ghettoization,” or dialogue as an act of charity, that helps the majority feel better about themselves, Pandit said. Rather, it is dialogue and engagement, and an embrace of difference. She said she has found that an engaged dialogue has built compassion in her and strengthened her faith—as she learns about the faith of others—and helps her to celebrate a com- mon humanity. To engage in such dialogue, though, par- ticipants must acknowledge their own fear, see God’s creation in every human being, and embrace change, Pandit said. Quoting from the Qur’an, she claimed that Allah made humankind from a single male and female, and made humanity into many na- Keynote speaker Idrissa Pandit, left, visits with Robert and Anne Thayler at tions and tribes, but that humankind “is Steinmann Mennonite Church’s Peace and Justice Breakfast last month. Pandit nothing but a single nation.” spoke on ‘Building a multicultural community: A Muslim perspective.’ Because of this, pluralism and mutual respect are inherent to Islam, she said. any but his own race, he was converted to united in faith, he came to understand Pandit told the story of Malcolm X, pluralism when he went to Mecca on pil- Allah’s desire for pluralism. founder of the African-American-only grimage, she said. There, mingling with Pandit also reiterated the oft-made point Nation of Islam. Highly prejudiced against Muslims from every nation and race, and that the Qur’an calls Jews and Christians “people of the book” and fellow followers of the same God, so Christians should not be troubled by Muslims. ΛΛBriefly noted But media stereotypes, accompanied Web hosting services getting greener by fearmongering on the part of some Christians and Muslims, has led to reason WINNIPEG, MAN.—Mennonite Church being crippled by fear, she said. She said Canada just got a tiny bit greener, thanks that her desire is to create in the Waterloo to its Internet service provider, Peaceworks Region a harmonious community through Computer Consulting of Waterloo, Ont. dialogue and working together. Peaceworks began investigating green Robert Thayler, a local retired United energy options for the company’s Internet Church minister with cross-cultural ex- servers when clients, including MC perience working in Botswana, was asked Canada, began inquiring about alterna- Jason Hildebrand, remote services to respond to Pandit’s presentation. He tives, says Jason Hildebrand, Peaceworks’ manager for Peaceworks Computer drew attention to the need for the major- remote services manager. Starting this Consulting. ity in Canadian culture to give up their year, the company will purchase one unit power and privilege, to “get up from their of certified renewable energy for every unit of energy its web and e-mail servers table and go to the other’s table.” Too often, consume. Certified renewable energy is generated from renewable resources, and is he said, those in the dominant culture feel injected back into the power grid. Peaceworks presently purchases Internet server that they should not “bother” others. But space in Ontario, New Jersey and Missouri, where electrical energy sources include he encouraged those present to get to nuclear and fossil fuel. Under present market conditions, renewable energy costs know their neighbours, invite themselves more than energy from traditional sources, but those costs can have a pay-off. “By to their homes, and get over their fear of purchasing these credits, we are increasing demand for renewable energy,” says “the other.” Hildebrand. “If lots of people vote with their money, we could increase green energy Proceeds from the breakfast were div- supply.” The increased cost for Peaceworks is anticipated to be about 0.75 percent, a ided between Muslim Social Services of cost it won’t be adding to customer invoices. Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., and the inter- —Mennonite Church Canada faith bridgebuilding program of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario. l 32 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

God at work in Us the More than making a profit business By Karin Fehderau Saskatchewan Correspondent of faith Saskatoon, Sask.

aul Tiessen answers the phone know where he attends church Tiessen still made time to share his bless- Pwith a breathless rush of words. and what he believes, and he en- ings with others. He put nine years into It’s 8:30 on a Wednesday morning courages them not to use Sundays the Mennonite Economic Development and already he’s running to keep for catch-up work. “Sometimes I Associates (MEDA) board and still believes up. struggle [with thinking] should I do strongly in the organization’s mission. “For Tiessen, 56, owns Action Office more?” he admits. “Hopefully [my business people, professionals, it’s a great Interiors, an office supply store faith] comes out in how we treat organization,” he says, adding that he got in Saskatoon that puts Staples to Tiessen our staff and suppliers.” more out of it than what he put in. shame. It’s where people go to shop Being a husband and father Sometimes business owners face the when they want quality that will last. That’s means knowing the importance of bal- stereotype of always being available to do- where First Mennonite Church went to buy ancing business with family. It’s also an idea nate to the current cause. The church looks an office chair for its pastor. Eight years he’s given some thought to. “When you run at them and sees an open wallet. Does that later, it looks the same as the day it was a business, it’s with you 24 hours a day,” he bother him? “I think that’s natural,” he says. purchased. says. “You can’t get away from it.” “I don’t take it personally.” Having been in business for 27 years, But he made a point to spend quality Tiessen wonders aloud if business Tiessen got his start as a teenager work- time with his children while they were owners should take the approach that, ing in a family-owned enterprise. When one member of that family went out on [Paul] Tiessen wonders aloud if business owners his own, he invited Tiessen to partner up with him in selling used office furniture. should take the approach that, since they have “He had the money. I did the work,” jokes the wealth, they are almost obligated to give. ‘I Tiessen. Still, there’s more to the man than just think its part of our responsibility,’ he says. making a profit. He strives to put feet to his faith and has put thought into what growing up. “The reality is, a decision since they have the wealth, they are almost that means for him in a daily work environ- [between family and business] has to be obligated to give. “I think its part of our ment. “I try to conduct business in a way made,” he admits, but he felt the support of responsibility,” he says. that would be Christ-like; a reflection of his family nonetheless, as he strove to stay Still, he struggles with the downside of my Christian values,” he says. connected to his wife and children through business. “We’ve made lots of mistakes But he doesn’t make a point to push his the busy years of raising kids. in business,” he says, knowing that some- beliefs on others. He says his employees Despite his multiple commitments, times he has to make decisions that aren’t popular. SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS When the local economy is booming, Danube River Cruise other business is attracted to the region. Nov 26 - Dec 06/09, 2011 That adds up to more competition. “We’re Munich - Passau - salzburg - linz fighting imports now,” he says. “It’s cheap, Melk - bratislava - budaPest - estzergoM and how do you deal with that?” vienna - Prague One gets the feeling after chatting with from Can $ 3490 Tiessen, that he’s not sure if he has suc- (incl. air fare, cruise, all excursions, meals, etc. ceeded in this walk. His doubts keep him Save $ 200/person - book before April 30 !) humble and constantly pondering the For full brochure call or check website truths he’s been taught in order to apply Special Travel International them in his life every day. l tel: 604.291.1332 toll-free:1.800.665.0998 email: [email protected] www.sticanada.com Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 33 A thousand cranes to inner peace Pastor uses origami to help recover from concussion

Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent New Hamburg, Ont.

t began as a summer activity suggestion to pressure on the back of his head, varying Iin Mennonite Publishing Network’s levels of depression, agitation and irritabil- Gather ’Round material in 2008, which ity, along with an inability to concentrate. Nith Valley Mennonite Church was using Folding cranes became part of his coping for intergenerational activities. and healing strategy. He would fold them Inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, at church when he wasn’t on the podium, a Japanese girl who tried to stave off or in the morning when he came in to her death from leukemia—the result of work, to reduce anxiety and agitation, and While the cranes symbolize world peace, his prayer became, ‘God, give me peace.’

radiation from the atomic bombing of to focus and develop a peaceful centre. Hiroshima during World War II—by mak- Leaders in the congregation were made ing one thousand origami (folded paper) aware of his situation and supported him Matthew Isert-Bender sits in his office cranes, many people now fold a thousand in his healing process. While the cranes at Nith Valley Mennonite Church, New cranes and send them to the Hiroshima symbolize world peace, his prayer became, Hamburg, Ont., in February, with a Peace Memorial Museum as a prayer for “God, give me peace.” Besides folding thousand origami cranes, 900 of which world peace. By the spring of 2010, the con- cranes, he also sought medical attention he folded during his healing process gregation had folded about 100 cranes. and the services of a masseuse, counsellor following a concussion while playing Enter Pastor Matthew Isert-Bender. and spiritual director. Isert-Bender cele- church league baseball last summer. While playing baseball in the local church brates that he made it for 38 years without league last summer, he reached down to any more serious injuries, but he has also has acquired a new depth of spiritual prac- catch a ground ball hit along the baseline. learned that he dare not push himself as tice. It has been a long, slow climb back to The base runner’s knee connected squarely hard as he used to do. his pre-concussion form, although at the with Isert-Bender’s head, knocking him In retrospect, he now sees that pastoring, end of February Isert-Bender wasn’t sure over. parenting and working as a counsellor, as if he was all the way back, despite the fact He didn’t lose consciousness, but suf- well as running, were too much. He’s come his doctor has given him the go-ahead to fered a low-grade concussion. A marathon to appreciate his father’s example more. resume marathon racing. runner, the fit Isert-Bender had recently “There was always time for another cup His need to do origami has diminished, finished two major races and noticed little of coffee, even if there was hay to bale and though, and he is sending the thousand long-term effects from the collision. Not rain in the forecast,” he says of his dad. cranes off to Japan, adding his hope for until he began to ramp-up his training He’s trying to sit more, focus on one peace to the world’s need for peace. l for his next race about four weeks after thing and enjoy the food he eats, and he the injury did he notice that something was wrong. After a run, he had a panic attack, but wrote it off as having pushed himself too hard and on the humidity that afternoon. Soon he tried running again, only to have 1-855-eFFRSWO (333-7796) repeated symptoms, including sensitivity 34 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Artbeat Albert to greatness. In the most crucial moments of the film, it is Albert’s helplessness and utter depend- Film Review ence on Logue that stands out the most. For Christians, this message of dependence is a familiar, although important, one. The respective quirks of the two main A clear statement characters play off of each other beauti- fully, turning a movie mostly about two men talking into an enjoyable and intri- about stuttering cate story filled with witty banter, humour The King’s Speech. and depth. Director: Tom Hooper. Writer: David Seidler. Starring Colin Firth, GeoffreyR ush and Helena On the down side, the film resorts at Bonham Carter. A See Saw Films/Bedlam Production, 2010. Rated PG (coarse language). times to the formulaic friendship narra- DVD/ Blu-ray release date: April 29. tive, with the token break-up/make-up plot Reviewed by Erin Weaver device. The creators also could have made much more use of Bonham Carter’s ec- t is a hard thing to live with as much fear and significance, The King’s Speech shows centric talents, giving her character more Ias Albert (Colin Firth) harbours. But it a struggle familiar to “commoners” as well, dimensions than the devoted wife role of- is especially difficult when you are a royal. and illustrates some simple but profound fers. On the whole, though, these flaws are For Prince Albert, later to become Great truths of what it takes to overcome human as forgivable as a few stuttered words ut- Britain’s King George VI, the familiar fears fear. tered by a reluctant king. l of authority figures, childhood bullies and The script, written by David Seidler, who judgmental crowds are made all the worse overcame his own stuttering as a young Erin Weaver is a fourth-year student at by his debilitating stammer. man, follows a feel-good Hollywood tra- Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, When the prince gives an especially jectory, in which the hero finds in himself Man. The review was originally written embarrassing speech on behalf of his the strength to beat the odds and attain the for a film, faith and popular culture class father, King George V, a speech comprised public’s good graces. The story is reminis- assignment. The King’s Speech won four mostly of gulps and silence, he and his wife cent of many sports films, in that Logue Academy Awards for best picture, director, Elizabeth know they must take action. acts as the wise and loyal coach pushing original screenplay and actor. Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) finds a speech therapist that may just do the trick. Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an eccentric has-been actor from Australia, is known for his “unorthodox and controversial” treatment of speech impediments. His odd manner and penchant for delving into the personal life of his patients pushes Albert’s royal buttons. With his older brother shrinking from his kingly calling and another world war brewing on the horizon, Albert may be forced to overcome his speech impediment and the fear beneath. As the “king’s speech” draws nearer, it is Albert’s friendship with Logue that brings the biggest transforma- tion in the prince, transcending the royal divide and offering him support as he has never known before. Director Tom Hooper manages to make what could have been a formulaic story of underdog triumph into an offbeat, tender study of responsibility, courage and friend- ship. Although set in the stiff, proper world Colin Firth stars as Prince Albert/King George VI in the Academy Award-winning of British royalty, filled with symbolism film,The King’s Speech. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 35

Schools directory Elementary/Secondary Post-Secondary ΛΛBriefly noted New encyclopedia of N.A. Anabaptists released Menno Simons Christian School ELIZABETHTOWN, PA.—Author Integrating sound academic learning with growth in character, faith, and service to God. Donald B. Kraybill illuminates www.mennosimons.ab.ca the wide variety in the Anabaptist An EducA tion for LifE ! Calgary, Alberta world in the newly released Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites and Mennonites. Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, the compilation CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY is the only vol- Christian Undergraduate and Graduate Studies ume to provide a www.cmu.ca broad overview of Anabaptists in 17 ROCKWAY North American MENNONITE countries. Con- COLLEGIATE taining 340 suc- For Grades 7 to 12 Forming Faith... cinct entries, the Building Character encyclopedia covers topics of histor- ical, social and religious significance, w w w . r o c k w a y . c a including martyrdom, rumspringa (a period of adolescence for some Amish GREBEL groups at the end of which the youths Challenging Mind and Spirit either choose baptism and remain Hundreds of programs. in the church, or leave the commu- Dozens of friends. nity), and gender roles. The entries OneConrad campus. Grebel are supplemented by tables, maps and grebel.uwaterloo.caUniversity College diagrams, as well as a comprehensive bibliography—all designed to help stu- Leamington dents, journalists, scholars and general Ontario readers understand Anabaptist groups, UMEI Christian aims to prepare young and direct them to reliable, relevant people with strong academics, a good sources of additional information. The Anabaptist-Christian grounding, and book also presents the first-ever direc- all the benefits of a small active school. Ancaster, ON 1.877.779.0913 www.umei.on.ca u 519-326-7448 tory identifying and describing all North www.redeemer.ca American Anabaptist groups. Totalling ... a well-rounded education which more than 1.3 million men, women and will inspire and empower students Is your educational institution children, North American Anabaptists to live as people of God. 86 West Gate missing from this directory? are found throughout Canada, Central Winnipeg, MB R3C 2E1 America, Mexico and the U.S., and in- (204) 775-7111 Contact our Ad Rep, Lisa Metzger, to clude more than 200 different groups find out how to book your ad. with approximately 810,000 baptized [email protected] members. Kraybill, senior fellow in the www.westgatemennonite.ca Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist

Studies at Elizabethtown College, is an Winnipeg Mennonite internationally recognized scholar on Elementary & Middle Schools

Anabaptist groups. TRAIN UP A CHILD… www.wmes.ca Proverbs 22:6 —Elizabethtown College WMES Agassiz (K-6), 26 Agassiz Dr., (204) 261-9637 WMEMS Bedson (K-8), 250 Bedson St., (204) 885-1032

…teaching minds, touching hearts

36 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Focus on Fair Trade

MEDA photo

Reliable jobs for An employee of the APPBOSA those who need co-operative prepares ba- them most nanas for shipping to cus- tomers in Europe and North America. Personal relationships with artisans based on respect

Safe and healthy workplaces are ensured MEDA software goes bananas By Wally Kroeker Mennonite Economic Development Associates

Empowerment f you buy a bunch of fair trade or organic such as a conveyor system of cords and of women Ibananas, you may get a product with a hooks that travels through the trees and hidden stamp from Mennonite Economic reaches into all the small farms to bring Development Associates (MEDA). the bananas back to the central packing Social and MEDA has helped co-operatives in Peru shed. Some of the dividend also went for education programs build to streamline their certification procedures road improvements and a health-insurance brighter futures to maintain the rigorous requirements of system for the farmers and their families. fair trade and organic distributors, and MEDA’s role was to install its thus gain a premium price. Agromonitor software, a tracking system One of the cooperatives, called to manage production and organic certifi- APPBOSA, comprises 300 banana farm- cation, and to train staff of the co-op. The ers, each with less than a hectare of land. system greatly simplifies the complex pro- It used to sell its bananas to a multinational cess of documenting the various logistical fruit corporation, but decided to try a dif- steps required to maintain certification ferent route when the company couldn’t standards required by the fair trade and use all of its fair trade production. organic industries. Now it sells directly to fair trade buy- In the past, says Jerry Quigley, director ers in Europe and North America, and of MEDA’s production-marketing linkages receives an additional premium of $1 per department, an auditor would visit the box. Recent dividends brought APPBOSA co-op on a regular basis and spend a week more than $600,000. analyzing mounds of paper documents. Members of the co-operative decided “This program tries to get them into an to use the money to upgrade equipment, easy-to-approve database,” he says. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 37

Saskatchewan June 5: MCI Saengerfest; worship at May 9: Spring seniors retreat at Hidden Λ Calendar 10:30 a.m.; concert at 2 p.m. Acres Mennonite Camp and Retreat Λ May 19: Women in Ministry luncheon, June 6-24: CMU’s third annual Centre. Theme: “Building relationships British Columbia at Wildwood Mennonite Church, Canadian School of Peacebuilding. globally and locally.” Keynote speaker: Saskatoon. May 28,29: Columbia Bible College Allan Sauder of MEDA. Intergenerational May 24-26: Continuing education Library and the Mennonite Historical Ontario panel discussion on “Integrating persons course on missional preaching at Society of B.C. present the Walter into the life of the church.” Registration Wildwood Mennonite Church, May 7: Shalom Counselling Services Ratliff film,Through the Desert Goes deadline: May 2. For more information, Saskatoon, with Allan Rudy-Froese. fundraising breakfast at Steinmann Our Journey; in the CBC chapel; (28) at call 519-625-8602. June 10-11: MCC Relief Sale at Mennonite Church, Baden, from 8:30 7 p.m.; (29) at 2 p.m. May 13: Canadian Bible Society, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. to 11 a.m. Keynote speaker: Brice Kitchener-Waterloo Branch, annual June 24,25: RJC musical performances Balmer. Topic: “Addictions are among Alberta banquet, featuring Vessels of Honour of Honk and alumni decade reunions. us; what can we do?” To reserve tickets, southern gospel quartet, at Waterloo May 27-28: A theological studies July 17-22: Natural Building School, at call 519-886-9690 by May 2. North Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, at event featuring David Miller of AMBS, Shekinah Retreat Centre. May 7: Grand Philharmonic Chamber 5:30 p.m. For tickets, call 519-746-7341. at Sylvan Lake Pentecostal Retreat Choir presents “Springtime Choral May 14: Maple View and Crosshill Centre. Hosted by the Congregational Manitoba Potpourri: Food and music cabaret,” Literary/MYF Reunion for those born Leadership Committee of MC Alberta. at the Delta Hotel, Kitchener, 7:30 p.m. May 12-14: Westgate Mennonite before 1951, at Maple View Mennonite For more information, call Jim Shantz, For more information, or to purchase Collegiate senior high musical. Church, Wellesley. Fellowship at 4 p.m.; conference minister at 780-921-2420 or tickets, call toll-free 1-800-265-8977. May 18: Westgate Mennonite fundraising dinner for Maple View’s e-mail [email protected]. May 7, 2001: DaCapo Chamber Collegiate work day. building fund at 5 p.m. RSVP by April June 8: Heritage retreat at Camp Choir presents “A World of Colour: June 1: Westgate Mennonite 30 to 519-656-2946 or mvmchurch@ Valaqua. Speaker: Abe Janzen, MCC Exploring and exploding the colour Collegiate Grade 7 to 9 spring cyg.net. Alberta director. Music by Corpus palette: tradition meets the present,” concert, at Bethel Mennonite Church, May 14: Menno Singers present “Lift Christi Choir. For more information, call at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. Every Voice and Sing,” a fundraiser Kurt Janz at 403-271-7477. Church, Kitchener; 8 p.m. Includes the June 2: Westgate Mennonite for Menno Homes, at Floradale June 11: Camp Valaqua hike-a-thon premiere of a new commissioned piece Collegiate Grade 10 to 12 spring Mennonite Church, at 7:30 p.m. fundraiser. Location TBA. For more by Gerard Yun. For more information, concert, at Bethel Mennonite Church, May 14: Third annual Paddle the information, call 430-637-2510 or or for tickets, call 519-725-7549 or visit Winnipeg, at 7 p.m. Grand fundraiser for Silver Lake e-mail [email protected]. www.dacapochamberchoir.ca.

Check online for longer versions and video clips of stories that appear in print www.canadianmennonite.org 38 Canadian Mennonite April 18, 2011

Mennonite Camp, from 10 a.m. to May 15: TheN ew England Youth Proceeds to MCC. banquet at Conrad Grebel University noon. Chamber Ensemble and storyteller June 4: Annual “Rhubarb and College, Waterloo, at 6:30 p.m., with May 14: Silver Lake Mennonite Jack Dueck present a worship service Rhummage Sale” at Crosshill Rebecca Slough. For more information, Camp 50th anniversary celebration, of music, song and story, at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., e-mail [email protected]. at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Mennonite Church, at 9:45 a.m. featuring “All ThingsR hubarb” at To ensure timely publication of Kitchener. For more information and to May 29: Ontario Mennonite Bible the “Rhuby” Café, fresh baking and upcoming events, please send purchase tickets, visit slmc.ca. School and Institute Reunion, rhubarb, free children’s activities and Calendar announcements eight May 14: TheN ew England Youth “Celebrating the vision through our food, and more. Individuals and groups weeks in advance of the event Chamber Ensemble performs at the memories,” at Mannheim Mennonite can also bring their own “rhummage” date by e-mail to calendar@ Waterloo Luther Village auditorium, Church, from 2 to 6 p.m. Bring a sale items to the sale, sell them and canadianmennonite.org. at 7 p.m. potluck lunch and lawn chair. For keep the profits. May 15: House of Friendship’s Trek 4 more information, call Lester Kehl at June 9: Lebold endowment fundraising Kids, starting at MCC Ontario office, 519-669-0553. Kent Ave., Kitchener, at 2:30 p.m. Hike May 24-27: St. Jacobs Mennonite and bike the Iron Horse Trail and raise Church “Quilts for the World” event Simply White Bridal in Ed- money to send kids to summer camp. with guest artist Elizabeth Schneider. monton, Alta., offers modest For more information, call House of Gift shop and appraisals. (24-26) 10 elegance for today’s bride. New Friendship at 519-742-8327. a.m. to 7 p.m.; (27) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classifieds owner Heidi Jeannotte looks ΛΛ forward to meeting brides and Simply White Bridal in Ed- providing a beautiful dress- monton, Alta., offers modest shopping experience. Contact elegance for today’s bride. New 780-818-0274 or simplywhite@ owner Heidi Jeannotte looks simplywhitebridal.ca or visit Mennonite Mutual Insurance Co. (Alberta) Ltd. forward to meeting brides and www.simplywhitebridal.ca. providing a beautiful dress- Mennonite Insurance Agency Ltd. shopping experience. Contact 780-818-0274Employment or simplywhite@ Opportunities Meeting Needs Together simplywhitebridal.ca or visit www.simplywhitebridal.ca. Insurance for Alberta Church Members HOST/HOSTESS - MENNONITE GUEST HOME IN CALGARY

Property, Liability, and Automobile Insurance Foothills Mennonite Church is seeking a Host/hostess for Guest for Homes, Farms and Businesses Home which provides accommodation to adults and families coming into Calgary for health related matters. Living accom- Toll Free: 1-866-222-6996 modations and food allowance provided. A minimum 2 month www.mmiab.ca commitment is also required. For more information contact Darrel Heidebrecht at [email protected] or 403-274-4301.

Ontario Mennonite Bible School and Institute Reunion

Celebrating the Vision Through Our Memories May 29, 2011 2:00 – 6:00 Mannheim Mennonite Church 1494 Bleams Rd. N. Petersburg Ont. Canada

All former teachers and students are welcome to share our memories together. Bring a potluck lunch and lawn chair. Spouses and Caregivers are welcome. (In case of rain the event will be inside.)

For more information contact: Lester Kehl l [email protected] l 519-669-0553 Carol Martin l edmart @ auracom.com l 519-846-5459 Canadian Mennonite Vol. 15 No. 8 39

Rosthern Junior College invites applications for: RESIDENCE STAFF - full-time positions for residence SEEKING LONG AND SHORT-TERM staff in boys and girls’ dormitories beginning August MINISTRY WORKERS 22, 2011. For complete job description, please visit www.rjc.sk.ca. Quali- In response to invitations by international church partners, fied applicants should forward resumes to: Mennonite Church Canada is seeking workers for long-term c/o Principal ministry assignments in: Rosthern Junior College Box 5020 • Germany Rosthern, SK S0K 3R0 • United Kingdom Fax: 306-232-5250 • Botswana E-mail: [email protected] www.rjc.sk.ca Short-term assignments (12 months or less) are also available in various locations. Closing Date: May 13, 2011 See www.mennonitechurch.ca/serve for details.

PASTORS CAREER Lendrum MB church invites applications for two pastoral CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY OPPORTUNITIES roles. Lendrum is a well-established church in Edmonton, Al- berta with an average attendance of 180 people. Director of Outtatown School of Discipleship We are a diverse intergenerational congregation. We are look- Canadian Mennonite University invites applications ing for pastors who: for the position of Director of the Outtatown School of • are committed to an Anabaptist theology and practice Discipleship. The Outtatown program is an educational • have a seminary and/or university education program of Canadian Mennonite University with a focus • support the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith and the Mennonite Brethren church polity on faith formation and experiential and cross-cultural • welcome dialogue reflecting a diversity of opinions. learning. Specifically we are interested in receiving applications from The Director of the Outtatown program is responsible individuals who are interested in two or more of these areas: for all aspects of the program including: the overall 1) working with youth and young families, 2) small groups, 3) design and operation of the program; the development preaching, 4) adult teaching, 5) local outreach initiatives. and delivery of instruction in various Canadian and Salary is according to the MB conference guidelines along with international locations; the hiring and mentorship generous benefits. For further information, or to apply, please of team leaders; the cultivation of Canadian and call 780-434-4268 or e-mail to Pastoral Search Committee [email protected]. All communication and applications international partnerships. will be handled confidentially. More information: http://www.cmu.ca/employment.html Call 204.487.3300 Email [email protected]

STUDENT INTERN ENGLISH MINISTER / ASSOCIATE PASTOR Summer intern to join the Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church, located in Abbotsford, B.C., staff of Canadian Mennonite invites applications for a full-time salaried position as ENGLISH at its Waterloo, Ontario office. MINISTER / ASSOCIATE PASTOR. Term: 16 weeks, beginning May 16 and ending September 2. Eben-Ezer is a bilingual multi-generational congregation located in the beautiful Fraser Valley. We are seeking an Compensation: Minimum wage based on 40-hour work week. individual who will provide strong biblical, spiritual leadership Applicant to be trained in basic writing and interpretive and guidance for our English segment with a heart for C’n’Cs and reporting with advanced computer skills in the Macintosh young marrieds, who is not afraid to challenge these members platform. Skilled, too, in digital photography and photo to grow. journalism, all to the end of developing a youth section in the The successful candidate will have theological training in a bi-weekly Canadian Mennonite that references a specialized Mennonite/Anabaptist perspective and be guided by the youth page on the magazine’s website. Must be capable of Mennonite Confession of Faith. This position is available navigating social media and setting up linkages to same. Per- immediately. Please submit your resume to, or if you require sonal requirements are social skills to develop key contacts with more information, please contact: denominational youth leaders and engage in conversation on The Search Committee issues facing Mennonite young people. A team player who has Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church knowledge of and respect for the Mennonite belief system and 2051 Windsor Street ethos. One-page written statement of faith required. Abbotsford, BC V2T 6L9 Submit resume and statement of faith to: Phone: 604-850-8422 Dick Benner Fax: 604-850-8455 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Deadline: May 6, 2011 Photo by Nancy Sabo

Four and a half years after Preston Mennonite Church, Cambridge, Ont., committed to a renovation campaign to partially replace the roof; install new auditorium windows, two new furnaces and air- conditioning; enlarge the stage; overhaul the organ; and replace some trees, the church’s 90 congregants celebrated on March 20 the shredding of the congregation’s $100,000 mortgage held by the Mennonite Foundation of Canada. Pictured from left to right: Claire Osinkosky, pastor; Doug Martin, Property and Finance Committee chair; Dave Rorke, treasurer; Dave Bechtel, Church Council chair; Marg Martin; Nancy Kinsie and Charles Simmons.

God at work in the Church snapshots Photo courtesy of Kevin Barkowsky

Kevin Barkowsky, right, was installed as lead pastor of Kelowna First Mennonite Church, B.C., on March 13, with MC B.C. executive minister Garry Janzen officiating. Barkowsky’s wife Deborah, left, and the couple’s two daughters, Kadyn and Jana, were also welcomed to the congregation that morning.