The Messenger Vol. 49 No. 12 December 2011

THE

MESSENGER

volume 49, number 12 December 2011

www.emconference.ca/messenger

The truth of Christmas

PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM

Impossible possibilities p. 6 Christmas story p. 8 The truth of Christmas amid mourning and pain p. 10 Heaven’s Love p. 13

$2.00

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

editorials

The Good News beyond its rivals

J

esus has been born—Christ, our Saviour, true man and true God! This is the meaning of Christmas.

Sadly, this celebration has always faced its rivals.

The winter solstice was an early rival. A Roman festival was held on December 25 to celebrate the return of longer days.

Early Christian leaders started to rebrand the day. If people were going to celebrate the coming of light, let it be of the one who was the Light of the World. If they celebrated the sun,

let it become a celebration of the birth of the Son of God. A modern rival is the jolly figure of Santa Claus. Loosely based on a generous Christian bishop Nicholas of Myra in Turkey, Santa was later commercialized.

Both the ancient and modern versions distract many people.

There is always the temptation to focus on nature or humanity only, rather than on the Creator (Romans 1:20–23).

Both also distract from the

Neither nature alone nor commercial advertising invites us to expect such great, gracious acts of the Creation as incarnation and reconciliation.

To enter boldly with hesitation

D

uring Advent and Christmas, some Canadians will boldly, if hesitantly, enter Christian churches.

Christmas is when more Canadians say it is “okay” to speak about Jesus. Churches are given, as it were, society’s permission to do so.

Some attendees know of Jesus through Sunday School or church camp years ago. They might want the same for their children or grandchildren.

Some Canadians of Christian background become open to visiting other churches. Why? It’s partly because at Christmas the Church focuses on common, major truths.

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Many Canadians, however, have no church history, a painful history through residential schools, or know of Jesus through their own sacred texts.

Will we be inviting? If we think we are, how actually will our invitation come across?

Do we use first names in our service, subtly reinforcing who knows and who doesn’t? Do we explain our order of service or assume people will know what is happening?

What languages will we use?

What songs will we sing? Will the music’s volume be painful to visiting ears?

Do we speak unhelpfully of “regulars” and “visitors”? If a

Word become flesh (John 1:14), the Creator who became One of us Crucified for our salvation. Jesus is the Good News of Christmas!

Neither nature alone nor commercial advertising invites us to expect such great, gracious acts of the Creator as incarnation (enfleshment) and reconciliation (atonement).

Such knowledge of how fully God is with us (Matthew 1:23) comes

by God’s gracious revelation.

At Christmas let us celebrate God as the giver of every good thing—including of so much more than human beings can expect.

Terry M. Smith

If a congregation is made up of those who congregate (gather), then all who gather are part of the congregation on any particular morning. congregation is made up of those who congregate (gather), then all who gather are part of the congregation on any particular morning.

Will we focus on grand truths in our preaching? Are we respectful and engaging in our sermons as we anticipate the presence of people from various backgrounds?

Shall we help people to feel less hesitate to return, challenged as they are by Jesus?

Terry M. Smith

contents Features 6

8

6

With Our Missionaries 15

Sudan/Canada: It’s a family thing!

– Sue Sorensen

16

Philippines: Feeding faith

Christmas story

17

Mexico: An amazing affirmation from the Lord

Impossible possibilities

– Andrew Reimer

10 The truth of Christmas amid mourning and pain – Jeff Plett

13 Poem: Heaven’s Love

With Our Churches 18 19

– Eleanor Lee Gustaw

Columns 5

Archives Alcove Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg, a shaper of the EMC – Terry M. Smith

14 Window on Missions EMC enters partnership in Bolivia – Ken Zacharias

29 Missional and Multiplying re:CALL—National Church Planting Congress 2011 – Ward Parkinson

30 Pictures of God Occupy – Joanna Enns

31 Stewardship Today Retirement planning: ‘The Decision Decade’ – Harold Penner

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Pleasant Valley EMC: Celebrations and sadness Wymark EMC: Powerful missions weekend held

20

La Crete Christian Fellowship: New building, same church

21

Community Bible Fellowship: Service at Bible camps is important!

22

Roseisle EMC: ‘Celebrating the past, going forward in faith’

22

Departments 2

Editorials

3

Pontius’ Puddle

4

Letters

18 Births 27 Calendar 28 Shoulder Tapping 32 The Messenger index for 2011

News 23

Mennonite-Lutheran reconciliation gets ‘planted’

24

Providence looks at God, Government, and Gospel

25

CFGB signs new $125M agreement with government

25

Christmas greetings from the EMC office staff

26

Vouchers can be ‘Ticket to Survival’

27

SCHS goes global with MCC

27

Manitoba men’s mission to help in Minot

36 Kids’ Corner A time of waiting – Loreena Thiessen

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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THE

MESSENGER

letters

Surprised by struggle EDITOR Terry M. Smith tsmith@emconf.ca

ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Roman rroman@emconf.ca

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconf.ca THE MESSENGER is the monthly 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.

Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

THE MESSENGER is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man. Subscription rates: 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 7% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.

Single copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents.

I was saddened to see an article in the Winnipeg Free Press on Saturday, November 12, about the Mennonite Central Committee and their flash mob at the Forks on Remembrance Day. Their banner and indeed their buttons which stated “to remember is to work for peace” are an affront to what Remembrance Day is about. Indeed, we should all work towards peace, however, this is something we should do every day; 365 days a year.

Remembrance Day is a day set aside to “remember” all those who paid the ultimate price in defence of our country and our freedom and peace.

To do anything else takes

THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN #0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 Registration #09914 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconf.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger

The Messenger Schedule: No. 2 – February 2012 issue (copy due January 20)

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THE MESSENGER | December 2011

away from what these brave men and women in uniform did and the sacrifice they made.

Mennonites should be doubly happy to support our armed forces.

Being a member of the Prairie Rose EMC I know that Mennonites have always had the freedom to practice our religion as we see fit. We have also been exempted from military service.

This year again, I had the honour to represent our Government (I am the Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs) at a Remembrance Day service as I have every year for the past five years.

At the particular service I attended, one of our

EMC Archives Committee members sought!

The EMC national Archives Committee welcomes new members to serve on it. The committee meets four to six times (evenings) per year and is a working committee entrusted to promote an understanding of EMC history and of preserving historical documents. Meetings are usually held at Steinbach, Man., but new members could also assist by phone or Skype. Terms can be one to three years. Local committee travel costs are covered. Contact executive secretary Terry Smith at tsmith@emconf.ca or 204326-6401.

EMC pastors was asked to pray the closing prayer.

I was truly surprised to hear him struggle with words of appreciation for our armed forces.

These men and women gave their lives for our freedom. They left mothers, fathers, spouses and/ or children behind.

Even if you do not agree with the methods, we need to always be thankful and on November 11 of every year we need to take the time to reflect and remember.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Lest we forget.

Senator Don Plett Ottawa, Ont.

Subscribe to The Messenger electronically Prefer e-copy to hard copy?

Issues of The Messenger are available electronically. You can sign up on-line at www. emconference.ca/messenger or e-mail messenger@emconf. ca. Provide your name, mailing address, and e-mail address, and indicate whether you wish to continue receiving the print version or not.

For those who are not members or adherents of an EMC church, there will be a $15 annual subscription fee to receive the electronic version only; no additional fee applies if the full print subscription rate is paid.

archives alcove

by Terry Smith

Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg, a shaper of the EMC Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg poured much of his life into evangelism, publication, education, and history within our EM Conference.

English language youth section of Christlicher Familienfreund (The Christian Family Friend), the German language paper once produced by our Conference.

Yet he envisioned an English language magazine, and for its first 25 years (1963–1987) he served as editor of The Messenger.

When he retired in 1987, he wrote that being the magazine’s editor was a part-time job, for he had served while also being a pastor, a student, and as Executive Secretary to the Board of Education and Publication (now BCM). He had served, he said, longer at this ministry than he had imagined in 1963 or even later in life.

After retirement, Rev. Schellenberg remained involved within the national office and with the magazine. He served at times as Steinbach EMC’s reporter, wrote two columns for this magazine, served as Archivist Emeritus, and served for many years on the Archives Committee.

Martha Kroeker, his assistant for 10 years, describes him as a

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W

ould there be an Archives Alcoves column without the EMC Archives, and would there be an EMC Archives without the work of Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg?

Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg (1917–2008) poured much of his life into evangelism, publication, education, and history within our EM Conference.

He was concerned for the wellbeing of the local church, the EM Conference, the wider Anabaptist church, and the still wider Christian Church.

Rev. Schellenberg was concerned about promoting Anabaptist theology, including objection to war.

He was a Conscientious Objector during World War Two and 60 years later he wrote that he would object again.

He was passionate about the preservation of EMC history. Partly or perhaps largely because of him, our EMC Archives has the space challenge that it does.

He helped to secure or organize likely thousands of documents.

Historians from outside of our conference have indicated to me how keenly he was interested in the work of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada.

But even beyond preserving EMC history, Rev. Schellenberg helped to shape our conference.

Being an editor was important to him.

Early in his ministry, he served as assistant editor of the

“workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed…He was very conscientious and sensitive about what he wrote, making sure that he wouldn’t hurt anyone and that what he wrote was accurate.”

She says, “Mr. Schellenberg loved his family and was proud of them (in a humble way), which was often obvious in his writing and on The Messenger covers”—including cover photos of his children and grandchildren. She reminds us that in 2001 Rev. Schellenberg had said, “If I were still editor, I could start over with my great-grandchildren!”

Sometimes Rev. Schellenberg and I met at a local restaurant or in his apartment. This kept him somewhat in touch with the Board of Church Ministries, and I benefited from his faith in Christ, his knowledge of Conference history, and his perspective on this magazine’s purpose.

Those who read The Messenger have been influenced by Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg. In 2012 the magazine enters a half-century of publication.

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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Isaiah 40:1–11

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im

ossible ossibilities

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he paradox—a statement that should be contradictory and yet is somehow true—is possibly my favourite literary device. It is a device ready-made to delight the Christian.

It is the foundation of John Donne’s great Holy Sonnet, “Death be not proud,” which begins: Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so

God loves to laugh, I think, at what we conceive of as earthly impossibility: that a child should be born to a virgin.

And ends: One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.

One of my favourite hymns is one called Christus Paradox by Sylvia Dunstan. It’s a hymn full of impossibilities—impossibilities that are true: You, who walk each day beside us, Sit in power at God’s side.

You, who preach a way that’s narrow, Have a love that reaches wide.

God loves to laugh, I think, at what we conceive of as earthly impossibility: that a child should be born to a virgin, that our Redeemer should be born in a barn, that everlasting and glorious life can only be gained by the suffering of an ignoble death on a cross.

We are into Advent and then the Christmas season. During this time we hear

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by Sue Sorensen

the familiar story of the angel speaking to Mary about a bizarre and shocking and wonderful thing that was about to happen to her.

The angel finished this announcement with one of my favourite verses in the whole Bible: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 NIV).

What a beautiful idea! Hold on to it: Nothing will be impossible with God. The hymn Christus Paradox has a recurring line: “You, the everlasting instant.” It sits perfectly with my notion of what time means for God. That is, everything we think time is, that’s basically what time isn’t.

I love that the Christian faith insists on paradox. I love that God turns everything upside down and expects us to like it.

I love that in Isaiah 40 the Lord starts out saying to the prophet: speak tenderly to my people, offer them comfort. A few verses later, a voice says: “Cry out!” (or, as I prefer it from Eugene Peterson’s translation, “Shout!”)

Wait, watch, listen, prepare, comfort and take comfort, but while you’re about it, shout!

It’s not just that turning the world upside down is an effective way of God getting our attention. It is, but it’s so much more.

It’s so awfully, horribly necessary. This is a broken world. We have laid waste to it, squandered its resources, exploited its wonders almost beyond endurance.

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And we have been cruel and careless with one of the creations that God loves most—our own selves.

“What a piece of work is a man,” says Shakespeare in Hamlet, “how noble in reason, how infinite in faculty, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god—the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals!” (Hamlet 2.2, 287–298).

Shakespeare offered this famous speech, in part, as a harsh and sarcastic criticism of humanity. Hamlet has actually fallen completely out of love with his fellow human beings, who are so deeply flawed.

But I love this speech because, although I agree with Shakespeare that we have made a great mess of things, I can’t help but also see “how noble in reason, how infinite in faculty” we do (potentially) seem.

And to make us see anew the marvel that is the human creature, God came in the flesh as one of us.

God surely hoped that this unbelievable event—this act that tears the veil of possibility from top to bottom—would make us hear with new ears, see with new eyes, and stop our errant ways, stop causing Him so much sorrow.

God’s impossible possibilities are a gift so that we might hear, not just listen.

We use these words interchangeably, but to listen is just to “pay attention.” It’s rather passive. To hear is to really listen. Actively.

To hear is to “be aware.” More than that: God wants us to be conscious with every fibre of our beings.

Hear that Shout: the mountains are being made low (Isaiah 40:4). God came to us incarnate in an outlandish place. As a result, “Death, thou shalt die.”

God’s impossible possibilities are a gift so that we might hear, not just listen.

Sue Sorensen is an Assistant Professor of English at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Man. This article is based on a chapel presentation she gave in December 2005. She is married to Michael Kurtz, pastor of First Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Man.

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Christmas story

by Andrew Reimer

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he boy and his family moved here about a year ago. His family is like so many young families around here; there’s a lot of love, but not much money.

The only house they could afford is a run down place in a bad area. The dad is a hard worker, but with his lack of education and no connections he can’t expect a job that will pay him much.

Of course, he could make a lot more money working for them…that is, if he doesn’t mind being complicit in the very forces that are destroying and enslaving his own people.

Many young men in his situation are greedy or desperate enough to get their money this way. But this boy’s dad has resisted; he has always tried to do the honourable thing.

Somehow, the boy’s parents have maintained a sense of dignity and cultural identity, believing that they are who God created them to be regardless of the way the dominant society views them.

The strength and dignity of this boy’s people is remarkable considering the ways in which they have been dominated and dehumanized by their colonizers so that even now they live as marginalized people in their own homeland.

The society this boy was born into is full of inequality, poverty, violence and discrimination and, given his race, his family, and his economic status the deck seems stacked against him from the start.

Actually, life for this boy is relatively stable these days compared to when he was younger. When he was a baby his family moved around a lot and they have been homeless more than once.

His parents were possibly too young and certainly not financially ready to care for him when he was born. They couldn’t even afford a decent place to stay when his mom was ready to give birth to him.

And when he was still in diapers his family was homeless again, strangers in a strange place, on the run wanted by the authorities.

Now they have moved here hoping for some peace and safety.

This could easily be the story of a family in our neighbourhood, but this true story takes place, not in Winnipeg’s North End, but

in Nazareth two thousand years ago. This is the story of Jesus, God’s Son “who became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

According to the New Testament, Jesus was born into a colonized and oppressed people group—the Jews—who lived under the thumb of the Roman Empire. Jesus’ human parents were poor and were forced to take shelter in an animal stable to give birth to him.

To escape the violence of King Herod, they became refugees in Egypt. After return-

The Christmas story reveals to us a God who became one of the suffering, poor, overlooked and despised people of our world. ing from Egypt they settled in Nazareth, a marginal place with a bad reputation.

Growing up in this context Jesus and his family would have faced many of the same struggles, humiliations, pressures and temptations faced by the inner city families we know. This is how the Creator of the universe chose to come to us, to be with us, to be one of us.

The Christmas story reveals to us a God who became one of the suffering, poor, overlooked and despised people of our world.

And Christmas reminds us that Jesus identifies fully with the marginalized children and families of our neighbourhood. Jesus put it this way: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Now, go back to the start and read the story again with the knowledge that it is the story of Jesus. How does it change the way you think about Jesus?

How does it change the way you think about the children and families in places like the North End of Winnipeg and elsewhere?

Andrew Reimer (Steinbach EMC) is a community minister with Inner City Youth Alive in Winnipeg, Man.

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The truth of Christmas amid mourning and pain

by Jeff Plett

The biblical truths, and most certainly also the Christmas story, come out of the hard anvil of life. They were written in times of adversity.

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t’s easy to celebrate Christmas when things are going well, but is Christmas still Christmas when you experience heartache, pain, and loneliness? Is the Christmas story still true, still meaningful, when your world gets turned upside down through illness and death?

I think we find the Christmas story becomes particularly meaningful during times of pain. The “outer trappings” may become less important. But the core truths of the Christmas message become even more precious.

The biblical truths, and most certainly also the Christmas story, come out of the hard

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

anvil of life. They were written in times of adversity.

Yet they give peace, comfort and joy to us because God still speaks through His word.

He gives us many promises of hope and joy that sustain us during hardship.

With that perspective of receiving new hope and joy from God’s Word, let’s turn to the prophecy God gave to the prophet Micah.

Where will the new ruler go to?

In 5:2, Micah prophesies where this new ruler will go to, where He will be born: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall

come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel....”

Who could have dreamed the ruler would come to such an unimportant place as Bethlehem? What good can come from Bethlehem?

Of all the clans of the tribe of Judah, the Ephrathite clan around Bethlehem couldn’t even come up with a respectable army unit. They were too small.

How strange that God decided His only Son would come from so insignificant a source!

But God has a special way with people. Many years before, God chose David, a young, homely shepherd boy, who also came from Bethlehem, to be king of the Israelite nation (1 Samuel 17:12).

Not even the prophet Samuel thought of young David as being a likely candidate. But God reminded Samuel, “God does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Bethlehem may be small and insignificant in the world’s eyes, but great things would come from this small place. No less than Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, the ruler of the entire world, would be born in Bethlehem.

Where will the new ruler come from?

The new ruler was coming to Bethlehem.

But where would he come from?

What were His family roots? If you know something about the family and the place where someone’s relatives come from, then you get a better idea of who the person is.

He “is from of old,” Micah says, “from ancient days” (5:2). This king comes from eternity; there never was a time when He did not exist.

We’re not talking about a normal king here, are we? We’re talking about Jesus Christ who came from the presence of God. In fact, this ruler was God and is God! He is part of the triune Godhead.

Jesus is not a created being like we are. He always was. He took human form and lived among us. Jesus was fully human and fully God. As a man, He walked on this earth and felt the same pain we feel. At the end of His

Micah 5:2–4 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

earthly ministry He took upon Himself the sins of all humanity. He died upon a cruel cross so we could be free from all sin.

After three days He rose from the dead, and He ascended to God where He now sits in glory at God’s right hand. One day soon He will return and take us home to be forever with Him. Now, Micah probably didn’t see all of these events clearly. He prophesied about 700 years before the birth of Jesus and the Bible tells us many things about Jesus he didn’t know about.

But Micah did know the ruler would be divine, that He would be like God because He came from “ancient days.”

Micah pictures a shepherd feeding his flock.

Now that would be different.

This ruler would be like a lowly shepherd?

What would the ruler’s work be?

What would the ruler’s work be? What would He be known for, by the people? Micah answers these questions in verse 4: “And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.” Micah pictures a shepherd feeding his flock. Now that would be different. This ruler would be like a lowly shepherd?

Most kings and rulers were ruthless and dishonest. Many would kill anyone who opposed their views. They weren’t ruling because they had a special love for the people.

They had their power and authority because they were a descendant of the royal line. They put heavy tax burdens on people and forced (continued p. 10) THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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them to work for their selfish comforts and desires.

But not so with this Jesus Christ; He would be different. He would rule with the love of a shepherd. He would care for His sheep and protect them.

When enemies would come, He would get in their way and drive them away. If any sheep would wander away, He would search until He found them.

Isn’t this a beautiful picture of our ruler, Jesus? He is a caring Saviour, gently guiding us in our lives.

He provides us with physical and spiritual nourishment, so we grow in our faith. He gently forgives us and brings us back to the flock. When we sorrow, He gently comforts us. He feels our pain too. What a precious Saviour He is!

Furthermore, this new ruler would not rule with merely human strength. He would not be prone to sin and selfishness like many heirs of King David. He would rule “in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God” (5:4). His authority would come from God Himself and He would have an intimate relationship with His heavenly Father (John 14:17).

With this new ruler, Jesus, the people would dwell secure for He would truly be

Jesus Christ, the Ruler, came to earth, and He is just as grand and magnificent as God’s prophet predicted He would be.

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Holiday Travel

great. His kingship would not only be over Israel, but would reach to the ends of the earth (verse 4). All peoples, tribes and nations would hear of Him, and would have the opportunity to experience the salvation He would bring. What a magnificent ruler He would be!

No wonder Micah and all the people in the captured city of Jerusalem longed to see this magnificent ruler from Bethlehem. The Christmas message is that the ruler Micah prophesied about has come.

Jesus Christ, the Ruler, came to earth, and He is just as grand and magnificent as God’s prophet predicted He would be.

We as Christians give testimony to Jesus’ birth every Christmas. Does it make any difference to us, does it affect our lives, this old story we have heard so often? Oh, yes, it makes all the difference in the world!

Let’s tell people around us that they too can have a personal relationship with the Shepherd-Ruler, Jesus Christ. And then, together with them, we will experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Jeff Plett is the pastor of Evangelical Fellowship Church in Fort Frances, Ont. Note: For some thoughts, he gives credit to Leslie C. Allen, The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah and Micah (NICOT, 1976).

kirsten@holiday-travel.ca with the Bicentennial Committee of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference

in th ere Wh

presents

Mennonite Heritage Tour with a focus on EMC history

e world...can you

to

hM

Ukraine and Crimea Kiev, Mennonite Colonies, Yalta, Odessa

DS ?

Deadline registration/deposit: December 31, 2011

photo by Duane Steiner

from

May 21–June 7, 2012 Estimated cost: $5,200 including airfare

volu nte er wi t

For tour details contact tour host: Len Loeppky 14 Springwood Bay, Steinbach, MB, R5G 2E8 aloeppky@mts.net or 204-326-2613 Informational meeting announcement to follow.

These Canadian volunteers are helping their neighbours in Minot, ND. The experience is out of this world.

Call or write 1-866-261-1274 mdscn@mds.mennonite.net to discover what is needed where and when.

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THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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Little child born on the hay You were born on Christmas Day. The Saviour of the world to be.

Heaven’s Love Who came for me.

Star of Bethlehem shine bright in my heart be Jesus’ light.

Like the shepherds, wise men three, May my life be lived in Thee.

May mirrored Your reflection be, that others see Your cross so free.

For that Child sweet upon the hay came, His life to give, this Christmas Day. That wondrous night so long ago, Heaven bent to Earth below.

Songs re-echoed in the sky as angels sang with joy on high.

Resounding hope, refrain to all.

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

Heaven’s Love born in that stall.

Triumphal Love now reigns on high, The Christ of Christmas ever nigh!

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window on missions

by Ken Zacharias

EMC enters partnership in Bolivia

T

PHOTO: KEN ZACHARIAS

he EMC has had a long history of ministering in Mexico, Paraguay and Canada among conservative, traditional Low German-speaking people. The Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference (EMMC) has a similar history, including work in Mexico, Belize, United States, Bolivia and Canada.

In Mexico, the EMC and EMMC

merged their Low German ministries in 2006 with the formation of Conferencia Misionera EvangĂŠlica de MĂŠxico (CME, or Evangelical Missionary Conference of Mexico).

In 2012 we will begin the fifth year of a five-year agreement with the CME. EMC missionaries John and Lorna Wall minister in each of the CME churches, providing leadership classes and biblical teaching to church leadership. In addition, the Walls also teach at Steinreich Bible School, which is preparing students to pastor CME churches in the future.

Many people in the EMC carry a special burden for people

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formal partnership with the EMMC/ EBMC in Low German Bolivian ministry, and it is our desire to provide EMC missionaries to work with their ministries and under their administration.

We look forward for our partnership and for additional ministry that will be able to take place as a result. By working in partnership, we can do so much more than working alone.

Missionaries and mission agencies who work Many people in the in Bolivia feel that now is a crucial time to have EMC carry a special a united voice to reach burden for people of conservative, traditional traditional, conservative Mennonites who are lookLow German Mennonite ing for spiritual change.

There has been much culture in Bolivia. teaching done through ministries directed by the Trans World Radio station, Campus Crusade and others. and values. Ultimately, given the Long-term workers are now long-standing fraternal and workneeded to follow up and work ing relationship with the EMMC with those who are seekers and to in both Mexico and Canada, it was disciple Christ followers. With this decided that it only makes sense to partnership agreement in place, join them in a challenging field of we are now asking who among our ministry.

EMC body feels called and ready to The EMMC already works in work in Bolivia among traditional, Bolivia in partnership with the conservative Low German-speaking Evangelical Bergthaler Mennonite people.

Conference (EBMC), a Canadian Who do you have in your church Mennonite conference located in that you would like to send? northern Alberta. The EBMC is And, as we look at future unknown to the majority of our partnerships, what if in Paraguay EMC churches, but the EMC Board or Guadalajara (Mexico) the EMMC of Missions feels comfortable in provided their people under EMC working with them as well.

BOM administration?

The BOM has recently entered a of traditional, conservative Low German Mennonite culture in Bolivia. In 2010, the EMC Board of Missions made the decision to begin ministering in Bolivia, recognizing the valuable contribution that we can give.

With that, we were committed to investigate current ministries in Bolivia in order to see what partnership best reflected our teachings

with our missionaries

SUDAN/CANADA Ashlyn and Alyssa Skopnik, the daughters of Gordon and Sharon Skopnik, International Teams Canada’s Program Leader for Impact Southern Sudan, have mission in their hearts—and in their genes.

After 15 years serving as missionaries in Germany and Austria, the Skopnik family returned to Canada, where Gord founded the Welcome Home refugee ministry in partnership with International Teams.

Ashlyn says that the missionary life has always seemed quite normal to them. “Our childhood was spent in one country and our teenage years were spent in another, so we didn’t move around a lot.

“Other than our dad leaving for a few weeks a few times a year, life goes on as usual. My parents have always simply tried to get us involved with whatever they were doing, to show us the importance of this kind of work.”

Once Gordon became involved in ministry in Southern Sudan, Ashlyn and Alyssa looked for opportunities to experience it for themselves. After a short-term trip in 2009, Alyssa returned as an intern earlier this year, with Ashlyn joining her for the last month of her internship.

Ashlyn says the trip was significant to both of them because they were better able to understand why Sudan is so important to their father.

“Not only is it Dad’s work, but it’s his passion, and it’s a big part

of who he is,” she said. “I wanted to understand why it was important to him.”

“I was so glad to go while Alyssa was there too—it was nice to have someone with me who knows me very well and really understood what it felt like for me to be there.”

Alyssa’s internship was made even more special because she was able to share part of it with her fiancé Andrew. “I had talked about my first trip a lot and showed him pictures and shared stories. By coming with me, he got to meet people who were important to me.

“He needs to have a heart for mission because that’s where

Once Gordon Skopnik became involved in ministry in Southern Sudan, daughters Ashlyn and Alyssa looked for opportunities to experience it for themselves.

my heart is. It was challenging at times—everything was a new experience for him—but it was a blessing to share that with him.”

Both Gordon and Sharon are extremely proud of their daughters.

Gordon says they are honoured to have children that not only love and serve the Lord, but who share their vision to help the poor.

“As a father I am honoured to have my children follow me and my wife in mission—they have helped in the Welcome Home program and now both of my girls have been to Sudan. My heart really explodes with joy to know God is leading our family in mission.”

Written by Lauren Anderson, International Teams member Submitted by Gordon Skopnik Gordon and Sharon Skopnik are part of Wymark EMC.

PHOTOS COURTESY GORDON SKOPNIK

It’s a family thing!

Alyssa Skopnik (left) and Ashlyn Skopnik (right) are following their parents in mission.

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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with our missionaries

Feeding faith Faith, like everything else, must be fed in order to grow. But what feeds faith? I pray we will continue to grow in our understanding and find new answers for as long as we live.

Here are answers we’ve seen and experienced.

We came to the Philippines just over six years ago having served as missionaries for over ten years. We were asking God to show us more of Himself: we wanted to see where faith would take us.

We were not up to the job and we knew it. NTM’s aviation programs in the Philippines had closed because of a lack of personnel and other issues, and we came to see God re-open them. We were asking God to affect NTM Philippines positively and to use us and those we would train. Has God delivered?

Far beyond our wildest dreams!

Where are we now? Faith has grown in our aviation team as we together trusted God to provide safe, efficient flight service to our missionaries. We currently have three flight programs operating in the Philippines.

God has brought us six families and five are functioning in a flight program. These families are committed to Jesus and called to what He is doing here. They reach out to tribal missionaries. They work with mutual respect and care. We, as a team, continually trust God for unity and healthy relationships, and He is delivering.

Each challenge is an opportunity to grow faith in God’s ability to resolve issues His way or to choose our own way. When we don’t see 16

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

our way out, we call on God in ways Philippines that works and prays we don’t when things are going well together, and God is changing and and the way seems clear. growing us. God means for us to One team in northern Luzon walk in faith, and at times we must often reminds us of this—they were lean on the faith of those around us in town for over a year when we are weary.

We are blessed while waiting for flight As we ponder life in service to resume. What terms of weeks, months, to be part of was the meaning of it? or years, we see God a community We see part of the answer providing and enabling, in Canada as one town church is making us into the people beginning to partner with for which we He wants us to be. We this team, reaching out see Him changing people are a small to remote believers and around us and changing extension in the circumstances. We see enabling our missionaries in ways we foreigners find Him growing His church, Philippines. hard to do. and we are humbled to be Faith is strengthened a small part of it. in community. We are blessed to Thanks for allowing us the opporbe part of a community in Canada, tunity to be here and see what God is a Body, for which we are a small doing on this side of the world! extension in the Philippines. You Cynthia Barkman enable us to be here by doing the part God has called you to do.

Cynthia and Garry Barkman We are part of a local com(Blumenort) serve with NTM munity of believers here in the Aviation, Philippines.

PHOTO: CYNTHIA BARKMAN

PHILIPPINES

NTM’s aviation program in the Philippines provides safe, efficient flight service to missionaries.

with our missionaries

PHOTOS COURTESY CONNIE REIMER

An amazing affirmation from the Lord!

MEXICO The day had finally arrived! It was the first day of our Kids Games ministry in the Metropolitan Park.

For almost a year we had been praying and planning for this ministry. We were excited for our Pan Am team that had joined us here in Guadalajara.

We were excited to see what God would accomplish during this time. Yet, at the same time, there was some apprehension as to how it would all come together.

Day One started with us setting up tents, table and chairs in the park. We noticed that the park was very empty. Where were all the children? And where was this More than Gold team from Brazil who was going to help us with the kids’ games?

We waited and waited. This is very hard for organized Canadians.

Karalee suggested that we do a prayer walk. Off we went.

During the prayer time, I sensed that we doubted whether our plans were really the Lord’s plans and whether we should be doing something different. There was such heaviness and a feeling of discouragement, mixed with unbelief. There was frustration as nothing seemed to be happening.

Kids games were used to teach the gospel.

The Pan Am team with the Guadalajara church planting team

As I began to pray, I sensed that the enemy really didn’t want us to succeed and wanted us to remain discouraged. I prayed that God would remove all obstacles that would hinder His plans.

I prayed that the Lord would empower us to rise up above the spirit of unbelief and discouragement. I prayed that the Lord would place within us boldness and confidence.

Had He not said that His plans for us were plans to prosper us and not

We witnessed children and adults accepting Jesus as their personal Saviour.

to harm us—plans to give us hope and a future?

Returning from our prayer walk we noticed the Brazilian team arriving and soon the children began to appear out of nowhere.

We witnessed children and adults accepting Jesus as their personal Saviour.

I had the opportunity to visit with one mother. What a wonderful time to meet and get to know someone who was so appreciative of what we were doing.

She was grateful that we were not only teaching how to play the games but also valuable life lessons.

What an amazing affirmation from the Lord. He is constantly revealing His love and goodness to us in the most wonderful ways.

Connie Reimer Connie and John Reimer (Community Bible Fellowship) are leading a church planting team in Guadalajara, Mexico.

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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with our churches

Celebrations and sadness PLEASANT VALLEY EMC, Manitoba

W

hile our church has celebrated weddings, baptisms, and parent-child dedications, this summer has also been one of loss in our church.

On July 27, at only 52 years of age, Chuck Friesen went to be with Jesus after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was outspoken in his love for Jesus and a strong pillar in our church, especially giving leadership in theological direction, preaching and in prayer ministry.

Although our whole church misses him in many ways, nobody feels it more keenly than his beloved wife Julia.

Before the summer was over, we had two more funerals. Nick Eidse passed away on August 21 at the age of 90 years following a good long life, including many years together with his wife Mary as a deacon couple in our church.

Liz Genest grew up in our church and continued to keep in contact with the church through family members until her sudden passing at the age of 66 years. Her funeral was held in our church on Sept 8.

Our church family was privileged to celebrate weddings together with four couples this summer: Mike and Tiffany Toews on May 27, Marshall and Alyssa Reimer on July 10, Ken and Heather Copeland on July 30, and Thomas and Lori Rempel on Oct 21.

On Sept 18 we had a great fall picnic day at Stephenfield Park planned by our Fellowship Committee. The sun chased the clouds away early in the day and we enjoyed an excellent day together.

We began with an outdoor church service, followed by a great disco lunch provided by Ed and Margaret Loewen. Afternoon activities included walking, playing on the play structures and hiking

in the hills. This was followed by a wiener roast supper.

On Oct. 16 Jesse and Erin Penner and Kyle Parkinson shared their testimonies and officially joined our covenant community.

Pastor Darren Pletthas been preaching by special request this fall. He invited anyone to hand in a passage of scripture for which they had long been looking for some clarification. In that process he has preached on 1 Corinthians 11:3–16, 1 Corinthians 14:1–5, 1 Corinthians 6:9–20, Matthew 7:21–23, and Matthew 22:23–33.

Marilyn Kornelsen and Elly Rempel

births FEHR – to Gary and Darlene Fehr of La Crete, Alta., a son, Cohen James, on July 23, 2011.

SCHELLENBERG – to Mark and Kim Schellenberg of La Crete, Alta., a son, Crue Jennings James, on Aug. 26, 2011.

WIEBE – to Larry and Brenda Wiebe of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Madison Kate, on Aug. 27, 2011.

PHOTO COURTESY DARREN PLETT

DYCK – to Cam and Pam Dyck of Miami, Man., a daughter, Tessa Shae, on Sept.

7, 2011.

WIEBE – to Barney and Stephanie Wiebe of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Ranae Emily, on Sept. 9, 2011.

ZACHARIAS – to John and Joyce Zacharias of La Crete, Alta., a daughter, Kate Allison, on Sept. 14, 2011.

MARTENS – to Jesse and Amanda Martens of La Crete, Alta., a son, Ryder Jeremiah Peter, on Sept. 28, 2011.

PETERS – to Rueben and Judy Peters of La Crete, Alta., a son, Liam Paul, on Oct. 21, 2011.

A parent/child dedication was held on May 29: Pastor Darren and Pearl Plett, Dave and Cindy Friesen with Gabriel David, Ron and Jamie Peters with Hayden Keith, Remi and Esther Courcelles with Zachary Michel, Abe and Bonnie Klassen with Amaya Mikalah, Pete and Rhonda Friesen with Avery Jon, Brenden and Teresa Johnson with Titan Sterling, and Mike and Alyssa Thiessen with Jadyn Eve.

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THE MESSENGER | December 2011

BICKFORD – to Scott and April Bickford of Stephenfield, Man., a son, Riley Jason, on Oct. 24, 2011.

with our churches

Powerful missions weekend held

A

fantastic weekend was had by the church family and community of Wymark EM Church—one that was to change and encourage many who attended the Missions Conference held October 21–23, 2011.

The Conference was kicked off by a spectacular Thanksgiving supper prepared by the church ladies and open to all who wished to attend.

Directly following the supper, Pastor Paul Little welcomed everyone and committed the conference to the glory of God. Pastor Little and Peter Enns, chairman of the Wymark missions committee, chaired the sessions and introduced the speakers.

Pastor Antonio Pitta and a praise team from Iglesia Emmanuel Cristiana (Emmanuel Christian Church) in Calgary opened the conference. Pastor Pitta spoke about his work in church planting in Alberta, which specifically focuses on the approximately 30,000 Hispanics in Calgary from Central and South America.

The keynote speaker for the conference was Peter Baker, who, together with his wife Kathy, represented New Tribes Mission. Peter and Kathy had served for 22 years in the Philippines, bringing the Word of God to the Lbaloi tribal group in their own language.

The scripture text Peter Baker presented for his messages was Philippians 1:1–11. The messages focused on: What you and I think

about really matters, What you and I are passionate about really matters, What you and I are committed to Nellie Dyck (centre) visits with a group of young ladies during the Conference. really matters.

The stories and Sharon Kirsch from CAM and the principles of the Word that Peter and Kathy Baker shared International presented a mishelped to focus our minds on sions report and spoke on mission the importance of missions in a opportunities. Larry Parschauer, Christian’s life, whether in the with Word of Life Ministries in mission field of a foreign country Saskatoon, spoke at the combined or the mission field of our own Sunday school service on Sunday morning. community.

On Sunday evening Nathan There was music throughout and Natasha Enns gave a missions the weekend. The praise team of Emmanuel Christian Church minis- report as they prepare to move to tered on Friday evening and Archie Indonesia with New Tribes Mission. and Sylvia Neufeld and family from They are departing Canada in the Wymark EMC on Saturday evening. first week of November 2011 for what could be a lifelong work to a Exodus, a men’s quartet from tribal community.

Swift Current, ministered to a packed house on Sunday morning.

The weekend was full of God’s Sunday evening’s worship was powerful blessing and grace as He led by a mixed praise team from continues to affirm His calling to Wymark EMC. the Wymark EMC community.

On Saturday evening Dennis Marvin Allen

PHOTOS COURTESY ULRIKE GRACE

WYMARK EMC, Chortitz, Saskatchewan

Kathy and Peter Baker served for 22 years in the Philippines.

Larry Parschauer spoke on Sunday.

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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with our churches

New building, same church

A

fter a year and a half of preparation, decisions, and hard work, La Crete Christian Fellowship moved into our new building and had our first service there on August 14, 2011.

Many emotions have accompanied us on this journey. On August 7 the last service was conducted in our home of 35 years. The sharing was poignant as members shared of receiving Christ, being baptized, getting married, dedicating babies, and growing as a church family.

On Monday, August 8, a week of Panda Mania (Vacation Bible School) started that involved 147 children from 76 different families and 67 staff. What a fun, crazy and loud week that was!

On August 14 there was palpable excitement from children and adults alike as we made our way into the

“The building may be completed, but the task is not yet done.”

– Pastor Peter Doerksen

new building. We are so thankful for the building and for the opportunities to spread the Good News that the building brings us.

October 15 and 16 was the official church dedication weekend.

On Saturday we were blessed by rousing, impossible-to-stay-seated praise music led by many passionate members of LCCF. Sunday morning started with breakfast in the multi-purpose room, visiting with past and present members of the church. In the morning service Pastor Peter Doerksen shared that, while we are

PHOTOS: TENA DOERKSEN

LA CRETE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Alberta

Pastor Peter Doerksen cuts the ribbon with George Fehr (project manager), Bill Driedger (on behalf of the building committee), Henry Wieler (ministerial chair), and Johnny Schellenberg (a member of LCCF since the church’s beginning).

Some of the children and crew members of Panda Mania singing the theme song on Sunday morning.

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THE MESSENGER | December 2011

incredibly thankful for this building and the opportunity it presents, it is God’s building, not ours.

He then challenged us, saying, “The building may be completed, but the task is not yet done.”

Anyone attending was invited to stay for lunch and a slideshow down memory lane.

In the evening service, we were warned to keep thinking small, “think individual people” and to keep looking for places to serve.

Above all, we are so thankful that “thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

Tena Doerksen

Service at Bible camps is important!

COMMUNITY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, Swan River, Manitoba

Madge Lake Bible Camp and Steeprock Bay Bible Camp (SBBC) have come to CBF to serve in the ommunity Bible Fellowship Sunday morning worship (CBF) is a church who serves service, sharing what the at Bible camps. Whether it is for a Lord has done at camp in A weiner roast during church camp in September. day in a camp kitchen, a week as the past week. The Nemez stir they cause in the sanctuary, a speaker, maintenance person, family, as well as the Penner family, not because of cries and wails, but camper, cook or counsellor, or a usually have four or five members because we all want to hold them whole summer as counsellors or of their six- and seven-member after the service. May God grow and leaders-in-training, there are many families serving at SBBC during the guide them to become strong men empty pews during the summer. summer. of God like their namesakes.

As well, the camp staffs of In the beginning of September October 1 arrived warm and it was our church family’s sunny, and along with it arrived turn to attend camp for a weekend. The weather was our new pastor and his family: Ron and Rita Thiessen along with their great, the food was good, the fireside fellowship was daughter Kendra and sons Myron and Jayden. Their furniture and phenomenal and we were other belongings arrived somewhat blessed. The only thing later because of a breakdown of missing were the people the moving truck, which had to be who couldn’t make it.

Fall is also a time when towed into town.

No problem. The men just the young adults leave returned to the house when the home for further studies. truck arrived and they had things Kyle Nemez and Jeremy unloaded in record time. Now the Penner returned to SBC Many hands made quick work of moving the new pastoral family is settling in and we are for another year and were familly into their new home. enjoying their gifts and talents joined by Kyle’s sister, as they serve in our church and Ryan.

Dexter Bird and his friend Caleb community.

Betty Warkentin flew back to Australia to begin an intense medical program under YWAM. Crystal Polachuck began the year attending Living Word Bible College here in Swan River.

All are welcome to celebrate the Allison Peters, having spent 50th anniversary of last year studying with YWAM in Pleasant Valley EMC Australia, began her first year at January 1, 2012 CMU in Winnipeg.

Ken and Karla Reader and sons Sunday morning service, lunch, Jordan,Wyatt and Levi were blessed and afternoon celebration. with the arrival of twin boys Joshua and Caleb this summer. What a Rita and Ron Thiessen and family arrived on Oct. 1.

C

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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PHOTOS: BETTY WARKENTIN

with our churches

with our churches

ROSEISLE EMC, Manitoba

R

what great men of God you have had to follow me in carrying on the work.”

Pastor Wilbert (and Hilda) Friesen shared how they had returned from Nicaragua and agreed to serve for a one-year term, which turned into 10. They came with uncertainty after trauma on the mission field. When they heard aircraft overhead here in Canada, they would run for cover.

Wilbert was grateful to work among the church family—not just as a pastor, but helping farmers and driving a school bus. Laughter was shared as he reminisced about learning to curl, Sunday afternoon baseball games, and many practical jokes.

He expressed gratitude for the role past youth leaders played in their sons’ lives. They felt they couldn’t have raised their boys in a better community.

oseisle EMC celebrated our 50th anniversary on Oct. 23. “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23). This verse I chose for our church’s 40th anniversary/building dedication service picture presentation, and it still says well how I feel about Roseisle EMC. Our 50th was a wonderful day of celebration, worship, memories, visiting, stories, pictures and food.

We were thrilled to have past members and some former pastors join us. A phrase came to me: Roseisle EMC was “the little church that could”!

In the afternoon when our first pastor Dave Harms (my Dad) shared stories of our beginnings, I smiled to hear the first “meeting place” was a railroad caboose. He recalled “being in that caboose a number of years before I ever dreamed I would be pastor of that congregation.”

In 1960, Dave was elected to be a minister; soon after he was asked whether he and his wife Katie would consider Present pastor Kelly Lesser and first pastor Dave Harms prepare helping with the church to cut the anniversary cake. plant in Roseisle for five months. That turned into 17 years of ministry!

Dave shared, “When our five-month term was over, we knew we would not leave. Today we celebrate 50 years of God’s faithfulness, we have a beautiful building, a wonFormer pastor Wilbert Friesen and wife Hilda enjoy conversation around the table at the celebration lunch. derful congregation and

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THE MESSENGER | December 2011

PHOTOS: ELEANOR FRIESEN

‘Celebrating the past, going forward in faith’

Bulletin for the day, with pictures of the past and present buildings.

Jerald Schmidt spoke on behalf of former pastoral couple Dave and Judy Schmidt (his parents), and Cam Dyck read a letter from pastoral couple Randall and Faith Krahn.

Some of their thoughts: coming to Roseisle had been a “God thing” and the community had positively shaped their lives. Some of the attitudes central to Roseisle EMC were “we can do it” and in sharing our lives we had lived, laughed and cried together.

We “celebrated the past” and we thank God for what has been done and for those who listened to His call to establish this church in Roseisle.

To our pastors and members both past and present, we say, “Thanks.”

In his message, Pastor Kelly Lesser referred to Isaiah 25:9, and reminded us how the Bible shows us God’s faithfulness to His children.

God’s faithfulness is evident throughout Roseisle EMC’s history and He remains faithful in what we set out to do when we remain faithful to Him and His Word. As we “go forward in faith,” our desire is for God’s will and work to continue at Roseisle EMC. Eleanor Friesen

news

Mennonite-Lutheran reconciliation gets ‘planted’ Tree planting follows years of dialogue and discrimination against Mennonites.

A second tree was planted in the Luthergarten by Frieder Boller, president of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mennonitischer Gemeinden (AMG) in Germany. The AMG and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany have engaged in ecumenical dialogue and joint communion for the past 15 years.

MWC

PHOTOS: FRIEDER BOLLER

WITTENBERG, Germany—Mennonites planted two trees in the “Luthergarten” in Wittenberg, Germany, in early October to mark the deepening of MennoniteLutheran relations.

The garden project, initiated by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), is being developed in anticipation of the 2017 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses on a church door in Wittenberg. Churches from around the world are being invited to spon- Plaque marking the tree in the sor a tree and also to plant a corre- Mennonite “Luthergarten.” sponding tree in a significant place for their own church.

Larry Miller, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, planted a red maple next to a tree planted nearly two years ago by the Lutheran World Federation, when it invited a number of other global church communions (Anglican Communion, World Methodist Council, World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the Catholic Church) to participate in the garden project.

In his remarks, Miller recalled that when the Lutheran planners for this earlier event asked whether Mennonites should be invited, they said “No, not yet.”

He added: “The ‘fullness of time’ in LutheranMennonite reconciliation was drawing near but had not yet come in power, as it did in Stuttgart less than one year later” in July 2010 when Lutherans issued an official apology for the historical persecution of Anabaptists

Mennonite tree planting in the Luthergarten: Pastor Hans Wilhelm Kasch, director of the Luther Center in Wittenberg; Dorothea Friedrich; Bishop Johannes Friedrich, then leading bishop of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany; Oliver Schuegraf, secretary for ecumenical affairs for the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany; Larry Miller; Michael Martin, leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria; Bettina Martin.

Members sought for BCM The EMC General Board, and the Nominating Committee, invites submissions of names of people to serve on the EMC Board of Church Ministries. The board is currently two members short on its seven-member board.

The BCM has a wide mandate in the areas of education, publication, youth, and archives. It oversees The Messenger and the National Youth Committee. NYC is responsible for Abundant Springs and TRU. The BCM meets for an evening every other month.

Members are also to take on a committee role: National Youth Committee, Archives Committee, Education Committee, Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association, or Worship/Music (currently part of the Education Committee).

Terms are one to three years. The names of educators, historians, worship leaders, and youth workers (and others interested in these areas) can be submitted to Tim Dyck, EMC General Secretary. Between council meetings, the General Board makes appointments.

Youth, education, publication, and history—these all help to shape our Conference.

Board of Church Ministries

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

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news

Providence looks at God, Government, and Gospel Blaikie addresses audience more like a prophet than a politician

an equitable social wage. But to accomplish this, leaders need nothing short of a spiritual vision that can comprehend both God’s generous love for the whole world and the need to discern the principalities and powers that are working against that generosity.

Throughout his lectures, Blaikie referred to his new book, The Blaikie Report: An Insider’s look at Faith and Politics.

Regarding the church, Blaikie lamented the reality that, instead of holding governments accountable for the frequently undemocratic and inequitable actions of the marketplace, many Christians are too busy singing the praises of the market.

Citing the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Blaikie pondered why so many in the church walk on the other side of the road politically when it comes to being neighbourly. And when the church is critical, it fails to see how it is often complicit in the very terms it judges.

At the same time governments need to create nonpartisan opportunities for public discourse outside the realm of politics.

The day ended with a panel of Blaikie lamented the reality that, Providence faculty and student respondents and a healthy question instead of holding governments and answer period. Blaikie gave a accountable for the frequently final reminder that, in the matter of undemocratic and inequitable public policy, we all struggle to see through a glass darkly. In humility, actions of the marketplace, many we should not pretend we have the Christians are too busy singing definitive flashlight. the praises of the market.

PUC

PHOTO: PROVIDENCE

OTTERBURNE, Man.—On October 25, 2011, Providence University College hosted its annual public lecture series, this year on the theme God, Government, and Gospel: Christians and Politics. The guest lecturer for the occasion was the Hon. Bill Blaikie, an ordained minister and a retired MP and MLA. For 32 years in elected office, Blaikie distinguished himself as a rare Canadian politician with an ability to weave together almost seamlessly his faith and his political affections.

Blaikie gave three addresses: The Naked Public Square vs. The Naked Marketplace, Market Fundamentalism: Idolatry and Inequality, and Top Ten Scriptures for Faith and Public Life.

He addressed the audience more like a prophet than a politician. To those in public office, he warned, “When we treat the market as something other than a human creation we have created an idol.”

Summarily, he called on the public to resist the wages of greed and rediscover a moral centre based on

Care about biblical teaching in our Conference?

EMC Education Committee members are sought!

The Hon. Bill Blaikie addressed attendees at Providence University College’s annual public lecture series on Oct. 25, 2011.

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THE MESSENGER | December 2011

The EMC national Education Committee welcomes new members to serve on it. The committee meets about six times per year (early evening) and is a working committee designed to promote Evangelical Anabaptist education within our conference. Meetings are usually held at Steinbach, Man., but new members could assist by phone or Skype. Terms can be one to three years. Local committee travel costs are covered. Contact executive secretary Terry Smith at tsmith@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

news

CFGB signs new $125M agreement with government Funds from CIDA will be used to assist people in developing world WINNIPEG, Man.—More assistance for more people in the developing world—that’s what a new five-year funding agreement for $125 million from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) means for Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

“We are very grateful to the Government of Canada for once again providing us with funding to help people who don’t have enough to eat,” says CFGB executive director Jim Cornelius.

“Our member agencies, global partners, and supporters across the country are deeply appreciative of this continued support.”

The new agreement, which was announced in October in Ottawa by the Honorable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, will provide the Foodgrains Bank—a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end global hunger—with $25 million a year in matching funds for food assistance work in the developing world.

“We are proud to recognize the Canadian Foodgrains Bank as Canada’s biggest contributor to ending global hunger” said Minister Oda. “It reflects the values of hard work and compassion shared by all Canadians.

“Thanks to the churches, community organizations,

businesses and individuals who have made a commitment to CFGB. You are making a difference for millions of people suffering in emergency and chronic hunger situations worldwide.”

Funding provided by the new agreement will enable the CFGB to help people like Jam Joseph, whose farm in rural Pakistan was destroyed by recent severe flooding.

Together with support from the CIDA, the CFGB is providing wheat flour, pulses, oil and salt for Jam, his family and 16,000 other flood-affected people in Pakistan.

“Our response in Pakistan is a great example of how the Foodgrains Bank and the Canadian government, through CIDA, are working together to help poor and vulnerable people in the developing world,” says Cornelius.

This year the CFGB has committed 64 projects in 26 countries worth $21 million, including $8.8 million for people suffering from drought in East Africa.

Last year CFGB provided $38 million of assistance for 2.3 million people in 35 countries. Since its founding in 1983, the Foodgrains Bank has provided over $500 million of assistance for people in 80 countries, including 1.1 million tonnes of food assistance.

CFGB

PHOTO: MO FRIESEN

Front row: Rebecca Roman, Ken Zacharias, middle row: Wannetta Fast, Erica Fehr, Diana Peters, back row: Gerald Reimer, Ward Parkinson, Tim Dyck, inset left: Terry Smith

Christmas Greetings from the EMC office staff

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

25

news

Vouchers can be ‘Ticket to Survival’ WINNIPEG, Man.—When people are hungry, the answer is to give them food, right?

Not always, argues Tina Rosenberg in an opinion piece for The New York Times called “In Famine, Vouchers Can be Tickets to Survival.”

The article referenced a Foodgrains Bank-supported project in Dhobley, Somalia, where people in need of food are receiving vouchers rather than sacks of food.

The project, implemented by Christian Reformed World Relief Committee’s partner World Concern, provides rice, beans, cooking oil, salt, and sugar to people in need.

But rather than supplying the physical food, recipients get vouchers they redeem for food items in local markets.

It seems to be working. In Dhobley, near the Kenyan border, thousands of people fleeing starvation in Somalia arrive each week in search of relief from hunger and insecurity. Every two weeks, food vouchers are distributed to the newcomers, as well as the most vulnerable people from the community.

Vouchers are part of widening the traditional understanding of food aid, says Stuart Clark, Senior Policy Advisor at Canadian Foodgrains Bank. “‘Food Assistance’ is the new term being used as an umbrella for direct transfers of food, vouchers, or even cash to hungry households,” he says.

26

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

For Clark, the move to vouchers is “a very good change since it widens the ways in which people who are hungry can access food,” he says.

“It allows us to use the most effective way to meet immediate food needs, and to strengthen the future possibilities of the recipients by improving local markets.”

Understanding the local context is key, he says. “To use cash or vouchers, food has to be available on the local market.”

That’s the case in Dhobley, where local merchants have been able to stock their shops with supplies with a few days notice.

Mechanisms, such as hiring secret shoppers, are in place to prevent fraud.

This type of local purchase is in contrast to policies in the U.S. which dictate that food aid originating from the U.S. must be American produced, something that Rosenberg says is “deeply flawed” since A family holds out a food voucher. it is slow and expensive.

“Once an emergency is recognized, the government must solicit bids, gather the food and put it on a ship. It can take from 4 to 6 months to get food into the mouths of people who need it,” she says.

Many of Rosenberg’s criticisms of how the U.S. does food aid are non-issues for Canadian organizations. In 2008, food aid was completely untied in Canada. This move frees organizations like the Foodgrains Bank to purchase food wherever it makes the most sense rather than having to ship domestic food overseas.

The Foodgrains Bank purchases food close to those who need it, saving money on transportation and providing more culturally appropriate food. Most importantly, the change is good for local farmers and markets.

A new international treaty on food assistance, which is likely to include the use of vouchers, is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, says Clark.

Additional funds for the project in Dhobley were made available by Mennonite Central Committee Canada and Presbyterian World Service & Development.

CFGB

PHOTO: CFGB

Foodgrains Bank-supported project mentioned in New York Times article

news calendar

SCHS goes global with MCC

British Columbia

STEINBACH, Man.—Student Council members at Steinbach Christian High School staged a 24-hour lock-in to raise money for MCC. As donations poured in, creature comforts were removed. After a rough night of sleeping on the hard floor members were tired but undaunted in their purpose.

Because SCHS students, staff and parents donated more than $2,400 in a 24-hour period, approximately 275 MCC school kits will be heading to Somalia to help refugees in East Africa—making it possible for young children to attend school.

MCC distributes school kits on an annual basis in countries such as

Alberta

no events currently

no events currently

Saskatchewan no events currently

Manitoba Jan. 8, 2012: EMC Day of Prayer, EMC churches in Canada, 204-326-6401 or dpeters@emconf.ca

PHOTO: SCHS

Nicaragua, North Korea, Kenya, and Ukraine. Each school kit includes four spiral note books, an eraser, four pencils, a bendable ruler, and eight pencil crayons, all enclosed in a homemade draw-string cloth bag.

SCHS

July 6–8: EMC Bicentennial Convention, Providence University College, Otterburne, 204-326-6401, www.emconference.ca

Ontario no events currently

SCHS students hold school kit items.

Manitoba men’s mission to help in Minot Manitoban ‘apostles’ send relief help to Minot’s flood-weary souls They hop in a van Friday evening, drive to Minot, camp out in sleeping bags on the floor of Congregational United Church of Christ, which has opened its facilities to MDS, wolf a hearty breakfast, pack a sack lunch and head out for a full day’s labor. After dinner, they start the three-hour drive home to Brandon.

MDS

PHOTO: MDS

MINOT, N.D.—Two Canadian men, initially without knowledge of one another, have become ardent apostles to their southern Manitoba acquaintances, particularly those with workday obligations. Their message: Many Minot residents are in extreme duress. Flooding of the Souris River has devastated their lives and homes. Let’s go help them on our day off—on Saturdays.

The two men— Duane Steiner of Brandon and John Elias of Morden—have thus introduced a new model for Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) service; the agency is geared to work groups who stay at a site for 7 to 14 days, not 24 hours. For MDS unit directors, it means having to organize tasks and tools for large numbers of volunteers eager to hit the field at once.

Paul Unruh, who served as Minot project director through mid-October, had work gloves washed and lined up, with face masks, ready to be grabbed, along the wall where the Canadians ate breakfast.

“These one-day volunteers come full of energy and enthusiasm matched by a desire to be relevant to those who have experienced disaster. They want to make a difference and they do,” said Unruh, of Hesston, Kan.

Minot volunteers Duane Steiner and John Elias work together to carry debris from a house they are mucking out.

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

27

shoulder tapping Pastoral positions Rosenort EMC seeks a full-time senior pastor to begin immediately. Rosenort EMC is a rural church with regular church attendance of approximately 250 people. Rosenort is situated in southern Manitoba with agribusiness as the main industry.

Our church is a multi-generational church with strong family ties.

To submit a letter of application or request information, contact Arlin Scharfenberg, ascharfenberg@xplornet.ca; 204-746-6154; Box 106, RR 1, Morris, MB R0G 1K0.

Youth work Mennville EMC and Riverton Gospel Chapel (EMC), in Manitoba’s Interlake region, seek a full-time youth pastor for a joint youth group. Candidate should have strengths in relationship building and have an ability to plan a comprehensive youth program. Contact Paul Peters at 204-378-2740 or paulhecla@yahoo.com.

Other opportunities Inner City Youth Alive is hiring a full-time work skills coordinator. This individual will possess skills in the trades such as renovation, carpentry and flooring in order to provide hands-on job training for young adults in the North End, and will desire to mentor them in their daily life. If this is you, please contact James at 204-528-8779 ext.205 or james@ icya.ca, or visit www.icya.ca for more information on the position.

Eden Foundation invites applications for the position of director of development.

Eden Foundation based in Winkler, Man.,

The EMC Church Planting Task Force with the Board of Leadership and Outreach is beginning the process of calling a Canadian Church Planting Coordinator.

The Church Planting Coordinator encourages church planting initiatives, provides support and guidance to new churches and church planters, and encourages links between them and the conference family.

Qualifications of the Church Planting Coordinator are: • passionate and committed Jesus follower • administrative/pastoral experience

28

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

supports the programs of Eden Health Care Services, which is owned primarily by the Mennonite Churches of Manitoba. Eden provides acute and community mental health recovery services in collaboration with our faith constituencies, local communities and the Regional and Manitoba Health Authorities.

The Director of Development works collaboratively with the CEO and staff and is responsible to the Foundation Board. Duties include church and constituency reporting, public relations and marketing, fundraising and all aspects of fund development.

Qualifications: A University degree or equivalent training or experience, strong and creative communications skills, demonstrated project or event management experience and familiarity with the Manitoba faith constituency. The Board is seeking an individual who exhibits a strong understanding and affirmation of the intersection of faith values and mental health recovery.

Submit resumes to Director of Development Search, Eden Foundation, Box 129, Winkler, MB R6W 4A4. Fax 204-325-8742; james@edenhealthcare.ca. Applications will be received until the position is filled.

Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada (MBBS Canada) and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) invite applications for a full-time faculty position in Ministry Studies at the CMU campus in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The position involves teaching Christian ministry preparation courses that are part of the CMU graduate programs.

The successful candidate will have experience in pastoral ministry, a doctoral degree (or a degree in process) in the specified teaching area, be committed to evangelical-Anabaptist theology as expressed in the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith, be a member of (or willing to become a member of) a Mennonite Brethren church, and be able to work collegially within an inter-Mennonite

• understanding of and appreciation for Anabaptism • interest in Canadian culture • demonstrated entrepreneurial skills • willing and able to travel • able to empower • strong listening skills • well-developed people skills For a full job description call the EM Conference office at 204-326-6401 or email efehr@emconf.ca.

To speak to someone about this role, contact the search committee: Peter Dueck (204-3642442 or peter.dueck@vidir.com), Stephanie Unger (204-779-2888 or sunger@shaw.ca), or Randy Fehr (519-773-9021 or tpmconglomorate@gmail.com).

Resumes can be submitted to CPC Search Committee, 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 or to any search committee member.

context. Areas of teaching expertise could include leadership development, pastoral care and counselling, spiritual formation, and ministry supervision.

Nominations or inquiries may be directed to Dr. Pierre Gilbert at pgilbert@cmu.ca or Dr. Karl Koop at kkoop@cmu.ca. Information about CMU and its graduate programs can be found at www. cmu.ca; information about MBBS Canada can be found at www.mbseminary.ca.

Review of applications will begin December 15, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled.

The appointment could begin as early as July 1, 2012.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and contact information for three references. Applications can be submitted electronically to hrdirector@cmu.ca or by mail to Director of Human Resources, Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2.

MDS seeks a full-time Region V manager immediately. The manager works out of the MDS Canadian office in Winnipeg, Man., supervising two staff persons, managing the office, overseeing Region V disaster response in Canada and USA (through binational office), and coordinating promotion of MDS in Canada. The Region V Manager works closely with the Region V board executive and carries out their work plan.

The right person will have knowledge of the Anabaptist constituency, strong communication skills, proven leadership experience, and a vision for growing this ministry. The applicant will fully embrace the Anabaptist faith and peace position.

Experience with a non-profit or volunteer agency is an asset. Post-secondary education is required. MDS Region V employs only Canadian citizens and those non-Canadian citizens authorized to work in Canada.

Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer network of Anabaptist churches that responds in Christian love to those affected by disasters in Canada and the U.S. While the main focus is on clean up, repair and rebuilding homes, this service touches lives and nurtures hope, faith and wholeness.

Email resume with a cover letter to jobs@mds. mennonite.net. To view the full job description, go to mds.mennonite.net/about-us/employment.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads are not to be for monetary benefit. To place an ad, e-mail messenger@emconf.ca or call 204-326-6401 and ask for Rebecca Roman.

missional and multiplying

by Ward Parkinson

re:CALL—National Church Planting Congress 2011

T

he chilly breeze swirled through the downtown streets of Winnipeg, Man., as church planters, pastors and lay leaders made their way to Calvary Temple for the biennial Church Planting Congress. The chill was soon vanquished upon arrival by the warm welcome extended by Congress planners and volunteers.

There is a unique dynamic that happens when Christians of various denominations and stripes get together and rediscover their oneness in Jesus. Distinctions and differences melt away amidst good fellowship and networking.

The EMC was well represented at this congress, with at least 55 registrants. I dare say we were the largest group registration in the whole event.

Just before the first plenary session EMCers were hosted by the good people of Many Rooms Church Community, a network of three (soon to be four) house churches close to Winnipeg’s downtown core.

This was a good chance to catch up with old acquaintances and meet new people.

The event’s theme was re:CALL: Living Mission in a Consumer’s World. For me, one highlight of this Congress was plenary speaker Skye Jethani, Senior Editor of Leadership Journal, a publication of Christianity Today International.

Jethani encouraged us to be people who see the world differently than most. Jesus taught many things that appear to be counterintuitive because he saw the world

through the eyes of heaven.

For example, a widow’s mite is worth more than the large gift out of the wealthy man’s surplus, offering the other cheek is a more effective response than retaliation toward the one who violates you, and humility will get you further than self-promotion.

A new vision for church planting and transformation, contends offering expertise on everything Jethani, will happen if we see from Neighbourhood Transformation people and the world as Jesus does, to Immigrant Church Planting to allowing the kingdom values to reaching youth in a consumer age. fire our imaginations. I found that The good news for you: anyone can many of the themes referred to by go to the Forge Canada website Jethani resonated strongly with (www.forgecanada.ca) and downour Anabaptist perspective of the load the audio for any workshop free kingdom. of charge!

Folks, don’t view our EMC I offer sincere thanks to you, our theological tradition as something fellow EMC members, who help to to downplay. I happen to think that make the Congress more financially it’s something others are discoveraccessible for our church planters. ing anew.

May the benefits of events like this Christine Pohl, another plenary be multiplied in our churches over speaker, taught about the lost value the years! of hospitality. This practice was at the core of New Testament church life and, Pohl suggests, was integral to Christian body life. We neglect hospitality only at the expense of vital fellowship.

There were also two dozen 2011-2012 Tuition: ◆ MA Theological Studies ◆ MA Christian Ministry $615 (per 3 credit hours) workshops ◆ Certificate in Christian Studies offered during 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Wpg, MB | 1.877.231.4570 | www.cmu.ca the two days of the Congress,

re CALL

CONGRESS2011

graduate programs

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

29

pictures of god

by Joanna Enns

T

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Occupy

The Church still has the

he Occupy Wall mandate to “occupy” the Street moveworld, to bring freedom ment started on September 17, 2011, in New to the oppressed.

York City and has since spread around the world, teachings challenged the including major cities in status quo and attracted Canada. derision from the powerThe movement chalful and popularity from lenges the status quo of Signs put up in St. James Park in downtown Toronto, where several protesters set up camp on October 15, 2011. the masses. the capitalist world, takIn the end, he was ing a stand against social evicted by the powerful, but sparked and economic inequality. It emerged group of inebriated and unkempt a movement that caught fire across with general popularity, fanfare young adults who were shouting the world. and media attention as protestors unintelligible messages to innocent The Church still has the camped out in parks and public passers-by. mandate to “occupy” the world, to A dedicated protestor would spaces, developing a community of challenge the status quo, to bring likely have dissociated these activists. freedom to the socially and ecoindividuals as fringe members of Although I had followed the the movement and urged me to visit nomically and spiritually oppressed. early media coverage, I had practiBy trading our tents for churches the site to hear what the protestors cally forgotten about the protests and settling into the space we really stand for. But sometimes and moved on with my life until a impressions are everything. occupy, have we accepted the status few days ago when I happened to Although I didn’t visit the quo? pass the Occupy Toronto site at St. Occupiers, the sight challenged me Walking by the Occupy site, I James Park.1 I noticed two things as passed to think about what it really means wondered if outsiders to the Jesus the park. First, the tents, signs, and to “occupy.” What does it mean to movement feel as uncomfortable general camaraderie gave the aptake a radical stand against the entering our communities as I did pearance of a very tight community. status quo? entering St. James Park. Have we Although I probably would have What does it mean to move become so cozy in our communities been welcomed, as an outsider out of your house and into a tent that outsiders and newcomers feel to the movement and somewhat to make a statement to the world? uneasy entering our events, espesceptical, I was hesitant to cross What if your statement isn’t heard? cially with their scepticism? through the park or listen to the What if it is misconstrued?

Or has our message become impassioned speeches being held. stagnant or irrelevant? Despite our What if you are arrested for it?

The Occupy protestors I encoundissociation with radicals, is that When Jesus left his home to tered outside the park only added the only sound bite most people get “occupy” earth, he came for many to my scepticism. On a nearby of the same reasons protestors are of our message? street, I avoided eye contact with a camping out around the world—to This Christmas season, our resist social inequalities, to declare challenge is to occupy our worlds, 1 In early November, many of the Occupy freedom to the oppressed and to defend social justice, to welcome groups were evicted and forcibly removed to turn the power system upside outsiders, and to remember the from their sites; Occupy Toronto was ordered down. His unorthodox practises and ultimate message: Peace on earth! out of St. James Park on November 21, 2011.

30

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

stewardship today

by Harold Penner

Retirement planning: ‘The Decision Decade’

A

s we move closer to the magic age of 65 years that our society has deemed the age of retirement, we find ourselves wondering if we are ready for the transition.

We question whether we have set aside enough money for retirement and what our expenses may be as we transition into the retirement mode. We listen to and read reports about the financial requirements of retirement, listen to stories of those who retired ahead of us, and worry about what our days may be like or how our retirement will compare to the commercials portraying leisure retirement living on a southern beach or golf course.

Some refer to the five years prior to and the five years immediately following retirement as the Decision Decade. They suggest we focus

beyond savings rates and investment returns to another factor which may have a greater impact on our ability to enjoy a positive retirement.

That factor is the lifestyle adjustments we may make leading up to the golden handshake.

For most Canadians the five years from age 60 to 65 are typically the years of greatest disposable income. These are the years of highest income combined with paid off mortgages and our children having moved out of our homes allowing us a greater sense of freedom—financial and social.

We will have the time and money to get out with friends, to travel or explore other interests we would not have participated in earlier. This can be a helpful opportunity to test different options

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

If we are not careful, we may find that we have escalated our lifestyle expenses and reduced the available savings for funding that lifestyle. to determine what we would like to do with our coming retirement freedom.

However, it is helpful to heed a caution as well. The money we spend in the five years preceding and immediately following our retirement is not going toward our retirement savings, which means we will not have it available to produce earnings on which to live.

If we are not careful, we may find we have escalated our lifestyle expenses and reduced the available savings for funding that lifestyle.

The result may be a sudden drop in lifestyle shortly after retirement because we have depleted our resources too quickly and the lifestyle we planned to enjoy is no longer available to us.

Those who speak about the decision decade suggest the more prudent option is to take a pre-emptive look at our available finances with a view to maintaining the lifestyle we had throughout our lives and budgeting our retirement spending to match our expected lifestyle.

If our reserves are not very high we may choose to move to a new work arrangement that allows us to retain a smaller income stream while still providing some time for flexible lifestyle choices.

With a little planning we can experience faithful joyful living throughout our lives.

Harold Penner is a stewardship consultant at the Winnipeg, Man., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada. MFC, a non-profit organization, provides stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning for no cost. Contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

31

THE

MESSENGER index for 2011 THE

MESSENGER

volume 49, number 1 January 2011

ARCHIVES ALCOVE

www.emconference.ca/messenger

Issues of concern in 1980 and today Menno Simons’ experience of grace Dr. Archie Penner and pacifism An over-stuffed suitcase!

What did Menno Simons say about assurance?

The Archives and the communion of saints Ministerial minutes and change Las Vegas in EMC circles: Self-published books Simplex and the Priest The EMC story reflects God’s manifold grace The ‘hidden curriculum’ of Christian Education Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg, a shaper of the EMC

Behold!

The Nations Are Entering the City of God p. 8

Also inside:

bus? p. 5 Will you catch a ride on the moderator’s n p. 11 When Christians spread misinformatio Project p. 15 Council delegates discuss The Harmony Ministers rest at retreat p. 16 New leaders learn about the EMC p. 17

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite

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Messenger 49 01.indd 1

A READER’S VIEWPOINT

volume 49, numbe r2 February 2011

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a/messenger

Not everyone is a rocker yet! Abe Warkentin Who cares? Murray Barkman Is wealth a sin? Debbie Funk Proverbs from the construction site, Bernard Wiebe How would you answer? Don Hutchinson The Foundation Upon Which Our Faith Rests, Glenn Loewen A resolution that gives reason for concern, Don Hutchinson Are we ‘sacrificing’ the blood of Jesus? Will Rose

Affirming Weekday Ministers

PHOTO: dreamsTime. cOm

p. 13

THE

MESSENGER

volume 49, number 3 March 2011

www.emconference.ca/messenger

Word, Living W L why are You so hard to hear?

designPics.cOm PHOTO: design

p. 9

THE

MESSENGER

volume 49, number 4 April 2011

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Inside: Jesus, Easter, and Karl Barth p. 8 The Greatest Event Ever! p. 10 Love’s Transformation p. 12

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite

32

Jan. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept.

Nov.

ARTICLES

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$2.00

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec.

Conference

Behold! The Nations are Entering the City of God, Dr. David W. Shenk Chicken Little Comes to Church, Dale Dueck The Trouble with the Bible, Dr. Ed Neufeld Pastors and Compassion Fatigue: the painful cost of caring, Dr. Chris Marchand 10 Ways to Affirm Weekday Ministers, Wally Kroeker Living Word, why are You so hard to hear?

David Funk To get the ‘buzz going’ where the kingdom is resisted, Layton Friesen Changing our minds: A first step toward healing in our relationships with Aboriginals, Andrew Reimer Bullying in the Church? Dwight Munn Jesus, Easter, and Karl Barth, Michael Welton The Greatest Event Ever! Dr. Pierre Gilbert Love’s Transformation, Cameron S. McKenzie When Jesus lost it! Darren Plett A God of Wrath or a God of Grace?

Dr. Pierre Gilbert Early Anabaptists: a journey to unexpected places, Terry M. Smith Moving toward our preferred future, Trudy Dueck What does it mean to be a Mennonite?

Dwight Munn

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar.

Rights in a world of wrongs, Dr. August Konkel Not2us… Less of us and more of God (with sidebars), Hannah Wiebe Not2Us… Thoughts from the Conference Youth Minister, Gerald Reimer This is why we are part of a Christian community! Cheryl Braun Worship songs are conversation—choose the words carefully! Dr. Christine Longhurst Incarnational ministry in the larger Canadian context, David Funk The Jesus Way: Foundations, Scott Koop Convention 2011 in photos, Rebecca Roman If God is our Father…, David Funk A Defence of Poor Preaching, Layton Friesen El Camino de Jesús entre Gente Hispana, Antonio Pitta The Jesus Way among the Hispanic People, Antonio Pitta Secretario Generalo electo, César García reflexiona sobre su viaje y su vision, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest MWC General Secretary-elect César García reflects on journey and vision, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest Joe and Olga Reimer: grateful to ‘the Spirit’ who led them in ministry, Terry M. Smith The Jesus Way: Respecting Traditional, Conservative Mennonites, Abe Bueckert A Church That Speaks Only One Language, Angel Infantes Una Iglesia Que Habla Un Solo Idioma, Angel Infantes Living in the fast lane while easing on the pedal, William Kehler Impossible possibilities, Sue Sorensen Christmas story, Andrew Reimer The truth of Christmas amid mourning and pain, Jeff Plett

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BIRTHS

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CHURCH NEWS

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June July July July July Aug. Aug. Aug. Sept.

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Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

Abbeydale Aberdeen Anola Blumenort Braeside Community Bible Crestview EFC Steinbach EFC Fort Frances Fort Garry Good News Heartland Hillside Island Gospel

Apr. Feb., May (2) Apr., Nov. Feb., Sept.

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volume 49, number 5 May 2011

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CONVENTION Behold! The Nations are Entering the City of God, Dr. David W. Shenk Incarnational ministry in the larger Canadian context, David Funk The Jesus Way: Foundations, Scott Koop Convention 2011 in photos, Rebecca Roman Ministerial meets ‘without the screaming’ Delegates unprepared to vote on Unity in Diversity document Summary of Harmony Project lunch discussion Convention makes history with use of three languages Conference board election results

Jan. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.

EDITORIALS How will we share the Good News in 2011?

Four impressions Ministry routes and an asterisk The Naked Lutheran Bhatti, a Christian martyr As events unfold Of first importance CMU, PTS, and EMC External and internal discussions Learning from the Early Church Displaced by disaster Decisions, delegates needed A treat and a challenge Truth in life It would have been nice!

Famine and bailout Treated as if Christ himself

Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Apr. Apr. May May June June July July Aug. Aug. Sept.

PHOTO: designPics.cOm

Feb. Mar. May

p. 8

Also inside:

A God of wrath or a God of grace? p. 11 Early Anabaptists: a journey to unexpected places p. 14

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volume 49, number 6 June 2011

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How much autonomy?

Mar. What is the strongest influence?

Apr. ‘New Wine’ at MCC—what does it mean for EMC? Oct.

Moving towar ds

o u r p r e fe r r e d

future

Something new!

How many ways can you say, ‘Thank you’?

The Monkey Bread Tree Who is God? The beasts and the birds A Spring riddle How is your memory?

An ant lesson How cool are you?

How to be thankful My favourite thing A time of waiting

LETTERS

Let’s be constructive! Wes Dick Joyful noise! Tim Field A breath of fresh air, Randy Hiebert Education needed, Brenda Funk Worship leaders, it is a reminder, Mo Friesen We need to pray and share, David and Elaine Fehr March issue especially appreciated, Ron Penner Christian companies, help employees with health issues, Chuck Friesen A Christ-uplifting experience! Earl Unger Portrayal of Jesus inaccurate, Rosalind Petzold To an outsider it looked as if Jesus ‘lost it!’

Darren Plett Connections with EMC are valued, Gordon Johnson A balance of conference leadership needed, Darryl Klassen Concerned about disregarding constitution with tacit approval, Don Thiessen One image no test of orthodoxy, Glen Klassen Surprised by struggle, Senator Don Plett

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec.

Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Mar. Apr. Apr.

p. 8

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KIDS’ CORNER

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us... p. 8

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June July July

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te Conference

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EMC FAQ Resources are available!

More than money What is a ‘faq’?

lost

When Jesus it!

wiebe

Aberdeen

Sept.

Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov. Dec. Dec.

PHOTOs: HannaH

CHURCH PROFILE

Weakness and God’s power Does Luther’s hammer still ring?

Congregational creativity and commitment When soldiers want to flee An Advent question The Good News beyond its rivals To enter boldly with hesitation

volume 49, number 8 August 2011

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Aug. Aug. Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec.

RomAn

June, Nov. Aug., Dec. Sept.

Apr., May, Oct. Jan. Mar., Oct. June Feb., Mar. July, Nov. Mar., Nov. Aug., Sept.

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Apr., Nov. Jan., June, Oct., Nov. Jan., Dec.

All convention photos by RebeccA

Kleefeld La Crete MacGregor Mennville Morris Morweena Northern Fellowship Pansy Pelly Picture Butte Pineridge Pleasant Valley Portage Prairie Grove Prairie Rose Riverton Roseisle Rosenort EMC Rosenort Fellowship Steinbach EMC Straffordville Westpointe Wymark

Inside: Incarnational ministry in the larger Canadian context p. 8 The Jesus Way: Foundations p. 10 Convention makes history with use of three languages p. 21 And much more!

MISSIONAL AND MULTIPLYING Times they are a-changing Feb. The Holy Spirit still speaks Low German!

April Treating the Church’s osteoporosis June Re:Call—National Church Planting Congress 2011 Dec.

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THE MESSENGER | December 2011

Conference

33

MISSIONS

THE

MESSENGER www.emconference.ca/messenger

volume 49, number 9 September 2011

r Father…

If God is ou photo: designpics.com

p. 8

Also inside: Poem: Her Clouds p. 7 A defence of poor preaching p. 12 $2.00

a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite

Conference

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volume 49, number 10 October 2011

www.emconference.ca/messenger

El Camino

Jesús s Jesu y

de

entre Gente Hispana

p. 8

The

Wa

among the Hispanic people

p. 10

Also inside: photos: designpics.com

Secretario General electo, César García 12 reflexiona sobre su viaje y su visión p.

MWC General Secretary-elect César García reflects on journey and vision p. 14 Joe and Olga Reimer: grateful to ‘the who led them in ministry p. 16

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Spirit’

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gjuhë që tejkalon barrierat • un llenguatge que transcendeix les barreres • sprog, som overskrider barrierer • kieli, joka ylittää idioma que trasciende las barreras • un est langage qui transcende les barrières • valodā, kas pārvar las barjeres • wika na transcends Sprache, die Grenzen überschreitet • taal wat struikelblok struikelblokke te bowe gaan • linguagem que transcende barreiras • lugha ambayo bayo ipitayo vikwazohadlang • kieli, joka ylittää esteet • gjuhë që tejkalon barrierat • un llenguatge tge que transcendeix les barreres volume• 49, sprog, number som11 overskrider barrierer • wika na transcends hadlang • idioma que trasciende las barreras • un langage qui November 2011 www.emconfere transcende nce.ca/messenger les barrières • valodā, kas pārvar las barj lugha ambayo ipitayo vikwazohadlang • Sprache, die Grenzen überschreitet • taal wat struikelblokke te bowe gaan • linguagem m que transcende barreiras • sprog, som overskrider barrierer • kieli, joka ylittää esteet • gjuhë që tejkalon barrierat • un llenguatge que transcendeix les barreres valodā, kas pārvar las barjeres • wika na • transcends hadlang • idioma que trasciende las barreras • un langage qui transcende inguagem que transcende barreiras • lugha les barrières • ambayo ipitayo vikwazohadlang • Sprache, die Grenzen überschreitet • taal wat struikelblokke un llenguatge que transcendeix les barreres blokke te bowe gaan • • sprog, som overskrider barrierer • kieli, joka ylittää esteet • gjuhë që tejkalon barrierat un langage qui transcende les barrières rierat • • valodā, kas pārvar las barjeres • wika na transcends hadlang • idioma que trasciende aal wat struikelblokke te bowe gaan • linguagem las barreras • que transcende barreiras • lugha ambayo ipitayo vikwazohadlang • Sprache, die Grenze gjuhë që tejkalon barrierat • un llenguatge que transcendeix les barreres • sprog, som overskrider barrierer • kieli, joka ylittää idioma que trasciende las barreras • un est langage qui transcende les barrières • valodā, kas pārvar las barjeres • wika na transcends prache, die Grenzen überschreitet • lugha ambayo ipitayo vikwazohadlang kieli, joka ylittää esteet • • sprog, som overskrider barrierer • wika na transcends hadlang • valodā, kas pārvar las barjeres • gha ambayo ipitayo vikwazohadlang • linguagem que transcende barreiras • sprog, som overskrider barrierer • un llenguatge que transcendeix les bar valodā, kas pārvar las barjeres • un langage qui transcende les barrières guagem que transcende barreiras • • The Jesus Way: Respecting traditional, conservative Mennonites p.taal un llenguatge que transcendeix les barreres 8 wat struikelblokke te bowe gaan • • kieli, joka ylittää esteet • gjuhë që tejkalon A les Church that un langage qui transcende barriera barrières p.

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Language that tra nscends barriers

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volume 49, number 12 December 2011

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The truth of Christmas

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a publication of the Evangelical

34

Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. May May June June June June July July July July July Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Sept.

Sept.

Sept.

Sept.

Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov. Nov. Nov. Dec. Dec. Dec.

MODERATOR’S MUSINGS How well do we know each other?

Are we missional?

Convention-al thoughts

Jan. June Aug.

NATIONAL

Impossible possibilities p. 6 Christmas story p. 8 The truth of Christmas amid mourning and pain p. 10 Heaven’s Love p. 13

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Africa: Terry Smith Fort Chipewyan, Alta.: Arlyn van Enns Winnipeg: Laurie Kozak Papua New Guinea: Lorie Schierer Paraguay: Landis Benítez Ethiopia: Rolf Kruse Nicaragua special projects Mexico: John Reimer Burkina Faso: Paul Thiessen South Africa: Joe and Olga Reimer Madagascar: Jocelyn R. Plett Mexico: Rosanne Buhler Costa Rica: Dan Friesen Burkina Faso: Paul Thiessen Mexico: Connie and John Reimer Mexico: Roxanne Buhler Paraguay: Travis Zacharias Nicaragua: Zachari Hein Mexico: LeRoy and Faith Siemens Winnipeg: Laurie Kozak Caronport, Sask: Julie Cole Mexico: John and Connie Reimer Nicaragua: Darlene Olfert Wisconsin: Dave Field South Africa/Canada: Joe and Olga Reimer Mexico: Tara Wiebe Winnipeg: Jordan Penner and Andrew Reimer Burkina Faso/Canada: Paul Thiessen Pam Am Games – Guadalajara, Mexico (ad) Canada: Harvey Thiessen Mexico: Grace Thiessen Manitoba: Ferlin Abrahamson Paraguay: Dave and Judy Schmidt Manitoba: Ferlin Abrahamson Paraguay: Travis and Rosey Zacharias Mexico: LeRoy Siemens Madagascar: Jocelyn R. Plett Burkina Faso: Paul Thiessen Paraguay: Anne Braun Thailand: Ed and Ruth Anne Peters Manitoba: Ferlin Abrahamson Sudan/Canada: Lauren Anderson Philippines: Cynthia Barkman Mexico: Connie Reimer

Mennonite Conference

EMC delegates talk openly, harmoniously ‘Driven’ ministers need rest NLO looks to the EMC EMCers at CMU discuss academic freedom ‘What are the values of the EMC?’ EMCers graduate Conference board nominations Correction to EMCers graduate EMCers graduate New EMC conference pastor hired EMC Archives Committee members sought!

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

Jan. Jan. Jan. May May May June June July Oct. Oct.

Region 7 leaders retreat for prayer Christmas greetings from the EMC office staff

Nov. Dec.

NEWS ITEMS EMCers add their voices!

Rest Haven evening remembers courageous Christians Westpointe wins first EM Cup! Creating a culture for recovery A ‘hinge moment’ in Canadian history Former MCC director, J. M. Klassen, dies at 81 Higher food prices good for poor farmers CFGB-related project bringing hope in Haiti Zentner serves in Northern Saskatchewan!

Food crisis a threat to global stability Urgent call to prayer for Egypt District Two Mennonites lose their church centre Decision released on freedom of commissioners in Sask.

Former panhandler wows MEDA audience Board member fills new MEDA position Water cisterns improve life in Bolivia MDS cuts budget to reflect new realities, original vision MCC international workers in Egypt relocated, now returning New MEDA project to boost rice and textiles in Ethiopia MCC thrift shop sales continue to boom EFC calls for defense of religious minority rights SBC offers Administrative Assistant Day MCC welcomes donations for Japan MHSC launches MCC Canada history and database The world has moved on, but Pakistan is needy ‘What does it mean to be Anabaptist?’

The EFC intercedes for Christian on death row Debit cards spell relief for Pakistan flood victims More hunger as food prices climb Richard Thiessen managing editor of GAMEO Bernardine Plett thanked for her efforts Steve Dueck interviewed about POI Providence is becoming greener West Africans strengthen ties with MWC Donate MPI rebate and help those with less: MCC MDS works in flood-damaged B.C. village Tour to Ukraine, poignant way to recall EMC history César García to become MWC General Secretary MCC promotes ‘farming God’s way’ Over two million people benefit from CFGB in 2010 DPRK visitors to Canada build connections with MCC Dueck brothers share Briercrest award MCC helping ‘the poorest of the poor’ in Pakistan Dueck honoured at Providence and Briercrest Eden holds grand opening MDS ready to respond to Manitoba flood recovery MCC program reaches out to moms Stiller named as WEA global ambassador Stitching healthier communities in Cambodia

Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. May May May May May May May June June June June June July July July July July July July July

MDS takes cost-cutting measures July MWC delegation visits Japan July MCC requests funds for E. Africa drought response Aug. Tractor Trek attracts youth Aug. Apple Project benefits hungry people, congregation Aug. Foodgrains Bank responds to East Africa drought Aug. MSC celebrates 66 CRS and IDS graduates Aug. Wall of Remembrance to be dedicated on Sept. 11 Aug. Canadian Christians invited to Fast for Change Sept.

CFGB commits $8.5M to East Africa drought response Sept.

MCC expands response for East Africa drought Sept.

Institution gets new name: Providence University College Sept.

Larry Miller named GCF secretary Sept.

MEDA pilot project protects children at work Sept.

Peace Sunday packet 2011 available Sept.

150 golfers attend Project Builders tournament Oct. Stolen aid not whole story of disaster response Oct. Thanks expressed for East Africa donations Oct. Child-centred preschool boosts Batwa education Oct. An MDS update Oct. Foodgrains Bank commits additional $300,000 to East Africa Oct. IDOP is Sunday, November 13, 2011 Oct. MWC begins talk with SDA Oct. Poor rains expected to delay drought recovery Nov. Mennonite-Lutheran reconciliation gets ‘planted’ Dec. Providence looks at God, Government, and Gospel Dec. CFGB signs new $125M agreement with government Dec. Vouchers can be ‘Ticket to Survival’ Dec. SCHS goes global with MCC Dec. Manitoba men’s mission to help in Minot Dec.

OBITUARIES Jacob Plett Siemens, 1921–2010 Jan. Menno L. Reimer, 1928–2010 Jan. Harry R. Friesen, 1941–2010 Jan. Elizabeth Kroeker, 1918–2011 Mar. Louise Olson (nee Reimer), 1928–2011 Apr. Harvey Roland Kroeker, 1928–2010 Apr. Francis Thiessen, 1930–2010 May Elizabeth (Liz) Friesen, 1930–2011 May Gladwin Plett, 1929–2011 June Ben P. Penner, 1923–2010 June Abraham Neudorf, 1930–2011 June Jacob (Jac) P. Friesen, 1928–2010 July Orlanda Anna Rempel (nee Hamm), 1921–2010 July John Toews, 1928–2010 July

Minola Kroeker, 1937–2011 Michael (Mike) Martiniuk, 1930–2011 Peter G. Schlamp, 1919–2011 Raymond James Friesen, 1936–2011

Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov.

PEOPLE MOVEMENT Lynden Neudorf, MCC Dallas and Tara Wiebe, BOM Diana Peters, BLO and GB New EMC conference pastor hired LeRoy and Faith Siemens, BOM

Apr. Aug. Sept.

Oct. Oct.

Praying for Power Jan. Living on the outside Feb. Living alone in the land Mar. Relationships and wedding plans Apr. Time to escape fear May Waiting for the rain Sept.

Temporary residents Oct. The legal[istic] art of loving your neighbour Nov. Occupy Dec.

POEMS

SHOULDER TAPPING

Feb. June July Sept.

Dec. All issues

SOCIAL CONCERNS To get the ‘buzz going’ where the kingdom is resisted, Layton Friesen Mar. Changing our minds: A first step toward healing in our relationships with Aboriginals, Andrew Reimer Mar.

STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE Four students injured, but God’s faithfulness revealed Jan. SBC’s Leadership Conference is coming online! Feb. SBC connects with conferences Mar. Update on SBC’s ‘Blue Man’ contest Mar. SBC offers Administrative Assistant Day Apr. SBC EMC graduates 2011 May Class of 2011 chooses ‘the road less traveled’ June Statement of Reconciliation July SBC begins year-long 75th anniversary celebration Sept.

Newest SBC course is a hit!

Nov.

STEWARDSHIP TODAY Usufruct—use of fruit Things I know Will we see the signs?

Are you ready?

Missing the Mark Christians, don’t get swindled!

Joyful Generosity

WEDDINGS Jan., Feb., May, June, July, Sept., Oct., Nov.

WINDOW ON MISSIONS

PICTURES OF GOD

The Trash Heap, Sigi Hiebert I never imagined, Lynette Esau I AM’s Child, Anicka Loewen Her Clouds, Anicka Loewen Heaven’s Love, Eleanor Lee Gustaw

Why give?

Aug. The spin-off effects of the giving cycle Sept.

Marriage and money Oct. Will Big Bird save philanthropy?

Maybe not.

Nov. Retirement planning: ‘The Decision Decade’ Dec.

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July

Part one: a new generation reaches out in creative ways Part two: closing the generation gap by partnership in missions Sale of El Paso guesthouse the end of an era EMC enters partnership in Bolivia

Aug. Sept.

Nov. Dec.

WRITINGS SHARED Exploring the Word, Dr. Jerry Hildebrand Jan. All Right Now: Finding Consensus on Ethics, Timothy J. Geddert Jan. Christians and War: A Brief History of the Church’s Teachings and Practices, A. James Reimer Jan. Sexuality: God’s Gift, Ann Krabill Hershberger Feb. Tongue Screws and Testimonies: Poems, Stories and Essays Inspired by the Feb. Martyrs Mirror, ed. Kirsten Beachey Ecclesiastes, Douglas B. Miller Feb. A look at Sunday School materials, Ray Hill Mar. Families on the move: Growing up overseas Apr. and loving it! Marion Knell Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice, John D. Roth Apr. Prophetic Peacemaking: Selected Writings of J. R. Burkholder, ed. Keith Graber Miller May Double Take: new meanings from old May stories, Timothy G. Geddert Planting Churches in the 21st Century: A guide for those who want fresh perspectives and new ideas for creating congregations, Stuart Murray June Worship & Mission After Christendom, Alan Kreider and Eleanor Kreider July Living Today with an Eye for Eternity: Studies in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, Raymond O. Bystrom Aug. 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Paul M. Zehr Aug. Finishing Well to the Glory of God: Strategies from a Christian Physician, John Dunlop Oct. Mennonite Girls can Cook, Lovella Schellenberg et al.

Nov. Whatever happened to dinner? Recipes and Reflections for Family Mealtimes, Melodie M. Davis Nov.

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

35

kids’ corner

36

THE MESSENGER | December 2011

Rhyming: The first person says a word, any word. Others who are playing with you name as many words that rhyme until there are no more words to rhyme with it. The last person to name a rhyming word wins. Then he starts off with a new word to rhyme with.

M

Have fun while you are waiting.

S .CO

As they traveled through the desert to the land God had promised, he gave them many laws: what to eat, how to obey and worship him, the Ten Commandments.

He promised them a Saviour.

This is what they needed, someone who would save them from their enemies, and also from themselves.

The waiting began. When would he come? No one knew.

God chose Mary who loved him and listened to him. He told her the great news.

An angel spoke to her. “The Lord is with you,” he said. “You are blessed. You will have a son and his name will be Jesus.”

Then he told Joseph, “Don’t be afraid. He is my son.”

But first they had to travel to Bethlehem. The time had come.

Out in the darkness on the hills behind Bethlehem there were shepherds watching their sheep. Suddenly the angel broke through the night sky.

The shepherds were surprised. Then they heard the news, “A Saviour is born. He will save the people from their sins. Go and find him.” And they did.

That was the first Christmas.

The waiting was over.

Read the story in Luke 2:1–16.

N PI C

F

rom the very beginning when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden they knew who God was.

Like a friend God would come to their home and visit with them.

He told them what to do; he told them what was right and what was wrong.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God they had to leave their garden home, but God did not leave them.

He continued to watch over them and instruct them. God had a plan.

God wanted his people to obey him and he wanted to guide them.

He punished them when they disobeyed.

Cain had to leave his home and live in hardship for killing his brother Abel. God created the flood because the people around Noah did not obey him.

God also made promises. He placed a rainbow in the sky as a promise not to flood the earth again.

He promised Abraham a son and a whole nation of people as his descendants. God expected Abraham to trust him. Abraham heard God and he obeyed him. God’s promises were real.

A son, Isaac, was born to Abraham—and many more descendants like Joseph and Moses. Joseph brought them to Egypt because of a famine and Moses got them out.

Each step of the way God guided them. He gave Moses a helper and did miracles to persuade Pharaoh to let them leave.

Categories: While waiting for someone or while driving in the car, choose a letter, like T, and name as many foods as you can that begin with that letter, like tomato, tacos, etc. The last person to name a food with that letter wins. Then he chooses a letter and begin all over again. For a change, name a letter and list as many cars or countries as you can.

E SI G

A time of waiting

Activity: Play a waiting game.

PH O TO : D

by Loreena Thiessen

THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 Registration #09914