The Messenger Vol. 52 No. 05 May 2014

The Messenger Volume 52 No. 05 May 2014

Young Adults: Livin’ the Good Life page 6

Insert: Convention Materials

$2.00

Editorials

Unpacking a single line

D

oes Jesus have a needed, urgent message for the world? Does the Church have a responsibility to proclaim and serve? Is the Church stronger when it works together?

This year’s convention insert, stapled in this issue, provides stories of change in individuals, as churches, and in wider society. It gives quick information about Christ’s mission as carried out

by EMC boards and wider organizations. To be open to counsel and accountable, news is given—with more available upon request.

The Lord, ultimately, has one Church of many branches and engaged in many operations.

The EMC recognizes, perhaps more than ever before, we are only a small part of what Christ is doing in the world.

We are linked through Mennonite World Conference and the World Evangelical Alliance, by formal relationships

with many mission agencies, and much more. In both mission (the Church’s total task) and missions (evangelism and church planting) the EMC is engaging in an increasingly holistic, cooperative ministry in more countries.

Sometimes local EMC churches, in their budget, devote a single line to each missionary worker or couple they are specifically supporting. They might also devote a single line to the EM Conference for our national and international programs. The single lines might look similar, but they are far from the same.

If congregations were to devote a line to each mission worker and ministry they support through the EMC’s national and international budget, there would be many lines, not just one. The insert seeks to unpack this line—and so does this magazine.

– Terry M. Smith

A local church might have single budget lines for specific missionaries and another for the EMC. The lines look similar, but they are not the same.

••

Buttonholed by a radical

I

n 1980 I was a student minister when The Messenger’s editor buttonholed me.

Dave K. Schellenberg was in Calgary to write a profile of (now) Abbeydale Christian Fellowship. Learning of my brief Pentecostal connection, he asked me pointedly, “What are you now?”

When I began to serve in the national office, he had been retired for a decade. Still, Rev. Schellenberg wrote columns, an occasional lead article or a letter, and worked in the EMC Archives.

We would meet for green tea and hot chocolate. He would tell me about the EMC, the Western Gospel Mission, and the magazine; I would inform him of current events. A current radical learned from an earlier radical.

On April 18, 2007, I invited him for “coffee” with

then assistant editor Becky Buhler. My 17-year-old son Jon joined us. I planned to pay, but Rev. Schellenberg disagreed. Both he and Jon vetoed my suggestion that they arm wrestle and the winner pay.

Rev. Schellenberg said this was an historic occasion because we might not again meet like this. He was amazed at his courage years ago to move forward with this magazine.

He spoke about how we are often too timid about sharing our faith and, failing to “strike when the iron is hot,” lose the opportunity. I asked if he was going to write a column. He smiled and countered, “Would you print it?” I said yes.

Rev. Schellenberg never wrote the column, but now, in a way, he has.

– Terry M. Smith

On this historic occasion, Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg spoke about how we are often too timid about sharing our faith.

2 The Messenger • May 2014

Table of Contents Features

Columns

6

Young adults: livin’ the good life

9

How Can God Have a Son?

– Chrystie Kroeker Boggs and Audry Goertzen – Dr. Arley Loewen

12 Will Our Children Have Faith?

– Maurice Martin

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4 Letters 16 With Our Missionaries 21 With Our Churches 28 News 32 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

14 Focusing On

Trustees and treasurers gather in Tillsonburg – Tim Dyck

15 An Education App

Don’t feel connected to the Conference?

– Terry M. Smith

page

9

20 Further In and Higher Up In Marriages of Mixed Desires – Layton Friesen

34 Here and Far Away ‘You deserve it!’

– Jocelyn R. Plett

page

16

35 Stewardship Today Following your faith or following the world?

– Sherri Grosz

36 Kids’ Corner

Important Words – Loreena Thiessen

page

36 page

30

COVER PHOTO BY VICTORIA KOEHLER

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 3

The Messenger

Letters and Notices

Volume 52 No. 5 May 2014

Thank you to Heidi Dirks and Carol Thiessen

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

The Messenger is the monthly publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. It is available to the general public.

Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed.

Unpublished material is not returned except by request.

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

Single copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing activities.

Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca.

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 8– August 2014 issue (copy due June 08)

4 The Messenger • May 2014

Thank you to both of you two very courageous women for your articles in The Messenger. You tackled subjects that most Christians choose to avoid or deny our responsibility in and presented them well. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

Anna Moore MacGregor, Man.

Program is not a free ride

If ever there was a program that protected the community with a big bang for a few bucks it is Circles of Support and Accountability. Why has this proven success been slashed from next year’s federal budget?

For a mere $ 2.2 million/year, this is one of the only programs that protects the community from repeated sex crimes of released offenders. The program is volunteer-based with over 700 individuals (Canadian citizens) who voluntarily spend an evening a week in a circle surrounding a sex offender who has served his or her sentence and is now released.

With this program offenders become part of a group that holds them accountable for their actions and in a real sense helps them stay out of jail

Guidelines for letters

Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. It can refuse publication.

Letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address. For letters by

Editor’s note: Dirks’ article was Returning to the Practice of Confession (Feb.) and Thiessen’s was Keeping the faith at climate change talks (March).

and not re-offend. It is not a free ride for the offender. They must submit themselves each week to a circle of volunteers who may decide at any time that the offender may be a risk to society and they can then report him or her to the justice system and further incarceration.

While not formally a part of the federal justice system, it is one of the only programs that works with released sex offenders. With 18 such circles from coast to coast why, why, why would Correctional Services cut its ties from an effective program that safeguards our communities, involves such a huge group of citizens, and costs so very little to operate?

Ken Reddig Pinawa, Man.

e-mail, the writer’s name and email address are deemed to be an electronic signature. The writer’s regular postal address is to be included in e-mail correspondence.

The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld. Letters to the editor are to be 250 words or less.

Letters and Notices Much grace and patience needed

In regards to Dr. John Stackhouse’s article, The New Evangelical Way of (not) arguing (January 2014), I say we all agree on the authority of scripture. Many theological differences, as well as issues of practice, cause divisions and disputes because we all base our belief on scripture.

Interpretation of scripture is where we differ.

All of us have to admit that our interpretations change over time. Earlier we (or our foreparents) taught against instruments in church, the wearing of jewelry, and promoted head coverings for women in church based on scripture.

We now see these verses differently.

Discussions regarding a literal six-day creation versus an older earth also both use the Bible as a base as do statements regarding male only leadership versus the equality

of both genders for all leadership positions. One other issue that we are seeing varied interpretation on is our position on peace and pacifism.

It is unfortunate that Stackhouse used the illustration of homosexuality in his paper that was published publicly (it was written for a sexuality conference). These are persons among us, in our families and all our communities, and they need our love and encouragement. We may not all agree on the details of our response, but we do know God loves them unconditionally and so should we.

In conclusion, I believe we in the church and in the EMC in particular will need much grace and patience as we work through some of the above-mentioned issues together.

Ruth Penner Winnipeg, Man.

Peaceful resolution desired

In one of your Messenger issues, someone had recommended the book To End All Wars. It was about the First World War, with much background information leading up to this terrible war. I learned so very much and I thank the person who recommended it.

It is the 100th anniversary of this war, and we can only hope that restraint, common sense, and a goal of peaceful resolution will reign in all future war conflicts. I also remember a song which I learned as a Girl Guide leader: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” A high calling.

Janice Imrie Creighton, Sask.

Editor’s note: Adam Hochschild’s To End All Wars (Mariner Books, 2011) was reviewed by Pastor Darryl Klassen (Kleefeld) in Nov. 2013 issue.

Births BRANDT — to Jay and Cherie Brandt, a daughter, Hailey Renee, on May 30, 2013.

KLASSEN — to Matt and Mallory Klassen, a son, Logan James, on Dec. 19, 2013.

LOEWEN-WATSON — to Brent and Tanya, a daughter, Zaria Dawn, on March 19, 2014. Our sympathies to them as Zaria passed away shortly after her birth.

MINNES — to Andrew and Sarah Minnes, a son, James Arnott, on Sept. 18, 2013.

REIMER — to Marshall and Alyssa Reimer, a daughter, Isla Margaret, on Dec. 17, 2013.

The 20th Annual

EMC

PROJECT BUILDERS

Golf Classic

June 19, 2014 Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course To register, contact Ruth Penner: 204-255-8062 or rrpenner@shaw.ca Details available at www.emconference.ca (under events).

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 5

Young Adults: Livin’ the Good Life

PHOTOS: VICTORIA KOHLER

by Chrystie Kroeker Boggs and Audry Goertzen

6 The Messenger • May 2014

I

t didn’t take long for a crowd to gather.

“Oh, that one sounds good!”

“I want to go to that workshop!”

“But, what if there are three or four I want to attend?”

“Let me see the options!”

These comments came from the group of eager young adults who had just arrived at Camp Cedarwood as they excitedly read the “Workshop Board” in the lounge.

Dating…or Not Darren Plett How to Handle Finances (or lack thereof ) Nathan Plett I’m Too Busy: The Pursuit of a Balanced Life Jason Heide From Expectation to Reality: One Couple’s Journey Through Marriage John and Anita Terrick Reaching Your Friends for Christ Naturally Gord Penner Knowing God’s Will Mo Friesen Where Do I Fit Into My Church? Ward Parkinson From the moment the young adults stepped into the lodge at Pinawa Bay near Lac du Bonnet, Man., and saw the workshop options, expectancy and excitement for the weekend spread. Each participant knew they were going to be living the good life throughout the weekend as they took part in the inaugural EMC Young Adults Retreat.

For many, the anticipation for the retreat began building in fall. As part of the preparation for the weekend,

the planning committee arranged three pre-retreat praise and worship nights at various EMC churches. Budding friendships were formed and Jesus was worshipped, giving young adults a taste of what was to come at the retreat.

One of the coldest weekends of the year (-50 windchill in March) did not deter more than one hundred young adults from warming their souls in community and biblical teaching.

“The camp directors kept calling me throughout the fall months, wanting to know if we’d fill the lodge,

live in a fast-paced world, where expectations are high and abundant, and pressure abounds.

Plett reminded retreat goers that God’s definition of success conflicts with the world’s and He calls His followers to prioritize Kingdom-building things.

When the noise of the world becomes deafening and the stress of life seems overwhelming, God has provided a safe, secure and quiet place to land and settle. Plett’s reminder to rest in the promises of a loving and gracious Heavenly Father resonated with the young adults. A collective sigh could be heard in the chapel as the message was delivered and the hearers realized that God is bigger than any of the world’s expectations.

When the noise of the world becomes deafening and the stress of life seems overwhelming, God has provided a safe, secure and quiet place to land and settle. since other groups were interested in booking this weekend,” revealed Gord Penner, young adult leader and minister from Ridgewood EMC and head of the retreat planning committee. “I kept saying that we were confident that we would get 100 people out. And here we are, with over that number!”

Livin’ the Good Life Through Teaching

Darren Plett, pastor of Pleasant Valley EMC, was the speaker at the retreat and he focused his teaching on God’s plan for His children and how He desires for us to live the good life. Young adults

Livin’ the Good Life Through Worship

Mo Friesen and his team from the Steinbach EFC led retreat goers in community praise and worship before each session. Through song and corporate prayer, God was glorified and lifted up. For many, the praise and worship times were a highlight of the weekend.

“For me, the highlight of the weekend was definitely the worship time,” said Victoria Koehler (Steinbach EMC). The small chapel room elevated the worship experience as voices sang ➢

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 7

to heaven and the profound sense of awe and adoration became palpable. The sounds of sincere, uninhibited hearts singing praises to a God who gives rest to His weary children was incredibly moving.

“I heard one young adult comment that Ward (Parkinson)’s workshop on Where Do I Fit Into My Church? had really struck a chord with him, and the next week he signed up to volunteer in his home church in an area where he felt he was suited to serve,” reported Gord Penner.

Livin’ the Good Life Through Community

Com·mu·ni·ty: noun. 1. A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. 2. A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

When the retreat planning committee first met, it was determined that one of the main goals of the weekend was to build up and into the EMC College and Career community.

By spending time with and getting to know other young adults with the denominational “common characteristic,” each retreat-goer became an active participant in growing the community.

In turn, friendships were made and a “feeling of fellowship with others” ensued. Small young adult church groups mixed with larger ones. Mealtimes were spent conversing with newly-made friends. Sessions were comprised of praying with and for people whose names were unfamiliar only the day before.

“I really loved the free time we had to mix with the other groups.

I thought it was a great experience to connect and bond with fellow EMCers,” explained Adam Penner (Steinbach EMC). For many, the retreat allowed them to connect with people they had met at previous Abundant Springs weekends.

“This is kind of like the young adult version of Abundant Springs,” commented one participant. “Many of the faces here are familiar to me because I connected with them as youth at Abundant Springs. It’s cool to see how those relationships can continue as we get older and become more involved in our different churches.”

While most of the groups at the retreat came from southern Manitoba, both Community Bible Church (Swan River) and High Level Christian Fellowship Church in Alberta were also represented.

Livin’ the Good Life Through Discussion

On the Saturday morning of the retreat, participants were able to attend the workshops that had piqued their interest upon arrival at Camp Cedarwood. Choosing which two workshops to attend proved to be a difficult decision for many young adults. “I would have liked to have gone to all of them!” admitted Diana Peters (Steinbach EFC).

The workshops, led by leaders from several EMC churches, allowed retreat goers to engage in focused small group conversation.

Several young adults commented on how encouraged they felt during the workshops, as they were an active part of the conversations.

For many, the retreat allowed them to connect with people they had met at previous Abundant Springs weekends.

8 The Messenger • May 2014

Livin’ the Good Life Through R and R

Table games. Snowshoeing. Foosball.

Lazy conversations by the fireplace.

Tube sliding. The options were endless during free times at the retreat.

Darren Plett encouraged young adults to take time to rest in God’s rejuvenating goodness, and the retreat schedule allowed for plenty of opportunities to follow this through.

Kyla Plett of Lorette commented that “it was really refreshing to be together and laugh together.” Each retreat goer saw firsthand the beauty of the God’s creation through the snow glistening off the frozen lake and the quiet serenity away from the hustle and bustle of “real life.”

For the EMC young adults who missed attending this inaugural retreat, the following are words of encouragement to sign up next year’s weekend: “Come to be refreshed and renewed, and to have great fellowship and fun with others in our age group!”

Diana Peters (Steinbach EFC).

“If you want to come to next year’s retreat, brace yourself for an exciting and spiritually renewing weekend!”

Ty Friesen (Steinbach EMC).

“It’s such a great time!” Ben Kroeker (Blumenort EMC).

The next Young Adults Retreat will take place on March 13-15, 2015.

Chrystie Kroeker Boggs, Audry Goertzen, and Victoria Koehler (photographer) are all part of Steinbach EMC.

INDESIGN

How Can God Have a Son?

by Dr. Arley Loewen

“S

o, you Christians believe God had a boy?”

The way the taxi driver presented the question it sounded like Christians believe God had sex with a woman who bore a son as “their” offspring. How could I respond briefly to someone who repeats what he has heard in the mosque?

Without saying yes or no, I told a story: “A while back I stopped at a potato seller and asked for five kilos of potatoes. He filled a bag and, without looking at me, asked, ‘You’re a son of Herat, aren’t you?’” (The seller thought I had a Dari accent from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan).

The taxi-driver immediately knew what I was saying. “Son” does not always mean physical offspring, but “one who comes from” or is “of the same nature as.”

“You may remember Benazir Bhutto?” I added. “Remember one time as she gave a speech to the people of Pakistan, she said, ‘I’m your daughter’ and she’s written a book called Daughter of the East.” (In our national anthem, O Canada, we sing, “True patriot love in all thy

sons command.” We say we’re “sons of Canada,” meaning we “come from Canada.”)

Christians and Muslims hold many common beliefs. We both believe in the Creator who made heaven and earth and is separate from His creation. We believe God has sent prophets to guide humankind and has revealed Himself through the written word. Christians and Muslims believe that sin entered the world and God will judge humankind. Christians agree with Muslims that God is the merciful and compassionate. We both believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, performed many miracles, is alive today and coming back.

And yet, as we delve further into these common beliefs, we soon come to major differences.

We both believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, performed many miracles, is alive today and coming back.

Our Vocabulary

Muslims cannot understand why Christians call Jesus “the Son of God.” A basic belief in Islam says God cannot be born nor can He give birth (Sura 112:3). Even worse is for Christians to call Jesus “God.” This makes the wonderful Prophet Jesus into God, which to Muslims is blasphemous. Actually, we agree! A prophet cannot become God. Similarly, do we as Christians believe God can have a baby? Certainly not! ➢

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 9

Admittedly, our vocabulary as Christians confuses outsiders. Some Muslims think the Trinity is the Father, Mary, and Jesus. In a CBC interview, a man said of his Catholic father: “He always talked about Jesus, God, and Mary, and all that.” This sounds like a confused Trinity.

Or consider our prayers: “Jesus, we thank you. Heavenly Father, …. Lord, Jesus, O God, we pray this in your name.” Indeed confusing.

I frequently wonder how well Christians comprehend the powerful and meaningful phrase “the Son of God.” What do we mean when we say Jesus is the Son of God? The phrase “Son of God” is indeed complex, with deep roots in Judaic thought. In the Old Testament Israel is called God’s son and the kings of Israel are given this title as well on occasion. In the Gospels “Son of God” is frequently synonymous for Messiah.

Jesus as the Son, is Israel, the King, the Messiah. However, as we mentioned above, the term “son of” or “sons and daughters of” also means “direct association” or “coming from.”

We believe that Jesus, as the Son of God comes from God—not through physical offspring, but better explained by the phrase “Word of God.” This Word is one with the Father and bears the same nature as the Father. The Father speaks to us through His Word, the divine Son. Scripture teaches us that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt.

28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14), one God who reveals Himself in three “persons.” Muslims, though, ask, “How can three be one?”

This is a mega question that Christians need to consider carefully. It won’t do just to say it’s a mystery.

and in some cases God almost becomes pantheistic—everything is a witness of God. Christians believe that the transcendent God, in His care and love for creation, is also immanent, involved with us. God remains separate from creation, but He has come to our world in a person to dwell among us (John 1:1-4, 14, 18) so that we can know His truth and love.

We believe that Jesus, as the Son of God comes from God—not through physical offspring, but better explained by the phrase “Word of God.”

Beyond, Yet Close

Muslims believe in a transcendent Deity, utterly separate from creation; nothing can compromise this utter oneness. Yet Muslims long for closeness with the divine and Koranic verses speak of God’s presence (Sura 2:115, 186). Mystical streams in Islam have sought to bring God near,

10 The Messenger • May 2014

Trinity—God Loves Us!

Here we see a beautiful and dynamic reality. God is love.

Being relational, God experiences perfect love within Himself. But how does God love us?

How does He say, “I love you!”?

In the Messiah, God comes to us; He loves us.

We could not know that God loves us without Jesus.

Now, we are to love one another in the same way, and, when we do, we show that the invisible God lives in us. Thank God, He has sent His Spirit to be in us so we can actually live this way (1 John 4:9-13).

Watch Our Language

As Christians, we need to guard our words because they help or hinder others in their understanding of God. We pray to the Father

through Jesus in the power of the Spirit.

Let us be careful how we say “Jesus is God” because to the Muslim mind this phrase communicates a Jesus-only theology without an Eternal Creator. Such a denial is clearly not what Christians believe or intend to communicate. Jesus prayed to the Father.

Jesus is the Son of God because he comes from the Father. We believe Jesus is divine, because the Word was with God (John 1:1-4, 14, 18) and dwelt in the bosom of the Father—or as the Persian Bible says, “He who was in the essence of the Father.” And so, the Word, who comes from the Father, is the Son of God, that is, from God, being the same nature as God. He is divine.

Other Illustrations

Christians have used different illustrations to try to explain the concept of three-in-one. An egg has a yolk, white, and a shell.

Water can be ice, liquid, or vapour. A male adult is a father, husband, and son.

I appreciate the example of the sun, light rays, and the sun’s warmth. No human being has ever seen the sun, but we see and experience the sun through its light rays and its warmth. The renowned Persian poet Mawlana Rumi (d. 1284) tried to explain the love of God in his masterpiece of poetry: When I try to explain God’s love, my pen breaks down. The sun has shone, so let the sun [rays] be the explanation for the sun.

The ray from the sun has, indeed, the same nature as the sun. Similarly, a stream of water that flowing from a mighty river carries the

same nature as the river. The stream is separate yet one with the river. Deity dwells in bodily form and relates to the Creator God (Col. 2:9).

Don’t Try to “Win”!

Discussion, cultural examples, and poetry do not suffice in themselves. As Christians, our aim is not to “win” arguments. Our calling is to love one another as God loved us through Jesus.

And the Holy Spirit wonderfully reveals Jesus to Muslims in unique ways.

We must be gracious in giving a reason for our hope as Christians (1 Pet. 3:15). “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:5).

Recently a Muslim cleric asked me, “How can the death of a prophet 2,000 years ago be of value for us today?” Instead of arguing or trying to explain sacrificial atonement, I calmly said, “The cross is the centre and honour of our faith.” That satisfied him and he asked for a copy of the Scriptures.

May God’s light shine in and through Christians so that we, humbly, become part of the explanation of God (1 John 5:12; John 7:16-17).

Muslims are, increasingly, our neighbours in Canada.

We must follow Jesus among Muslims and seek to reflect His way in what we do and say. And as we do, we are awed how God has come among us in Christ!

As Christians, we need to guard our words because they help or hinder others in their understanding of God.

Arley Loewen, PhD (Persian studies), is concerned about building bridges of understanding between Christians and Muslims.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 11

DESIGNPICS

Will Our Children Have Faith?

by Dr. Maurice Martin

A

s I review chapter one of my book Identity and Faith: Youth in a Believers’ Church (Herald Press, 1981), it is clear to me that what was true then is even more true today: we continue to struggle to find appropriate models by which to invite our youth to make faith decisions.

The revival meeting model of bringing people to faith has long since become a thing of the past in the Anabaptist churches with which I have been involved. Basically it is middle-aged or older people who have experienced this approach and have viewpoints from that experience.

Some people jokingly refer to themselves as “revival meeting survivors!” Our youth do not have this against which to measure the current practices.

We are creating a new “centre” around which to invite our youth to faith. “Family-based youth ministry” is one new approach. How effective it will be in this matter of nurturing Christian faith will be tested by time. At least it takes seriously that, more than we would care to admit, whether our children have faith will be largely determined by the nature and shape of the faith of their parents.

The essential question might still be, “Will our children have faith?” But the presumed

meaning or shape of “faith” has changed. We are no longer necessarily talking about The Faith.

The present generation of youth and young adults is not so interested in propositional truth.

For them faith is not a “given” as in “the faith of our fathers” (sic). It is more individualized and tailored to meet personal needs and expression.

In this respect they also may be following the example of their parents and other adult matters. In this post-modern age, it can truly be said: “Truth is stranger than it used to be.”

How we express our faith has changed. And certainly as we live in a post-Christendom context, church is no longer “the only show in town.” We can wring our hands about these changes and wish for the return of the good old days.

I would rather invite our youth to conversations about where they are seeing God at work in the kind of world in which they live. Then we can begin to also explore with them how they would like to join God in this endeavor to reconcile the world to God, in the midst of the church, the reconciled and reconciling community of faith.

So the issues about personal choice and parental/adult guidance become ever more critical in today’s milieu. I find that parents who resisted stringent nudges towards making faith decisions

I find that parents who resisted stringent nudges towards making faith decisions may be driving into the opposite ditch with their children and taking a laissez-faire approach.

12 The Messenger • May 2014

when they were young may be driving into the opposite ditch with their children and taking a laissez-faire approach.

Indeed, maybe we need to see faith as a verb, not a noun. Do our children see us “faithing” from day to day? They like to see faith in authentic living.

In an age of individualism and pluralism, we face unique challenges in this endeavour of inviting our children to faith. They are not interested so much in “institutionalized religion” as in personal, and often more private, faith. They may not articulate beliefs in the same way their parents do. And certainly it is more difficult to convince them of the value and importance of making covenant commitments, also known as church membership. Of course this should not surprise us, since adults, their parents, also increasingly have opted for a more individualistic view of life and faith, and also have difficulties valuing and maintaining church membership, or covenant, commitments.

In his book Trackless Wastes and Stars to Steer By, Michael King invites us to think not so much about bounded faith as centred faith. In the midst of many new expressions of faith and beliefs that confront our youth, they may feel sometimes as though they are walking through a trackless wasteland. King invites us to fix our

eyes on Christ, the true Star to steer by.

Then the questions of whether our youth are “in” or “out” of the church get subsumed by the greater questions: “What direction is your life heading? Are you moving toward Christ?”

For these kinds of conversations to occur in the midst of the congregation, youth need to be convinced that the church is a safe place in which all kinds of questions about faith and life can be addressed. My most recent theological discovery is that the opposite of faith is not doubt, it is certainty. We have too long been sold a “bill of goods” when we were told that to doubt is to lack faith.

Rather, asking the hard questions of life is what causes us to grow in faith. Can we live and love and walk with our youth in faith through these uncertain times?

In an age of individualism and pluralism, we face unique challenges in this endeavour of inviting our children to faith.

Maurice Martin, DMin, served as a pastor in Mennonite churches in Ontario for a time spanning four decades. This included a term as Regional Minister in Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. In his ministry he has discovered that the core questions of faith go with people through all the life spirals of life, from youth to adulthood to seniors.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 13

Columns • Focusing On

Trustees and treasurers gather in Tillsonburg

E

Most agreed that the material presented at the Treasurer’s Day event on March 9 was valuable.

Some churches were eager to implement some of what they had learned right away.

14 The Messenger • May 2014

Allister pointed out that an increasing number of donations are designated for specific projects. If a church does not have a donation policy, it can be difficult to use designated funds if the original project cannot be fulfilled. Every church needs to have a donation policy that handles situations such as these.

General Secretary Tim Dyck presented the benefits provided by the Conference for the last workshop of the morning. Issues such as salaries and benefits for church staff and insurance needs of the church were presented and discussed. Tim reinforced the necessity for every church to have adequate liability insurance and presented the option of the National Insurance Plan provided by the Conference.

TIM DYCK

by Tim Dyck General Secretary

MC churches in southern Ontario gathered on March 9 to learn about the roles of church trustees and treasurers.

The churches of Region Nine had expressed their interest in knowing more, and the results of this day were positive: “A lot of things were clarified for me,” said one participant. “I’ve never been trained,” added another. “Why didn’t we do this years ago?”

Most agreed that the material presented at the Treasurer’s Day event on March 9 was valuable. Some churches were eager to implement some of what they had learned right away.

Darren Pries-Klassen, executive director of Mennonite Foundation of Canada, led the first workshop of the morning. He provided a helpful overview of how the charitable landscape has changed over the past years and offered practical examples of how the church can respond to these changes.

Drawing on the results of a recent survey of Anabaptist churches, Darren kept the attention of everyone as he presented the need for the church to be vigilant in turbulent times. He pointed out that there are now more than 180,000 charities in Canada and donors are less loyal to Church and Conference than in the past.

The research also demonstrates that donors who plan their giving will give more. The obvious challenge to churches is how they can promote planned giving. One example provided is offering the option of automatic withdrawal.

The second workshop provided a practical approach to common needs of every church treasurer, led

by Allister Penner, a member of the EMC Board of Trustees and previously a local church treasurer. He covered areas around receipting and benevolence. The issue of benevolence was vigorously discussed, as this is an area that requires much clarification in many churches.

The matter of Clergy Residence Deduction was also covered during this workshop. There have been changes to how Canada Revenue Agency deals with the CRD, and churches need to keep up with the changing dynamics so that their pastors continue to receive this benefit.

After a break for lunch, the three presenters comprised a panel responding to questions from those in attendance. Judging from the length of time that this question and answer period lasted, there was significant interest in the material covered.

We are grateful to the volunteer treasurers and trustees who serve our churches, and especially those who took time on a Saturday to attend this event. We are also grateful to those who served as presenters. So, when and where will the next Treasurer’s Day be?

Columns • An Education App

Don’t feel connected to the Conference?

EMC? Various factors enter here: being new or not to the EMC, a history, personal choice, personality, living with other imperfect people. National staff members are willing to listen. All pastors are still properly expected to support local churchconference ties.

• Don’t agree with everything in the EMC’s Statement of Faith, Church Practices, or Constitution? With all due respect, who does? Any details-oriented person will disagree with something. The formerly fragmented history of Evangelicals and Anabaptists often seemed to expect people to agree fully, to be silent, or to leave. This was unfair and unrealistic.

• Don’t feel culturally connected to the EMC? Our message of Christ reaches far beyond a single culture, as it should. This is to be celebrated. The cultural mix of the EMC is changing.

As a former pastor who is a national staff person, I have worked on both sides of the local church-conference connection. As a pastor, I sought to stay connected with the wider EMC, yet more could have happened to strengthen church-conference ties. Now I observe how national boards and staff people work hard to connect with local churches, yet we can improve.

Staying connected within the EMC is based on a covenant in Christ, not magic. Beyond feeling, it’s a fact that we’re connected by a common faith and history. Most congregations know this and show this. Let’s be realistic and work at it.

by Terry M. Smith

Try telling your spouse that you “don’t feel” married and, because of that, you’re going to act accordingly. They might have a few suggestions.

DESIGNPICS

H

ow connected is your local church to the EMC? How is this determined?

How are ties fostered?

During my work within the EMC’s nine regions, some people have said to me that their church does not feel connected to the EMC. This is to be taken seriously.

Feeling disconnected isn’t unique to the EMC. Nor is feeling connected automatic; it involves effort. It’s no reason to withdraw more.

(Try telling your spouse that you “don’t feel” married and, because of that, you’re going to act accordingly. They might have a few suggestions.)

What does not feeling connected mean?

And, realistically, what can be done about it?

• Don’t feel geographically close? Our conference has 62 churches spread across five large provinces. Many other small denominations face similar realities. Some large denominations are in ten provinces and three territories. We can’t shrink the country, but we can celebrate the Church’s expansion, hold more regional events, connect electronically at times, and plant more churches to plug some gaps.

• Don’t agree with some conference decisions?

No Anabaptist council claims infallibility.

This is more reason to become involved.

Do your delegates, pastors, and board chair attend conference council and ministerial meetings, contribute counsel, vote, and report back? Does your church contact the EMC’s General Board? Do any of your members serve on a national board or committee? Will any church agree with everything?

• Don’t get enough materials from your national office? Staff members provide much. On other hand, are churches using and distributing our many materials to full effect? Let us know what you need.

• Want more reporting directly to your local church? Contact your national office if you want a report. Invite a national staff person to preach (not every church does).

• The pastor doesn’t feel connected to the

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 15

With Our Missionaries

Icing on the cake PARAGUAY

BOM

Ever since the doors of Alto Refugio opened over ten years ago, the Lord has used this ministry to build His Kingdom. We chose a phrase in Eccl. 4:9 as our motto—“better are two than one”—and that has reflected our purpose very well over these years.

With the large staff that has been working here, the Lord has been molding us and using us to bless the workers. Sometimes we have had to be firm and make tough decisions, but our desire has always been for each worker to grow in their faith walk, no matter where each one is in that process.

Each worker here is a gift from God that we value greatly.

With the Paraguayan people, the Lord has used us to proclaim a clear message to not discriminate against those living with HIV/AIDS, and to value our bodies by abstaining from sexual activity before marriage and remaining faithful within the marriage commitment. It continues to be a high priority to continue spreading the message in a land where we have incredibly open doors to speak with liberty.

With those who are living with HIV/AIDS, the Lord has allowed us to walk alongside thousands of people as a result of this ministry. We want to help carry the load that is sometimes heavy; and more than that, we want to point them to the One that can exchange the heavy load for a light one.

LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH

Open your home or workplace to an international volunteer ivep.mcc.org International Volunteer Exchange Program

Commit a year to serve alongside others in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America salt.mcc.org Serving And Learning Together

Programs of Mennonite Central Committee

16 The Messenger • May 2014

Dave and Judy Schmidt

As I am approaching the last day of my work here, I make another round to the hospital waiting room. There I meet many people that I have gotten to know over the years.

Then, in the back corner I see a couple that I have not met before. I approach them and introduce myself, and when I explain to them about Alto Refugio, the woman begins to sob.

Sitting down beside her, I listen as she expresses her desperation about the HIV diagnosis that she has just recently received. Since they have a long wait yet to see the doctor, she agrees to come with me to Alto Refugio.

Here she receives breakfast and is introduced to a Christian counselor who has also been living with HIV for many years. During their lengthy conversation together, the counselor asks her if she would like to receive Jesus into her heart. She responds with enthusiasm, “Yes, yes, that is exactly what I want!”

Later the counselor excitedly tells me about her experience of leading this woman to the Lord, and I say again, “Thank you Lord. As I finish my time here in Alto Refugio, this is the icing on the cake.

– David Schmidt Dave and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort EMC/Roseisle) began serving in Paraguay in 1974. For the past decade their focus has been on assisting people with HIV/AIDS and educating on sexual purity.

With Our Missionaries

‘Gated communities’ and church planting GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

ERNIE AND DIANE KOOP

The question is often asked: how it is possible to plant a church when you live within the walls of a gated community? Why not find a home where you wouldn’t have to go through a guard for guests to come to your house?

Let’s look at the other option, which would be any house outside of a gated community. These “normal” homes all have high walls or bars around them. Many are so enclosed you can’t even look in; you press the intercom on the sidewalk, and, unless you know the people who live there, you wouldn’t get past that.

That means that if you live in such a home you are virtually inaccessible to others, and, if you’re trying to share the gospel, the person Gated buildings and communities can be more inviting than they might seem at first glance. in this kind of a home is practically unreachable for you as well.

Gated communities are called cotos in Guadalajara, this setting is normal for the middle class in Mexico. They Mexico. This entire community (ours has 75 homes) is live in gated communities and are not intimidated to surrounded by about three-meter-high concrete walls, and come to a new one. the entrance is controlled by security. Within this “bubble,” To begin a church with the cell model, one looks to meet bars are as good as nonexistent. people, share the gospel, and get them interested in meeting Each home has a front yard, often a wooden front to study God’s Word. This may start in your home or theirs; door, and a doorbell. People know each other, greet each they may be from your coto or from across the city. other, and there is a sense of safety. You can walk by, None of the cell groups have only people from the same greet, stop and talk, and get to know each other without coto; often times you are driving to get to someone else’s bars. Some even leave their bikes unlocked outside in home. The goal is to start groups, get them to invite their front of their homes. contacts, grow to a size that you need to form another Guests can enter the coto by identifying whom they are group, and try to maintain a sense of community within visiting and leaving identity documents at the gate. Often the larger group. the guard will call the house to ask if a person should be – Ernie and Diane Koop allowed in. You can also arrange with the guards to allow www.3rdtour.com certain people in regularly without calling the house. Each of us missionary families live in a separate coto, but are Diane and Ernie Koop (EFC allowed access to each other’s without calling or much Steinbach) are new members fanfare. That is the basic premise of the gated community. on the church planting team So how would this work for church planting? Well, in the city of Guadalajara, Dallas and Tara Wiebe have a couple three doors down bringing with them their from their place who are part of their cell church. We previous cross-cultural have attended this cell, either at this couple’s home or at experience in Nicaragua and the Wiebes’ and everybody gets in with no problem; but northern Mexico.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 17

With Our Missionaries

Being available for emergency calls LESOTHO

BOM

It was a Sunday morning and, as you do, we were getting ready to go to the morning service in our local fellowship when we got an emergency medical call. We stopped our preparations and Melvin headed to the hangar in order to get airborne as soon as possible and Kari turned on the HF radio in order to flight follow.

The primary reason that MAF exists in Lesotho is because back in 1980 we were invited to come and be the flying part of the Lesotho Flying Doctor Service, a branch of the Ministry of Health. Apart from flying medical teams to the different isolated mountain clinics in turn and transporting clinic personnel and supplies, it means being available to do medical emergencies as needed.

Our regular flying takes place during the week, but the pilots take turns to be “on call” for the weekends.

The grass and dirt airstrips in the mountains do not have lights and other navigational aids and so we are limited to daylight hours.

Volunteer Today

18 The Messenger • May 2014

Melvin and Kari Peters with their family

A couple of changes that we have seen in our fourteen years here in Lesotho is ambulance service with actual ambulances and improved infrastructure at the outlying district hospitals. A medical emergency can be from a clinic to the district hospital or from the district hospital to the country’s tertiary care centre in the capital, Maseru. Sometimes a nurse will accompany the person in critical care, but often the patient is travelling alone, or, if they are fortunate, a family member will be able to go with them.

Yes, we are on call this particular weekend. That means that we plan to stay close to home—no further than 30 minutes from being airborne, so that when the call comes, we drop everything to go where the need is.

By the time Melvin was on his way he got the message that there were, in fact, two people needing transfer from the Mokhotlong District Hospital to Maseru, the capital city. One was a lady with post-partum hemorrhage and the other was a man with a gunshot wound to his head.

It had been raining off and on during the night and so with a prayer for God’s will to be done, the skyways cleared enough for Melvin to get through and back again. It is our prayer that God will use what we do to further His Kingdom for His honour and glory.

– Melvin and Kari Peters Melvin and Kari Peters (La Crete) serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Lesotho, a mountainous country surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho has a high rate of HIV infection.

With Our Missionaries

Journal entries about Bible translation EUROPE

Lesley and Marianne Fast live in Brummen, the Netherlands. Lesley makes about seven trips a year for his work as instructor and translation consultant to England and to Eastern Europe. The rest of the time he works from home.

Marianne works part-time as literacy consultant and networker. She also helps care for her elderly mother and (autistic) brother Mark, both of whom live in Brummen.

Here are a few recent journal entries from the first week of March.

Lesley

Marianne

Monday

Enjoyed being home again after seven weeks away. Unpacked suitcase, got settled at my own desk, read accumulated mail, got started on administrative jobs.

Attended prayer meeting for Brummen. Idea was born to start art course for children, an opportunity to share Bible stories.

Catholic church offered space free of charge!

Hosted Mark for supper, attended evening Hebrew class in Zutphen.

Tuesday

Helped Marianne with PowerPoints and downloaded video clips she wants to show.

Discussed with translation team in Romania which passages to check in April. They sent file of back-translation of Psalms. Loaded them into my translation software and began checking.

Talked with Karin on the phone (she and her husband live in London). One more month until our new grandchild is born!

Worked on lecture for teachers’ college students on Thursday about multi-lingual education as a possible way of helping Roma in Europe.

Arranged for an interview near Rotterdam with a couple applying to Wycliffe. Thursday night will be best as the college is already halfway there.

Picked and ironed clothes for Mark to wear for the coming week.

Wednesday Had phone conversation with supervisor in Eng-

Correspondence.

House cleaning and shopping for mother.

Grocery shopping.

Met with Bible Society committee.

Skyped with grandchildren in Montréal.

Thursday

Phoned Mark to make sure he would go to his mother’s at 10:30 to take away the recycling.

Packed supper, left by 2 p.m. for the college. The lecture was fun, one student responded with enthusiasm and interest in this kind of work. Good visit with a teacher afterwards.

At six, Lesley dropped me off at a meeting point where I joined my colleague to drive further west. Interview took about two hours, after which we drove back and I met up with Lesley again – home at 11:30.

land about budget; consultant help needed; plans for annual team meeting this summer in Bulgaria.

Worked on plans for working visit to Bulgaria this spring.

Attended English Bible study in evening.

Communicated by Skype and telephone with two team members in Bulgaria who have just returned from a week-long survey trip. They told of visits to Roma communities and the varieties of language spoken. They also reported about other organizations working with Roma in the area.

Drove by car with Marianne to the teachers’ college.

Visited Hans and Emmaly for supper and evening, left at 10 for pick-up point near highway.

- Marianne Fast

Join with Christ in shaping our

WORLD

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca

Lesley and Marianne Fast (Blumenort) have been serving in Bible translation since 1986, first in Papua New Guinea and since 2005 in Europe.

www.emconference.ca

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 19

Columns • Further In and Higher Up

In Marriages of Mixed Desires

I The us can happen in mixedorientation marriages, where it is, like all marriages, the enlarging of the soul for the joy of the Church with her Bridegroom in Heaven.

20 The Messenger • May 2014

DESIGNPICS

by Layton Friesen

n debates about homosexuality little thought is given to the possibilities and challenges of mixed-orientation marriage, a heterosexual relationship in which one spouse is gay and the other straight.

If the number of people with same-sex attractions is anywhere near what is claimed, many of these in human history have married someone of the opposite gender. Why assume that all these marriages were unhappy, or that those so wedded did not find what they were seeking: friendship, security, children, and, to varying degrees, sexual pleasure?

It is an odd coincidence that both those affirming and opposing gay sex have not always encouraged mixed-orientation marriages. For the former the opposition is understandable: such a marriage, they say, would stifle the authentic selfexpression of the homosexual person.

But why do those opposed sometimes discourage it? It used to be frowned upon because it was thought that same-sex attraction should first be “cured.” But today we just can’t imagine inviting someone to commit to a marriage in which they or their spouse might not be sexually “fulfilled” (whatever that might look like.)

Could it be that, historically, it was when mixedorientation marriage was deemed second-rate that same-sex marriage became imaginable?

This is a complex issue. I would never suggest that every person with same-sex attraction finds a mixed-orientation marriage attractive.

But many, many have and do. And celibacy is also a worthy and holy calling.

Compared to most other cultures and ages, the west has a distinctly eroticized view of marriage focused on personal fulfillment. However, some of the wisest mothers and fathers of the Church, till quite recently, cast suspicion on spouses seeking any sexual pleasure at all in marriage. We don’t need to defend that extreme to understand that the personal satisfaction of marriage often sneaks in through the back door while the family is busy homemaking.

What then is marriage? Marriage is the

earthy hand of God drawing a figure of Christ in the human community, reconciling the two poles of the image of God: male and female.

It is unlikely but it does happen: a man and a woman, bristling with difference and loaded with gifts, arrive from opposite shores of the human race to effect a union. When, against all odds, they become a household, the world glimpses a beautiful figure of Christ: “in him all things hold together (Col. 1:18).

All people arrive in the land of marriage with attractions, lusts, and self-laid plans flying in all directions. Sexual attraction is only one of a riot of desires that must now be fastened by vow and hard work to this single stranger from yonder shore.

A marriage is a slow union, a bending of lives in two genders that happens an inch a year. Through negotiated trade-offs, exchanges of gifts, and simple goodness to each other, a couple discovers “we have become an us.”

The us is a figure of Christ on earth. The us can happen in mixed-orientation marriages, where it is, like all marriages, the enlarging of the soul for the joy of the Church with her Bridegroom in Heaven. Here below we all have a mix of joy and longing, above only joy.

Columnist’s note: For more about mixed-orientation marriages I suggest theologian Jonathan Mills and psychologist Mark Yarhouse.

With Our Churches Pansy Chapel

Exciting momentum pulls Pansy forward

PANSY CHAPEL

got homework assignments. The losers were delegated to take out or invite the winners for a meal until every group, both winners and losers, is accounted for. This should be fun seeing how that all turns out.

February is also YUGO month for us. It never ceases to affect us, seeing twenty-three volunteers troop off to Mexico to build houses for needy families in Ensenada region. Feeling the tear-filled appreciation out there, amid all the poverty, makes it worth every hard-earned dollar spent.

Dennis Friesen has been an excellent leader and example in this, always going the extra mile. Plus there are the families and friends who support all this. Who knows?

Maybe in the end their reward will be the greatest.

– Betty Barkman Pansy congregation worships in new sanctuary.

PANSY, Man.—Even in the midst of a bitterly cold winter, February has been wooing us into an exciting forward momentum that could be unparalleled.

No, we didn’t get to use the new sanctuary for Christmas like we’d wished, but Feb. 2 was a good alternative date. You couldn’t have erased the smiles from the many participants’ faces even if you’d tried.

Moving into the new space was amazing in spite of all the learning curves and the stuff that’s waiting to be done as we upgrade the old (Phase Two). Looking back over the fifty-some years since our humble beginning, this is certainly the biggest undertaking we have done.

There is so much reason to praise God, as well to be thankful for the hard work that has been accomplished.

Besides the hired crews, countless hours have been donated by willing volunteers. Once the Phase Two work is completed, we hope to invite all our old friends and new to a special dedication/celebration event.

Every year we try to have at least one special event to break up the winter. This year our new food and fellowship committee put on an adult Valentine’s Party, which drew a crowd of about 75 people. They served a terrific Mexicanstyle meal, then entertained us with a bit of fun singing and an Amazing Race.

For the race, we were divided into eight groups to do various skill-testing assignments (some were funny; another was reciting the books of the Bible). Each group

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 21

With Our Churches Roseisle EMC

Roseisle holds winter retreat 2014

ELEANOR FRIESEN

ROSEISLE, Man.—Relaxation, recreation, conversation, inspiration—we had planned for this and looked forward to it. Through blowing snow and on icy roads, our church family converged on Winkler Bible Camp for our winter retreat held on the weekend of Jan. 24-26. As hoped, it was a weekend filled with activities.

Relaxation: time for walks, lounge in front of the fireplace, reading, napping, playing table games—a break from our routines and schedules.

Recreation: wall climbing, tobogganing, cross country skiing, broomball, hockey, skating, floor hockey or giant blitz in the gym.

Conversation: over snacks and meals, about the sessions, during walks to the dining hall, between preschoolers and adults—opportunities to get to know our church family better.

And, last but not least, Inspiration: Gavin and Joan van der Linde were our guest speakers. On Friday night they shared their testimonies with us and the kids were introduced to Toto the monkey.

On Saturday morning, Joan encouraged us to have an attitude of “REST: Release Expectations Simply and Totally.” Toto shared a story reminding the kids that “it pays to obey.” On Saturday evening, Gavin cautioned us that

Roseisle retreaters 2014

22 The Messenger • May 2014

our journey with God would bring tests and trials but His grace would always be sufficient; we should search for God in the pain and not let the “why?” strangle us.

Toto returned on Sunday morning with the lesson that “it pays to tell the truth.” The kids fell in love with Toto; and, following the story, Toto was rewarded with a big group hug.

Gavin shared once more on Sunday morning and challenged us to turn our hearts toward God, look at what God is blessing, and cooperate with Him. We are His hands and feet—what are we doing with what we’ve been given?

Our sessions also included worship through music led

by Katelyn Friesen along with her brothers Kelby, Travis, and Tyler. As with the whole retreat, God definitely had His hand in that aspect of our weekend. Though not planned, the songs fit so perfectly with what Gavin and Joan shared with us.

After spending the weekend together, we were required to travel home in convoys because of a blizzard. We are grateful for the safety He provided after a weekend filled with blessings.

On Sunday, Feb. 23, staff from the Back Door, the YFC drop-in centre in Carman, came to share in our morning service. Cori Saunders told us about the many different programs they run and the excellent response and participation they receive from the youth.

One of our own, Tyler Friesen, shared his “calling” story of how he came to be the director of the drop-in centre this past October. The Region 6 EMC ministers might be interested in knowing that they may have played a small part in this decision following our joint service in summer where many of them shared their “calling” stories.

Our church family is excited to be part of this ministry together with Tyler and his wife Jessica.

– Eleanor Friesen

With Our Churches Hillside Christian Fellowship

BUFFALO HEAD PRAIRIE, Alta.—In August 2013 Hillside celebrated its 10th anniversary. God is so good!

We held a wiener roast picnic light supper (faspa). This is always a fun time spending a beautiful day outside together and with visitors from La Crete Christian Fellowship, visiting and eating sunflower seeds.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?”

Jesus asked them. “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:12-14).

On Nov. 17, 2013, at 3 p.m. we gathered together at Hillside Christian Fellowship to participate in communion and footwashing as Jesus commanded His disciples so many years ago. Yes, we are one of the few churches still seriously practicing footwashing.

This practice gives each one participating a total sense of even ground; we are all equal in God’s eyes and we need to extend that equality to each other. We are to humble ourselves as Jesus taught His disciples and as He continues to teach us today: “but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Phil. 2:7).

Ladies in our church have been busy in January and February making blanket tops for MCC. The tops then get passed on to La Crete Christian Fellowship for adding of the backing, filling and stitching. Ladies from both churches get together and have a “blanket tying” (a quilting technique) to complete the final blankets for the winter year. in th ere Wh

e world...can you

hM

volu nte er wi t

DS

photo by Duane Steiner

?

These Canadian volunteers are helping their neighbours in Minot, ND. The experience is out of this world.

HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Hillside celebrates 10 years!

Footwashing was held on Nov. 17.

This winter’s Wednesday evening Family Bible study has brought about some interesting discussions. We have been studying Giving of Your First Fruits by Edwin Friesen and, even though talking about money seems to be a “don’t really want to talk about it” subject, we have learned a great deal through the Scriptures and from each other.

Kevin Davidson, an MFC stewardship consultant, will be offering two seminars, Will and Estate Planning and Show Me the Money, at Hillside in April.

Both our Christmas and Valentine Day’s banquets were excellent. Our Fellowship Committee treated attendees like royalty. The Valentine’s banquet gave opportunity for couples to reveal how well they could complete a task together.

The chosen task was to wrap a gift. Not so hard, right?

How about if you had one hand tied to your spouse’s and you both had to wrap the gift using only your free hand?

This brought much laughter and congratulations to those couples who wrapped really well together.

Hillside continues the search for a full-time pastor and pray that God’s nudge will be felt by His chosen servant in the near future. We have been so grateful to Peter and Martha Doerksen these past months as they stepped in as interim pastoral couple. In a few weeks we shall say farewell, but we do want to extend God’s blessings on them as they answer His call to pastor the Vanderhoof church beginning in April.

Blessings on behalf of Hillside Christian Fellowship.

– Joyce Wieler

Call or write 1-866-261-1274 mdscn@mds.mennonite.net to discover what is needed where and when.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 23

With Our Churches Braeside EMC

WINNIPEG, Man.—Dave Jacobson, Jr. suffered a traumatic brain injury when he fell off a tall ladder while changing lights on a billboard. He has had numerous surgeries, including re-installing part of his skull.

His father, Dave Jacobson Sr. said Dave had not been expected to live, but after being in a coma for 11 days, not six months as was earlier believed, he became conscious.

What an answer to many prayers that he and his wife and year-old son are back in church.

At Missionfest, the topic was human trafficking. Joy Smith, a Member of Parliament, participated in a panel discussion. Smith has established a foundation that helps victims of human trafficking in Canada to rebuild their lives. Brian McConaghy, a former Vancouver RCMP forensic expert, gives his time to rehabilitating Cambodian children who had been sold into sexual slavery.

McConaghy said, “In Cambodia, in desperation, parents start selling their children right into the sex trade.”

His foundation tries to help villagers to keep children from being trafficked in the first place.

The Reel-to-Reel Film Festival, with cool, clean and compelling films shown at North Kildonan MB Church, is now in its fourth year. This festival features films and documentaries from around the world, with some playwrights in attendance. Paul Boge, instigator of the film festival in Winnipeg, said all films have to have a redemptive theme

24 The Messenger • May 2014

WINNIPEGFILMFESTIVAL.COM

Community activities, discerning ministry plan

without nudity, suggestive scenes, gratuitous violence or profanity. Some of the many films shown were Hope for Hurting Hearts, The Bouquet, Chariots of Fire.

Paul Plett, a Manitoban, was there to hear comments made after his short film “Sugar” was shown. Arvid Loewen, a grandfather who showed a film of his biking across the nation, was there a few evenings also.

Hampstead Breakfast Club has volunteers from Braeside Church, also Greg Armstrong and volunteers from Eastview Community Church, a program where children get breakfast before school begins. Volunteers at Eastview get the food ready, while students at a local school get help from cheerful volunteers.

Refocus with Dave Jackson, from northern British Columbia, kept about 68 participants busy for four weekends. “Think big,” said Mr. Jackson. “Start small.

Trust God.” All took time to write their own history to see what seemed to be their overall interest. This was done later within decades of Braeside Church’s history, resulting in some thoughtful insights. One of the first tasks affirmed at Braeside’s annual general meeting was for the pastors and moderator to ask members to serve on a new lead team.

“Together we have journeyed through refocusing and discerned the ministry plan and direction for Braeside as we move ahead and strive to serve God faithfully and well,” affirmed moderator Murray Doerksen.

– Caroline Loewen

With Our Churches Sioux Valley

Stan and Norma Millar continue to serve

TERRY M. SMITH

SIOUX VALLEY, Man.—Stan and Norma Millar continue their ministry in the community of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, ten kilometers north of the TransCanada highway (near Griswold) in central Manitoba.

By profession Stan is a truck driver, but in his “off ” hours, his concern sometimes keeps him on the road serving a community that has a lengthy, rich, yet also painful and unjust history.

The Dakotas have a religious history that long predates the arrival of Christian leaders. Within Sioux Valley, Anglicans have had a presence since 1879 with Roman Catholics becoming involved later.

The EMC presence started in 1956 with the ministry of Frank Braun, later joined by his bride Mary.

Mary and Frank Braun served at Sioux Valley until 1974.

Local leaders in the community’s religious history have included medicine man Ite Wanzida Dowan, When a fire destroyed their renovated meeting place Anglican priest Don Pratt, Demas Dowan, and Dave in 2009, the small congregation began to hold meetings and Millie Pashe. In the EMC effort, “outside” pastoral in a multi-use building more centrally located within the leadership has been provided by Frank and Mary Braun community. Various connections are made within Sioux (1956-1974), Dave and Helen Plett (1974-1988), Jake and Valley, including Vacation Bible School with the assistance Helen Martens (1989-2008), and Stan and Norma Millar. of Christians from outside the community. Kola EMC has had a long history of involvement within the community and Region Four EMC churches seek to be supportive.

While some residents have fond memories of the EMC’s ministry in the community (including a camping ministry in the Pipestone Valley), many people are affected by the residential school legacy in nearby Elkhorn and Birtle. Today in any ministry in Sioux Valley this reality partly shapes its form.

The EM Conference has been linked to Sioux Valley for 58 years. As we continue to strengthen the congregation and rebuild the broader Church-community relationship, your prayers are welcomed.

– Terry M. Smith The Dakota nation has a religious history long predating the Anglican Church’s arrival in Editor’s note: A photo of Stan and Norma 1879 and the EMC’s involvement since 1956. Bridge-building is important.

Millar was unavailable.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 25

With Our Churches Pleasant Valley EMC

ROSENORT, Man.— Patricia and Randall Reimer, Cindy and Dave Friesen, and Kaylee Friesen shared their testimonies and formally joined the Pleasant Valley Covenant Community on Nov. 24, 2013. Pastor Darren Plett stands with them.

– Marilyn Kornelson

PV EMC

New members at PV

•• Christian Fellowship Church

BIRCH RIVER, Man.—You may not have heard from us for a while, but, yes, we still have the doors open on Sunday mornings. As we do not have a pastor at present, our service usually involves watching a speaker on video.

Our church has often been noted for good congregational singing. We have a break for coffee and fellowship in the middle of the service just before children’s church and video.

Right now we are watching a series on how to take our faith with us in our everyday lives. Our congregation is smaller than in recent past, but some younger families are coming more regularly, so that is encouraging. We also have a regular youth group, which

TTERRY M. SMITH

Outreach carries on, encouragement welcomed

Congregational singing is strong at Birch River in 2014. Here the congregation prepares for a Christmas concert (2007).

is one of our strongest outreaches right now, with a lot of unchurched youth coming.

Most of our congregation is quite involved with Steeprock Bay Bible Camp in the summer. This is a camp focused on native kids and youth to teach them about Jesus.

They are often understaffed for cabin leaders so come and check it out for yourselves—and see if that is a place God could use you.

Individuals of the church often have a ministry to others even if it is not a planned church activity. Please pray for us as we seek to be a light where we are. In the past we have often had quite a few visitors in our church, so don’t hesitate to stop in and be an encouragement to us.

– Michael Plett Marilyn and Wayne Reimer. Wayne is congregational chair in 2014.

26 The Messenger • May 2014

With Our Churches Northern Fellowship Chapel

NFC holds successful Kids’ Club program CREIGHTON, Sask.—Northern Fellowship Chapel has concluded another great season with their Kids’ Club on Tuesdays after school. The Club has attracted 36 children throughout the year.

Forty-four children and adults were in attendance on March 11 at the hotdog windup. The children sang songs to their families, followed by a time of fellowship. The western theme encouraged us all to bring out our plaid shirts and cowboy hats. We even made paper bag vests with the children. We remembered this particular craft

Columns • A Reader’s Viewpoint

from during the days, years ago, when Terry and Mary Ann Smith were our leaders during VBS. Good memories.

We continue to reach out to each other and our community. Faith, Kristen, and Kevin contribute to our music. We have so many eager hands: snow shovelers, dish washers, coffee makers, craft makers, snack makers, errand runners, and so forth.

We are thankful for each other, our leadership, our Region 3 EM Conference pastors and congregations, Cornerstone MB congregation, and our EM Conference.

– Janice Imrie

••

A Wondrous Cross and day. Saturday night and Sunday equals the third night and day.

When Jesus was with his disciples for the Last Supper, it was on Thursday night. He took the cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take it and drink it among yourselves.” And he took bread and gave it to them saying, “This is my body, which was given to you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise also the cup, which was shed for you. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (1 Cor. 11:24-25).

This is a portrayal of His death. Without the cross there is no crown.

– Olga Nahnybida

May all our souls embrace it with affection. Lay hold of that cross!

DESIGNPICS

P

oets have sung its praise, sculptors attempted to commemorate it in marble, martyrs have clung to it in the fire. Christians dying quietly in their beds have leaned their heads against it. May all our souls embrace it with affection. Lay hold of that cross!

The symbolism of Christ’s cross remains an integral part of the true gospel message. Christ died for a twofold reason: to forgive sinners and to glorify God. To the true believer, the cross is not offensive.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).

The apostle Paul said, “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14). For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ!

It is believed that Jesus was dead for three days and three nights. This is what was given by Jewish Christian scholarship. According to the Jewish law, part of the day stands for the whole. Once a day has been entered, even for a few minutes, the whole 24 hours were reckoned to the day.

Thursday night and Friday equals the first night and day. Friday night and Saturday equals the second night

Olga Nahnybida is a long-time member of Pelly Fellowship Chapel in southern Saskatchewan.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 27

News

DYMP: A Weekend of Discovery LEAMINGTON, Ont.—Setbacks such as a snowstorm, a missed plane, or a speaker needing to opt out did little to dampen the positive spirit as an enthusiastic group met on Feb. 21-22, 2014, for a Discover Your Ministry Potential (DYMP) workshop held at Leamington EMC. Some 40 people gathered for a day and a half to listen, discuss, pray, and learn. We sought what the Lord might have in mind for our futures and find some direction in Christian ministry and leadership. And, of course, Leamington EMC did a marvellous job of hosting us and feeding us with delicious manna.

On Friday night conference pastor Ward Parkinson led us in assessing our giftedness. Using the “Gift Test” in the book The 3 Colors of Ministry by Christian Schwarz, we answered many questions, and, at the end, out popped the answer revealing our manifest, as well as our latent, gifts.

In most instances this confirmed our previous suspicions, but also opened up new possibilities.

On Saturday morning Charles Koop, our church planting coordinator, challenged us to go beyond thinking only about a job when thinking about the question What Am I Called To? As Christians our calling is not so much to a particular position as it is to be followers of our Master Jesus Christ and consequently to live a life of loving, caring, and holiness. It is more important to focus on what we are than on what we do.

Gerald Reimer, conference youth pastor, had the afternoon session that dealt with What Am I In For? Drawing on his years of experience on the mission field, he shared insights he had gained as to some challenges, opportunities and joys that could come in ministry.

In trying to digest all this information, there was a need for more informal sessions. In the morning we were given time to reflect even more deeply in prayer, individually or as couples or with a friend. During this time the presenters were available for personal discernment interviews.

DIANA PETERS

What am I called to, in for?

Discussion was important at DYMP.

In the afternoon we gathered around tables for a valuable time of discussion relating to what had been presented thus far. This helped us to reflect on what our giftedness and our calling could mean for us personally in our service for Christ.

After supper we gathered once more to put on the finishing touches for the day. Randy Fehr, pastor of Grace Community Church, passionately reminded us of the need to be not only worshipping communities as churches, but that we need to also be ministering Christ to those in need around us. After this the presenters were available to answer any lingering questions that we might still have.

This was a valuable event, inspiring, challenging, and uniting us in the cause of Christ. This was a first for our region, but, as word gets out about what took place, it will surely become a sought after event by others who have similar desires to be even more useful in the kingdom of God. Thank you to the EM Conference for organizing DYMP. – Richard Klassen

This DYMP weekend was a first for our region, but it will surely become a sought after event by others who desire to be even more useful in the kingdom of God.

28 The Messenger • May 2014

Copies now available free.

Contact info@ emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

Open for justice—not just business MCC supports campaign through KAIROS OTTAWA, Ont.—Canada is a world leader in the extraction of minerals, oil and gas. Over the years, a groundswell of global voices has raised concerns about the practices of mining companies.

These voices point to issues such as human rights violations of those who oppose mining operations, contamination of soil and water sources in areas near mines, and local host communities not reaping the economic benefits they should from mining activities in their contexts.

Currently, few mechanisms exist whereby people negatively affected

by Canadian mining abroad can seek redress. No international laws exist to hold mining companies accountable for their practices, and current

DESIGNPICS

News

Canadian policies on corporate social responsibility are all voluntary in nature.

Over the years, churches, nongovernment organizations, and human rights agencies have been pressing for laws and regulations that would ensure Canadian mining companies abide by the highest of human rights, environmental and labour standards.

“Open for Justice” is one campaign in this wider effort to create greater accountability for Canadian mining companies. In particular, this campaign focuses on strengthening access to remedy. Mennonite Central Committee supports the campaign through its membership in KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives.

••

“Open for Justice” urges Canadians to contact their Member of Parliament to ask for mining accountability through: An ombudsman office with the power to independently investigate complaints and make recommendations to corporations and the federal government; and Access to Canadian courts for people who have been seriously harmed by the international operations of Canadian Companies.

Readers can learn more about “Open for Justice” and send an e-mail message to their Member of Parliament through at http://www. kairoscanada.org/take-action/ open-for-justice/.

– MCC Ottawa

Being fair while talking about the ‘Oil Patch’ How do we discuss such complex matters?

STEINBACH, Man.—The MCC Ottawa article above looks at international mining involvements of many types and locations. Within Canada itself a major matter of current discussion—whether in the areas of mining, transporting, or using—involves oil and gas.

For decades yet Canadians will continue to benefit from using petroleum-based products—even “anti-oil” environmentalists who use a computer, partly composed of plastic, are doing so.

Many EMCers are employed in Canada’s Oil Patch; many more are affected by spin-off benefits. An article such as MCC’s will likely raise questions. Publishing it might raise concerns in some areas. Not publishing it might, equally, do so in other areas.

EMCers within the Oil Patch provide a valuable perspective; the wider EMC needs to hear them.

People not employed in the Oil Patch also provide a valued viewpoint; they are to be heard as well.

How do we sort through the assessments of individuals, governments, oil companies, anti-oil advocates, and other organizations? How do we get accurate, balanced information?

As Christians, how do we use scripture to evaluate and look closely at any employment, environmental, and human rights concerns as they are raised? Our EMC Constitution says stewardship is shown in part by “concern for all of God’s creation and in our response to global economic injustice” (page 11).

The decision was made to publish the MCC Ottawa article, but to do so while asking questions. And, as per the BCM’s 2013 decision, pastors were sent an advance notice of the article’s publishing.

– Terry M. Smith Editor www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 29

News

Young leaders at MCCS thrift shop Perhaps most important gift through MCC: ‘hope’

MATTHEW SAWATZK

SASKATOON, Sask.—Andy Arthur remembers the April day in 2013 that a factory full of garment workers collapsed in Bangladesh. As the death toll escalated and he did his job as an assistant at MCC’s thrift shop in Saskatoon, he wondered what he could do to help people so far away.

Then he realized he was already doing that.

“I’m reselling clothing so people don’t have to go out and buy new clothes from companies using cheap labour,” he says. “We’re raising money to help women in Bangladesh do textile work in their homes where they can be safe and with their children. Every action is a part of something bigger.”

Arthur, 24, is part of a young team of coKaren Ens, Sophia Kutsiurba, and Andy Arthur co-manage a thrift shop in Saskatoon. managers at MCC’s Village Green Thrift Shop in Saskatoon. Karen Ens, 33, and Sophia Kutsiurba, 25, Erica Baerwald, provincial thrift shop coordinator, is are two other thankful for older managers and volunteers and delighted members. for younger people.

“There Kutsiurba describes her generation as sometimes are people cynical and non-committal. She says many young people from diverse are searching to connect with the mission of agencies backgrounds such as MCC. and across the Arthur says perhaps the most important thing that spectrum of income brackets and culture,” Kutsiurba says MCC can offer to his generation is hope. of those who enter the store. “I see the humanity in all of “You watch the news and say this world is so messed up, these interactions. It’s my way of experiencing God.” why do we even try,” he says. “But then you see that when Ens agrees. “I am passionate about making Christ we work together as a community, as a world, good things known and serving Him. I get to make connections with happen. Just those little moments of sharing hope can people and help those who are in great need.” encourage young people to keep working at something.”

– Julie Bell, MCC Canada

Many young people are searching to connect with the mission of agencies such as MCC.

30 The Messenger • May 2014

News

IMPACT 2014 ‘a huge success’ STEINBACH, Man.—IMPACT 2014, SBC’s discipleship youth weekend, was a huge success as 80 kids and youth leaders from around Manitoba filled the campus on Feb. 14-16. This event is largely run by our student body, which once again did a fantastic job in organizing and leading under Professor Garth Friesen’s leadership.

Enthusiastic youth were able to connect with each other and with our students through a weekend full of worship, entertainment, activities, speakers, and challenging messages from guest speaker Heather Boersma.

A huge thank you goes out to all the youth sponsors who brought their groups out to be with us and to our student body and staff for all of their hard work, time spent, and commitment to making this a great weekend.

For up-to-date details on current and upcoming events, inside perspectives from students and staff, and special offers, follow SBC on Facebook (facebook.com/SBCCanada).

SBC

And for other news, ‘like us’ today!

Heather Boersma was the guest speaker for the weekend on the topic of Exploring Hope.

Experience for yourself the ministry that thrives within our walls and extends into the community and the world. Be a part of our community, wherever you are, as we actively connect with you through Facebook. “Like” us today!

-SBC

•• STEINBACH, Man.—“I am on a mission,” declared Devon Clunis, Winnipeg’s police chief, to students and staff of SBC on Feb. 24.

SBC was pleased to host Clunis for a chapel service, where he shared his philosophy as a leader in Canada’s notorious “Murder Capital.”

Clunis, who grew up in Winnipeg’s North End after emigrating from Jamaica, says his philosophy differs from many. Rather than trying to enforce crime reduction, he makes it a goal to create a more caring community.

“People don’t know how to be neighbours anymore,” he said. His radical approach has proven to be effective: the city’s crime rate was recently reported to be 15 percent less than last year.

SBC students have all spent time serving in inner city Winnipeg as part of our MissionX module. They were able to connect further during a question period with Clunis.

He encouraged the students to pray, to stand strong in their faith no matter to which what position they rise, and

SBC

Winnipeg police chief Clunis guest at SBC

Winnipeg police chief Devon Clunis

to get involved in the transformation of our communities.

Clunis, also one of six chaplains in the service, credits his faith for defining what he does and why he does it.

“I’m not here to be the boss,” he said. “I’m here to be the servant”—a sentiment that strongly resonates with SBC as we continue to train servant leaders.

-SBC

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 31

In Memory

A Tribute to Mary (Knelsen) Olfert

1915-2013 It is a year now since we lost our good friend, Mary (Knelsen) Olfert.

We have been privileged to have her as a friend for many years. We have enjoyed many hours visiting in the Olferts’ home. We would stop in Swift Current on our way to Calgary. Sometimes it was just for coffee, sometimes for a meal, and sometimes for the night. What a hostess!

The last time we stopped for the night Mary wanted to carry in our suitcase. Sometimes she would send along a box of noodles or pickles or vereniki (perogies) for her son in

Calgary. We always enjoyed good food, which she enjoyed cooking.

We remember her as someone who prayed a lot. She prayed for her family, missionaries, neighbours, and friends. We count ourselves blessed that she prayed for us.

When the Olferts could, they attended EMC national conventions faithfully. We always looking forward to spending time visiting with Mary.

After Cornie died, she sometimes would come and spend the night with us. Once she came for a week and we saw Winnipeg as we had never seen it in all the years that we have lived here.

We visited her just several months before she died. She cried when we came and she cried when we left; and in between we reminisced and she with about Christ was still ableJoin to chuckle some of in shaping our the incidents that had happened.

She was looking forward to going home to glory, but we miss her.

Evangelical Mennonite Conference We are thankful for Board theof Missions things she 204-326-6401 info@emconf.ca taught us. www.emconference.ca – Alice and Linda Doerksen

world

Calendar Manitoba July 3 Project Builders Golf Event Kingswood Golf and Country Club Register on Convention registration or by calling 204-355-4854

July 4-6 Annual EMC Convention University of Manitoba

July 4 EMC Ministerial

Fort Garry EMC Copies now available July 5 free.

EMC Conference Council Contact info@ University of Manitoba emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

50 Years

of MCC in Canada Mennonite Central Committee in Canada: A History Esther Epp-Tiessen 346 pages, paper, $29.50.

ISBN 9780920718957 The history of MCC Canada comes out of a rich historical tradition.

Read this fascinating and complex story.

CMU Press cmupress.ca Toll Free 1-877-231-4570

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY 32 The Messenger • May 2014

Bible-Theology Children’s Ministry Counselling Missions Pre-Education Pre-Social Work Pastoral Worship Youth

www.SBCOLLEGE.ca

Shoulder Tapping EMC Needs* *With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

EMC Positions Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel is looking for a full-time lead pastor. Our congregation consists of about 80 attendees and has a real heart to love God and love people. We are looking for a pastor who has strong preaching and teaching skills and is gifted in relating to the multiple generations of the congregation.

He will provide leadership on the ministerial team and serve alongside our half-time youth pastor. A Bible college education and previous pastoral experience are desirable.

PGFC is an EMC church located in the growing community of Lorette, Man., 15 minutes southeast of Winnipeg. To apply or for more information, contact Alek at pgfc.search@gmail.com.

The ConneXion church in Arborg, Man, a community of one thousand, is currently seeking a half-time pastor. Arborg is in the heart of Manitoba’s Interlake, one hour north of Winnipeg’s perimeter. The church of 25 to 50 adherents is affiliated with the EMC. We practice the values of “BELLS” as we build our community; we seek to bless, eat, listen, learn and send.

There is significant opportunity for other part-time employment in the community.

Interested applicants should contact the pastoral search committee chair or submit a resume to peter.dueck@vidir.com. We are seeking a faithful Jesus follower with proven leadership skills.

Taber EMC is seeking a full-time youth/associate pastor. Candidate should have the ability to plan and oversee a comprehensive youth ministry and oversee associate pastor ministries as arranged by the church leadership. Valuable assets would be skills in sports and music. Contact church board chair Abe Klassen at 403-223-0588 or 403-331-9563. Send resumes to Taber EMC, Box 4348, Taber, AB T1G 2C7 or taberemc@ yahoo.ca.

Hillside Christian Fellowship is looking for a fulltime or interim pastor. Previous experience is preferred and housing is available. Hillside Christian Fellowship is a rural church located on Highway 697 in the Buffalo Head Prairie area, about 25 kms from La Crete in northern Alberta. The industries that drive our community are farming and logging. We have about 50 to 60 people attending on average each Sunday. For information contact Jim Friesen at valley@sis.net or call (work) 780-928-3880 or (cell) 780-926-7717.

La Crete Christian Fellowship is seeking candidates to fill the role of senior pastor. LCCF is located in a beautiful, prosperous farming and logging community in northern Alberta. We are a multi-generational congregation with a strong commitment to missions. Our average Sunday attendance is 450.

The senior pastor would be a team member working with and providing general oversight to the associate pastor, youth pastor, office staff, lay minister and a large, supportive ministerial. He would have appropriate Bible college education and preferably a number of years of pastoral experience.

He would agree with the EMC Statement of Faith and Church Practices. Duties include, but are not limited to, preaching, teaching, some administration and officiating at various church functions.

Information can be found at www.lccfc.ca.

Please contact Darryl Olson at darrylwolson@gmail. com or 780-821-0287 if you can serve together with us in this capacity.

Roseisle EMC is seeking a full-time pastor starting any time after June. We are a congregation of about 75 people located in a small community about 100 kms southwest of Winnipeg. Housing is available.

A more detailed description of our wishes and priorities will be posted soon. For now, please contact Pam or Cam Dyck with any questions. They can be reached at 204-435-2778 or at candpdyck@yahoo.ca.

Island Gospel Fellowship, in Burns Lake, BC, is a seeking a full-time youth pastor/outreach worker to build on a growing ministry to youth in the Burns Lake area. Currently there is a group of 50-60 youth attending weekly youth events. Many of these youth are from the community and do not attend any church. A successful candidate should have a passion for outreach and a strong desire to share the love of Jesus; an ability to communicate biblical truths to youth in a relevant way; strong relational skills to connect with youth and work with others; the ability to organize events and involve volunteers; a willingness to partner with camp ministry.

For further information or to send us your resume, please contact the search committee at igf@ telus.net or phone 250-692-7551.

The Church of Living Water in Tillsonburg, Ont., is seeking a full-time senior pastor. We are a young church with attendance ranging from 70-100. We have a growing children and youth ministry. CLW is seeking a pastoral couple who will live among us to guide and direct the church to deeper and greater ministry in our community.

We believe the senior pastor role to be that of a shepherd who guides his congregation, needs to be a strong encourager and a pastor who has passion for God and his people. This is best accomplished by studying and teaching, praying and preaching, and visiting and visioning, all based on God’s Word. Previous pastoral experience is preferred,

and candidate must be in agreement with our EMC Constitution and Statement of Faith.

Applications or resumes should be sent to the CLW Board of Elders: Abe Neufeld (chair) abeneufeld@bell.net and David Dyck (vice chair) daviddyck@hotmail.com.

Kola EMC is looking for a full-time pastor. Previous experience is preferred and housing is available.

Kola, in southwest Manitoba, is a small but aggressive little town in the middle of the oil patch with a lot of construction and farming in the surrounding area. We currently have approximately 100 people attending on a regular basis. For information, call 204-556-2037 or e-mail at kolaemc@gmail.com.

Riverton Gospel Chapel is looking for a full-time pastor. We would also be open to an interim position.

We are an EMC church located in town with an attendance of 50-75. The church manse is located in town and within walking distance of all amenities. RGC is involved in local outreach, as well as supporters of missionaries in other areas of the world. RGC is run by a strong church council and has a seven member ministerial. Please send all inquires to Brad Kornelsen at debbrad2@hotmail.com or 204-378-2329.

Other Positions Christian summer camp staff needed for underprivileged children’s camp: counsellors, program directors, wranglers, kitchen, secretary, lifeguard, nurses.

Brightwood Ranch, near Edmonton, Alta., is a Christian camp for kids from single parent, foster and group homes. One-, two- and four-month positions available. Salary plus room and board. www.hopemission.com/summercamp. Contact us at: bright.wood@ hopemission.com Mid-Way Christian Leadership, based in Thompson, Man., is looking for an adult life coach, youth life coach and office manager. Please email generaldirector.mcl@gmail.com for full job descriptions or inquiries.

Inner City Youth Alive, a faith-based youth organization in Winnipeg, Man., is looking for a motorsport director, a dynamic person with strong leadership and organizational skills to work with youth in the race car program, Inner City Motorsport. Knowledge in metalworking, mechanical skills and use of related tools is an asset. If you or someone you know would be interested and qualified, go to www.icya.ca for job details. Forward resume to Don at don@icya.ca.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Ministry-related position ads are welcome. Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 33

Columns • here and far away

‘You deserve it!’

I

’ve become increasingly sensitive to the phrase “You deserve it!” that permeates our western society.

It seems especially out of place in an environment where people walk the streets with ragged and dirty clothes draped loosely over overworked and poorly nourished bodies. Children play on busy roadsides with no visible parent; six-year-olds watch over baby siblings, engaging in games of sticks, dust and rocks.

Meanwhile, at the jeweller, my friend and I peruse the semi-precious stones. Our friend and business owner, Madame Tiana, spreads her wares out on her coffee table, hoping to catch our eye with the glittering gems.

She’s desperate for a sale; the political crisis in the country has significantly affected her business and directly influenced the wellbeing of her family. One of the larger stones does look stunning and I pick it up to admire how it sparkles in the light.

“You should get it,” my friend says beside me.

“You deserve it!”

I look at her in confusion. What, in her eyes, makes her think that I would deserve such a luxury as this?

Is there some sort of hidden scorecard whereby I have somehow earned the privilege of shiny amethysts to wear with my clean clothes, ironed by a woman who works longer and

by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com

JOCELYN R. PLETT

Billboards say we can practice hedonism “because we’re worth it.” The thought is laughable in this world.

34 The Messenger • May 2014

harder than I do to feed and shelter her own family? Doesn’t she then also merit a deserving trinket?

Sentiments spelled out on billboards shout out what the secular world is trying hard to convince us of: we can practice hedonism “because we’re worth it.” The thought is laughable in this world.

In the glaring light of the African sun, the world encourages us to buy things based on our worth, yet the people camping out beneath that same ad are unable to purchase things they need to survive, let alone the luxuries that claim to be the very things they “deserve.”

The world’s philosophy is as unfair as it is untrue.

In Christ’s reality we are all undeserving of what we have been given: so very many gifts and one Gift of unimaginable worth. Though we fail to meet the standard of holiness set by a holy God, Christ has made us holy. Though we were undeserving.

Kingdom culture’s reality is also unfair, for we have not received what we deserved. Condemnation, You deserve it!

Instead we are offered justification, righteousness, access to and relationship with the Almighty God. Not to mention abundant blessings, peace that passes understanding, grace, joy—gifts we cannot earn nor do we deserve.

Yet I often take these awesome gifts for granted and continue to believe, erroneously, what the world tells me.

In this world of socio-economic disparity, where some get more than they deserve and others not enough, the unfairness of Christ’s gift to all the undeserving is, frankly, too marvellous for words.

Could it be that, once we let go of all that we imagine we deserve, our hands are empty and open to fully receive all that we don’t?

Columns • stewardship today

Following your faith or following the world?

“D

by Sherri Grosz

DESIGNPICS

o not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

She waited patiently for others to finish before approaching me. We’d spent the previous two hours talking about personal finances from a Christian perspective. How should Christians in Canada think about sharing, saving and spending? What should they know about debt, retirement and estate planning? There are often questions and comments shared during and after the presentation, and this one had been no exception.

A single parent, a retired civil servant, and a self-supporting university student had all offered comments about living in their particular financial situation; their doubts, their mistakes and their successes. This woman, however, had remained silent through the presentation, taking few notes but listening intently. I was curious what she would say.

She began by explaining that she’d grown up in a Christian home and had been an employee for ten years, quickly moving through the ranks of entry level employee to mid-level management. She’d begun a business on the side that flowed out of a personal interest. Five years prior, she’d quit her job to work full-time in her business and now had a few full-time employees.

I’d apparently shared all the things she was expecting to hear—spend less than you earn, share some, save some and enjoy some money.

Then she said this, “I have done a lot of reading and research and have been managing my money according to those common principles.

Tonight, you reminded me that everything I have is God’s and that God is generous.”

She said, “I know that I have homework to do. I need to change some things about how I am managing my money and my business, including being more generous with my charitable

giving. Thank you for reminding me of what is really important.”

Her comments have stayed with me for the past few years. I appreciated her honesty and her urgency. Money is an important topic for Christians, one that is risky to ignore. If I believe everything I have belongs to God and God is generous, it changes my perspective. The challenge then becomes how to faithfully use this money that God has entrusted to my care.

More importantly, our attitude and relationship to money is a key discipleship issue. Money can be the rival god and a barrier to spiritual growth and development.

So I continue to teach about personal finance and include the biblical principles—and I think of her every time I do.

Sherri Grosz is a stewardship consultant in the Kitchener, Ont., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada. For more information on impulsive generosity, stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit MennoFoundation.ca.

Churches that speak openly and frequently about all aspects of money tend to have members who feel confident with their day-to-day money management.

www.emconference.ca/messenger • The Messenger 35

Columns • kids’ corner

Important Words

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36 The Messenger • May 2014

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The Bible has many things to say about words.

Using the right words is valuable. The right words can soothe or comfort someone.

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by Loreena Thiessen

magine you have to choose one word that best describes winter. What word would you choose? Cold? Snow?

What about spring? Would you say tulips or puddles?

What word best describes summer? Sandcastles? Swimming?

What about fall? Would you say leaves or raking?

Here are a few more; which word best describes school for you? Is it friends or homework?

What about food? Would it be hamburger or There’s another important part to words: pizza? And for dessert? Ice cream? you have to hear them. If someone speaks and Now think of you. What word best describes you don’t listen you will miss something. yourself? Would you say you are pretty or For example, if your teacher gives you an handsome? Are you athletic, a fast runner? Are assignment, you have to hear it to do it. If your you funny, or serious? Are you honest? Helpful? mother tells you to clean your room and you Thoughtful? Smart? don’t listen, you may never find that library Each one of these is something about you, a book or the missing T-shirt. characteristic. It describes you and the way you Read Mark 4:23. think about something or how you do something. It describes what you are good at.

Words are important. You communicate em o P with words. You tell someone what you rawing paper, p d , e l en see, describe how something works, ci p n ci e or say how you feel or understand Do: Draw any shape, p something. for example, a circle.

The Bible has many things Inside the circle near the circular to say about words. Using the line, write words of things that have right words is valuable. The a circle shape, like, wheel, sun, and so right words can soothe or on. Write the words in a circle going comfort someone. round and round. When you get to Saying, “I’m sorry!” the end of your list (it can be long or can change a mistake or a short), write a simple conclusion, such misunderstanding. Psalm as, all of these go round and round.

25:11 says that “a word fitly Read your shape poem as you spoken is like apples of gold turn the circle around. You can do in pictures of silver.” this activity with a friend On the other hand, using Read your poems to each other. the wrong words can hurt. The Draw decorations around the shape. wrong words can break a friendship. Using words that hurt is like a fire gone out of control, says James 3:5.

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