The Messenger Vol. 43 No. 18 October 19, 2005

Messenger The

EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 43 NUMBER 18 OCTOBER 19, 2005

Ch ur ch pr of L of iv ile in p. g W 9 at er

Gentleness restoring the fallen

Marks of the Spirit

One of two parts

Welcome to the

Church!

E

ver wondered about the Christian Church? I want to welcome you to this body we call the church. By describing the church from Galatians 6:1–2, I hope you will find a welcoming picture.

Galatians is an artifact of the time that our saintly apostle Paul got angry. He fired off this letter and the Holy Spirit deemed it Holy Writ.

Paul is aghast. After the crucifixion of Christ as the one cursed by the law, the resurrection of Jesus as the one who conquered the flesh, and the pouring of the Spirit as the empowerment to live like God, people are foolishly trying to live by flesh and law. The cross, the empty grave and the Spirit were God’s declaration that the law encumbered by flesh was hopeless, and that a new way had

Layton Friesen

arrived to accomplish what the law tried to do. That new way was life in the community of the Spirit.

What does that community look like? “My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:1-2).

It’s all relational stuff, about life together. There are signs that might make us suspect we are living in a community fused by the Spirit.

A practice of gentleness There is a practice of gentleness towards those who sin.

We are not rough or manipulative. We do not try to atone for our own sins by our harsh reaction to other’s failings or try to humanly engineer repentance. We are pacifist in church practice. We don’t expect people to think we are pacifist in regards to Iraqi dictators if we have not been pacifist with those who sin in the church. We depend on the Spirit to convict of sin and thus we can be gentle, though the Spirit may use our mutual covenant to bring about repentance.

Gentleness may be one of the more counter-cultural fruits of the Spirit. Our society is founded on the notion, begun at least in the 17th century, that life will go well if we take matters into own hands and create the society we desire through science, technology, state, and

There is a practice of gentleness towards those who sin. We are not rough or manipulative. We do not try to atone for our own sins by our harsh reaction to other’s failings or try to humanly engineer repentance. market. We are acculturated to believe that we’ve never met a problem that, including the spiritual, couldn’t be 2

THE MESSENGER

solved with a handy human technique.

The problem, of course, is that the engineering of the church simply has not been gentle. Within Evangelicalism, for example, revivalism has tended to favour efficient solutions, mass formulas, and controlled environments that enable us to move sinners to repentance with calculated and analytical precision.

But we cannot be both efficient and gentle, both driven by conversion growth and gentle. We cannot make an idol out of purity and be gentle.

Paul guards against a possible misinterpretation of the gentleness principle. It might look as though there are two groups of people in the church: Those who have received the Spirit and those detected in a sin.

To make sure we don’t go there he adds, “Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.” Stay a little suspicious of the human heart. Never be caught over-estimating our own sanctification.

There seems to be a temptation in the Christian community to confuse a high view of the church with a high view of the ethics of people within the church. In a Christianity Today article, Rob Moll speaks of how North American churches and ministries recently lost billions of dollars in corrupt schemes, many concocted by church members.

Why do churches seem to want to believe their ethics regarding money management are higher than they are? Do we no longer believe in the doctrine of sin? Have we wanted so much for our faith to be true that we forget we are still basically human?

Don’t we subscribe to the basic Christian teaching that everything is corrupted with sin, even things done “for the Lord”?

Paul is not trying to create a culture of suspicion and distrust. He isn’t suggesting that we need to beat ourselves over the head (remember gentleness) or be paralyzed by guilt.

In his final moments of intimacy and trust, Jesus matter-of-factly said to his friends “you will betray me…you will deny me…you will all desert me.”

He said this without berating them October 19, 2005

or demanding an explanation and, most importantly, without ruining the poignancy and meaning of the moment.

You may think at this point: “I have enough trouble with sin as it is, without hanging out with such shady company. Maybe I have less chance of being a sinner outside the church.” In a way you would be right.

Sinners exist only in the church We should say, carefully but confidently, that the only place sinners exist is in the church. The church is largely here as an instrument of God to make sinners out of people; to invite people to where our lives are seen as lived in the presence of God. Sin is not merely bad behaviour; sin is a wrong against

Our hearts are desperately wicked. We have heard a rumour that there is a cure for us in the community of the Spirit, but we have only begun to take our medicine. someone with whom I am in covenant. That is who a sinner is, and to become a Christian is to finally become a sinner.

It’s the Holy Spirit’s work to bring this conviction of sin.

Having finally become sinners, we can be restored in the gentleness of the gospel, transformed into the image of him who was made sin on our behalf. This is why churches should never complain about how sinful the people are. The problem is not that the church is sinful; the problem is that churches may not have a way to keep sin from going to waste.

If you are like me when I graduated, you might have noble ideals about the church. A person with ideals is in a good but dangerous position. The temptation will be to chuck the ideals when you discover the reality so far below par.

I have no interest in disillusioning you. Ideals, whether inspired by newness to the faith, a Bible college education or elsewhere, have a role. But be careful when you come to us and start working out those ideals in the context of a local group of sinners. Our hearts are desperately wicked. We have heard a rumour that there is a cure for us in the community of the Spirit, but we have only begun to take our medicine. We often forget to take our medicine, and sometimes we forget what our disease was in the first place.

Ironically, the reality that seems so morbid is a key part of the good news for which we would give anything. Here I quote John Calvin (that hero of the Anabaptist Reformation): “For what is more consonant with faith than to realize that we are naked of all virtue, in order to be clothed by God?…To take away all occasion for glorying, that he alone may stand forth glorious and we glory in him?”

Welcome to the church, a Spirit-fused T community of gentle sinners. M Layton Friesen is senior pastor at Fort Garry EMC in Winnipeg, Man. This message was adjusted from part of his commencement address at Steinbach Bible College’s graduation ceremony on April 17, 2005.

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The

editorials

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To avoid mentioning Jesus in a denomination that claims to be Christian is a startling act. Either Christ is there and unrecognized, or he is absent because the church is losing its way. Either way, it’s a central loss!

The United Church is a diverse denomination with strengths. However, in some parts of it, that Jesus is both God and man (rather than a God-sent or God-filled man) who died in an objective atonement for sin (one needed to cover our sins for us to be reconciled to God) is weakly proclaimed or absent.

What of the EMC? In our worship services do we overuse the term God and assume it’s filled with Christian meaning?

Do we balance right behaviour with right teaching? Are we alert to a possible drift from a basic Christian confession, not only T treasured distinctives? M Terry M. Smith

Lester Olfert isn’t retiring just yet

fter serving 13 years in the national office, Lester Olfert leaves the position of Foreign Secretary (an administrator overseeing our missions efforts in Mexico, Paraguay, and Nicaragua) effective at the end of December. But, contrary to rumour, he isn’t retiring just yet.

The plans of Lester and his wife Darlene are uncertain at this point, but they will likely serve where they can speak Spanish and eat spicy foods. (They served in Nicaragua from 1965–1984, 1987–1989, and have also served in Mexico.)

Lester can show amazing courage. I’ve watched how, with his own two hands, he’s taken on a sea of Winnipeg Blue Bomber fans in their own stadium—standing to clap and cheer when his home province Saskatchewan Rough Riders scored a touchdown.

He is also creative. Once, I returned a set of golf clubs to him while our vehicles 4

EDITOR Terry M. Smith

Christ is our centre

ecently our conference pastor David Thiessen said in a staff devotional that Christ is at the centre. Dr. Sam Nafzger at a Lutheran Church Canada convention reminded delegates that the death and resurrection of Jesus are first and foremost.

This is the gospel message handed to us, so “let’s get on with it!” (Canadian Lutheran September 2005).

Christ is our proper centre. The Apostle Paul said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “I preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). No foundation is proper other than “Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

United Church moderator Peter Short has commented on the absence of the name of Jesus among United Church ministers (The Observer, January 2005). Leaders gave various reasons, but, beyond Short, not all seem to recognize the significance.

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Messenger

sat on the parking lot shared by the EMC national office and Steinbach EMC. I expected to see him transfer the clubs to his vehicle. Instead, he selected a ball, placed it on the asphalt, and smacked it with a club.

The ball flew, bounced, rolled, careened off the brick median beside the Steinbach church office doors, and disappeared from view. Later, I found it—appropriately, given the term golfers use to describe their game—perched on the grass under a Handicapped Parking sign.

Throughout Lester’s time at the national office, he and Darlene have displayed a steady concern for the Lord, missions, local church involvement, community, and friendship. Blessings, Lester and Darlene!

It’s been great having you around.

Ken and Val Zacharias, what stories will T we tell about you years from now? M 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, instruct and inspire: 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. The views and opinions expressed by the 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 Board of Church Ministries of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 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. In cooperation with the EMC Conference Council, members and adherents pay through their church.

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs.

The magazine and its publisher, the Board of Church Ministries, are obligated to work within the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 20 – November 16 (copy due November 4)

THE MESSENGER

letters Fierce Goodbye, suicide and mental illness I am pleased to see your editorial and subsequent article referencing suicide and the role of the church [both in September 21, 2005]. I also went to the Fierce Goodbye website and again reviewed that material. That site goes to considerable lengths to identify the association suicide has to mental illness.

When the illnesses of the mind and brain in particular produce disordered thinking patterns, irrational behaviour is not uncommon, including suicide.

We must come to terms with the reality of mental illnesses and its behavioural consequences to effectively face this issue. When negative or destructive behaviours, including suicide, occur, it is not primarily a condition of faulty faith, any more than behaviours associated with other illnesses such as cancer.

The role of the church and surrounding church community, as with any tragic event, is to be supportive and caring. To respond differently is to be guilty of perpetuating the stigma of a misunderstood illness. Let’s call it what it is.

Eckhard Goerz Chief Executive Officer Eden Mental Health Centre Winkler, Man.

October 19, 2005

Our duty to evangelize children The author [Let a Child be a Child! May 4, 2005] attempted to indicate such an approximate time when a child becomes “spiritually” accountable by suggesting that it might be the age of puberty or at the age the law deems an individual to be accountable for his or her own actions, implying that it could be as late as 19 years old. The truth is that God never states, in Scripture, at what age we become accountable for our own sins so the author’s guess is as good as yours or mine.

Who can blame a distraught parent for being concerned about the spiritual condition of a precious infant or toddler who has died before their life came to full bloom? We take comfort in the words of David who said, upon the death of his infant son, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). Beyond that little is said of their spiritual state.

In citing Mark 10:13–16 the author takes the exact opposite meaning from it that I do. Jesus used the situation to point out to the adults who were present that they must “receive the Kingdom of God as a child (would).”

My view is that children can come to an understanding of sin and salvation earlier than most people realize. Do they make “little adult decisions” as the article states? No, they make childlike decisions based on a need for God’s forgiveness they have already recognized and the provision of a Saviour, Whom, they have learned, loves them unconditionally.

Therefore adults also need to come to faith in Christ in a childlike manner.

What about sowing the good seed of the Word of God in their hearts?

Four kinds of soil are mentioned in the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:8). The one that most clearly illustrates the heart of a child is the good soil that receives the Word of God and produces much fruit.

The likelihood of a conversion decision declines dramatically as the years pass and a person grows into adulthood.

Why would we want to miss the golden opportunity afforded us to evangelize children at the very time they are most ready to receive this good news?

Let a child be a child. Yes! But the world isn’t doing that when it sexualizes little girls in the guise of preparing them for a career in modeling. North American children are routinely subjected to

images and concepts via the electronic media that are way beyond their age level and who is concerned about that?

Yet someone is worried that a children’s worker might explain the fall of man into sin and the need for every individual to received God’s atonement through the death of His Son on the cross? It is not only right to evangelize children, it is our God-given duty to do so.

I also need to explain that I have worked with CSSM for almost 40 years at every level in the organization. We left our position as assistant to National Director in Winnipeg because we want to have a more “hands on” ministry with children in camp and Vacation Bible School ministry.

Albert Dean St. Stephen, New Brunswick

Concerned about Let a Child be a Child!

In response to the article Let a Child be a Child! by Dr. Harvey Plett, in the May 4 Messenger, we agree that parents of very small children can rest assured of their little ones’ spiritual safety (see 2 Samuel 12:23). However, we were disappointed and concerned by the implication that growing children should not be evangelized.

We got the impression that the author believed children should not be taught that when they do wrong it is sin and sin separates us from God, as though teaching them about sin and the Saviour who paid their penalty and offers to cure them would be to their detriment.

In stressing God’s love to our children— which is important—the good news that Jesus died for them and rose again to make them His own is meaningless unless they know their need.

We read in Matthew 11:25–26, just after Jesus had been talking about the day of judgment, At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father…because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”

Children are capable of understanding the message when the Holy Spirit deems they are ready. I (Cornelius) became (Letters continued on page 6.)

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letters

continued

conscious of sin when I was about 11 or 12. Nobody had personally confronted me, though I did hear about sin at church.

A growing conviction led me to respond to God’s Word when I was 16.

Evangeline, on the other hand, remembers feeling convicted of her need of a Saviour as a child of five, while sitting in an evangelistic service with her parents. She responded in her own private, child-like way, and grew in understanding and fuller responses as she got older.

We all agree that we do not know when a given child reaches the age of accountability. Is there an unexpressed fear that telling children the truth may lower that age? Perhaps it would, but if we don’t know exactly when they are accountable, is it not important to tell them the gospel early?

To make ourselves feel better by withholding the truth of mankind’s lostness from a child seems irresponsible.

And would it not be a mistake, say, to assure a child who, unbeknown to us, is troubled by their sin, that they are safe in the kingdom?

We need to acknowledge that Dr. Plett’s focus seems to be on children of Christian homes. An example is found in the application section of the article, where he says, “Ideally a child from a Christian home should never know a time that it was lost because it made right decisions as the opportunity came along.” Of course, life is rarely ideal.

Inheriting human nature and being subjected to evil influences in our society to whatever extent, our children need to learn of their spiritual need and hear the good news just as much as those

coming events

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October 27 Song of the Soul Eden Health Care Services Fundraising Banquet Bethel Mennonite Church Winnipeg, Manitoba 866-895-2919

November 5–7 Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship Canada Living Models of the NT Church Dr. Abraham Friesen, speaker Winkler EMMC Winkler, Manitoba 204-331-3196

October 28 Song of the Soul Eden Health Care Services Altona EMMC Altona, Manitoba 855-895-2919

November 11–12 MCC Ontario Annual Meeting Wainfleet BIC Church Niagara, Ontario 800-313-6226

October 29 Managament Issues for Churches and Charitable Organizations Cornerstone Fellowship Church (EMC) Swift Current, Saskatchewan 204-326-6401

November 18–20 Canadian Educators Leaders’ Gathering Mennonite Church Canada Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Manitoba 204-888-6781 or 866-888-6785

November 3 Life Flows On Faith for families of those with chronic mental illness Regional Health Centre, Rm N245–248 Brandon, Manitoba 204-325-4325

November 19 Caring for ex-prisoners Healing and reintegration Rev. Dr. Pierre Allard and David Milgaard, speakers Foothills Alliance Calgary, Alberta 403-275-6935

November 4 Life Flows On Faith for families of those with chronic mental illness Emmanuel Mennonite Church Winkler, Manitoba 204-325-4325

November 20 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church More than Conquerors www.idop.ca 905-479-5885, ext. 234

November 5 Life Flows On Faith for families of those with chronic mental illness Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Manitoba 204-325-4325

January 27–29, 2006 Break Forth Canada Equipping and Renewal Conference New Creation Ministries Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton, Alberta 780-417-5082

from non-Christian backgrounds—and to embrace the gospel before they are baptized. They need to deeply appreciate why Jesus had to die for them, for He Himself said, in Luke 7:47, “He who has been forgiven little, loves little.”

Corney and Evangeline Thiessen CSSM Ministries and Mission Heights members Grande Prairie, Alta.

MDS responding after Katrina and Rita Mennonite Disaster Service is developing a long-term project site just outside Gulfport to serve that city and Biloxi, and will continue to serve at Bayou La Batre/Mobile and Des Allemands/Houma communities for the foreseeable future. Clean-up work is anticipated to last for many months before any significant rebuilding can begin. Investigation has begun September 3 in the Louisiana/Texas communities hit by Hurricane Rita and in New Orleans, and it is too early to tell how MDS will respond there.

Canadians have opened their hearts, and contributed their financial resources and time to the Gulf Coast response. Over $600,000 has been donated to MDS in cash or RVs and other in-kind gifts (and over $4 million in the US).

As of October 2, Canadian volunteer groups from BC to Ontario coordinated from the MDS offices have begun serving at Des Allemands and Bayou La Batre. Normal shortterm volunteer scheduling will begin when the project sites are more established.

In the meantime, our ongoing project sites at Wachula, Arcadia and Century, Florida; and Julian, California, are still open and seeking volunteers. Watch the website (mds. mennonite.net) or call MDS at 866261-1274.

One area of great need will be developing more project directors and construction and crew leaders. Please consider such service opportunities or shoulder tap someone who might consider this, and make contact by early November with Lois Nickel (866257-1274).

MDS

THE MESSENGER

A Canadian Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary An opportunity to receive training from a Mennonite perspective Thirty years ago, I was seriously considering what my life work would be. At the time, I was in university, partway through a Bachelor of Arts program. I had been quite involved in ministry in my home church and thoroughly enjoyed this ministry and began to contemplate a life of full-time church work of some kind.

During that time, I had a visit with a representative from a Mennonite seminary who encouraged my interest.

As I began to get serious about that direction in my life, the factor that most made me hesitate to attend that seminary was that it was located in the United States. As much as the location intrigued me, I knew the cost of crossing the border and could not see my way through to attending.

Since there was an evangelical seminary right in the province, it seemed a satisfactory way to go.

Since that time, I have been pastor in a Baptist church (four months) and in several different Mennonite denominations (28 years). I embrace a theology that is Evangelical and Mennonite. I deeply affirm the evangelical emphasis on personal salvation and gospel proclamation. I have enjoyed fellowship with brothers and sisters in evangelical churches. I am also committed to the Mennonite emphasis on community, discipleship and peace.

Since I have had experience in both evangelical and Mennonite settings,

I have come to believe that the theological emphasis that is found in the identity as Evangelical Mennonite expresses well what I understand the Bible to teach and is where I am most comfortable.

I believe that seminary training is very helpful to equip church leaders for ministry. As they engage in Biblical study, theological reflection and ministry training, leaders develop significant resources to strengthen the gifts that God has given them.

In my experience in the evangelical seminary, I had good training in Biblical studies, but did not have a good opportunity to reflect theologically on that training from a Mennonite perspective. Since that time, I have had opportunity to do that reflection and wish that I could have done it already in seminary.

One example is reading I have recently done on the book of Romans.

I learned Romans from a Calvinistic perspective in seminary. I have recently studied it from an Anabaptist perspective and have discovered that my heart says a firm “Amen” to this way of interpretation. Had I had an opportunity to take my seminary training in an Evangelical Mennonite school, I would have been glad to do so.

The beginning of such an option is now available for those who are considering seminary training. The Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program offers the first year of

seminary training in Winnipeg on the Canadian Mennonite University campus. The program is affiliated with Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and with Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

The first year is transferable to either of these schools where programs can be completed. There are also agreements in place to allow one to complete the seminary program in other schools. I am thankful for such an option and hope it will help provide effective training for many leaders in our churches.

George Toews Senior Pastor, Rosenort EMC EMC representative to EASP, Winnipeg

EMC Hockey Tournaments EMCup November 11–13, 2005, at Steinbach, Man. There is room for 20 teams.

Interested churches can contact Russ Dyck at 204-326-6503.

Women’s Tournament Arena at Landmark, Man. January 20–21, 2006 (Friday evening and Saturday)

Interested teams or individuals contact Meghan Storey at meghan_storey@hotmail.com.

Entry deadline is November 18, 2005.

Management Issues for Churches and Charitable Organizations A seminar for church leaders, and church board and committee members October 29, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cornerstone Fellowship Church Swift Current, Sask.

Please pre-register at the EM Conference office, 204-326-6401.

October 19, 2005

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with our churches

Church picnic and family camp Taber, Alta.: The summer has only begun and yet we have had a summer packed full of fun and new experiences.

On May 29 we had our church picnic which, like other years, was a great success. We started the morning with a worship service at the park. Although our minds were telling us it was summer already, the morning air had a bit of a chill to it, especially for those that forgot their sweaters. After the great lunch, the fun and games began for the children.

What picnic wouldn’t be complete without the usual balloon tosses, sack races, and let’s not forget our favourite— the piñata! The kids have such a great time swinging their bat through the air hoping to hear the “smack” and sound of candy falling to the ground. The day ended, true to tradition, with a big water fight that left many completely soaked, while others escaped completely dry.

The following weekend we had our church family campout at Southern Alberta Bible Camp. Sides were hurting after all the laughter brought on by the many jokes and dramas. A puppet show was held for the kids which everyone enjoyed, even the adults.

Tina Dyck

Ben Dyck with his sons Nathan and Coby enjoyed the picnic from a distance.

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Tina Dyck, Nick Schmidt, and Anna Klassen prepared balloons for a balloon toss.

Four young girls enjoy a freezie after a hard play.

The senior youth participate in a sack race.

On June 12 Katharina Sawatzky answered God’s call to become baptized (with Pastor Edwin Plett).

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Church of Living Water

Building Christ’s future in

D

uring WestJet flights to and from London, Ontario, the officers and crew announce that the company has a plan and is prepared to serve. Unknown to WestJet, this also fits The Church of Living Water, 50 kms away in Tillsonburg.

Tillsonburg (pop. 15,000) is considered a town by standards common in Ontario. While the church’s pastoral couple Dave and Audrey Wiebe live where “everything is north” (near Lake Erie), they “love” being in southern Ontario and “we need to be here.”

The community is named after George Tillson, an immigrant from Massachusetts who in 1824 settled in the area. He was prominent in business ventures and surveyed the town site.

The surrounding area is highly populated. Its economy is diversified and strong, the pastor says. There’s a mixture of manufacturing, businesses, and intensive agriculture. Among its many crops are soybean, corn and tobacco—though the latter’s acres are decreasing.

Members work in trucking, trades, and manufacturing plants. Low German families from Mexico and men from Jamaica gather for seasonal work, the pastor says.

There are 18 “churches” and the dominant cultures are English, Belgian, Dutch, Hungarian and German (Tillsonburg Public Library website). And while there’s a wide welcome at Church of Living Water, the congregation reaches out to mostly Low German people who are second- and third-generation members of families with roots in Mexico, Pastor Wiebe explains.

Couples often seek help with specific needs, such as a crisis, discipleship, marriage, and children.

An outreach from Mount Salem In 1997 or 1998 Mount Salem EMC pastor Wilbert Friesen desired that a church be planted in Tillsonburg, Dave Dyck recalls.

Rose Reimer reports that in January 1999 a small group of people met to discuss a church start, supported by Mount Salem

October 19, 2005

Visiting after the morning service on September 11.

On Sunday evening several households gathered at Dave and Marie Dyck’s home in Corinth, Ont.

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EMC. “The Board of Missions and Region 9 churches became partners in the project. A small group met regularly for a year” (The Messenger, July 18, 2001).

Dave and Marie Dyck, a deacon couple, and three other couples were affirmed

by Mount Salem to give spiritual leadership to the work. The church’s name was suggested

by Ron Reimer, Marie Dyck said, and is based on Travis Redekop and Dion Neufeld Scripture. It means that the congregation seeks to be guided by the “Holy Spirit of Christ,” Dave Dyck said. “That Jesus is the one that is guiding the church.”

“If you go to the Church of Living Water,” Abe Neufeld said, “you will learn about Christ, to put it plainly.”

The church decided to seek an experienced pastor, Dave Dyck said. Dave and Audrey Wiebe—who had served churches in Endeavour, Brandon, and Vanderhoof—moved to Tillsonburg in December 1999.

he said openly that the “weight of ministry” is difficult; there’s always another call to make, more work to be done. Besides being a pastor’s wife, Audrey works as a full-time nurse.

In February 2000 the church began holding services in the local library; it still was in mid-September. Service attendance fluctuates between 50 to 75 people, with the latter being more common, Audrey Wiebe says.

Occasional events have been held in buildings belonging to the Salvation Army, Straffordville EMC, and Avondale Zion United Church. On Friday evening CLW members and Pastor Wiebe met with Avondale’s representatives to discuss holding regular worship

Though they are glad to be in Tillsonburg, pastoral couple Dave and Audrey Wiebe sometimes joke that they use their own WestJet to visit their children: Jolene is married and lives in B.C., Naomi is at CMU in Manitoba, and Jordan is at PRBI in Alberta.

“If you go to the Church of Living Water, you will learn about Christ, to put it plainly.”

Pastor Dave Wiebe, 56, is analytic, active, caring, and practical. He seems just as comfortable with explaining a landsite map as in sharing his philosophy of ministry. Still,

A Saturday garage sale raised building funds.

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On Saturday evening a congregational meeting was held using the building of Straffordville EMC. CLW wants its own building.

On September 11, 2005, Church of Living Water still met in the Tillsonburg Public Library.

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services in its Cuthbertson Hall. The library now is too small and the congregation needs room to grow, Pastor Wiebe said.

After considering various buildings and lots, Church of Living Water purchased three acres on the southern edge of town in early 2004. The pastor envisions a building with grounds that will serve the church well in its future.

The sod-turning hadn’t happened by early September.

and sponsors). A women’s Bible study was held the past winter and there are prayer sisters, Audrey explained.

Five small groups met during winter. A weekly family night is being planned; activities will involve families and assist adults in marriage and parental leadership, the pastor said.

Sunday service On Sunday morning September 11, 2005, Dave Wiebe arrived early at the library. Along with others, he arranged chairs, the sound system, and more. Gently, he suggested that an eager pint-size guitarist wait for a special service where children play music as the congregation sings.

“We are people who want to follow Christ day by day, continuously mature more and more.”

A campfire led to songs on Sunday evening.

Progress is slower than expected—partly because of the town’s requirements, caution with legal matters, and fundraising needs beyond what loans are available.

The hope is to break ground before winter comes, Dave Wiebe said.

Members mention the on-going challenge of the building project. Much has been learned through the

“One thing we’ve got going for our church is an amazing pastoral couple.” process and the church has responded well to the challenge to give. John Redekop said there’s a need to “stay strong.” The repeated delays can be “kind of discouraging,” Marie Dyck said, “but the wonderful thing is that we have a pastor who is always optimistic.”

On Friday evening, September 9, 2005, Dave Wiebe helped John Neufeld pack a utility trailer with boxes. By 7 a.m. Saturday the pastor was on the road to Courtland, eight kms east of Tillsonburg, where John and his wife Helen host a garage sale. It raised $245 for the building project.

Church structure The church has a board of elders, a board of trustees; and committees for Sunday school, adults (church activities for adults and families), and youth (led by Marylu Neufeld

October 19, 2005

At the 10:30 service, Pastor Wiebe welcomed people.

Abe Neufeld led in Scripture. John Neufeld chaired the service, and encouraged people to use the church bulletin as a prayer guide.

The pastor led God’s people in prayer for needs mentioned: People injured in accidents, concern over theft at a building site, and special meetings on September 23–25 with Mel Koop. Updates were given on children’s church, youth group (it will meet weekly), Cuthbertson Hall, the building project, and giving.

I gave the morning’s sermon. There was more singing, and the pastor led in a closing prayer.

On Sunday evening about a half dozen households gathered for supper and sang around a campfire at Dave and Marie Dyck’s home at Corinth. They discussed the church’s strengths: It is small and caring, has a good youth group, and strong church unity. “Everybody is caring,” said Aaron Dyck, a teenager. People spoke of how members have many gifts, strengths they are encouraged to use.

Offering time at Church of Living Water.

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What are the church’s challenges? To “reach out to people,” Dave Dyck replied; many people “shut out the gospel.”

His voice broke as he told of Gilbert Anderson, a group home resident, who was brought to a service. Baptized at age 67, Mr. Anderson died this past year. At his funeral, a poem was shared that, in part, said: I’ve seen hard and some good times/But the good seemed very few and ended with The seed is sown, life’s in full bloom, Since Jesus I found you. Dave Dyck asked whether Gilbert would have come to the Lord if he hadn’t been invited.

Pastor Wiebe said he’s been “inspired” by people’s stories of how they relate to friends, neighbours, co-workers and family.

He wants them to be “generous, supporting, encouraging people.”

Downtown Tillsonburg, Ontario

church. She will “open her home and her heart to anybody,” a woman said; another spoke of her rich sense of humour—“she’s wild at heart.”

What should we know?

What should others know about Church of Living Water? The church needs prayer and wants to pray for others—“that we need each other,” says Dave Dyck. Another is that “we are people who want to follow Christ day by day, continuously mature more and more,” he said.

Pastor Wiebe wants us to know “this isn’t about numbers; this is about people’s lives”—how people are coming to Christ and growing. He’s excited to see how people and leaders have grown during the past five years. Audrey wants us to know that “the Pastoral couple money they have placed in the missions program “Well, one thing…

“This isn’t about numbers; it’s about people’s to support the work here has been…well worth it.” we’ve got going for our lives,” Pastor Wiebe stresses to us.

“I think our people basically have a good view church is an amazing of the conference,” he said. Though the conference is pastoral couple,” said George Krahn, an apprentice new to many people, what is known is appreciated. mechanic. “Very inviting,” said Abe Neufeld. Dave Wiebe The community’s sign says Tillsonburg, a place to build is “not only a good pastor, he’s a good friend too,” said your future. Dependent upon the Holy Spirit of Jesus, the John Redekop. The pastor wants us to “grow more and church is determined that more people will find a richer more to become like Christ,” Dave Dyck said. He has a T future indeed. M passion for discipleship, Abe said.

Terry M. Smith Audrey was called “amazing” and “wonderful.” Women and men spoke of her skills as a hostess and in piano playing. She’s viewed as a good example to mothers at

George Krahn, Pastor Dave Wiebe and Abe Neufeld led in music Sunday morning (along with Irene Reimer, Rose Reimer, and Audrey Wiebe, not pictured).

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Sunday lunch at the home of Audrey and Dave Wiebe.

THE MESSENGER

Celebrations at Good News Church Good News (Steinbach, Man.): It is now almost a year since Steinbach’s newest EM church began meeting. As with any new venture, this involved a lot of meetings, discussions, bonding and prayer. But, naturally, the celebrations are what we like to remember.

The first celebration of Good News Community Church was our commissioning service at the Ridgewood EMC, which is sponsoring this church plant, on Sunday morning, May 15 2005. That evening we continued the celebration with a chartering service at the Steinbach Seniors’ Centre where we meet every Sunday night.

Fifteen members stood to join in making the covenant of membership with Good News Community Church: Curt and Jacqueline Brandt, Wally and Ruth Doerksen, Dan and Julie Friesen, Bruce and Kim Penner, Harv and Rhonda Penner, Gerhard Peters, Neil and Rose Rempel, and Glen and Betty Koop. Their children are also very much a part of our church family. It was good to see many people come out to support this new beginning.

Another celebration took place on August 21 with our first baptism. Leo Friesen was baptized and accepted into membership by Pastor Glen Koop.

The Good News Community Church was at Long Bow Lake Camp for a weekend retreat on September 16 to 18. Yonatan (top) hasn’t quite mastered the art of flying (missing is Nathaniel Penner, photographer).

The celebration continued at the home of Bruce and Kim Penner, where Leo’s family and friends and the church family rejoiced together over coffee and goodies.

In September we met for our first church camp at Long Bow Lake, Ontario.

It was a great time of togetherness: Visiting and visioning, playing and praying, eating and bonding in the kitchen. We culminated our weekend with a meaningful communion service.

From the beginning, one underlying principle has been that of the “gathered church” meeting on Sunday for mutual encouragement, prayer, and teaching in order to go forth as the “scattered church” wherever our life-paths take us.

It is exciting to be part of what the Lord is doing through the scattered church.

Betty Koop

Leo Friesen (left) was baptized by Pastor Glen Koop on August 21, 2005.

Braeside in summer Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Summer programs offered at Braeside differ somewhat from regular activities. For one thing, the weekly club and youth activities wind down. Second, Sunday school is put on hold till autumn. Our Sunday services begin a bit earlier and are followed by a barbecue that is hosted by a care group.

There are, however, other activities that are traditional summer programs.

In July there is a week of Vacation Bible School. This year over 30 teens and adults volunteered their time to assist in Construction Zone: Building Character Continued next page

October 19, 2005

Yesenia Garcia and Lisandro Tochez were baptized and accepted into membership in June.

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Like Jesus. Using crafts, sports, music, and drama the youngsters were taught what is required to build a strong faith in the Carpenter’s Son. Another early summer activity is the church picnic. This year the day started with cloud and rain, but by afternoon the sky cleared and the barbeque, games, and visiting proceeded without delay. A special picnic event, a gift from our Spanish members, is the piñata. It is more difficult than it looks to solidly hit and break the swinging paper maché figure filled with candy.

Finally, the annual community barbecue and Fun Fair (held on the church parking lot) attracted people from the surrounding homes and gave them a better idea of who we are and what role we play in the community.

Although the weather throughout this year’s fair was overcast and chilly (resulting in lower attendance), the rain that eventually came held off until a few minutes before the fair was to close down.

A number of our youth were involved in summer mission programs throughout the province.

Erin Schellenberg and Phil Bietz spent July and August at Braeside, coordinating KONECT, a program designed to attract community young people from grades 7 to 12. Activities included sports, discussions on selected Bible topics, refreshments and short field trips. The program was sponsored by the Urban

Green Team, a provincial governmentfunded employment agency. A positive spin-off from the program is that a number of the participants are now attending our youth meetings.

Angela Bietz spent the summer as a senior counselor at Camp Cedarwood.

Jay Boaz and Charlotte Hall volunteered their time at Beaver Creek Bible Camp.

Other Braesiders returned from international service opportunities.

Jessica Fontaine returned to Winnipeg after six months with YWAM in Northern Ireland; she is waiting for

In July five sets of parents dedicated themselves and their children to follow the Lord: Cam and Corrina Kroeker with Andrew Elijah, David and Aminata Koroma with Davida Hannah, Julio Ruiz and Julieth Mateus with Sofia Isabel, Carl and Kathy Heppner and Kezia Ruth Kaylene, and Alveiro and Sandra Hernandez with Julian Mauricio.

Four KONECT participants compete to stay cool on a hot August day: How many ice cubes can you pour into a T-shirt before someone cries, “Enough!”?

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a visa to allow her to return for a longer term to continue her work with young people she has learned to love.

Annabelle Friesen, who served for two years with EMC missions in Paraguay, arrived in our city in early August.

Each of these individuals, whether serving short- or long-term, locally or abroad, has been faithful in extending God’s Kingdom.

Al Dueck

Asha Mathew was baptized upon the confession of her faith and accepted into church membership in September.

THE MESSENGER

New pastoral couple and familiar outreaches Pelly, Sask.:

VBS was held in Pelly Fellowship Chapel August 15–19 (above). It was a busy and interesting time for helpers and children. Much good seed was sown and we trust it will bear fruit for eternity.

Swan Plain Vacation Bible School was held August 8 to 12, 2005, in the Swan Plain Hall (right). It is a privilege to have the opportunity to teach children from God’s Word.

Pastor John and Helen Froese arrived in Pelly and began ministering at the beginning of August 2005.

On September 25 an official installation service was held. Standing with them are John’s mother Tina Froese; their two daughters Lynnette and Lori; conference pastor David Thiessen; and Pelly board members Eldred Hamm, Lewis Anfinson, and Eugene Prokott.

Saskatchewan was 100 years old in 2005. There were celebrations everywhere and Pelly was no exception. The Fellowship Chapel entered a Noah’s Ark float. Lottie Prokott is driving the tractor. Dan Johnson is seen in the foreground with his son Micah in the stroller.

October 19, 2005

Vivian Anfinson

15

‘All Will Be Well’

Lorette, Man.: A much-loved minister bid a fond farewell to his church family this August.

In his last sermon before moving to Calgary, Dave Funk took the Prairie Grove Fellowship congregation on a tour of his faith journey, highlighting the different crossroads he had passed through on his way. These included finding a church where he truly felt welcomed; wrestling with youth (physically and spiritually); his first brush with Alberta living; and the joy he found in furthering his education, first at Steinbach Bible College and then at Providence Seminary.

After Dave’s meeting, falling in love with and marrying Kendra Friesen, the two spent a year teaching in China. Upon their return, the church was once again blessed with their presence, marvelling in Kendra while she ministered to international students

A fond farewell was given to Dave and Kendra Funk.

and hearing the things Dave was learning while he finished his studying. During the course of that year, both tears of sorrow and joy were shared between the Funks and their church family.

Dave articulated his two greatest goals in life: To “teach and preach” and to help others discover and exercise their gifts.

It was because of the pull of these two desires that he heard God’s call to pastoral work in Calgary at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship (EMC).

Now fully inducted as pastor, Dave will give guidance to the developing church body, while Kendra will begin groundbreaking work for International Students Ministries. While the exact course of the future is never clear, Dave maintained, “This is what faithfulness looks like right now.”

Though the couple will be sorely missed, it is generally understood that God’s desires always bring him the most glory, and both Dave and Kendra will be put to best use when in the middle of His plans. The words of former pastor John Unger still Kendra and Dave Funk are now serving in Calgary, Alta. linger in hearts: Hold life with an open hand. And, as Dave titled his sermon, All Will Be Well.

Alan Fehr

SPECIAL MISSIONS PROJECTS Is your church or Sunday school department looking for a special missions project?

Here’s a sample of projects.

Christmas Toys (Gifts) for Children – Nicaragua Code: N1-CG Children of the Fraternity of Mennonite Churches are collecting funds to bring joy this Christmas season to underprivileged children. They want to have a Christmas fiesta (games, piñata, gifts) and share the love of Jesus. They need your help. The task is too big for them! They would like to minister to 2000 children.

Oasis Church Construction – Mexico

Code: M1-OCC

The Oasis congregation has erected the basic structure (sanctuary, gymnasium, and Christian Education wing). They need approximately $90,000 to complete the inside construction. They hope to finish this in the next couple of years as funds become available. The Board of Missions approved a project of $50,000.

Syryka Church Construction – Paraguay

Code: P1-ChC

The Syryka congregation has grown during the last two years. They plan to build a 10 x 12 meter church building. The Board of Missions would like to contribute $2,000.

Leadership Training Centre in Orodara, Burkina Faso Code: U10-LTC The national Church has a vision to build a training centre. This would include a meeting room for larger groups, classrooms for teaching, dormitory space and a recording studio for radio programming. The project will be built in stages with a total cost will be over $50,000. EMC is setting a goal for $10,000 toward this project.

For a complete list of special projects, contact Ruth Anne Peters, EMC national office, 204-326-6401, emconf@mts.net. Please use the project code when sending cheques to the Conference office.

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THE MESSENGER

26, 2005, from Pelly Fellowship Chapel with pastor John Froese and former pastor Kenton Penner officiating.

Pallbearers were Stan and Glen Foster, Don Isaac, Bob Hamelin, Ferlin and Rod Abrahamson. Burial was in the Benito cemetery with lunch at the Benito Legion hall.

His brother Fred

October 19, 2005

KOETHLER–DYCK: Jake, son of John and Maria Koethler of Grassy Lake, Alta., and Eva, daughter of Abe and Tina Dyck of Taber, Alta., were married on March 19, 2005, at Taber EMC with Pastor Edwin Plett officiating. The couple lives in Grassy Lake.

BULLER–NEUDORF: Tom Buller and Alana Neudorf were married on August 20, 2005, in Winnipeg, Man.

JOHN RICHARD VEER 1951–2005

John was born April 10,1951 in Borden, Sask., hospital. He spent his early years going to a school called Walter Scott in what is called the Great Deer district, 12 miles west of Hepburn, Sask.

At the age of eight John, along with his parents and two brothers, moved to the Arran, Sask., area, where the family farmed.

John was an above-average student and seldom had to write an exam, but was mostly exempted.

Following school John worked in Winnipeg, Man., and at times on the family farm.

In 1995 after his mother had a stroke, he left Winnipeg and was on his way home to assist on the farm and to help his mother when he was involved in accident en route.

At this time John’s health declined and got to the point where his legs and speech were affected. He went from the family farm to his own house in Benito, Man.; then to Benito Court; and then to the Health Centre and to be being confined to a wheelchair.

John accepted the Lord as his Saviour in 1986 and throughout his life remained strong in his faith. John had an independent nature, but was kindhearted, honest, and loyal to friends and family.

John was relieved from his suffering, his impairment, and difficulties on September 21, 2005. We know that he is now pain-free and comfortable with his Lord and Saviour.

John leaves behind his mother and his oldest brother Fred, presently residing on the farm. John’s father, Jacob J. Veer, passed away August 12, 1985; and his brother Jake on October 2, 1986.

John left an example of trust and courage, never leaving his Saviour.

Truly he deserves eternity with God. Funeral service was held September

weddings

KLASSEN–DYCK: Henry Klassen and Lena Dyck were married on September 3, 2005, at Mount Salem (Ont.) EMC, with Bill Friesen officiating.

In Memory of

KEN LOEWEN March 4, 1968–October 18, 2004 Lovingly missed by our family and friends.

We can hardly wait to see you again!

His Family

births FEHR – to Peter and Susie Fehr of Taber, Alta., a son, Brian Jordan, on June 27, 2005.

SCHMIDT – to Franz and Tina Schmidt of Taber, Alta., a son, Gustove, on May 10, 2005.

WIEBE – to Abe and Tina Wiebe of Taber, Alta., a daughter, Delaney Alyssa, on May 6, 2005.

WIEBE – to Pete and Tina Wiebe of Taber, Alta., a son, Jayden Denver, on April 1, 2005.

DYCK – to Abe and Maria Dyck of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Dawson Conner, on August 26, 2005.

DYCK – to Mardy and Marty Dyck of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Simon Jacob, on September 12, 2005.

PLETT – to Bryan and Bev Plett of Arborg, Man., a son, Jacob Mackenzie, adopted on June 24, 2005, born on March 22, 2003.

HEIDE – to Jake and Elsie Heide of Fisher Branch, Man., a son, Adam Jeremiah Jake, on July 27, 2005.

SCHELLENBERG – to Evan and Mel Schellenberg of Arborg, Man., a daughter, Micah Taylor Reign, on August 12, 2005.

GIESBRECHT – to Henry and Martha Giesbrecht of Rosenort, Man., a son, Kendall Christopher, on May 27, 2005.

LOEWEN – to Mark and Marcia Loewen of Rosenort, Man., a son, Seth David Brent, on March 14, 2005.

SCHELLENBERG – to Bernie and Heidi Schellenberg of Rosenort, Man., a son, Kai Dante, on September 12, 2005.

FRIESEN – to Calvin Friesen and June Letendre, of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Constance Lillyan on August 26, 2005.

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shoulder tapping Executive Position A church planting director is required for the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. The position requires a passion for church growth and development. The Director will work closely with regional churches to encourage and initiate new church plants. Strong written and oral skills are essential. This is a .5 position. For a job description and information, please contact the office at 204-326-6401 or e-mail emconf@mts.net.

MDS seeks project directors (preferably who served previously in an MDS leadership role) and construction foremen and crew leaders (experience ranging from contractors to construction helpers) to serve several months per year, especially during May to September, for the next several years.

Training for these positions will be provided in Canada, likely in November, with travel costs provided. Project travel, room and board, and a stipend after initial period at projects are also provided. We seek a commitment of two- to threemonth terms per year. Also required are cooks and office managers (often spouses). Call or e-mail Lois Nickel to inquire and apply: 866-261-1274 tollfree or lnickel@mds.mennonite.net.

Anola Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a full-time pastor to bring solid leadership and teaching to our church family of approximately 130 people.

This person will help equip the people in our church family to reach out in their area of influence and lead others to Christ. AFC is a rural church located 25 minutes east of Winnipeg and is comprised of people from diverse cultural and church backgrounds. Contact Orville Friesen at 204-3719922 or ofriesen@nutrihealthgroup.com.

MCC Manitoba seeks a full-time material resources/activity centre coordinator (salaried or voluntary service) for the Winnipeg, Man., warehouse beginning early January 2006. Within the Resource Generation Team, the coordinator is responsibility for generating the Winnipeg material resources response to international relief efforts, including volunteer management, material procurement and fulfilling resource commitments.

The coordinator participates actively in providing educational options for groups and individuals.

All MCC workers are to have a Christian faith, be actively within a Christian church and be committed to non-violence and peacemaking. Forward applications to Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca, Sol Janzen at sjj@mennonitecc.ca, or call 204-261-6381.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central Saskatchewan, with a congregation of about 50, is currently looking for a pastor. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel.net.

Hague Gospel Church (EMMC) is seeking a senior pastor. HGC is a young growing church with about 100 regular attendees. Forward resumes to HGC, Pastor Search Committee, Box 30, Hague, Sask., S0K

18

1X0; or e-mail willie.unger@comco-controls.com.

Morris Fellowship Chapel (EMC) in Morris, Man., seeks a part-time youth leader to give direction to our senior high youth ministry. Time commitment and remuneration will be based on experience and availability. Contact Pastor Ward Parkinson at 204-746-2424 for information, or email jwpark@mts.net.

Crestview Fellowship (EMC) seeks a part-time youth director with a strong personal spiritual foundation who is able to build strong relationships with youth. Must have the ability to work alongside a team of youth sponsors in discipling youth, and be creatvie and energetic in planning regular Bible studies and organizing fundraisers. Contact Pastor Vern Knutson at 204-837-9490. Resumes can be forwarded by e-mail to finkswpg@mts.net or by mail to Crestview Fellowship, c/o Christine Fink, 271 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3.

Christian Fellowship Church in Steinbach, Man., seeks a full-time senior pastor for a spiritually growing church of 450 people, with dual services. Our church has one youth pastor, one congregational care pastor, and runs Sunday school and the Awana program for elementary students. The pastor is to be of a mature nature, have a love for God and the Scriptures that is evident in their leadership, teaching and speaking. If your spiritual gifts fit and you feel God calling you, apply by e-mail, jtcandy@mts. net; or by mail, Christian Fellowship Church, Search Committee, Box 1784, Steinbach, MB R5G 1N4. Check our website at www.christianfel lowshipchurch.ca.

La Crete Christian Fellowship in La Crete, Alberta, seeks a youth pastor for a new position as part of our pastoral team. LCCF is a forward-looking church of about 400 regular attendees. The youth pastor will work with the senior pastor to implement our ministry vision of helping people establish and strengthen their personal connection to Jesus Christ. The youth pastor will have a primary role in developing programs and working closely with youth and youth leaders. LCCF’s service to God is based on the core values of a commitment to teaching God’s Word and outreach to the community.

The pastor will be people oriented and have demonstrated abilities in various ministries, including outreach, teaching, and visitation; and be able to train and develop a support network of lay ministers. This is a vibrant church with great potential for spreading the Word through men’s and women’s ministries, AWANA, youth ministry, and small groups. Send a resume with references to lccfc@telus.net or LCCFC, Box 385, La Crete, AB T0H 2H0 Attention: Pastor Frank Winsor.

Kleefeld EMC, a church of about 300 members in Kleefeld, Man., is seeking an associate pastor. The primary focus would be to work with the youth program in a discipling and mentoring capacity, involving youth and youth workers. This position would also include one other major involvement— depending on the applicant’s giftedness—such as Christian Education resource, music ministry, etc.

We are looking for a leader to join us in catching the vision and excitement of a growing church

community. Send resumes to Ron Harder, Box 4, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0; e-mail kemc@mts.net; phone 204-377-4248.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) in northcentral British Columbia seeks a half-time associate pastor of youth with a love for God and heart for youth. The leader will give mature leadership, work with church in moulding youth, guide them into becoming faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and work within the EMC statement of faith. Our Sunday morning attendance is 100.

Our youth group (without a youth pastor for some time) is rebuilding, currently 12 to 20 people, with an average age of 14. There is potential for growth. Contact VCF, Box 377, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; phone 250-567-9198; fax 250-5672064; vcfemc@telus.net.

More members are sought for a long-term EMC team for Central Asia. This team will be a purposedriven community that will serve others in the name of Christ. Central Asia has been overlooked and misunderstood by the West for centuries. There are possibilities for all kinds of professions and trades to be utilized. Most importantly, we are looking for people who love God and people. It will be an incarnational ministry of language, cultural and religious learning, and relationship building.

With this background, true inter-faith dialogue can take place and the peace of God’s reign can increase in our world. Leadership will be provided by EMC missionaries with the Conference providing support and accountability. If you want to experience community and God in an ancient needy land, contact the conference office for details at emconf@mts.net. Please pray for God to have mercy on us and on those we serve.

A registered nurse is needed for Lucero Hospital in Paraguay. The 12–bed hospital is operated by Tres Palmas EMC and ministers to a multicultural population (Guaraní/Spanish, Indigenous, Brazilian, German). A minimum four-year commitment is required; the first year involves Spanish language studies in Edinburg, Texas. Inquiries and application should be made to EMC Board of Missions. Contact Ken Zacharias at 204-326-6401, emconf@mts.net.

MacGregor EMC is looking for a youth pastor with a love for God and students to serve approximately 30 junior and senior high youth and their friends of our church family. This is a new, currently half-time position for our church; however, we would assist the leader in finding suitable complementary work.

Contact Bruce Unger at bunger@mpi.mb.ca or send your resume to Box 133, MacGregor, MB ROH ORO. Leamington EMC is seeking a senior pastor (to start January 2006) or an interim pastor (who could start January 2006 for six to twelve months, should a senior pastor not be found).

We have a Low German and English worship service. We are looking for someone who has experience leading as a senior pastor; education is flexible. Salary meets conference guidelines and housing is available. Please contact Andy Fehr at 519-737-9281 or Abe Klassen at 519816-1840.

THE MESSENGER

stewardship today Edwin Friesen

Who’s Right?

S

ome financial planning material suggests that in order to maintain your preretirement lifestyle during your retirement, you will need about 70 percent of your pre-retirement income. In other words, if your preretirement annual household income was $50,000, then you would need an income of $35,000 to maintain a similar lifestyle in retirement.

On the other side are people already in retirement saying they still need as much or even more income then they did while still employed.

They now have time for travel, entertainment, hosting and selffunded service and they all cost money—more money.

Who’s right?

Maybe it’s the word retirement that is the problem.

Many of the usual household expenses carry on whether you are employed or in retirement. You still need to buy groceries, fill up the car with gas, carry on with charitable giving, pay property taxes, buy clothes and pay for utilities. These expenses do not drop by 30 percent on the day you retire. In fact, with inflation they will likely increase. And if health permits, retired people may pursue new activities such as hobbies, travel, and service that put an extra strain on income.

At the same time, there is some truth to needing less income as we approach our senior years. Though not magically at age 65, as people get older, some living costs do decrease or drop off altogether. You need less income once you have paid off your house or other loans.

Saving for retirement (RRSPs, RPPs and other nonregistered investments) can also take quite a chunk out

Maybe it’s the word retirement that is the problem. If health permits, retired people may pursue new activities such as hobbies, travel, and service that put an extra strain on income. of your pre-retirement paycheque and with retirement, that comes to an end along with other employment

October 19, 2005

deductions. Some people set a goal to have their life insurance paid up by a certain time (say age 60), further reducing retirement income needs. And having less income likely means paying less income tax. All together, these changes should lead to a significant reduction in income needs or provide more money for other pursuits.

Though prudent planning and early investing towards retirement makes sense, don’t become obsessed or overly stressed about having enough. In fact, money alone will never make us feel fully secure. The apostle Paul reminds all of us to shift our trust from money to God. “Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Trust in God does not substitute for good planning.

Rather, we need to blend good planning with trust in God. So in the end, who’s right, those who say you need less income in retirement or those who say that their income T needs remained similar? It all depends. M For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office. Abbotsford: Dave Kroeker, 1-888-212-8608; Calgary: Gary Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708; Niagara: Darren Pries-Klassen, 1-888-212-8731; Kitchener: Mike Strathdee, 1-888-212-7759; Winnipeg: Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.

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kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen

O

nce upon a time a hungry yellow dog was on his way home. In his teeth he carried a large piece of meat for his dinner. Along the path lay a bridge he had to cross to get over a sparkling river. As he was crossing the bridge he suddenly noticed another dog in the clear river water. The dog had a piece of meat in its mouth, too, just like he had.

Yellow Dog stopped. He stared at the dog in the river. He wanted his meat. Yellow Dog got excited.

If he could get the other dog’s piece of meat, he would have more to eat.

Yellow Dog opened his mouth. He barked sharply at the other dog and with a great splash he leaped into the river to get the piece of meat.

At that very moment Raven swooped down from a nearby tree. He grabbed Yellow Dog’s piece of meat and flew away.

Yellow Dog came out of the water and shook himself.

He did not have the other dog’s meat. And he no longer had his own.

What happened? Yellow Dog lost his dinner because he was not satisfied with what he had. He wanted the other dog’s dinner, too.

Are you ever like Yellow Dog? Are you ever unhappy with what you have and want what someone else has instead?

Why should you be thankful for the things you have?

First, because what you have is valuable. Yellow Dog’s own meat was valuable because it was his dinner; it would have satisfied his hunger.

The second reason is that being thankful will make you feel positive; it makes you think about something good. This makes you feel satisfied, rather than dissatisfied.

The third reason is that being thankful makes you

PAGE 20

think about the giver, the one who gave the good thing or the gift, rather than about yourself.

There are two other important reasons to be thankful. One is that being thankful honours God. The second reason is that God commands us to be thankful.

T Read 2 Corinthians 4:15 and Psalm 100:4. M

What are ten things you can Give Thanks for?

G __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (two people you love) I __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (helps you imagine) V __ __ __ __ (you speak and sing with it) E __ __ __ __ __ (you use to run and play) T __ __ __ __ __ (you eat at Thanksgiving) H __ __ __ (where you and your family live) A __ __ __ __ __ (eat whole or in a pie) N __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (live next door) K __ __ __ __ __ __ (soft and cuddly) S __ __ (keeps the earth warm) THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914

Answers to September 21 School Unscramble: 1. playground, 2. school, 3. teacher, 4. reading, 5. September, 6. computer, 7. lunch, 8. homework, 9. backpack, 10. math

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