The Messenger Vol. 42 No. 14 August 18, 2004

An Ode to Walking Without a mention of high gas prices

Also in this issue: Coverage of EMC’s 54th Annual Convention • • • • •

Canadian Church Planting, p. 6 Youth Event, p. 7 Ministerial, p. 8 Conference Council, p. 9 Ladies Session, p. 11

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 42 NUMBER 14 AUGUST 18, 2004 August 18, 2004

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

Driving flattens the world

An Ode to Walking,

without a mention of high gas prices Layton Friesen

I number it among my blessings that my father had no car…The deadly power of rushing about wherever I pleased had not been given me. I measured distances by the standard of man, man walking on his own two feet, not by the standard of the internal combustion engine…The truest and most horrible claim made for modern transport is that it “annihilates space.”

It does. It annihilates one of the most glorious gifts we have been given…Of course if man hates space and wants it annihilated that is another matter. Why not creep into his coffin at once? There is little enough space there (C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy).

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at follows is the kind of congratulation-to-self that occasionally sits in my mind when I find myself walking while others drive.

Nevertheless, it might serve as a kind of proposal for enshrining walking as a Christian form of transportation.

It may strike you as odd that such a primal and common means of transport should need a defence. In the city where I live it is really only the young and the poor who still use walking as a means of transport.

Many of the others will occasionally “go for a walk,” but for the most part, we think and live by the terms of the automobile.

If the tone here seems exaggerated and overstated it is because I have set out to tangle with a tyrant; the automobile has such a grip on our minds that only drastic measures can put it on the defensive. But all that aside, here are four reasons why walking may be a godly way to go.

Walking takes the world on its terms First, when I walk, I take the world on its own terms. A rule of stewardship says that what is stewarded needs to be taken with a measure of seriousness and attention. When I walk, the puddle, the steep hill, the sub-zero

temperature, the mosquitoes, the lilac bush, begin to mean something to me. They have become a part of my world. In other words, my neighbourhood has become a place, not just a space to move through.

Driving, on the other hand, flattens the world into nonexistence. The steep hill is as flat as the plain. The puddle causes me not a moment’s thought. The lilacs I see from afar, insulated from their aroma. This elimination of the world is obvious when the weather plunges below –25 C. It is not the walkers who complain of the cold, it is the drivers.

When I walk, the cold becomes something to be defied; I dress and exert myself to elude its grip. The icy world around me has become a formidable other to be taken seriously (hence the satisfaction of coming in from a cold walk). When I drive, the best I can do is sit helplessly shivering and curse, hoping my car warms up before I arrive at my destination.

This, it seems to me, is where stewardship and Incarnation meet. God, in order to save the world, did not transcend it but moved into the neighbourhood.

He became a particular Jewish man who never ventured far from the village of his birth; he got about as far as he could walk.

He took one small place very seriously and thereby delivered the cosmos.

By staying close to home and committing himself to one place seriously, the birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seeds on the path, the figs on the tree and the foxes in the holes meant something. They were lifted up as the stuff of salvation. They were noticed because Jesus the walker had the time and the opportunity to live in the place where he was.

Walking takes people seriously Second, when I walk, I take people seriously. Walking to church, for example, I pass through a real human community. I find people digging dandelions in their front yard. I see people reading their paper with the morning coffee. I step around hopscotch on the sidewalk. Neighbour’s dogs frighten me from the other side of THE MESSENGER

the fence. I am a real person in a real human community.

When I drive, I paratroop into the church from nowhere. I am worshipping in No-Place. In my city many churches have literally become the Church of No-Place. Situated far from where anyone calls home, you can’t get there except by car and the church’s neighbourhood matters not a whit.

This can be confirmed by the fact that, as far as I know, there is no such thing as sidewalk rage. Why is it that Layton Friesen, otherwise calm, cool, and collected, when he gets behind the wheel of a car, will fly into a fit of rage at other drivers? Two reasons: As the barber in Wendell Berry’s novel Jayber Crow says about his recent car purchase, “Ease of going was translated without pause into a principled unwillingness to stop.”

My speed of travel seems directly proportionate to my annoyance at being interrupted. When I walk I am going too slowly to be interrupted. And besides, to a walker an interruption is a rest.

However, more importantly, I get angry with other drivers because those beings sitting in other cars are not real human beings. The glass and steel and the speed at which we drive have made them into an abstraction. The minute they become “real,” I am mortally embarrassed for having become so angry. Have you ever shaken your fist at another driver, only to discover that she is your next-door neighbour?

When I walk, people become people and I have the possibility of relating to them, human to human. No one can love abstractions. There is good reason for the Bible telling us to love our neighbour. When I walk I have moved from being something analogous to a pornographer (degrading others by dehumanizing them into abstractions) to being a neighbour (relating to people who present themselves to me in all their uniqueness). The essay to read here is G. K. Chesterton’s On Certain Modern Writers and the Institution of the Family.

Walking contributes to my life Third, when I walk my body makes a August 18, 2004

necessary contribution to my life. In this age of cars and planes, my body can quickly become a useless appendage to my mind.

Much communications technology has little other to recommend it than making the real presence of my body superfluous to my life—cell phones, Internet. Automation has repeatedly bullied my body away from places where its skill was valued. My body seems to provide me with no essential service, and so must be put on life-support called exercise.

My body becomes a means to nothing and so becomes an end, which is to say it becomes an idol. An idol is usually a good thing that has lost its place in life, and through that loss has taken on hideous proportions. The world I live in tempts me to idolize bodies, even while it seeks to eliminate every conceivable use for my body.

However, when I walk, I have no such idol. As a walker, my body has become a means to an end. It is getting me someplace.

Its care is important because it has a job to do toward something I value. As something important, my body has again become a part of who I am, I have become more whole, which is another way of saying, more Christian.

Walking moves me at a human speed And fourth, when I walk I move at the speed of a human being; when I drive I move at the speed of the gods. We often laugh at the poor folks at the turn of the century who thought a person would die when 35 mph was exceeded. I wonder whether jet lag and the suffocating stress of my modern life may be their last laugh. Might I feel hurried, harried and hustled because I am being yanked about at demonic speeds?

Might there actually be speeds that are too fast for my health?

Might the reckless speed of my travel be another manifestation of that grasping, agitated craving for divine power that alienated the Original Pair, and that frustrated the Babel-raisers? Might my obsession with stretching myself over the world like a god, wreak havoc on creation as well as my soul?

Walking seems gentle on my soul. As a walker I can entertain no illusions of grandeur. I cannot be pretentious about the limits of my world. There are certain places I simply can’t get to on foot.

This kind of limitation breeds contentment.

My world becomes a small, human-sized world, and as such it is a world that can be reasonably appreciated, loved and tended by a human being. As a small human-sized world it is a world for which I can take a reasonable amount of responsibility. That just T seems a lot more Christian to me. M

Layton Friesen is senior pastor at Fort Garry EMC and was previously associate pastor at Crestview Fellowship, both in Winnipeg, Man. He holds a BRS from Steinbach Bible College, and is working toward a MCS and a ThM from Regent College. He is married to Glenda. They have two children, Carmen and Marcus.

editorials

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Canada’s farmers feel forgotten

Messenger

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aNaDa’S farmers feel forgotten. they Some people don’t realize how desperate greatly appreciate that most Canadians the situation is, farmers say, and forget m a i n t a i n e d , e v e n i n c r e a s e d , b e e f how foundational agriculture is to any consumption after borders closed following nation. they are right. What concerns them a case of BSE discovered in May 2003. most, though, is that too many politicians But during the federal election, the seem to know little of how damaging is the agricultura l sector got situation. c u r s o r y, p e r f u n c t o r y Farmers want to pass on a t he avera ge fa r mer attention. Farmers feel livelihood, not a debtload in C a nada is close to taken for granted to the retirement age. While he point of being ignored. all farmers wonder or she might want to pass on their farm to how the new minister of agriculture will their children, they wonder if doing so is do. much of a favour. Farmers want to pass on While diplomacy can’t always happen in a livelihood, not a debtload. Many children the public eye, farmers are concerned that raised on farms are looking elsewhere for a borders are still closed to most Canadian solid future; the tragedy is that they have beef, as well as to sheep, goats, bison, ranch to look beyond their own fences. deer and elk, and rodeo stock.

Terry M. Smith

Members, adherents, and covenant

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ECENtLY the Presbyterian Church in Canada decided that voting for elders and ministers are off-limits for adherents.

“Our response was largely based on the classic understanding of membership,” said Rev. Don Muir, deputy clerk. “Members enter into a covenant relationship with the congregation based on vows and promises. adherents don’t do that” (Presbyterian Record, July/august 2004, pp. 24–25).

Would such a discussion sound strange in EMC circles? Not in some churches. Similarly but stepping further, the EMC Constitution says that even associate members are excluded from electing ministers (p. 21). associate members are Christians accepted temporarily on the same doctrinal basis as regular members (p. 21).

What’s the thinking here? Perhaps it is that Christians who will be only briefly with a particular local church shouldn’t decide who shall serve as its more permanent spiritual leaders. While such thinking isn’t flawless, it favours an on-going commitment to a local church. t h e N e w te s t a m e n t s ay s m u c h about identification, involvement, and accountability—which are at the heart of what it means to be a church member.

Sometimes people hesitate to become church members, and reasons can vary.

Some people have been hurt and are wary, 4

while others do not want to be accountable; these are pastoral issues. If local churches promote petty matters, they should be grateful for people who display better sense and greater caution.

If, however, people find the idea of membership itself to be flawed, this is a theological issue. a church is a group of people committed to Christ and each other.

Christ’s call is greater than is individualism or denominationalism; there is a need for Christian confession and togetherness.

Membership is dynamic; it is action. this means that our membership should go where our feet do.

When people hesitate at baptism and membership (the two are ultimately synonyms), there needs to be a closer look at how Christians identified with each other in New testament times. While faith is personal, it isn’t private. the Christian faith isn’t only about our personal journey; it’s also about togetherness.

Rev. Muir went on to say: “the fact that some people have a hard time explaining to adherents why they should become members means we may be losing some of our understanding of the covenant nature of membership. Perhaps the significance of membership needs to be reflected on more by us all.”

Terry M. Smith

EDITOR Terry M. Smith ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler THE MESSENGER is the 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.

THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, Manitoba.

Subscriptions: $12 per year (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

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Mailing information: Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net or emcterry@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 16 – September 22 (copy due September 10) THE MESSENGER

letters Taxes withheld to protest war July 4, 2004 Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Winnipeg, MB R3C 3M2 To whom it may concern: Re: Previous account balance In regard to the above amount and as I indicated in letters in the past two years, this amount is what I deducted from my federal tax payable, an amount which was 7.93 percent of my federal tax payable, and now has interest added on. I received information from Conscience Canada stating that 7.93 percent of my federal tax payable is the amount that goes toward the operation of the Canadian military.

I feel that I cannot pay the above amount because it runs contrary to my conscience to support an institution that supports the killing, and preparation for killing, of human beings. I come from a background of Mennonite conscientious objectors who immigrated to Canada with a promise that they would not have to participate in the

Scripture and Iraq Thank you for The Messenger. It is from the magazine that we get most of the information concerning what is going on in the EMC (our roots are in the Prairie Rose Church).

I would like to comment on your June 23 editorial on the public use of scripture in our churches. We are now privileged to be members of the Presbyterian Church and we really appreciate the emphasis on scripture reading in the services.

Just as you mentioned, we have readings from the Old Testament (the Psalms and another passage) and the New Testament (the Gospels and another related passage), with one of the passages read responsively. At each communion we recite the Apostles’ Creed. It is great to hear God’s Word read each Sunday morning.

There is another aspect that we have learned that I would like to mention.

There are five Presbyterian churches in Iraq. Before the war started, the Christian churches sent a message to President Bush begging him not to attack Iraq. They had a reasonable amount of freedom to worship God under Saddam Hussein.

There is little doubt that Iraq will

August 18, 2004

military operations of this country. To have my taxes supporting such endeavours, to me, is the same as committing those acts of killing and maiming.

There is a commonly held belief that the Canadian army is largely an independent peacekeeping force, but Canada’s current military involvement in Afghanistan to support the American occupation in Iraq tells my otherwise.

The cooperative military arrangement (Northern Command), agreed upon in 2001, that places Canadian Forces personnel under the command of the U.S. military in the Canadian North, tells me otherwise.

The joint Canada-U.S. Statement of Intent for military space cooperation, signed in 1997, tells me otherwise.

For the above reasons, I respectfully ask to be exempt from paying the above tax. I will instead be paying this amount to Conscience Canada who will place the money in a Peace Tax Trust Fund.

I further request that the Conscientious Objection Act (Private Member Bill C-232) could be brought to a vote in the House

and that a Peace Tax Fund could be established for conscientious objectors like myself.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would appreciate a response to the urgent concerns I am stating in this letter and have stated in past letters.

Elizabeth Plett Winnipeg, Man. Cc: Conscience Canada, Inc., 901-70 Mill Street, Toronto, ON M5A 4R1 Minister of Finance, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Prime Minister Paul Martin, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Bill Blaikie, MP, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Stephen Harper, Leader of the Conservative Party, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Editor, The Messenger, Steinbach, MB

EMC Convention: free childcare and much more To young adults and families in the EMC: I am writing at the close of EMC Convention in Swan River to encourage you to seriously consider planning your holidays around next year’s convention in Grande Prairie, Alberta. (You could add a trip to Jasper or West Edmonton Mall, too!)

Convention has been awesome.

There has been wonderful programming for children—lots of fun and biblical content, too. This means parents can relax and fully enjoy worship and teaching times. The teaching was,

now be controlled by the Muslims and the Christian church in Iraq is in grave danger of attack from outside and inside.

I believe Bush has done much to hurt the Christian church in Iraq. Recently another Iraqi funeral was shown on TV and I think it was significant that there were crosses on some of the caskets. Let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in that war-torn country.

Wayne Penner Courtenay, B.C.

without exception, absolutely inspiring and challenging. Why pay to go to a Christian conference when our own Conference offers such a great weekend for free?

Getting together with people from our sister churches has been so encouraging—we are a strong body, filled with gifting, passion and with so many fine examples to follow.

I hope to see you at Convention next July.

Stephanie Unger Winnipeg, Man.

A New Home Celebration St. Vital EMC’s new church building grand opening at 2005 St. Mary’s Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 204-256-9480 September 17–19 Join us for events for all ages Sunday celebration service with potluck and open house to follow (more details to come next issue)

Convention messages will appear starting next issue, September 8

Convention 2004

Why should the EMC emphasize church planting in Canada?

Trudy Dueck, co-director, Church planting in Canada

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hy should the EMC emphasize church planting in Canada?

And why should we start new churches when some EM Churches struggle? Should we not first help the struggling ones? Maybe we need to consider the fact that saving dead and dying churches is much more difficult and usually more costly then starting new ones.

Not that we shouldn’t work for renewal in established churches, but if growing the kingdom is our ultimate objective, then we must do both, we must work for health in our existing churches and begin new churches.

And does our emphasis on church planting in Canada in any way negate our foreign missions program? And we would say absolutely not! But we must begin in Jerusalem. If our witness dies in Canada, what can we offer the world?

Here’s one of the big reasons we need to emphasize church planting in Canada: The estimated Canadian unchurched

arrive in Canada. What an incredible opportunity has been opened for us right on our doorsteps to reach the nations of the world for Christ.

As a conference we have begun ministry to two of these people groups, Hispanics and Low-German people speaking people from Mexico. But there are many more that we are not reaching.

Muslims are the fastest growing religious group in Canada.

French Canada remains the largest unreached people group in North America. Less than one percent is evangelical. No religious preference is the opinion that is growing the most rapidly in opinion polls. One fifth of the population of Winnipeg reported no religion in 2001; that is 31 percent more than in 1991.

Roger Forrester has stated that where a denomination has stopped planting churches, it will decline and it will decline at an almost common regular rate. This means that evangelical and mainline churches that don’t plant will decline at the same rate. That means that without church Why plant churches in Canada? planting Christianity will continue to Because 24 million people are decline in Canada. still unreached!

Studies show that if a denomination wishes to reach more people, the number of new churches it begins each year must equal at least three percent of the denomination’s existing churches. For the EMC that means we would need to plant two new churches every year just to replace the ones that close and die.

We know that we cannot continue business as usual. Einstein has said that “insanity is doing the same old thing the same old way and expecting different results.” Does that describe us? Continuing ministry using the models of the past will not work effectively in the Canada of the 21st century. population is in excess of 24 million. In other words, 24 times Most of our visioning seems to be re-visioning a more the province of Manitoba is unchurched. efficient and effective past. We do need to understand our past, Even though average worship attendance in evangelical but failure to transcend our own history is the path to idolatry. churches increased between 1998 and 2001, there are many We must give up trying to recycle our past. churches that have either plateaued or are in a state of decline.

Radical times require a radical solution. First, we must They have become inward focused and maintenance oriented. become a missional church. It is always easier to support Our own conference has seen a slight decline in worship missions than to be missional. A missional church is a church attendance from 1998 to 2003. that is “on mission” in its setting. It is a church that engages Celebrating the success of churches is important, but for the unchurched culture. each growing church there is another church either on the When we send missionaries to other countries we expect verge of decline or already in decline. In 1990 Reginald Bibby that they will become students of that culture. What about stated that the story of evangelical growth in Canada has been those of us who stay in Canada? Why do we think that we are largely a story of the circulation of the saints. How much growth excused from being culturally relevant? experienced by evangelical churches actually reflects just a Second, we must believe in the importance and priority of reshuffling of the converted? prayer. God has promised that “if my people who are called by The really heart searching statistic is that half of all my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face churches last year did not add one new member through and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven conversion growth. In our 50 churches 68 percent reported at and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” It is as we least one baptism in 2003. pray that we will be able to see God heal our land.

In 2000, people groups from 204 nations arrived in Canada.

Third, as a conference of churches we must plant healthy Canada has become one of the most culturally diverse nations new churches. We must pour our energy and our resources in the world. In fact every year we had people from over 200 into planting new churches. Winnipeg needs around 466 new nations, 500 languages and dialects and more than 1000 tribes churches to have one church for every 1,000 people. We need

THE MESSENGER

to plant new churches because on the average evangelical churches that are younger than three years old, annually win 10 people to Christ per 100 church members. Churches three to 15 years old annually win five people to Christ per 100 church members. Churches older than 15 years old, annually win three people to Christ per 100 church members.

The implication is that church plants are more effective evangelistically. C. Peter Wagner states that the single most effective evangelical methodology under heaven is planting new churches. This applies both to old ground where churches have existed for a long time and to new ground where no churches yet exist.

And that is the mission of the EMC: To continue starting healthy new churches which are passionate about seeing people come to know Christ and which in turn start other T new churches. M This material was presented at conference council on July 3.

Trudy Dueck prays for EMC church planters in Canada.

Convention 2004

Youth climb to summit of Pike’s Peak!

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ITH RAIN coming down and the sky heavy with clouds, a We traveled back to the church and worshiped together group of around 30 youth and leaders ambitiously set out as we sang songs of praise to our Creator. Bernie Thiessen to climb the infamous Pikes Peak in the Porcupine Provincial shared a devotional and Michelle Plett encouraged the youth to Forest north of Swan attend SBC. I talked about several River. As we arrived Conference activities including at the foot of the Project Macedonia, Youth Leaders trail leading up to Retreat and Abundant Springs.

Pike’s Peak, the rain After the worship service we stopped and even ate a pizza supper and then put the mosquitoes got away the tables and chairs set in out of the way to the church gymnasium for the allow the group to council lunch. enjoy a wonderful Thanks go to the youth leaders afternoon of who pla nned, orga nized a nd hiking. participated in the EMC Convention A ng Thie ssen, Youth Program; your input made along with her father the afternoon a memorable one Bernie Thiessen, with special meaning for those who T had set challenges were in attendance. M for the group that Gerald D. Reimer wa s div ided into Conference Youth Minister fou r te a m s. T he te a m s comp e te d After the hike a short as they ascended program took place, the trail, stopping including worship nu m e ro u s t i m e s in song. along the way to do pushups, build a pyramid, shout out their team song, and solve mathematical problems. We even consumed a homemade liquid concoction—a la Fear Factor—that left us chugging from our water bottles graciously given to us before we began the hike.

The view from the top of Pike’s Peak was worth the effort of climbing. We spent a short time at the top, relishing our privilege to be enjoying God’s beautiful creation while Conference Council attendees were struggling to stay awake in the oxygen-depleted sanctuary at Community Bible Greg Thiessen, Birch River youth leader, serves as a team captain on the trail to Pike’s Peak.

Fellowship in Swan River.

August 18, 2004

Convention 2004

July 2 Ministerial

Exploring from discipline to discipling

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b out 10 0 m i n i ste r ia l me mb e r s gathered on July 2 at Pineridge Fellowship Chapel in Hudson Bay, Sask., to explore today’s need for discipling believers and church discipline’s mixed history in the EMC. Members were welcomed by Darren Plett, chairman of the Board of Ministers and Deacons.

Devotional Fred Buhler, a member at Pineridge for 20 years who will soon return to the pastorate there after a break of seven

Fred Buhler, who resumes serving as pastor at PFC in September, reminded ministers that they are to be caring and not “cold professionals.”

“not to just become cold and professional in what we do, but to always have a warmth with us that shows that your Spirit is working within us.”

The theme The day’s theme was From discipline to discipling. “…Few other words can so quickly cause such a wide range of emotions and personal feelings to come to the surface as…church discipline,” said Darren Plett. “And in many cases those are personal, gut-wrenching stories.” In this topic the BMD wants to be “biblically faithful and culturally relevant,” he said.

In history Menno K roeker, a minister from Rosenort, Man., said Klaas Reimer, the original leader of what today is the EMC, reacted in Russia against discipline being both harshly and loosely practiced within a larger church.

Reimer saw discipline as “a restorative measure,” Kroeker said. “As the Kleine Gemeinde (Small Church, the former name for the EMC) grew and became more accepted in the larger church body, church discipline continued to be a contentious issue.”

Later, the KG responded to critics who said it disciplined harshly for “minor offenses.” Quoting historian Delbert Plett, Kroeker said that from 1850 to 1866, “evangelical discipline was a carefully measured response to acknowledged and confessed sins, applied only after due process in a democratic forum.”

After moving to Canada, the EMC was shaken when one-third of its members joined the Holdeman church; it “dug in their heels and became even more rigid

and restrictive in regulating the lives of their members.” It identified practices for members to avoid—such as Sunday school, picture taking, and buying of cars.

Yet examples drawn from church minutes from 1913–24 suggest that “discipline was generally accompanied by quite a caring and compassionate attitude,” said Kroeker.

In 1937 leaders met in Kansas and decided on six resolutions related to discipline, including that “no members should have the right to leave the church for the purpose of avoiding church discipline” and “members who have confessed secret sins which have nothing to do with the public need not be openly proclaimed to the brotherhood.” Kroeker said while there was a “punitive element,” there was a “lot of moderation” from 1889 and “some questioning of whether the accepted practices were really correct in what they were doing.”

From the 1950s on, changes occurred rapidly in the EMC. Many of the more conser vative members had moved to Mexico, young men who served as conscientious objectors in wartime had encountered less restrictive Mennonites, and members were increasingly mobile.

T he re wa s “a re luc t a nce to excommunicate members because it appeared that restoration was not really resulting from such measures,” he said.

Members were placed on probation or allowed to withdraw.

Today “restorative church discipline has lagged in our EMC churches,” said Kroeker, who wondered if early concerns about discipline in the larger church might be leveled today against the EMC.

years, spoke of men who treated Job harshly. They “had their theology all figured out,” yet God did not agree with them, he said.

“It’s so easy for us as people in leadership, people in ministry, to have everything figured out, to have all the right answers,” Buhler said. “But we need to be careful that we’re really in tune with God, that we’re hearing from God and that we’re communicating to the people the message that God wants them to hear.”

He once explained to a man that he was taking time off from pastoral ministry. The man turned out to be a funeral director and said, “I meet quite a few people I wish would do that,” describing some ministry people as “cold professionals.”

Fred said not all pastors need to take time away from ministry, but they need to be careful about The ministerial was held at Hudson Bay, Sask., two hours from the their attitude. convention’s main location of Swan River, Man., in order to help “Help us, Father,” he prayed, members understand more of the region hosting the convention.

In the New Testament While discipling is often viewed as “pleasant” and disciplining is “painful,” in a dictionary “the words mean exactly the same thing,” said Arden Thiessen. A part-time s e m i n a r y p ro fe s s o r a n d the second presenter, Dr. Thiessen spoke on Restorative Discipline in the New Testament Perspective. He prefers the ter ms “ for mative” a nd “restorative.” “…the New Testament knows of no other discipline than of restorative discipline,” he said, and formative discipline should precede and prevent the need

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for restorative discipline. Discipline should also be “edifying” (“up-building” is the closest contemporary word, though he dislikes it).

The church’s mission is to worship, to edify and to witness. The New Testament letters are “occasional writings” to specific occasions, he said. “We must consider the cultural difference between them and us, and then decide how we can today achieve what they tried to achieve at that time, which is to restore and to edify.”

Ministerial members came from all nine regions in Canada—including Rick Hall, senior pastor at Mission Heights Community Fellowship in Grande Prairie, Alta.

He led ministers in a study of Matthew 18 :15 – 2 2 , R o m a n s 16:17–19, 1 Corinthians 5:1–13, Galatians 6:1–2, 1 Thessalonians 3:6– 15, Titus 1:9–13, James 5 :19 – 2 0 a n d o t he r passages. In Matthew 18 “the purpose of the whole process is to regain the brother,” Thiessen said.

“When avoidance or exclusion is seen as in place, the purpose is BMD member Peter Janzen chaired the panel discussion with not to apply pressure Menno Kroeker, Arden Thiessen, George Toews, and BMD o n t he i mp e n ite nt chairman Darren Plett. person,” he said. The point is not to panel discussion, and shared experiences “shame…or embarrass…or inconvenience with church discipline. that person; this avoidance is simply a recognition of the choices that person Business matters has made.” Ministers later questioned The ministerial affirmed that member-atThiessen about how Jesus related to Judas large Jacob Enns from Tilbury, Ont., serve and concern for the church’s purity. a term position on the board, replacing The final presenter was George Toews, Cameron McKenzie, who completed his senior pastor at Rosenort EMC, whose term and decided not to seek another congregation adopted a Church Discipline because of study demands.

Procedure.

The ministerial also heard from Carl The Procedure contains a biblical Heppner, board chairman for Steinbach background, cautions, the procedure of Bible College. For three years the college discipline (by individuals, few individuals, has been involved in Imagine Tomorrow, a or a church), the formation of a “discipline project of campus expansion. The college’s council that will respond to and deal operating budget is low for July and August, with each given situation,” and “common when no funds come from students. responses and advisable disciplinary actions.” Darren Plett said churches can Reporting and prayer time use it as they see fit.

Conference pastor David Thiessen led T Ministerial members held small group in a time of church reporting and prayer. M discussions, questioned presenters in a Terry M. Smith

Convention 2004

July 3 Council

Updates, elections and financial challenges

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pdates on national boards, elections, and financial challenges at Steinbach Bible College dominated discussion at the Conference Council meeting held July 3 at Community Bible Fellowship in Swan River, Man. Describing himself as a “bushman” from northern Alberta, Richard Klassen welcomed delegates. Host pastor John Reimer gave the devotional. Ed Kroeker conducted elections (see sidebar for results); Ron Penner of Steinbach EMC was affirmed as moderator and John Reimer as vice moderator.

Committee toward assisting churches in the area of worship. Becky Buhler said more people relate to her as an editor of The Messenger.

Gerald Reimer said that Abundant Springs is underway and that postsecondary student lists are needed.

Terry Smith said shifts in technology affects The Messenger’s production; he hopes more churches will invite him to speak. In a question time, Stan Penner of Landmark, Man., urged congregations to select hymnals that reflect Anabaptist convictions about peace.

Board of Church Ministries Chairman Stan Hamm said the board wants to take seminars on the road and is shifting the emphasis of its Music

General Board Jeff Plett said the board supports the Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary program in Winnipeg, Man., and has appointed

August 18, 2004

Pa stor George Toews of Rosenort, Man., to serve as an E A SP board member, replacing Barry Plett.

The board is exploring involve - ment in t he G loba l G if t s sha ring progra m among Anabaptist churches around the world. Don Thiessen resigned a s mo derator in A pr i l , w it h v ice m o d e ra to r J o h n Reimer filling in.

Carlos Vera is pastor of Love in Action (Calgary, Alta.), one of two churches received by the General Board into the conference. The other church received was Hillside Christian Fellowship (Buffalo Head Prairie, Alta.), led by Peter Janzen.

Planning continues for convention 2005 in Grande Prairie, Alta., and Region 3 was thanked for hosting this year’s event.

On February 28 the board hosted a Visioning Day, an all-boards meeting for the conference.

planting remains the most effective way to Board of Ministers and Deacons evangelize in Canada; new churches draw Dav id T hie sse n sa id t hat while in more people than established works. vacancies remain among 52 churches Anna Bueckert spoke of serving people in the conference, he’s encouraged by in Picture Butte, Alta., and the “awesome six pastoral assignments being filled in experience” of a recent prayer walk. the past few months. Interim pastors Len Barkman said that Africa In- are valued. He is writing policies. He Board of Missions ter-Mennonite Mission’s move toward affirmed Peter and Trudy Dueck’s roles General Secretary Len Barkman said partnership counthere are needs for prayer and to replace cils means more retiring missionaries. The board is money will go for exploring placing a greater emphasis on programs and less serving unreached people groups. for administrative Foreign Secretary Lester Olfert said some costs. EMC will be Mexican churches struggle to retain their part of the counattendance, but God is working in people’s cil for Bu rk ina lives. In Mexico, leadership is developing Faso. It will help and a drop-in centre has started. construct a buildLester Olfert said that Cathy Thiessen ing in the village is retiring in spring, leaving only three of Tin, support workers in Spanish ministries. More modest programs workers are also needed in German to train national ministries. The church in Oasis is growing; leaders in A naboth the leaders and the building are baptist theology, developing. Two couples are needed to and assist in Bible replace Peter and Anne Wiebe and Peter translation. and Kathy Friesen. New leaders are David Pashe, needed as mentors—even if their name leader at Reserve isn’t Peter, he quipped.

Fellowship Chapel Olfert especially mentioned George in Sioux Valley, EMC’s relationship with SBC was explored, led by representatives Carl Janzen, who served at the Guest House in Ma n., spoke of Heppner and Barry Plett El Paso, Texas, and died suddenly on May Va c a t io n B ib l e 3. In August, Arnold and Tina Thiessen School and other ministry opportuni- in directing church planting in Canada, from Winnipeg, Man., will serve in El ties on several Dakota reserves in the and council’s decision to separate the Paso as new guesthouse hosts. Elvira province. He was grateful for help from positions of conference pastor and Hamm completed two years of teaching Continental Mission worker Bill Martens, Canadian secretary. in Mexico in the area of music.

EMC national office staff members, and Edwin Plett of Taber, Alta., expressed In Nicaragua, the new council works Korean Presbyterians from Winnipeg. concern from the floor that the Alberta well despite limited resources. In Paraguay Melvin Peters of Mission Aviation government has reduced funding to a Benny and Esther Goertzen are changing Fellowship outlined the complex efforts program to assist Low German Mennonite the emphasis in their ministry. Ernest and involved in flying medical staff and immigrants to Canada. He suggested that Elsie Funk are in Canada for two months other supplies to communities in the the cost be picked up by EMC. This was and then return for a year. There’s a desire mountainous terrain of Lesotho, in not acted on. to plant more churches in Asuncion. southern Africa.

Darren Plett said the BMD envisions Trudy Dueck, co-director of Canadian Ernie Loewen said that Board of Mission an “EMC road show” with the BCM and is church planting, reported that church workers are being recognized for 10 working on an Introduction to Evangelical years of service. Anabaptism.

Update on St. Vital EMC finances He re que ste d prayer for the Board of Trustees n spite of the difficult financial situation St. Vital faces, I family of George Chairman Ben Wiebe made “a personal believe it is important to emphasize how positively the church Janzen. thought” that if the EMC and EMMC are has responded to the need. In the past several months they have thinking about merger, ministers should managed to raise over $250,000 which has allowed them to pay off Nominating become known by preaching in other their outstanding invoices. They are still faced with a substantial Committee churches. He said that “economics will mortgage, with payment of the first installment coming due at The commit- not be a benefit” in a merger. the end of 2004. tee suggested Trustees have worked on policies on It is anticipated that, with a strong emphasis on fundraising this that its mem - issues of privacy and abuse, Len Barkman fall and with substantial growth in attendance, the church will be bers be allowed said. able to respond favourably to this financial challenge. to ser ve for The current financial picture of the Church leadership as well as representatives from the more than one conference shows an end of June shortfall conference and from the Mennonite Foundation have been term as outlined of $214,000—the highest in “recent years.” working together to develop good financial solutions. The church in the EMC con- The budget has increased, the farm is strategically located in a high growth area of the city and with stitution. The economy is hurting, and there are “some creative outreach should see positive future development. council took no fairly major projects underway that our Len Barkman, General Secretary action. donors are giving to,” Barkman said.

EMC Board of Trustees, July 26, 2004 The current shortfall is “significant

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10

THE MESSENGER

and we will need to look to the churches to help support us in these six months to meet our disbursements.”

Ba rk ma n a lso outlined fina ncia l “difficultie s” facing St. Vita l E MC. Donations were lower than anticipated, building plans were altered with additional costs, and cash became unavailable to pay “vendors.” A management committee wa s formed, the cong regation wa s informed, and the situation continues to be addressed actively. The church “has really rallied,” Barkman said, “and I’ve been amazed at how unified the church has been in working together to address this crisis.”

Reinnie Brandt estimated that to add two church plants per year would require a substantial increase in conference funds.

Steinbach Bible College Ca rl Heppner a nd Ba r r y Plett presented a discussion paper on the EMC’s relationship with Steinbach Bible College. While EMCers serve as faculty or board members and many attend as students, in past years the conference hasn’t actively guided the college and there have been gaps in communication.

Three years ago SBC and Steinbach Christian High School entered a multimillion dollar expansion project. Six million dollars came in “early,” Heppner said, but the level of grass roots support anticipated by the consultant hasn’t happened and the college faces an operating shortfall in July and August.

Among comments: • Strong support for SBC. • H o w a r e o t h e r c o n f e r e n c e s responding? (CMC has increased its support; EMMC affirms SBC as its national institution.)

• Students who attend SBC enter EMC fields more often than if they attend college elsewhere.

• More dia log ue is needed w ith pastors and stronger relationships with churches.

• The college could remove Steinbach from its name and seek to draw from

Erna Plett spoke of serving 20 years in Paraguay, including 14 in the bookstore. The store was started to serve evangelical churches, but shifted to reach non-Christians.

While it was “dead” at one point, the store is developing and draws on the help of local workers and young people. The store now has a resident counselor, Agripino Presentado, who works with Radio Mensajero. There is opportunity for presentations at high schools.

wider circles. ( The college now has many students with non-German names, drawing upon wider EM churches).

Region 2 report The region has a vision for church planting, Charles Koop said, displaying

a map with possible sites for new starts: Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, and Regina. He noted that the conference failed in previous attempts to plant churches in Edmonton and Saskatoon.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada MFC has opened an office in Calgary, Alta., and a satellite office in Saskatoon, Sask., Edwin Friesen reported.

Mennonite Central Committee Board member Thomas Mathew said out-going member Stan Penner inspires him.

Mennonite World Conference Ron Penner reminded delegates that the EMC is part of a worldwide Anabaptist family; magazines and maps outlining this T are available. M Terry M. Smith

Elections 2004 Conference Council Moderator Ron Penner

Eden Health Care Services Glen Klassen

Vice Moderator John Reimer

MCC Canada Harold Barg

Board of Church Ministries Ron Kroeker Ward Parkinson Robert Goertzen

Nominating Committee Frank Klassen John Enns Abe Klassen Henry Plett

Board of Missions Bernie Thiessen Gordon Penner John Bartsch Board of Trustees Tim Friesen Reinnie Brandt MCC Manitoba Brenda Penner

Mennonite Foundation of Canada Matthew Kroeker Steinbach Bible College Carl Heppner Ken Zacharias Mennonite Disaster Service (Man.) Luke Bartel

Election at Convention 2004 Ministerial Board of Ministers and Deacons Jacob Enns

Convention 2004

Ladies Session

Women seek to touch their world through prayer

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he dining hall at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School was filled with the sound of many voices raised in prayer.

Appropriate enough, as the theme for the EMC Convention Ladies Session was Touching Our World Through Prayer.

C o n n i e R e i m e r, i n m i n i s t r y a t Community Bible Fellowship with her husband John Reimer, led the prayer time.

August 18, 2004

She shared about a painful relationship with her father, saying “possibly some of you can relate.” Unlike some earthly fathers, she said, God wants to listen to us; “He is asking us to pray.”

As Connie prompted participants, pairs of women prayed, praising God, confessing and giving thanks, and interceding for one another. Saying some women might be

nervous about praying with a stranger, Connie said, “If you’re scared, just do it scared.”

Earlier in the session, women attending heard from Trudy Dueck, who opened the gathering, saying it was an “incredible opportunity…to learn what God wants to do in our lives.” She prayed that “we would see each other through [God’s] eyes.”

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Time was set apart steps forward and one for the ladies to visit step back.” toget her a rou nd t he She was well on her tables, which were set way to success— in with refreshments. A list bu si ne ss a nd w it h of questions was on each her family—when table to help the ladies she began to attend get to know each other. church. The first time A time of worship she attended was out led by Melanie Bird and of curiosity, but she Martyn and Jacqui Snell kept going back. She had ladies singing I will went through a Sunday sing, I will sing; Joyful, school class on the joyful; All Heaven Declares prayer of Jabez led by and Give Thanks. Other Connie Reimer said, while the Connie Reimer. Since musical aspects included ladies session could be a seminar then, Elaine has had on prayer, “that’s not what [God] Seana and daughter Faith opportunity to go to is asking of us. He is asking us to Stolzfus, play ing a nd pray.”

Au st ra lia , E cuador singing Jesus Loves Me, and El Salvador on and Becky Buhler singing missions—“now that’s On My Knees, with Ruth Anne Peters enlarged territory,” she said. accompanying.

For Elaine, “that Sunday school class E la i ne Ku sh n ir yk , a me mb e r of was the beginning of changes.” She Community Bible Fellowship, gave a accepted Jesus and began the most testimony on how prayer has been important journey of her life. Elaine ended significant in her life. Now a three-year-old her talk by reading Matthew 6:27 and a Christian, she says “it seems I take two poem on prayer.

Elaine Kushniryk spoke of how God has answered prayer in her life.

Connie Reimer closed the session by reading Colossians 3:12, encouraging each lady present to think of herself as T chosen by God. M Becky Buhler

Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program Certificate of Christian Ministry Fall 2004 Introduction to the Old Testament, Pierre Gilbert, Ph.D. September 14–December 7, 2004 Tuesday evening, 6 to 8:45 p.m.

The Gospel of Mark, Tim Geddert, Ph. D. October 18–22, 2004 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Melanie Bird and Jacqui Snell led praise and worship, with assistance from Martyn Snell (not pictured) on keyboard.

Winter 2005 Hermeneutics, George Shillington, Ph.D. January 4–April 5, 2005 Tuesday evening, 6 to 8:45 p.m.

Formation in Ministry To be determined Systematic Theology in Believers Church Perspective, Terry Hiebert, Ph. D. February 14–18, 2005 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anabaptist Mennonite History and Theology, John J. Friesen, Ph. D. January 3–April 4, 2005 Monday evening, 6 to 8:45 p.m.

Spring 2005 Wisdom Literature, Pierre Gilbert, Ph.D. April 25–29, 2005 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Discipleship and Ethics, Mark Baker, Ph.D. May 16–20, 2005 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evangelism, Art McPhee, Ph.D. May 24–28, 2005 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Seana Stoltzfus played flute while her daughter Faith sang Jesus Loves Me. (photos by assistant editor)

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For information, contact: Pierre Gilbert, Associate Dean Phone: 204-487-3300, Fax: 204-831-5675, E-mail: pgilbert@cmu.ca, Website: www.ambs.edu/easp/

THE MESSENGER

convention photo album Exploring a new look Your feedback is welcomed on the format of this issue. Assistant editor Becky Buhler worked hard to lay out the magazine on computer. Give any praise to assistant editor Becky Buhler and direct any complaints to editor Terry Smith. The four-colour cover is a first in recent memory; there was a colour cover in December 13, 1985.

Acting moderator John and Connie Reimer.

Bonnie and Curtis Szakacs Mary and pastor Glenn Loewen (Portage) and family.

Eight Singing Men Visiting

Working out last minute details.

August 18, 2004

The music team

13

pages from the past

Dave K. Schellenberg

Felix Manz, the pain and the reconciliation

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he sentence was severe: Death by drowning.

“Manz shall be delivered to the executioner,” it said, “who shall tie his hands, put him into a boat, take him to the lower hut, there strip his bound hands over his knees and arms and thus push him into the water and let him perish in the water, thereby he shall have atoned to the law and justice.”

Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed churches—the primary antagonists of Anabaptists in the 16th and 17th centuries—are seeking to make amends.

“We all have ancestors that we aren’t proud of,” said the head of the Vatican-appointed delegation last fall at the end of five years of meetings with a group from Mennonite World Conference.

As well, the Evangelical Lutheran church of America has met with Mennonite Church USA. And on June 26 the Reformed Church in Zurich, Switzerland, held a reconciliation ceremony with Anabaptists from around the world (Mennonite Weekly Review, June 21, 2004). Zurich officials have even dedicated a memorial to Manz.

The Reformed Church of the Canton of Zurich and the Zurich City Council installed the marker as a symbol of their regret for the execution of Anabaptists. Their statement said, “We acknowledge this historic sin and, from today’s point of view, we consider it a betrayal of the gospel. Before God…we point to this dark side of the Reformation, and we ask God, and you dear brothers and sisters of the Mennonite faith, to forgive us” (The Mennonite, July 6, 2004).

Since sixteenth-century Anabaptists called for religious freedom, I think they would be pleased to see wrongs recognized today and warmer relationships that are developing. And I think it is important for Christians— Anabaptist and not—to work together in Christ-honouring ways. While needing to value the past, we should also acknowledge its pain and imperfection, and work together for T a better future. M

The sentence was carried out in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Limmat River on Saturday, January 5, 1527, at 3 p.m.

What terrible crime had this man committed to die in this way? The sentence read “because contrary to Christian order and custom he had become involved in Anabaptism.”

These Anabaptists, thus called because they baptized again, rejected infant baptism and started believer’s (adult) baptism.

This was a major stumbling block with the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed churches of the time.

Manz might have been the first Swiss martyr, but he certainly wasn’t the last. In 1529 a death decree was issued against Anabaptists, forerunners of the Mennonites, by the Diet of Spires. This accelerated the program of extermination already in progress.

While court records are fragmentary, and at times inaccurate, they indicate that thousands fell victim to one of the most widespread persecutions in Christian history.

Yet at times the customary effort of oppression proved inadequate to stem the movement. The Count of Altzey reportedly said, “What shall I do?

The more I execute, the more they increase” (Estep, The Anabaptist Story, pp. 48-49).

In 1984 Mennonite World Conference was held in Strasbourg, France. My wife Helen and I attended it. We stayed a while longer in Europe. During the week we took a side trip to Zurich, Switzerland.

I wanted to see the place where Felix Mantz had been executed for his faith. I believe we located the approximate place where this deed was done. It Recognizing “this historic sin”: Dan L. Nighswander, General Secretary of Mennonite Church Canada, Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, General Secretary of World proved to be a not soon to be forgotten experience.

Alliance of Reformed Churches, Rev. Dr. Reudi Reich, President of the Church Now it is 2004, and a remarkably new Council of the Swiss Evangelical Reformed Church in Zurich Canton, and Dr. development is occurring, one hardly to be Larry Miller, General Secretary of the Mennonite World Conference. envisioned years ago. After almost 500 years, (Mennonite Church USA)

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THE MESSENGER

Minnie

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HERE was excitement in the air, along with an underlying hint of sadness. The church in Maseru, Lesotho, was saying goodbye to a faithful pastoral couple and at the same time welcoming us into that position. Our heads were whirling, what with trying to sort out the many people from many lands with unpronounceable names, to say nothing of jet lag from our recent 15-hour flight from Canada.

As the event progressed, I noticed an elderly black couple sitting back and enjoying the bustle, big smiles on their faces.

We had met them in the receiving line, but their names had slipped from my memory. However, when most people had left and some final pictures were being taken, they were still there and we connected again. That was my first encounter with

a woman’s journey of faith

completed, it was almost paid for. The remainder was paid off before we left at the end of the year. It was a miracle brought about by many people, rich and poor, working faithfully together!

Minnie also loved to invite us over for meals. Her kitchen was not as modern as some, but she produced wonderful chicken dishes, served with pumpkin as a vegetable (which was strange to us) and other side dishes.

She insisted on coming to our house to teach me how to make a local pancake using self-rising flour. Since she didn’t drive, she simply gathered up the ingredients needed and walked over. It must have been several miles, a lot of it up-hill, but her love and dedication gave her extra strength. And did I mention her perseverance? We did give her a ride home and would have gladly picked her up if we’d known she was coming.

Their love for the Lord was evident as they loved and served other people. With both of them in their 80s, it would have seemed acceptable to sit back and let others serve them.

But that was not how Minnie operated. Whether hoeing her huge garden so she could share vegetables with Betty Koop others, or cooking a meal for someone—it needed to be done, so she did it.

Minnie challenged and inspired me with her perseverance in the face of difficulties. She was busy doing good, even though her back ached and her feet hurt from her long walks. She loved her Lord and served Him, gladly accepting small coins to be used for her church’s construction project. She shared with joy, even insisting I get first pick of clothing someone had sent her from South Africa.

Some might say (tongue in cheek, I hope) that “perseverance” in a woman really is “stubbornness.” But by whatever name it goes, in Minnie it was a beautiful trait.

Hebrews 12:1 says, “…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Paul in Ephesians urges us to “…keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints….”

T At what level is our perseverance? M

Minnie and her husband, William, but certainly not the last.

They “adopted” us as their children, and often dropped by. They even came on our day off, since then, as they put it, we’d have time for them! When we received pictures of our first grandchild born back in Canada, they were delighted with their very special “great-grandson.” Minnie always stopped to coo and chuckle over his picture whenever they were at our house.

Minnie was already 80 years old when I met her, but she seemed to have the energy of someone half her age. She and William had run a vegetable and fruit selling business for many years, starting when they arrived in Lesotho from South Africa back in 1962. They began by hawking imported produce all over the Lesotho lowlands. Eventually they built a home and shop in Maseru on land granted to them by the Chief. Minnie also started a catering business, as well as serving home-cooked Churches, plan to send your youth leaders! meals at her home.

Apparently they had retired some 10 EMC youth leader retreat years before we came to Lesotho, but it didn’t slow them down. Minnie was the perfect of example of perseverance. When she decided to do a project, big or small, it got done. Nothing seemed to stop her once she had made up her mind!

October 15–17, 2004 When our church in Maseru decided to add on to the existing building, many Pinawa, Manitoba people worked at fund raising. Some fairly big contributions came in from foreign Seminars sources. Quite a bit was raised through Kids and Depression – Irma Janzen international dinners hosted by various Homosexuality – Awln Davison groups in our church, for example, by Volunteer Training – Jim Harms the Indian community, the Germans, Contemplative Worship – Mo Friesen, Tim Gibbons the Chinese and a combination of many Discipline – Amos Fehr African nations.

Contact Ministry – Nathan Plett Speaker Jim Harms But Minnie had her own way of raising Missions – Gerald Reimer Director, Youth for funds. Whenever she had dealings with Evangelism – Bryon Bezanson Christ, Steinbach anyone, she was quite free in soliciting donations. Again and again she came to Sessions include a look into the lives of Joshua and Caleb and their pursuit of God, our house with her little plastic bag of Joseph and his commitment to a faithful lifestyle, and the power of God displayed coins gathered from these people. It was a in the life of Peter. joy to see her beaming face as she handed Fees: $105 per person, with travel subsidy available on request. it over.

When the building extension was

Consistent Ministry in Changing Community

August 18, 2004

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stewardship today Darren Pries-Klassen

Taxes as Tithing? C’mon!

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had just finished presenting to a church group on the topic of tithing and generosity, and had asked for questions and comments, when one participant asked a question I had never encountered nor contemplated before: “Have you ever thought of your taxes as a kind of tithe?”

As a consultant, I am ready for the standard questions such as: “How much should a family of four spend monthly on groceries?” or “Should I tithe on my gross or net income?” Not this time. His question was brand new to all of us.

Not knowing how to respond I asked him to say more. He explained that as Christians we believe that all our resources belong to God and that we are called to share of them—to give of them freely. We give offerings on Sunday morning out of gratitude for what God has done for us and for the gift Jesus gave us by dying on the cross as atonement for our sins.

Christians also believe that we should share our resources to meet the needs of others and so why not see our taxes as a kind of tithe? Taxes pay for the benefits of healthcare, education, and roads, among other things. So, what if we viewed the taxes we pay not as a burden or necessary evil but rather as an act of generosity toward the local and national community?

There was a moment’s silence and then, “What if I don’t like what the government is doing with my taxes?” someone asked. “What if I don’t like the present government?” followed someone else.

kids’ corner

His question initiated a lengthy and lively discussion. It would be wrong to suggest that since we “tithe” in the form of paying taxes we no longer need to give back to God in the worship hour and to related ministries. Paying taxes is different than giving freely of the resources God has entrusted to us because the amount of tax we pay is dictated by the federal, provincial and municipal government. There may be waste and mismanagement.

We might not like everything our government does or even the government itself. There is also a place to speak to our government when we feel the way it spends resources is unwise. However, if we view our taxes, or at least the portion that is used for the well-being of everyone in the community, as another form of generosity, it might take some of the sting out of the amount we pay.

This next tax season, rather than begrudging the amount of tax I pay annually, I am going to ask God to give wisdom and a sense of generosity to those entrusted to use my taxes. May these resources be a blessing to those who benefit from them.

T Anybody want to join me in prayer? M For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office. Abbotsford – Dave Kroeker, 1-888-212-8608; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, 1-888212-8731, Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, 1-888-212-7759, Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.

Loreena Thiessen

Let the games begin!

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he summer Olympics are here again. This year the games are in Athens, Greece, where they first began in ancient times almost 3,000 years ago.

Can you name some of the events the athletes compete in? Many of the competitions are running races. They are held in a stadium.

For many years the only event athletes competed in was the foot race, which was 200 yards, the length of a stadium. This race was called a stade. This is where our word stadium comes from. Later, longer and more difficult races were added.

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THE MESSENGER

In ancient times the games were held to give young athletes a chance to excel. The Greeks liked to compete. Their ultimate goal was to be the best. This is the goal of the games today, too.

We know who the winner in a competition is because he has beaten all his opponents. His time is faster, or his execution of the event is more exact or perfect. It means he made the least mistakes. Often the winner also beats his own best time. And so, he doesn’t only beat the others but he improves on his own best performance. He gets better.

It is often at the Olympics where new achievements happen for the first time. This happened to Wilma Rudolph.

Wilma was the first female sprinter to win three gold medals at one Olympic Games. Wilma won the 100 metre dash, the 200 metre, and the 400 metre relay. This was a first. It had never been done before. For Wilma it was even more amazing because she had overcome major childhood illnesses, polio, pneumonia, and scarlet fever. At the Olympics she was called “the Gazelle” because of her speed, grace, and beauty.

Another first was Nadia Comaneci. Nadia was the first gymnast to get 7 perfect tens. She was just 14 years old and achieved what no other Olympian had ever achieved, a perfect score.

The first Olympic Games had another purpose. The games helped Greeks who left their homes to work in foreign countries to meet, to practice their skills and compete together. So even though they were separated from their homeland they were together as fellow athletes. Today at the Olympics many athletes cannot talk to each other in a common language. They are from different countries, yet they feel they belong together because they have the same goals.

The five Olympic rings show this togetherness and friendship between people and countries that are different.

The interlocking rings are like friends linking arms.

In the book of Corinthians, Paul is talking to the Greek people of Corinth who are very familiar with the races at the Olympics and other competitions.

He compares training to win in an athletic race to practicing following Jesus so that He will say, “You did well!”

T Read about it in 1 Corinthians 9:24, and Matthew 25:23. M

Olympics word search S E J Z X S J N U G L G N N L

P G D A U I O G W N S Y R T A

G J N C V H G N F I T M D S Z

G O S I T E H I L M A N L Y T

T I L A R U L V W M D A E G L

D U R D R C E I O I I S I D M

H A P D M R I D N W U T F X J

M C L T M E A P N S M I D H K

Z E R E O W D Y M V W C N O H

S M D O A H U A Q Y B S A H S

D A C R T F S K L V L V K P Q

L A D E M E Z N O R B O C I B

L Z C E R E M O N Y E M A L F

Y R E H C R A T H E N S R O B

A E L E X Z J W X T B C T I O

ARCHERY FLAME SHOTPUT ATHENS GOLDMEDAL SILVERMEDAL AWARD GYMNASTICS STADIUM BRONZEMEDAL HURDLES SWIMMING CEREMONY JAVELIN TORCH DISCUS MARATHON TRACK-AND-FIELD DIVING OLYMPICRINGS

Church Treasurers, Finance Committees, Church Leaders Seminars Date: Saturday, October 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aylmer EMMC in Ontario. Saturday, October 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morrow Gospel Church, 755 Ste. Anne’s Road, Winnipeg, Man. $25 registration fee to help cover speakers, facilities, noon meal and refreshments.

Topics include: ● Regulatory and legislative updates for charitable organizations ● Incorporation and liability issues for churches ● Church accounting, budgeting and reporting ● Church accounting software and applications for effective financial reporting Pre-registration is requested. Please contact Len Barkman or Ruth Anne Peters at the EM Conference office, 204-326-6401.

These seminars are sponsored jointly by Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference, Chortitzer Mennonite Conference, and Mennonite Foundation of Canada.

Contributions and pledges are appreciated

Thank you to all who have contributed and pledged almost $100,000 to Steinbach Bible College and Steinbach Christian High School in July. God is answering our prayers and we are grateful!

If you can still help, we would greatly appreciate it as we still need an additional $100,000 by September. God bless you as you give.

Ed Peters, Director of Development Steinbach Bible College, www.sbcollege.mb.ca

August 18, 2004

June 30 Financial Update (clarified) A comparison of the past four years:

Receipts Disbursements 2004 $560,994 $775,993 2003 $599,182 $728,707 2002 $581,556 $723,324 2001 $536,121 $726,498

Shortfall (June 30) $214,999 $129,525 $141,768 $190,377 Board of Trustees Evangelical Mennonite Conference

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Deanna Lynn Friesen 1946–2004 Deanna Lynn Friesen entered eternity on March 12, 2004, after a lengthy illness and complications arising from her lifelong battle with hydrocephalus. The family is grateful for the wonderful care she received from the staff at Concordia Hospital throughout this time.

She was born on March 11, 1946 in Winkler, Man., to John and Emma (nee Born) Bergmann who lived on a farm near Morden, Man. She marked her 58th birthday on the day before her passing.

Deanna accepted Christ as her Saviour at the age of nine, on January 1, 1955.

She distinctly remembered the date, and her faith sustained her during the many difficult times on her life, giving her purpose and meaning. She was baptized in 1970 and became a member at Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church. Over the many years since, she and Ken have received much support and love from the congregation here.

Some time after Deanna’s birth, her parents became aware that their new little daughter had some health issues.

The doctors hoped that the symptoms of hydrocephalus would disappear with time, but they soon realized that her eyesight was less than 10 percent of normal vision.

Then, in 1952-53, she contracted polio, which paralyzed one side of her face for a time.

In 1964, at the age of 18, Deanna came to live in the Canadian National Institute for the Blind residence in Winnipeg. She worked in the CNIB cafeterias and after some time in the residence, she was invited to live with Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Neufeld, who became like a second set of loving and caring parents to her. While living with the Neufelds, Deanna met Ken Friesen from Steinbach on a blind date set up by a friend. They went bowling that evening, and the next night went out again, this time to the Red River Exhibition, where Ken persuaded Deanna to ride with him on the double Ferris Wheel. They were married on July 14, 1968 in the Salem MB Church.

Deanna managed her household well,

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with help from Ken. His faithful support has allowed her to cope with her health problems during difficult times and to experience joy when her health was good. She and Ken loved to travel, visiting family and friends often and with much anticipation. They camped often in their tent trailer. She loved to read and do word searches, using her magnifying lamp. She was also very fond of game shows like The Price is Right, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She kept pictures of her family and friends all over their home. She especially loved her niece and nephews, all of whom are pallbearers for her today. Deanna volunteered regularly at ChristianWeek, MB Communications, helping with their mailings. She also supported Ken faithfully in over 25 years of work in boys’ brigade at church.

In 1972, shortly after their marriage, Deanna underwent surgery to insert a shunt to relieve the pressure of extra fluid on her brain, caused by the hydrocephalus.

Her relief was remarkable, and she enjoyed years of good health, although they were not without complications and additional surgeries to replace the shunt. Deanna had an outstanding ability to bounce back after a severe bout of illness, and this happened a number of times throughout her life. By God’s grace, she rallied to be at Ken’s side during his health issues in 2001. After her last surgery in 2000, Deanna’s memory began to fail and daily activities, including walking, became increasingly difficult.

On November 24, 2003, Deanna was

hospitalized for the last time. There were plans for her to placed in a care facility, but God had other plans for her. She became bedridden and unable to communicate, and eventually developed pneumonia and complications from which she could not bounce back. These have been difficult weeks, and we as a family appreciate the prayers that have been offered on our behalf.

Deanna is survived by her loving husband, Ken Friesen; her sister, Sharon Epp (John); niece Susan Peters (Vern); nephews John Reimer-Epp (Heidi), Tim Epp (Colleen), Matthew Epp (Jodie), with their children; brothers-in-law Edmar Friesen and Wes Friesen (Elaine); nephews Scott Friesen, Nathan Friesen (Bobbie-Jo), and their children; and a very large circle of relatives and friends.

Deanna, we love you. We know that you are at peace in Jesus.

A devotional was held on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 7 p.m. at Braeside EMC on Munroe Avenue, with James Schellenberg delivering the meditation.

Family viewing took place before the service.

The funeral service for Deanna Friesen was held on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at the Braeside EMC, 1011 Munroe Avenue in Winnipeg with Pastor Carl Heppner. Interment took place at the Mennonite Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Carl officiating.

Her Family

with our churches Parent-child dedication at HCF Buffalo Head Prairie, Alta.:

Two couples participated in a parentchild dedication at Hillside Christian Fellowship on May 9: Henry and Lena Driedger with Jennifer and Beth Ann, and Russell and Susie Friesen with Clairesse.

Mimi Friesen

THE MESSENGER

shoulder tapping MCC Canada seeks an interim web editor, Winnipeg, Man., to ensure that it is well represented. The editor is accountable to the director of communications of MCC Canada and will take direction from the binational director of communications. This two-year term position begins November 1, 2004.

Qualifications: A knowledge of web design and understanding of web as a communication tool, strong writing and editing skills, familiarity with html and emerging web technologies, pro-active and energetic, strong organizational skills, creative, strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of MCC. All MCC workers are to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. Contact Marsha Jones or Marilyn Funk in the MCC Canada office at 204-261-6381 or e-mail mgj@mennonitecc.ca or mrf@mennonitecc.ca.

Mennville EMC, a rural church near Riverton, Man., seeks a half-time youth leader/pastor to give spiritual leadership and be a program director for a youth group of approximately 25 to 30. Call for information or send resume to Kenton Barkman, Box 576, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0. Phone 204-378-5623 or e-mail kenton@mts.net.

Needed in 2005: MCC executive director (Akron, Pa).

This person will lead MCC and build understanding and support for its mission among an increasingly diverse constituency. Contact Donella Clemens, search committee chair, Box 64439, Souderton, PA 18964 or dmclemens@mindspring.com. Application review begins Sept. 1, 2004.

Roseisle EMC, a warm, friendly congregation serving a diverse community, seeks a full-time pastor. Roseisle is a small rural town in south-central Manitoba. The church’s average Sunday morning attendance is 85.

The applicant should be familiar with the Mennonite perspective and willing to be guided by the EMC Statement of Faith. Previous pastoral experience is an asset. Please submit resume and cover letter to Peter Dyck, Box 4, Roseisle, MB R0G 1V0., phone 204-435-2068; or Frank Peters, Box 94, Roseisle, MB R0G 1V0, phone 204-828-3571.

The Archives Committee, under the EMC Board of Church Ministries, seeks a part-time volunteer archivist to work out of the Steinbach, Man., office.

Tasks involve the organizing, filing and tracking of historical materials within the vault and over-flow areas in the building. Assets are an interest in history and a skill or willingness to operate a computer database; an exceptional asset would be the ability to read German.

For information, contact Executive Secretary Terry Smith at 204-326-6401 or emcmessenger@mts.net.

Thompson Christian Centre Fellowship (Mennonite Brethren), a small, caring, congregation of 60 to 80 people, seeks a senior pastor. Our ideal candidate will have the heart of a shepherd, and will possess skills in congregational care and discipleship. Forward your resume to Pastoral Search Committee, 328 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 0C4 or email keithderksen@ yahoo.ca.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel (EMC), a warm, friendly congregation with 50 to 60 in attendance on Sunday morning, seeks a pastor. It is located in a small town/ rural part of east-central Saskatchewan, between Yorkton and Hudson Bay. The church is flexible in standards for both candidate education and experience. As an evangelical church in town, it serves a wide range of people. Contact chairman of elders Neil Fenske at 306-547-4738 or Box 263, Endeavour, SK S0A 0W0.

Community Bible Fellowship Christian School, a K–8

August 18, 2004

school located in Swan River, Man., seeks a grades 5–8 homeroom teacher who will teach all subjects. Must hold a Manitoba teacher’s certificate, be born again, and provide pastoral references. Inquire with chairperson Tracy Burick at 204-238-4913 or send resume to CBFCS, Box 62, Bowsman, MB R0L 0H0.

Do you feel called to work with children? Manitoba House, located in Winnipeg’s North End, has openings for summer staff, full-time workers and volunteers to form positive relationships with children aged five to twelve. The goal is to teach the gospel, instruct the children in life skills and to help them gain stronger academic skills.

Applicants need to have a strong calling for inner city missions, have good communication skills and be well-organized. It is expected that a full-time worker will be able to raise their own support with some help from the board. For information check http://members. shaw.ca/ManitobaHouse.

Please submit your resume to Steve Brown (204-2220797) at manitobahouse@shaw.ca.

Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) is looking for a full-time lead pastor. Pelly is a small rural community (300 people) in east-central Saskatchewan.The congregation averages 40 on Sunday mornings and is the only evangelical church in the community.

Please forward your resume or questions to the search committee by mail at Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0 or phone Eugene Prokott at 306-595-2287, Lewis Anfinson at 306594-2151, or e-mail woodlandsigns@sasktel.net.

MDS workers are needed! Canadian volunteers, remember to connect with the MDS office in Winnipeg prior to making service arrangements directly with an MDS project. This will ensure that you receive a border crossing letter, travel assistance/receipting details and other important MDS information. Extension office: 866-261-1274.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada, a charitable foundation serving seven Anabaptist church conferences across Canada, seeks a general manager at its head office in Winnipeg, Man. This person will manage the overall operations of MFC and ensure that its biblical stewardship message, charitable gift, and estate planning services are effectively carried out.

The successful candidate will have management training and experience; be innovative, entrepreneurial, and a person of vision; possess strong written and verbal communication skills; possess excellent public relations skills; and support MFC’s stewardship message and principles.

The manager reports directly to the board. The candidate must be a member of one of MFC’s seven participating conference churches. MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Submit applications by September 30, 2004, to Personnel Committee, 12-1325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6 gmsearch@mennofoundation.ca www. mennofoundation.ca.

Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, Man., is seeking a full-time associate pastor of Spanish ministries. The applicant should be familiar with the Anabaptist perspective and willing to be guided by the EMC Statement of Faith.

Responsibilities to include: pastoral care, teaching, and outreach. The Spanish part of the Braeside congregation has an average attendance of 60 people.

Please forward your resume and references to Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church, Attn: Spanish Ministry Search Committee, 1011 Munroe Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 1J7.

Program officer(s) are required in Nuevos Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. This is a MCC voluntary

position for a two- or three-year term. For information contact the MCC Canada office at 204-261-6381 and ask for Marsha Jones or Mary Friesen. See web site for details: www.mcc.org/getinv.html (Service Opportunity of the Month).

Landmark Youth for Christ seeks an executive director to run its full-time youth drop in centre (Flatland Drop In). The centre is situated on Main Street. Its newly renovated and very cool building will hold up to 60 teens on any night. This exciting new facility is revving up and ready to go to work, but we are missing the most important person: the director. Is it you? Contact Janice Schultz at siskinbay16@yahoo.ca.

Inner City Youth Alive is an organization in the North End of Winnipeg, Man., that reaches youth and their families in the community. It seeks a community ministry coordinator that will work with adults from the surrounding community, and with volunteers and staff to be the hands and feet of Christ. It also is seeking a program director that should possess pastoral gifts and be ready to support and encourage the staff team.

Phone: 204-582-8779. E-mail: icya@mts.net. Website: www.innercityyouthalive.org.

Riverton Gospel Chapel (EMC), a small rural town in Manitoba’s Interlake, seeks a loving leading pastor.

Housing is included in the salary package. This friendly and loving congregation has an average attendance of 75–100, with a high percentage of young families. The area has good schools.

Contact Paul Peters, board chair, by mail: Box 356, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0, by e-mail: paul@vidir.com, or by phone: 204-378-2740 (home), 204-364-2442 (work).

Mennville Christian School (MCS), near Riverton, Man., invites applications from certified teachers committed to teaching the province’s curriculum from a Christian perspective for two full-time multi-grade positions: Kindergarten to Grade 3 (all subjects) and Grade 8 to Senior 2 (all subjects). For details contact principal Randy Hiebert at 204-378-5576. To enrich the program of the school through music or other specialization is an asset. MCS is an independent, government funded school with 45 students. MCS offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Various housing options are available.

Send resume, statement of faith, and three references (including one pastoral reference) to Roger Friesen, MCS Board Chairman, Box 448, Riverton, MB, R0C 2R0.

Applications may be faxed to him at 204-378-2594. MCS thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.

coming events Sept. 29–Oct. 1 14th Annual Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-889-8099 204-853-2095 Oct. 15–16 Southeastern Manitoba Christian Education Convention Dr. Perry Downs, TEDS Providence College Otterburne, Man. Phone: 204-433-7488 www.prov.ca

Oct. 15–17 EMC Youth Leaders Retreat Speaker: Jim Harms Pinawa, Man. Phone: 204-326-6401 Nov. 12–13 Christians Responding to HIV/AIDS in Africa Dr. Allen Ronald Calvary Temple Winnipeg, Man. Phone: 204-452-1374 204-895-0608

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convention photo album

On cue: That’s Arlin Scharfenberg of Rosenort EMC and pastor Carl Heppner of Braeside EMC (Winnipeg).

See page 13 for more photos

Evan Kornelsen is

minister in training at the Christian Fellowship in High Level, Alta.

Melvin Peters, a missionary in Lesotho, Africa, did a presentation for a children’s session.

PAGE 20

Saying he is wearing his “native dress,” Conroy Koop spoke on Friday evening. He’s pastor of Fish Creek Christian Fellowship in Calgary, Alta.

THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914