The Messenger Vol. 47 No. 1 January 7, 2009

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 47, number 1 January 7, 2009

Building Community The Church: Our covenant community (p. 4)

Not in stones but in hearts (p. 16)

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

The best Christmas gift

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hen asked about how Christmas went, one response (other than “good” or “great”) might to be list off all the gifts we’ve received. Maybe we’re excited about a new tool or toy we just had to have. Or, maybe what was the under the tree didn’t fit the bill and we’re left feeling that Christmas wasn’t so great.

What made this Christmas great for me, though, wasn’t something that came in a box. In fact, to try to package it, label it, or contain it could be dangerous!

Christmas can be chaotic. It’s often a time to gather as families. For some families, this is a less than joyous prospect. Different dynamics can cause hurt. Sometimes there’s dysfunction or disagreement. We don’t always get along. Topping my Christmas “wish list” this year was to

Resolutions to make a difference

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he coming of the new year often brings a sense of newness, of starting again—another chance to live the life we desire. At this time of year, many Canadians are making goals to live healthier, happier lives. The top new year’s resolutions involve physical well-being (losing weight, getting more exercise) or making more time with family and friends.

How often, though, do we make resolutions that will enable us to live more closely aligned with the will of God? The following resolutions are an example of some goals that can assist us in walking closely with our Saviour: “I do promise—my God helping— 1. That I will rise every morning sufficiently early to have a few minutes, not less than five, in private prayer.

2. That I will as much as possible avoid all that babbling and idle talking in which I have lately so sinfully indulged.

3. That I will endeavour in my conduct and deportment before the world and my fellow servants especially to conduct myself as a humble, meek, and zealous follower

INTERIM EDITOR Rebecca Buhler rbuhler@emconf.ca

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Erica Fehr

efehr@emconf.ca Address changes and submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 2 – February 4 (copy due January 23)

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have a Christmas filled with God’s presence in the midst of chaos.

Now, looking back, I can testify that our God specializes in bringing hope in the midst of mayhem. I saw God at work in and through me and those around me. Small victories took place, demonstrating that as long as God is at work—and He always is—our hope is not in vain.

The most gracious gift of all is that I can’t take credit for anything that happened. I can’t say I spent hours in prayer, agonizing before the throne of God (although He certainly heard the concerns in my heart often enough).

I didn’t try to orchestrate or control anything that happened. It was God at work. And I got to see it. “…For it is God who works in you to will and to act T according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). M Rebecca Buhler

THE MESSENGER is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.

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

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors.

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

of the bleeding Lamb, and by serious conversion and warning endeavour to lead them to think of their immortal souls.

4. That I will not read less than four chapters in God’s word every day.

5. That I will strive to live closer to God, and to seek after holiness of heart, and leave providential events with God. 6. That I will read this over every day or at least twice a week.

God help me, enable me to cultivate a spirit of self denial and to yield myself a prisoner of love to the Redeemer of the world.”

William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army with his wife Catherine, wrote these resolutions on December 6, 1849, at age 20. By the time of his death, the Army movement had expanded into 58 countries. Today, the Salvation Army has a presence in 110 countries.

If each EMCer made these resolutions their own, what T would our Conference look like 160 years from now? M Rebecca Buhler

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MESSENGER

On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger

THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

MCC boosts humanitarian aid to Gaza in wake of attacks Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is committing an additional $15,000 for emergency food assistance in Gaza following Israel’s aerial bombardment of the impoverished region.

Earlier this month MCC approved an emergency cash grant of $10,000 to help the Amira Society, Al-Najd, and Culture and Free Thought Association distribute food assistance to some of the most vulnerable families in the Gaza Strip (north, central and south).

The ongoing Israeli economic blockade on the Gaza Strip, home to 1.5 million Palestinians, had pushed people into deep levels of poverty even before the aerial attacks began.

“The situation was very bad in July when we visited Gaza but it is a lot worse now,” said MCC worker Bassem Thabet in an interview from Jerusalem before the current Israeli attacks. Israel says the aim of its military campaign is to end rocket attacks launched into Israel from Gaza.

MCC staff has not been able to visit Gaza in recent months. However even before the attack MCC partner organizations in Gaza were reporting that some of the most vulnerable families now use milled animal feed to make pita bread and discarded plastic pipes as fuel to cook bread and meals.

An estimated 1,800 people will benefit from the MCC emergency assistance which will consist of food, blankets, clothes for children, diapers, mini gas cookers and more. The families will be chosen based upon need and the number of children in the household.

Even before the attack MCC partner organizations in Gaza were reporting that some of the most vulnerable families now use milled animal feed to make pita bread and discarded plastic pipes as fuel to cook bread and meals.

THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

Each kit will include different items according to the needs of the targeted families.

Although there is a shortage of food and supplies in Gaza and prices are high, the partner organizations will still purchase the food and other materials within Gaza. The economic blockade has made it very difficult to get food, fuel, medical supplies and other necessities into the region.

In February, MCC approved a $25,000 aid package to purchase food kits, blankets and winter clothing for distribution to 180 households in the Khan Yunis refugee camp and Gaza City.

A material aid shipment followed in early April providing 3,159 school kits, 3,285 health kits, 200 bales of comforters and 750 relief kits.

Donations to MCC’s response in Gaza can be made online at mcc.org, by telephone (888-622-6337) or by sending a cheque to your nearest MCC office. Donations should be designated “Palestine Emergency Assistance.”

MCC

The pdf booklet on CD

Peace Sermons

by EMCers (2008) is now available.

Cost: $2 each ($4 if mailed) To order, contact the national office: 204-326-6401 or rbuhler@emconf.ca

E-mail address updates Note that all EM Conference office staff have new e-mail addresses. Please remove any old addresses from your e-mail address book and replace with the following: Board of Trustees and General Board Tim Dyck, General Secretary: tdyck@emconf.ca Ruth Anne Peters, Adminstrative Assistant: rapeters@emconf.ca Board of Missions Tim Dyck, General Secretary: tdyck@emconf.ca Ken Zacharias, Foreign Secretary: kzacharias@emconf.ca Ruth Anne Peters, Adminstrative Assistant: rapeters@emconf.ca Board of Leadership and Outreach David Thiessen, Conference Pastor: dthiessen@emconf.ca Ward Parkinson, Canadian Church Planting Coordinator: wparkinson@emconf.ca Erica Fehr, Administrative Assistant: efehr@emconf.ca Board of Church Ministries Terry Smith, Executive Secretary: tsmith@emconf.ca (on sabbatical to May 1, 2009) Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister: greimer@emconf.ca Rebecca Buhler, Administrative Assistant: rbuhler@emconf.ca The Messenger messenger@emconf.ca General Inquiries info@emconf.ca

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The Church: Our covenant community for the pilgrimage

Alicia Buhler

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

(Genesis 12:1–3, NRSV)

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o Abram and Sarai left their home country and began the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage began with a covenant between God and His people. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s people making a pilgrimage, and God calling humanity back to Himself.

In the New Testament we read of a new covenant which was created in the broken body of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20). Though the promised Messiah came and provided God’s people with eternal life, the pilgrimage did not end at the cross. As people of faith, we join with those who have journeyed in the

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past, with those who are walking the road, and with those who will continue the journey when we are gone.

We join a pilgrimage that spans time and history, countries and continents. The Church is the visible manifestation of these pilgrim assemblies.

Throughout history, people of faith have come together to form congregations with faith as their common bond.

Much like families, the Church is characterized by unity and uniqueness. Each member has something unique to offer, creating interdependence, unifying the whole. It is necessary for members to give and receive.

Balswick and Balswick provide a helpful framework for conceptualizing the theology of familial relationships in The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home (Baker Academic, 2007). Their foundational concepts of covenant, grace, empowerment, and intimacy give us insight into the nature of the Christian church as a covenant community and its pilgrimage.

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Covenant: To love and be loved

God made a covenant with Abram which began the pilgrimage of God’s people, Israel. We, too, are called to enter into a covenant and join in the journey with others who are answering the call to enter into relationship with God, to repent and become baptized (Acts 2:38). Baptism, as an act of obedience and a symbol of faith, serves as an entry point into the covenant community.

In the covenant between God and Abram, God did not give Abram a choice as to whether or not he wanted to enter into the covenant. The promise was unconditional. It was, however, Abram’s choice to respond to the promise in such a way as to acquire the blessings that the covenant had to offer (Balswick & Balswick, 2007).

There are certain givens in life’s journey over which we do not have a choice, but we may choose to respond so as to reap the benefits of what has been offered us. To choose to enter into the covenant community of believers provides us with belonging, companionship, some measure of security for the journey, and fellowship in Christ.

When Israel chose to respond to God in obedience, they became God’s people. Similarly, when we choose to respond to God and accept the salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ, we become a part of a larger pilgrimage.

Giving and receiving love is foundational to any relationship, and Jesus Christ has provided us with the ultimate model of loving God and others.

If God, who is holy, can forgive us when we do not deserve it, how much more should we forgive our brothers and sisters?

Membership in a covenant community entails roles and responsibilities for the journey. We are entering into relationship, and there are certain expectations that need to be honoured in order for the community to thrive and move forward.

While it may sound simplistic, the primary and most essential expectation in a covenant community is love. Giving and receiving love is foundational to any relationship, and Jesus Christ has provided us with the ultimate model of loving God and others. This covenantal relationship holds the community as they deepen their commitment, recognize their need for grace, become empowered to serve and be served, and grow in intimacy with one another.

Grace: To forgive and be forgiven

With the exception of Jesus Christ, no one has led a perfect life. We have all taken wrong turns and made mistakes which have disrupted the unity we so need and desire. Our sinful nature has also broken our unity with God. In Jesus Christ, God has provided a way for us to be forgiven and for communion to be restored—though it still remains fragmented to some degree.

We have been forgiven by God, so we are to forgive others. If God, who is holy, can forgive us when we do not deserve it, how much more should we forgive our brothers and sisters?

Grace is needed in relationships so that some degree of harmony may be maintained. This is not (continued p. 6)

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to say accountability is not needed, or that we can never disagree. Conflict is inevitable. If, however, we are able to use conflict as an opportunity to grow, we will progress in our journey.

What should be distinctive about the church is how members engage one another in the midst of conflict. With a covenant in place and grace to help prevent or mend tears in relationship, we are then freed to build one another up, to encourage rather than oppose each other.

Empowerment: To serve and be served

The body of Christ is a metaphor for the Church (1 Cor. 12:14–27). Each part of the body needs the others. Through the unique function of each member, the body is unified. It is our responsibility and honour, as members of the body of Christ, to serve and be served, to empower others to use their gifts for the edification of the body, and to be empowered to share our strengths as well.

There is a fear in our hearts that power is a limited resource, that if we empower another person we ourselves will somehow be left powerless. Does a candle lose light when it lights another candle?

No! So, too, the body of Christ is able to shine brighter when members build one another up.

Does a candle lose light when it lights another candle? No! So, too, the body of Christ is able to shine brighter when members build one another up.

In Jesus’ ministry to and with his disciples, he showed a true leader inspires his or her followers to take up their own cross and follow. Too often we believe that leaders must carry the load for all. We journey together because one person cannot make the journey alone. We need to shoulder the load for our fellow pilgrims, and have our burdens lifted.

We are also called to serve those outside of our close-knit community. We may help to carry our neighbour’s load for a while and then watch as they continue on their journey, or they may be intrigued by what journeying with a covenant community has to offer and we may invite them to join the mass pilgrimage of believers. Whatever their decision, we do not ask for anything in return.

Intimacy: To know and be known

As we travel the road, we learn each other’s stories. It is a privilege and honour to know another human being, and to be known. Being created in God’s image means it is our joy and sometimes our challenge to learn who God is through relationship with others. Such knowing requires a safe space in which to share, and vulnerability.

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Transparency is difficult. Shame and fear of rejection can keep us quiet. Congregations frequently try to maintain a positive appearance to outsiders, maybe even a certain appearance before God—after all, we do not want to end the journey only to be rejected by God for not being perfect enough, “without spot or wrinkle.”

God knows us intimately. Still he says, “I will

Being created in God’s image means it is our joy and sometimes our challenge to learn who God is through relationship with others. establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your offspring after you” (Genesis 17:7).

Wandering though we may be, God has promised to be our God and provided us with the example of Jesus Christ who is “the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through [him]” (John 14:6).

The Holy Spirit has descended upon us to help us in our weaknesses and to guide us on the way.

But we do not have to make the pilgrimage apart from the companionship of fellow sojourners who are also walking towards complete restoration and unity with God. Covenant, grace, empowerment, and intimacy are four vital functions of a covenant community. This is the picture of what I believe the Church is called to be and do. The body we call the Church may seem simplistic in its form, but it is profound in its T function. M Alicia Buhler is a full-time student at Associated Mennonite Bibilical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana, working towards an M.Div. with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counselling. She grew up in the Pineridge Fellowship Chapel (Hudson Bay, Sask.) congregation and attended Fort Garry EMC during her days as a student at Canadian Mennonite University.

We are all connected.

“The fast I have chosen…loosen the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share your food with the hungry” Isaiah 58

Make the connection. End Hunger Fast

www.endhungerfast.com

THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

archives alcove Terry M. Smith

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The EMC’s list of rivers is growing!

ecently a historian described the EMC Archives foreign cross-cultural efforts, which also helped prepare as a “treasure trove” and advised me to take the EMC to develop Hispanic congregations within good care of the materials. As national staff Canada. members who work in the building where the Some EMCers will connect with the banks of the Archives are located, we try to take good care of the Red River in Manitoba, while others will identify with materials, but they don’t get the attention that they riverbanks in Mexico, Paraguay, and elsewhere. It’s all history that needs preservation. deserve.

The EMC Archives Committee members are involved: With the help of additional volunteers, the Archives businessman Robert Goertzen (with a degree in history), will benefit in its organizational, translation, and City of Winnipeg archivist Don Kroeker, SBC librarian promotional efforts. We have, indeed, a treasure trove to take care of and many more treasures to solicit. and EMC minister LeRoy Barkman, and journalist and educator Doris Penner. But more help is needed.

If you are interested in assisting in organizing, Yes, we have treasures for which the EMC is translating, overseeing translation projects, or assisting responsible. Where are volunteers with a passion for in some other way, contact the national office. organizing the archives, determining what needs to And, just for curiosity’s sake, you’re welcome to T be translated from German to English (and who can provide the name of the river that is important to you. M oversee the projects), and for promoting lessons that can be gleaned from history?

Without question, we have EMCers who are passionate about the faith of our forebears. We have people who are skilled in reading German (older script and modern).

There are people with organizational skills, including some computer typing skills. Your help is welcome!

Years ago our history focused on Ukraine, The value of the EMC then on the East and West sides of Archives is expanding— Manitoba’s Red River. But, in the past 60 because our Conference is growing. years, many people have joined who were Years ago our history born on the other side of many rivers. focused on Ukraine, then on the East and West sides of Manitoba’s Red River. But, in the past 60 years, many people have joined who were born on the other side of many rivers: rivers Free! in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, A new issue of southern Ontario, Mexico, Paraguay, Bolivia, Germany, Theodidaktos: England; and the list of places with rivers goes on.

Journal for EMC This expansion is, partly, our inheritance from the theology and education Western Gospel Mission period (1946–1961). The WGM is available from the era was a time when the EMC became increasingly open Conference office to people of non-Dutch/German/Russian backgrounds 204-326-6401 and opened its eyes to the need to plant churches more rbuhler@emconf.ca widely in Western Canada.

The expansion also reflects our 60-year history with

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EMC and

Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series

Randall Krahn

The Board of Leadership and Outreach has invited EMC pastors and other leaders 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 preacher to forward the material to The Messenger.

5. THE FALL OF THE HUMAN RACE We believe our first parents, in unbelief and disobedience, fell into sin by their free choice. This broke their fellowship with God and brought the whole human race into the same state of sin and separation (Genesis 1:26–27; 2:7, 16–17; 3:1–24; John 6:44; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1–10).

Statement of Faith Article 5: The Fall of the Human Race

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he brevity of this statement on the fall of the human race can lull us into missing the cataclysmic impact these few words intend.

This is an excellent and complete statement, but it is not one that is meant to be quickly skimmed over.

I am sure the original authors weighed each word very carefully, and we too must consider the impact of each word if we are to have the life-changing deliverance they call us to seek.

We miss the point of the account of Adam and Eve if we use it as source material for humour and self congratulation. Far from giving us an opportunity to excuse our own failings, the biblical account of The Fall is a visual graphic of the destruction with which sin works in all our lives.

Unbelief results in wrong choices (disobedience), which leaves The act of eating behind a broken relationship. The forbidden fruit image of Adam and Eve separated by itself seems from their former relationship by cherubim with flaming swords small, but the illustrates how seriously God takes relationship it the infraction of disobedience.

Disobedience is always a choice, damaged was and, as much as we like to blame huge. others, including Adam and Eve, for our troubles, we cannot escape the fact that our separation from God comes as a result of our own personal unbelieving choices. Just as Adam and Eve were powerless to return to Eden, we come into this world with a barrier between us and God that we are powerless to overcome.

We live in a world that has difficulty with the concept of personal responsibility and would rather believe that God owes us. Instead, the biblical account of The Fall leaves us asking, “Is there any hope for humanity now that it has broken relationship with God?” 8

Without a recognition that the troubles this world experiences are a result of disobedience to a God who owes us nothing, the grace within the gospel story remains empty.

The Fall teaches us that sin is much more than simple action. Unlike contemporary thought, sin is not what adds spice to life. Sin is always relationship destroying.

The measure of sin is not so much in the act itself but in the extent to which it damages relationships. The act of eating forbidden fruit by itself seems small, but the relationship it damaged was huge.

To what extent do we believe that relationship is the T measure by which we evaluate sin? M Randall Krahn is senior pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Swift Current, Sask.

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with our missionaries Nicaragua

A rollercoaster ride toward reconciliation

Serving 11 resident girls has been a rollercoaster ride (seven others were transferred to another centre or left by their own choice), but we have grown to love and appreciate each of these precious girls.

Dealing with adolescent and teenage girls of turbulent backgrounds is a challenge. One day they are so sweet, showing a bit of maturity; the next, they won’t talk to you and are angry at another resident or staff member because they didn’t get their way.

We remind ourselves that they have not had a normal, loving background.

All staff members look to God for love, understanding, wisdom, and strength.

Working under the authority of Family Services is also a challenge. Recently it launched Project Love, which aims to give better care to children, especially street children.

During the next year it wants to return all children that are in centres to their homes if they have family. It proposes to give economic assistance to poor families so children will not need to sell products on the street, establish daycare centres for working mothers, and train families to become foster parents for abandoned or orphaned children.

We wondered if CINAG had a future as a resident facility, but in meeting with Family Services representatives, we were assured that they want to work together with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

We are looking at possibly strengthening the Life Skills program for community

Volunteers from Winnipeg Willowlake Baptist Church and resident girls

children and adding programs (education, vocational) for adolescents and young teens. Pray for the board as it considers the future ministry of CINAG. Construction of the volunteer dorm/ classroom/library and clinic started November 3. A volunteer team of six from Manitoba assisted in it and other maintenance jobs. They really connected with the girls. The girls enjoyed the crafts, colouring, dance, and games.

They loved joining volunteers on tourist activities getting to know their country’s beauty.

Recreation is vital. We purchased four bicycles, which have been a big hit. How they enjoy riding on the yard or on the road. They enjoy the freedom and the exercise is good for them! We celebrated a girl’s birthday by going to a water park. Some said this was the best day of their life.

Christmas is difficult for the girls.

Those with family talk about going home, but most are disappointed because families don’t seek permission from Family Services. For others it isn’t safe to go home or they have no home. We will take two girls to our place for a couple of days. Director Elizabeth, her sister, and her mother will take the rest home.

Thanks to those who provided a Christmas donation. We bought gifts for each girl (pants, blouse or top, cosmetics bag, candy and snacks) and a grocery hamper for each staff member.

We will have a nice meal December 24, after which they will go to their homes. We thank God that we can be a part, with you, of his plan to bring the message of peace and reconciliation.

Darlene and Lester Olfert Darlene and Lester Olfert (Steinbach EFC) serve with Action International Ministries.

We celebrated a girl’s birthday by going to a water park. Some said this was the best day of their life.

Resident girls received bikes.

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The water park was great fun.

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with our churches

Parent-child dedication at SEMC Steinbach EMC, Man.: SEMC was delighted to share with five young couples in the dedication to raise and support their children, gifts from the Lord. We thank the Lord for His blessing upon these families and our congregation and remain committed to sharing the deeds, might, and wonders of our Lord with this generation and the generation to come.

Garry Koop

Participants in the parent-child dedication: Craig and Angela Brandt with Ryan Joshua, Michael and Naomi Kornelson with Nadia Raya, Patrick and Heather Peters with Ian Peter, Dan and Jodi Zilinski with Nate Alexander, and Kelly and Lorie Reimer with Brianna Ainsley. (photo by Joyce Doerksen)

births FRIESEN – to Derek and Kelly Friesen of Pansy, Man., a son, Liam Ryan, on January 13, 2008.

DYCK – to Scott and Maureen Dyck of Morden, Man., a son, Liam Scott, on July 15, 2008.

FRIESEN – to Bryon and Courtney Friesen of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Micah John, on July 26, 2008.

PETERS – to Deric and Ashley Peters of Roseisle, Man., a son, Austin Chevy Michael, on August 26, 2008.

KROEKER – to Merle and Lorna Kroeker of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Grayson Morgan, on September 23, 2008.

New members accepted Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): The first Sunday in December was a significant day for Braeside as we accepted four people into church membership: Donna Kelly and Maria Figueroa by baptism, and Caroline and Peter Loewen through transfer of membership from Arborg Christian Fellowship.

Al Dueck

Members accepted are Donna Kelly and Maria Figueroa (front) and Caroline and Peter Loewen (right). Pastor Kim Stoesz welcomed new members and presented each of them with a devotional guide.

KROEKER – to Tyson and Diane Kroeker of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Aurelia Suzanne, on September 23, 2008.

KEHLER – to Gary and Lynnette Kehler of Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Jordanna Lynn Annie, on November 11, 2008.

GRYBA – to Byron and Anita Gryba of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Heath Marshall, on November 12, 2008.

STEELE – to Brendan and Crystal Steele of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Cooper John, on November 13, 2008.

LEINONEN – to Harri and Karla Leinonen of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Olivia Nicole, on December 3, 2008.

ASCOUGH – to Peter and Irene Ascough of Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Joy Beatrice, on December 4, 2008.

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THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

MacGregor gains youth pastoral couple watch (and only a few got tangled).

MacGregor, Man.: Praise the Lord!

We had only one student graduate We have a youth pastoral couple, this year, Matthew Sawatzky. We Garnet and Tracey Hodges, who wish him God’s blessing in his have been our youth leaders for the future. past year.

The Power Lab VBS was held We are blessed that they heard in our church. We provided the and listened to God’s calling to go location and volunteers, but it into full-time ministry. They have was mostly organized by Westend already been busy planning a youth Community Church, with whom we missions trip to Chihuahua, Mexico, have worked in the past. in the new year. Fundraising is full Our summer series was Who is speed ahead.

Do you like to eat? We do, and we Three young people took the step of baptism on June 22: James Your Bible Hero? I shared, via video, like to eat together. We have many Lloyd, Brendan McCaskell, and Emily Wright. Edna Bartsch became a my Bible hero, Daniel. I chose him member. because he was not afraid to stand potluck lunches, sometimes when we have a missionary visit, or we have a meals, bowling, tours, and special events. up for what he believed. Other chosen special church meeting, and sometimes It is great to see this age group getting heroes, also shared by video, were: just because we have not had one in a together. Many of them also participate Jonathan, Elijah, King David, Samuel, Dorcas, Nehemiah, and Esther. Thank while. It is a wonderful opportunity to in a Community Choir. visit with each other and understand Our Sunday School picnic on June you, Pastor Bill. What a great way to each other better.

1 was fun. The weather was great, the learn more about God and each other.

Our 55-Plus Group also likes potlucks. games fun, the soccer game was great for They have been meeting regularly for all ages, and the kites were a pleasure to

We have arrived in the 21st century. Our church now has its own web site. If you would like to check it out, our site is: www.macgregoremc.com.

MacGregor’s Sunday School picnic on June 1 was popular.

Paraguay

Our missions committee has been busy promoting a missionary family each month, giving us an opportunity to know more about them and also to pray for them. The committee is once again planning to send them all a Christmas gift.

We have arrived in the 21st century.

Our church now has its own web site. If you would like to check it out, our site is: www.macgregoremc.com.

Elizabeth Sawatzky

2009

Mennonite World Conference Assembly Gathered Asunción, Paraguay 14–19 July 2009 “Come together in the way of Jesus Christ.”

– Philippians 2:1–11

Assembly Scattered across Latin America and Caribbean before and after Assembly Gathered

REGISTER NOW! www.mwc-cmm.org

THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

weddings SAWATZKY – KLASSEN: Anthony, son of Don and Joyce Sawatzky of Winkler, Man., and Kaylee, daughter of Wes and Brenda Klassen of Roseisle, Man., were married on August 16, 2008, at Winkler EMMC with Kelly Lesser officiating.

KWIRANT – JANZEN: Christian, son of Horst and Renate Kwirant of Tapfheim, Germany, and Carmen, daughter of Abe and Virginia Janzen of Calgary, Alta., were married on August 1, 2008, in Okotoks, Alta., with Ray Landis from Fish Creek Christian Fellowship officiating.

The couple lives in Munich, Germany.

11

writings shared Wes Kroeker

On the Way with Jesus: A Passion for Mission, Richard Showalter (Scottdale: Herald Press, 2008), 150 pp. ISBN 9780836194159. $16.99. Reviewed by Wes Kroeker, EMC minister and Steinbach EFC member.

A

re you looking for a readable summary of current mission issues and practices?

Perhaps you have a young adult or a recently birthed brother or sister in mind. Here is a book that addresses the topic in a realistic and thoughtful way. Each chapter is short, yet loaded with stories and facts that stimulate curiosity and reflection.

The 52 chapters are divided into five sections covering The Vision, The People, The Walk, The World, and The Path Ahead. The author approaches missions from an appropriately Christ-centred view with a strong appreciation for the contributions of the Anabaptist heritage.

Each chapter stays on topic while providing helpful illustrations and useful leading questions. The topics posed by each chapter have many possible responses and Showalter often pursues avenues that are not the typical polarized views.

Highlights include a chapter titled Are we holistic?

The body-soul ministry question is approached from historic and current practice, yet majors on the fact that western missionaries live out this tension in remarkable ways. The author is definitely an encourager and cheerleader of missionaries.

Other highlights include Radical Faith, which is summed up as aspiring to walk with God—the only passion worth having. Losing my faith is a call to abandon our faith (inherited, practiced, theological) and come to Jesus. The call is to divine transformation.

How Islam led me to Jesus hints at the depth of Muslims who know Jesus as Saviour, but have not abandoned their Muslim identity.

One weakness is the author’s assumption that we are familiar with the Eastern Mennonite Mission and its work. Another weakness is a lack of Bible references.

It would be helpful to provide these at the end of each chapter so that the Word could speak to the issue at hand. This would be more helpful than the brief activity and discussion guide provided.

Add this book to your library; use it with a small 12

with Dr. John Neufeld sav•vy (sav’ē) Informal adj. sav•vi•er, sav•vi•est well informed and perceptive: savvy Small Group Leaders. n. Practical understanding: a pastor known for biblical savvy. tr. & intr.v. sav•vied (săv’ēd), sav•vy•ing To understand; comprehend.

Add this book to your library; use it with a small group to study missions and pray for missions. Use it in an adult or senior youth Sunday School class, or use it to prepare for short-term mission work.

Whatever the case, this is a book that is worth using and promoting.

Leadership Conference

group to study missions and pray for missions. Use it in Register early—before February 20, 2009 • $50/person after February 29, 2008 • $60/person angroup adult or senior youth Sunday School class, or use it rate for 3 or more from one church • $40/person to prepare mission work. Whatever the Call Christal atfor SBC short-term 1-204-326-6451 Register online case, this is atawww.sbcollege.ca book that is worth using and promoting.

“Our missionary commitment is clear. That which flings us into the world is passion for Jesus—to know him and to make him known. It is a radical New Testament faith. It accepts and even promotes all kinds of cultural and ancestral diversity. It accepts organizational diversity. But it rejects any diversity that strays from one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God T and Father of all” (90). M

with Dr. John Neufeld sav•vy (sav’ē) Informal adj. sav•vi•er, sav•vi•est well informed and perceptive: savvy Small Group Leaders. n. Practical understanding: a pastor known for biblical savvy. tr. & intr.v. sav•vied (săv’ēd), sav•vy•ing, sav•vies (săv’ēz) To understand; comprehend.

Leadership Conference Register early—before February 20, 2009• $50/person

after February 20, 2009 • $60/person group rate for 3 or more from one church • $40/person

Call Christal at SBC 1-204-326-6451 or register online at www.sbcollege.ca

THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

stewardship today Darren Pries-Klassen

D

Gratitude is humbling

on’t you love those eureka moments? The that ended my prideful feelings very quickly: “Gratitude moments when is always an act of humility.” something happens Hmmm. I was grateful that my that makes you jump daughter had made an offering for joy or do one of those hockey on her own accord. Perhaps fist-pump things. Let me tell you she had done so humbly, but I my latest one. was anything but humbled by I am the father of two teenage it. I had taken the credit for her daughters. This means they are generosity. smart and I am not (I am told I I remembered something will grow out of it). As parents, else I once read by Christian my wife and I have tried to raise educator Richard Foster: “Faith them as best we can and in a is not taught; it is caught.” In way that God would approve. other words we can’t make This includes nurturing a someone have faith, we can only spirit of generosity. When our model it in the hopes that they children were young we gave will come to embrace it as their them an allowance and helped own. them divide into three piles, one In an ironic twist, I may have for sharing, one for saving, and felt my daughter had learned the other for spending. the joy of generosity but it Now our oldest is in her turns out I had something to senior year of high school learn. It wasn’t my teaching and working part-time. The on allowances and sharing All those years of allowances allowance is gone and the road that brought my daughter to this and dividing it into three little to self-sufficiency has begun. The point—although I like to think it piles had paid off. decisions she makes with her helped. paycheques are hers to make. My Ultimately, God had been at wife and I have very little say in the work in her life and my job was to matter anymore. express my own gratitude—humbly, I might add—for A few Sundays ago my oldest sat beside me in what God had done rather than feel pride in my church. Normally she sits with her friends, but they parenting ability.

T were at the youth retreat and she was scheduled to I can’t wait until I am as smart as my kids! M work that weekend. When the offering plate was passed Darren Pries-Klassen is a stewardship consultant at Mennonite that morning she opened her wallet and made a gift.

Foundation of Canada (Niagara, Ont.). For stewardship That was it. My eureka moment! education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact She had learned generosity. All those years of your nearest MFC office or visit mennofoundation.ca. allowances and dividing it into three little piles had paid off. My job was done and I had been successful in teaching generosity. Mission accomplished. In retrospect I was more than a little smug in what I thought I had accomplished.

Not long afterwards, while reading It all Goes Back in the Box, a great little devotional guidebook to life by John Ortberg, I stumbled upon a line THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

13

Anabaptist themes prominent at WEA assembly Mennonite World Conference, by invitation of the World Evangelical Alliance, sent two representatives to the WEA General Assembly held in Thailand October 25–30. The assembly, held every six years, drew 500 delegates from more than 100 nations.

Mulugeta Zewdie from Ethiopia and Alfred Neufeld from Paraguay represented MWC. “I was impressed by how many typical Anabaptist issues are being wholeheartedly embraced at this moment by the leadership of WEA,” said Neufeld.

During the five days, interviews with five to 10 representatives of countries in crisis focused on global problems. Six task groups worked to produce major resolutions on peacemaking, the global financial crisis, creation care, religious liberty, HIV/AIDS, and poverty. Ron Sider, a well-known Anabaptist and an Evangelical, worked with Mulugeta and Neufeld in the Peace Building and Reconciliation task force.

The preamble of a resolution titled Peace Building and Reconciliation Initiative, produced by the task force and adopted by the WEA on October 30, 2008, states: “God’s mission is the reconciliation of all things through Christ, and He invites us to participate with Him in the pursuit of right relationships.” Its vision statement calls for “all evangelical churches and Christians to actively engage in peace building and reconciliation, in obedience to Jesus Christ.”

A resolution by another task force, addressing the current economic crisis, stated: “Our security is not found in the things of this world.” It called on Christians to care for the poor during the crisis and to live simply and generously.

“God’s mission is the reconciliation of all things through Christ, and He invites us to participate with Him in the pursuit of right relationships.”

14

Rev. Joel Edwards, former head of the UK Evangelical Alliance, was commissioned as director of the Micah Challenge, a Christian anti-poverty movement.

“As we think about the global reality of the world in which we live, [there are] immense challenges but also immense opportunities.” said Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, WEA international director.

The World Evangelical Alliance, founded in 1846, is the biggest and oldest global association of non-Catholic Christian groups.

The Lausanne movement, starting in 1974 with the famous covenant of Lausanne, has been an important think tank for the global WEA. At its Cape Town 2010 meeting, this movement will assess the next steps in realizing the vision of “the whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world.”

MWC

coming events January 14–February 18 Essentials of Discipline DVD Series Focus on the Family help for 21st century parents $20/couple (registration by Dec. 31) St. Vital EM Church Winnipeg, Man. 204-256-9480 svemcpastor@commstream.net

January 22–24 Refreshing Winds: Worship come to its senses Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man. 204-487-3300 or 877-231-4570 dhiebert@cmu.ca www.cmu.ca/conferences.html

January 30–February 1 Break Forth Canada The largest equipping and renewal conference in North America Speakers include: Phil Callaway, John Eldredge, Frank Peretti, and more Edmonton, Alta.

780-417-5082 info@breakforthministries.com www.breakforthcanada.com

Tenth anniversary since CMU decision November 18, 2008, marked the 10th anniversary of a Memorandum of Association that resulted in Canadian Mennonite University. Classes were first held in 2000.

In a letter to constituents, President Gerald Gerbrandt said, “…I always look at November 18, 1998 as the critical date, since it was then that the colleges and their owners agreed to take the risk of working together for the cause of Mennonite higher education.”

Gerbrandt expressed “immense gratitude” for those with “vision” and “who put in countless hours of work to refine and build it. I thank God for leading and blessing us during this decade. The CMU of today may not be exactly as was envisioned back then but, in many ways, I would assert that it is much more than we even hoped.”

He notes that about 1,600 students are registered in a program, with full-

time equivalent of around 950. “The economic crisis today warns us that finances will be a major challenge in the next while,” he says, “but so far support has been strong—and for that we are very thankful.”

CMU was recently admitted into the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Students’ degrees will be more easily recognized at other Canadian universities and faculty will have greater access to research grants, he says.

CMU is described as a “Christian university, rooted in the Anabaptist faith tradition, moved and transformed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.”

Gerbrandt notes that CMU calls itself a “university of the church for the world” and that it has been “established to build up the church and help it more effectively reach out to society.”

CMU

THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

LEAMINGTON EMMC seeks a full-time senior pastor to minister to a large and growing congregation. Located in the most southern part of Ontario, Leamington was voted Canada’s number one place to live in 2006 by MoneySense Magazine.

Our church has many strong committees and programs in place, including a church council and a vibrant Sunday School program.

Our congregation is made up of both Low German- and English-speaking members, and consists of mostly young families. We feature two weekly worship services: a modern English service and a distinctly Low German service. Th is position is available to start in 2009. Fluency in Low German is an asset. To apply or for information, please contact pst@lemmc.com.

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

THE MESSENGER January 7, 2009

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

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.

MENNONITE FOUNDATION of Canada has an immediate opening in our Winnipeg office for a receptionist as a maternity leave replacement.

Th is person will be responsible for front desk and telephone receptions, processing incoming and outgoing mail including deposits and receipting, word processing and various other clerical duties.

Experience in a computerized office environment, specifically using Microsoft Office soft ware with proficiency in Word is desired. Applicants should enjoy interacting with the public and possess strong interpersonal and telephone skills. MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. A complete job description is available upon request.

Processing of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is fi lled. Interested persons should send their resume to: Assistant Manager, Mennonite Foundation of Canada, 121325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6, Ph. 204-488-1985, Fax 204-488-1986, E-mail rbjanzen@ mennofoundation.ca, www.mennofoundation.ca.

MENNONITE CENTRAL Committee Canada (MCCC) is hiring for director of human resources, a salaried position.

The director of human resources is responsible for the human function of MCCC. This includes recruitment, screening, placement, maintenance of personnel information and related data, training and care of workers, salary and benefits administration, policy development, national coordination of the Service Program, the Canadian Service Opportunities for Older People (SOOP) program, and the Uniform Salary and Benefits Committee. The director of human resources consults and collaborates with provincial and regional HR staff, with MCC HR department in the United States, and is the Canadian representative

on the MCC Human Resource Policy Reference Council. This position is also part of the MCC Canada management team.

MCC requires all workers to have a personal Christian faith, be active members of a Christian church, and be committed to the teaching of nonviolent biblical peacemaking.

For more information or to apply by February 2, 2009, please contact Marsha Jones at MCC Canada office, phone 204-261-6381 or e-mail mgj@mennonitecc.ca. For a complete assignment description see the MCC web site www.mcc.org.

BRIGHTWOOD RANCH, a Christian camp near Edmonton, Alta., serves underprivileged children and youth. Summer positions are paid and include: four-month positions (May to August): Main site program director, tipi village program director, secretary, leadership development program leader, GO Team leader, head cook, wranglers, junior wrangler training program leader, assistant maintenance. Two-month positions: (July and August) senior counselors, assistant cooks, nurse, wranglers, assistant youth development program leaders, male and female unit leaders. Contact the ranch at bright.wood@hopemission.com.

R W

efreshing inds 2009

Worship Come To Its Senses January 22–24, 2009 Keynote Speakers: Don Saliers and Doug Gay CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 204.487.3300 | www.cmu.ca

SCHS INFORMATION EVENING Thursday, February 12 @ 7:00 PM Complete Grades 7—12 All interested parents and students are invited to tour the school and interact with the staff. Have all your questions answered and find out all you need to know about our “Quality Education with a Christian Perspective”.

Contact SCHS for more info at 326-3537 www.schs.ca schs@schs.ca

15

Not in stones but in hearts I n 2003, my husband and I were on a visit to Scotland for our second time. This time we decided to tour a different direction than we had previously, and go to the western islands.

We traveled by train to Oban, then by ferry over to the Island of Mull, then by bus to another ferry to the ancient monastery of Iona. St. Columba came here from Ireland with twelve followers in 563 AD. Iona was the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Much of the monastery grounds are far from ruins these days with the help of conservationists. There is the church, smaller chapels, the abbot’s home, the kitchen, the hospital and many other buildings.

A spiritual journey for many, I was expecting to be duly impressed, especially since I was part Scottish.

As I was walking up the windswept path towards the monastery, I was trying to encourage my awe of this place by murmuring under my breath, “So this is where it all began.” Immediately my mind filled with these words that made me gasp, “No, it begins in you.”

I had to stop. It was one of those God moments.

Words that grab you like the times you suddenly remember you missed an appointment. Only God moments are words that grip you with the realization that they didn’t come from your own thinking. God

Cathleen Copeland

Although these ancient stones were the place where a man had come to preach the Good News, it held no spiritual vortex. The fruits of St. Columba were in the hearts of people who passed on the Good News. They didn’t carry it within a stone, but in their hearts.

reminded me that although these ancient stones were the place where a man had come to preach the Good News, it held no spiritual vortex. The fruits of St. Columba were in the hearts of people the world over who had ancient relatives from Scotland who passed on the Good News. They didn’t carry it within a stone, but in their hearts.

“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15). In my concordance, I found references of the word “go” filled many pages. Besides Christ’s death and resurrection, can you think of anything more important than the word “go” in God’s scheme of things?

This is what the Lord was teaching me that day. I think I had known it all along but I had listened to others who had come to Iona and felt the “spiritual vibes” when there. I really did know better. While I love to visit old sites with rich history, I had to understand that they were only a marker of a place—an ebenezer, a stack of stones of what the Celts called a remembrance cairn, a place of recounting God’s goodness.

Another thing that Scotland has much of besides stones, is sheep, so this verse is so apt: “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation, we will recount your praise” (Psalms 79:13). Enjoy and remember the history and thank the Lord that others had been faithful and had gone out to spread His words of salvation T through Jesus Christ. So may it also be with us. M Cathleen Copeland is a mother and grandmother. She has recently followed the call to be a writer. She is a member of Calvary Chapel in Madras, Oregon, where she has attended for 10 years, active in areas of Bible study, missions and outreach.

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