Considered one of the founding fathers of modem worship music, Brian Doerksen tells how his own search for God during a painful and difficult personal experience led him to write one of his most popular worship songs. While writing Come, Now Is The Time To Worship, Doerksen followed his own advice to fellow songwriters: Write a song you sing in your prayers to God.
14
SHOW AND SHAPE
by Cory Seibel
While we sometimes reflect on worship gatherings in terms of whether or not our styles and preferences are satisfied, God invites us to pay attention to deeper things. Yes, worship is about God and not us, but we should remember that God desires our worship to change us-to both show and shape who we are as his children.
17
WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE
by Christine Longhurst
Does it surprise you that in most congregations, significantly more time is taken for announcements than for Scripture reading? That's what a 2004 study of a variety of United States congregations reveals. If your congregation follows this trend, consider these nine suggestions for making the reading of God's Word an integral part of your worship gatherings.
> FiRST WORDS
[from the editor!
IN THIS ISSUE OF THE CHRISTIAN LEADER YOU WILL find registration materials for Celebration 2010, an event honoring the Isoth anniversary of the founding of the Mennonite Brethren Church. Celebration 2010 is scheduled for July 12-I8 in Vancouver, BC, and is one of a host of national conference celebrations and the second of two global events planned in connection with the sesquicentennial-the first is in Germany in May.
Look over the registration form and you will see a list of locations for various events that comprise Celebration 2010 What the form doesn't tell you is the story of the prayers and concerns that went into securing at least one of these sites-Chandos Pattison Auditorium.
A year ago February the planning team traveled to British Columbia's Lower Mainland to find a venue for the combination binational gathering. Earlier plans had fallen through and they urgently needed to secure a location so they could start planning other facets of the event. The Celebration 2010 planning team includes Canadian Conference representatives-executive director David Wiebe, communications director Cam Rowland and event planner Michelle Penner-and U S. Conference representatives-executive director Ed Boschman and administrative secretary Donna Sullivan.
Prayer was their first response to the challenge of securing a location, says Penner. '''No' is a great answer," she admits, "because it is often a catalyst to finding the thing that is right for you."
Penner pursued leads provided by British Columbia church staff and the one place that responded was Chandos Pattison Auditorium, located on the campus of Pacific Academy, a Pentecostal school in Surrey, BC
"We were blown away by the facility," she says. And when the planning team heard the affordable price, "we were doing the happy dance ." But the clincher was yet to come. As the planning team was leaving. the facility manager said, "Just one last thing-all the rental income goes overseas to support education, food, health care and clean water for children." Penner says, "We all sat with our jaws hitting the ground after hearing that."
Even before Celebration 2010, Penner is celebrating how God is meeting the conference's needs. "If God met our needs in this magnificent way a year and a half out," says Penner, "we're excited about what will happen as we gather together God's faithfulness in this event is similar to his faithfulness to us over the last ISO years. Our goal is to create a space where community can happen and God can speak-and God has provided that place," says Penner. And now you know the rest of the story.
> U P & COMING
• Feb. 6-7. 2010- LAM B District Confe rence
• Apr il 19-21. 2010 -Na tional Pas tors' Orie ntation, Ph oe nix, Ariz.
• April 21 - 22. 20 10-USC Board of Faith and Li fe meetin g. Ph oe nix. Ari z
• April 22 - 23. 2010 - Leadership Summit . Ph oenix. Ari z.
• April 2'-25. 2010 -U.s . Me nno nite Brethren Leade rs hip Boa rd mtg . Ph oeni x. Ariz.
• May 1'-2'. 2010-l soth MB An nivers ary events - Germany
• July 12-18. 2010 -U .S. MB Conve nt ion!Isoth MB Anniv. Cel ebration. Vanc ouver
• April 16-19, 2011 -Nati onal MB Youth Conventio n San Antonio, Te xas
Feb I Mar 2010
Vol ume 13
Number 1
Conn ie Faber EDITOR
Myra Holm es ASSISTANT EDITOR
Shelley Plett GRAPHIC DESIGNER
The Christian Leader (l SSN 0009- 51491 is published bi -monthly by t he U S Confe rence of Mennonit e Br et hr en Churches
MANDATE The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Bret hren members and churches of t he events. activities decisions and i ssues of their denomination and to inst ru ct, inspire and initiate dialogue so mem bers will aspire to be faithfu l disciples of Christ as understood in the eva ngelica V Anabapt ist theolog ical tradition
EDITORIAL POLI CY The views expresse d in t his publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Chris t ia n Leade r, the U S Confe rence Leadership Board or the Me nnoni te Brethren Church. Script ure refere nces are from New International Version unless otherwise noted The editors invite freelan ce article subm issions A SASE must accompany articles
READER PARTICIPATION The editors invite readers to share their thoughts and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church using letters to the editor and Forum essays Letters to the editor should be brief- 300 words or less-and on one subject. Letters must be signed and include the writer's city and state Leiters will be ed ited for clarity, appropriateness and length Letters will be published, as space allows, unless marked - Not for publication: Forum is open to members or attendees of Mennonite Brethren churches Essays should not exceed 800 words, and should include the writer's name, address, home church and occupation
COMMUNICATION All correspondence, including change of address, should be addressed to the Christian Leader Box 155 107 N Main, Hillsboro, KS 67063-0155 Phone : 620-947 -5543
E- mail: christianleaderfilusmb org
SUBSCRIPTIONS $10 for six issues and $20 for twelve issues ($15, $40 In Canada ; all other count r ies $25 for six issues!: $1 50 per copy
MEMBERSHIP The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors
POSTMASTER Send address c hanges to the Christian Leader, Box 155, Hillsboro, KS 67063 • Periodicals postage paid at Hil lsboro, Kansas
>CONFERENCE CALL
Older and wiser
Birthdays prompt reflection on what we've learned
We are older now. That's a fact, and every day is an appropriate occasion to make this declaration. Sometimes we say it with a wink, announcing our newfound insight and wisdom . Sometimes we say it with a little nostalgia, inferring that the former days were really great, perhaps even better in some ways Sometimes the words announce that we have given up on our dreams and backed away from the naive enthusiasm of former days
One of the ways many folks finish the phrase is to add, "and we are wiser." There have been times when I have talked with myself, an aging thing I guess, about the old adage that says, 'Youth is wasted on the young." There is a patt of me that buys into that these days. OK. a pretty big part.
So it is the "wiser now" thing we need to park on for a bit For many of the last decades we have been in a perennial quest to clarify and agree on our family identity and story. We were born in a cradle of renewal and mission The early days were marked by home-based Bible studies that resulted in a warm spiritual passion and mutual accountable commitment to living every day as authentic genuinely heatt-transformed and believer-baptized followers of Jesus .
Our spiritual forefathers were keen on pursuing healthy relationships and being peacemakers. These expressions of personal and transforming faith were committed to and demonsttated in a covenant community of believers. The passion to follow and obey
o It's pretty amazing that it was 18 Brethrenwho ... signed a Document of Succession Jan. 6, 1860 . J say amazing because now, 150 year s hner, we arc a global community of 15 countries on five continent s including somewhere around 300 ,000 brothers and 'liste rs .
The truth is that I would love to have been able to be younger and know all that I know now, little as it is, through learning from books, life, my wife, my kids, friends, colleagues, media, mistakes and what not all else. Even my brother said to me the other day that he thought I had mellowed over the years. Seems to me that I remember mellow as being on the verge of overripe and a hair's breadth from rotting. But I don't think he meant that. So I am older, but what has it begotten? That is what I'm thinking about these days.
It's not only me. It's also us We have turned 150 If that was not on your radar, then you picked it up in the last Christian Leader Our Mennonite Brethren family of faith has put on some miles in the last century and a half. It's pretty amazing that it was 18 Brethren who, on behalf of themselves and their families, signed a Document of Succession Jan 6, 1860, that also signified their covenant of renewal . I say amazing because now, 150 years later, we are a global community of 15 counrries on five continents including somewhere around 300,000 brothers and sisters.
In itself this is pretty cool because based on our name some might think that only brothers could belong Which makes me wonder about our name and whether in that regard we are wiser now. And what about the other part of our name that seems pretty much in tension with the biblical teaching that says we shouldn't identify ourselves by someone's name. But for now, we are thinking about age not name.
Jesus in everything and to let the Bible be the last word on everything resulted in a radically obedient family of believers (read Brethren) and an unstoppable evangelistic fervor.
That is why we get to have a 150th birthday party this year. Well, actually, all 18 national sister conferences will have a party. There will, however, be two big blowout celebrations, one in Germany in May and another in Canada in July. Now that we are older, it is time to both reflect and celebrate and to figure out if we are wiser.
The Vancouver event will include our USMB National Biennial Convention, which we are calling Conection 2010. We will have a couple of days to talk about "Renewing our Identity and Mission." It will be a chance to evaluate whether we have gotten wiser with age. The plans also include several days for global connection and celebration.
We are hoping and prayirig it will help us gain wisdom as we keep aging. Seems we might be able to learn a thing or two alongside having a great time at the party. It would be great if you were there.
-1J Comment on this column by going to usmb orglchristian-leader
by Teresa Regier
Why are we waiting?
When a delayed ceremony could improve health care
We had been waiting and waiting for the closing ceremony to begin, and I was getting impatient Why didn 't we just stan? Obviously they were not going to come I should be used to waiting. as my family and I had lived in India several years ago, and I know that culturally things move at a much slower pace. Meetings and functions usually do not begin when expected.
I was back in India for a shon time to help J.L. David, director of Mennonite Brethren Development Organization (MBDO), as he initiated a community health project. Over the last three days we had been teaching 30 village women, selected by their village leadership. Instruction included various health topics such as women's health, worm infestation, diarrhea and other illnesses common to life in rural India.
The goal of this community health project is to train and empower these women so they can return to their villages to teach and help others. It is recognized that even a little bit of knowledge can go a long way toward improving life in the village. Along with improving the physical health of individuals in the village, David looks to find ways to impan spiritual truths as well. I wanted to help David with this project because as a nurse practitioner, I am passionate about improving the physical and spiritual health of those that are hutting
After this initial teaching seminar, David will continue to meet regularly with the women He wanrs to provide funher education and an opportunity for the women to come together and discuss health-related problems they have encountered in their individual villages His plan includes monthly three-day seminars for one year followed by a year of monthly one-day meetings. It is the hope of MBDO that these women will continue to function in their villages and provide mutual suppon, long after their training has been completed.
Using a combination oflecture, discussion, small group sessions, skits and music, the seminar has been very successful. The women had been excited and engaged in the learning process In India, it is common to end the sessions with a closing programa ceremony marking an official completion and a sending of the women into their villages. It was this closing session that we were waiting to begin.
At last here they were, the four men from the community that David had invited to the ceremony These were influential men from the surrounding village; they were not Christians They took their place at the front of the room. Each gave a shon speech and congratulated each patticipant as she made her way to the front to pick up her cenificate and a small gift. They listened as two women stood and recited three days of learning. Though I couldn't understand what they were saying, it was obvious they had learned a great deal, and the village representatives were impressed
At the end of the day, I learned why we waited for these men. David had invited them despite the comments of those living on the compound where the training had taken place "Those pe0ple will never come," they said. 'They are not interested in what we do here ."
David, however, had faith that the men would come. He wanted to introduce these leaders to what he would be doing among the villages in their area He wanted them to see that it would benefit the community so that they would not be suspicious of his activity and try to stop him.
Suddenly I felt foolish for my impatience. Though I don't always understand the details, I do know that God is using David to improve the health and welfare of many in rural India. The closing ceremony ended with the women lighting their small candles from a big candle at the front table. The room was transformed with the individual lights of women who were now excited to go back to their villages with knowledge to improve the lives of their friends and family It is our hope that as they continue to meet with David their lives will also be transformed with the knowledge of the light and hope of Jesus.
Teresa Regier, a nurse practitioner living in British Columbia, hopes to return to India within the next year to continue her work with MB Development Organization (MBDO). To learn more about MBDO, visit www.mbmsi.orglconnect/countries/india To support MBDO's work to improve health care in rural India, donate to MBMS International under project C022I.
Ministries offer seasonal, topic devotionals
Lent, Pentecost, stewardship materials available online
Two Mennonite Brethren ministries are offering online devotionals for upcoming events in the church year and a third agency has begun offering a topical devotional in electronic form. MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS), the school for graduate-level theological education for Mennonite Brethren in the U S. and Canada, is again offering a Lent devotional from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, to the day after Easter, AprilS. The International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB), a global fellowship of national MB conferences, is offering 50 meditations to be used between Easter and Pentecost. MB Foundation, the financial and stewardship ministry serving the u.S. Conference, is offering devotionals exploring what the Bible has to say around money.
MBBS's Lent devotional, Walking with Jesus in Faithfulness, is a "roadmap for the walk of the faithful," says Lynn Jost, MBBS president. "(Lent) is a special time of walking with Jesus in discipleship. Jesus' walk of faithfulness took him to the cross. Along the way Jesus calls his followers to take up their cross." The 50-day guide, written by faculty, staff and students, will reflect each writer's personal walk of faithfulness as they consider the biblical text for the day. Walking with Jesus in Faithfulness is available online at www.mbseminary.edu or by calling 800-251-6227.
This will be the second year for MBBS's Lent devotional. The seminary also offered Advent devotions before Christmas in 2008 and 2009. Over 500 people subscribed to the daily 2009 Advent devotional e-mail; 800 visited the Web site in the first day; another ISO downloaded it to their android phone.
ICOMB's Pentecost devotional will feature meditations by Mennonite Brethren from most of ICOMB's 18 member conferences, including both men and women, young and old. 'The intent, in addition to edifying believers and enhancing our unity, will allow voices of a broad cross section of the church to be heard," says Victor Wall, executive secretary of ICOMB. Harold Ens, former director of MBMS International, serves as editor. The ICOMB devotional will also be available online; see www.icomb.org for more information.
With a renewed vision for championing biblical stewardship, MB Foundation is launching a new monthly devotional designed to challenge and encourage folks to explore what the Bible has to say about money. The devotional is available in electtonic form and individuals may sign up by visiting www.mbfoundation.com or e-mailing info@mbfoundation.com and requesting the Giving Meaning to Money® Devotional. The first issue is available in early February.MBBS, ICOMB , MBF
New pastors gather for orientation
Pastors and spouses who are new to the u.S. Mennonite Brethren will gather April 19-21 in Phoenix, Ariz., for the annual National Pastors' Orientation (NPO). Those who have not been able to attend in previous years are encouraged to attend as well.
The NPO aims to serve new pastors by introducing them to the people, history and faith of U S. Mennonite Brethren. Ed Boschman, executive director of the U.S. Conference, says, "It's almost impossible to be a good playing partner on a decentralized team if you dOQ't know the rest of the team and are not cued up on the core values and ground rules for the mission " He says that those who attend will benefit from "a lot of information our national conference of churches and a lot of getring to know one another."
Speakers for this year's event include Tim Geddert, academic dean and professor of New Testament at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif., and Valerie Rempel, dean of students and associate professor of history and theology at MBBS. Participants will also meet key U.S. MB leaders.
"We will make a memory or two as well," Boschman promises. Plans include a desert jeep adventure. "How often do you get to ride a jeep into the Arizona desert for a cookout? With your main squeeze? Under the stars?" Boschman says.
The fee of $175 per person includes three nights' deluxe lodging at the Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort, airport shuttle, meals and all NPO events. The deadline for registration is March 19 Visit www.usmb org/national-pastors-orientation. - USC
Aiming for Olympics
Cindy Klassen, who grew up in McIvor MB Church, Winnipeg, Man., hopes to once again compete in the Olympics, this time aiming for the 2010 winter games to be held Feb. 12-28 in Vancouver, BC.
Klassen won five gold medals in speed skating in the 2006 games in the Turin Olympics, earning her instant international recognition. She went on from Turin to win the World Cup title in the 3000m and to become the World Allround champion with gold medals in all four distances. Not surprisingly, she won the 2006 Lou Marsh Award as Canadian Athlete of the Year. Klassen is one of Canada's Olympians featured on newly minted coins.
Klassen gives God credit for her achievements and continues to put him first. 'Tm always thinking that I'm doing this for God. Then it makes it very meaningful. I can't give God any less than my best," Klassen says in an interview with Ingrid Koss for the MB Herald. Klassen's faith and her road to the Olympics have been forged through difficulty, including a serious injury in 2003 that threatened to end her career and nearly losing her sister in a traumatic auto accident in 2008. Both events served to strengthen her faith. Today Klassen is again recovering from surgery and hoping for a chance to skate for an Olympic home crowd As she has all along, Klassen trusts God with her future. "If I give it my all," she says. "then the outcome is in God's hands."
Read Koss' profile of Klassen in its entirety on the MB Herald Web site: www.mbconf.calhome/products_and_services/resourceslpublications/mb_herald!. - MB
Taking a sabbatical from homelessness
The week before Thanksgiving, two homeless men from Seattle Mennonite Church (SMC) took part in rebuilding a home in Dulzura. Calif., for a family that lost their house to a wildfire. The hospitable culture of a Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) project gave these men a new goal in life beyond just trying to get through another rough day on the streets.
'The irony of homeless people building houses for other people when they themselves sleep in parks and on sidewalks is not lost on us," says Jonathan Neufeld. community minister at SMC. SMC operates a community ministry that strives for peace and justice for the urban poor. Their ministry partners with local residents, businesses and other agencies in developing a person-centered approach to homelessness.
'The MDS community helped take them out of a culture of trauma and place them into a culture of reconciliation and partnership," Neufeld says. 'This experience was totally healing for them." MDS is the disaster response agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ of North America.
Carl and Joe. the two homeless men from the Seattle area, felt valued and valuable as they contributed to helping bring another family home. Carl wanted those around him to know that he was "taking a sabbatical from homelessness." Sleeping in a trailer with strangers was certainly an upgrade from Carl's usual routine of camping in a wooded area. Morning devotions, worship, building a house and living in community with others gave him a healthy and healing routine. Joe was eager to gain new construction skills . He soon learned that the people he would be working with were very accepting of him no matter how unskilled he thought he was.
Since this experience, both Carl and Joe have left the street. been in search of work. and taken on more leadership responsibilities in the congregation's effort to support people experiencing homelessness -Brian Pipkin for MDS
CONSULTATION SCHEDULED
Renewing Identity & Mission: A Mennonite Brethren Consultation will open Celebration 2010 on the campus of ACTS Seminaries, a consortium of Trinity Western University in Langley. BC, of which MB Biblical Seminary is a member The evening plenary sessions, featuring Alfred Neufeld from Paraguay and a panel of international guests, will provide a global perspective on Mennonite Brethren identity and mission. During the July 12-14 consultation, more than 30 presenters will address significant issues facing Mennonite Brethren in North America. - Celebration 2010
FPU WINS TITLE
Fresno Pacific University's volleyball team wrapped up a perfect season by winning its third straight national title Dec. 5 over Georgetown of Kentucky, 25-15,25-18, 25-12. The FPU Sunbirds (38-0), which held first place in every poll all season, dominated Georgetown (45-4) in the championship match after winning a five-set thriller over California rival Concordia in the semifinals. FPU is the Mennonite Brethren university headquartered in Fresno, Calif.- FPU
GOING BANANAS
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), an association of Mennonites in business, is helping banana growers in Peru stteamline their certification procedures to maintain the rigorous requirements of Fair Trade and organic distributors. The coop of some 300 farmers, each with about an acre of land, now sells directly to Fair Trade buyers in Europe and the United States at an additional premium of $1 per box. MEDA installed its Agromonitor software. a tracking system to manage production and organic certification, and trained coop staff.- MEDA
. ti ,.0 . " often·use the ward tll)Orsntp to ,., to the sby160fmWic U1e Sing, the ng stuffbefore to some degree, whether Of not we follaw traditional es of s,!ndq WOf'l'bip- hOw .. diiss, 'for And*e these (J'fe Q what 11Ulke wcmhil coritentious, "" dotit alwtIj,s feel: .., in our congregation- ' titnef. Thb month we dig batd what it metm.f to wor$bip God and {octu ,
what 1 hope are s1uJred commitment.f thitcan tna1ce it for: us to navigate the . . les of wors.hIi\in a tSne w1fen IJ611cmal oftm rule the day. Our WOt$1}lp leaders.lIo .offerbOth {WaeI4cal and theologleal insights. sOngwriter BrIan Doer1um describes worship 11$ a matter of the heart- and an , honest heart at that. we hear from two educat:cm who are alto worship pastors: Cory Seibel explores hOw God intends for us to be changed , as we uxmhip him, and Christine JAngIumt c1url1mg" 11$ to gloe more attentiOri to the reading of (Jodi Word in our corporate gatherings. - CF
B R I A N DOERKSEN
Ge.
now is the lime 10 worship
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time to give your heart Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God Come
One day every tongue will confess
You are God
One day every knee wiLL bow
Still the greatest treasure remains for those Who gladly choose you now
Willingly we choose to surrender our lives
Willingly our knees will bow
Wjth altour heart, so ul, mind and strength
We gladly choose you now
By Brian Doerksen, 1998. Vineyard Songs
At the end of 1996, I w as at a low point a point where I was DOt -even sure I believed in God anymore. Or maybe I believed in Qod but had decided be simply wound up the universe and for the most part abandoned us to sort ourselves out.
In themid-199C>s I had become somewhat disillusioned With worshlp music ahd the connected with it. I grew died of the striving weary of jumping on the bandwagon juSt because wotship muslc ptojects were Arld there was tny own shaDowness as I mrsfJf with artists.
In the previous Jive years, I bad experienced some success with songs and recording projects (all of \Vhlch were' a surprise) and some faJlures, too (not a huge surprise but still disCQuraging).lJlad also spent a good portion of those years pursuing a dream to OOmmunkaw the Father-heart of God through music and Story in a tnusical called Fathers House. This project for several reasons at the end of 1996. costing us our house and causing much other heartbreak.
Looking back, I can see that I was passing through a patch of wilderness .
Rather than finding a figurative comer to feel sorry for myself, I decided to find a place in the church where I could serve someone else's vision for a few seasons, rather than try to keep my own visions alive. And so God, in his great compassion for my family and my wife, Joyce, moved us to England.
Going through the motions
I was given two jobs upon arrival. The first was as the worship pastor at South West London Vineyard, under the leadership of John and Eleanor Mumford. The second one involved training songwriters and worship leaders in the Vineyard movement throughout England, Scotland and Ireland There were about 75 Vineyard churches in the United Kingdom and Ireland at that time.
It was challenging to do a good job leading worship when so much of my heart was still ravaged by confusion and disap-
o
that God was designing and building something special, and by his grace he was letting me in on the ground floor
Building something special
About a week later I felt like the song was basically finished. That's pretry quick for me - sometimes I take months with songs as they go through multiple drafts. The next Sunday I tried the song out at the SW London Vineyard. The song connected right away. Only a few weeks later I heard that the song was already being used in South Africa. Often people interested in or connected to the Vineyard Movement would visit our church as they passed through London, sometimes taking songs with them as they headed home to other places I had heard stories of other songs that spread quickly, but to have it happen to a song I had written seemed crazy!
But even crazier is this: I wrote this song at one of the lowest points in my life-the point where I had failed in a big way with a project publicly, the point when private doubts raged
It \VJS ch,l1Jcnging to do a good joh leading
was sti1l ravaged
by confusion
and
worship when so much of my heart
disappointment.
But. ..I just got on with it, helieving that eventu;.l1Jy my feelings and the restoration of my heart would follow .
pointrnent. But I had served long enough in the church to know how to effectively gather up people in the presence of God through intimate worship, arid so I just got on with it, believing that eventually my feelings and the restoration of my heart would follow.
Most mornings I would get up before the kids to go for a brisk walk. It was some light daily exercise and a chance to clear my mind before the day began. And it was also time to pray, to sing and to speak out Scriptures. It was on one of these walks that I heard the beginning of a song floating through the air, and in that moment my life changed again. I intuitively knew I was tuning into God's invitation, the invitation that goes out "day after day," as it says in Psalm 19:1-4. I sensed the presence of God in a way that I had not for some time.
Once the idea came, I kept singing it over and over so I wouldn't lose it. When I got home I raced upstairs to the piano, and I started playing the idea over and over. I jotted down some notes and phrases. In the few minutes before I walked my kids to school, I managed to document the basic idea of the first section of the song. Over the rest of the week I continued to sing the song-moming, afternoon and evening.
If you had told me that this song would travel the globe, get translated into numerous languages and be recorded by dozens of artists, I probably would have chuckled in disbelieLbut just maybe I would have said, "Yes, that's going to happen." I sensed
about this whole "Christian ministry" and serving God thing. But that explains some of the lyric choices I made.
Had this song been written by someone who was flying high, the focus may have been more on the good that we could do for God-but I was feeling broken. I needed to know that I could come and worship God just the way I was, and that he would receive me even though my life was not all together. I needed to know that worship was about our hearts, not our accomplishments. And so I wrote lines like "give your heart" and "just as you are before your God" because those were the things that I needed to reaffirm. I needed to know that those lines were true.
Would you like to know a songwriting secret? We basically write the songs that we need to sing. God by his mercy sometimes enables them to become songs for other people too, but we are writing the things that we really need to say to stay sane and alive. And I think that's a good thing That's why I challenge worship songwriters to stop trying to write songs that the church around the world will sing and instead try to write a song that they have the courage to sing in their private time with God.
Ultimate reality
So I wrote the first section of the song as an urgent invitation from God The key elements were come, now, time, heart and just as you are. The second section declares the
between the "one day" that is coming and his amazing treasure we receive when we choose to worship God: The treasure of relationship with God.
Think about it this way: Worship is reality.
Being aware of God, focused on him and in relationship with him, is ultimate reality. Worship brings that reality into focus. One day this reality will be forced on everyone. All people will have to accept the truth that God exists, and that he is their Creator and Judge . The tragedy is that God also longs to be their Savior, Father and Bridegroom. The greatest treasure I refer to in this song is the treasure and pleasure of worship: a living, loving relationship with God. Instead of living for God, some spend their days seeking earthly treasure, treasure that will be revealed as worthless on that "one day." God remains the only treasure that will always be worthy of our pursuit and devotion.
Now is the time to choose God, to choose to love and follow him We don't know how much time we have left, but we do have today. We have this moment to respond to God's invitation, to reorder our priorities. It's time to return to this truth: Worship is first. always has been, always will be. It's the way we were made; it's what we were created for.
Worship is the highest privilege and pleasure in the kingdom of God. It is the response of our lives to the greatest commandment in Scripture: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30)
And so our calling is to clearly and urgently sound the call to worship God. And what is the core of that calling? Nothing less than our hearts-loving God with all of who we are. And if worship is first and foremost a matter of the heart, it's not about where we worship or what we look like when we worship. It's not a perfortnance for God. It's a surrender of love to God, just the way we are .
The Father is looking for worshippers, which means he is looking for people The Father is looking for sons and daughters who will come just as they are, whether weeping with tears or dancing with joy. It's time to worship the Father in spirit and truth. Come, now is the time to worship.
Brian Doerksen, who was raised in a musical Mennonite Brethren family, is an award-winning songwriter of some of today's most acclaimed songs of worship. He is also a reco rding artist, author, conference speaker and pastor. Doerksen's latest album, It's Time, was released in October 2008 worldwide through Integrity. This article is excerpted from his book, Make Love, Make War. Copyright 2009 Cook Communications Ministries/David C. Cook Reprinted with permissicm May not be further reproduced All rights reserved. Doerksen, his wife, Joyce, and their six children live in Abbotsford, BC.
Show and S
How congregational worship times show and shape us as followers of Christ
One of my key responsibilities as a worship pastor is to plan our church's weekly worship gatherings. This is no simple task. Thoughtful attention must be given to how Scripture, songs, prayer, the spoken word and other creative elements will be woven together to help the gathered congregation participate meaningfully in worship. But that isn't really what makes the task of worship planning a challenge. In recent years, the clash between conflicting styles and preferences within local congregations has caused Sunday morning worship to become the focus of much controversy. As I plan our worship services each week, I am continually reminded that I do so in the midst of this complex environment. At times, dealing with this mix of competing expectations seems like an impossible task.
What's the point?
In light of this challenge, it is essential that I, together with everyone who plays a role in planning and leading worship gatherings, never lose sight of our true focus. This focus, of course, is God. The living God must always be at the center of our worship. As we come together each week, our energies should be invested in proclaiming God's deeds, celebrating God's character, remembering God's promises, glorifying God's name and responding to God's gracious initiative with thanksgiving and surrender. As I plan and lead worship services, I must not allow myself to become so preoccupied with others' expectations that this central focus is overshadowed or undermined in any way. Worship is not about us, but about God. That being said, when we gather together there are some very important things that God desires to see happen in us. While worship is for God, God also intends for our gathering together to be to our benefit (Eph. 5:19; Col. p6; Heb. 10:19-25). However, the truly important things that happen during our worship services may not at all be the sorts of things we're concerned about.
While we may sit in the pew and gauge whether or not our preferences are being satisfied, there are deeper things to which God invites us to be paying attention. First, I believe that God would have us consider the fact that through our participation in our weekly worship gatherings we show who we are. Second, whether we realize it or not, the truth is that our participation in these weekly gatherings helps to shape who we are.
Showing who we are
What do I mean when I say that we show who we are as we partici-
pate in worship? Quite simply, as we engage together in the activities of the worship service, the reality of how we are living our lives as followers of Christ gains expression (Luke 6:45). Through our prayers, praises and testimonies, the substance of our life with Jesus is communicated. In what we express and the spirit in which we express it, the things that matter to us are revealed.
Yes, at times the things we express outwardly during these gatherings aren't actually an accurate reflection of the
in what life is really about apd encourage us to live according to their values and priorities.
As one example of this, much has been written regarding the pervasive influence of consumerism within our culture. The narrative of consumerism offers us a far-reaching vision of what "the good life" looks like. It invites us to find our identity and invest our energies in the pursuit of consumption. This story has a way of capturing our imagination, shaping our values and directing our behavior.
D God knows when we are simply going through the motions, when our heart s apathetic and co1d or when wc Jre driven by sdf-intere';L
reality of our hearts. However, even in these times, our true inward condition is revealed before God. God knows when we are simply going through the motions, when our hearts are apathetic and cold or when we are driven by self-interest. These things are no surprise to him. He already is fully acquainted with the truth of our inner selves (Luke 16:15; 1 Thess. 2:4).
Nonetheless, God takes the integrity of our worship very seriously. He is not particularly impressed by even our most extravagant offerings of worship when they are divorced from lives that reflect his purposes and character in the world (Micah 6:6-8). Thus, as we enter worship together, we should take very seriously what our worship demonstrates about the reality of how we are living.
Shaping who we are
In addition to this, I suggest that our participation in worship gatherings actually helps to shape us. How exactly is this so? In recent years, Westerners have developed a growing appreciation of the fact that our lives are storyformed. As humans, we make sense of our existence and experiences by locating ourselves within a larger story. This seems to be a fundamental human need.
In reality, we are immersed from birth in a world that offers us a number of such stories. These stories may be provided by our culture, our ethnicity or our nationality. Regardless, we tend often to be unaware of the shaping impact that these narratives have in our lives. They instruct us
As followers of Christ, we believe that our lives have come to be swept up in God's story of redemption, the grand story revealed to us in Scripture. Because this story centers in the conviction that "Jesus is Lord," we cannot permit a claim to be made on our lives by any of the competing narratives this world has to offer. We are not to "conform any longer to the patterns of this world," but rather to "be transformed by the renewing of (our) minds" (Rom. 12:2). As disciples of Jesus, our attitudes, priorities and choices should be growing progressively into alignment with this story of what Christ has done, is doing and promises to do.
If God is the proper focus of our worship gatherings, then it makes good sense that God's story should be the central story that gets told in these gatherings. As we sing. pray, listen to the voice of Scripture and share testimonies with one another, we are provided opportunities to recount this central story and to be reminded that it is indeed our story. In tum, we are provided an opportunity to be renewed in our commitment to go out into the world and live in faithfulness to this story in the power of the Spirit.
The Anabaptist legacy
The earliest Anabaptists offer a powerful example of what it means to be formed by God's story. These believers were captivated by the conviction that God's story is a story of mission. They believed that the God whom they worshiped is a missionary God, one who seeks to save that which is lost (Luke 19:10) They were convinced that, as followers of
Christ, they had been called to live as his missionary people in the world They recognized that Christ's call challenged them to be set apart from the prevailing stories of their society and to devote themselves fully to the purposes of God's mission. The way that these believers prayed, preached and sang when they came together demonstrated their passionate devotion to Christ's call.
In recent times, a growing number of Christians from a variety of traditions have come to recognize the power of this early Anabaptist legacy. These contemporary followers of Jesus have been reawakened to the reality that the story of Scripture is the story of God's mission. They too have recognized that Christ calls us to join him in his mission (John 20:21). They too are striving to rediscover how to live in faithfulness to this call in today's world. How about us?
Gathering as missionary people
If we take this calling seriously, it will have profound implications for what happens when we gather together. If the God whom we worship is a missionary God, if the story to which our lives are meant to be oriented is a story of mission and if our identity is that of a missionary people, then this should surely gain expression in our worship gatherings.
If the story that gets told in our gatherings is some other kind of story, it fails to be truly God's story or to form us in a way that is faithful to God's purposes. Of course, a host of competing stories-such as the narratives of nationalism or consumerism-would like to sneak into our worship and entice us to take our focus off of God. We must be careful not to allow this to happen
I suggest that our worship gatherings both show and shape us.
So, what do our worship gatherings show about how we are living? Do we have testimonies to share of
passionate care? According to what story do our worship gatherings endeavor to shape us? Do our encounters with Scripture challenge us to orient our lives to the way of Jesus? Do the songs that we sing invite us to offer ourselves in obedience to God's purposes?
As we contemplate the things that take place during our worship gatherings, I offer three specific points that are worthy of our consideration:
Missionary identity: Does the substance of our worship services reveal that we have sincerely heard Christ's call to be his missionary people? Does it challenge us to continue to understand our place in this world in light of his call?
Missionary imagination: Do our worship gatherings demonstrate that we are being captivated by a vision of how Jesus wants to transform our lives, our homes, our neighborhoods and our world? Do they inspire us to continue to envision the ways in which the wholeness of Christ's kingdom might come to bear upon the broken things within our lives and our communities?
Missionary initiative: Does the tone and content of our worship services reflect that we have been actively striving to join Christ in his mission in the world? Do we come away from these gatherings invigorated to continue to live for the purposes of Christ in the power of the Spirit?
If our desire is that God would truly be at the focus of our worship services, we will recognize the need to give these questions our careful and candid consideration. God desires that we worship him not only with our lips but also with our lives As we gather together, it should be evident that we are a people who, by God's grace, are being formed to reflect his character and who, by God's power, are striving to live in
[f God is the proper lo cus of our
wor s hip gatherin gs , then it makes g ood s ense that ....God 's Slorv should be ./ the central s tory that gets told in these g atherin g s.
faithfulness to his mission within the world. This is the kind of people that God has called us to be. Indeed, this is precisely the kind of people that our world needs us to be. how we are experiencing Jesus at work in our communities? Do our prayers reveal that we are concerned about the brokenness by which we are surrounded or that we are seeking God's empowerment to be able to respond with com -
Cory Seibel is assistant professor of pastoral ministry at MB Biblical Seminary and is based on the Fresno, Calif., campus. In addition to teaching. Seibel is directing pastoral ministry education and is serving part-time as worship pastor at Bethany MB Church in Fresno
Nine ways to integrate Scripture reading into Sunday worship
HOw much of your congregation's worship service is spent reading and hearing Scripture? Ten or 15 percent? More? Less? A 2004 survey of a variety of churches in the United States asked how much time was spent reading Scripture during worship. Constance Cherty, my doctoral thesis advisor who teaches worship and Christian ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University, conducted the survey. She discovered that in traditional, contemporaty and "blended" churches, only two to five percent of the service was spent reading the Word In most congregations, significantly more time was taken for announcements than for Scripture reading.
Throughout history, the reading and hearing of God's Word has been an integral pan of Christian worship. Early worshipping communities seemingly couldn't get enough of hearing Scripture. In one of the earliest descriptions of Christian worship (155 A.D.) we read, 'The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time pennits." By the beginning of the seventh century, a listing of suggested Scripture readings for each worship service, known as a lectionary, had been established.
The great refonn movements of the 16th century sought to keep Scripture at the very hean of the church's life and worship. Lengthy Bible readings-often a chapter or two at a time-were part of every worship service. Some churches even provided a running commentary alongside the readings so that people could understand what was being read.
Tremendous reverence and respect for Scripture was demonstrated in many different ways: through the careful selection of gifted readers; in the reverent way in which Scriptural texts were handled in worship; in the spoken and sung congregational responses before and after the Word was read; even in the beauty with which Scripture was copied and illustrated.
The reading of Scripture in worship was understood to be much more than just the sharing of infonnation. There was a clear expectation that when the Word was read, God was again speaking to the gathered community.
Is this how you experience the reading of Scripture in worship? Do you find yourself listening eagerly and expectantly, anticipating a word from God?
If your congregation is interested in strengthening the reading and hearing of Scripture in worship, here are a few ideas you might consider.
1. Pray before the reading of Scripture. Throughout history, congregations have () prayed for the active presence of the Holy Spirit 11 before Scripture read. Traditionally, a · prayer before the readmg and preaching of the Word was called a prayer of illumination. A prayer like this reminds us that we are dependent upon the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit if we are to hear the Word that God has for us .
2. Use more Scripture. Instead of limiting what Scripture is read to the sennon text alone, as is the case in many congregations, consider using multiple texts throughout the service. Whether you follow the Revised Common Lectionary or devise your own reading plan, increasing the number of readings and their placement in the service can greatly enhance your opportunity to hear God's voice.
There are many rn places where Sctipture texts can enrich worship: */ () ;, ) in a to worship (Ps. 100); an invitation L to praIse (Ps. 33:1-4); a prayer of thanksgiving (Eph. 1:3-14); an invitation to the offering (Ps. 116:17-18); a prayer of lament (Ps. 12) or confession (Ps. 51); the assurance of God's forgiveness following confession (Rom. 8:1-2); a call to prayer (Ps. 55:16-17); the blessing of God as we leave (Num. 6:2426). Some congregations make a point of including a spoken or sung psalm in every service.
Reading the same passage of Scripture more than once in the service can be very meaningful. Using different voices and translations can help us hear the Bible passage in new ways. An entire worship service can even be built around a single passage, exploring it textually, musically, dramatically and visually.
3. Use a variety of voices-young and old; men, women and children; newcomers and lifelong believers. rl T'I What bener way to illustrate that the Word 11 tiee of God belongs to the whole congregation? '
4. Encourage and equip readers to read well. As is the case with other public ministries in worship, those who read Scripture should possess some natural gifts Fr and be willing to work at improving their public reading skills. Rather than being handed a passage at the last - AI minute, readers should be given a chance to study the texts and prepare them carefully in advance. Some churches - 0 II J put together a list of guidelines to help readers in their preparation ; others have found it helpful to create a readers' group, where individuals can receive feedback and encouragement in a smaller setting Two books that can help are Jack Hanjes's Read the Way You Talk (Liturgical Press) and Aelred Rosser's A Well-Trained Tongue (Liturgy Training Publications).
5. Use drama. Wanda Vassallo, a graduate student at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ont., recently studied the effect of adding drama to Scripture readings She discovered that people remember Fr . and respond to Scripture readings much better when the texts are acted out in some way than when they were simply [#il "'I [J read. Not all Scripture passages lend themselves to dramatic presentation, but many do. Costumes and sets are not \ •...: '-"" always required; a simple readers ' theater approach can be effective. Michael Perry's The Dramatized Bible, recently republished by HarperCollins, does a wonderful job of presenting Scripture in a readers' theater approach
, , /f 6 Interpret texts visually. While we continue to value print and oral media, we live in an increasingly visual culture
__ lX, Why not consider adding a visual component to Scripture readings? If your church is set up for video projection, you can easily access a wide range of traditional and contemporary an on biblical themes . A Web site like The Text This Week (www.textweek .com) offers a wonderful index of online anwork linked to scriptural passages and topics. You might also explore the use of video. The Work of the People (www.theworkofthepeople com). for example, offers thoughtful video clips and is searchable by keyword or lectionary date
7. Sing Scripture. Many of the hymns and songs we sing are scripturally based. Some are metrical senings of complete scriptural texts; others are paraphrases or clearly allude to scriptural events or teaching. Acknowledging the scriptural basis of the songs we sing-either verbally or in print-is a good way to highlight Scripture during worship . Churches that ( ..., use bulletins can simply note the scriptural source beside the song title in the worship order For example: _. ) "J(oj .., , ;111 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (Ps. 103) or Better Is One Day (Ps . 84). If you use video \, \v v \...- projection, It s easy to simply note the relevant scriptural text(s) on the first slide If you use hymnals, you can take advantage of the Scriptural Allusions and References Index to help you find songs to match the day's readings. If you sing more contemporary styles, you may need to do a bit more research on your own; while much praise and worship music is deeply scriptural, accessing scriptural references is not yet quite as easy.
8. Allow Scripture to shape prayer That is, allow the images and substance of scriptural passages to enrich the content and shape of your corporate prayer-what }il. J Russell Mitman in Worship in the Shape of Scripture (The Pilgrim Press) calls "the an of transposition " If you -of 19 ,1 t--- are interested in exploring how Scripture can help shape worship leading, check out Mitman's chapter on Transposing the Texts . Another wonderful source for learning to praying biblically is Laurence Hull Stookey's Let the Whole Church Say Amen! A Guide for Those Who Pray in Public (Abingdon Press).
9. Listen attentively and with anticipation. The writer of Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is '1iving and active Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the hean" (Heb. The Word we proclaim in worship is not merely a record of how God once intervened in history-it is a living continuation of that intervention. Those who read Scripture in worship are not merely teachers conveying information about God. Rather, they are the vehicles through which God's WOrd , \'T _ comes to life again in the presence of the gathered people. Aelred Rosser, author of A WellTrained Tongue , writes : I t / , ,)' 'The Word of God is not a history lesson, though there is history in it. The Word is not a story, though it is full of L 111 e stories. It is not a set of rules to live by, though there is much in it to guide our choices. No, the Word of God is a living and dynamic presence, achieving the very salvation about which it speaks even as the reader proclaims it."
Christine Longhurst has been studying, teaching and working in worship for more than 25 years. She is a graduate of MB Bible College, Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas , and the Robert E. mbber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, Fla Longhurst, who was the pastor of worship at the River East MB Church in
Winnipeg for 10 years, is currently an instructor at Canadian Mennonite University and Booth College in Winnipeg and offers workshops on worship and music to congregations across Canada. Longhurst can be reached at clonghurst@faithmatters ca.
Hoops and hearts
Reedley reaches out with "this crazy round thing called a basketball"
Basketball is more than a game in Reedley, Calif.; it's a tool God is using to transform men. "It's amazing how this dumb round ball, called a basketball, can save lives," says Mike Schellenberg, one of the leaders of Cross Trainers, a sports ministry of Reedley MB Church (RMBC).
Something happens when guys play ball together, Schellenberg says. 'Their barriers are down, because we're just playing basketball. And, by the way, while we're playing basketball, we're sharing Christ with them."
Cross Trainers began about 14 years ago with an open gym and a few guys playing ball. Several RMBC men were involved with a boys'
midweek program that, because Reedley MB doesn't have a gym, took place at the nearby Immanuel High School gym. After the boys went home, several of the men did what's only natural when basketball players find themselves in an open gym-they played ball.
As more and more men showed up to play-mostly unchurched men-Schellenberg, Jeff McFall and others recognized the opportunity for ministry, and Cross-Trainers was born.
Over time it has evolved to include two nights of ministry. Wednesday nights are an open, informal time of four-on-four games. Participation is limited to men over 23, partly to control the numbers and partly to target men who are dealing with job and family issues
Basketball for men at Reedley (Calif.) MB Church is more than a game; it's a way to connect with men who don't know Jesus Christ. Cross Trainers offers two nights of basketball that target "not-church" guys: an informal night of four-on-four and a formal night of competitive league basketball.
rather than the issues of student life. Half-coun games allow the maximum number of players at once, and teams rotate in so that everyone gets to play. Last winter, an average night drew anywhere from 30 to 50 men, with occasional nights near 60.
Somewhere in the middle of the evening, leaders call the men together for a "half-time talk" - a shon devotional by a Cross Trainers leader, an outside speaker or one of the Christian players . Talks are brief to respect players' time, but speakers preach Jesus, plain and simple. 'We're not going to sugarcoat anything." Schellenberg says. Sports-oriented Bibles are always available.
The second pan of Cross Trainers is a more fonnal basketball league that plays on Sundays from January through early March. Immanuel High School continues to graciously open their facility for both the Wednesday and Sunday programs.
A board oversees the league. This year, board members from RMBC include Schellenberg, Phil Goertzen and Mark Laemmlen. It's the board's job to make sure the play is both competitive and clean and to keep their goal always before them: to reach men for Christ.
Whereas most leagues invite ready-made teams to sign up, Cross Trainers carefully screens and chooses panicipants each year. The league consists of 10 eight-man teams, chosen by drafr; some 20 to 30 men each year don't make the cut. The careful and prayerful selection process is designed to connect Christian men with those who need Christ, so about two-thirds of the players are unsaved, unchurched or seeking. "Sure we want basketball players, but more imponantly, we want unsaved guys," Schellenberg explains.
Unlike other church-run leagues, Cross Trainers isn't interested in a league full of churched men; they want to rub shoulders with men who don't know Christ. Board members, team captains and other leaders are Christians, but otherwise, 'We try to focus on 'not-church' guys," Schellenberg says.
Referees to keep play fair and objective are one of Cross Trainer's few expenses. Although Reedley MB includes Cross Trainers in their budget, the ministry is mostly self-supporting with league players paying a modest $35 to cover jerseys, referees and scorekeepers.
The Cross Trainers league season ends with a weekend tournament, to which wives, girlfriends and family members are invited. 'We want it to be a fun, family thing," Schellenberg says. The weekend opens with a Friday night ni -tip dinner featuring an evangelistic speaker. Last year, nearly 170 people attended that free event. Afrer dinner, players and their families head to the gym for activities-a free -throw contest for wives or dribbling relays for kids. The tournament runs through Sunday, with the winners claiming T-shirts and bragging rights.
Not coincidentally, the weekend fallowing the tournament, RMBC holds a men's retreat at Hanland Christian Camp, a Mennonite Brethren-supponed camp about an hour from Reedley. Cross Trainers strongly encourages all panicipants to attend the retreat, and usually 20 to 30 do. That chance to get away from the routine and focus on spiritual matters, says Schellenberg. has proven lifechanging for some.
For both Wednesday night and Sunday games, clean play is a must. 'We run a tight ship," Schellenberg says Although there have been problems with cursing. aggression and poor sportsmanship, over the years word has spread that such behavior will not be tolerated. Players know that in order to play, they've got to be good sports. And they know that they will hear the gospel. While some choose to leave rather than abide by those conditions, most are respectful.
Not only do players hear the gospel via Wednesday night devotionals, before Sunday league games and through the dinner and retreat, they also see it lived out by the Christian men involved in Cross Trainers. Between games, on the benches and on the coun, friendships and conversations develop naturally. A simple query about a player's tattoo, for example, might lead to deeper talk about life issues and spiritual matters.
"It gives me a chance to share who I am, what I do and what Christ means in my life," Schellenberg says.
Because the example of the Christian men is such a big part of sharing the gospel at Cross Trainers, Schellenberg says providing a Christ-like example is a challenge at times for men who are passionate about the spon and competitive by nature. "You can lose your testimony in three seconds," says Schellenberg.
Over the years, men have accepted Christ, marriages have been healed, lives have been changed-even a suicide prevented-through Cross Trainers . But Schellenberg is quick to give God the credit: ':All we're doing is planting seeds, allowing the Lord to do his work."
He chokes up a bit as he tells stories about how God has used "this crazy round thing called a basketball" to change lives. For him, it's a win/win situation. "I love the game of basketball," he says, "yet I can share the gospel, get to know these men and invest in their lives. It doesn't get any better for us basketball nuts."
Cross Trainers leaders are happy to talk with those from other churches considering a spons or basketball ministry. They can be reached through Reedley MB Church at office@reedleymbc org or 559-638-8123 .- Myra Holmes
Making lemonade Community youth group fosters sweet rewards
Volunteers from all three congregations organize, plan and connect with the students who come. Crossroad volunteers also include Jason and Amanda Frantz and Seth Mills , Crossroads' new part-time youth intern under a grant from the Southern District's Church Extension and Evangelism Commission .
S.WA.T.'s cooperative lemonade is not without its challenges. The three congregations, while all solidly Christian, come from differing theological streams: Mennonite Brethren, Southern Baptist and Apostolic Faith. Frantz and Mills agree that S.WA:r.'s success depends on the volunteers being like-minded, and so volunteers carefully focus on what they have in common.
Life in a small, rural community comes with its share of ministry '1emons," circumstances that challenge congregations to make the best of adversity. Crossroads Bible Fellowship, a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Balko, Okla., cooperates with two other area churches to make lemonade out of one particular lemon: meeting the needs of teens when population numbers are shrinking.
"It's hard to gain a certain momentum if you're limited in the number of youth," says James Epp, pastor of Crossroads . The Crossroads congregation includes half a dozen high schoolers; the local high school only has about 45. Since youth in the Oklahoma Panhandle are scattered across a wide geographic area, it adds up to a challenge.
Teens need a time and place to be with Christian peers, says Crossroads youth worker Craig Frantz 'They need to develop relationships that bring about accountability. If they can build relationships in the church setting, then they can be stronger in the world setting," he says.
Frantz is familiar with the unique demographics and challenges of the Panhandle, having grown up in Balko. When he and his wife, Jana, moved back in the mid-90S , they compared notes with others who had a passion for youth and discovered two other Balko churches with the same challenges. So they formed a community youth group that eventually came to be known as Students With A Testimony (Sw'A:r.).
"It was a neat thing right off the bat," Frantz says.
SW,A:T.'s Wednesday evening gatherings begin with a meal provided by volunteers from the three congregations, then move into games, worship and a time of teaching and prayer. Volunteers and pastors from the three churches take turns teaching.
"It's based on following Christ," Mills explains. "When you break it down like that, denominational issues aren't a problem, because we're talking about salvation."
On the other hand, Epp says, "It's not a bad thing for churches to be in a situation where they depend on each other and where they must communicate for things to go well. It brings Christians together. I think God is pleased."
Perhaps the biggest advantage to the cooperative effort is that it reaches youth who are not connected with the churches. Of the 30 to 35 young people who attend S.WA:r., roughly two dozen are not affiliated with any church. That, says Epp, is a ready-made mission field.
Part of Mills' assignment is to develop Crossroads' Sunday ministry to youth. The hope is that an additional opportunity to gather will better meet the needs of the youth who are already connected with Crossroads and will provide a bridge for S.WA:r. youth and their families to connect with the church.
Epp says that, even after a dozen or so years, SW,A:r. is a work in progress. "But if a small church wants to be effective, they need to stop looking for comfort and look for ways to be stretched. That's where we experience the most fruit."
From time to time, they do see changed lives. Frantz tells about one young man not affiliated with any church who recently gave his life to Christ at a special event. S WA.T. gave him a setting in which to share his new commitment with his peers, and now volunteers will have a chance to disciple him every week. Now that's powerful lemonade.- Myra Holmes
Three congregations, including the Mennonite Brethren church, in the Balko, Okla., community have combined their efforts to meet the needs of teens in this rural community where population numbers are declining. In addition to a weekly meal and Bible study, S.W.A.T. teens attend special events together, such as the Southern District Conference youth convention and a mud volleyball game, pictured here, that was part of the fall 2009 kick-off event
Celebrating harvest time
CDC convention inspires church planting, missions
Harvest-both literal and figurative - was the unofficial theme of the Central District Conference (CDC) convention. held Nov. 5-8 in Yale. SD. The CDC is comprised of 24 churches in Minnesota. Montana. Nebraska and North and South Dakota Even though the late harvest overlapped with convention planning. volunteers from Bethel MB Church. the hosting congregation. stepped up without complaint and demonstrated an attitude of servanthood to get the work done. says Lud Hohm. chair of the BMBC hosting committee.
The late harvest likely also played a role in lower attendance. District minister Roger Engbrecht says that declining attendance and the lack of representation from younger generations is an ongoing concern. "(District leaders) really feel it is important to get younger people
involved in the ministry of the conference." he says. 'We want them to be a part of it and get them excited about what we're doing together." District leaders will be discussing possible format changes to encourage attendance.
In spite of the challenges presented by the literal harvest, Engbrecht says the convention focus on a spiritual harvest through church growth and church planting reflects the "heartbeat" of the CDC. "People are always encouraged and enthused about hearing about changed lives." he says.
The convention opened with a focus on global mIssIon sponsored by MBMS International. the global mission agency of North American Mennonite Brethren . MBMSI annually hosts Celebrate Mission events across North America to encourage involvement in global mission. Celebrate Mission Night has become the traditional opener for CDC convention. Other Celebrate Mission events were held this year in Dinuba and Fresno. Calif • and Wichita. Kan
Carlin Weinhauer. from the MBMSI mobilization team. was the keynote speaker for Celebrate Mission Night and for the convention. speaking on the theme. "Press Toward the Goa\." Four Saturday workshops were led by Weinhauer; Don Morris of Mission USA; Phil Glanzer. former CDC pastor; and Jules Glanzer. president of Tabor College. Hillsboro. Kan.
Church planting was the focus Friday evening at the Church Planting and Renewal Banquet. Rod Anderson. pastor of Christ Community Church. Sioux Falls. SD. spoke. a Christ Community team led worship and the offering was earmarked for church planting efforts. Christ Community is a church plant supported by the district in partnership with
Delegates to the 2009 Central District Conference convention pray in small groups The convention highlighted church planting and missions and featured Carlin Weinhauer from MBMS International.
M
ission U SA, the churc h pl anting and renewal arm of U S Mennonite Brethren.
The d istrict also supports Shadow Lake Community Church, Papillion , Neb. , in efforts to establish a satellite campus by allowing use of the fa cilities of the former Millard Bible Church and by fin ancia lly supporting a new campus pastor During th e convention the district recogn ized two chu rches emerg ing out of Iglesia Agua Viva, a Spanish-lan guage congre gation in O maha, Neb.
Convention busines s reflected a des ire to reap a sp iritual harvest , as de legates overwhelmingly approved about a IS percent increase ove r last yea r's budget, including in creases for church pl anting That's a bold move in a difficult economy, Engbre cht admits, but vision for further ministry outweigh s the risk. "We're ea ger to see how the Lord will provide. "
CDC will hold its IOoth convention in 2 0IC. Dates and location have yet to be determined. - My ra Hol mes
Longer arms for Christ
First-time delegate reflects
My family is new to the Mennontte Brethren church A Urtle over a year ago we became members of Grace Bible Cburch in Gertysburg, SD. At our church b usiness meeting, my husband and I were elected as delegates for the Central District Conference convention It shou ld be noted. I think, that we were not first choice delegates A "well established" couple was asked to attend but they wisely suggested that the church send some newer members who had never attended . We accepted but were pretty clueless about what went on at convention
A week before the convention my husband realized that he wouldn't be able to attend. I feltthe need to fulfill tbjs obligation, so I traveled to the convention with a friend After the first evening of worship and fellowship, I discovered that convention attendance was not an obligation but an opportunity, a gift People, churches and committees that had once been only a reference made in my church announcements or bulletin came to life.
Attending the CDC convention has lengthened my artns for Christ. I am now able to see myself as part of something much larger than simply being a member of Grace Bible C hurch I am a member of an awesome body of believers.- Amy Wager. Reprinted with permission from the CDC newsletter, The Partner
Anchored in Christ POC convention tackles business, focuses on Christ
When delegates to the Pacific District Conference (PDq met for their biennial convention Nov. 6-7, their focus was on Christ Between reminders that Christ is the foundation, they tackled two important business issues, welcomed two new churches and heard many stories of how God is at work in the district.
Neighborhood Church, Visalia, Calif., hosted the convention with what district minister Gary Wall calls "gracious hospitality." The PDC is comprised of II7 churches located in Arizona, California, Oregon, Utah and Washington; 31 churches were represented Roughly 160 registered delegates and guests atrended, down slightly from 175 at the 2007 convention
The convention theme was '1\nchored in Christ," from Collossians 1:15-20. Four speakers addressed the subject: Paul Robie, pastor of South Mountain Community Church, Draper, Utah; Forrest Jenan , pastor of student ministries at Neighborhood Church, Visalia; Elmer Martens, president and professor emeritus at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif.; and Tim Neufeld, representing Fresno Pacific University, Fresno Again and again, speakers reminded delegates that Christ is both the historic and current foundation for Mennonite Brethren "Nothing has changed in that regard," Wall says
Stories of lives transformed by Christ were woven throughout the convention during the various reports and at Friday evening's Home Missions Dinner. Robie served as speaker for that event, which is a traditional highlight of convention. (See related story, p. 24.)
Christ's transforming work was evidenced in a tangible way Saturday morning when the district officially welcomed two new congregations. The Grove is a four -year-old congregation in southeast Fresno, Calif., led by Sam and Annette Sarkissian. Oneness in Christ Church is a new Korean-language church plant in Northridge, Calif., led by Travis and Lisa Koh
During business sessions, delegates tackled two recommendations brought by the district's Board of Trustees. Both were affirtned with little discussion. Wall credits the Trustees for preparing churches and delegates well, thus minimizing potential conflict and allowing the district to move forward.
The first recommendation dealt with earnings from the district's Church Planting Reserve, which funnels monies from church closures and property sales into new church planting efforts. Earnings from this fund are used to offer interest-free loans to emerging churches and. in a limited way, to support the district's general budget Delegates
approved a simplified formula to allow funds to, as Wall says, "release more funds into ministry without jeopardizing the core of those funds."
The second recommendation clarified the district's property reversion policy, an issue which Wall says had become divisive in recent years The bylaws of both the national U.S. Conference and the district say that if a church closes or otherwise ceases to be a member of the MB family, ownership of property reverts back to the conference. In the PDC, an additional recorded reversion agreement had been atrached to titles since the 1950S.
The reversion clause is intended to reinforce denominational connections, provide accountability and protect local congregations from rogue leadership. Wall admits, however, that the policy has been applied in "a less-thanconsistent manner," and newer church plants have expressed resistance .
"So we listened to our constituents," Walls says. According to the recommendation approved by delegates, the district will no longer require the additional recorded reversion agreement and will rely on the bylaws The recommendation is "the fairest way" to apply the reversion clause, Wall says, and will hopefully allow the district to put this issue to rest. 'We've got important work to do It's not that this issue isn't important, but we need to move beyond this issue "
Overall, Wall describes the convention as a positive, unifying time. "There are so many good things happening in the district," he says. -Myra Holmes
Delegates t o th e 2009 Pacific District Conference convention welco med two co ngrega tion s into th e district , including Oneness in Chri st Ch urch , a Korean-langu age church plant. PD Cassoci ate mini ster Jose El izond o, r ight, visi ts with a member of the Korean church during the convention.
Home Missions Dinner focuses on Utah
Paul Robie describes need, chaLLenges
Aperennial highlight Qf the Pacific District Conference conis the ;Home Missions Dinner. whicb is open to attendees oj area churches as wen '3S convention delegates Since the focuses on planting. it is appropriate that veteran PDC churcb planter Paul Robie was the featuJed speaker at the Nov 6 dinner Robie-and his family moved ro Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1998 with the support of the PDC and Mission USA, the clturch planting ann of U.s. Mennortite Brethren. Theirvision was tOl'lant an MB church in an area dominated by The Church of Jesus Christ of 4tter-day Saints.
South Mountain Community Cburch (SMCC) is a growing congregation with one daughter church, Shadow Mountain Church. two satellite campuses. Daybreak Community Churcb and The Springs Together, these four congregations represent 600 baptisms, some 2.,000 worshippers and countless stories of lives transformed by Christ.
Robie talked about the need for and challenges of church planting in Utah's qnique culture. Here's a taste of what he fold those who attended the dinner:
"Church planting in Utah 1s necessary because of tbe lack of impact the evangelic;d church has made so far."
1'he deceit by the Mormon Church has gone unchecked for far too long."
'We are not the ones who snirted this 'war for the gospel.' (Mormons) declared war on biblical Christianity the day Joseph Smith spoke of his 'vision' from God and declated that all the Christian' churches were wrong."
"Churcb planting in Utab is necessary in order to spread God's fame where it has been ripped off and degraded."
"Utah is a major battleground for the glory of God. The only way to get the job done is to be aggressive in churcb planting. campusing and building."- MH
A National Vision
We strive to plant several new churches - at least one in each of our five districts- as soon as possible .
ourohurch plants help people find Jesus and then grow Him .
Please partner with ussupport church planting through Mission USA.
Anabaptist
Mine, mine, mine
Living so that all we have is God's
In the animated film Finding Nemo, one of the most culturally poignant scenes is when Nemo and Dora are pursued by a flock of seagulls . The seagulls have but a one-word vocabulary: mine. The gulls chase the two fish, childishly saying, "Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine" in hopes of a nice seafood dinner.
Unfortunately, this is us. Chasing after the next big thing. we are that bird with a one-track mind, screaming "Mine, mine, mine " And those of us who consider ourselves frugal do it with the possessions we already have.
When praying before meals, I try to make a habit of recognizing that everything I have is God's. I do this to remind myself that everything in my life, including daily necessities and abundance , are not mine but God's, to be used for God's glory and the benefit of our neighbors. I just wish I could say that this prayer more often translates into a life lived this way.
unable to effect enough with your gospel and sacraments so as to remove your needy and distressed members from the streets, even though the Scripture plainly teaches and says, 'Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion for him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?'"
It's easy to say, "Nothing is mine; it's all God's." It is much harder to live it. Where do we begin?
I've recently wondered if it's all wrapped up in a single word: hospitality. In our world of mints on hotel pillows and dinner parries, we'd better use two words: radical hospitality. Could it be that a life of radical hospitality is the key to relinquishing ownership of all our stuff to God?
Radical hospitality includes inviting people into our homes, but it's more than that It's a posture of love, concern and compassion that expands into our entire lives. It's eyes and
o it'S Ca'i Y to Sa y. "Nothi n g is min e : it's al1 God\. ,. h is l1l11(h harder to live it. "" ,.I \Vhcrc do wc hcgin?
The sidewalk version of our Confession of Faith says that Christians are called to tum from loving possessions to sharing with all in need It sounds nice, but what happens when we truly try to live this way? It can be easy, as long as it means taking my leftovers to a donation barrel or filling up the grocery bag for the needy with the canned beets given to us five years back. It gets much harder when my neighbor's only car breaks down and loaning him mine means my wife and I have to share. Or when I see a guy without a coat, it's well below freezing and the only thing I have to offer is the favorite and most expensive coat on my back.
Our regular unwillingness to tum selfishness into selflessness is not only a personal problem; it's also a church problem. Congregations also say, "Mine, mine, mine," with little concern for those among us or in our neighborhoods with real, tangible needs. Yet, our call remains to tum from loving possessions to sharing with all in need. This problem is not new. Our namesake, Menno Simons, addressed the church some 550 years ago concerning the same issue: "Shame on you for the easygoing gospel and barren breadbreaking. you who have in so many years been
hearts that see and respond to the needs that are in front of us every day. It's the willingness to invite a stranger into our home, to set aside our idea of productivity in order to listen to someone who is broken and hurring and to give our coat to the homeless man, even if it is our favorite and most expensive.
As Nemo and Dora flop on the dock, with dozens of seagulls staking claim on their dinner, another bird comes to their rescue The newcomer takes the fish into his mouth, saving them from the gulls. It's an awkward and uncomfortable situation for the new bird and the two fish, because the bird's nature is to eat the fish. Yet this bird chooses not to say, "Mine, mine, mine." Instead, he symbolically says, "God's, God's, God's "
Practicing radical hospitality is loving and serving those whom yesterday we would have turned a blind eye to at the least or eaten up in our driven lives of "mine, mine, mine ." Perhaps through simple acts of hospitality we can begin to live our prayers that everything we have truly is God's. This month, may our hearts change, saying "God's, God's, God's" and may our actions change as we willingly help others.
-1l Comment on this column by going to usmb.orglchristianleader
> ON THE Journey
by Rose Buschman
A drop in the bucket
What do I do about overwhelming needs?
Five of us, together with our luggage, were crammed into every available space in a small Missionary Aviation plane flying over a scenic area of southwestern DR Congo. We had just spent a week in the town of Tembo on the Angola border and were on our way back to the capital city of Kinshasa We had held six days of teacher training sessions for more than 160 teachers and administrators. The workshops had gone well, and we had accomplished our mission I was tired and should have been elated. Instead I was depressed.
During our time in Tembo so many new educational needs became apparent that I felt completely overwhelmed. On that 2 flight 1 struggled with my feelings , knowing 1 could not address the crushing needs 1 saw.
That evening in Kinshasa, the Lord sent a Congolese doctor to me. 1 had briefly met Dr Delfin on an earlier visit. This time when he saw me he came over, asking about our trip to Tembo
When 1 came home, 1 looked for the answer to: How many drops does it take to fill a bucket? 1 found several answers when 1 googled the question online. One source said there are 120 drops of water in a teaspoon . Another claimed that when several different liquids were measured they averaged about 78 drops per teaspoon. That comes to almost 60,000 drops per gallon. So depending on the size of the bucket. ..well, you do the math.
Several weeks later 1 got an insight into what it means to be a drop in the bucket. Samaritan's Purse Christmas shoe box collections were in full swing in our community The manager of the Christian bookstore that was a drop-off point for filled boxes asked for help in preparing the boxes for shipment. 1 spent several hours one afternoon in her warehouse packing shoe boxes into bigger boxes that were taped and labeled for truck shipment to the regional processing site in Denver. Samaritan's Purse expected to distribute over 8,000,000 Christmas boxes worldwide last year.
D " I s hared with him fe eling,:, of depression: " 1'111 just ;] drop in th e bucket. 'fhe ne
eds are
so grea t. fl ow can 1 hope to make a diff e re n c e ?"
and the workshops we had given. After a brief report 1 shared with him my feelings of depression: "I'm just a drop in the bucket. The needs are so great. How can 1hope to make a difference?" 1 asked.
'That's just how 1 feel at times," he responded. "I know exactly how you fee\."
Dr Delfin and another doctor have established a medical clinic in one of the poorest slums in Kinshasa where they provide primary care to approximately 100,000 residents. They work with a shoestring budget, asking patients to pay if they can. If not, they still provide emergency care and medications for the first 24 hours as needed. These doctors defy the conventional way of doing things in the Congo. They pay themselves last instead of first. Their nurses and other staff are paid, medicines are purchased and if there is money left over, they pay themselves.
"Rose, we are just a drop in the bucket, too," he told me. "Sometimes, 1 wonder if 1 am malOng much of a difference, but 1 continue That's what God wants me to do We have to keep doing what God expects of us. 1 focus on helping one person at a time."
1 needed to hear that and found his words reassuring. Later when 1 shared my thoughts with a short-term volunteer in our group her response was, "But every bucket begins with the first drop."
''I'm just a drop in the bucket of this massive project," 1 thought as 1worked, packing 200 boxes for shipment. 1and many others like me were drops in the bucket-most of us unknown to each other but all part of the bucket that makes this massive project a success. Several days later my husband and 1 went back for a second round of packing.
1recently watched the CNN "Heroes of 2009" presentation, featuring 10 people who are making a difference in their world They included a young Filipino man who takes a school cart into a slum area to teach children, a West TImor pilot and his wife who have turned their home into an orphanage for 48 children, a school bus driver in New York who sponsors a nightly feeding program out of his home for the hungry in his area and a man who provides wheelchairs for disabled children in Iraq.
Just last week 1 caught myself planning a project that could address some of the needs we found on our ministry trip. Thankfully, 1 realize that my depression is gone, and 1 have a new sense of mission-to be another drop in the bucket.
-11 Comment on this column by going to usmb.orgIchristian -leader
You are invited - July 12-18, 2010!
A sesquicentennial (150th) event Is a rare opportunity The plans in place for this celebration of 150 years of Mennonite Brethren ministries and mission will provide a great opportunity to honor the lord of the church and make some great family memories Please join us in Vancouver for ·Celebration 2010: a God-honoring gathering which will Include Canadian and United States national conventions, and bi-national with a significant global presence
Ed Boschman, US Conference
I'm very pleased to Invite you to join us at Celebration 2010, marking a milestone in our journey with God as Mennonite Brethren for the past 150 years Whether you come for Celebration 2010, Renewing Identity and Mission or the whole event, I'm sure you will be glad you were part of this historic event.
SPEAKERS
David Wiebe, Canadian Conference
• Nzuzi Mukawa, Batela Mennonite Brethren Church, Kinshasa, DR Congo
• John Shankar Rao, director of evangelism and church planting, India MB Conference
• Samir Youssef, MBMSI Arablc-speaklng ministries
EVENT VENUES
• Celebration 2010 and Bi-natlonal & International Ministry Reports - Chandos Pattison Auditorium, Surrey, BC
• Gathering 2010 (Canadian MB convention) - North langley Community Church, langley, BC
• Conection 2010 (USMB convention) - Gracepoint Community Church, Surrey, BC
• Renewing Identity & Mission: a Mennonite Brethren Consultation - MBBS ACTS, langley, BC
Renewing Identity II Mission: a Mennonite Brethren Consultation will open Celebration 2010 The evening plenary sessions, featuring Alfred Neufeld from Paraguay and a panel of international guests, will provide a global perspective on Mennonite Brethren identity and mission During the two days, more than 30 presenters will address significant issues facing Mennonite Brethren in North America. Participants planning to attend the consultation can anticipate a rich time of reflection and conversation, along with the challenge to be God's missional people in the world The consultation begins Monday evening (July 12) and runs to Wednesday noon Registration for Renewing Identity & Mission includes breaks on Tuesday and Wednesday, and lunch on Tuesday
Sign up early; registration is limitedl
EARLY REGISTRATION FEES (before May 1,2010): REGISTRATION FEES (after May 1,2010):
• Celebration 2010 plus Renewing Identity & Mission - $329
• Celebration 2010 only - $239
• Renewing Identity &Mission only - $129
• Children / Youth Programs - $35 per person
• Celebration 2010 plus Renewing Identity & Mission - $379
• Celebration 2010 only - $289
• Renewing Identity & Mission only - $179
• Children / Youth Programs - $35 per person
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION
JUNE 201
Registration fee includes airport shuttle at arrival from the Vancouver Airport upon request (please view shuttle times under transportation information), morning breaks and lunch on Thursday and Friday, supper on Thursday, participation in either Gathering 2010 or Conection 2010, Experience Vancouver, and all conference materials.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Delegates are responsible to make their own hotel reservations directly with the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel.
The deadline for hotel reservations Is June 10.
ROOM RATES $115 per night plus taxes (double or single occupancy)
Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel 15269 104th Avenue Surrey, BC
RESERVATIONS:
By phone: 604-582-9288
Group Rate Code: "CeiebrQflon 2010"
Name:
(please circle one) Gathering 2010 or Conection 2010
will attend (please circle one) Gathering 2010 or Conection 2010
TRANSPORTATION: Airport shuttle for Celebration 2010 will be offered from Vancouver Intemational Airport to the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. Catch the complimentary shuttle at designated meeting area outside the Domestic Arrivals area on the following dates and times:
• Monday, July 12 at noon, 3:00 pm, or 6:00 pm
• Tuesday, July 13 at noon, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm, or 9:00 pm
• Wednesday, July 14 at noon, 3:00 pm, or 6:00 pm
Departure airport shuttle to the Vancouver International Airport must be reserved 24 hours prior to departure date for a small fee ($10 per person) and will be available on Sunday, July 18 at 3:00 pm or 6:00 pm from the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. Please plan your flights accordingly
CHILDREN" YOUTH PROGRAMS: Children and youth programming will be provided during the Bi-national Ministry Reporting Session (Thursday all day), Conection 2010 USMB convention or Gathering 2010 Canadian MB convention (Friday daytime only).
PRE-SCHOOL (4 years and under) CHILDREN (Kindergarten-Grade 4) JUNIOR YOUTH (Grades 5-8) YOUTH (Grades 9-12) $35 per child or youth # of children or youth x $35 = ______ Names & ages: _____________
CHECKLIST
_ Celebration 2010 plus Renewing Identity & Mission - $329 or $379
_ Celebration 2010 - $239 or $289
_ Renewing Identity & Mission - $129 or $179
_ Children / Youth Programs - $35 per person
_ Special purchase price for The Mennonite Brethren Church Around the World: Celebrating ISO Years, a commemorative book that contains the stories of our global family written within their contexts. - $10 (regular price $26)
Clnc tIon Policy - Full refunds less administrative fee of $99 will be granted to requests received by email at mpenner@l11bconf caorinwritlngtoCelebration 2010, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3M 3Z6 prior to June 20, 2010. No refunds will be granted after June 20 due to binding commitments between Celebration 2010 and the service providers for meals and facilities If you are unable to attend, substitutions are allowed
Receipt for registration fees required: D REGISTER BY: Mail: Celebration 2010, 1310 Taylor Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3M 3Z6 Fax: 1-204-654-1865 Online: www.celebration2010.org Phone: 1-888-669-6575 (In Canada) or 1-800-S45-7322 (In USA)
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
Shafter, Calif.-Steven Hiebert, Daniel Hiebert and Norma Garcia were baptized and received as members Dec 13. Paul Young was also received as a member
Inman, Kan. (Zoarl-Teresa Franz and Jan Shober were baptized and received into membership Dec. 6
Cordell, Olda. (Biblel-Daniel Jasmer was baptized and received as a member Dec 6
Enid, Okla.-Rachel Ediger, Carys Delaplane and Ethan Ediger were baptized and received as members Nov. 29 Stan and Jan Froese, Phil and Janie Ediger, Stephanie Ediger and Mariela Barbosa were also received as members.
Wichlla, Kan. (Firstl-Rebecca King, Cheyenne Derksen, Colby Stull and Cara Wine were baptized Nov 22. Barb Dague, Liz Schmidt, Allan and LaVonne Krahn, Joel Dick, Brad and Polly Schroeder, Julie Esau and Tim and Jennifer Redd were received as members
Garden City, Kan. (Garden Valleyl-Bethany Lindskog was baptized Nov. 22. Randy and Donna Wedel. Rachael Wedel and Curtis Wedel were received as members Dec. 13. Kaleb Rifjkogel was received as a member Dec. 6.
Papillion, Neb. (Shadow Lakel-lrene O'Keefe, Tracie Ballmer, Roger Ballmer, Nathan Dickey, Rebecca Leonhardt, Kennedy Leonhardt, Julie Leonhardt, Bethany Leonhardt, Kelsey Leonhardt, Shawn Leonhardt, Morgan Meyers, Rache l Tyner, Aaron Stoker and Ellie Stoker were baptized Nov 22 Dave and Sue Arch, Roger and Tracie Ballmer, Doug and Sara Jo Dickey, James and Lori Evridge, Steve and Christine Halla, Andre and Rebecca Hoyt, Shannon and Jennifer Moore, Keith and Andrea West, Christopher and Tristin Armstrong, Jill Budler, Kirsten Corrao, Doyle and Angela Ollis, Jared Smith, Chad and Nikki Metzger, David Moody, Melissa Glasnapp and Derek Sybert were received as members Nov 22.
Littleton, Colo. (Belleviewl-Steve and Kathryn Potter, Frank and Tammy Gunnink and Brian and Abby Blaskovich were received as members Nov 22.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglenl-Kevin Bryant, Gina Jordan, Kimberly Marshburn and Dustin Weaver were baptized the weekend of Nov. 21-22. Natalie Ramirez and Nicholas Ramirez were baptized the weekend of Nov. 14-15
Reedley, Calif.-Heidi Schmidt, Maisey Huebert, Kalyn Goossen, Mandi Hiett, Autumn Lindberg, Summer Durham, Whit Edwards and Davis Ward were baptized Nov 15 Eric Lindberg, Michael Durham, Marc and Dawn Suderman, Ray and Gladys Wiebe, Steven and Becky Coldren and Loren and Andrea Enns were received as members
Rapid City, SD (Bible Fellowshipl-Tony Darger, Tiffany Davis, Bel Felix, Linda Gerow, Stu Hofer, Ranae Hofer, Larry Mathews, LouAnn Blain and Tammy Owens were received as members Nov. Band 15
Hays, Kan. (North Oakl-Amy Brungardt, Travis and Shelly Keller, Philip and Cynthia Robinson, Austin Sloyer and Ken and Linda Vine were received as members Nov. B.
Hesston, Kan -Joseph Smith and Rose Wilson were baptized Nov 1.
Dinuba, Calif.-Brandon Burkhard, Amy Guiba, Linda Guiba, Adrian Jump, Frank Miranda, Rosemary Miranda, Nathaniel Sorber and Candace Yrigollen were baptized and received as members Nov. 1 David and Tessie Molina were also received as members
Huron, SD (Bethesdal-Rachel Wold was baptized and received as a member Oct. 25.
Meno, Okla. (New Hopedalel-Kaci Wedel. Luke Doan and Kevin Suderman were baptized and received as members Oct. 25
CELEBRATIONS
Fairview, Okla,- The congregation broke ground for a new youth building Nov 1B. They hope to begin using it by fall 2010.
CORRECTION
Fresno, Calif. (The Grovel-In the article, "Roots deepen at The Grove " (Dec 09/Jan 20101, the name of baptismal candidate Cameron Rosso was misspelled.
FELLOWSHIP
Fresno, Calif. (Mountain Viewl-A six-week "Gut-beGone" competition, beginning Jan 25, included six breakfasts, nutrition and cooking courses, a workout DVD and friendly Saturday competitions
Clovis, Calif. (College Communityl-A women 's retreat Jan 22-24 included women from El Buen Pastor, a Spanish-language MB congregation in Orange Cove, Calif Sandra Garcia spoke on the topic, "The Secrets Beyond Loss."
Olathe, Kan,(CommunityBiblel-A men's "advance" was held Jan 15-16
Rapid City, SD (Bible Fellowshipl-An all-church ice skating event was held Jan 9. Women hosted a soup supper and Christmas caroling Dec. 11 , Draper, Utah (South Mountainl-Men went ski ing Jan 9
Mountain Lake, Minn (Community BiblelAttendees marked the new year with communion and sharing Dec. 31
Wichita, Kan. (Firstl-One of the ongoing women's "Girlfriend Groups" focuses on learning basic computer skills
Collinsville, Okla. (Discovery Biblel-Dec 20 was "Celebration of the Arts," featuring talent from the church and community around a Christmas theme
Garden City, Kan. (Garden Valleyl-Pastoral couples provided refreshments after a Christmas program Dec. 20 to show their appreciation for the cong regation.
Blaine, Wash. (Birch Bayl-Women exchanged cookies, saw a movie and held a slipper contest Dec. 15, while men went bowling Eugene, Ore. (North Pirkl-Families from two outreaches to community families-First Fridays and the summer Science Camp-were invited to a Christmas party Dec. 14.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglenl-A Christmas lunch for seniors Dec 12 included an accordion player. A family skate night was held Nov 12
Littleton, Colo. (Belleviewl-Seniors hosted a Christmas carol sing-along Dec 11
Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol- The Fresno Pacific University bell choir was present for a Christmas carol sing-along Dec 6
Buhler, Kan.-Seniors discussed surviving the holidays after the death of a loved one during their gathering Dec 6.
Shafter, Calif.-A Dec 5 women's Christmas event, "Festive and Fabulous Rnger Foods: featured napkin folding and bow and centerpiece making
Orland, Calif. (Country Biblel-Women held a Christmas party and gift exchange Dec 5, Fresno, Calif. (Bethanyl-A women's Christmas event Dec 3 included dessert and a shopping boutique Speaker Karen Bartlett addressed holiday insecurities
Weatherford, Okla. (Pine Acresl-The annual Harvest/Mission Festival Nov. B included a "Taste of the Nations" potluck, featuring foods from five countries in which missionaries supported by the church are working
MINISTRY
Eugene, Ore. (North Pirkl-Each third Sunday this year, volunteers will be asked to bring a specific item to fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child A gathering to fill the boxes with these items will be planned for November
Grant, Neb. (New Ufel-A team served in Uganda Jan 13-27
Wichita, Kan.(Firstl-A team of 19 went to Mexico for
a week in early January, helping in an orphanage and mission.
Bakersfield, Calif, (Laurelglenl-Volunteers helped staff an old-fashioned Christmas party at a local school Dec. 13 The church is also supporting the school by providing teacher helpers weekly and staff treats monthly.
Blaine, Wash. (Birch Bayl-The congregation participated in a toy drive Nov. 29-Dec. 13 to benefit low income families in the community.
Lenoir, Ne (West Endl-The Missionary Ladies made 70 Christmas gift bags and 14 fruit baskets for senior citizens at two local nursing homes in December.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Rosedalel- During December, the congregation donated items for the Ronald McDonald House and canned food for the Salvation Army, supported the Angel Tree Ministry and delivered gifts to hospitalized children.
Hays, Kan. (North Oakl-The congregation donated items for "Baskets of Blessing" in December, then nominated people in the community or church family who had experienced hardship or loss or who should be thanked for their service to others. A drawing determined who received the baskets.
Hesston, Kan.-Families went caroling at a local senior living center Dec. 13 A soup supper followed.
Fresno, Calif. (Mountain Viewl-Volunteers visited neighbors Dec. 13 to ask for prayer requests
Bakersfield, Calif. (The Bridgel-Church volunteers helped staff a December Christmas tree lot to benefit a local ministry.
Orland, Calif. (Country Biblel-Volunteers packed goodies Dec. 1 for college students, missionaries and a seven-year-old cancer patient.
Henderson, Neb.-The church was part of the community's Christmas parade of homes Nov. 28 and attendees loaned Nativity sets to decorate for the occasion.
Jordan, Utah (Shadow Lakel-Women tied fleece blankets for a local children's hospital Nov. 21. Hillsboro, Kan. (Parkviewl-Nov. 10 the church hosted a women's health night, with guest speakers and door prizes.
Blaine, Wash. (Birch Bayl-The church is hosting a support group for adults with mental illness, beginning Nov. 10.
Minot, ND (Bible Fellowshipl-The church offered "Financial Peace University" in November as an outreach to community members
Garden City, Kan. (Garden Valleyl-Church volunteers delivered meals to homebound people for Meals on Wheels the week of Sept. 28.
Meno, Okla. (New Hopedalel-Volunteers made about 1,600 bierocks, to be sold at the Oklahoma Mennonite Relief Sale
PROCLAMATION
Henderson, Neb.-Musical group This Hope gave a concert Dec. 11 District minister Roger Engbrecht was the guest speaker for Harvest Mission Sunday Nov. 22. The church's prayer center encouraged worship according to Advent themes in December.
Inman, Kan. (Zoarl-Calvary Echoes Quartet, a Southern Gospel group, gave a concert Dec. 6. Dan and Rachel Janzen, missionaries in Rwanda, were the guest speakers for Harvest Mission Sunday Nov 1.
Garden City, Kan. (Garden Valleyl-Jason and Nancy Phelps, church planters in Kansas City, Mo , were the guest speakers for Harvest Mission Festival Nov 8.
Com, Okla.-For six weeks beginning Jan 10, the congregation studied the book "One Month to Live : ' using morning sermons and evening discussion groups
WORKERS
Huron, SD (Bethesdal-Dirk Helmling has resigned as youth pastor.
Hillsboro, Kan.-Jon Pritchard has been named the new Midwest Regional Mobilizer for MBMS International. His wife is Juana.
Mountain Lake, Minn. (Community Biblel-Ken Unruh resigned as visitation pastor Dec 31.
Balko, Okla. (Crossroads Biblel-Seth Mills is serving as part-time youth intern.
Papillion, Neb. (Shadow Lakel-Chad Stoner is the new campus pastor at the Millard site.
Weatherford, Okla. (Pine Acresl-Carrie Schmidt and Brittany Fite are now sharing the role of children 's director.
WORSHIP
Fresno, Calif. (Butlerl-This church now includes five
congregations: Asian Grace, Common Ground, Congregacion Hispana Amor y Fe, Faith Community and Kingdom Tide. All five congregations worshiped jointly Jan 10.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Roseclalel-The church's annual Christmas Eve service included the children's musical -The Christmas County Spelling Bee " The evening concluded with the traditional handing out of treat bags.
Eugene, Ore. (North Parkl-The church invited a nearby congregation to join them for worship Dec. 13 after a burst pipe temporarily displaced the other congregation
Orland, CA (Country Biblel-Four weekends in November were set aside for a mission emphasis.
Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol-The choir presented "The Wonder of Christmas" Dec. 13.
YOUTH
Bakersfield, Calif. (The Bridgel-Children invited elderly friends and neighbors to a Christmas performance Dec. 20. The first 100 seniors received a small gift.
Wichita, Kan. (Firstl-Children were led through an interactive Christmas drama, "Meeting the Christ Child: The Road to Bethlehem: during Sunday school Dec 20.
Weatherford, Okla. (Pine Acresl-Beginning Dec 10, the church library is offering a monthly storytime for children up to age four every second Thursday.
MBBS professor
Guenther dies
Lenoir, NC (The Life Centerl-Middle school youth delivered 19 new teddy bears to the children's hospital and to single mothers in December High school youth delivered a donation to Samaritan's Purse headquarters in Boone, NC, and toured the Operation Christmas Child headquarters.
Klngburg, callf,-Children went caroling at a local senior care center Dec. 6.
Frwsno, Calif. (Bethanyl-Youth distributed blankets to homeless people Nov. 23
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglenl-Grandparents were invited to join children in their Sunday school classes for "Grandparents Day" Nov. 22
Hays, Kan. (North oakJ-A friendly competition in November between adults and youth, called a "boxing match" encouraged donations of shoeboxes to be distributed around the world through Operation Christmas Child.
Meno, Okla. (New Hopedalel-The church has launched an AWANA program for children DEATHS
BALZER, LEANNASARAH. 91, Dinuba, Calif., member of Dinuba MB Church, died Sept. 8, 2009 Parents: Bernhard H. and Anna IHarmsl Balzer.
See CHURCH, page 35
Student Ministry Pastor: Enid MB Church, in Enid, Okla ., is seeking a Student Ministry Pastor who will work together with a team of leaders to encourage youth to become fully committed, lifelong followers of Jesus Christ, engaging in their world to honor God. This pastor will primarily focus on a ministry related to Jr High and Sr. High School students and parents. Some attention will be given to a college age ministry and assisting the church body as gifts and time allow Enid MB Church is a church of around 240 attendees that is intentionally reaching out to its community offering a Traditional and Contemporary Service. It is located in a community of 45,000 in North Central Oklahoma Resumes may be sent to the Student Ministry Pastor Search Team, Enid MB Church, 2500 N Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703 or by email to Student Ministry Pastor Search team at enidmb((lenidmb.com
Phone: 580-234-1698
Senior Pastor: Bethesda Church of Huron MB Huron, SO, is seeking a senior pastor with responsibilities to include preaching the Word of God, periorming all the scriptural duties of his office and, along with the Elder Board, having general oversight of shepherding the congregation so that the body is built up and equipped to do the work of Jesus Christ. His passion to know and glorify God should be apparent through vital corporate and personal worship, edi-
fication of the body, discipleship, outreach and effective leadership of staff and congregation Must be committed to evangelical Anabaptism as expressed in the MB Confession of Faith. More information on Bethesda is available at www.bchweb org. Send inquiries to Search Committee, Bethesda Church, 1530 Frank Avenue SE, Huron, SO 57350.
Lead Pastor: Bridgeway Community Church in Swift Current, Sask , Canada, is seeking a full-time lead pastor. We are an intergenerational Mennonite Brethren church with an attendance of 200 serving a community with both urban and rural components. We seek someone who will lead our congregation and anticipate finding an individual who will work with us in being community focused and internationally connected as we strive to live the gospel by showing Jesus' love in practical ways The appropriate candidate will be expected to work with an associate pastor in charge of youth ministry. Swift Current is a small city, with a connection to the farming industry, the oil industry and the services supporting them. Please send your resume, or requests for more information to swiftmanm((lgmail.com or lucillewall((lsasktel.net
Lead Pastor and campus Pastor: Willow Park ChurCh. Kelowna, B.C , is a reproducing, multi-site church seeking to impact 10 percent of the region through neighborhood congregations. With five campuses under one leadership, bound by common vision, values and mission, we are seeking a visionary leader to fill our newly designed lead pastor role Candidates should have senior pastoral leadership experience in a multifaceted dynamic ministry organization. Excellent interpersonaVcommunications skills are required to build and lead the team, cast vision and occasionally preach/teach. The lead pastor will ensure that the mission, vision and values of WPC are modeled across our communities and provide oversight to the WPC organization.
Willow Park Church is also seeking a vibrant, servantleader to fill the role of campus pastor at our Hwy 33 campus in Kelowna. Each of our campuses has a leadership structure and budget, overseen by a campus pastor. Applicants should have proven preaching gifts, exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire people in missionalliving. As part of the Willow Park team, all campus pastors contribute to the pastoral team and promote the core values of WPC in a contextualized form This campus focuses on the Rutland area of the city and currently holds three services each weekend.
For more information, or to apply, interested applicants may submit their resume and philosophy of ministry to searchcommittee((lwillowparkchurch.com or to Willow Park Church, 439 Hwy 33 W, Kelowna B.C , VIX lY2. Please mention "campus pastor" to indicate the position applied for.
Biblical answers tuned to primarily answer international students' questions, exercises for seniors Blog dealing with the victorious and fruitful Christian life. Visit henrysanswers.info. 12/61
ONUNE POSTS: Clearinghouse ads are also posted onUne at www.usmb.org/cl-classifieds. Our online listing is updated regularly and includes ads not published in our print publication.
Wiebe
What's the purpose?
The importance of remembering why
Ihave always liked sports, but I've never gotten overly obsessed with any particular team or activity. Well, almost never. There was a summer in my early 20S when I decided to get serious about golf. I figured with more practice and playing time, I could lower my score for 18 holes from the 80S to the 70S.
With lots of effort and dedication, I achieved my goal. Once. Late in August I carded a 79 After that I quit practicing, cut out the extra playing time and resumed my once-a-week quest to shoot 85.
At some point I realized getting "serious" about golf defeated my purpose for playing. I just wanted to sttoll through the woodsy
study being done on grade-schoolers' 'IV watching habits. The alarming conclusion reached was that schoolchildren at that time were watching television an average of two hours a day. Two hours a day! If today's parents could manage to keep their kids' media usage down to a measly two hours, they'd be dancing in the streets.
The point is, entertainment long ago ceased to be a minor diversion engaged in after a full day of work or study. Now it's all . entertainment, all the time. Or at least a lot of entertainment, a lot of the time. Which is still too much.
Something else that has lost meaning amid our cultural obsession is sex. The other day I was checking a news Web site and
D At some point I reali zed ge ttin g "serio us, about golf defeated my purpose tor phlYjn
g . I just wanted to stroll throu gh the wood sy landsc ape and enjoy a peacef ul ro uneL
landscape and enjoy a peaceful round. Mumbling insults at myself and slamming clubs into the ground kind of ruined it.
I still play golf and a few other sports, but I tty to keep them casual. Being competitive by nature, I do get frustrated when I play poorly. But then I remember that stressful Summer of Serious Golf. And I lighten up. Since my athletic endeavors are purely recreational, what's the point in getting all worked up?
It's the same for watching sports Though I like watching games, I don't get into them as much as I used to. Sports have become so overblown in our culture, it's sucked a lot of the fun out. Athletes make too much money, games are taken too seriously and the media coverage goes on about 23 hours a day longer than the subject deserves. For me all the extraneous stuff obscures the basic purpose of sports broadcasting, which is, you know, to show the games.
I can think of other things in our culture that have lost their meaning in flurries of hype and trendiness. Communication, for example. I saw a great comic strip depicting a teenager who complained that his cell phone wasn't working right. His mom asked if he could still make calls with the phone. The teen replied, '"Why would I want to do that?"
Indeed, it's tempting to wonder if the new music-playing, movie-showing, web-connected cell phones can still make actual phone calls. And if not, maybe someone should come up with a handheld device that just lets you punch in numbers and talk to someone. Hey, it might catch on!
Another thing that has undergone a transformation of purpose is entertainment media. I have this childhood memory of a
came actoss a photo of one of those teen starlets who gets a lot of attention. She was wearing a surprisingly inappropriate outfit for a r6-year-old, something way too revealing and suggestive for her age. Wait a minute. The clothes were actually too revealing for any woman, not just a teenager.
See how it is in our culture? We've gotten so accustomed to seeing these sexually suggestive images, we're hardly phased by them anymore. Sex has been appropriated for use in advertising, entertainment, self-promotion. personal gratification and more. Its original purpose for intimacy and procreation in the marriage bond has come to be viewed as quaint and archaic.
I think the spiritual environment in our society has also been suffering from a vagueness of purpose. We Christians get worked up about the wrong things. There are all kinds of arguments going on about politics, worship styles. ministty trends and whether my church is cooler than your church. But do these really have much to do with our basic calling to love God and serve the people around us? Maybe they do, maybe they don't. If we're ttying to be "relevant" by doing the right things and presenting ourselves correctly in a cultural sense, then what's the purpose of that? But if we're letting ourselves get filled up with God's love so much that it naturally spills out to others, then there's no need to be relevant. We're just giving people what they need
-1J Comrn£nt on this column by going to usmb.orglchristian-leader
Bad enough
Why we need to bring our sins to church
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (lJohn 1:9)·
For me it's my new purse. I bet you have something like it: a car trunk, the entire top of your desk or a closet. This is a place that, like my purse, creates a black hole into which things go, never to be seen again! While using a purse that conceals things is proving to be a bad thing, I am often tempted to regard hiding sin as a good thing. Why not let the folds and creases of my life cover up the sin? Why not lose my sins under the stuff of everyday living?
Oddly enough, one place we Christians can often comfortably go with respect to our hidden sins is church. We are seldom asked in times of corporate worship to dig into our recent thoughts and ' actions, identifying those times when we missed God's mark, confessing our shortcomings and asking God's forgivenessand the forgiveness of those we've wronged. However, confession is an act of obedient worship. "It is impossible," writes Gareth J. Goossen in his book Worship Walk: Where Worship and Life Intersect, "to worship when we belligerently hold on to sin in our lives."
Worship that is focused on Christ Jesus. says theologian Bryan Chapell in his book Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice, reflects a biblical pattern: recognizing the greatness and goodness of God, confession, assurance of pardon. thanksgiving, instruction and a charge to serve God in response to his grace in Christ
"This is not a novel idea," Chapell says in a September 2009 interview with Christianity Today, <but, in fact, is the way most churches have organized their worship across the centuries. Only in recent times have we lost sight of these gospel contours and substituted pragmatic preferences for Christcentered worship."
The word "worship," in both Hebrew and Greek, means to «bow before" in the sense of submitting to or giving honor
to someone, to be in awe of or to render service to someone. With this understanding of worship, it seems inevitable that in personal or corporate worship we would move from acknowledging God's greatness to recognizing our sin and need of grace; and from confession to assurance that God forgives us through Christ Jesus. So why are sin, confession and God's forgiveness elements that are often missing from corporate worship times?
There may be theological, historical and practical reasons why we spend more of our worship gatherings doing things other than confessing our sins That said, I believe one reason that times for confession is omitted from our services is because we like to avoid thinking about how bad we are. John Piper, in his book The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die, writes, "I have heard it said <God didn't die for frogs. So he was responding to our value as humans.' This turns grace on its head. We are worse off than frogs. They have not sinned. They have not rebelled and treated God with the contempt of being inconsequential in their lives. God did not have to die for frogs They aren't bad enough. We are. Our debt is so great, only a divine sacrifice could pay it."
This month begins the season of Lent, a time of reflection and renewal that precedes Easter Sunday. The 40 days of Lent provide a natural opportunity for us to rethink the role that sin, confession and forgiveness play in our worship services. In his model prayer, Jesus instructs us to seek forgiveness of God and others. Confession is to be part of our relationship with Godas individuals and as congregations.
Our congregations will be stronger when we are encouraged to not let sin pile up, to keep short accounts with God and with others. Our congregations will be renewed and our witness strengthened when we confess our sins to one another, clearing the way for God to speak to us and to change us. As we prepare for the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, let's challenge our leaders to include a time of confession in our worship services. Let's publicly confess that Jesus died on the cross because of our sins, because we are bad enough. - CF
CHURCH, from page 32
BOEHR, BERNHARD "BEN" JR 88. Fairview. Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, died Dec 4, 2009. Spouse: Norma Jean Neufeld. Parents: Bernhard and Sarah [Mierau) Boehr. Survivors: Douglas, Deborah Kozlina; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren
DYCK, PETER J., 95, Scottdale, Pa., pastor, author and advocate for Mennonite Central Committee, died Jan 4, 2010 Spouse: Elfrieda Klassen, deceased. Survivors: Ruth Scott, Rebecca Dyck; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
EDIGER, EDNA HELEN, 88, Reedley, Calif. , member of Reedley MB Church, died Nov 15,2009 Spouse: John Ediger Parents: John H. and Sarah [Nachtigall! Regier Survivors: Phyllis Cheatham, Norma Loewen, Stan ; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren
FAST, HAROLD JACOB, 89, Fairview, Okla , member of Fairview MB Church , died Jan. 4, 2010 Spouse: Betty Ann Isaak, deceased Parents: David H. and Sarah [Penner! Fast. Survivors : Pam Hipsher, Carolyn Thompson; two grandchildren.
FRIESEN, KATHRYN ANNE "KATIE", 20, Fresno, Calif., of Bethany MB Church, Fresno, died Oct. 1, 2009, in an automobile accident. Parents: Brian and Marilyn Friesen. Siblings : Jeff Friesen, Ellen Chevalier.
GOERTZEN, MARTHA LOUISE, 87, Shafter, Calif., member of Shafter MB Church, died Dec. 10,2009 Spouse: William Goertzen. Parents: Peter C. and Elizabeth Epp Survivors: Christine Prine, William, Michael; nine grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren.
NACHTIGAL, DANIEL PAUL, 88, Fresno, Calif., of Bethany MB Church, Fresno, died Nov. 7, 2009 Spouse: Bernice Survivors: Yvonne Wahlstrom, Judy; one grandson.
PANKRATZ, HARRISON, 90, Hillsboro, Kan , member of Hillsboro MB Church , died Nov 21, 2009 Spouse : Helen Friesen, deceased. Parents: Sam G. and Lena [Wall! Pankratz Survivors: Gary, Jay, Laura; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.
REITZ, GEORGE, 74, Grant, Neb , of New Life Fellowship Church, Grant, died Aug. 16,2009. Spouse: Lydian Keller, divorced; Carol Ann Case. Parents : Elbert and Celia [Cordwell) Reitz Survivors : Ron Clapp, Cecil, Tim, Mary Ellen Rotness; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson.
SCHAFFER, DAVE JOHN, 87, Fairview, Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, died Jan. 7, 2010. Spouse: Irene, deceased; Thelma. Parents: John and Regina [Moundt) Rusch. Survivors: Leonard, Carl, John, Lester, Diane Terry, Kenneth Haws, Michael Haws, Philip Haws, Roger Haws, Douglas Haws, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren
SCHROEDER, KATHRYN, 102, Buhler, Kan., member of Buhler MB Church, died Nov 24, 2009 Spouse : Menno F Schroeder, deceased. Parents: Abraham M and Sarah [Thiessen) Dick Survivors: Junis, Rosella Martin, Betty Thomas ; seven grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren.
CHURCH LOANS
((Buildings
more people hearing aboutJesus and following Him faithfully .. MB Foundation is helping us to do just that."
Table of Contents
MBMS International
Winter 2010
Editor-in-Chief Randy Friesen
Graphic Design Mark Klassen John -Mark Bergen
MBMS INTERNATIONAL VISION: Holistic church planting that transforms communities among the least reached.
MBMS INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY: Mobilizing churches through intentional discipleship in experiential mission that contributes to holistiC church planting
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
• Unreached People
• Holistic Church Planting
• MB Theology and Family
• Prayer
• The Word of God
• The Great Commission & the Great Commandment
INTERPERSONAL VALUES
• Dependency on Jesus
• Risk-taking Obedience
• Transforming Community
• Relational Integrity
• Celebration
Office Locations
WESTERN CANADA (INTERNATIONAL OFFICE)
302-32025 George ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2K7
Transforming lives in mission The audacity of that statement challenges me every time I read it. Only God can transform lives and give them eternal impact. What we are talking about here is in the realm of the miraculous_
As I reflect back on this year, stories of life transformation fill my mind. Families have been restored into relationship with each other Young people have discovered why God gave them life and breath Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and spiritists have found freedom in Christ's forgiveness and grace_ Sick people have found healing in the name of Christ. Farmers have been given an opportunity to support their families and communities with food. Students have received education and have been encouraged to let the Word of God renew their minds. Orphans have been invited into a family and received the Father's love Hundreds of baptisms have celebrated new life in Christ. New churches have been planted. Countless prayers have been offered, much has been given and many have served. God has been glorified.
I was recently in Austria for a European and North Africa workers retreat and consultation. While there I had dinner with a young man and his family from one of our MBMS International church plants in Gmunden. Bernhard shared his story of emptiness in the state church as a boy, losing teenage friends to alcohol, and finally finding achievement in mountaineering and adventure racing. He described a storm which almost took his life while climbing the famous "EI Capitan" (a 2000 foot granite rock face in Yosemite Park, CAl. In the middle of the storm he prayed and told God that if He spared his life that night Bernhard would serve Him. Several weeks later, in another storm on a mountain in Chile, he prayed the same prayer_ When Bernhard returned to Austria, God led him to a small church in his community started by Richard and Hazel Funk. There he found Christ and was baptized. With much emotion he thanked me for sending the Funks to his community to share with him a relationship with Christ.I told him we are a family that is on a mission together. We need each other. Bernhard's gratitude is a message I'd like pass on to all of our supporters_
An annual report is simply a snapshot in time. We can't fully capture in these pages the full texture of what God has done through the prayers, obedience and faithful support of His people. However, we have tried to be a little more creative with the design of this annual report. We gathered portions of letters, updates, news reports and photos from each of our four services (Mobilization, Training and Team Health, Church Planting, and Mission Capacity Building) These words, numbers and p ictures help paint a picture of God 's work in our midst this past year.
We've organized these images and stories in a series of "desktops" corresponding to our four service delivery areas In a generation where most of our desktops are virtual and computer screens focus our attention, we invite you back to the world of letters, postcards and notes where many of the world's least reached still live_ Many of these items represent literally hundreds of similar communications we receive each year. If you are interested in reading more about the names found in this report, their stories, pictures and often video reports are found on our websites www.mbmsi.org, www mbmsiVideo.com and www.mbmsiPhoto.com
We have a lot to be thankful for at the end of another year of mission together. We are grateful for your encouragement, prayers and gifts. We are grateful for the increasing numbers of people God is sending into long term mission with us. We are grateful for the many transformed lives on the frontlines that remind us why this is worth the investment of our lives_
It was the last day of the campaign and we were hot and tired I,along with Lena Hamm,went into a village and approached a group that had gathered in front of a local Hindu Shrine. Miraculously God opened up the door for me to share my testimony and then to preach the gospel. As I shared more people were coming to listen until there were about 35 in total, mostly men.
After preaching the good news, one of the national pastors, Pastor Ashok, invited this group to commit their lives to become followers of Christ. Many of the men responded by praying to God. We were deeply moved that God would touch these lives and right in front of their own Hindu Temple. Praise God for the power of the gospel!
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your u the ends of the earth your pOsses sil Ydesire t o fillallcialt Psalm 2:8
December 2009
2) Y SUpport Y praYer fo • III1Ssiollar' r 'rllss ' les Or • 3) 10llaries h IIJ/ssiollS My SPiritual as becollJe IIJ projects has growth h Ore lIJea • "'creased d
4) MBMSI h. as bellefited fro "'"gfUI because f Ue to MBMSI as "'c" IIJ the ill" 0 COIIJIIJ • eased IIJ OrllJat· Ullicat'
5) MBMS Y i llterest lOll shared b l Olls frollJ M I has' III Part' Y MBM BMSI daily prayer requests can be fOWld MS International web page : on
COlIJlIJUlli IlIJprolted IIJ IClpati llg i ll a SI staff Or • • ties allJ ollg the I Y Ullderstalldill crosS-CUl tura l IIJ/ssiOllaries 6' I least g of ho IIJ/ssi o , WOuld reached W hOlist· lis eXPer' recOllJ1IJ PeOPles IC church l lellce.
7 elld M BA.S • P alltillo Jib l ' "., I to "Calltr e lelte th a "'elld h allsforllJ atrea h' It( 0 / I * C "'g th S lookill Percent e Ullreache 'g fOr a lIJissi ...,,""" b OilS se",' lCate ea' ICe ex resPond P"ority of h pe"ellce ants who A te church greed Or St . ronglYA greed With each statement.
,Q)
A business card of Randy Friesen, General Director of MBMSI. The Mobilization Service is responsible for calling out people, prayer and support for holistic church planting Many churches and short term mission participants gain valuable exposure to the work of our long term church planting teams through programs such as SOAR, ACTION, DMI and TREK.
results of 2009 MBMSI Mission Survey. See how MBMSI has impacted and transformed lives.
calendar counting the total number of short term participants who served with MBMSI in the last year.
copy of the Daily Prayer Guide. Over 2000 copies are sent out each month to prayer groups, supporters and churches who pray for MBMSI missionaries.
DMI Connector newsletter, highlighting one story of
how a multi-generational team made a difference through evangelism in India.
story from STM participant Sandra Reimer about her family's experience serving on SOAR Montreal. Sandra describes how SOAR has changed the way that they live.
.Q)A
STM thank you letter containing quotes from short term missions participants whose lives were transformed by their experience in mission. See more at www.mbmsi.org/stm
I-telj !
Tha "'I< I:! Dk fDe pal:! i"'fj fD""" tD gD tD the ''''teeactiD''' Re-S"'tel:! Se"'i""'e i", CDLoeaciD sP"''''fjS! I eeaLLI:! e":jDl:!eci "'-eeti"'fj with Dthee I"1LssLo"' Del:!ldcis Dvu/3eci CkLtkee kicis whD weee gDi"'fj theDkgh the SD""" feeLi"'fjs, SitkDtLo"" D"'ci e"'DtiD.". as "'e . I LeDe'<eci D Lot DbDkt co"''''''''' iss kes thDt I"1k£ {oee, Dvu/ DLsD DbDkt hDw tD eeD'!jkSt tD NDeth A"""eico", CkLtkee SD, thD"'1< I:!Dk vevlj, vevlj VVt/,{ch I I veClLLlj ClppveciClte it. Love, &. Alyssa 2009 James June 16, uesday, sent: T rt TeamAdventure To: Spring subject.
habout d e Wit 'es an f ar We ar ne's ston know ing so . everyo tten to e there, "'" at to heat e have go ties as II Y Adventure !'::been so:-_ions.;,";;ear in the spnng Ie and t ght them bles'Ulg ffinned th ' Iding \ otbe r ,= God baS baS :0........:;..1 We ':ek :, able to ":::ch ..... cui"":'" ,ture the 1\ Hearinwg 've also e limbing Wwork in an hat he has we · e e ock c US to and w tight is take us , e,"""" cd that G bere God this fur. d to see w . getting us excite port 10 ."'....."..... are d Sup for us. prayers an ks for all your Than Wiest d Alyssa James an
Member Care and Encouragement Trip Summary Report
By Frank and Esther Martens
July 26 to September 7, 2009
Our Purpose: To visit and encourage our missionaries serving in Latin America with MBMSI and the churches and leaders in Montevideo, Uruguay where we served as church planters with MBMSI from 1975-1987.
Cities/Countries/Missionaries Visited:
• Montevideo, Uruguay
• Lima, Peru (Jose & Esperanza Prada)
• Trujillo, Peru (Liana Penner)
• Piura, Peru (Otto & Lidia Funk)
• Guadalajara, Mexico (Sandra Plett, Jen Schmidt, Trever & Joan Godard)
• Oaxaca, Mexico (Robert & Anne Thiessen)
• Panama (Einer & Girlesa Zuluaga)
Our Daily Activities: We stayed with or near each missionary family, accompanied them in their daily life and ministry, listened to their stories, struggles, challenges and joys and celebrated with them the goodness of God in building His church through their faithful service.
HighUghts:
• Our time in Uruguay was incredibly rewarding as we met so many of the people and visited the churches we had known in the past. We were moved to tears by the reception we received and the evidence of God's faithfulness in their lives, that of their children, and in those that have come to Jesus through their witness.
• Our visits with our missionaries were very exciting. We came away with an inc:reaiSe(1j respect for them, the work they do, the sacrifices they make, the new people groups being reached with the gospel, the innovative approaches being implemented to mentor leaders and establish churches that are healthy, independent and self supporting.
• It was particularly exciting to make trips into the interior of southern Mexico and to the jungle of Panama and witness frontier missionary endeavors and the excellent work being built there upon the foundation of our pioneer missionaries of the past.
Weare so very grateful for your prayers and fmancial support that made our first trip possible. Thank you so much!
0"
A business card from Paul Oyck, Lead Team
_ Training & Team Health (TIH) Service The TIH Service is responsible for the ongoing training and care of over 200 missionaries, staff and other members Missionary candidates are .for service, resources are provided to in-field as well as ongoing resourcing and training provided fOr all teams
from MBMSI's 2008 latin America and Consultation (LARAC) hosted in Peru for In-field missionary resourcing.
• thank-you note from Kyla, daughte.r " ,.,.h planting missionaries Dave &LOUise SmclalrPeters who attended a re-entry seminar as she to Canada to attend University.
report from one of our 4 Member Care couples, describing their visit to MBMSI missionaries serving in latin Amenca.
note from Ike Bergen, MBMSI Board Chairman, travelled to Burkina Faso for training our church pla!!ting team of the Bergens and Warners.
CD}n invitation sent to Edd & Ingrid Russell join the MBMSI Spring Adventure missionary orientation where they would discover their call to serve as church planting missionaries
email from the W1ests that describes their expeTience at the 2009 Spring Adventure.
prayer newsletter from Craig Jost, one 18 missionary candidates, attendmg the MISSionary Training Institute in fall 2009
CD-ROM of photographs highlighting some of 1ife'hundreds of piEtures available on the www.mbmsiPhoto.com web site.
•tlew Missionary Candidates
Joo fo'( (..omiYl,9 to 00'( iYl SO nv (..oo/d kYlot.> J-uos. is VU'"J difw<.xIt Ylot.> \1V be.J1WU iITaos! H-e.- os<..d to <J<f'UlSiVV idols. !.Drs of pwpf.e., iYl 00;- (..ommoYlitrl knu..> him ht.lSlu fori-onvt<.J/u: didYl+ thiYlk Ls\1oo/d 90 to sc..hool L iYl H-e.- tho09ht L t.>oo/d YlVJU" be,., to {.ISm /iviYl9. H-e.-<.»!.Xl os<..d to t{../I h-e.-/ov<..£! oldu sistu mv s\1V t.>oo/d of him t.>h<.xl \1V old
l\le.xl t.>V to c..omv to t\1V "Bd\1{../ (..ho'((..h. (..hoo-e.- to follot.> J-uos. H-e.- difw<.xIt L t.>i)(YlVJU" th¥ OVU'" dot.>Yl bUidv mt. H-e.- t.>hiSpu<..d t.>o'(ds of lovv to mu 'A-Yld the.x1 \1V n.N·<..d mv op Oyl his meJ. L so p'(ood L knu..> Ylot.> lov<..£! mt. H-e.mv<.»!.Xl tv;009h L
<.»!.Xl his c..ollt.dioYl of idols h-e.- knu..> :t'aos him to ylO otVtu" 90dS. H-e.- his f'(kxtds. bosinus H-e.-to/d thtxYl 90iYl,9 to do "BoddhiSt'(..utxYloYlia so th-e.- momiYl9 \1V \is idols. H-e.- t.>Ok-e.- Of' J{"//iYl,9 iYlto t\1V tiYl of oor Yl!J.9\1bO'(s to l"UYliYld thtxYl to htt.i'( dt.vofloYlS to to Grod!
The 5th annual Abused Wo ' The conference tar s Conference was held in forms of abuse th who experience VISIon is to show the 10 f J elr usbands. lewiza's d · ve 0 esus and t . an emOtional support for th 0 provIde spiritual children attended the cont< em. 18? women and 23 Counselors 7 main speak erence thIs year, including 17 M' ers and 6 North A any women were saved lift mencan women. were healed, and others r' ed. up, a?d encouraged. Some Women were chan ed ec.onclled wIth their hUsbands mentally and the ngumbPhysflcallY, emotionally, and , er 0 home ch h . urc es has Increased!
A business card of Ray Harms-Wiebe, lead Team for Global Program, oversees the development of people and projects that accomplish holistic planting of churches among the least reached.
6ne People & Projects Guide that lists our missionaries and projects worldwide. It highlights the vision, sacrifice and investment of those answering the call to serve. Pick up a copy today.
letter* to missionaries Dave and louise Sinclair-Peters describing how the life of a young Thai girl was impacted as her father'S life was transformed through the Bethel church plant (*Written based on testimony shared by May.)
The Oasis Team is committed to seeing churches established in the least reached areas of our world. One tool that God has given us to accomplish this goal is the use of a variety of different media. During an upcoming trip, the Oasis Team will be producing 52 new TV programs and 52 new Radio programs. We praise God that he is building His Church and count it a privilege to serve Him in this work.
a time when the world has seen many financial challenges, have reason to rejoice. At the beginning of the year the earmarked up to a $400k release of prior years' surplus, if to address our exciting growth budget for FY09. By the of May 2009, we only needed $238k, while fulfilling many the intended growth initiatives. And, of the $238k, almost ($109k) was simply to address book value declines in our est endowments A further $84k was invested into Research New Initiatives, opening doors in Thailand and the Turkic We lift our praise to the living God, for He is worthy. His hand has provided all we needed
Giving trends moved in two directions. On the one hand, despite the economic environment in which we find ourselves, we saw strong support of relational projects, as people and churches came alongside current and new ministry I On the other hand, we observed a slight softening of financial giving
Donation Source
toward the bigger picture, including local North American costs and initiatives. While this trend can be expected in light of the significant attention devoted thus far to the Relational Funding model, we are now beginning to focus awareness on the value in nurturing support for the tree that bears the fruit As we invited the front lines to help refine our FYlO budget with prudence and wisdom, we still see an overall budget increase (to $9 2 million), flowing out of vision, passion, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and risk-taking obedience!
Finally, we received notice on June 4, 2009 that charitable status for MBMSI in Canada was granted in parallel to the Conference status. As a result, MBMSI in Canada will begin issuing tax receipts under this new registration number for the end of the 2009 calendar year. For this year of transition Canadian donors could receive two tax receipts (one with CCMBC's registration number and one with MBMSI's) depending on the timing of their gifts.
Working together to build God's Kingdom, Selwyn Uittenbosch, CFO
Partners & Others Businesses
Countries our Teams Serve in:
(1) Angola, (2) Austria, (3) Brazil, (4) Burkina Faso, (5) Burundi, (6) Colombia, (7) DR Congo, (8) France, (9) Germany, (10) India, (11) Japan, (12) Lithuania, (13) Malawi, (14) Mexico, - - . . (15) Namibia, (16) Nigeria, (18) Paraguay, (19) Peru, (20) Philippines, (21) Portugal, (22) South Africa, (23) Thailand, (25), Ukraine, (26) Venezuela, ' Central Asia (3 countries)*, Middle East*, North Africa (3 c6untries)*, Southeast ,* Country names not listed in order to maintain the safety of all MBMSI workers '"
