The Messenger January 2017

The Messenger a publication of the

Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Volume 55  No. 1 January 2017

Our Reformation Heritage: Protestant and Radical

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ALSO INSIDE:

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Jesus: Tempted Like Us page 10 Using the Apostles' Creed in Worship page 13 $2.00

Editorials

A History We Stand Upon

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his year, 2017, is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s presentation of his 95 Theses. It was a protest to uphold Christ’s grace within Roman Catholic teaching and practice.

Luther’s protest led to the Protestant Reformation, and, within that, the Radical Reformation. Anabaptists are linked to both parts. That’s why referring to the Protestant (Radical) Reformation illustrates that one is housed within the other. Our indebtedness is to the whole and to the particular.

This year the Lutheran World Federation is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Also this year the Mennonite World Conference is also starting a multi-year study of the Reformation. In gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ, in 2017 we will celebrate the Protestant (Radical) Reformation through lead articles and vignettes.

Neither Luther nor Menno wanted part of the Christian Church to be named after them. It is enough to be called

Christian, a high and holy calling. Sadly, the churches that developed under their leadership would, over centuries, be critical of each other. One would persecute the other.

Remarkably, the Lutheran World Federation recently apologized for the persecution of Anabaptists by its forebears and Mennonite World Conference responded with forgiveness. It was a time of reconciliation, tears, and joy.

Reflecting on the Church then and now, on both our indebtedness and modern challenges, is complex. The task, with prayer, is necessary.

“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:14-15).

– Terry M. Smith

Our indebtedness is to the whole and to the particular.

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Work Together?

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ased on his study of church trends here, Dr. Reg Bibby suggests that Evangelicals and Roman Catholics should work together more in Canada (A New Day, 2012, free download).

Bibby, a professor of sociology at the University of Lethbridge (and a graduate from a Baptist seminary), says, to his surprise, that Evangelicals and Roman Catholics have healthy patterns of church attendance in Canada.

Catholic attendance is strong outside of Quebec, and Evangelical churches have grown overall, he says. In contrast, the United, Anglican, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches are in serious decline.

Bibby says that Catholics and Evangelicals are now the major players among churches in Canada.

Do issues remain between Catholics and Evangelicals (including Anabaptists)? Of course. Despite the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church signing

a document saying that they agree on the doctrine of justification (1999), I suspect Martin Luther would not have signed it. If asked, I could not sign it now.

Further, workers in other countries describe many nominal Catholics, Catholicism’s being mixed with folk religions, and an unclear message of grace in Catholic circles. These stories must be listened to carefully with discernment.

In Canada, need we Evangelicals take an antagonistic stance toward Roman Catholicism and Catholics? I will not do so. We can seek common ground where it exists; and as long as the Apostles’ Creed is held and said in genuine belief, it does exist.

Blind cooperation isn’t warranted, but who says we need to be blind to cooperate?

– Terry M. Smith

Blind cooperation isn’t warranted, but who says we need to be blind to cooperate?

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Table of Contents Features

Columns

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16 Reformation Reflections

Our Reformation Heritage: Protestant and Radical – Terry M. Smith

10 Jesus: Tempted Like Us – Dr. Ed Neufeld

13 Using the Apostles' Creed in Worship

– Kimberly Muehling and Paul Walker

17 Proposed Statement of Faith receives high support – Terry M. Smith

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What Happens When a Student Disagrees With a Mentor?

– Terry M. Smith

24 Further In and Higher Up You Can't Make This Up – Layton Friesen

34 A Reader's Viewpoint

Normal Time Is Not Wasted Time – Diana Peters

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35 Stewardship Today

A Lesson on Sharing – Dori Zerbe Cornelsen

20 Council approves budget and ponders wider relationships 36 Kids’ Corner – Terry M. Smith

Departments

Try Something New – Loreena Thiessen

2 Editorials 3 Pontius’ Puddle 5 Letters 25 With Our Missionaries 28 With Our Churches 4, 30

News

32 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping

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www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 3

The Messenger Volume 55 No. 1 January 2017

EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH tsmith@emconference.ca

ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER awalker@emconference.ca

Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. 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.

It is published 12 times per year, six in print (also online at www.issuu.com/emcmessenger) and six in a website format at www.emcmessenger.ca. To get the most out of The Messenger, viewing both versions is encouraged.

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., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press.

Subscription rates (under review) 1 year print subscription $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Single print 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.

Change of address and subscriptions 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@emconference.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba.

ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 Advertising 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 and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.

THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 03 - March 2017 issue (copy due Feb. 08)

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News

Changes at The Messenger

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t the July 2016 conference council at Steinbach Bible College, it was voted that the Board of Church Ministries (BCM)

by Russell should implement Doerksen, the following three BCM board changes in regards member to The Messenger: 1. The Messenger should employ a premium service for its electronic version, allowing for easier mobile and table reading as well as listing in a multi-national database.

2. The Messenger print copies in a given year should decrease to six bi-monthly issues and the quality of these issues should increase.

3. The Messenger should create a blog-style website so its content can become available online as it is received.

In response to this mandate, the BCM would like to announce the following rollout schedule.

• Immediately, The Messenger will be available free of charge in an enhanced electronic version via the electronic magazine database service Issuu.

Online you can find us at https:// issuu.com/ emcmessenger. On Android or IOS, simply search the app store for the free Issuu app (the full name of the app in the store is Issuu: A World of Magazines). Once

Beginning in January 2017 there will be six print issues (also available online) and six in a website format.

Reader feedback is important.

downloaded, open the app and search for “The EMC Messenger.”

• If you choose to create a user account with Issuu, you will be possible to follow The Messenger, which in turn will automatically notify you whenever a new issue is made available. If you do not wish to make an account with Issuu, you will still be able to read the magazine in its entirety free of charge.

• Beginning in January 2017, The Messenger will begin a bi-monthly publication cycle with an increased print quality. In this new schedule there will be a new print issue available in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

• Beginning late January 2017, The Messenger will launch a new website at www.emcmessenger.ca. On the website, there will be new content made available weekly taking the form of lead articles, church news updates, missionary stories, an enhanced job listing section, editorials, comments, and much more.

• The website will be optimized desktop, mobile and tablet viewing, and will be integrated with the EM Conference’s social media. For the first few months after launch, the BCM will be periodically asking for feedback from our readers in order to get the website up to the highest possible standard. Expect more launch details soon.

A lot will be changing here over the next few months and years. We hope you will join us in this next stage in the life of The Messenger.

Letters Directives On Treating Foreigners

If we read the Old Testament promises to Israel in the way Don Plett has encouraged us to in the last issue [Oct. 2016] of The Messenger, we also need to read the Old Testament passages where God gave very specific directives as to how the people of Israelwere to treat the foreigners in their land.

The taking of Palestinian land for Israeli settlements is one example of what has been happening in recent years that does not fit well with the Old Testament’s focus on how to treat the poor, the oppressed, and the foreigner

A Great Article!

I have just read Paul Walker’s article titled: Resurrecting Our Belief in the Resurrection of the Body [Nov.-Dec. 2016].

How encouraging to find an article like this in The Messenger! He hit it right on when he says that the point is not “going to heaven when we die,” but the resurrection of the body after heaven, when Jesus comes back.

This is the promise of the Father to all who believe in his Son, Jesus. I think that for a long time we’ve largely missed it when we thought he meant eternal life in heaven.

That was, at least, what I was taught growing up, and what I also taught our children.

From the very beginning in the garden, Adam was not told that he would go to hell if he ate of the fruit of the tree, but that he would die! His physical body would die. And we’ve been dying ever since.

What To Do With Our Dead Bodies?

I enjoyed the article in the November/December issue [Resurrecting Our Belief…]. I secretly hoped that the author would comment on what to do with our dead bodies. As I anticipate my own demise I wonder if I should opt for economy (very Mennonite) by cremation, or burial without preservation (not pretty or suitable for viewing), which is what a large portion of the world does by necessity and Jews do by custom/faith. The most expensive form is the embalming and casket route.

Does the disposition of my body affect my resurrection? I hope not. The skeletal remains of those in the catacombs I suspect would echo my query.

Great questions to discuss and explore. My first job was at a cemetery, which led me to want to avoid what I saw as excess (cement vaults, carved walnut caskets, large headstones, etc.).

with love, mercy, and justice. We know God had strong words for the His people about failing on that.

Another question I have is can we apply what the Old Testament says about the people of Israel in the Old Testament to the secular state of Israel today? Maybe some Bible scholar can help clarify that for us.

Irma Janzen Winnipeg, Man.

Eating of the fruit was, I believe, when he took into himself—or fell into the doctrine of—the serpent, the belief that he could have life by his own works, knowing good from evil, and choosing the good, instead of continuing in the life freely given by God, lived in innocence of both good and evil!

Jesus repeatedly said that he came to bring life. Could it be that that life is best lived with the knowledge of our innocence restored, in the death of Jesus, where all sin and death died with him! That that life is not by the law, which is the platform from which knowledge of good and evil operates.

Glory! Thanks for a great article, Pastor Walker.

Helen Teichroeb Grande Prairie, Alta.

I have yet to decide on options for myself. My family reminds me that my preferences may have no impact on what happens to my body anyway.

The topic remains intriguing.

Gordon Dyck Steinbach, Man.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 5

The Protestant (Radical) Reformation through 2017

Our Reformation Heritage: Protestant and Radical

by Terry M. Smith

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Menno Simons

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Martin Luther

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he Protestant Reformers and the Radical Reformation sought to reform the sixteenth-century Christian Church in Europe and then, when it could not be changed to their satisfaction, to re-establish the Church by a return to first century truths.

Dr. Harold S. Bender defined The Anabaptist Vision as discipleship, community, and the way of peace, but he knew more than this was believed. He said that Mennonites “stood on a platform of conservative evangelicalism in theology, being thoroughly orthodox in the great fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith….”

Protestant Reformation

Before we discuss Anabaptist distinctives, let’s consider our common Protestant Reformation heritage. Here are some key figures and their teachings.

Peter Waldo (ca. 1140-1205) in France spoke against transubstantiation and purgatory. He promoted simplicity, poverty, universal priesthood, lay preaching, and preaching in the common tongue. He oversaw the translation of the New Testament into Arpitan.

John Wycliffe (ca. 1328-1384) in England spoke against wealth of the church and papal interference in political life. The Scriptures are the only law of the Church. The Church is centred in people, not in the Pope and cardinals. Scripture is to be in people’s common language. He translated the New Testament into English.

John Huss (ca.

1373-1415) of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) said the true head of Church is Christ, not the Pope. Our law is the New Testament.

Life is to be Christlike poverty. The Pope has no right to use physical force.

Money payments gain no true forgiveness. The cup is to be administered to the laity.

Martin Luther (1483-1546) of Germany said salvation is a free gift based on the God’s grace received by faith and from this obedience flows.

Our final appeal is the Scriptures. All believers are priests. Marriage of clergy is permitted. The Lord’s Supper is no sacrifice to God. Pilgrimages are worthless as human efforts of merit. He translated the Bible into German.

Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) in Switzerland said that the Scriptures are the sole authority of faith and practice. The death of Christ is the only price of forgiveness. Only the Bible is binding on Christians. Salvation is by faith. The mass is not a sacrifice. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial, not a sacrament. Christ is the sole head of Church.

John Calvin (1509-1564) of France and Switzerland said the mass empties the death of Christ of its virtue. The traffic in masses must stop. There should be no worship of images.

Indulgences are disloyal to the cross of Christ.

All obedience is to be tested against the Word.

The Protestant Church is a renewal of the ancient Church.

The Five Onlys

Summarized, we have the Five Onlys (Solas): • Scripture Only! (Sola Scriptura!)

• Faith Only! (Sola Fide!)

• Grace Only! (Sola Gratia!)

• Christ Only! (Sola Christus!)

• God’s Glory Only! (Sola Deo Gloria!)

A Reformation-era Bible

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The Radical Reformation

On Jan. 17, 1525, the Protestant reform in Zurich was slowed by Zwingli’s bowing to the pace of the city-state’s council. The council ordered that children were to be brought forward to be baptized or their parents would be banished from the city-state. In rejection of this decree, on Jan. 21, 1525, the first believer baptisms took place at the home of Felix Manz.

Anabaptist Distinctives

Baptism is upon a person’s confession of faith. It’s an act of visible commitment, of community, of open identification with Christ and his Church.

In addition to many of the above views, the early Anabaptists held key beliefs.

While they might not appear unique today, some were at the time.

Believer Baptism – Baptism is upon a person’s confession of faith. It’s an act of visible commitment, of community, of open identification with Christ and his Church.

Believers Church Membership – The Church is composed of converts. The Church is a voluntary, visible community. Some Reformers, being uncertain of who were true believers, spoke of the invisible Church. Anabaptists emphasized the visible Church, the need to live our faith together with other believers.

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Discipleship – Genuine faith in Christ follows. Discipleship is a sign of being a Christian, of salvation. Faith in Christ is to be an active faith. Discipleship is faith in action.

Covenant Community — The Church is to display koinonia,”that which is held in common.”

It is a shared life. Discipleship is to be lived together. This is Christ’s intention in recreating humanity together.

Christ, the Centre of Scripture – The Bible is to be interpreted and applied through the coming and teaching of Christ, its centre. For instance, the wars in the Old Testament are to be interpreted through Christ’s Sermon on the Mount.

Priesthood of all Believers – There is one mediator between God and man, Christ (1 Tim. 2:5). Gone are the intercessions of Mary and of saints, the mediating powers of the priest and Pope. Access to Christ is direct, without human intercession (Heb. 4:14-16). There’s a rediscovery of the laity, the people of God, who have a common task and dignity.

Separation of Church and State – The Church is not to use the state to enforce beliefs and to limit reform. The state is not to dictate to the Church what it can believe and practice.

Religious Toleration – People with wrong beliefs are not to be killed, but allowed to live.

Anabaptists were not the only early voice for religious freedom (toleration), but they were a major one.

Non-violence – The Church is to challenge an uncritical view of the state and its use of force. Most early Anabaptists objected to a Christian being a soldier, a police officer, to personal defense, to war, to being a judge or an executioner. They held that Christians are to flee, persuade, or die, but not to fight.

Non-swearing of Oaths – Loyalty is to be given ultimately to Christ. They rejected swearing an oath of obedience to the state, which upset the authorities. In a narrower sense, Christ forbids the swearing of oaths (Matt. 5:33-37; James 5:12), while calling Christians to truth telling in court and elsewhere. This is called integrity of speech.

Separation from the World – In the 16th century, non-conformity was based on an understanding of Christ and what it meant to follow him. It wasn’t decided by ethnic culture,

Resources • Bainton, R. H. Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. Mentor, 1950.

• Dyck, C. J., ed. An Introduction to Mennonite History. Herald Press, third ed., 1993.

• Fosdick, H. E. Great Voices of the Reformation: an Anthology. Random House, 1952.

• Hillerbrand, H. J., ed. The Reformation: A Narrative History Related by Contemporary Observers and Participants. Baker, reprinted 1987.

• Loewen, H. and S. M. Nolt. Through Fire and Water: An Overview of Mennonite History. Herald Press, rev. 2010.

• Mennonite World Conference. Shared Convictions (MWC, 2006). Note: This statement was later adopted by MCC. • [Sattler, Michael.] The Schleitheim Confession. Herald Press, 1977.

• Verduin, L. The Reformers and Their Stepchildren. Eerdmans, 1964.

language, dress (other than modesty), or food. It was reflected in beliefs, values, and actions.

Church Discipline – Discipline is a part of discipleship and of the shared life. Opposed to deadly forms of discipline, Anabaptists were devoted to discipline within regular congregational life. They influenced magisterial Protestant Reformers (the ones supported by the state) in this.

Great Commission – Evangelism and missions remain a task for the current generation.

They emphasized this more than most Protestant Reformers. When Anabaptist leaders gathered in Augsburg in 1527, they divided Europe into fields for evangelism. Hutterian missioners went out in pairs; many were killed for their efforts.

Anything in Common?

Dr. Alfred Neufeld, a leader within the Mennonite World Conference, asks, “After 500 years it is time for us to ask the challenging question: Do we still have anything in common with the founding mothers and fathers of the Anabaptist church? Should we? Can we?”

For what is the Anabaptist-Mennonite Church known in Canada? Being a Christian is to be shown in action, not a claim apart from how we live. If a Scripture-centred focus in life is learned from 16th-century Anabaptists-Mennonites, our response is revealed by what we do.

Terry M. Smith is executive secretary to the Board of Church Ministries. The Messenger will explore, as a BCM project, the Protestant (Radical) Reformation through 2017. The project coincides with the start of Review 2027, Mennonite World Conference’s decade-long study of the Radical Reformation, which is indebted to the wider Reformation.

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Jesus: Tempted Like Us

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by Dr. Ed Neufeld

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emptation. Eve wanted the fruit; it was a delight to the eyes and desirable, and so she ate it. Raging Cain wanted to kill his brother and, in spite of God’s warning, he did so. The infuriating herders twice took wells that Isaac dug, but instead of quarrelling he moved again and dug a third well.

Young Joseph must have wanted Potiphar’s wife, but ran away. Eve and Cain failed; Isaac and Joseph did well. Either way, these Genesis stories make sense to us. Did Jesus get it in the same way we do? Yes, according to Hebrews.

If Gospel writers understood Jesus to be tempted differently than the rest of us, would they not have said so? These stories describe normal human temptation, only Jesus kept choosing like Isaac and Joseph, not like Eve and Cain.

Perhaps we don’t want Jesus to experience temptation as we do, because in our minds this threatens his deity and perfect glory. By “in our minds” I mean “devout Christian logic.” But what happens when our devout Christian logic opposes clear biblical teaching? Hebrews 1:1-4 announces the glorious deity of the Son, yet Hebrews also claims that concerning temptation, Jesus was made just like us, tempted like us, and felt weak like us. The Scriptures praise Jesus because he was weak but did not sin, not because he was strong and could not sin.

Near the end of Hebrews 2 we read that in every way Jesus had to be made like his brothers and sisters, so he could be a merciful priest and make atonement for us. He suffered when he was tempted, so he could help others when

If Gospel writers understood Jesus to be tempted differently than the rest of us, would they not have said so?

A Claim That Looks Back

We know that the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, at the beginning of his ministry, and we know that in Gethsemane it was a fight for Jesus to obey the Father and go to the cross. The stories assume that he was tempted as we are, that he could have sinned but he didn’t. He was sinless, but that claim always looks back on his life.

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they are tempted. This is about motivation, about sympathy.

Jesus had to be made like us in all ways, specifically in the matter of temptation, so he would be motivated to be the best possible high priest.

This requires Jesus saying to himself something like this: “Temptation is fierce, worse than I thought. I had no idea. No wonder they sin. I’ve got to help them.”

Later we’ll read that Jesus’ temptations made him sympathetic to us, which means Jesus had to be feeling and thinking something like this.

tempted for 40 days, then angels came to help him. Imagine weak Jesus saying to them, “That was too close. I would not have lasted two more days without sinning.” Three, sympathy for us because he knows about our weakness in temptation.

In Hebrews 5:2 the writer says that every high priest can deal gently with the ignorant and wandering, since the priest himself has weaknesses.

A few verses later he deliberately includes Jesus in this.

Since Jesus did not sin, we assume strength in the face of temptation, but Hebrews will have none of that. When Joseph fled Potiphar’s wife, did he feel strong? Probably not. Neither did Jesus.

When Joseph fled Potiphar’s wife, did he feel strong?

Probably not. Neither did Jesus.

A High Priest With Sympathy

Near the end of Hebrews 4 the writer comes back to Jesus’ sympathy. Our high priest can sympathize with our weakness because he has been tempted in every way, just like us, yet did not sin. Three things are crucial. One, he’s been tempted in all ways, as we are tempted. Not only was he made like us in every way, he’s been tempted like us in every way.

Two, he was weak. Mark 1 says Jesus was

A Brief Theological Detour

What about our sinful nature, our fallen nature?

Did Jesus have that? Theologians debate about what fallen nature means exactly, and we will ignore that debate. Humans, left to their own nature, all join in the rebellion against God, and invariably need redemption. Let us leave it at that. I was taught that Jesus was born of a virgin

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to escape our fallen nature, but the virgin birth stories make no such claim, nor does any other New Testament text.

Following some of the early church fathers, T. F. Torrance holds that Jesus had the same fallen nature we all have—he had to assume it in order to redeem it. This violates my particular church tradition, but lines up nicely with how the NT describes Jesus’ temptations.

If Jesus had a different human nature than we do, then either (1) the writer of Hebrews had no knowledge of this, or (2) he deliberately misled us. Neither explanation is acceptable. Hebrews says Jesus was made like us and tempted like us, period. Yet I affirm, as did the church fathers, that Jesus was sinless.

Knows Weakness?

Could Jesus know weakness if he never sinned?

James 3 says we all sin in many ways, and I am decidedly in that camp. But sometimes I do not sin. I have had strong temptations where I was close to sinning, closer to “yes” than “no,” but before I could say “yes” the temptation went away. Afterward I felt not proud or strong, but weak and frightened. “How did I get so close?”

If Hebrews is true (and it is), this must also have happened to Jesus.

I have decided to do something that would almost certainly have produced sin, and begun to act, and then circumstances blocked me, my car wouldn’t start or the phone rang. Later I wondered, “What was I thinking? How could I

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have been so foolish?”

Jesus, too?

I have at different times lived with the same temptation almost daily for many weeks and months on end. I was determined not to sin, and did not. But it was tiring and discouraging because this vile thing pulled at me and distracted me every day.

What was wrong with me, that I could not just walk away? I wished it would leave, but it

didn’t. Jesus, too?

I sin in many ways; I’m just telling you stories where I did not. You each have a collection of such stories. Jesus was made like us in all ways, tempted like us in all ways, yet never sinned. He was weak in these episodes, stretched and desperate, and feels sorry for us. Jesus has many stories like ours.

Approach God

In Hebrews this results in one clear call: Approach God. Don’t avoid God because of sin.

Come boldly to the throne of grace. Draw near, enter, come close, because of Jesus the Priest.

The worst thing we can do is stay away from God. When we stand before him, ignorant and misguided, weak and sinful, the Great Priest stands beside us and says: “Father, I was too close to this myself. Many times. It is a horrible fight. No wonder they sin. Remember my sacrifice. I ask mercy and helping grace for this child.”

The Father, with love for the Son and for us, says to us: “I’m pleased you came. I will help. Stay awhile, or go in peace with my mercy and grace.”

Dr. Ed Neufeld is a professor of biblical studies at Providence Theological Seminary and pastor of Kleefeld Christian Community, a part of the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada. He is also the speaker at SBC's Leadership Conference on March 17-18, 2017.

Using the Apostles’ Creed in Worship

by Kimberly Muehling and Paul Walker, for the EMC Worship Committee

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DESIGNPICS

or the past year the EMC community has gathered through The Messenger to think about the Apostles’ Creed—a great time of grounding ourselves in the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Now, how can we use the Apostles’ Creed as a resource for our churches and apply it in our individual lives?

We need to do the hard work of applying what we learn to our lives. As James reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

In this article you will hopefully find both inspiring and useful ideas, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Let us all know what you are doing in your churches!

Ideas for the Worship Service

Spoken Confession Consider adding a congregational confession of the Apostles’ Creed to your worship service.

Historically, many Christian churches have recited the Apostles’ Creed as a regular part of the weekly worship service. Other churches confess the Apostles’ Creed monthly, quarterly, or during a special service. We recommend finding a practice that works best for your local context.

Recitation during a service can be an effective way to notice the many different voices in your congregation. Instead of always reciting the Apostles’ Creed together, ask an individual, family, or group to recite it for the rest of the congregation. If you have multiple languages in your church, this would be a great time to hear them. Ask a child or a senior to share.

In Song Another way of incorporating the Creed into a worship service is to sing it. There are a few versions of the Creed put to music such as This I believe (The Creed) by Hillsong and We Believe by the Newsboys. There are a plethora of songs that encompass the various aspects of the Creed.

A service could be divided into sections, each with part of the creed recited and then sung.

Alternatively, an entire series of services could be devoted to the Creed, each Sunday focusing on a section.

In Prayer The Apostles’ Creed lends itself naturally to corporate prayer.

As confessional prayer: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty.

Father, we confess that we are disobedient children. Help us to trust You and lean on Your everlasting arms.” Or pastoral prayer: “Come again to judge the living and the dead. God, we pray that people would come to know You. We believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of the saints. Father, we pray for the global church….” Silence and reflection between the Creed and corresponding prayer would be particularly useful.

We need to do the hard work of applying what we learn to our lives.

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The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again; he

ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Ideas for Church Life

Ask them to create a series of works (be it paintings, dance, song) around the Creed to share with the congregation in a service, around the church building, or on a special evening or weekend.

Art inspired by one or various sections of the Creed could be used in a prayer room to create stations for specific contemplation and worship.

This is a great way to again encourage your less vocal congregants to get involved and share their gifts with the wider church body.

Teach the Children Few things are as silly and delightful in church as children’s worship time. Teaching the Creed to our children is important in so many ways. Sunday School fills their heads with stories, but rarely are they taught the foundational truths of our faith in clear language. Speak it together, but also explain what it is we are saying.

Teach your older elementary and teens the theological terms (i.e., theories of atonement) so that they can enjoy sounding impressive!

We do not have a catechism, but the Creed can function in a similar way and help children to understand what we agree about amidst all that we so enjoy debating.

Make it fun! Who knew the Creed could be a rap? Or recited in a variety of silly voices? Have

Sermon Series/ Curriculum The earliest Anabaptists would frequently structure their teachings and discipleship efforts around the Apostles’ Creed. The Creed expressed and represented the essence of Christian faith and doctrine. It was not uncommon for many early Anabaptists to memorize the Apostles’ Creed by heart.

What if we returned to our historic roots and began to use the Apostles’ Creed as a resource once again for our churches? Pastors, are you looking for sermon material? Consider using the Apostles’ Creed for your next sermon series!

It is a great resource for laying out the story, unity, coherence, and major themes of the Christian faith.

Sunday School teachers, why not spend twelve weeks unpacking each section of the Creed? A great resource for commentary would be our recent Messenger series. The magazine’s articles could be read out loud and then discussed in small groups in an older classroom setting.

Is your church planning a retreat weekend?

The Apostles’ Creed could be a great resource for a weekend of study and reflection.

Art/ Prayer Room Do you have a talented artist in your midst?

The Apostles’ Creed could be a great resource for a weekend of study and reflection.

14 The Messenger • January 2017

to grow and bloom in our hearts.

While the Creed is not Scripture, it is useful to memorize as a guide to the Scriptures. Go further and memorize verses to correspond to each section of the Creed. If we are to be deeply rooted, we must put the words of God and the tenets of our faith not only on our laptops, but also in our hearts.

ISTOCK

Closing Thoughts

the children create art or skits to share with the congregation. It is so important that our children contribute to our regular church life.

Individual Walk

Bible Study Putting the articles from the last year away; write your own. This could be done individually or in a small Bible study setting. Grab your Bible, a handy concordance (there are lots online), and get to work! What passages of Scripture back up the various parts of the Creed? What does God show us about Himself in these passages? “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Col. 3:16).

Memorization God commanded the ancient Israelites to plant the Torah in both their hearts and their minds. “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deut.11:18-20).

Even now, Christians in many parts of the world where the Bible is restricted still rely on memorizing great swaths of Scripture. Here in the West, we can pull up BibleGateway or grab Strong’s Concordance anytime we are looking for a verse, but that does not help God’s words

The Apostles’ Creed is perfectly designed for use in a congregational worship setting. The early church would often confess the Apostles’ Creed together before receiving communion, administering baptism, or as a public act of worship. This helped the church articulate and confess the faith once delivered.

To confess the Creed together with fellow believers is more than just mindlessly reciting a list of dusty facts. It becomes an act of worship when it is connected to loving God with our heart, soul, mind, strength, and loving our neighbours as ourselves. A worshipful use of the Creed should connect to the deepest part of our being and the heart of the Almighty God. We, as the Worship Committee of the EMC, pray that the Apostles’ Creed will become a great resource to help enrich your local church in the years to come!

Kimberly Muehling (Fort Garry) and Pastor Paul Walker (Roseisle) serve on the EMC Worship Committee under the authority of the Board of Church Ministries.

Jessica Wichers (EFC Steinbach) is the committee’s third member.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 15

Column • Reformation Reflections

What Happens When a Student Disagrees With a Mentor?

C Less than a decade after Grebel and Zwingli engaged in Bible study together, both lay dead in strange locations because of the strength of their convictions, despite a common faith in Christ.

16 The Messenger • January 2017

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS AND GAMEO

Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary

onrad Grebel (1498-1526), a nobleman by birth, studied at universities in Basel, Vienna, and Paris. When he returned to his home in Zurich in about 1522, he made contact with Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531), pastor of the Great Church (Grossminster) who became a Reformer.

Zwingli highlighted salvation by grace through faith in Christ, saw the Mass as a memorial and not a sacrifice, opposed enforced fasting during Lent and on Conrad Grebel Ulrich Zwingli Fridays, opposed greed in the church, supported the removal of relics and images, and gathered to talk and to pray; on the spot, some opposed the adoration of the saints. decided to be baptized on their confession of Grebel and Zwingli disagreed on the validity faith. This is looked on as the start of the Anaof infant baptism. Zwingli, as well, saw the supbaptist and Free Church movement. port of the city-state’s council as essential to the For his part, Grebel, who was married, was reformation—“certain matters cannot be trusted imprisoned and then exiled; he died of the to the mass of people,” he said. Grebel, on the Black Plague outside of Zurich less than two other hand, saw the council’s involvement as years after the Radical Reformation began. He interference that slowed change. was not even 30.

Dr. Harold Bender and Leland D. Harder say, Zwingli also became ill with the plague, but “The closing months of 1524 were full of increas- recovered and continued to be engaged in church ing conflict for [opponents of Zwingli’s style of reform and the politics of the day. In a battle in reform]. Open threats from the pulpit, as well as 1531 between Catholic and Protestant forces, private warnings, made it all too plain that sufZwingli was present as a chaplain. He died in fering and persecution awaited them. battle, his body dismembered and burned. In the “In a touching letter to his friend Vadian in ashes his heart was found “intact and whole,” a December 1524, Grebel indicates his fears for sign, some said, of his spiritual purity. the future and his determination to press on Less than a decade after Grebel and Zwingli unflinchingly upon the course he felt God wanted engaged in Bible study and discussions together, him to follow. He says, ‘I do not believe that perboth lay dead as the victims of people or nature in secution will fail to come. . . . By their fruits you strange locations because of the strength of their shall know them, by persecution and sword. . . convictions—despite a common faith in Christ.

May God give grace; I hope to God that He will Sources: W. Klaassen, Anabaptism: Neigrant the medicine of patience thereto, if it is not ther Catholic nor Protestant (Conrad Press, to be otherwise . . . and may peace, faith, and sal1981); R. C. Walton, “Zwingli, Ulrich,” and P. vation be established and obtained.’”

Toon, “Grebel, Conrad” in Dictionary of the About a month later, on Jan. 17, 1525, the Christian Church, ed. J. D. Douglas (Zondercity-state’s council decided that parents were van, 1981); H. Bender and L. D. Harder, “Grebel, to present their children to be baptized or leave Conrad”(GAMEO, 1989); J. H. Yoder, “Zwingli, the area. On Jan. 18, 1525, the council decreed Ulrich”(GAMEO, 1959); H. J. Hillerbrand, The that Grebel (named with Felix Mantz) accept Reformation (Baker, reprinted 1987); Southwestthe ruling. On Jan. 21, 1525, Grebel and others ern News, Fall 2012 (SBTS).

ANDREW WALKER

Statement of Faith committee chair Darryl Klassen and member Ward Parkinson guide and clarify during the ministerial's discussion. Only one article did not receive the required 80 percent support to be adopted.

Proposed Statement of Faith receives high support Ministerial also grappled with belief amid suffering

by Terry M. Smith ROSENORT, Man.—The EMC’s ministerial voted on Nov. 26, 2016, in strong support of the revised draft Statement of Faith; heard reflections in suffering by David Funk; and ended with a time of prayer.

Opening

The desire is that the statement will be written in such a way to work together. There was a time of prayer before voting.

Ministerial members were welcomed by host pastor Brian McGuffin (RFC), who led in a devotional based on Psalm 27:1-4. Our response to fear is to place our hope in someone who is not fleeting, Jesus Christ, he said. We need to keep our core identity in Christ and serve him whatever happens.

Outline of History

comments were recorded and a second draft was later sent to churches.

Churches were invited to read their responses to the second draft, and the committee was to respond to clarify matters. On who could vote, the constitution’s wording was somewhat ambiguous, Plett said, but to restrict it to processed leaders would not allow some churches to vote. The BLO decided that churches should decide who could vote on their behalf.

If an article in the proposed statement received support of 80 percent or more, it is finished, he said; if less than that, further revision was needed. The desire is that the statement will be written in such a way to work together.

Alvin Plett, vice chair of the Board of Leadership and Outreach (BLO), outlined the lengthy process of consulting churches that led to this moment: churches studied the 1996 Statement of Faith and responded with revisions; in early 2016 a first draft of a revised edition was sent to churches and they studied it; in July 2016

Churches Respond

Fourteen churches provided written responses.

Depending on their length, responses by up to three churches were read at one time.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 17

The themes that emerged were an appreciation for the committee’s work, support for the revised statement, and suggestions on changes. Dr. Darryl Klassen (Kleefeld), chair of the Statement of Faith Review Committee, and committee members Ward Parkinson (Rosenort EMC) and Henry Friesen (ConneXion) listened to responses and provided clarifications.

When one church, Steinbach EFC, responded with lengthy suggestions, these were considered useful, but better to have been received earlier and difficult to incorporate at this stage.

One minister asked, is this the final vote?

If an article receives 80 percent support, it is, the vice chair responded; beyond that, options exist. Tim Dyck, General Secretary, clarified that because the Statement of Faith is part of the EMC’s constitution, the conference council oversees any change to the constitution. The Constitution requires a gap of time between churches being notified of a proposed constitutional change and the vote for change. The revised Statement of Faith likely will not be approved till Nov. 2017, he said.

There was a time of prayer before voting.

The ministerial was then asked to vote on each individual article and, additionally, on whether footwashing should be moved to the Church Practices section.

Ralph Unger

While the votes were being counted, Alvin Plett introduced Ralph Unger as the EMC’s interim

part-time conference pastor. With 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry in and beyond the EMC, and service as EMC moderator, Unger brings a rich background. The search continues for a conference pastor, Plett said.

Ken Zacharias

Ken Zacharias, EMC Foreign Secretary, reported that he and Fred Buhler spent two and a half weeks visiting churches and leaders in Paraguay. Zacharias oversees EMC Missions’ work in Bolivia, Paraguay, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

Buhler is the EMC Board of Missions chair, and has served as a missionary in Paraguay.

Prayer was requested for Judy and Dave Schmidt; Judy has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Ken said that ministries in Paraguay carry on, though they look a bit different after responsibilities were transferred to national workers.

Zacharias said that evangelicals form a small part of Paraguay’s population (five to seven percent), but he anticipates much growth in the next decade. One church has six outreach points, he said. Pray for the missions staff in Paraguay, who are doing well and are encouraged.

Charles Koop

Charles Koop, church planting coordinator, said that God is working overseas and in Canada.

Why are we a conference? he asked. It is so more people become part of the Kingdom of God. The EMC is interested in urban church planting and has become a partner with the urban churchplanting resource C2C. He outlined some recent activities: a Chinese church is connected with Fort Garry EMC; an outreach is happening in Ste. Agathe, Man.; Living Faith Fellowship in Two Hills, Alta., has a pastoral couple; and the presence of immigrants is an opportunity for believers.

The Church Planting Task Force has two problems: the need for money and people to start a ministry. Kingdom building is what it’s all about. We hope to get in on what God is doing, Koop said.

Voting Results Ralph Unger, interim Conference Pastor

18 The Messenger • January 2017

The results of voting showed strong support for the proposed Statement of Faith. Only one article, on God the Spirit, received less than 80

percent; and 75 percent voted to move Footwashing to the Church Practices section. These two matters will be addressed. On the God the Spirit section, concerns had been expressed that it moved away from “He” language and did not explicitly mention gifts and fruits.

Belief Amid Suffering

David Funk (Fort Garry) was asked to present “A Theology of Suffering,” but he said that implies he has it figured out, which he doesn’t; but he could talk of Christian belief in the midst of suffering.

He and his wife Kendra have four children— Ethan, Abigail, Rachel, and Elijah—but only two are alive.

Rachel Amariah, when about 14 months old, died from congenital problems in 2011. What is it like to carry a baby that you know will die?

Only a mother who has done so knows, he said.

They decided to have another child. A few days after his birth in 2014, Elijah Cohen suffered mini-strokes; life supports were removed shortly afterward.

David Funk

David has a deep respect for his wife Kendra.

They have struggled with grief, trauma, guilt, and spiritual crisis. David said that the prayers of lament in Scripture allow his faith to survive.

Only through the Cross do we come to know God. The lament psalms are intended for public use, and teach us that the path to doxology is through the truth of what life is like. To exile lament is to exile those who suffer, he said.

In walking with those who sufStatement of Faith voting results fer, be a humble learner. Their Articles Yes No Percentage of 68 votes church’s absorbing some of the cost of their grief has allowed them The Bible 63 4 93% to survive spiritually, emotionGod 62 5 91% ally, in marriage, and as a family.

God the Father 64 3 94% “Compassionate presence” allows a hurting person to be honest about God the Son 61 6 90% their pain and to hurt our hearts God the Spirit 52 14 76% too—beyond detached caring, he The Creation 58 9 85% said.

The ministerial then gathered The Dignity of Human Beings 63 4 93% in the basement, discussing in The Fall of the Human Race 65 2 96% small groups how to walk in sufSatan 67 0 99% fering and with those who suffer.

Salvation 55 12 81% Discipleship

66

1

97%

The Life of Peace

61

6

90%

The Church

63

4

93%

The Ordinances

66

0

97%

Believer’s Water Baptism

65

2

96%

The Lord’s Supper

67

0

99%

Footwashing

59(87%)

3

51(75%)

The Resurrection

62

5

91%

The Return and Final Triumph of Christ

61

6

90%

Prayer Time

A time of prayer followed. Among the items shared were for the interim conference pastor, the church in Brandon, a former conference pastor now older and in ill health, for the congregation at Two Hills, and for the ministries of Fort Garry and Rosenort EMC. About 4 p.m. Barry Plett (Blumenort) led in a prayer of blessing as the meeting ended. www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 19

ANDREW WALKER

Council approves budget and ponders wider relationships Delegates respond well to discussion format

by Terry M. Smith ROSENORT, Man.—Conference council delegates on Nov. 26, 2016, approved a budget of $1,950,000, and pondered both a report on a trip to Israel/Palestine and relationships with other affiliate organizations.

Welcome and Devotional

Moderator Abe Bergen welcomed delegates.

Ward Parkinson, pastor of host Rosenort EMC, focused on the beatitudes of Matt. 5:1-12, saying the Church has “strange currency” in rejoicing over mourning and meekness. Christ’s kingdom is not a matter of celestial distance, but of values. Keep listening to a different drumbeat. As Mother Theresa said, we must never fear to be a sign of contradiction to the world. Let’s find our identity in nothing but Christ and his drumbeat.

There is the blessing of God, he said.

Board of Church Ministries

Jessica Wichers, BCM chair, said that the board is actively working to provide a Balanced Digital format in early 2017. Readers can check out The Messenger’s new digital format at ISSUU.com.

There will be six print and six website issues in 2017, though the board desires to return to 12 print issues at some point.

20 The Messenger • January 2017

Kevin Wiebe, BCM member and pastor of New Life, introduced Povology, a six-part video series created by him about “poverty and the church, intended for small group studies.” It is officially approved by the EMC and is free to stream or download at www.povology.com. It features interviews with Shane Claiborne, Dr. Ron Sider, Bruxy Cavey, Dr. Ray Vander Zaag, missionaries, professors, and EMC pastors.

Responding to the presentation, moderator Abe Bergen told Kevin, “You rock!”

Kim Muehling introduced the newly formed Worship Committee, which will engage in theological investigation and identify practical resources to be shared. It has no desire to be an echo chamber, she said.

Steinbach Bible College

Professor Gord Penner said a high percentage of graduates are volunteering in church life, giving, recommending the college, and satisfied by their experiences within it. New are an online BA, a BA in Marketplace Ministry, an Activate Discipleship School. Take a course, be grounded in the faith, and go back to serve, he said. Abe Bergen told delegates that Gord Penner is the EMC’s 2017 convention speaker.

Dyck said a $500 subsidy is available for pastors who visit missionaries.

Moderator Abe Bergen and Tim Dyck, general secretary, visited cross-cultural workers in sensitive areas. Pray for these and other workers.

Beth Koehler is the new volunteer prayer coordinator for EMC Missions. The Day of Prayer for EMC Missions is Feb. 19, 2017. Lester Olfert promoted the 2017 50th anniversary celebration tour in Nicaragua (April 4-11, 2017), inviting people to attend.

MCC Canada Ken Zacharias and Tim Dyck report on missions.

Board of Missions

Executive director Don Peters said that the scope of MCC’s work is worldwide, with $73.2 million of expenses last year (MCC Canada and U.S. combined) in 54 countries. MCC’s work is done in the name of Christ on “your behalf,” he said. The Nigerian school girls kidnapped two years ago were connected with the Church of the Brethren, part of the Anabaptist family, he said.

Ken Zacharias, foreign secretary, said he and BOM chair Fred Buhler recently visited missionaries and ministries in Paraguay. Some workers retire, but continue to minister. He and Fred were with Judy and Dave Schmidt when they received news of Judy’s having cancer. Schmidts Israel/Palestine Trip are grateful for prayer, and Ken asked that they Abe Bergen and Tim Dyck reporting on being be upheld in prayer. part of MCC’s learning tour in Israel. Canada The Mingu Gauzu team carries on. Tres Paland the U.S. are western allies of Israel. The mas, with about 40 to 50 people in attendance, Church has been in Israel from the start. While has many ministries: in Ste. Teresa; in radio, some people are concerned about MCC’s percounseling and addiction ministries; a village spective, MCC is “pro church” in Israel, not outreach; a school open to German-speaking pro-Palestinian, they said.

Brazilians; a hospital open to all; and school and MCC’s work is well-respected by the camp ministry.

Church in Israel. They told stories: a Palestinian Darren Plett (Pleasant Valley) was part of a Highlights of Meeting prayer team to GuadalaDelegates were encouraged to report to their churches in these areas: jara, Mexico, and spoke • The Messenger moving to mixed print/digital format beginning in of being deeply affected January by the missionaries’ com• Newly released video study series on Povology (www.povology.com) mitment and contacts.

• BCM has restarted the worship committee to serve our churches The church plant is a cell • New options coming to SBC (online BA, Marketplace Ministry BA, group model focused • Activate Discipleship School) on upper middle class • Nicaragua Exposure Trip to celebrate 50th anniversary people who will later • EMC Day of Prayer moved to Feb. 19 reach people of a lower • Report on Israel/Palestine economic class. The • Survey will be sent to churches on role of women in leadership cell groups occasion• Survey for assisting in reimagining Convention ally meet. If you believe • Treasurers’ Day Jan. 21 at St Vital EMC prayer makes a differ• Statement of Faith Review nearing completion ence, go on a prayer • Celebrating World Fellowship, Sunday, Jan. 22 team, Plett said. Tim – Erica Fehr

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 21

Board of Trustees

Tim Dyck reported that the salaries of Executive and Administrative staff are under review.

The Manitoba Pension Committee is reviewing the EMC Pension Plan. The phone system is being upgraded. Jan. 21 will be an EMC Treasurers’ Day. The EMC budget proposed for 2017 is five percent higher than 2016 (from $1,868, 000 to $1,950,000). Only a three percent increase is asked of churches; the remainder comes from an increase in estate giving. One church said it was voting against the budget. Delegates voted in favour of the budget.

Board of Leadership and Outreach Stephanie Unger, part of the Reimagining Committee

Christian vineyard owner refuses to sell his land or treat those who oppose him as enemies; of a young boy’s being killed by a sniper; of an MCC Grow Project; and of how Jordan accepts many refugees. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and he died to bring peace between peoples (Eph. 2). Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Ps. 122:1). Bergen and Dyck are willing to dialogue regarding the situation in Israel.

General Board

The Reimagining Committee has started its work, it was said. The Conference Restructuring Committee has met three times. The role of women in ministry issue will be picked up.

Stephanie Unger, on the Reimagining Committee, said it wants convention to be open to everyone. There’s a need to find out why people aren’t coming and what they want to see. A survey has been developed; people are encouraged to invite non-attenders to complete it.

Abundance Canada

Harold Penner, stewardship consultant, said Abundance Canada changed its name from Mennonite Foundation of Canada because “God is generous; God owns, we manage; God invites us to give our whole selves; God invites us to share.” People felt the name was exclusive and being a foundation seemed too restrictive. The same services will be offered.

22 The Messenger • January 2017

Vice chair Alvin Plett said that Ralph Unger was asked to serve as interim conference pastor as the search continues. Unger reported that the Statement of Faith review saw all articles, except one, receive strong support. Footwashing received 75 percent support to move it to Church Practices. The process will be completed in 2017. A church mediators training session will occur on Feb. 18, and a New Leaders’ Orientation held on March 18-19 (following SBC’s Leadership Conference).

Charles Koop, church planting coordinator, said that a pastor has been found for Living Faith Fellowship, Two Hills, Alta. (John Froese); there is a need for more workers; immigrants are coming because they want more opportunity; a Chinese church is asking about membership in the EMC; and little is happening within Caucasian European circles. The Dauphin ministry is being assessed, a partnership with C2C will assist in church planting, and additional funds are being sought for church plants. We want more people to come to faith in Jesus, he said.

Mennonite World Conference

Layton Friesen, EMC representative, said his awareness of the wider Anabaptist church was strengthened through attending MWC’s gatherings in Winnipeg in 1991, Paraguay in 2007, and Pennsylvania in 2015. The next General Assembly is in Indonesia in 2021.

There are four commissions: Deacons (looking for churches in distress), Peace (trying to love enemies), Faith and Life (theology), and

Mission (outreach). A name change has been floated. According to MWC, based on numbers and location, the EMC is asked to contribute $22,000 to its global fund; it gives $7,000.

He asked if a global connection is important to your congregation, if it is wanted; and, if so, how to do it. He invited churches to make MWC Fellowship Sunday an event each year. Suggestions are available on sermons, songs, liturgies, and prayer. An offering, equal to the cost of one lunch, could be forwarded.

Format

In a change, delegates met around small tables, discussed questions provided about boards and affiliate organizations, a recorder made written notes later handed in, and some of groups’ thoughts were shared publicly. It was generally well received.

Staff members shared how they are blessed by the EMC.

Blessing to Churches

Toward the end of the day, national staff members spoke of the privilege, encouragement, and blessing that comes from serving the EMC. Specific encouragements were listed (see sidebar).

They ended by saying, “We don’t take your support for granted. We want to continue to earn your trust, and serve the EMC churches to the best of our ability. We thank you and bless you for your continued support.”

Blessing from National Staff to Churches

As your national staff, we often reflect on what a great privilege it is for us to be serving all of our EMC churches through the ministries of our Conference. We sense the encouragement and the blessings of you, our EMC churches, as we engage in our daily activities. Some of the specific ways that you have encouraged us over the course of this past year include: Your demonstrations of interest by asking relevant questions. Sometimes the questions are easy to answer and sometimes they are hard questions. But always, they are encouraging.

Your prayers on our behalf. We appreciate that you take the time to tell us that you are praying for us in our roles.

Your enthusiasm and service for missions. One church requested the contact information for all EMC missionaries so that they could send a personalized Christmas card to each.

Another church has been connecting with every missionary that is on home furlough, inviting them to report on Sunday mornings. This is a tremendous encouragement to us as well as to the missionaries.

Your invitations to serve in your churches through meetings, Sunday School presentations, or Sunday worship services. It is always encouraging to know that you are interested in the things that we are excited about.

Special thanks to the woman who routinely brings “snacks” to the EMC office.

Your enthusiasm for Christian education in many forms – through Conference produced materials, retreats, and beyond.

Your responses to the many surveys that we have sent to churches over this past year.

You send high quality volunteers to serve on the many boards and committees of the EMC. They serve with little recognition and without pay.

Your commitment to gathering for discussion, decision making and developing friendships.

You open up your churches to events such as this Conference Council gathering, and you serve joyfully and graciously.

Of course, you send funds on a regular basis to ensure that the ministries continue to function.

We don’t take your support for granted. We want to continue to earn your trust, and serve the EMC churches to the best of our ability. We thank you and bless you for your continued support.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 23

Column • Further In and Higher Up

You Can’t Make This Up

As a minister, I discourage couples from making up their own marriage vows. I don’t think it’s possible to make up your own vows.

24 The Messenger • January 2017

DESIGNPICS

A

s a minister, I discourage couples from making up their own marriage vows. I don’t think it’s possible to make up your own vows. What you can make up is a promise. There is a world of a difference between a vow and a promise.

I can make up a promise. “I promise to bring you tomatoes tomorrow.” I promise this because

by Layton Friesen I know I have tomatoes, my schedule permits it tomorrow, and I like you enough to give you tomatoes. The whole promise revolves around me, and my ability to know what I have and to give what I have. If tomorrow comes and goes, and I don’t show up, the promise is broken and cancelled. If I still want to come another time, I need to make a whole new promise.

But a vow is not something I make. A vow is something I take. When I take a marriage vow, I am entering a house given by God, and shaped over millennia by nature, tradition, law, Scripture, and Church.

A vow is received, stewarded and bestowed by a community with roots in ancient places and times, back to creation: “The one who made them in the beginning made them male and female” (Matt. 19:4). Marriage is a reckless and bracing adventure because we enter not knowing what we will find, not only in the stranger we wed, but in the shape of marriage itself.

A vow is not broken like a promise. The vision embodied in a vow goes far beyond my abilities and maybe even my desires. I will fall short of the vow two minutes after taking it, but a vow is not broken by that. The vow keeps turning me in the right direction; it I, Jane, take you, John, draws me onward to a destiny I to be my husband, cannot reach on my own steam.

To have and to hold A vow is broken not by falling From this day forward; short of it, but by abandoning the covenant all together.

For better, for worse, So a vow is a prayer, a cry for For richer, for poorer, help.

It is taken not by people In sickness and in health, impressed with their own abilities To love and to cherish who now promise to bring these For the rest of our lives, capacities to marriage.

A vow is According to God’s holy law. taken precisely by people who This is my solemn vow.

know they are prone to wander—Lord they feel it. God helping me, I will.

In days of yore, a sailor looking out onto a stormy sea and knowing that he must stay on deck and at his duty, but realizing too that he could not (for the waves would wash over the deck and his strength would fail to keep him at his work), would take a rope and tie himself to the mast. That is Eugene Peterson’s picture of taking a vow.

We take a vow because we know we must maintain covenant loyalty to at least this one person in our lives, but we know our own fickleness.

The vow reaches out to God and the community and keeps us, even when we cannot keep it.

Of course, each person will bring their unique take on this ancient fellowship. But in our society today, many people think marriage itself is like play dough, something we fashion to suit our whimsy.

Recently the state has asserted the right to make up marriage according to post-1960’s sexual revolution whims. But we do not get to make up what marriage is; we are only stewards who receive it. If marriage is something we create, it only lasts as long as our attention spans. One small resistance to that is to take a vow.

With Our Missionaries

Live in the land PARAGUAY

KEN ZACHARIAS

How time has flown by. It is eight and a half months since I came back to Paraguay from Canada. The Lord´s timing in different situations and events is amazing.

Although my house was waiting for me with my belongings, it still took more time than I anticipated to actually settle down in it. At the beginning of May, I got a phone call telling me of a fellowretired missionary having gotten very sick. That same day I was asked to help out. This meant going to Lucero, an hour and a half away from Caaguazu.

God provided all around, and by evening I was in Lucero, starting a job or ministry that I had not imagined happening. Day and night I was occupied helping in one way or another. At times it seemed like any minute our patient could be called into eternity. She also prayed to be released, to have Jesus come for her.

However, one day after another went by and she still was with us. Little by little she regained her strength till she could sit up and slowly start feeding herself. Eventually she could get out of bed and be in a wheelchair. She joined the rest of the people in the dining room at the seniors´ home to which she had moved less than a month before she became ill.

So, after three months of fairly steady work in Lucero, I came back to Caaguazu to actually settle into my house

Erna Plett's home

and new neighborhood. For the past three and a half months I have been fairly busy trying to make my place more homey.

I still have things left to unpack and put in its place. A lot of work has gone into finishing details of construction and starting to plant fruit trees, shade trees, and other plants.

God provided wonderful working crews to do various jobs that needed tackling to make my place more like I had envisioned it to be. Again God has provided in marvelous ways.

I am starting to receive company for which I am glad; it is part of my present hospitality ministry. A special reunion with two ladies recently took place. I had helped them some eight years ago, when they were in high school, in their walk with God. What a blessing to see how God has guided and helped them in their individual lives.

If someone needs to be enouraged to spend some time in a place where they can enjoy the beautiful scenery around my place, as well as see cows and horses in the community, I am here to allow the Lord to use me in the lives of those needing a place to retreat.

A Bible verse that the Lord showed me while still in Canada is this: ¨Live in the land and be safe/faithful.¨ I so enjoy my surroundings here, working on the yard and rejoicing in the Lord. Slowly I am getting to know younger and older neighbours. Lord, make me a channel of blessing to each one.

– Erna Plett Erna Plett (Treesbank) retired a year ago from serving with EMC Board of Missions. She lives, where she served, in Paraguay.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 25

With Our Missionaries

The privilege of going on a prayer team

EVAN

G E L IC A L

MENNONITE CONFERENCE PRES

ENTS

March

For more information regarding the retreat, contact Gord Penner (204-326-6451 or GPenner@sbcollege.ca) or Jason Heide (204-326-6572 or jheide@semconline.com).

26 The Messenger • January 2017

PHIL HAMM

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

We had the privilege of going on a Missions Prayer trip to Guadalajara on Nov. 8 to 16, 2016. Thank you for supporting and praying for us. What a great time of prayer and fellowship we had with missionaries John and Connie Reimer, Ernie and Diane Koop, and Dallas and Tara Wiebe.

We joined up with three other couples and two singles from Manitoba in Houston, Texas, for the final leg of the flight to arrive at 8:30 on Tuesday evening. We stayed at the missionaries’ homes where we also had a number of prayer sessions and Bible studies. We did a prayer walk in the park, prayed at the school attended by Dallas and Tara Wiebe’s children, and prayed in downtown Guadalajara.

The Mexican hospitality was fabulous, and we enjoyed some of the cultural sites around Guadalajara. We met with each missionary, and prayed over their ministry and individuals with whom they are working.

On Sunday we had a gathering of all the groups that study the Bible with the missionaries. This was the first time that many of them had met other Mexicans studying with EMC missionaries. It took about 90 minutes for people to show up. A worship service began at 1:30.

This was also the first time that some of them had been to an evangelical worship service. They enjoyed the singing. Cam Kornelson shared a touching testimony. What a great privilege to preach and share the Word of God with them. That was followed by a graduation service A RETREAT for young adults for three ladies who, in two years, finished the six books on Matthew in the SEAN program.

They had a farewell service for Jessie Friesen, who COST came with the $115 PER PERSON short-term 10-12, 2017 SPEAKER ASCEND BARRY PLETT AT CAMP CEDARWOOD PASTOR OF BLUMENORT EMC program in LAC DU BONNET, MB

John Reimer speaks at a gathering.

January and was leaving on Nov. This is a program we would greatly encourage young adults to consider if you are sensing God leading you into ministry or missions.

Following the service we had a barbecue lunch. During the lunch people mingled, got to know each other, had fun, and enjoyed great food. Eventually we did get to the desserts, and we sang Happy Birthday to Lydia Hamm, Minna Thiessen, and several others who were having their birthdays in the next week.

To work off some of the great food, they brought out hockey sticks and the men had a floor hockey game. The women didn’t just want to stand by and cheer, so when the men were tired out, they took to the floor and enjoyed hockey too.

What a blessing to get to know the missionaries, brothers, and sisters in Christ in Guadalajara, and spend time in prayer with and for them. There are many trials and struggles that people face; and, through those problems, they begin seeking a closer walk with Christ. The missionaries are there to guide them through the tough times and into an intimate relationship with Jesus.

Please pray for the Guadalajara missionaries. We hope some of you will consider going next year on the Missions Prayer team to Guadalajara. What faith stretching and growing experiences we had and that await you as well.

– Phil and Lydia Hamm Phil and Lydia Hamm (Leamington) are a ministry couple and retired missionaries. They drew upon the EMC Board of Missions’ travel subsidy ($500/visit) available for pastors and church leaders who visit missionaries on the field. Contact Gerald Reimer at the national office for details.

With Our Missionaries

Radio license granted

KAROLINE KRAHN

BOLIVIA

Exciting things are happening here at Casa de la Amistad. We have been without radio now for about a year and a half and the people can’t wait to have it back and neither can we. In July we received word that San Jose’s radio license had been granted.

Much work has been done and as of today, the temporary studio and tower are well on their way to being complete. The goal is to have the radio on the air by the end of December.

MEM Bolivia’s vision statement states that our ministry will concentrate in three areas: evangelism and discipleship, education, and economic development. The radio will fulfill all of these and reach many, many people that we never could in person.

Broadcasts will consist of pre-recorded programs such as “Fruhes met Hopninj” (Women With Hope) by Joyce Dyck and programs produced by Square One World Media, including a health program by Nurse Irene Marsch and “Waut’s Dit?” (What’s This?) by Sieglinde Toews. There are children’s stories by Taunte (Aunt) Helen and evangelical and discipleship messages from many great Low German speakers.

Our desire is also to air a program giving financial education to the people. Up to date news from the colonies around us and world news including weather is also a great hit. And, of course, lots of music; the people love singing and listening to music.

This is just a sample. The radio covers a vast arena of topics and there is something for everyone to enjoy. When the news of the granting of the radio license went out in the new community of Hacienda Verde, the people proclaimed, “Well, just don’t plan any Bible studies or singstunds (Singing Hour) or other programs at the times when there is live broadcasting on the radio because we The EMC is in the process of seeking whom God is calling will all be at home listening. No one will come to church.” next to join in ministry with us as our Conference Pastor.

At this time the radio will reach people within an 80 The person we feel God is leading to us will have km radius from the town of San Jose de Chiquitos. We strengths in: Job Skills, Knowledge and Requirements: will broadcast live in Spanish, Low German, and some mediation/conflict resolution, relationship and relaQuechua. And there are always some songs in English tionship building with a variety of people, effective and High German as well. communication both written and oral, strong support of We believe that this will also create more traffic here at the conference vision, a background in Anabaptist underthe centre and make more business for the bookstore. We standing, agreement with the EMC Statement of Faith, are ready. The vision is that the person doing the live Low credentialed or able to be credentialed with the EMC. German broadcasting would also follow up with the people Personal: willing to travel to visit pastors and who are being ministered to by home visits in the colonies. churches; an emotionally balanced disposition, especially In the past two weeks, two men have been added to in times of conflict; actively and passionately involved in the family of God. We believe that the Christians who pursuing growth in own personal faith; actively pursues have to remain in secret will once again get their spiriand exhibits Christian leadership tual food and many people will be added to the Kingdom attributes as defined in the Scriptures through the radio ministry. Would you please pray for (1 Tim. 3, 2 Tim. 2, Titus 1, Gal. 5, 6). this ministry?

If you feel that God is leading you –Caroline Krahn to minister with us in this role, please submit your resume and cover letter Caroline and Henry Krahn (Picture Butte) serve with to: efehr@emconf.ca.

MEM.

Conference Pastor Sought

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 27

With Our Churches Pansy Chapel

PANSY, Man.—Like usual, fall has been a busy time here.

On Sept. 4, Kyla Funk got baptized down by the river.

Although once more it was a rainy day and umbrellas did get used, it was indeed a special event. Her testimony and joy is vibrant; we pray for continued grace in her journey.

In hindsight, I realize I failed to report another baptism that happened earlier this spring. Daniel Goertzen, spontaneously asked for baptism during a revival-type service, and the pastors said, Why not? This time it was inside, though, like we used to do it. We are proud of you, Daniel, and we wish you well.

Thanksgiving Celebration went well with a super chicken dinner followed by a time of praise. One specific thing we were thankful for was the overflowing Sunday School space and we used that night to kick off another building fund, this time for added classrooms.

Fall is also when we do our Samaritan’s Purse Christmas boxes. With enthusiastic leaders like Sheila Barkman and Sheri Goertzen lighting the fire, it would be difficult not to join the team. “It’s not the boxes that count, “they say, “but every box represents one child that gets an opportunity to experience the love of Jesus. “ and having been

PANSY

Baptisms and missions

Kyla Funk stands near her parents Steve and Charlene Funk. Flanking them are former pastor Ed Giesbrecht and her pastor Dylan Barkman.

there—at the distribution, they know. We made it to 473 this year.

Then, of course, we are gearing up for Christmas.

After that we are preparing for the big mission push of the year—building, Lord willing, three houses for destitute, but deserving families in Ensenada, Mexico, in February.

It has been neat to see how another church that is just learning missions is coming alongside us and we can work together. Another thing has been seeing Jake and Shelly Rempel’s involvement in Cuban missions, and wonApril 4-11, 2017 dering how we can best include that on our EMC Missions began ministry in Nicaragua in 1966. The Nicaragua FIEMN, which con- mission roster. So many places to serve. sists of 33 churches and outreaches, will celebrate this anniversary on April 8, 2017.

May we be found faithful in whatever corYou are invited to attend this anniversary! ner God puts us in to shine for Him! – Betty Barkman

NICARAGUA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND LEARNING TOUR

Anniversary Celebration: April 8, 2017 The FIEMN churches and invited guests will meet for a one-day celebration at Camp Maranatha, the FIEMN church camp. This will be a full day of celebration with at least two services and additional prayer services through the night.

Anniversary Learning Tour: April 4-11, 2017 Lester and Darlene Olfert will lead this tour visiting FIEMN churches and ministries.

You will be introduced to FIEMN conference committee leaders and pastors, and will appreciate the strong faith clearly evident in believers’ lives.

Cost: about $1,800, including flights (more exact pricing will follow).

For information on the Anniversary Celebration and Learning Tour, contact Ken Zacharias at the EMC national office: kzacharias@emconf.ca.

28 The Messenger • January 2017

Births NEUFELD — to Johnny and Tina Neufeld of Picture Butte, Alta., a daughter, Emmi Lynn, on Oct. 4, 2016.

BERG — to Henry and Susie Berg from Nobleford, Alta., a son, Brenton Alexander, on Oct. 20, 2016.

MBULA — to Neola Kab and Mwami Mbula , a daughter, Victorious, on May 16, 2016.

With Our Churches Treesbank Community Church

Transition and obedience

TREESBANK

TREESBANK, Man.—In May 2016 we hired a part-time pastor, John McMillan, for a three month period to help us work towards finding and hiring a permanent pastor. As the end of August drew near it was decided that Pastor John would continue in the part-time position for an additional year. Part of his focus has been teaching us about our statement of faith and our church constitution, reminding us why they are important.

On June 26 we celebrated with and supported three sets of parents as they dedicated their children and themselves to godly instruction and parenting. Isaac and Jenny Klassen dedicated Lilly, Mark and Lisa Plett dedicated Asher, and Daryl and Jolene Friesen dedicated Lewis.

Our annual church camping weekend was held in July at Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

Attendance was great this year—our group campsite was

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Pastor John McMillan and Jenny Klassen

full—and many of those who didn’t join us for the rest of the weekend were able to come and enjoy our outdoor Sunday morning service in beautiful weather. We enjoyed a potluck lunch together and a wonderful time of informal fellowship.

After an extended period of overlooking the practices of communion and foot washing we were able to take part in both of these ordinances in separate Sunday morning services in August and September. What a blessing it was to partake of the Lord’s Supper together! It was also amazing to experience the humbling act of allowing someone else to wash your feet and to kneel in an attitude of servant hood to wash another’s feet, thus gaining the blessing Jesus spoke of in John 13.

We rejoiced to witness two baptisms on Oct. 1. Sharon Hallam and Jenny Klassen were baptized upon their confession of faith and received into membership. It was so encouraging to hear their testimonies and support them in this step of obedience to Christ. As an obvious reflection of our farming community, the outdoor baptistery was a large, round, blue cattle watering tank.

The planning committee for our 50th Anniversary Celebration has begun meeting to discuss preparations for July 22 and 23, 2017. We look forward to seeing you there!

– Jolene Friesen

cmu.ca/gstm

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 29

News

Bowden prison walk-a-thon for CFGB a success Inmates walk almost 2,000 kms to raise funds for Africa drought victims BOWDEN, Alta.—Almost 2,000 kilometres. That’s how far 297 inmates at the Bowden Institute collectively walked Sept. 10 to raise money to help people affected by drought in Ethiopia.

The walk-a-thon, organized by an inmates group with help from Chaplain Bud Sargent, raised as much as $15,000 for a project in that country supported by Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) and implementing member agency World Renew.(The pledges are still being tallied at this time.)

Altogether, the inmates, along with 20 outside volunteers, walked 3,694 laps around the prison’s exercise yard for a total of 1,981 kilometres.

Funds were raised through pledges from families and friends of the inmates, and from prison chapel volunteers and from local Christian Reformed churches in Lacombe— Woody Nook, Wolf Creek and Bethel. People across Canada also donated through the CFGB page.

World Renew will use funds raised by the inmates for its project in the Dugda region on Ethiopia, where it is assisting over 41,000 people with support from the CFGB. The Government of Canada will match the money on a 4:1 basis.

This is the fourth time Bowden inmates have done the walk-a-thon, including last year for CFGB member Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. They plan to do another walk-a-thon for the CFGB next year.

– John Longhurst

••

PTS expanding Anabaptism courses, offers AS Track Partnership benefits EMCers in Canada and beyond OTTERBURNE, Man.—Providence Theological Seminary is expanding course offerings in Anabaptism to benefit students, EMCers included.

Courses deal with Anabaptist history, contemporary theology, global studies, and pastoral theology. They are informed by Anabaptist traditions of discipleship, mutual accountability, social justice, and peaceful living.

Students in all master’s programs can benefit, an Anabaptist Studies Track (AST) is now available within its Master of Divinity (MDiv) program, and courses can be adapted for undergrads.

The Anabaptist Studies Track within the MDiv program allows PTS to provide theologically-sensitive, ministry-oriented, pastorally-focused training at a graduate level.

Providence’s location in Manitoba, where about half of the EMC’s churches are currently located, allows PTS the privilege of training many EMCers. Flexible instruction delivery (modular and online, as well as semester-based) aids EMCers across Canada and out of the country.

The AST was developed with input from the EMC. While the EMC has no financial obligations, the program

30 The Messenger • January 2017

is mutually beneficial. Quite likely, more EMCers have studied at PTS than at all other seminaries combined.

To learn more about the courses on Anabaptism, or the AST track within the MDiv program, visit www.PROVIDENCESEMINARY.ca or call 1-800-668-7768.

– PTS and EMC

News

Povology resource launched during Conference Council Pastor Kevin Wiebe assembles valuable series ROSENORT, Man.— Want to explore Povology, the study of poverty, theology, Church, and you? A new video curriculum about poverty and the Church was launched on Nov. 26, 2016, at the EMC Conference Council meeting near Rosenort, Man. Six half-hour videos and a printable discussion guide feature interviews with folks like Shane Claiborne, Dr. Ronald Sider, Bruxy Cavey, Steve Bell, pastors, missionaries, and professors, including EMCers.

The topics are Our Homeless Leader, Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Responding to Poverty, Do No Harm, What About The Gospel? and The Power of Small Things.

The material is now available to all EMC pastors and churches for free via online streaming or digital download. A DVD can be provided upon request.

Who’s responsible for producing this useful stuff? Pastor Kevin Wiebe (New Life), a PUC communications Kevin Wiebe

and media graduate, had the vision for the project and put together the materials. The EMC’s BCM and its Education Committee have endorsed the project. But make no mistake. The project was well underway by then.

The series is now available to stream or download, completely free, from www.povology.com. Check out that link for more information about the series as well.

Prior to its release, Pov.ology was written about in the Winnipeg Free Press and Mennonite World Review.

We trust that this will be a useful tool for you and your congregation.

– EMC

••

New Leaders’ Orientation on March 18-19 Churches encouraged to send staff members PINAWA, Man.—New to EMC pastoral leadership and want some help?

Another New Leaders’ Orientation will be held on March 18-19, 2017, at Wilderness Edge Retreat & Conference Centre in Pinawa, Man. To make it travel more attractive, it follows right on the heels of Steinbach Bible College’s Leadership Conference.

The EMC values the contributions made by new pastors who may be unfamiliar with our history, culture, workings, and even the potential tensions that can be expected when entering a new conference.

If your church has a new salaried senior pastor, associate pastor, or youth pastor who is unfamiliar with the EMC, please plan to send that staff member to this event.

If you are that new pastor, please make arrangements to attend and bring your spouse.

The schedule will include supper on Saturday night followed by a time of relaxation, getting acquainted, and

sharing faith stories. On Sunday there will be four sessions: • Highlights Of Anabaptist/EMC History • How The EMC Works • Dealing With Church Culture (preparing for potential tensions) • Looking Into The Future The event will end on Sunday at 4 p.m. Wilderness Edge, located in Pinawa, is about a 90-minute drive from SBC. Transportation at no cost will be provided for those needing a ride from Steinbach to Pinawa and back. Also a shuttle to the Winnipeg airport can be arranged for Sunday afternoon. If transportation costs to Manitoba from other provinces is an issue, please don’t let that deter you from coming. Contact Ralph Unger, interim conference pastor, or his assistant, Erica Fehr, at 204-326-6401.

– EMC www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 31

In Memory and was baptized upon the confession of her faith.

On Sept. 17, 1944, she married Henry R Reimer. They started their married life in Blumenhoff and eventually settled on a grain farm near Riverton, Man. Mom had a large garden and enjoyed raising chickens.

The farm was sold in 1994, just prior to Dad’s passing. After he Tina (Plett) Reimer passed, Mom moved to the Appledale 1924–2016 apartments in Mennville and enjoyed Peacefully, on Oct. 20, 2016, at the 20 years there. age of 92, our dear mom, grandmother, In Feb. 2016, Mom suffered from and great-grandmother passed from three heart attacks. At that time, all this life into her eternal home. her children gathered around her, Mom was born on Sept. 24, 1924, expecting that she would not make the firstborn of Klaas R and Justina it out of the hospital. However, she Plett. She was born and raised in the rallied and was released from the hosSteinbach area and had a close relapital a few days later. After that, family tionship with her four brothers and members stayed with her every night, three sisters. until she was able to move to assisted After completing grade 8, she living in Arborg in May 2016, where attended a sewing class and always she lived until her passing. referred back to these lessons when We remember Mom for her unconsewing clothes for her 10 children ditional love, optimistic outlook on and teaching us to sew. She accepted life, her prayers for her family and Jesus as her Saviour at an early age concern that they all live their life for Jesus. Mom’s radiant joy and inner peace came from having learned to trust God through all circumstances.

She enjoyed spending time GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY with people from all walks of life and everyone she met 2017 Winter Courses was touched by her sweet Enrol today! nature.

BTS-5246M BTS-5310M Left to mourn are her Topics—Biblical Topics—Prayer children, Mildred and Paul Languages for Exegesis Instructor: Andrew Dyck Harms, Klaas and Helen Instructor: Pierre Gilbert Reimer, Martha and Ray BTS-5500 Dueck, Norma and Jim BTS-5276 Topics—God through Ray, Florence Reimer, JesPaul and His Letters— the Centuries sie Reimer, Anne and Vern To Corinth and Philippi Instructor: Paul Doerksen Kroeker, Esther and KelInstructor: Gordon Zerbe cmu.ca/gstm vin Plett, Shirley and David Cavanagh; her grandchildren, Kim Bourrier, Ken CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

32 The Messenger • January 2017

Harms, Karyn Harms, Michael Harms, Krista and Steve Smith (Avery), Kurtis and Julie Reimer (Charlotte and Jackson), Chad and Michelle Reimer, Justin Dueck, Alayna Dueck, Karalee Dueck, Janine and David Dickson, Twylla and Arden Penner (Meritt and Maelle), Tyler and Chrystal Goertzen (Emma and Lily), Trenton Goertzen, Kevin Bacon, Allison Bacon, Michelle Bacon, Monique and Mark Josef, Dayna Kroeker, Nolan and Sophia Kroeker (Jacob), Jordan and Jesslyn Plett, Carson Plett, Kendra Plett, and Makayla Cavanagh. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Henry; children, Doris, Leona and Harold; grandchildren, Kristin, Jason and Renee Dueck; and two great-granddaughters, Mariah and Arielle Penner.

We would like to thank the staff at the Arborg Assisted Living for taking such good care of Mom during the last six months. Thank you to Friends Funeral Service for making the funeral arrangements.

– Her Family

Calendar Canada February 19 EMC Day of Prayer

Alberta March 3 EMC Young Adults Retreat

Manitoba March 10-12 EMC Young Adults Retreat Camp Cedarwood Lac du Bonnet, MB

Shoulder Tapping *With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.

EMC Positions* Mennville EMC, a rural congregation with an attendance of about 90, located in Manitoba's Interlake region, seeks a full- or part-time pastor. The pastor will work within a ministerial team as the church seeks to renew and grow. College or seminary training and pastoral experience are definite assets.

Starting date is flexible and salary will reflect EMC guidelines. A candidate should be a collaborative leader (team player), comfortable in the pulpit and in pastoral care, familiar with the EMC Statement of Faith, and respectful of various cultures and rural living. Contact minister Terry Dueck at frontier104@ hotmail.com.

Treesbank Community Church, a rural wonderful body of believers about a half hour from Brandon, Man., wishes to hire a mature and trusted shepherd. Start: Early to middle 2017. Salary: To be negotiated based on qualifications, experience, and time working. Hours: Full- or part-time will be considered; hours can be negotiated. Benefits: supervision and growth, some professional development, pension through the conference office. Valid driver’s license and own transportation are essential.

Travel expenses incurred for work travel will be reimbursed. More info about TCC available upon request.

Annual contract. Hiring remains open until a suitable candidate is found. Possible Activities: Teaching, visitation, worship leading, preaching, Vacation Bible School, youth work, drama, community service work, administration, small group work, a focus on congregational growth and development, shepherding and outreach. E-mail a letter and resume citing “Church Pastor” to Treesbank Community Church, Lyndsey Friesen, 204-720-0193, lyndz_2@hotmail.com.

Picture Butte Mennonite Church, a Low German and English-speaking church in southern Alberta with 220 people attending dual Sunday morning services, is seeking an experienced, full-time senior pastor.

The ideal candidate should be characterized by an attitude of servant leadership and personal integrity in a close walk with Jesus. This candidate needs to have an openness and sensitivity to the diverse cultural differences within our Mennonite church.

This position would focus on discipleship training, mentoring, teaching and coaching leaders within the church. This position would also include preaching, teaching and strengthening individual personal commitment to faith in Christ, challenging each one to grow in their personal relationship with

Jesus. This candidate needs to be a team player as he will be working alongside the existing leadership team. Contact Willy Neudorf, 403-894-7615, wjneudorf@gmail.com or Isaac Thiessen, 403-308-5093, isaact@genicadev.com.

MacGregor EMC in MacGregor, Man., is seeking a full time lead pastor. Applicants must have a love for God and the Church, a commitment to Anabaptist beliefs centred on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and be characterized by an attitude of servant leadership and personal integrity in following Jesus. The successful candidate will preach regularly; visit and support individuals in the congregation; advise the ministerial, board and other participants on matters of faith. This position is available starting summer 2016.

We are a church of about 100 attendees in a town of about 1000, located on Hwy 1 halfway between Winnipeg and Brandon. For further information, feel free to browse our church's website www. macgregoremc.com and check out www.northnorfolk.ca on what our town has to offer.

To submit an application, please email a resume with three references to Dan Sawatzky at dsawatzky@gmail.com. To request information, email Dan Sawatzky or call him at 204-685-2252.

Other Positions A long-term pastor is sought for the church in Hacienda Verde, Bolivia, a small but vibrant congregation with about 70 to 80 people attending.

Requirements: Speak and write Low German and Spanish, good Bible knowledge, some pastoral experience, and good references from congregation and wider community.

For information, please contact Bill Kehler, Bolivia field director, bill@gomission.ca; Abe Giesbrecht, missions facilitator, abe@gomission.ca; 204.253.7929.

Winnipeg Logos Church is a one-year-old evangelical Chinese church being planted in the Fort Richmond area of Winnipeg. In partnership with the Fort Garry EMC, it is seeking to reach out to the new Chinese immigrants in southwest Winnipeg. We are diligently praying for a pastor. Bible college or seminary education is required. The applicant must be fluent in Mandarin. For more information or to submit a resume, contact Helen Wang (204-509-2628 or wang90@hotmail.com).

Youth for Christ (YFC) Winnipeg, a non-denominational evangelical organization located in Winnipeg, Man., seeks to fill many positions: a youth centre director (Stonewall, Man.), climbing wall/wilderness adventure director; fitness centre director; counselling ministry director; youth centre program coordinator (Arborg, Selkirk, and Carman, Man.); soccer program coordinator; skateboard ministry program coordinator. YFC is dedicated

to communicating the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ to young people. For more information about YFC Winnipeg, or these opportunities, please visit us at yfcwinnipeg.ca. Your work will have deep significance. You will be paid a competitive salary and be eligible for YFC’s group insurance program, which includes life insurance, long-term disability, dental, and health insurance, plus later eligibility for YFC’s pension plan. For more information about YFC Winnipeg, or these opportunities, please visit us at yfcwinnipeg.ca.

Mid-Way Christian Leadership seeks a full-time caring team member to support the small group of believers in Grand Rapids, Man., under the leadership of Fred and Stella Neff. It is a paid position moving into a raised support funding model. The individual will support Christians as they grow into the Christian leaders of the north in Manitoba. Helping lead Sunday School, preaching, and leading Bible studies are some of the more formal “programs” that exist today, but, most importantly, people either need to accept Jesus or follow Him in victory. We are building a team passionate about following God by discipling people into mature Christians and ultimately replacing our leadership positions from those we work with. Please email us at generaldirector.mcl@gmail. com for a full job description or inquiries.

Morrow Gospel Church (EMMC) in Winnipeg, Man., seeks a half-time pastor of member care. This pastor will help us develop and oversee small group ministries into which people will be integrated, nurtured and cared for.

The Pastor of Member Care is accountable to the Lead Pastor and will work closely with the Congregational Care Committee. Ministry responsibilities are Young Adults Ministries (30%), cell group ministry (25%), congregational care (25%), preaching and teaching (10%) and personal spiritual development (10%).

Qualities required: a deep love for God and His people and the willingness and ability to lead within a team with a servant heart.

Applicants should agree with the Confession of Faith and core purpose and values of Morrow Gospel.

The Confession and a detailed job description are available upon request.

This will begin as a half-time position and could become full-time. Submit resume to Discernment Team 2016, discernmentteam@morrowgospel.org, 755 St. Anne’s Road, Winnipeg, MB R2N 4G6.

Where are position ads to be sent?

Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited.

Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 33

Column • A Reader's Viewpoint

Normal Time Is Not Wasted Time

S Life is passing me by. I’m already twenty-seven years old. My thoughts turn to Jesus. What was he doing at my age?

Diana Peters (EFC Steinbach) serves as an administrative assistant in the EMC national office.

34 The Messenger • January 2017

DESIGNPICS

by Diana Peters

ometimes I begin to panic.

Why? I have no idea what I’m going to be when I grow up. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do with my life, what my purpose is.

My remaining years stretch out before me, a blank canvas with the pools of paint on the palette beginning to dry. Life is passing me by. I’m already twenty-seven years old.

You may laugh. I know it seems ridiculous, as I’m still young. But if you think about it, society seems to indicate that a person should know what his or her life is going to look like, especially in regards to career, by the time he or she graduates from grade 12. Tell me, how many of you knew exactly where your life was going when you were 18?

Oh, I thought I knew what some of my future would look like. And I did some of that. And I most definitely had dreams. I still do. But things change.

So here I am, 30 on the horizon, and I sometimes feel like I have nothing to show for it. I’m not in an established career. I am not married with two children and another one on the way.

I do not own my own house with enough yard space to have a few cats and a dog. Though I am happy with where I am, I don’t feel like I am truly adult-ing yet.

My thoughts turn to Jesus. What was he doing at my age? We don’t know exactly. Our guess is that He was probably working in carpentry and helping his Mom with raising his younger siblings.

He was still three years away from when He actively started His ministry. If this is so, it means He was a single young adult, living at home, working in His Dad’s (earthly) business.

I don’t think that these years, years that made up the majority of Jesus’ time on earth, were wasted years. He was still doing His Father’s heavenly business.

He was living in the normal day-to-day portion of life, as we all do. He calmly bided His

time, a time of purpose and preparation. And when it was time, He was ready. Ready for the glorious and the terrible.

If I put myself in my complete humanness and with no divineness into Jesus’ shoes, I think I would panic even more than I do now, especially knowing I only had six more years and three of those were already mapped out to an extent (not all pleasant). All of a sudden, my panic in my own reality seems unfounded.

I do not know how much time I have left. It might be six years. It might be more. It might be less.

I do not know what my remaining years will look like, what I will all accomplish, what dreams I will fulfill. But here’s what I’m learning as I look to Jesus: I am about my Father’s business in the here and now, the normal.

Every day is a completion of God’s purpose for my life for that day and a preparation for God’s purpose for my life for the coming days.

And because I know all this I can live trusting in the Lord to guide my path, as He has guided me here. In Him I have peace.

Column • Stewardship Today

A Lesson On Sharing

A

by Dori Zerbe Cornelsen DESIGNPICS

father often took his five-year-old son to the local minor hockey league games. Each time, they saw the same homeless man in the parking lot asking for donations.

The first time, the son asked his dad why the man was asking for money, providing an opportunity for the dad to explain homelessness. The second time, the son asked why everyone didn’t give the homeless man money, which gave the dad a chance to share a lesson on charities and generosity.

On their third trip to the rink, the young boy approached the homeless man. The father and son now knew the man by name and often engaged him in brief, casual conversation. Suddenly, the boy reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a small bag of coins and, with a big smile, offered the bag to the homeless man.

The man smiled back, offering an appreciative “Thank you.” The dad could only smile as he fought back tears.

This young boy understood Abundance.

Even with a small bag of nickels and quarters, he felt he had enough to share and wanted to give something to their new friend. Abundance isn’t about wealth or excess or affluence. Abundance starts with gratitude and nurtures relationship.

When you’re grateful for what you have, whether a little or a lot, you want to share it with others.

There is actually much evidence out there that says living generously is good for us! The book, The Paradox of Generosity: Giving We Receive, Grasping We Lose, is the result of a five-year social scientific study of financial giving done in the United States. The authors conclude that, “Generous financial givers are happier people.”

The research also suggests that “while money cannot buy happiness, giving it away actually associates with greater happiness.” In the story, the boy, the father, and the homeless man were all affected favourably by this simple act of generosity.

The authors of Paradox of Generosity go on, “This win/win outcome of generosity also holds true for other kinds of well-being, such as health, avoidance of depression, purpose in life,

Research also suggests that “while money cannot buy happiness, giving it away actually associates with greater happiness.”

and personal growth.” In contrast, when we don’t live generously and strive to protect ourselves against future uncertainties and misfortunes, “we are affected in ways that make us more anxious about uncertainties and vulnerable to future misfortunes.” If this is true, why wouldn’t we all want to give?

Better health and happiness are simply the side effects of generosity. At Abundance Canada, we work with some of the most generous people in Canada. For them living generously is not about the size of their wallet; it’s about the depth of their heart. They don’t give because they can—they give because they want to. They are passionate about the charities they choose to support and eagerly seek out ways to express their generosity.

Our organization was built on the understanding that God is generous and that God invites us to share. When we are generous, we reflect God’s character.

Abundance Canada offers a vari- Dori Zerbe Cornelsen is a ety of services to help people live gift planning consultant at generously. We can help you discover Abundance Canada serving ways to give generously, both now generous people in Maniand later in life—for example, a gen- toba and Saskatchewan. For erosity plan in your will. Every person more information on impulhas unique circumstances. Abunsive generosity, stewardship dance Canada consultants will listen education, and estate and to your story, identify your charitable charitable gift planning, congoals and develop a plan to help you tact your nearest AC office or experience faithful, joyful giving. visit abundance.ca.

www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 35

Column • Kids’ Corner

Try Something New

D The Wright Brothers wanted to fly.

So in 1903 they invented the first airplane.

36 The Messenger • January 2017

DESIGNPICS

by Loreena Thiessen

o you like to try something new?

Sometimes trying something new is scary. You don’t know if you’ll like it.

You don’t know how it will turn out.

Trying something new takes courage. You have to be brave. This means that even if you’re afraid you try it anyway.

A new thing to try can be a small thing. Like crumbling an oreo cookie into your ice-cream.

Or melting a cheese slice on a piece of apple pie.

Or eating spinach.

Some new things are big. They are so big Today we know many new things about space they change everything. and the world because of the work scientists do For example, in 1876 Alexander Graham Bell at the ISS, the International Space Station. invented the telephone. This was a new thing These new things make life more convenient, after he discovered that sound travels along wire. more interesting, and fair for everyone.

He created the telephone because he wanted to An example from the Bible who was asked send the sound of the human voice from here to do something new was Moses. Moses was a to another place. Today almost everyone carshepherd in a far desert. One day God had a new ries their own phone and you can talk to anyone job for him. It was big and it required courage. wherever they are.

Moses argued with God. “I am not brave,” he The Wright Brothers wanted to fly. So in said. “I cannot do it.”

1903 they invented the first airplane. Today you But God had a plan. He sent his brother can fly to Disneyland, or the Swiss Alps, or anyAaron to help him. Aaron would speak for where at all.

Moses. God promised that He would be with Many years ago in the United States there him too. And Moses managed to do the job. He was a law that allowed black people to sit only at faced Pharaoh and asked him to let his people the back of a bus. Rosa Parks believed this was go. He was able because of what God did for not right or fair. She believed all people should him. Read Exodus 4:10 to 12; 13:8. be allowed to choose where to sit. She dared to What new thing would you like to try? do what was right and stayed at the front of Activity the bus. In 1955 the old law was changed.

Need: notebook, pencil, crayons, or coloured pencils In 1969, after years of study and Do: Choose one new thing you want to try. inventions, the first - a new food, like turnips, beets or okra. astronauts walked on - a new activity, like learning to play the violin, or a new swimming stroke the moon. Neil Arm- make a new friend. strong said it was “one - start a reading group, or read a new book with a friend. small step for man, one giant leap for manKeep a record: In a notebook divide your pages into four parts like this: kind.” And it was.

My choice. Do I like it? Any difficulties? Will I continue? Write up or draw pictures of your experience. Share with family or friends.

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