The Messenger Vol. 46 No. 19 November 5, 2008

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 46, number 19 November 5, 2008

Remembering www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

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Too young to be Conference Pastor

hen Rev. Edwin Friesen became our first a box of donuts in hand) and his practical writing for the Conference Pastor in 1985, I thought he was column Stewardship Today. As an editor, I considered him to be one of the best writers in our conference. He also too young. Fortunately, he wasn’t. had a diplomatic way of introducing new Edwin was unknown to MFC staff and magazine editors to each me then. But in the following years Mary Edwin Friesen was other.

Ann and I had contact with him regarding a person who, as a Edwin Friesen was a person who, as pastoral service. As Conference Pastor a former conference pastor, remained a (similar to a bishop without teeth), he former conference trusted, approachable figure for people sat in on my ministerial examination and pastor, remained a with concerns. listened a decade later when I pondered When Edwin was admitted to hospital being ordained. trusted, approachable on October 9, we were shocked. When he I watched him in action at conference figure for people with died on October 23, we were shocked and council and ministerial meetings—giving concerns. saddened. It wasn’t what we wanted. informed reports and responses to answers.

Our conference needed his stabilizing When he moved into real estate, our paths presence for years to come, and his family needed him did not cross as much.

Then came his service with Mennonite Foundation of even more.

When Rev. Edwin Friesen died at age 64, I thought he Canada. As national staff members, we appreciated his T thoughtful times of joining us for coffee (sometimes with was too young. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. M Terry M. Smith

Reformation Sunday and modern discussions

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n October 31, 1517, Dr. Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg. He openly disagreed with the local selling of indulgences (in effect, the purchasing of forgiveness) that was allowed to finance the building of a cathedral.

Luther, a Catholic monk and lecturer, thought that he would have Luther, a Catholic the Pope’s support in opposing the monk and lecturer, evils of this trade, says historian Henry Bettenson. thought he Instead, as Rev. Alvin Lewis, then would have the of Calvary Temple (Winnipeg, Man.), Pope’s support in once said in a sermon on Reformation Sunday, the ring of Luther’s hammer opposing the sale became heard about the world; the of indulgences.

Protestant Reformation had started.

Lewis helpfully reminded listeners

about 30 years ago that Reformation Sunday was not a day to throw stones at the Roman Catholic Church; at the same time, he did not hide differences that remained.

In 1999 the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church signed a Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. The statement has been received positively and negatively.

It is a powerful document on how Catholics and Lutherans see each other’s official positions in the (then) 20th century. It, however, did not really address what happened in the 16th century.

Would Martin Luther have signed the 1999 statement?

Opinions are divided on this.

Reformation Sunday invites careful reflection on the past and present. As part of that, our best Evangelical Mennonite minds might evaluate what the 1999 statement T does and does not say. M Terry M. Smith

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 EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR are welcomed. Unpublished material is Terry M. Smith Rebecca Buhler not returned except by request. Views and tsmith@emconf.ca rbuhler@emconf.ca opinions of writers are their own and do Address changes and submissions to The Messenger not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca THE MESSENGER is published twice a month (once a month in July and August) MESSENGER SCHEDULE: by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 No. 21 – December 3 Main St, Steinbach, Man. (copy due November 21)

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MESSENGER

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THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

letter Women’s Day was great!

Credit and a correction

What a super day! My friend Bonita and I attended the EMC Region 8 Women’s Day at Prairie Rose Church on Saturday, October 25.

From the goodie bags we received at the registration desk, to the breakfast, the inspiring speakers, the market place, the Sudanese Children’s Choir and the delicious African lunch—the whole day was great! The theme Contemplative Prayer was a well chosen current topic.

The committee had done a fantastic job.

Delores M. Plett Steinbach, Man.

The missions report about Gethsemane Children’s Orphanage in Nicaragua (CINAG) by director Elisabeth Vado (Sept. 17, 2008) was translated into English by Lester Olfert. The Spanish edition (Oct. 1, 2008) also included a caption translated by him.

An editorial (Oct. 22) mistakenly listed the date of All Saints’ Day, which actually is November 1.

October 26 was Reformation Sunday.

Editor

Letters to the Editor

Holiday Travel presents Eastern Europe: Mennonite Heritage Ukraine and Historical Russia May 18–June 5, 2009 (Deadline March 15) South America: Bolivia Oct. 12–26, 2009 (Deadline August 15) Contact tour host Len Loeppky: Phone 204-326-2613, E-mail: aloeppky@mts.net www.holiday-travel.ca

with our missionaries PNG/Ontario

Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger.

Letters by hand or fax require a handwritten signature. All letters require a name, an address and a phone number.

Letters can be edited for length, clarity, legality, and taste. The focus of letters is to be on an issue, not a personality.

The views and opinions expressed by the writers are their own, and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference.

All publication of letters is subject to the policy approved January 2002 by the EMC Board of Church Ministries.

Cozy in Canada

We trust all is well in your part of the world. We are finally almost settled into our country home for a year near Arthur, Ontario.

It’s on a beautiful piece of land with a pond nearby and the Conestoga River running through it. The house is an old two-storey farmhouse that seems to be sound and cozy.

We’ve added some furniture, household stuff, and appliances from

We just about have everything in place and ready for a visit or two.

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family, and church friends at Alma and New Tribes in Durham, to what we brought with us from Saskatchewan. We just about have everything in place and ready for a visit or two.

Rylan is finishing his second week at Word of Life bible school and is enjoying it. He even added a Greek class to what seemed to us as a pretty full schedule. He has the weekend of September 27 off so we’ll see him then.

Laurel has started homeschooling with Jesse and Joanna and it’s going well.

Tim and Laurel Schroder

Laurel and Tim Schroder (Pelly) have served in Papua New Guinea with New Tribes Mission. They are now on North American assignment for a year.

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Remem O

ne Sunday this past spring our congregation gathered, as we do each year, to celebrate a baptismal service. The event is a highlight of the church year and an important part of our congregational identity.

We gather in the fellowship hall for breakfast. Then, as the tables are being cleared, someone leads out in the folk hymn I Went Down to the River to Pray, which we sing with gusto before piling into cars to caravan to a local pond.

As the sun rises, the congregation assembles on blankets and folding chairs for the service. At some point, a member of the church—for youth, it is often their mentor— offers a short introduction and recommendation for each baptismal candidate, followed by a statement of faith and seriousness of intent from the candidates themselves.

After the formal baptismal vows, we focus our attention on the dramatic high point of the morning: baptism by immersion and a welcome of the sputtering new member with a white towel and a congregational prayer of blessing.

As in years past, the service this spring was joyful and moving—by the benediction more than a few of us were pulling out handkerchiefs.

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THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

Understood within a broader framework of Christian convictions, Mennonites continue to regard believer’s baptism as biblically grounded and theologically coherent. Yet today there are at least three areas where our attitudes and practices around baptism merit closer reflection.

mbering

Dr. John D. Roth Yet beneath the evident joy of the occasion are some troubling realities. At our service this spring, nine young people presented themselves for baptism. If the general trends within Mennonite Church USA apply to our congregation, we can assume that 10 or 20 years from now about half of those baptised will not be attending a church.

Several will likely be participating in other denominations, but only a few will be actively involved in a Mennonite congregation. Trustworthy statistics on these matters are hard to come by, but by all accounts the number of young people raised in Mennonite families, nurtured in Mennonite congregations and baptized into the faith who eventually disassociate themselves from the church seems to be rising.

In 1989, 45 percent of our members were under the age of 45; now only 30 percent are. Meanwhile, the average age of membership has risen from 45 to 54. One well-placed observer suggests that there may be as many as 2,000 “ex-Mennonite” young adults in the greater Denver, Colorado, area alone, a reality likely replicated to some degree in virtually every major city in the United States.

The decision of young adults to leave or distance themselves from the Mennonite church is part of a much larger pattern in the broader church, and the reasons behind this exodus are complex and multifaceted. Still, without pretending to offer a definitive analysis, I want to focus on one possible component in this troubling trend: our attitude and practices regarding baptism.

Baptism has always been central to Mennonite identity. The Anabaptists of the 16th century were executed for their insistence that following Christ required a conscious commitment of the THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

believer and that baptism was a symbol of that commitment—“the outward sign of an inward transformation”—rather than a sacrament with miraculous powers residing in the rite itself.

Understood within a broader framework of Christian convictions, Mennonites continue to regard believer’s baptism as biblically grounded and theologically coherent. Yet today there are at least three areas where our attitudes and practices around baptism merit closer reflection.

Woefully inadequate First, our general practice of catechetical instruction prior to baptism is good but woefully inadequate. My wife, an elementary teacher, is required to take a prescribed set of courses and a formal exam prior to her licensure. But the state also assumes that continuing education is crucial for her ongoing success as a teacher. In fact, her teaching license is contingent upon continuing education. Yet this principle that seems so obvious in the professional world appears to have been lost in the church.

We make catechism class mandatory for baptism, but continuing education following one’s entrance into formal membership is completely voluntary. Sunday School classes and small group Bible studies are fine, but they generally tend to be unstructured exchanges of opinion about topical themes, with relatively little attention to the confession of faith or the teaching positions of the church. Having once met the requirements for membership at the front end, most of us could go our entire life without ever being held accountable for a refresher course.

(continued p. 6)

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Being a disciple is a decision Second, our emphasis on the importance of individual choice in baptism captures a crucial aspect of what it means to follow Jesus—God does not coerce belief; accepting God’s offer of forgiveness and becoming a disciple of Jesus is a genuine decision.

But in our contemporary Western context, our emphasis on the need to say yes to God’s gift of grace can easily be confused with the individualism and single-minded pursuit of liberty that defines modern consumerism and liberal democracy.

In the Anabaptist understanding, baptism by consent is always a public statement of allegiance—a profession of loyalty to Christ and the church—not an assertion of individual rights.

To be sure, we enter the journey at different levels of maturity and with varying understandings of what it means In the Anabaptist to submit to the discernment of the gathered community. But understanding, baptism by ritual—controlled by clergy nothing in our theology regards consent is always a public and done to infants who had it as a normal stage in spiritual no memory of the event—that development for a baptized statement of allegiance—a somehow, in and of itself, member to unilaterally leave permanently changed one’s status the church for an undetermined profession of loyalty to Christ before God. period of time. Yet I sense that We have regarded baptism as many congregations have simply and the church—not an a sign rather than a sacrament. come to accept the fact that assertion of individual rights.

But that same antisacramental young people will go through impulse has encouraged a view such a “phase.” of baptism today as “merely” a sign, as “just” a “They need space to work things out for symbol—as if the event itself really isn’t all that themselves,” we say. Or, “We don’t want to meddle” important. Yet, as with marriage, our vows at or, “Pushing the issue would only drive them farther baptism are more than merely a sign. Obviously, from the church.” These impulses may be pastoral a wedding doesn’t make a marriage; the real in their intentions, but the implicit message is that work of marriage is still ahead. But the public a public commitment about the most important pronouncement of wedding vows is a performative decision you will ever make in your life doesn’t act that changes reality. really matter all that much.

One’s status before God and before the In our desire not to make our young people congregation is different after a wedding from what feel guilty about a commitment that has gone out it was prior to the event. Our baptism is not merely of focus, we inadvertently communicate that the a splashing of water. In it we have been marked commitment itself was trivial, and we reinforce the by the cross and claimed by Christ. We have been logic of individualism that runs completely counter “tattooed” by our baptism in a way that changes us to our understanding of baptism in a community of forever. faith.

I encourage congregations to do an internal When couples are wavering in their commitments audit of your baptismal assumptions and practices, to each other, someone in the church needs to reflecting especially on these three points of speak up for the marriage. If baptism as a public concern. commitment means anything at all, then we should To what extent have we made continuing regard baptized members who are AWOL from education in the central teachings of the church congregational life with the same urgency and a normal and normative part of church life— pastoral concern that we would bring to those something integrated into the spiritual diet of every members contemplating divorce. baptized member throughout our adult lives?

To what extent are we taking seriously our Anabaptists rightly opposed ‘magic’ collective spiritual responsibility of “binding and Third, Anabaptists in the 16th century had good loosing”? The church honours the commitments reason to reject a view of baptism as a “magical” 6

THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

of members by actively inquiring into the circumstances whenever a member moves to a new community or quits attending church altogether.

Such a gesture is not punitive or intrusive but simply a caring response that emerges from the conviction that Christian discipleship is unimaginable apart from the gathered body of Christ.

Finally, to what extent do we see baptism as not just a symbol but a public response to God’s invitation to discipleship, marked by the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit, which we need to consciously recall and renew? Over the past decade or so, I have participated in ecumenical conversations with representatives of the Lutheran church.

Although we have fundamental differences regarding the baptism of infants, I have been impressed by one aspect of Lutheran baptismal

Woven into Lutheran liturgy and practice are frequent and concrete reminders that because our baptism in Christ is for life, it needs to be continually called to our attention. The irony for me as a Mennonite is that, unlike most of my Lutheran friends, I can actually remember my baptism. Yet I hardly ever am reminded to do so.

Free!

A new issue of Theodidaktos: Journal for EMC theology and education is available from the Conference office 204-326-6401 tsmith@emconf.ca

Has your church used Follow Me? View a sample chapter at www.emconf.ca/publications.htm

To order copies contact Rebecca Buhler 204-326-6401 or rbuhler@emconf.ca.

THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

theology. At some point in virtually every worship service I have attended, someone pours water from a pitcher into a basin while offering an encouragement to “remember your baptism.”

Most Lutheran churches also have a receptacle of water just inside the entrance so that worshippers can dip their finger into the water, not because the water is holy, as I used to think, but as a gesture of remembering one’s baptism.

Woven into Lutheran liturgy and practice are frequent and concrete reminders that because our baptism in Christ is for life, it needs to be continually called to our attention. The irony for me as a Mennonite is that, unlike most of my Lutheran friends, I can actually remember my baptism. Yet I hardly ever am reminded to do so.

A new element At the end of our baptismal service this year, we were introduced to a new element that points helpfully in the right direction. Following a prayer of blessing, the nine new members spread out among the rest of us, each holding a cup of water.

Baptized believers were invited to receive from one of the new members a blessing in the form of a cross traced with a wet finger on our forehead and a spoken admonition to remember our baptism.

We are forgetful people.

Remembering our baptism—in the form of ongoing catechism, intentional follow-up with distant members, and regular reminders in worship that we have been claimed by Christ—will not in itself turn around the exodus of baptized members from our congregations.

But it may help at least some of us recall our commitments and awaken a fresh sense of God’s presence in our lives. And it may remind us that participation in Christ, and in the body of Christ, is T a lifelong event, in need of continual renewing. M John D. Roth, Ph.D., is professor of history at Goshen College (Indiana). This article first appeared in The Mennonite (September 16, 2008) and is used with permission. Roth is editor of The Mennonite Quarterly Review and his writings include Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be (Herald Press, 2006); Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice (Herald Press, 2005) and Choosing Against War: A Christian View (Good Books, 2002).

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stewardship today Edwin Friesen

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Downsizing by choice

ecently, seeing no smaller appetite options on the restaurant menu, I asked the waiter if I could order a smaller portion of a featured meal believing that would still be fully adequate.

The waiter protested, saying he would have to charge me for a full-sized serving. I told him that wasn’t the point. To reinforce my request, I offered to pay more than the menu price if I could get a smaller meal. This was even more confusing. I ended up ordering a less desirable menu item.

In many different ways we are being pushed to live super-sized lives. From fries and drinks to monster trucks and homes, big is in.

We need large homes to house our accumulated possessions. We need large closets to store the clothes we wear and the ones we no longer wear but can’t get ourselves to give away. We need large garages to store our outdoor “toys” and “no longer being used”

To downsize voluntarily seems to go against not only our culture, but also against our basic human nature.

We have been conditioned to believe that happiness is found in things and if you want to be really happy, you need to accumulate many things.

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household items. We have games and puzzles we haven’t touched in a decade.

Lil and I have been empty nesters for a number of years. We have a wonderful two-bedroom house, of which one bedroom also serves as a home office; a spacious garage with a workshop; and a large yard.

Periodically Lil fills a box or two of stuff we no longer need and takes it to the Thrift Store where she works as a volunteer. And then, after her shift, Lil saunters through the store and finds some really neat (cheap) stuff to bring home and the cycle continues.

To downsize voluntarily seems to go against not only our culture, but also against our basic human nature. We have been conditioned to believe that happiness is found in things and if you want to be really happy, you need to accumulate many things.

Maybe it’s time once again to turn up the volume on some words of Scripture. Solomon, who spoke from considerable life experience, said, “Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness!” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

Sometime later, Jesus spoke to the culture of his day as well as ours when he said, “Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own” (Luke 12:15).

Things temporarily enhance our enjoyment of life, but if we look to them to find lasting fulfillment, they will disappoint us. Ultimate security and happiness is found in God, not things.

So go ahead. Go through your home and look for things that have not been used in the last year or two.

Pack them up and head off to the nearest thrift store.

Should you ever miss the item, which is highly unlikely, you can always go back to the same store and re-buy your donated items, at least if they are still on the shelf. It may help to remember that the profits T from the store go to a very worthwhile cause. M Editor’s note: Rev. Edwin Friesen was hospitalized in Winnipeg, Man., on October 9 with a heart attack and died on October 23. He was 64. He had served as an EMC pastor, EM Conference Pastor, real estate agent, carpenter, and as a stewardship consultant with Mennonite Foundation of Canada. The columns he had written for stewardship education will continue while they are available. For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit mennofoundation.ca.

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with our churches

RFC thanks God for 40 years!

Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): To God be of our former pastoral couples at the songs were excellent, of special note was the glory! were the words that rang out celebration: Fred and Doris Friesen were the men’s choir. Tears flowed freely when in praise and beautiful harmony in the able to come from Alberta; John and the song Where No One Stands Alone Rosenort Fellowship Chapel auditorium. Anita Klassen from Niverville, Man.,; and was dedicated to the memory of Dick It was the grand reunion of the church Milton and Gladys Fast from Landmark, Zacharias who used to lead the singing Man. (interim pastoral men. family as we gathered couple for a year).

Many tributes, both sobering and to celebrate our 40th While pastors Melvin humourous, were expressed by previous anniversary on October 19, Dueck and Stan Plett have pastors and members who had moved 2008. both gone on to glory, away. Career missionaries, as well has The theme song Family of their wives were on hand many short-termers, have emerged from God took on special meaning to bring greetings. Former our fellowship, and have gone to many that morning as former youth pastoral couple Ken parts of the world: Winnipeg, Moose family members returned and Yolanda Quiring was Jaw, Africa, Philippines, Asia, Mexico, for the celebration. present as well.

Germany, and the United States. It was Our theme for the Music has always been encouraging to hear how God is being occasion was taken from an important part of our served by our family.

Psalm 127:1: “Unless the worship services.

Our A fellowship lunch was served after Lord builds the house the builders labour in vain.” Speaker Kent Dueck, son of RFC’s fellowship has been blessed the church service; an open microphone with a number of musical allowed more time for sharing and It gave us a sober thought first pastor Melvin Dueck groups over the years and reminiscing. as we reflected back on the several of them were reassembled to May future generations continue to past but also looked to the future. carry on the building as God continues We have seen the Lord at work in perform for us that morning.

A children’s choir sang some old to bless! so many ways and our aim was to give Rose Cornelsen God the glory for all He has done for us. Sunday School choruses that flooded Our speaker Kent Dueck, son of our first us with memories. While all the group pastor Melvin Dueck, enlarged on the theme, challenging us to keep up the work of building God’s Kingdom and to praise Him for his blessings.

Syd Reimer, one of our charter members, reminisced about October 1, 1968, when we gathered in the old Greenbank school (half a mile north of Rosenort) for the first morning service, beginning as a new church group with our aim to become a more visible witness to people in the village of Rosenort.

In 1976 we moved into the newly built church on the main road. God had answered many prayers as we continued to see attendance rising. Through the years our numbers have dropped Many gathered to celebrate RFC’s 40th anniversary and glorify God for what He has done. somewhat, with people moving to the city, but we keep on worshipping and serving the Lord with gladness.

We were thrilled as our current pastor John Driedger presented some

A men’s choir led by Harry Koop was dedicated in memory of Dick Zacharias, first men’s choir director.

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Former and present pastors and spouses

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RFC active in outreach and ministry Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): A special event for three of our young men occurred on June 22 when they followed the Lord in baptism. Baptized were Matthew Siemens, Sean Friesen, and Ross Klassen. Terrillee Friesen was accepted as a member.

A lively bunch of children gathered at our chapel for the week of DVBS in July.

This was a highlight for our community, since we hadn’t had DVBS for many years while our focus was on teaching in Oak Bluff. Since Oak Bluff is now an organized church, we turned our attention back to our own children. We

A lively bunch of children gathered at our chapel for the week of DVBS in July.

This was a highlight for our community. Thanks to all the people who helped make it a success.

were excited to see so many turn out.

Thanks to all the people who helped make it a success.

Twelve of our senior youth gave a report of their mission trip to Chicago in August. It was inspiring to hear about the weeklong experiences in helping the less fortunate: serving meals, gardening, and in whatever ways they could. They learned how fortunate they are to be able to come back to comfortable homes and loving families.

The last weekend in September saw RFC travel to Wilderness Edge in Pinawa for a fall retreat. Fun and games revealed traits in folks that endeared

them to all of us. Great food was enjoyed by healthy appetites. There was Christian fellowship with music and inspirational talks by Dallas Kornelsen. It all added up to a wonderful experience.

Welcome to our new junior youth directors, Kurt and Tami Siemens!

Camp speaker May God bless you Dallas Kornelsen and continue to direct you as you take on this challenge.

Rose Cornelsen

births KLASSEN – to George and Nettie Klassen of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Carter James, on October 8, 2008.

PENNER – to Jacob and Sarah Penner of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Ryan Samuel, on October 10, 2008.

Bible Tour March 29–April 7 Have you wanted to see the land of the Bible up close and personal? Consider the Israel 2009 Biblical Discovery Tour that is being planned for March 29–April 7, 2009.

Hosted by Pastor Dale Dueck (Winkler EMMC), you will experience many sites read about in the Scriptures.

Tour base price of $2,749 CAD includes non-stop airfare from Toronto to Tel Aviv return, transfers and assistance upon arrival, hotel, two meals daily, modern air-conditioned tour bus, admission to various sites.

There are incidental tour costs which can be explained when you call for information (204-325-7667 or pastordale-wemmc@mts.net).

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Family camp at Pinawa, Man.

Board of Trustees appointment The Board of Trustees had one position open. Leonard Plett’s name was brought forward. He has agreed to serve. The General Board has approved his appointment to a three-year term.

Leonard K. Plett, Box 172, Wawanesa, MB R0K 2G0 (Treesbank) Leonard Plett is currently the chief administrative officer for the village of Wawanesa. He has worked

as a senior accounting technician at Meyers Norris Penny in Brandon as a regional supervisor for Manitoba Education and Training.

Leonard is a member of Treesbank Community Church. He has served as a deacon for many years, has served as the Finance Committee chairperson, and is currently the church treasurer, together with his wife Luella.

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Summer was busy but good Roseisle, Man.: With June fast approaching everybody was looking forward to as well as preparing for the Sunday School Picnic. Our picnic was held on June 8 and it was a gorgeous day to be outside.

We started the morning with each class doing a presentation or skit, singing, and Pastor Kelly Lesser giving us a short message. After lunch everybody was able to take part in races, games, and baseball.

After our church service on June 15 we honoured our fathers by giving them a little gift to let them know we appreciate them. During this month we also watched some members of our youth group graduate from high school.

Congratulations go out to Josh Friesen, Tyler Friesen, Justin Klassen, Robin Siemens, and Darren Wieler.

During the summer months things didn’t slow down at all. We all took a break from Sunday School and with that our church services started at 10:30 a.m.

On July 27 we were excited to welcome the Teen Challenge Choir. We heard amazing stories from some of the choir members on how they came to know Jesus, and about some of the trials they went through growing up.

During the summer months things didn’t slow down at all. We all took a break from Sunday School and with that our church services started at 10:30 a.m.

During spring Pastor Kelly Lesser also ran a baptism class. We were thrilled to accept Andrew Martens and Brian Derksen as church members when they decided to transfer their memberships.

Now that fall is here Sunday School has resumed and our church service is back to starting at 11 a.m. We had our annual hayride and barbecue on September 28 and once again the weather was good for us. This time we added a slight change, though; we invited our community to join us so we could get to know each other better.

First, we went on our hayride through the valley; and when we arrived back at the church there were games waiting for the children to partake in and the barbecuing was on its way to being done. Overall we had a pretty busy, but good summer.

Rebecca Peters

archives alcove Terry M. Smith

M

Self-published books have value!

embers of the EMC have self-published books that tell personal or family stories.

They are expensive to produce, rarely make money, are lucky to break even, and are invaluable.

Major publishers want books that have wider appeal.

Self-publishing, however, allows people to write out of their specific context and for a narrow market: family and friends or a smaller conference such as ours.

Such books tell stories that need to be told, though they might not have wider appeal. That’s okay. The value of a particular writing can’t be decided by whether it makes a Top Ten list somewhere.

Self-publishing allows people to write out of their specific context and for a narrow market: family and friends or a smaller conference such as ours. Such books tell stories that need to be told.

My advice about self-publishing?

• Some writers should submit their manuscripts to a regular publisher before deciding on self-publishing.

THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

• If you opt for self-publishing, check out varying costs and arrangements with more than one printer.

• Don’t expect to make money and count yourself lucky to break even; in other words, don’t overextend yourself financially.

• Check with other EMC authors about their experience of self-publishing.

• Take the time, make the effort, and even put some money into having the manuscript and, later, the layout checked by someone who specializes in editing. (No, this isn’t soliciting work for me.)

• A weak writing style, faulty grammar, and a difficult layout reduce a book’s appeal. If you aren’t willing to have your work edited, publishing it is like deciding to drive a car without checking the oil.

Check our conference website (www.emconf.ca) for a list of self-published books by EMCers available at the EMC office.

Self-published books help enrich the record of the history of our conference.

If you publish a personal or family story with an EMC connection, make us aware of the book. You might consider donating a book to our archives or allow us to T purchase one. M 11

EMC and

Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series

Cameron McKenzie

The Board of Leadership and Outreach has invited EMC pastors and writers to reflect on the meaning of our Statement of Faith and Church Practices. These writings are intended to inform and to invite conversation. In the end, this 25-part series might be published as a booklet. Have you heard a sermon on these articles? Encourage the writer to forward the material to The Messenger.

1. THE BIBLE We believe that the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments are the inspired and infallible Word of God. They are the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and conduct (Matthew 5:18; 24:25; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:16–21).

Statement of Faith Article 1: The Bible

I

nspired, infallible, authoritative. While words like these may confirm suspicions about the difficulties of understanding doctrine, they are quite simple.

Inspired means that the words of the biblical text have their origin with God, in the mind and will of God, if you prefer. The common use of the phrase “Godbreathed” in English translations of 2 Timothy 3:16 really catches the idea well.

However, we should be careful not to confuse inspiration with some image of magical dictation.

Inspiration suggests something more complex and astonishing than mere dictation.

It suggests that the “writers” of the Bible were so guided by the Spirit of God that the book which emerged from the end of that long and human process is nevertheless the Word of God, a human and divine document, not unlike the divine and human living Word, Jesus.

This process included the main characters who recorded the events of their lives through to the host of anonymous scribes and editors who arranged and preserved and transmitted the text of the Bible.

The result of this divine/human process that we call inspiration is an infallible scripture, by which we mean, a scripture that is reliable and without error in all that it

The Bible is inspired and infallible whether or not we choose to accept it; those are the fundamental characteristics of the text. Authority, on the other hand, speaks to our relationship with the text.

teaches. This can, of course, be the tricky part, because not everything the Bible says is a part of what the Bible teaches.

The Bible teaches us its truths in many different forms each with its own rules for interpretation. For example, while the Old Testament books record the true account of Israel’s experience of God in history, they, nevertheless, record actions and words of many characters that, however much a part of the story, are nonetheless misguided, misinformed, and anything but an example for us to model our lives on.

Similarly, books like Job and the Psalms capture the truth about God in poetic metaphors and literary images that cannot and should not be subjected to the methods of scientific enquiry. The scriptures cannot be reduced to just a collection of god facts.

As inspiration leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s work in bringing us his word, infallibility points us to a richer and more profound understanding of the truth of God contained therein.

Finally, when we turn to the third major word— authoritative—we encounter an important shift in emphasis. The Bible is inspired and infallible whether or not we choose to accept it; those are the fundamental characteristics of the text. Authority, on the other hand, speaks to our relationship with the text.

The Word of God is, as Hebrews 4:12 says, “living, active, and powerful”, but only we can make it authoritative. When we recognize the scriptures as “God-breathed” and when we acknowledge that any word which comes from an eternal, all wise, all-powerful God must be infallible, we are still left with the choice of whether or not we will submit to this word.

By saying that the Bible is authoritative, we as a conference agree that we will submit to the words of Scripture in all matters concerning or faith (belief) and conduct (ethics).

Inspired, infallible, and authoritative—we live in a relationship of submission to a true and reliable T word that comes to us from God himself. M Cameron McKenzie is a minister at Fort Garry EMC and an Old Testament professor at Providence College.

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THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

Researchers seek voice of ‘horse and buggy’ Mennonites The University of Winnipeg is helping “horse and buggy” Mennonites find their voice.

A research team organized by Dr. Royden Loewen, who occupies the university’s Chair of Mennonite Studies, is preparing for an extensive oral history project among 4,000 Old Order Mennonites in Ontario and some 60,000 Old Colony Mennonites (originally from Manitoba and Saskatchewan) in Central and South America.

The team consists of graduate and post-graduate university students with backgrounds in fields such as history, theology, and anthropology.

Over the next three years they will disperse throughout the Americas to ask conservative German Mennonites how they have confronted and adjusted to pressures of modern life in Ontario, northern and southern Mexico, Belize, Bolivia, East Paraguay, and Argentina.

The main interest is how these German Mennonites have resisted middle

The project seeks to understand a culture often misinterpreted and maligned.

class values of ever increasing wealth, higher education, new technologies, and nationalism or patriotism.

The project seeks to understand a culture often misinterpreted and maligned. Researchers will account for the success of these branches of Anabaptism—one in Canada’s industrial heartland (Ontario’s Old Order Mennonites), the other in South America (Old Colony Mennonites).

The project will introduce Canadians to a hidden dimension of their history: almost 65,000 Canadian and Canadiandescendent “horse and buggy” German Mennonites scattered throughout the Americas.

The students will reassemble in 2011 at the University of Winnipeg for an international history conference. The final product might be a history book.

U. of W.

Dr. Royden Loewen (Manitoba); Tina Fehr Kehler (Manitoba); Kerry Fast (Ontario); Karen Warkentin (Manitoba); Anna Sofia Hedberg (Sweden); Anne Kok (the Netherlands); Jakob Huttner (Germany); Andy Martin (Ontario).

Project Builders goes national Want to be part of an international project support team?

Project Builders (formerly EMC Missions Auxiliary) is changing, expanding to become a national EMCbased organization with new vision, projects, and members.

For 35 years this formerly Manitobabased organization has raised close to $1.5 million for EMC missions, church, and para-church ministries throughout the world. Its primary function has been to fund capital projects in EMC’s Latin American fields and within some 20 Associate Missions with whom EMC has formal partnership agreements.

But an expanding vision and many pressing world needs require change.

Len Barkman was appointed on a parttime basis to assist the organization in accomplishing this task.

THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

Meetings have been held with leaders representing all churches in southern Ontario (Region 9), in Alberta/BC (Region 1), and in Manitoba’s Interlake (Region 5). Presentations have also been given in churches and small group sessions.

It’s gratifying to see the interest in participating with Project Builders.

Membership applications are coming

in. The vision is for regional groups to build membership in the national organization and, once there is a large enough presence, to develop local chapters.

Membership is open to all for an annual donation of $250. Members participate in selecting projects to be funded and have voting privileges in the organization’s policy and direction.

Information and membership forms are available at www.projectbuilders. ca or check the brochure section in your church.

To have a representative come to your Sunday School class, prayer breakfast or worship service, please contact Len Barkman or an executive member listed in the contact section of www.projectbuilders.ca.

Len Barkman

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AMANDO REMPEL 1989–2008 Amando was born to his parents, John and Maria Rempel, in St. Thomas, Ont., on August 15, 1989. He was rushed to the London, Ont., hospital because of complications and had emergency surgery. He recovered quickly and grew up happy and healthy.

In 1998 his family moved from Ontario to Oasis, Chihuahua State, Mexico, where Amando helped his dad with farming. The family later moved to Manitoba for a year and a half, and then lived in Ontario.

In 2006 his family moved to Tigertown, Texas. Amando and his father worked for PJ’s Trailer Company. Amando was proud of the fact that his dad was his supervisor.

He loved spending time with his dad, and enjoyed giving him a hand. He preferred to work more than to study.

Amando was a contented child growing up, and enjoyed being around people. He loved outdoor activities such as riding his three- and four- wheelers, water skiing, rollerblading, and ice skating.

He had many friends and loved to stay in contact with them, including uncles, aunts, and cousins. His friendly face was an encouragement to many. He displayed the “fruit of the Spirit” as stated in Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”

Amando was actively involved with the youth and, with his Mom and Dad, singing in the worship team at Lighthouse Mission Church. In January he attended baptismal classes. He enjoyed the classes and participated in discussions.

One evening he spent time with Pastor Diedrich Harms and he came to understand that it is by faith and not by feeling that we become the children of God. Amando shared that he was sure that Christ had forgiven him and was accepted in God’s family.

He mentioned that he had relied too much on feelings, and that it is by faith in Christ that you are saved. He then expressed his desire to be baptized upon the confession of his faith. Amanda was baptized on July 13, 2008, and took part in communion that day.

On August 1, 2008, nineteen days after he was baptized, Amanda was called to his heavenly home by the Lord. He passed away in an accident when the car he was driving hit a tree and then caught on fire.

He leaves to mourn his parents John and Maria; his brothers Rodney and Kyle; his grandparents, Ben Rempel, Maria Rempel, Margaret Peters; uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his grandmother Justina Peters (April 14, 2006) and his grandfather Johann Peters (February 9, 2006).

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed…

Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:51, 54).

We will miss him.

His Family

coming events November 17 The Imperfect Board Member Seminar with Jim Brown $99 per person Winkler EMMC Winkler, Man. 204-325-9519

November 29 EMC Conference Council meeting Aberdeen EMC Winnipeg, Man. 204-326-6401

November 29–December 1 EMC Ministerial Retreat Celebrating the Call of God in Ministry Speakers: Dr. Henry and Linda Ozirney Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre Pinawa, Man. 204-326-1644 www.emconf.ca

January 11, 2009 EMC Day of Prayer Pray for EMC missionaries around the world Your church 204-326-6401 www.emconf.ca

July 3–5, 2009 EMC Annual Convention Radical Discipleship: Increasing the Kingdom’s footprint in our world Speaker: Dr. Pierre Gilbert Riverton Recreation Centre Riverton, Man. 204-326-6401 www.emconf.ca

EMC Ministerial Retreat November 29–December 1, 2008

Celebrating the Call of God in Ministry Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre in Pinawa, Man. For all pastors, associates, ministers, missionaries (active or retirees), elders, deacons, and spouses. www.emconf.ca

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THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

shoulder tapping The EMC seeks a full- or part-time archivist to fill the equivalent of a one-year term position at the Conference office in Steinbach, Man. The archivist will work with the Conference’s archival collection, about 300 boxes of materials, and periodicals and books. The main goal of the year is to prepare the collection for transfer to a suitable archival facility.

A full job description and list of qualifications are available upon request.

The archivist is to be committed to a personal Christian faith and work well within a denominational office setting. Salary details are available upon request. Interviews for the position will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Please contact General Secretary Tim Dyck at tdyck@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

Christian Fellowship Church (EMC), located in the village of Birch River, Man., seeks a full-time pastor to begin early in 2009. For information or to submit a resume and names of three references, contact Harold Thiessen, Elders Board Chair, at 204-238-4443 or RR1, Bowsman, MB R0L 0H0.

Steinbach EMC in Steinbach, Man., has a new opportunity to fill a half-time director of worship arts. You have a heart of worship, seeking to worship God in spirit and truth. You enjoy the richness of diversity in music and worship arts.

As a disciple of Christ, you are a willing, and teachable leader. Your love for the Lord and strong faith in Him is reflected in your ability to work well with many artists involved in worship arts ministry here. If this is you, we encourage you to check www.emchurch.com for information and how to respond. Blessings to you as you follow the Lord’s call on your life.

Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm

accepting applications for lead pastor. We aim to be a friendly, family-welcoming church body of 70 to 90 people, and seek a pastor who can encourage us by word and example to grow to maturity in Christ. Enquiries can be directed to the Pastoral Search Committee at 306-773-9089 (leave a message) or funkfarm@gmail.com (Paul Funk).

managerial experience, a background in Christian camping, be capable of general maintenance, interact well with the public, and work well with the manager/director. VVBC has a strong camping and retreat ministry. Salary to be negotiated. Contact 204-668-2776 or mb@cssm.ca for application forms or information.

Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to develop long-term relationships with people of the community. Direct inquiries to church planting coordinator Ward Parkinson, 204-326-6401, e-mail: wparkinson@emconf.ca.

Manager (1.0) and food services coordinator (.5) required for Camp Moose Lake, a small, well maintained, year-round facility in southeastern Manitoba operated by Mennonite Church Manitoba. Skills and abilities required in hosting, menu planning, food preparation, facility and equipment maintenance in an isolated setting, financial management, encouragement.

Full job descriptions available at www. campswithmeaning.org. Contact Director of Camping Ministries at 204-895-2267 or camps@ mennochurch.mb.ca

Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a youth worker or couple to develop a program for youth and junior youth. PFC is a small church in the village of Pelly, located in central Sask., close to the Manitoba border. Submit resume to Pastor John Froese, Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306595-2074. E-mail pastor@pellyfellowship.com.

Good busy people wanted. We’re adding staff to our great team. We’re a vibrant church with many young families, 500-plus attendees, three services, two languages and growing.

Can you contribute long-term or interim, full-time or part-time, sharing in roles of administrative leadership, preaching/teaching, worship coordination, leadership development, and outreach?

Do you have an Anabaptist understanding and training of the Bible, love for people, love for God and a passion for ministry in a church setting? Or do you know someone who does?

Contact Dan Rempel or Abe Harms at Aylmer EMMC in Ontario (serve@aemmc.ca). Check out our vision at www.aemmc.ca.

Morris Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Morris, Man., is looking for a full-time pastor for a congregation of about 120. Previous pastoral experience and leadership abilities are assets. For job description and information, please call Brian Klassen at 204-746-8102.

Help change your world one life at a time through Christian camping. Due to illness, one of our staff couples has had to resign. We are in need of a full-time food services director at Red Rock Bible Camp. Call 204-326-9784. Resumes may be e-mailed to kim@redrockbiblecamp.com or faxed to 204-348-7081.

Hillside Christian Fellowship (EMC) La Crete, Alberta, seeks a full-time pastor.

Where is La Crete? Where the sun shines 20 hours a day in summer, the northern lights light up the sky in fall; moose, deer, and bear are common sights; Canada geese gather by the thousands in fall; and the snowmobilers long for winter. People of La Crete are hardworking, loving, caring, optimistic people.

Desired: married couple, some pastoral experience, willing to work with all ages.

Competitive northern Alberta salary package, housing available, country church, excellent public education system K-12. Local economy: farming, logging, oilfield. Local languages: Low German and English.

If the Holy Spirit is tugging at your heart, give us a call. You might be surprised at what God has in store for you and His church. Contact Johnny Wieler at 780-928-3880 or avll@siscanada.ca.

Eden Health Care Services, a faith-based mental health recovery service provider engaged in a range of programs, seeks a full-time chief financial officer.

This individual will work with board members and other senior managers responsible for the accounting and finance functions contributing to the development of annual operating plans and long-term corporate strategy.

A full job description and list of qualifications is available upon request or by checking www. edenhealth.mb.ca. Contact: James Friesen, CEO, Eden Health Care Services, Box 129, Winkler, MB R6W 4A6; Fax 204-325-8742; Ph. 204-325-5355; E-mail: jfriesen.ehcs@mts.net.

Interviews will start September 2008 and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Eden is a program of the Mennonite Churches of Manitoba in partnership with Regional Health Authority Central MB, Inc.

Wymark EMC, a country church located 20 miles southeast of Swift Current, Sask., is

Valley View Bible Camp (CSSM), near MacGregor, Man., seeks an assistant camp manager/director. The manager should have

THE MESSENGER November 5, 2008

Steinbach Bible College and Steinbach Christian High School invite application for a full-time evening custodian.

The position will involve general custodial and some maintenance duties.

Applicant must be in agreement and sign our statement of Lifestyle and Morality Standards, and Statement of Faith.

Application form and job description are available at the SBC reception desk. Only applicants for interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Submit application, resume, and letter outlining salary expectations to: Wes Bergen, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4; Fax 204-3266908; E-mail: reception@sbcollege.ca.

MFC seeks a second full-time stewardship consultant to work in its Calgary, Alta., office. This person will be responsible to provide charitable gift and estate planning services and to promote biblical stewardship of financial resources in our constituency churches in Alberta.

The successful candidate will communicate effectively with individuals and in public presentations; have a good understanding of charitable gift and estate planning; be creative, organized, and self-motivated; support and incorporate MFC’s stewardship mission in personal life; be willing and able to contribute as part of an inter-dependent staff team.

The position will open on January 1, 2009.

Processing of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Submit resumes to Erwin Warkentin, General Manager, 12-1325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6, Ph. 800-772-3257, fax 204-488-1986, e-mail ewarkentin@mennofoundation.ca, web www. mennofoundation.ca.

Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church is now accepting applications for the position of lead pastor.

SMBC is a multi-generational church in a growing community. Our pastor is supported by a team of two associate pastors, two administrative assistants (one FTE), two custodians, and a congregation of approximately 400.

Resumes may be sent confidentially to: Pastoral Search Committee, Box 1930, Steinbach, MB R5G 1N5 or smbc@mts.net.

15

‘Just English and French is too boring!’

Laurie Rempel

J

une 19, 2007, was a really long day. It was the last day of packing for our family of six before we left for Paris.

My head was filled with a long to-do list.

My heart was aching because I was once again saying goodbye to family and friends and beginning another adventure with God. That night when I tucked my seven-year-old into bed, she could not quit crying. I held my daughter for a long time, her body shaking as she sobbed.

“Mommy, I am just going to miss Ashley and Jolene so much,” she said. “Two years is way too long to wait before I can see them again. I feel so sad. I can’t fall asleep.”

As I held her and watched her grieve, I prayed that God would heal the hurt in her heart and give her new friends.

How could I tell her that she might have to learn French before she could talk to her next friend? Or that I didn’t even know where she would go to school? How could I expect her to understand the sacrifices she had to make because we were going to Paris?

Eventually she settled down and fell asleep from exhaustion. Soon I crawled into bed, asking God to heal the heaviness in my heart. It was almost midnight and we would be waking up at 4 a.m. to catch our flight.

When school started last year, she did not know anyone and didn’t know more than a few French words and phrases. She’s timid in new situations. For the first few weeks God used another child to comfort, care for, protect and almost smother her with love.

Her teacher was worried about her social and intellectual integration. We explained that she would likely adjust and begin communicating in French after about three months.

I shared her birth story and how her name means faith. The story of her life and ours continues to be one of faith. We were praying and trusting God to help

Last month our family was discussing hypothetically what we might do “after” Paris. “Another language, another country, another language, another country,” she said. “Just French and English is too boring.”

PAGE 16

her receive much favour and have wisdom beyond her years.

How exactly did God answer our prayers? Well, she was able to do well in school and complete the second grade. She can now correct both of her parents’ French.

Here’s the rest of the story: last month our family was discussing hypothetically what we might do “after” Paris.

While we explained options, she began pounding the supper table with her fists. “Another language, another country, another language, another country,” she said.

“Just French and English is too boring. Just French and English is too boring.”

When I think back to 2007, I am overwhelmed as I remember my daughter’s aching heart. Yet, I am more amazed at what she exclaimed last week.

It proves that God’s plans for us are good. He answers our prayers. And, yes, God is able to do more T than we can ask or imagine! M Laurie and Sheldon Rempel, and family, are members of Steinbach EFC and living in Paris, France.

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