Place of Meeting May 2012

Place of Meeting

A church for all generations A photograph shown by Geoff Wichert raises a laugh at a delightful Palm Sunday gathering of younger kids and seniors that featured intergenerational sharing and got the children into the kitchen, whipping up some traditional foods from scratch. April was a rich and full month that included Holy Week services for young and old, as well as a Sunday worship planned and led by the youth, following their successful March Break service and learning trip to Miami. See inside for more!

Toronto United Mennonite Church May 2012

Huipil Place of Meeting is the meaning of the Huron word “toronton,” from which our city gets its name. Fittingly, it can also mean “plenty” or “abundance.”

Place of Meeting is also the monthly newsletter of Toronto United Mennonite Church. May you find plenty here to enjoy and ponder. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of the congregation as a whole.

Contributions of all kinds are enthusiastically received, through the mail folder in the lobby or at dmartens@pathcom.com Next month deadline: May 29 Have you discovered the allcolour online version of Place of Meeting? If you would like to receive it in PDF form via email, please write a note with details to the above address.

Production Editor: Doreen Martens

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tarting this fall Canada will be phasing out the penny and businesses will be returning their pennies to financial institutions to be melted down and recycled.

In a recent poll the CBC asked: “Does getting rid of the penny make ‘cents’?”

It can make lots of cents for Mennonite Central Committee!

So don’t get rid of your pennies too soon. Collect your pennies this summer and join us for the grand finale of Penny Power campaigns at TUMC this fall. This is your chance to find all those pennies hidden in all corners of your house and use them for a good cause before they are melted down.

Here’s a what your pennies can do: • 10 cents pays for one quinine tablet to treat malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• 25 cents is the average cost to ship one can of meat.

• 40 cents provides home-based care training for one person living with HIV and AIDS in Nepal.

• 50 cents pays for medical care for one child in Ukraine for one month.

• 83 cents is the cost of one day of a Global Family education sponsorship.

• 210 cents purchases literacy curriculum and materials for one woman in Bangladesh for one month.

The Sunday School children will be our partners for the Penny Power campaign. They have done such a great job collecting loose change for various MCC projects every Sunday and we are excited to work with them for an even larger campaign We will also be posting regular MCC updates on giving projects and other MCC stories on the TUMC Facebook page.

–– Avery Peters and Bill DeFehr

Putting a price on carbon A proposed action for TUMC

Letter of support for carbon fee and dividend Earth’s natural systems are under increasing stress from human-induced global warming, and there is grave concern we may be rapidly approaching irreversible tipping points for the earth’s climate. Failure to act now will doom current and future generations to a host of catastrophic effects – shortages of food and water, displacement of millions by rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather disasters, and possible societal breakdown.

Canada, as one of the world’s leading per capita sources of atmospheric greenhouse gases, must take decisive steps now to reduce its emissions through a national energy strategy and encourage other nations to follow our lead. An important component of such a strategy should be a transparent and effective carbon pricing mechanism. We favour Carbon Fee and Dividend, where the federal government would charge a Carbon Fee on fossil fuels where they first enter the economy as a way to stimulate the transition away from fossil fuel dependence and towards clean energy alternatives. A direct and steadily-increasing carbon fee will accelerate this transition by erasing fossil fuels’ artificial price advantage over energy efficiency and low-carbon energy.

Revenue from the carbon fee would be returned to the public as a Carbon Dividend. The carbon dividend will shield households from the impact of rising fossil fuel costs, while retaining the economic incentives to move consumers away from coal, oil and gas. The clear price signal provided by the carbon fee will push investment toward clean-energy technology and energy efficiency. Such a policy will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will also foster the creation of the 21st century jobs Canadians need and want.

Imposing border adjustments on imports from nations that do not yet have equivalent carbon pricing would protect Canadian businesses from unfair competition. These tariffs are allowable under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and will create a further incentive for other nations to adopt their own carbon fee and dividend programs.

For the good of our nation and the Earth, and in the hope that we may preserve a livable world for current and future generations, we the undersigned urge our federal government to implement with the utmost haste a rising carbon fee on fossil fuels, with 100 percent of the revenue generated being returned directly to the public.

Sincerely, We the Undersigned

One of the contributors to our excessive use of fossil-fuels is the artificially low price on carbon.

The cost to human and environmental health is not fully included in the price of carbon-based fuels.

So they appear “cheaper” than the alternatives. Many jurisdictions are moving to rectify this with carbon-pricing mechanisms like carbon taxes or cap and trade systems. As Canada’s provincial and federal energy ministers meet this summer to craft a national energy strategy, many are urging them to include a carbonpricing mechanism as part of the strategy. The Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL), of which I am a member, believes that a carbon fee and dividend is the simplest, most transparent and effective way to do this (see left). A version of this has already been implemented in British Columbia. We are seeking support for this proposal from businesses, organizations and individuals in time for the upcoming energy ministers’ meeting. I recommend that TUMC sign on to this letter. This will be discussed at the May 27 Congregational Meeting. If you have questions in the meantime, you can contact me or visit the CCL website citizensclimatelobby.ca/ –– Doug Pritchard

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5 Things We Need to Care for Creation (but haven’t figured out yet)

By Darren Kropf, MCC Ontario Creation Care Blog

O

nce you get past the realm of individual households, it becomes apparent there are large things we need to change at the societal level to reach a sustainable way of life. These are the things we need to do, but haven't figured out how. I could probably list a lot, but in keeping with the Top 5 things I've been doing lately, here's a sample.

1. Beyond Growth This world is all we've got. We don't get anymore. Yet we live in a world that assumes more is better. Better for our happiness, better for the economy, better for everyone. Even if it were true (which it's not), we'd eventually get to a point of no more growth.What does a steadystate economy look like? What does satisfaction in consumption mean?

2. No Waste We assume waste is inevitable. But no other creature on the planet does. For them, waste = food. What is waste for one species is food for another. Can we eliminate waste entirely? Actually, this is the one I have the most hope for. Technology won't solve everything, but I think a commitment to good design can go a long way in reducing waste from the very beginning.

3. Reject Mobility In our globalized world, travel is essential. It is the sign of financial success and, let's be honest, the key to some really great vacations. Not to mention how essential travel is to an organization like MCC that is committed to building relationships. Yet it's not healthy for us or the planet to travel so much. How do find joy in our home communities, while still being responsible global citizens?

4. War No More There can be no doubt - war and violence are the biggest offense against creation. We must find peaceful ways to live together. Can we reach the tipping point where we all say "enough!" There are inspiring examples throughout history where this has happened. Why can't it happen today?

5. Replace Competition with Cooperation We love to stratify people. Winners here, losers there. Everything from sports, to business to education is designed to put people in competition with each other. Yet creation doesn't work that way. Each species in an eco-system has its niche, and by fulfilling its role, the whole system flourishes. Could we create a culture that values cooperation more than competition? I'd like to think so.

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What do you think? Am I living in fantasy land? Or can we actually achieve these goals? ––Submitted by Doug Pritchard

Holy Week at TUMC Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday was celebrated with a lively procession of palms, above, on April 1 this year. Left and below: the TUMC tots had a great time dyeing Easter eggs. Below, they show off their creations.

(Thanks to Shauna Heide for photos)

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Holy Week at TUMC Good Friday

Good Friday’s dual gatherings, a morning one geared to families and an evening service for adults, invited us to reorient ourselves, literally as well as figuratively.

Facing toward the west wall, we gathered around tables or on the floor to eat together a simple meal of fruit and cheese.

The story of the crucifixion from the Gospel of John was slowly inscribed all around the sanctuary, a continuation of our Lenten theme of a “covenant written on our hearts.”

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Holy Week at TUMC Good Friday

The story of the crucifixion unfolded in many different ways: in readers’ theatre, in story telling, in hand signing, Taize chants, in Communion (grapes and crackers for children), in instrumental music, and symbolically in the candles extinguished as the night drew on, and the silver-lined black cloth that draped the room and tables and, in the end, raised the cross.

Left, John Epp tells the story of the betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane; an instrumental group accompanies singing; Emily Loewen and Elise Epp tell the story of Peter’s denial in words and original music.

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Holy Week at TUMC Good Friday and Easter

The cross is raised high at the completion of the Crucifixion story, above. At the end, participants young and old came forward to place a jagged piece of the cloth from their own tables on the altar, acknowledging perhaps our own part in this central story of betrayal, sin, sacrifice, death and hope of the coming Resurrection.

Right, celebrating together with traditional Easter breads and fruit after an Easter service filled with joyous song, bright colours and a cross draped in white after a long season of Lenten solemnity.

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TUMC Membership in Supportive Congregations Network: A survey

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n June 2003 TUMC reached consensus that our worship, church life, and church membership would be open to all persons regardless of sexual orientation. In 2004 we had conversations about how to make public our welcome; in November 2004 we agreed by consensus to adopt the statement now in our bulletin and on our website rather than join SCN (the Supportive Congregations Network). We were unable to reach consensus in June 2003 on two issues: the calling of a pastor who is LGBT and blessing same-sex unions, but we agreed to remain in dialogue.

Since 2003 the conversations have continued at TUMC, from 2003 to 2005 as part of the work of the Healing and Reconciliation Team and the Implementation Team. From 2005 to 2009 conversations were led by the informal Welcoming Church Working Group and then the Inclusion Team approved by the congregation in June 2009. There have been several meetings and a Soup & Sophia with Carol Wise of BMC (Brethren and Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, the group that hosts the SCN). The Inclusion Team has made presentations to the Board on inclusion more generally as well as the inclusion of LGBT persons. Our inclusion team has made the Board aware that there are some within TUMC encouraging the church to take a more public welcoming position.

At the Annual General Meeting in February 2012 the congregation received and accepted a report from the Inclusion Team that proposed that TUMC take action on some of the steps on which we had previously not reached consensus. You asked the Board to determine how best to proceed. The Board discussed the report at several Board meetings as well as at our annual Board retreat (April 21). One step that has been discussed for many years at TUMC and that would be relatively easy to implement is to join SCN. We have decided to survey the congregation to assess the level of support for joining SCN, which will help us determine whether more discussion is needed and how much.

What is required for us to join SCN? •We must have engaged in a process of study on this issue (which we have done).

• We must have a welcome statement that includes welcome of LGBT people (which we have).

• We must make a small annual financial contribution to SCN.

What is SCN? A list of groups and congregations that have identified themselves as welcoming of LGBT persons.

For more information and a list of churches (and several other groups) that have joined, go to the SCN website at www.bmclgbt.org/scn.shtml.

The current Canadian members of SCN are Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church (no longer a member of Mennonite Church Alberta), Mennonite House Church in St John’s N.L., and a Parents Group based in London, ON. Warden Woods and Olive Branch Mennonite Churches were members before they disbanded as congregations. Both were part of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. There are 51 congregations in the US that belong to SCN.

Some factors to consider in a decision to join SCN: • Joining SCN would be an extension of the welcoming statement in our bulletin and on our website.

• LGBT people looking for a church community will know that they are welcome and safe attending TUMC.

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Membership in SCN? A survey • LGBT people new to Toronto or the Mennonite Church may more easily discover that TUMC is a welcoming congregation.

• Joining may provide reaffirmation to youth that TUMC is a safe place to explore issues of sexual identity.

• We would be taking a more active stand on a social justice issue.

• We could network with other welcoming congregations to learn from them and, perhaps, be able to share our experience and resources with other congregations.

• We will be linking ourselves publicly to the advocacy of BMC within the wider church.

• For some in the congregation, BMC’s support for blessing same-sex covenants and ordaining LGBT pastors is counter to their understanding of Scripture and the Confession of Faith in Mennonite Perspective.

• We might become a focus of attention and even the cause of rifts within Mennonite Church Canada, while it is in the midst of a discernment process on questions of scriptural authority and human sexuality (Being a Faithful Church).

• We will need to make a small financial contribution every year to BMC.

Surveys can be valuable tools in processes of discernment and consensus-building. A survey is not a vote, it is an attempt to “take the temperature” of a group. The outcome of this survey will not imply a decision by the church. Any decision will be made at a congregational meeting. The survey (with this introduction) will be emailed to the TUMC email list and hard copies will be available on the literature table in the foyer. There are two questions: How long you’ve attended TUMC; and how you feel about TUMC joining SCN. We invite you to reflect carefully and prayerfully before you respond but ask that you return the survey by Monday, May 14, if possible. Please return the survey page to Richard Ratzlaff (ratzlaffr@yahoo.com), Doug Pritchard (DouglasJPritchard@gmail.com) or Marilyn Zehr (marilyn.zehr@gmail.com). If you use a hard copy, please add your name on the back of the page or on an envelope with your survey enclosed. We will not keep track of how individuals responded but we wish to have some idea of the range of people within the congregation who have responded.

–– The TUMC Board

TUMC thanked Alicia Good for her months of service to the church as a pastoral intern on April 22.

Alicia will be continuing her practicum with a second internship at Danforth Mennonite.

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TUMY hits the trail

The TUMC youth group took a hike with sponsors and little mascot Grant Penner on the Leslie Spit one foggy April Sunday, spotting lots of interesting birds and generally goofing around. Photos

by Jonathan Slater.

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My time on Leadership Council

By Ed Heide As some of you know, I have spent the last 6 years as a member of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada’s (MCEC) Leadership Council. I completed my second 3 year term at MCEC’s Spring Gathering in Leamington on April 28.

I would like to give you a brief glimpse into what that time involved, and what it has meant to me. When I was initially approached by E.Paul Penner, then on MCEC’s Gift Discernment Committee, I saw it as another opportunity to get to Kitchener to hang out with my grandsons, in addition to hopefully benefitting the Council. Over time, the meetings became very important times of working with some very dedicated Mennonite Christians, some pastors and some lay persons, who are doing some very important work in the Ministry of the broader church. We met every 6 weeks or so.

The primary functions of Leadership Council (LC), are to support the Area Church Minister and the Coordinator of Leadership Formation in their roles of calling pastors to ministry, credentialing pastors towards licensing and ordination, and providing pastors with ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.

Along with the Area Church Minister, a few of us participated in each of the interviews involving either new, young pastors seeking to be licensed in MCEC, or more experienced pastors whose congregations were asking for them to be ordained.

These were very personal, intense meetings, where the candidate was asked about his/her faith development, life balance, goals, based on their MLI

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(Ministerial Leadership Information). The interviewing committee would then come up with a list of affirmations, and a list of areas for continued growth. One of the candidates whose licensing interview I was a part of was our own Marilyn Zehr, some time prior to TUMC calling her to be our pastor. I found I really enjoyed these interviews, as they helped me apreciate the complexities of pastoral work, and to get to know the wealth of talent that we had in MCEC. Some of the more difficult issues we dealt with were those involving disciplining pastors who had crossed boundaries in their work. In the area of pastoral training, in an effort to reduce the loss of young pastors from ministry, we developed the TiM (Transitioning into Ministry) Program. TiM has brought new pastors together with coaches and mentors 2-3 times a year, for the first 3 years of pastoral ministry, to build in extra supports as they find their feet in a new field. We have found this program to be paying big dividends on the investment that churches and conference make in their pastors.

Other North American Mennonite conferences are now following this model. For me, this has been one of the most exciting developments coming out of my time on LC. One final area of LC’s work that I will mention is pastoral sabbaticals. Once a pastor has served 6 consecutive years in a congregation, he/she becomes eligible for a 4 month funded sabbatical. Once the pastor has received the congregation’s blessing for a leave, LC asks for a detailed plan of how the time away will be spent, to ensure there is a healthy balance of rest and study/work. LC’s say in the plan comes from generally having a financial contribution to the sabbatical, as well as its interest in the mental health of the pastor.

Overall, in reflection, I feel richly blessed by my time on LC. Seeing first hand the work of the broader church, the hand of God in calling persons into pastoral ministry, the healing of the Spirit in places where pain has been inflicted, have all been enriching to my life.

Should you happen to get “the call” to sit on LC, I would be pleased to talk with you about the opportunity.

Kids cook up something delicious

Venture Club and Junior Youth kids did the major work on Palm Sunday of preparing some traditional foods familiar to many of the TUMC retirees they’d invited for lunch, including zwiebach (double yeast buns) and verenika (cheese dough pockets), both tricky, labour intensive foods.

While the results were a little unorthodox in appearance, they tasted terrific, and our young chefs got some valuable hands-on kitchen experience!

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Kids cook up something delicious

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Kids and older folk enjoyed lunch together, then had a time of sharing stories. Geoff Wichert, above left, shows pictures of seniors taken in their youth and offers clues to help them guess whose pictures they are. Left, Harriet Dick shows a Swiss cowbell that was passed down to her, a reminder of her youthful days on the farm.

Leaders of tomorrow – and today

On April 22, the high school youth planned and led a wonderful worship service replete with thoughtful, funny and revealing reflections on their service and learning trip to Miami. Left, the group recites the covenant they created together and lived by during the trip.

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Leaders of tomorrow – and today

Clockwise from left: Sarah Lepp and Cheyanne Wolf Ear lead children’s time; Timoni Langoya talks about his experience in Florida, Madeleine Wichert drums, Derek Schmucker and youth pastor Johnathan Slater play together, Quintin Fast offers his reflections. Several of the youth spoke about how the trip had opened their eyes to the world’s needs and sparked a desire to keep on volunteering. (Some photos by Tim Schmucker) Place of Meeting page 16

Scenes from life at TUMC

Above and left: “Refugees” line up to be processed by Evan Heise in a role-playing exercise during an April 22 adult education class on refugee issues. Top left, Ruth Martin is given a hard time by Diana Galego, playing a unsympathetic immigration officer. Above, Luis Mata, himself a refugee from Colombia, explains the new barriers that refugees will face under a draconian immigration bill.

Below: kids unfurl a banner after activity time showing how they’ll serve others.

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TUMC Sisters

STRAWBERR STRAWBERR WBERRYY SOCIAL @TUMC Time: 5 pm to 8:30 p pm Date: June 5th, 2012

Ladies and Girls Ages 3 To 103

Location: 1774 Queen St. East, Toronto Postal Code M4L 1K8 Toronto United Mennonite Church

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