The Messenger Vol. 47 No. 14 August 12, 2009

THE

MESSENGER

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

volume 47, number 14 August 12, 2009

EMCers gather in Riverton!

Convention 2009

www.emconf.ca/Messenger

editorials

Churches, preparing for H1N1 this fall?

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ith H1N1 so much in the news, how is your congregation preparing for a possibly difficult time this fall?

Amid fall programming plans, to prepare for a pandemic might seem like fear-mongering. Yet prudence can be good stewardship in light of a realistic threat.

In the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918, Canadian churches were affected.

I asked Jack Suderman, general secretary of Mennonite Church Canada: “What should the EMC do?”

“I don’t have an easy answer,”

he replied. “We, together with Mennonite Disaster Service, have produced some excellent study guides and stories for children and adults.

Those are available on our website www.mennonitechurch.ca/resourcecentre/Browse/1155.

“There are also other materials available. We have worked hard together with the Canadian Council of Churches and the Government of Canada to visualize and plan for how to respond to a serious pandemic.

We have tried to keep our pastors and Area Churches up-to-date with developments.

“We feel that in case of a serious

situation, the churches (and the church facilities and building) would be key elements in dealing with what is needed.

“Our thinking is that, given that this would cause significant disruption to routines (of worship, committee work, etc.), it is better to get folks to think about this before it happens. As you can imagine, some decisions will need to be made very quickly in such a scenario.

“You are certainly welcome to access our website; our resources, and encourage your pastors and T others to do so as well.” M Terry M. Smith

Have your delegates reported?

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hat sort of convention reporting happened within your congregation?

Recently I visited a congregation whose leaders took great care to report. The bulletin cover carried the gathering’s theme and some of the music was chosen because it was played there.

At five separate points in the service the leaders provided brief reports on the event’s business meetings. They clarified the voting process. An overhead displayed a

EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler

rbuhler@emconf.ca

Address changes and submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 16 – September 16 (copy due September 4)

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list of matters discussed. An action taken was mentioned. Delegates spoke of what they appreciated and disliked about the event.

The event reported on was, in fact, the business gathering of the Alberta and Northwest Conference of the United Church of Canada.

It represents nine presbyteries (regions of churches), 289 preaching points (213 pastoral charges), 177 ministers, and 17,483 weekly attendees, according to Rev. Lynn Maki, ANWC executive secretary.

In terms of attendance by min-

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. Subscriptions: Canadian subscriptions are $24 for one year, $44 for two years,

isterial members and delegates, the Alberta and Northwest Conference’s annual regional gathering rivals in size our twice-yearly EMC national ministerial and conference council events.

On consecutive weekends it was helpful to attend our EMC convention and then to observe the reporting by Innisfail United Church delegates.

Some of our EMC churches report effectively about our convention.

How was the reporting within your T congregation? M Terry M. Smith

$65 for three years (Manitoba residents add 7% PST); U.S. subscriptions are $30 for one year, $55 for two years, $82 for three years; all other countries are $45 for one year, $85 for two years, $125 for three years . Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

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MESSENGER

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

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

letters Church family is beautiful!

Fellow EMCers, I am writing to thank you. Being a church planter’s daughter meant I grew up away from extended family, but it also meant that each year we would make the trip to the annual EMC convention where I had a different kind of extended family.

I grew up calling many of you “Uncle” or “Aunt” although you likely had no blood relation to me. I treasured that bond as a child, but had forgotten how significant it was until this year.

In May of this year my husband and I welcomed our second child, a son, into our family. We very quickly learned that he suffered from several medical issues that caused breathing difficulties and we spent a couple of weeks in the hospital.

During this time we felt the prayers of many people as time and again God brought peace to us during a trying time

and showed us his strength and power as he brought miracles for our son.

As the annual convention was in our home region this year our family attended for the first time. I was once again blown away by the beauty of a church family.

My husband and I were both brought to tears by how many of you, many we don’t even know, came up to us and expressed that you, and in many cases your church, had been praying for our son. What an amazing feeling to know that we belong to such a large and caring body! I feel blessed to have grown up within this family and to now have the opportunity to raise my children to do the same.

Thank you again for your prayers. Our son is improving every day! We thank God for his presence and for the power of prayer.

Carissa Rempel Arborg, Man.

Letters to the Editor 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 or the editors.

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

Encourages move toward affirmation This is to cast my vote of affirmation for the work of the nominating committee at the annual convention.

Of the six boards/positions that required elections, three were filled by acclamation. For many of us delegates, who are not personally acquainted with the names on the slate, it is appropriate that we acclaim those who have been slated by the nominating committee. It is a vote of confidence in the work of the committee.

When more names than positions are listed for us, it seems to me that people have been asked to say yes to a position so that we, as delegates, can say no to

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

some of them. As the late Ed Friesen once suggested, it seems to resemble “anonymous stoning” more than the “casting of lots.”

Being on a slate and then not elected always feels like a rejection. Often, in our churches, we wonder why people are not willing to let their names stand for election; perhaps part of our answer lies here.

Whether this year’s situation happened by intention or simply by default, I hope it will continue as a trend away from elections and toward more affirmations.

Peter Janzen Swift Current, Sask.

only $2.50 each!

Pastors, youth/adult Sunday School teachers, small group leaders: Have you tried Follow Me yet?

This 13-lesson study booklet is written by EMCers for EMCers.

Contact the Conference office to get copies: 204-326-6401 rbuhler@emconf.ca

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Convention 2009 Part one of four

The faithful Church:

s u o i t We are i nfec Dr. Pierre Gilbert

The Christian faith reproduces itself. The more it reproduces, the more it challenges the structures of death and chaos the World generates.

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hroughout the Church’s history, Christians have suffered persecution. This is somewhat puzzling to me, for why would any state seek to wipe out men and women who wish to be productive and honest citizens?

Well, for starters, dictatorships will seek to eliminate any group that promotes values and truths that threaten their absolute authority. In the Western world, the evangelical church is reviled, simply because it is increasingly the only group that still encourages society to think seriously about some of its assumptions in regards to the rights of the unborn, sexuality, human dignity, and personal accountability.

But the ultimate root cause behind the relentless persecution of Christians is spiritual. The World hates the living God, and it hates those who identify with him (John 15:18-19). The source of this hatred does not lie in ideology; it smoulders in the human heart itself (Matthew 15:19; Colossians 1:21).

If Christians simply kept to themselves and said nothing about their faith, they could perhaps be spared such hardship. But by nature the faithful Church is an infectious organism.

The Christian faith reproduces itself. The more it reproduces, the more it challenges the structures of death and chaos the World generates.

For that reason, the World hates the Church.

Again and again it [the world] has thought Christianity was dying… But every time the world has been disappointed. Its first disappointment was over the crucifixion. The Man came to life again. In a sense— and I quite realise how frightfully unfair it must seem to them—that has been happening ever since. They keep on killing the thing that He started: and each time, just as they are patting down the earth on its grave, they suddenly hear that it is still alive and has even broken out in some new place. No wonder they hate us (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 1942, 184-185).

If under repressive regimes, the World’s opposition to the Church is brutal and unrelenting, in most Western countries, the “strategy” consists rather in isolating it—socially, politically and ideologically.

The problem is not that some segments of society are attempting to quarantine the church. That is to be expected. What puzzles me, particularly in Canada, is how little resistance Christians appear to show. It’s as if public withdrawal was a virtue, a way to avoid the excesses of the American religious Right.

While I recognize the potential pitfalls of Christian political activism, Canadian Christians are probably failing to occupy their rightful place in a democratic society.

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There are, for instance, critical issues to which only the Church can effectively speak such as the sanctity of human life. Unfortunately, we have allowed ourselves to be co-opted in speaking only about those issues the politically correct elite considers acceptable.

When the Church sings the virtues of recycling, we are patted on the back. But when Christians say that a fetus is a human being that deserves the full protection of the law, then they are reviled and told to go back to their cosy little caves—“friendly” advice some of us are but too happy to follow.

But there may be another factor that may explain our hesitancy to occupy a larger space in the public sphere.

When the Church sings the virtues of recycling, we are patted on the back. But when Christians say that a fetus is a human being, then they are reviled.

An irrelevant Church For better or for worse, most people now view the institutional church as an archaic and dying club designed to meet the social needs of a dwindling population of senior citizens. If this kind of perception were limited to those outside the Church, that would be one thing; unfortunately, it also infects Christians, even leaders.

I have long been concerned about the negative perception of the church in Western society.

The issue was at the forefront of my thinking particularly so when I was a member of a Mennonite Brethren Church in Montreal.

This church was mainly composed of firstgeneration Christians. The majority of these young men and women had had very difficult lives. They knew what it meant to be “living apart from Christ”

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and to be “far away from God” (Eph. 2:12-13). But in Christ, they found redemption, new life and personal transformation.

Over time, however, I perceived a downside to the raw enthusiasm of these new believers. Their allegiance to the church was not driven by wilful commitment, but by emotions.

Why? First, most of these young people had grown up as nominal Christians. In Quebec, actual participation in the church is a very low priority and the degree of commitment most people show towards it is lower than their loyalty to a particular brand of cheese.

The second factor was the unrelenting antiChristian secularism found in Quebec culture. In Quebec, to be spiritual is all right. If one believes the human species was put here millions of years ago by an alien master race who will one day come back to turn us into smoked meat, that’s cool.

But Christianity is not so cool. Only total idiots join churches and contribute time and money to support them. This societal disapproval was a major reason behind some of the erosion and the unevenness of our young people’s commitment to our church.

This phenomenon, however, is not unique to Quebec. North American churches are experiencing a subtle, but profound erosion of the significance of the institutional church.

A compelling purpose Why do we need the church and why should we commit ourselves to a specific community of believers? Simple. We have a compelling purpose that is tied to two fundamental principles found in Scripture.

God is up to something God is creating a people composed of individuals who will freely choose to love and serve Him for all eternity, and at the very heart of the process, there is God’s plan of redemption for humanity through Jesus Christ. This is the most important, critical and urgent project in the world, and the Church is right in the centre of it.

God works in partnership In order to accomplish this project, God has chosen to work in partnership with men and women.

A faithful and dynamic church is one of the most critical elements in the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption. But a dead or corrupt church is by

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far the greatest obstacle to the success of God’s project. The sold-out church simply pretends to offer a cure; in reality it only peddles sugar pills, spiritual Kool-Aid laced with cyanide.

A dead or corrupt church is by far the greatest obstacle to the success of God’s project.

Reality Last summer I attended an open-air baptism.

Nine men and women spoke about their encounter with Jesus Christ, and the hope he brought into their lives. It was like a slap in the face. I was reminded once again that it’s not just head games that Christians are playing.

We heard stories of pain, redemption and transformation. Stories of broken men and women who were renewed, and who will live on for eternity—healed and whole…just because a Christian community was faithful in offering the only cure there is for our spiritual cancer. No other institution in the world can claim the same thing.

T As the church goes, so does the rest of the world. M Dr. Pierre Gilbert, our 2009 EMC convention speaker and an ordained Mennonite Brethren minister, is Associate Professor of Bible and Theology at Canadian Mennonite University and the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. He is the coordinator of the Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies and the author of Demons, Lies & Shadows: A Plea for a Return to Text and Reason (Kindred Productions, 2008).

Need S.S. or Small Group Resources?

Consider these Bible studies by Arden Thiessen, D.Min. The Church that Christ Builds – 13 Lessons on Ephesians, 144 pages, $8 Good News for a Broken World – 13 Lessons on Romans, 133 pages, $8 Hope for Tough Times – 13 Lessons on the Letters of Peter, 135 pages, $10 Contact: Steinbach Bible College, info@sbcollege.ca or 204-326-6451

EMC office, messenger@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

with our missionaries 50 years in Paraguay

three of six

Opening doors in East Paraguay: Tres Palmas Church In May of 1964, Frank and Marge Kroeker committed to a five-month pastoral role and to getting a private school started for a group of young believers in Colony Bergthal.

This became the beginning of a long-term EMC presence in East Paraguay and was God’s way of opening wide the doors of effectual mission opportunities for EMC. Out of this initial “temporary assistance” a strong and vibrant, mission-involved, mother church has emerged—namely, the Tres Palmas EMC. Admittedly, as Jesus indicated in Matthew 16, “the gates of hell”—the enemy—also targeted his opposition at her, and many battles ensued over the years. But final victory is definitely in her favour.

The church is pastored by Ernst and Ingrid Reger. Membership stands at around 80, with 140 in attendance.

Growth is minimal. People are transient and many young people, going away for higher education, do not find employment around home following their studies. Currently some 20 youth are away studying.

The church has served as “the homechurch away from home” for many EMC missionaries.

Consequently, many of EMC’s mission involvements and

Present Tres Palmas Church

projects grew and were gradually added to the church load.

The EMC Board of Missions continues its relationship with the Tres Palmas church today by contributing annually to its mission budget. There are planned fellowships where Tres Palmas and EMC missionaries come together.

The missions committee ministers with the Guarani Indians at Sta. Teresa, providing two personnel. Pastor Ernst Reger is the part-time overseer of the work.

A dynamic Paraguayan couple, Augusto and Cristina Fernandez, serve as pastoral couple, with Cristina also as nurse in the clinic.

The spiritual life of the Sta. Teresa Indian Church is experiencing an all-time high, with 26 baptized members at present. Six youths were recently baptized and received into the fellowship. Church

March 2009: Pastor George Toews (Rosenort EMC), Pastor Ernst Reger (Tres Palmas), Pastor Agusto Fernandez (Sta. Teresa), Frank Kroeker

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The spiritual life of the Sta. Teresa Indian Church is experiencing an all-time high.

attendance is around 80 and the church building is too small.

Christians are beginning to stand out more among the unbelievers, a result of good leadership, the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Another amazing area of progress at Sta. Teresa is the school. With seven teachers on staff, they teach up to Grade 9, with attendance at 153.

The missions committee has an outreach among Paraguayans in Syryka’. A Spanish ministry in Tres Palmas with 20 members from various nationalities is ready to be organized.

Chris and Revita Kroeker are involved with this new church.

The Lucero Hospital, where Anton Schmidt is the leading medical doctor and Anne Braun faithfully carries on her spiritual counseling and chaplaincy ministry, has seen many people come to know Christ as Saviour. This ministry has been a real witness and testimony of the Church and community.

The missions committee administrates the Lucero Youth Retreat Centre, where thousands of young people, from all over Paraguay, have come over the years to be introduced to a new life in Jesus Christ. The church has also been an active member for the Radio Mensajero radio station (to be highlighted in a future article).

We stand amazed at the many areas of missions in which the Tres Palmas church is involved. The Lord has been faithful!

Ken Zacharias Ken Zacharias is EMC Foreign Secretary, an administrator overseeing mission work in Paraguay, Mexico, and Nicaragua.

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Part three of three

As we are,

He

pursues us!

Sid Koop

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e long to be part of loving communities where we are affirmed and acknowledged. However, sometimes we pursue that affirmation in dangerous ways.

I took my sons swimming. Most interesting were Payton’s words when we arrived home. He exclaimed, “Mommy, Dad loves me more if I stick my head under water!”

Somehow, at age three, he is starting to grasp a message that most of us, in our weak moments, know too well.

Culture tells us that to get noticed, to experience someone’s love or care, we have to be extraordinary. We need to perform.

Our world loves celebrities. But the reality is that most of us perceive ourselves as ordinary, or, in dark moments, as failures.

We live in a world that notices the successful, bold, talented, beautiful. Our world loves celebrities.

But the reality is that most of us perceive ourselves as ordinary, or, in dark moments, as failures.

We’ve been created with this desire for love and 8

community. Each of us needs to be cared for. But there are moments when we ask as I am right now, right here, “Does anyone really care?”

Or worse, in the midst of trials or failures, we ask, as I am right now, right here, “God, do You care?”

Maybe that question ran through Hagar’s mind (Genesis 16). From our perspective Hagar lived in a world of the extraordinary, and at best she was average, more likely closer to below average.

She belonged to Sarai, the wife of Abram, to whom God had made a great promise. God told Abram that he would have a son, his own heir, through whom he would become a mighty nation.

And if Abram was to be the nation’s father, Sarai was to be the mother.

Hagar was simply Sarai’s maidservant, an Egyptian, a possession. While God had made his promise to Abram, and implied that it would come through Sarai, their timing seemed different. Both Sarai and Abram were getting old—76, 86 respectively.

In her mind, not only was the promise in danger; so was her dignity. To be unable to have kids was a disgrace. So she took things into her own hands.

Genesis 16:1-4: Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children.

But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.”

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Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.

Hagar had Abram’s first son. Perhaps for the first time she had some status or importance, and she let Sarai know. This infuriated Sarai. With Abram’s permission, Sarai mistreated Hagar so badly Hagar fled into the desert, once again as one abandoned, ignored, rejected.

If this was my reality, I would have thought: “Does anyone care? My master’s wife has driven me away. The father of my child has abandoned me.

I am alone left to die. Does anyone care? As I am, God, do you care?”

God’s answer was a resounding “yes!” and He expressed it in three ways.

As Hagar was, God pursued her Genesis 16:7 says, “The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur.”

Hagar felt forgotten. But she was not forgotten; she was found. One great theme throughout scripture is that we do not first pursue God. Rather, He first pursues us, no more clearly than through His Son Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” As we are, God cares for us. As we are, He pursues us.

As Hagar was, God understood her Genesis 16:11 says, “The angel of the Lord also said to her: ‘You are now with child and you will have a son.

You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.’”

God heard Hagar. He understood her sorrow, her pain, her abandonment. We all need people who understand us, especially in a crisis. They tell us we are okay and that we are going to be okay. This is Christ. He understands us. He tells us we are okay and we will be okay.

Hebrews 4:14-16 says, Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Christ understands our crisis because He has journeyed in the same world we do. Not only does He understand, He offers us hope. He enables us to THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

become okay, as, through his grace and mercy, He gives us what we need to become what we cannot become on our own.

His hope is not based on a possibility; it is based on a reality. As we are, God cares for us, as we are He understands us.

As Hagar was, God loved her Genesis 16:13, “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’”

This is amazing. God saw Hagar, all of Hagar, every part of her life, thoughts, and actions—and still He loved her.

In our world, the love we most often experience is based upon some value we see in the other person.

The reality is, because of our sin, there is not much value in us, not much that can impress God. We don’t like hearing this, but it is great news.

Here’s why. While there is not much value in us, Christ still loves us. He loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is. If this were not true, than neither could the reality that “nothing can separate us from the love of God” be true. Life is not about us; it is about Him. Romans 5:6-8 says, You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Here is the truth: as we are, God cares for us. As we are, He sees us, all of us. And still He loves us!

Hagar’s last words acknowledged that she had seen the one who saw her, and it changed everything!

My prayer is that, by God’s grace, we would see the one who sees us; that we would see that as we are, God cares for us; as we are He pursues us; as we are He understands us; as we are He sees us and still loves us.

I pray we would see this reality and, in seeing the glory of Christ, we would become like Christ.

Because here is the greatest truth: As we are He cares for us, but because He cares for us, He refused to leave us as we are.

T Through Christ, His story becomes our story. M Sid Koop, this year’s speaker at Abundant Springs, travels with Truth Matters Ministries and is parttime director of student ministries at the Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge, Alta.

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Ministerial

Convention 2009

Gilbert: The real issue in Canada? Who Jesus is God’s reputation isn’t very good in the Interlake.

So said host pastor Glenn Plett on July 3, 2009, when about 140 ministerial members met at Morweena EMC. With water-saturated fields in Manitoba’s Interlake, less than a third of crops were planted. Yet, as it says in Psalm 96, the Church is called to spread the good name of God, Plett said.

BLO chairman Art Dueck welcomed leaders, saying that pastors are needed to guide people out of this world and on to our destination.

The day’s theme was Expanding the Kingdom’s Footprint in Our Communities. Convention speaker Dr. Pierre Gilbert spoke twice; in between were Salt and Light Stories of congregations’ community involvements.

In the morning Dr. Gilbert spoke on “Who do you say I am?” The Radical Call to Maintain His Identity.

Civilized life, the value of human life, and proper social action are dependent upon convictions rooted in the revelation of Scripture and centred in a proper understanding of Jesus, he said.

The Word through the Spirit via the conduit of the Church is essential, he said. The Church is the most important and critical institution in the world.

Dr. Gilbert said we must be clear about the gospel and reject both the humanism of Rev. Gretta Vosper and a “Teddy Bear Jesus” (where we apologize for Jesus’ radical claims and substitute another version). The real issue in Canada is who Jesus is.

As revealed in Mark 8:27-9:1, Jesus is supreme and exclusive.

In Salt and Light stories, Pastor Don Brynteson of Riverton introduced a local movie project based on the story of Job, which is designed to encourage trust in God amid difficult circumstances (the film is being edited and will be made available).

Pastor Kim Stoesz talked of Braeside’s 12 years of multicultural ministry. When told it would not work to have an integrated Latino church within an English-language congregation, she responded that it is working because of God. Braeside is also involved locally in a school’s breakfast program and its clothing and shoe drives, she said.

Deacon Isaac Banman spoke of Mount Salem EMC’s being active in short-term missions, MDS, a youth missions night (instead of a gym night), singing evenings, meals, visiting, and an Acts 2:44 Project (where they share possessions).

Darren Plett, a member of the Church Planting Task Force,

Dr. Pierre Gilbert

raised, through a brief paper, the issue of whether our conference should become involved in “church replanting.”

When churches decline, should they, in some cases, die and be replanted? he asked. This could involve the same people, but with a changed “mood, the tone, the atmosphere, and the vision, to a ‘church planting,’ rather than a ‘church surviving’ vision.”

This proposal is a work in progress, Plett emphasized. Church planting coordinator Ward Parkinson said that any replanting would be voluntary; he doesn’t want a misunderstanding: the EMC is not closing churches.

In the afternoon Dr. Gilbert spoke on “Do you know what you are doing and why?” The Radical Call to Holy

Salt and Light: Mount Salem, Ont. Since the beginning of the year we have had the chance to send 28 adults and 20 youth to serve with Mennonite Disaster Services.

As well, one person went to Bolivia.

Another went to a small village just outside of Nairobi in Kenya; she and others went to teach impoverished children, to mentor teachers, and to build classrooms in the community.

Our youth program is cancelled one week a month to do missions locally. Last year we took an evening, but this year will be a full day of service on Saturday.

Another initiative that we are starting is ACTS 2:44 Project-Sharing of Possessions.

In short, this will be a place you can post things for people that they can borrow.

The idea is to share our blessing with others even outside of the church.

There are several who serve for MCC, Big Bothers and Big Sisters, as counselors, for the Red Cross, and do service through bringing meals or visiting those who are sick.

These are, in short, some of the ways that we are trying to be salt and light to the world.

Albert Loewen and Netti Wall

Harold Thiessen, Doris Friesen, and Harold Penner visit between sessions at the ministerial meeting.

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Effectiveness. Quoting Paul Hiebert, he said that in heaven we will do most of what we do here, but we will not be able to tell others of the good news of Jesus.

As seen in Colossians 1:15-20, a proper understanding of Christ defines us, is essential in this generation, and Pastor Kim Stoesz: remains the litmus test because of God. of whether we are his followers, Gilbert said. We need to proclaim the unique claims of Jesus, do everything for the sake of the Lord, and “Give it all! But give it all strategically.”

In the Salt and Light segment, pastor Harold Thiessen of Christian Fellowship Church (Birch River) spoke of the congregation’s long history with Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, which serves mostly First Nations children.

Travis Unger (Many Rooms Church Community, Winnipeg) spoke of MRCC’s supportive housing project assisting people with various needs (including addictions or mental illness).

Tim Reimer (Morweena) and Integration works Daphne Flett spoke of Hodgson Christian Academy; it serves children from nearby reserves. HCA enjoys “strong credibility” in the community. It is important, they said, to network with other churches, work with local authorities, and realize that a community environment does not change quickly.

Conference pastor David Thiessen led leaders in a sharing and prayer time.

Terry M. Smith

As did various ministerial members, pastor Troy Selley (Oak Bluff, Man.) contributed to the discussion time.

Convention 2009 Board of Trustees ‘concerned’ but not ‘alarmed’ about budget shortfall Conference Council

The EM conference council held elections, approved a church group insurance program, heard many reports, and offered feedback.

The meeting was held on July 4, 2009, at the Riverton Recreation Centre

Peter Dueck: Is your God fit to love?

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

in Manitoba’s Interlake.

In a devotional, Peter Dueck (ConneXion, Arborg) asked is your God fit to love? He referred to a preacher who said every arrow on the battlefield is directed by God. Instead, Dueck said Jesus is the gate and the Good Shepherd. And just as the Interlake’s forest is diverse in its trees, we need each other in the conference. He led in prayer.

Board of Church Ministries Chairman Robert Goertzen highlighted the on-line Anabaptist encyclopedia GAMEO and encouraged churches to help update congregational information. BCM member and former Evangelical Anabaptist Committee member Henry Friesen said a six-part lectionary plan is being considered to help pastors preach yearly on key Anabaptist points.

Gerald Reimer reported positively on Abundant Springs 2009. He

informed members of challenges faced by youth pastors.

General Board Moderator Ron Penner highlighted the board’s mandate, David Shenk as speaker in Convention 2010, ConneXion’s being processed as a new church, EMC’s bicentennial in 2012, and Ed Peters’ work on leadership development. He said that the board sometimes grapples what to say about congregational tensions amid varying expectations. In his final report as moderator, he highlighted 1 Corinthians 15:58, stressing that the Church is God’s primary agent to do his will in the world.

Board of Missions Chairman John Bueckert asked if board members always agree?

No, but there is unity. There are complex relationships among board members, field staff, and nationals.

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The Mexican state of Guadalajara is being investigated, as is working with other mission organizations. Should a work start in Chile? A highlight is the testimonies of workers on furlough.

Two concerns are how budget constraints limit the placement of new workers and tensions in Paraguay.

The BOM, with a church planting mandate, is looking at how it relates to parachurch ministries. There is a need to make young people more connected to Conference work.

Ernie Koop said EMC has 56 years of formal foreign efforts, roughly 150 cross-cultural workers, and serves in 25 countries. He is surveying EMCers on worker recruitment and promotion.

Foreign secretary Ken Zacharias said two couples are being placed in Mexico. Don Thiessen has returned from his involvement with the German church conference; the conference is doing well, but needs to administrate itself.

In Paraguay the EMC is looking at entering into five-year agreements in parachurch ministries.

General Secretary Tim Dyck

highlighted Mennonite World Conference in Paraguay (moderator Ron Penner will be there) and the EMC’s being a missionally-minded people.

Garry Barkman spoke of his work with New Tribes Mission Aviation in the Philippines, a country of 7,000 islands and 83 million people. He is moving to Mindinao.

Board of Trustees Chairman Syd Reimer said the board has worked hard. Currently the EMC doesn’t have to cut its budget. He said the national building needs changes and more space, and suggested it is good to plan in tough times.

The current budget shortfall is $357,000, higher than in previous years. Is the board concerned? Yes. Alarmed? No, he said.

With estate funds coming in, the board wants to standardize the bequest policy. Other organizations have professional fundraisers—should we? he asked. The conference was built on prayer and giving by people who didn’t have the resources many have today. He suggested that most conference funds come from older folks and that younger people need to be taught to give.

Outgoing moderator Ron Penner welcomes council attendees.

Board of Leadership and Outreach Chairman Art Dueck said he toured Manitoba’s Interlake cropland with a “heavy heart,” but contrasted such economic

Council participants stood to raise questions and make comments. Pictured are Harvey Plett, Flo Friesen (Harvey Barkman seated), and Menno Hamm.

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Election Results Moderator Richard Klassen Board of Church Ministries Doris Penner Board of Leadership and Outreach David Funk Jeff Plett Kim Stoesz Board of Missions John Bueckert Warren Kroeker Cathy Thiessen Board of Trustees Tony Hiebert Dan Reimer Nominating Committee Gordon Bueckert Alvin B. Plett Alvin Rempel Arnold Thiessen

affairs with the positive attitude and generosity of Region 5 members. Why are our leaders so special? he asked.

Because they are servant leaders.

Why are people so enthusiastic of the EMC? Our Anabaptist faith. Young people are taking up leadership, he said.

Conference pastor David Thiessen noted that there are diverse economic hits across Canada, yet he is impressed by the strong faith and resilience of EMCers.

Peter Janzen reported on attending three-day a conference on intentional interim pastoral leadership. Outreach Canada has staff members to assist with coaching, conflict management, and structural renewal.

David Thiessen said that leadership conflict often relates to personal differences; if pastors want to explore this, they can contact him.

Church planting coordinator Ward Parkinson touched on church plants current and possible: Tillsonburg’s new building, Heartland (Landmark), a second Hispanic work in Calgary, perhaps another try in Edmonton, the likely shift of NECC leader Andrew Reimer to being a community

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

pastor with Inner City Youth Alive (Winnipeg).

The church planting task force went on a two-day retreat to consider the big picture. Gord Penner spoke of seeking the opportunities that are there, Darren Plett on church replanting, and Peter Dueck on diversity in church planting.

Ward Parkinson said the outreach fund is a success and is now expanded to include smaller churches (100 or fewer members) as well as church plants.

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Tim Dyck spoke positively of EFC’s efforts.

that volumes 2 and 3 of Mennonites in Canada are being distributed to EM churches.

Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies Bill McCaskell (MacGregor) spoke positively of his studies and encouraged others to consider CMU/ WCMS. Pierre Gilbert, coordinator, said the centre’s intention is to bring together the best of Evangelicalism and Anabaptism to train leaders. EMC has been a good partner, he said.

New Church The ConneXion began as a coffee study group of Morweena members living in Arborg, Man., who became convinced they should not leave their community to attend church, said Henry Friesen. The council voted to accept it as a congregation.

Mennonite Disaster Service Evelyn Peters-Rojas said MDS is being the hands and feet of Jesus, which brings hope to people. Four years later people remain needy Church Group Insurance Evelyn Peters-Rojas, MDS because of Hurricane In December 2007 Katrina. Peters-Rojas mentioned a the council approved investigating a volunteer who said she was tired and group church insurance plan. After bruised, but “bubbling” inside. four plans were considered, RobertsonHall Insurance Church Protection Plus Mennonite Historical Society of Canada was presented (see sidebar). It offers Representative Robert Goertzen a wide range of protection, with half spoke of the historical society in the churches’ participation needed for Quebec, Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg’s the plan, and 75 percent needed for the posthumous Award of Excellence, Conference to be covered, Tim Dyck GAMEO’s 14,000 articles online, and said.

While churches do not have to join the plan, it is desirable that all do, he explained. Robertson-Hall had good pricing, a good track record in EMC circles, extensive experience with charities, and no extra cost for abuse coverage, Dyck said. The council approved entering the plan.

CMU Council In follow up to December 2008, the statement of faith of CMU (actually, the “two” statements of the MBs and MC Canada, David Thiessen said) was found to be of “great similarity” with the EMC’s. The council approved the appointing of an EMC member to CMU’s council.

The Harmony Project Members have been appointed to consider the unity and diversity of the EMC and to provide a model to churches. It has met once and will provide an interim report in December.

Question and Answer Periods There were two question periods.

Terry M. Smith

Les Kroeker (Portage la Prairie, Man.) and Peter Janzen (Swift Current, Sask.) presented reports for the Board of Leadership and Outreach.

Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association

Fundraiser and coffee house October 3, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

Come hear Matt Schellenberg and Bucky Driedger of the Liptonians Fort Garry EMC, 602 Pasadena Ave, Winnipeg, Man. Delegates voted to fill conference board and committee positions.

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

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Convention 2009 Mascots, bribes, and concert benefit EMC youth On July 4, 2009, we woke up to a steady rain that didn’t seem as though it wanted to stop—so we prayed. And by the time the youth started arriving in Riverton for the EMC Convention Youth Event, the rain had stopped.

We piled into the vehicles and the adventure began. We met at the Marina at Hecla Provincial Park where the youth were split into six teams.

Their only instruction was to head off to the destination they were given and do what they were told. Points would be given to teams for creativity, for working together and, in a few cases, for bribing the leaders with sunflower seeds and mosquito spray.

Each station was quite different.

Bible quizzes, puzzles, instructions to

Despite only two days notice, Amanda Falk agreed to come perform for us and lead us in worship.

build a sand castle, playing a game of bucket-ball, and building a camp fire kept the youth busy all afternoon.

The teams were also challenged to find a team mascot along with as many items as they could find from the list given to them. The team mascots became anything from a dead mosquito to a small garter snake and a frog (in the same bucket).

After the game, we all went back to Riverton for supper. Pizza, chicken, veggies and fruit quickly disappear after running around a park all day. Supper was followed by the main session and a concert with Amanda Falk.

Despite only two days notice, Amanda Falk agreed to come perform for us and lead us in worship. Grandparents, parents, youth and everyone in between were blessed and encouraged by her performance.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped us out.

Donovan Dueck directs youth for the event’s game. (photos by Gerald Reimer)

Young people gathered items as instructed.

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Amanda Falk

Thanks for showing up, for sending your youth, for letting us use your vehicles. Thanks to Andrew Kaltec for making sure all the youth got a wonderful supper.

And thanks to all the EMC churches for agreeing that it’s important to put time, money, and energy into youth.

May God bless you!

Donovan and Cathy Dueck

(see more Convention photos on p. 17)

Supper at Riverton followed the game.

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with our churches

Crestview keeping busy Crestview Fellowship (Winnipeg, Man.): All sorts of activities have been going on at Crestview this spring and early summer.

We held a car wash and a barbecue to show our community we Love Winnipeg.

From little ones to seniors everyone helped and it was a real blessing to everyone that took part.

On May 31 we had a baptismal service with Taylor Wiebe, Hayden Esau and Chelsea Esau being baptized on the confession of their faith. Lorne and Shannon Esau renewed their membership.

Eight ladies attended a retreat at Camp Cedarwood at Lac du Bonnet on June 5 to 7. It was a great time of sharing, worship, sharing, and being close to God’s nature.

Our annual Sunday School picnic was held at Assiniboine Park with perfect weather and wonderful outdoor worship.

For Father’s Day we put on a breakfast in honour of all fathers. Many thanks to Priscilla Wiebe, Mike Kroeker, and all the others that helped set up and clean up.

We’ll be having kids’ clubs in August and look forward to reaching many children for Christ.

Irene Driedger

Crestview held a car wash and barbecue to Love Winnipeg. Even little ones got in on the action (below).

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

Crestview held a baptism and membership service on May 31.

Blessed by ministry of Grahams and Genailles Swan River, Man.: We were privileged to have Ken and Marion Graham and Bert and Liz Genaille here in Community Bible Fellowship on April 19–26.

Ken’s preaching was powerful and anointed. He based his sermons primarily on the book of Ephesians, challenging us to the Abundant Life found in Jesus Christ.

His message titles were The Approval of God, Discovering God’s Fullness, Demystifying God’s Fullness, Dwelling in God’s Fullness, Demonstrating God’s Fullness, Disciplined in God’s Fullness, Deliverance in God’s Fullness and Called to Greatness.

At the men’s breakfast Ken shared his testimony of how he grew up here in the Valley, the struggles he had growing up in an ungodly home, and finding Christ through the ministry of CBF back in the 70s.

Marion retold her life’s story at a ladies’ brunch hosted by Connie Reimer at her home. Those who knew Marion in the early days were brought up to date on the lives of their three children. We were blessed as Marion related how God worked in and through the lives of their family up to

this present time.

It is wonderful to see and hear how this couple grew in their faith, listened to the wise advice of their new Christian friends, went to Bible college and served God in full-time ministry while raising their three children.

They told of instances where God used people to provide food, a vehicle and gasoline, or money just when it was needed. Now they are happy to come back to the valley to encourage their former church and share Christ with new people they meet.

Bert and Liz also shared from their hearts about some of their hurts and struggles of the past and how the Lord brought healing and hope. Bert and Liz also provided musical numbers each night. Both played guitar and sang good old gospel songs.

Many of those listening identified with their testimonies and were challenged to accept the abundant life in Christ. People were brought into contact with the truth and into the presence of God. We were blessed to have these two couples spend time with us.

Betty Warkentin

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with our churches

Summer time, camp time!

Fort Garry (Winnipeg, Man.): The last weekend in May was chosen for our family camp. The turnout was great; and it truly was a family camp. There were babies, tots, older children, teenagers, parents, and even grandparents.

It was held at Winkler Bible Camp.

We all enjoyed the spacious grounds and many enjoyed the various activities available. Some even braved the cold water.

David Thiessen, our Conference Pastor, led us in the devotional sessions.

His topic was taken from 1 Corinthians 13: Faith, Hope and Love. In the last session he exhorted us to love one another as found in 1 John 4:7-8.

Another highlight was the baptism of Kara Reimer. It is always so special to see young people make a public commitment to follow Christ.

As a congregation, we also had the privilege of several couples joining our church. They had been worshipping with us for awhile and so it is great to welcome them into our fellowship.

David Kruse has been youth pastor

Campfire at our weekend at Winkler Bible Camp.

and associate pastor for many years, and we have appreciated his ministry and that of his wife Tammy. Currently they are leaving the ministry so that David can pursue further studies. We wish you God’s blessings, David and Tammy.

Andrew Krahn has been asked to fill this role for the coming year as fulltime associate pastor. We wish him and wife Melissa well as they take up this responsibility.

Three of our young people are embarking on a new adventure in August. They are going with Intermenno for a year. Their first assignment of six months will be in Germany where they will live with their host families and help in different ways. Rebecca Russell, Andrew Neufeld, and Nolan Reimer, may God go with you and enrich your lives through this ministry.

Diana Reimer

Five couples recently joined Fort Garry church: Daniel and Michelle MacGibbon, Ron and Elaine Enns, Todd and Ruth Friesen, Derek and Marilyn Klassen, Gregory and Winnie Chan with Justin and Francesca.

Pastor Layton Friesen baptizes Kara Reimer, with assistance from associate pastor David Kruse.

Who’s coming to supper?

Swan River, Man.: The families attending Community Bible Fellowship decided to try something this past year. It’s called Guess Who’s Coming to Supper? and below is a summary of how things went for the first year.

In September to December 2008, 28 families participated out of approximately 46 families. Sixteen of the 28 families hosted at least once. Everyone who participated enjoyed the experience and wishes to continue getting together.

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Hosts found the process to be quite simple. The main meal was brought in and pots taken home; clean-up was easy.

Suppers were planned for twice a month, but it was decided that after Christmas the event would happen on the last Sunday of each month.

This idea proved to have some very positive outcomes: Those living alone were treated to an evening with friends and new friends. People in the church got to know each other better. Someone

could invite guests for dinner without feeling overwhelmed with preparation and clean-up.

If other churches are interested in trying Guess Who’s Coming for Supper? details of how arrangements are made can be obtained from Tracy Burick at burick6@mts.net. We would like to thank Tracy Burick for heading up the planning and organization of this activity in our church.

Betty Warkentin

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

Convention 2009

The ConneXion, a church in Arborg, Man., was welcomed into Conference membership during the Sunday afternoon service. Moderator Ron Penner shakes hands with leadership team member Henry Friesen.

Registration

Peter Dueck (right) leads in prayer for Convention speaker Dr. Pierre Gilbert.

Convention worship team (All Convention photos by Rebecca Buhler except where otherwise noted.)

Glenn Plett, Convention program committee chair Paul Peters (left) directs the Region 5 choir from members of its four churches.

Sunday lunch line

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

Conference Pastor David Thiessen prays for our new EMC moderator Richard Klassen and his wife Kathy, supported by General Secretary Tim Dyck, Ruth Penner, and outgoing moderator Ron Penner. Klassen is the pastor of Straffordville (Ont.) EMC.

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stewardship today Harold Penner

C

Just say charge it!

harge your cell phone; charge your burger.

A new credit payment method is being introduced in Toronto with plans for expansion across the country.

The Globe & Mail reported on Visa Canada chief executive, Tim Wilson’s introduction of this new payment method: none other than the ubiquitous cell phone.

The chip technology that is being introduced into all credit cards over the next few years to improve security and reduce counterfeit fraud will be inserted in all new cell phones to allow them to be used in place of a credit card. The technology is already in use in places like Australia, France, and Hong Kong.

Some of the advantages of chip-enabled cell phones being touted by Mr. Wilson are that the chip will also be able to store loyalty card information eliminating the need to carry loyalty cards, users will be able to pay for public transportation with a wave of their cell phones, and event passes may be purchased online and then the phone scanned at the turnstile when entering the event.

Retailers will be able to forward coupons to your cell phone based on your spending habits and proximity to their store so you can take advantage of the coupon for additional savings (or be tempted to make an unplanned purchase).

Nathan Dungan of Share Save Spend predicted that this new technology would soon be introduced to North America when he addressed the Mennonite Foundation of Canada annual general meeting in April 2009. It appears it may be arriving even earlier than he had anticipated.

Nathan shared how spending habits are being affected by new technology. When using credit cards average consumers spend 12 to 18 percent more than if they use cash. Where the new technology is already in use consumers using chip-enabled cell phones spend another 10 to 20 percent more than if they use traditional credit cards.

Clearly there is a significant incentive to the retail 18

When using credit cards average consumers spend 12 to 18 percent more than if they use cash. Where the new technology is already in use consumers using chip-enabled cell phones spend another 10 to 20 percent more than if they use traditional credit cards. and credit industries to encourage the transition to the use of cell phones for making purchases.

Whether using credit cards or eventually moving to a new payment method like the cell phone, we at Mennonite Foundation encourage you to stick to the basics: prepare a budget reflective on your income level; regularly review your spending to ensure you are within your budget; if using a credit card, determine beforehand how you will use it (type of purchases and maximum dollar amount per purchase); pay the credit card invoice in full each month.

A word of caution: should this new technology take hold it will give a whole new meaning to an old credit card commercial tagline “just say charge it.”

After all, a dead phone would leave you stranded in T more ways than one. M Harold Penner is a stewardship consultant at the Winnipeg, Man., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada.

For stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

Celebrate with us!

The 50th anniversary of Island Gospel Fellowship October 9–11, 2009, Burns Lake, B.C. For more information visit www.islandgospelfellowship.com or contact Bill Bueckert at 250-692-3362 or Mike Watson at 250-692-3129

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

focus on...

Tim Dyck | General Secretary tdyck@emconf.ca

Dealing with a deficit Deficit (def-uh-sit) (noun) - A situation in

I

which liabilities exceed assets, expenditures exceed income, imports exceed exports, or losses exceed profits.

t’s generally not a good idea to spend more money than you receive, whether you’re managing your home finances, or that of an organization. Yet that is exactly the situation that the EM Conference finds itself in lately.

Over the past several years, the Conference income has remained fairly stable, while expenses have increased slightly. Last year, for example, the Conference spent approximately $158,000 more than it received, resulting in the highest deficit in our history.

One thing is certain: we do not want to overreact with drastic cuts. We want to ensure that we live up to the commitments that we have made to our programs and our partners.

Fortunately, we have sufficient reserves to draw on in times like this, so we are not in immediate peril.

You might wonder what the Conference is doing about this deficit situation. There are basically two solutions to a deficit: increase income or decrease spending.

There is little that we can do to increase our income, other than to appeal to our constituents for increased giving.

Most of the Conference funding comes directly from church budgets, and we recognize that many of our EMC churches are experiencing financial challenges. It seems a prudent course of action to not expect funding to increase dramatically in the short term.

That leaves the option of decreased spending. One thing is certain: we do not want to overreact with drastic cuts.

We want to ensure that we live up to the commitments that we have made to our programs and our partners.

However, we are exercising caution THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

regarding new spending initiatives. For example, for the present time, we are not approving new church subsidies or new missionary funding.

At the same time that we have been experiencing shortfalls in our operating budget, we have also observed another phenomenon: our estate funds have continued to increase each year. We have been blessed by many people who have decided to include the Conference in their will planning.

This situation has led the Board of Trustees to reexamine our existing bequest policy. A new bequest policy has been proposed that transfers a percentage of the estate funds to the operating fund each fiscal year. Estate funds would still be used according to the donor’s instructions, but the description of how they would be spent would be included in the overall budget document.

This provides increased accountability since the budget is approved by Conference Council. A draft of this new policy was presented to all board members at the July Conference Council and was well received. A final version of the policy could go into effect by the end of the year.

We welcome your comments, suggestions and especially your prayers regarding Conference finances.

T After all, these are your conference programs at work! M

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pictures of God Joanna Plett

W

Staying connected, staying alive

alking through the park the other day, I saw a strange leaf on the ground. The centre around the stem was soft and green, but all around the edges it was completely dry and brown.

An argument ensued between my friend and I as to whether the leaf was partly alive (my argument) or completely dead (my friend’s argument). Although I never did admit it to my friend, he was actually right. The leaf was dead the moment it fell from the tree.

Looking up at the trees in the park a little later, I was struck by their abundant life. Although the tiny shred of life in the fallen leaf had amazed me, the green of the tree as a whole was so glorious, I hardly noticed the miracle of life in each individual leaf.

On the tree, the leaves couldn’t help but be green.

They moment they fell, though, they were essentially dead, since they could no longer draw life from the tree.

In the past few years, I have discovered this phenomenon in my spiritual life. Jesus reminded his disciples near the end of his life that the only way to stay alive in our faith and to bear fruit was to remain in Him (John 15).

Last year, when I was living abroad, I had a hard time staying connected to God personally and to the local church communally. Although I was alive spiritually and anxious to bear fruit when I arrived, I found myself struggling to keep my faith alive as the weeks and months went by.

The more I was separated from Christian support and accountability, the more I felt my

In the same way that a towering oak luscious with green leaves is glorious, so our individual lives connected to God completes both our life and his glory.

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faith drying up on the edges. I tried to pray and maintain my passion, but often felt like I was fighting a losing battle.

Jesus knew faith could not be done alone. When he was on earth, he consistently spent time with his Father, gaining encouragement and refreshment. Similarly, he surrounded himself with close friends whom he discipled and who supported him.

But leaves do not only take life from the tree. They can only grow by being attached to the tree, but the tree also only grows when the leaves are doing their job. As we draw life from God for our own growth, we contribute to the growth of the family of faith by drawing others into the community.

After returning from my trip abroad, I focused specifically on building a strong base in a church family and spending more personal time with God. Although it has taken some time to renew the life that had dried up, I have seen new strength and joy emerge through this connection. As my own faith grows, I also more naturally reach out and draw people towards God in my daily life.

Jesus told us to stay connected to God, to the vine, to give us life and to bring growth to the tree, but ultimately to bring glory to God. Our connection to the tree and the fruit we bear is not a duty, but a lifestyle and a norm in the Christian life. A fallen leaf may be beautiful, but its beauty is limited by time and space. In the same way that a towering oak luscious with green leaves is glorious, so our individual lives connected to God completes both our life and his glory.

The past few years have confirmed to me again that the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. God longs to pour His life into us, and as long as we remain connected to him, his life will pour through us to others to bring growth to the whole body of believers, resulting in T His glory. M

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

EMC and

Statement of Faith Church Practices A 25-part series

Angel Infantes

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.

4. DEVOTIONAL LIFE We believe Christians should seek to know God better through studying the Scriptures, through prayer, fasting and Christian service. They should refrain from anything that would dishonour God, bring reproach to the church or exert a harmful influence on others or on themselves (Joshua 1:8; Matthew 4:2; Acts 17:11; 13:2–3; Romans 12:1–2, 9–21; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 11:2–3; Colossians 3:1–14; 1 Timothy 2:8–10; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; James 3:17–18; 1 Peter 3:1–6; 1 John 3:1–3).

Church Practices Article 5: Devotional Life

T

he devotional life of a Christian is more than a life that is consecrated to God. It is also having the desire to grow closer to God and having joy in being close to God. It is a life that glorifies

God. When a new life in Christ begins, it is dynamic and continues to grow every day until the coming of our Lord. This spiritual growth comes from God, our Father, who nurtures us every day.

There are different spiritual disciplines that help us grow closer to the source of our new life. This source is God, and God is Spirit, and our new life is a spiritual life.

It is crucial that we participate in spiritual activities so that we will grow in our spiritual lives, learn about God’s will for our lives, and then fulfill our purpose in this world.

Spiritual disciplines that help us grow include: the reading of scripture, prayer, fasting, and Christian service. These practices allow us to live out our new life and to learn more about it.

It is amazing to see those who have begun their new lives in Christ and then continue to grow spiritually through these disciplines. The credit, however, cannot be given to spiritual disciplines, or to ourselves, but to God, who is willing to have an encounter with us through prayer, the scriptures, fasting, and service. No believer should miss out on this dynamic relationship with God. It is crucial that we participate in such spiritual activities so that we will grow in our spiritual lives, learn about God’s will for our lives, and then fulfill our purpose in this world. God has called us to be a light in this world so that other people may find the way. We cannot do this apart from God. In addition, these practices help us avoid offending God and one another. The Church is made up of believers; there are moral guidelines that should be kept through the passage of time.

When we participate in these spiritual disciplines, reading the Scriptures, prayer, fasting, and Christian service, we learn what we should do as well as what we should not do. We learn what will truly enrich our lives, and what will cause damage to it. With the passing of time, our lives will be transformed and filled with the fruits of the Spirit.

Blessed is our God, who has provided us with the means to grow closer to Him, and blessed are those who T consecrate their lives to God. M Angel Infantes is the Associate Pastor of Spanish Ministries at Braeside EMC (Winnipeg, Man.).

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

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in memory

MARY MARGARET FRAMPTON 1928–2009 Mary was born February 14, 1928, to Calvert and Elizabeth (Donald) Irving.

She received her education at FernGlen School, Milford School, and Sylvania High School. After school she worked as a bookkeeper in Tisdale Hospital as a nurse’s aide and at Smith’s Hatchery in Tisdale, Sask.

On November 22, 1951, she married

ANNE (FEHR) BUHLER 1929–2009 Anne Buhier (nee Fehr) passed away peacefully at the Hudson Bay Health Care Facility on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at 79 years of age.

Anne was born on October 23, 1929, in the Municipal District of Stanley in southern Manitoba to Jacob and Katherine Fehr and was one of 11 children (six boys, five girls). They experienced extreme poverty and she told stories of at times having only potatoes to eat.

In the 1930’s the family moved to the Gladstone, Man., area and Mom assumed a lot of responsibility for her younger siblings when her father was diagnosed with tuberculosis and admitted to the

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Arnold Frampton at Pleasantdale, Sask. Arnold hauled pulp near Bellsite, Man., and Mary stayed there. In 1953 they settled on the family farm in the Maloneck District, whether they remained until December of 2008, when they moved to Pelly, Sask. Mary and her husband Arnold attended Pelly Fellowship Chapel.

Mary was an active member in the 4-H, UCW, Maloneck Country Club, and Pelly Fellowship Chapel Ladies Aid. She was a fine seamstress and spent many hours lovingly sewing bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and graduation gowns.

She was also an active knitter.

Each new baby born into the family, or to friends of the family, received a completely hand-sewn outfit. Arnold never had to buy a pair of pants because Mary always made them.

No one ever left her kitchen hungry. It was no surprise that a bachelor friend or two would show up around supper time.

As Mary grew a good garden, only the

necessary items were ever purchased.

Everything else was produced at home, right down to her own homemade ice cream and butter.

Mary was predeceased by her parents Calvert and Elizabeth Irving; and her three brothers, Thomas, Edward, and Gilbert.

Left to mourn her passing are her loving husband of 57 years, Arnold; her four children, Kenneth (Patricia) Frampton of Pelly, Kathleen (Robert) Lukey of Pelly, Conard (Sonia) Frampton of Norquay, and Bernice Frampton (Brian Popaden) of Westbank BC; two brothers, Harry (Irene) Irving of Tisdale, and John (Merle) Irving of Naicam; two sisters, Ann Angus of Sylvania and Elizabeth Kjelshus of Melfort; and 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Her funeral service was held on June 30, 2009, at Pelly Fellowship Chapel with Pastor John Froese officiating. Interment was in Maloneck Cemetery, north of Pelly, Sask.

Her Family

Sanatorium at Ninette, where he later died. Mom then went to work to help support her family.

She had a keen interest in spiritual matters and asked the Lord Jesus Christ into her life when she attended Vacation Bible School as a child. As a teenager, she was baptized upon her confession of faith and became a member of the Mayfeld Rudnerweider Church (Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church).

Shortly after that, on June 27, 1948, Anne married William (Bill) Buhler. In 1961 they left the farm and moved to Muir, where they owned and operated the store and post office. This was mainly Mom’s responsibility, in addition to caring for her family.

In the mid-1960s our father became pastor of the Valley Stream Evangelical Mennonite Church. Mom gave her support as Dad attended Steinbach Bible College and then as they ministered together at Endeavour, Sask.; High Level, Alta.; and in Paraguay, South America before retiring to Hudson Bay, Sask.

Mom was a very gifted seamstress and sewed many clothes for us, often without a pattern and using only a picture from the Eaton catalogue as a guide. She was also hospitable and our

home was often a gathering place for various groups of people, especially young people.

Anne was predeceased by our Dad in 1991, her parents and several siblings.

She is survived by her children: Diane, Bert, Margaret, Fred, Bob, Sharon, Pearl and their families. She is also survived by her sisters Tina and Sarah, brothers John, Dave and Neil, sisters-in-law Lynn and Shirley Fehr, brother-in-law John Dyck as well numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Monday, June 1, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Pineridge Fellowship Chapel with Pastor Alvin Wiebe officiating. Interment followed in the Hudson Bay Town Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Kenny Steppan, Gayle Vander Roest, Tyson Buhler, Andrew Buhler, Chelsea Grenier, and Joel Karcha.

Honorary pallbearers were mentioned as “All of Anne’s Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.”

Eldina Duch, at the organ, led the congregation in a selection of favourite hymns. Son-in-law Duane Karcha delivered the eulogy. Following the interment, lunch was served by the Pineridge ladies in the lower hall of the church.

Her Family

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

shoulder tapping ROSENORT EMC invites applications for a parttime, interim youth leader. Th is individual is responsible to develop youth programs for junior and senior youth from September 2009 to August 2010. The individual will work together with a team of youth sponsors. Interested individuals should send a resume to Rosenort EMC, Box 153, Rosenort, MB R0G 1W0 or remcpastor@gninc.ca.

For information, please email or call the church at 204-746-8519.

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.

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.

LA CRETE Christian Fellowship, in the northwest corner of Alberta, is looking for a full-time youth pastor to be a part of our pastoral team.

LCCF’s service to God is based on core values: a commitment to worship, discipleship, teaching of God’s Word, and reaching our community and world with the gospel. We are a vibrant church of about 350 regular attendees who desire to spread the Word through a variety of ministries.

The youth pastor will direct the youth leadership team in implementing our vision of helping our youth establish and strengthen their personal connection to Jesus Christ. Applicants are to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who is a willing and teachable leader; a person whose love for the Lord is reflected in their ability to work well with others.

Contact us for details. Call Mike Schellenberg at 780-841-9376 or e-mail lccfc@telus.net.

NORTH KILDONAN Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg, Man., is looking for a children’s ministry director. The children’s director, who will focus on visioning and implementing a Christcentred children’s program, will be an integral part of the pastoral leadership team. The children’s director is a half-time position. For an applicant who also has a vision for small groups ministry, consideration will be given for a full-time position including both ministry responsibilities. NKMB is a multi-generational congregation of nearly 600 members with many young families. Inquiries and resumes may be sent to: Search Committee, NKMB, 1315 Gateway Rd., Winnipeg MB R2G 1P2 or email: brigittep@nkmb.org.

CAMP ASSINIBOIA, near Winnipeg, Man., requires a full-time custodian/maintenance assistant. Camp Assiniboia is one of three camps

THE MESSENGER August 12, 2009

Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm operated by Mennonite Church Manitoba.

Position available fall 2009. Applicants must affi rm Mennonite faith statement. On site housing and benefits package available. Contact 204-895-2267 or camps@mennochurch.mb.ca. Information at www.campswithmeaning.org.

CONTINENTAL MISSION in Thompson, Man., is looking for a director and a treasurer. Contact board chairman Ruben Goertzen (rgoertz@mts. net) for job descriptions, or call Bill Penner 204679-1005 for information.

An evangelical ministry, Continental Mission (started in the 1940s) is involved in evangelism, church planting, camping, and drop-in ministries among First Nations people, mostly in northern Manitoba.

THE HODGSON Christian Academy (HCA) is seeking applicants for the position of classroom teacher. HCA is approximately two hours north of Winnipeg on Hwy #17, just south of Peguis and Fisher River Reserves.

The teacher position opening is for a class of 10 junior and senior high students. Manitoba Teaching Certification is not a requirement, but applicants with experience in Christian education will be given preference.

HCA is a satellite school of the Morweena Christian School. Please contact Principal Tim Reimer 204-364-2466 or timr@morweenaschool. org.

STEINBACH BIBLE College and Steinbach Christian High School invite applications to fill two parttime positions as evening custodian. The positions are seasonal, beginning in September and going until June, and involve general custodial duties.

Applicants must be in agreement and sign the Statement of Faith and Lifestyle and Morality Statement of the schools. Application and job description are available at the SBC reception desk or via email at reception@sbcollege.ca. Submit application, resume, and cover letter to Steinbach Bible College, Attn: Wes Bergen, 50 PTH 12N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4. Fax: 204-326-6908.

CBF CHRISTIAN School, a Jr. K–grade 8 school located in Swan River, Man., seeks a term teacher for multi grades 5–8 homeroom (September 2009 to June 2010). Must hold a Manitoba Teacher’s Certificate, be born again, and provide pastoral references. Send resume to CBFCS, Box 1630, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0. For further information, call 204-734-2174 (weekdays) or 204-734-5702 (after hours).

MENNONITE FOUNDATION, a donor-advised charitable foundation (est. 1973) with 17 employees and an operating budget of $1.9 million, seeks an executive director. The director is responsible to the board and will provide strategic leadership, directing and managing the overall operation.

The candidate must be a church member in one of MFC’s six supporting conferences.

MFC promotes financial stewardship from a Christian perspective, creates opportunities for people to be generous with their financial resources, provides stewardship education for churches and members, is committed to socially responsible investing, and provides loans to constituent churches and related charities.

We are a growing and dynamic organization

with over $100 million under management. The head office is in Winnipeg, Man., with four other offices across Canada.

MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Resumes should be submitted to Personnel Committee, MFC, 12-1325 Markham Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; edsearch@ mennofoundation.ca.

RAINBOW CHRISTIAN School, in Vanderhoof, BC, seeks both a grade 3/4 teacher (2009–2010) and a principal.

RCS is a growing K–8 Christian professional learning community and has been in operation for 20 years. It is a classified Group 1 Independent School and currently has a staff of six and an enrollment of about 80 students.

Applications must include: resume, three references (including a pastor’s), transcripts, BCCT certificate, statement of faith, philosophy of Christian education.

The principal is a full-time position (.6 admin. and .4 teaching).

Send a cover letter, resume, philosophy of Christian education with statement of faith.

Rainbow Christian School Search Committee, Box 710, 2994 Burrard Ave., Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; ph: 250-567-3127; fax: 250-567-3167; e-mail: rcschool@telus.net.

MORWEENA CHRISTIAN School (MCS) is inviting applications for teaching positions in junior and senior high school classes. MCS is operated by the Morweena Mennonite Church. It is situated 25 kms northwest of Arborg, Man. MCS is dedicated to providing a K-12 education in an environment which holds a high respect for biblical values.

Send resume and pastor’s reference to Tim Reimer, Principal; Fax 204-364-3117; or timr@ morweenaschool.org.

coming events September 16–18 Winnipeg Prophecy Conference Victoria Inn Winnipeg, Man. 204-832-4627 www.wpgpc.org

September 19 Ignite the Light: Impacting Today’s Culture with the Gospel Richmond Hill Community Church Toronto, Ont. Sponsors: Billy Graham Association, ALPHA Canada, E2, Power to Change, Samaritan’s Purse, CBN, EFC billygraham.ca/Ministries

October 30 MDS Fundraising and Dessert Evening Music, reports, home-made pie Crosshill Mennonite Church Millbank, Ont. 204-261-1274 or 866-261-1274 www.mds.mennonite.net

23

kids’ corner Loreena Thiessen

W

Space peas

hat is the best thing about summer? For you it’s holidays, perhaps to visit a special lake for swimming or boating. It’s feeling the warm sun on your face, arms, and feet.

Then there are the colours, lush green after rain, grass and waving feathery carrot tops, soft leafy lettuce.

There are vibrant pink petunias, sunny yellow lilies, pleasing blue cornflowers, fiery orange zinnias and mums. The sky is bluer too, and the clouds are fluffier and more dazzling.

In summer, too, peaches are juicier, cherries are sweeter, and peas fresh from the garden are crisp and crunchy.

This summer is special for other reasons as well. It is a celebration of the astronomer Galileo who discovered 400 years ago that planets move around the sun; the stars are stationary and other moons circle other planets. And it is 40 years ago that the first astronaut walked on the moon.

On July 15 this summer seven more astronauts on a new space journey flew into space to visit the space station 400 kilometers above the earth. The astronauts stayed for 16 days. What did they do?

One important activity for the astronauts is growing

Activity: Play Croquet Tag You need: garden stakes or tent pegs, markers, light note card paper, croquet mallets and balls.

Do: Write action words on each 3 by 5 card, examples, Hop, Sing, Whistle, Yodel, Cartwheel, Roll, Stand on your head, Walk on your hands. Attach one card to one stake.

Push stakes with the words on them into the ground (lawn) with plenty of distance between each stake. Each player has his own ball and rolls it in turn toward a stake.

Do the action on the stake nearest your ball. One turn per roll.

Keep score: one point per action.

Variation #1: Play regular croquet with one stake at each hoop. Do the actions at each turn.

Variation #2: Allow different points for each action depending on the difficulty of it or on how well performed.

Have fun!

PAGE 24

food. Every item needed for the work on the space station must be delivered by spaceship. If the astronauts could grow their own food this would help them a lot.

They could eat fresh like we prefer to do on earth.

Also, plants give off oxygen as they take on carbon dioxide. All living things need oxygen to exist, and, since there is no oxygen in space, the astronauts must bring a supply with them.

As well, plants bring cheer, as we notice walking through a flower garden. And so, one activity is conducting experiments growing food in space in the Lada greenhouse.

There are some difficulties growing plants in space.

One difficulty is that the plants act as though they’re drying out because of low air pressure. They need to be watered constantly. Another difficulty is that air does not move quickly in space. The oxygen the plants give off must move away from the plant to let in carbon dioxide. If the oxygen does not move it will choke the plant.

A positive result of growing plants in space is that they last longer. A success is that the first seeds of space plants will be planted and a new generation of space plants will grow.

What kind of plants do you think they are growing in space?

One plant is peas—little peas are leading the way— space peas.

As you look around, can you see things to be thankful for—colours, summer warmth, and all the delicious T foods you eat each day? Read Ephesians 5:20. M THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 PAP Registration #9914