Vol. 44 No. 18 October 18, 2006 - Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Messenger
The
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOLUME 44 NUMBER 18 OCTOBER 18, 2006
The Worship Service:
What is its Purpose?
The
Messenger
EDITOR
Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Rebecca Buhler
THE MESSENGER is the publication
of the Evangelical Mennonite
Conference. It is available to the
general public. Its purpose is to
inform concerning events and
activities in the denomination,
instruct in godliness and victorious
living, inspire to earnestly contend
for the faith.
Letters, articles, photos and poems
are welcomed. Unpublished material
is not returned except by request.
Views and opinions of writers are their
own and do not necessarily represent
the position of the Conference or the
editors.
THE MESSENGER is published
twice a month (once a month in July
and August) by the EMC Board of
Church Ministries, 440 Main Street,
Steinbach, Manitoba.
Subscriptions: $12 per year
(Manitoba residents add 7% PST,
total: $12.84). Subscriptions are
voluntary and optional to people
within or outside of the EMC.
In cooperation with the EMC
Conference Council, members and
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On-line edition available at
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MESSENGER SCHEDULE:
No. 20 – November 15
(copy due November )
2
editorials
What would Edwin Wright think now?
Adam Robinson (Aberdeen)
Peter Hall (Anola)
Ed Johnson (Blumenort)
Tim Gibbons (Braeside)
Angel Infantes (Braeside)
Ferlin Abrahamson (Birch River)
Bryon Bezanson (Swift Current)
Vern Knutson (Crestview)
Luis Pitta (Brandon)
Doug Wildman (Endeavour)
David Kruse (Fort Garry)
Cameron McKenzie (Fort Garry)
Frank Winsor (La Crete)
Carlos Vera (Calgary)
Bill McCaskell (MacGregor)
Rick Hall (Grande Prairie)
Ward Parkinson (Morris)
Lorne Moorhead (Creighton)
Troy Selley (Oak Bluff)
David Pashe (Sioux Valley)
Don Timmons (Riverton)
Kelly Lesser (Roseisle)
Tom Warner (Steinbach)
Brad Schneck (Vanderhoof)
E
dwin Wright emigrated from England
to Canada. Later he became involved
with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Somehow he crossed paths
with Rev. Ben D. Reimer and served under
the Western Gospel Mission at Canora, Sask.
WGM later dissolved and Wright served as an
EMC pastor in the 1960s at Endeavour, Sask.,
and Riverton, Man.
Wright was likely the first non-Low
German pastor in an EMC church. Did he
feel culturally alone? Forty-five years later
he might not. The EMC Yearbook 2005 shows
leaders, pastors, and ministers with names
from many cultures.
The EMC started in 1812, and Professor
Royden Loewen says we separated from
a larger Mennonite church for faith, not
cultural, reasons.
Given what early Anabaptists taught and
died for, a wide range of names is appropriate
and necessary on our church rolls and
ministerial roster. Our conference slogan is
Christ Through Us to Others.
Still, Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg (WGM’s
former field man) might say we should
recapture Western Gospel Mission’s passion
to plant churches in Canada beyond Low
German circles. Edwin Wright might have
T
agreed. I know I would. M
Terry M. Smith
Anabaptists and Pentecostals
D
uring part of March 9–16, 2006, Mennonite World Conference’s general
council explored relationships between Anabaptists and Pentecostals.
A “findings group” concluded that
Anabaptists and Pentecostals can help each
other. Anabaptists should “explore what
is missing in our life as a community that
makes people hungry for what they find in
Pentecostal churches” (Courier, 2006).
Juan Francisco Martinez, a Mennonite
Brethren minister and a professor in
the U.S., said Pentecostals can assist
Anabaptists to “reconsider the role of the
Holy Spirit in the life of our congregations”
and to “recognize the Spirit’s role in…our
peace commitment, social justice, service
alongside the poor, prophetic witness, and
similar issues.” Mennonites can find that
“Pentecostal evangelistic fervor tends to be
contagious.”
Pentecostals, in turn, could reconnect
with their earlier heritage of being “a
counter-cultural community with pacifistic
tendencies and a simple lifestyle” and
learn to be an “intentional community,”
“church as community, one that speaks
prophetically in the world,” and of “the role
of community in reading and interpreting
Scripture,” he said.
I spent three good years within the
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, including
two years in ministerial training at Central
Pentecostal College (Saskatoon). The PAOC
was passionate about church planting and
foreign missions.
Central provided balanced teaching. We
were taught that there were two evidences
of being baptized in the Spirit and the more
important one was a changed lifestyle.
Rather than claim healing, we were to stop
using medical means after healing has
occurred, not before.
In contrast to my EMC experience,
culture was never an issue in the PAOC. The
Spirit of Pentecost makes people of many
T
cultures one in Christ (Acts 2). M
Terry M. Smith
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
letters
coming events
What Sider didn’t say
It was a thrill for me to attend the
EMC Annual Convention a couple of
months ago. A highlight for me was the
opportunity to hear Dr. Ron Sider. I was
blessed by his humble spirit, his depth
of insight into the issues of the day and
the centrality of the Scriptures in his
thinking and in the solutions he suggests
for the problems in our world today.
I was impressed by the fact that
the bottom line for Dr. Sider was not
how Mennonite we are, but rather how
obedient we as Mennonites are to the
Word of God. That is different from much
of Mennonitism today.
I have to admit, though, that I was
disappointed that, in his emphasis of
Mennonites being “peace agents,” he
largely missed out on a key opportunity
for Mennonites to be agents of peace. He
talked about the peace marches he has
participated in and the value he sees in
them.
As I listened to him I could not help
thinking that a much more proactive,
long-term effective and viable way to
spread peace is to infiltrate countries
all over the world, live there and
demonstrate on a day to day basis what
it means to be peace agents.
I think of the cry for native English
speakers to take on teaching positions in
countries which are totalitarian, anti-God,
oppressive, and promoters of violence. I
live and travel in Asia and am constantly
confronted with invitations for the
placement of English-speaking teachers.
What better way to be peace agents than
to live in an urban setting, perhaps even
on a university campus and live the Jesus
life on a day to day basis!
May I challenge our EMC to become
much more proactive in sending agents
of peace to areas of the world that
desperately need it? I realize that the
EMC has a long history of missions
involvement and have been sending
people abroad to other countries and
cultures. This is the time to intensify our
efforts, to make more of an investment in
personally planting seeds of peace.
Let’s take some risks in placing our
people in key areas where they can be
the fragrance of Christ,” the “light of the
world, the “salt of the earth,” planters of
the seed of peace.
It is not enough to come out of our
Mennonite “villages” in large groups
and do an afternoon peace march; we
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
will accomplish more by life-related
demonstrations of Christ’s peace in daily
life, even at considerable personal and
denominational risk. Let’s move forward!
Elmer Warkentin
Thailand
Church’s personal
requirements not
part of baptism
Regarding Terry Smith’s editorial on
baptism and church membership (July 5,
2006), I agree that church membership
is not something to be balked at. Though
not specifically outlined in scripture,
membership is something that has
developed in the church over the years,
and is nothing to be afraid of. As an
entity in this world, the church as an
organization needs membership to run.
However, it is appalling when a church
places its own personal requirements
for membership upon those who wish
to be baptized. Nowhere in scripture is
such a practice found. Rather, we see the
eunuch asking, “What is to stop me from
being baptized now?” and we see Philip
without a single objection.
Our very Anabaptist roots protest
against heavy handed membership
rites. It was because the Catholic church
associated membership in an earthly
body with membership in the heavenly
body that our movement was born. Our
forefathers believed that membership
within the church needed to be by choice.
There are indeed many reasons why
people resist church membership. Some
objections are spurious, and others are
reasonable. Still, maybe the validity of
their reasons isn’t the issue. Aren’t our
membership meetings attended by only
a fraction of our members anyways? Will
forcing a person to add their name to
our membership roster somehow bloom
interest in them? Why force membership
on someone who doesn’t want it?
(Unless we are merely concerned about
increasing our numbers.)
If a church’s only requirement for
membership in their body is to be
baptized by one of their members, then
so be it. But I pity the church who would
deny any believer the service of baptism
for petty, denominational reasons.
Alan Fehr
Pinawa, Man.
October 26
Consider the Lilies of the Field
Eden Foundation fundraising banquet
Steinbach Mennonite Church
Steinbach, Man.
204-325-5355 or 866-895-2919
[email protected]
October 27
Consider the Lilies of the Field
Eden Foundation fundraising banquet
Bethel Mennonite Church
Winnipeg, Man.
204-325-5355 or 866-895-2919
[email protected]
October 28
Uncluttering our lives:
The call to simplicity
Region 8 Women’s Day
Ridgewood EMC
Giroux, Man.
204-326-2957
November 10
Christ’s Peace in a World of Terror
Interactive event for youth groups
and high school students
Meadow Brook Fellowship
Leamington, Ont.
416-423-9229
[email protected]
November 10–11
Living in New Ways
MCC Ontario Annual Meeting
Meadow Brook Fellowship
Leamington, Ont.
[email protected]
December 2–4
EMC Ministerial Retreat
Speakers: John and Anne Neufeld
Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre
Pinawa, Man.
204-746-2702 or 204-746-8360
[email protected]
Sunday School,
Care Group Resource
The Church that Christ Builds, by
Dr. Arden Thiessen, is now available.
A 13-lesson study on the Book of
Ephesians, it’s
designed for personal
inspiration and group
study. 144 pages. $8
plus postage. Order
directly from Arden
Thiessen at 204-3261662 or ardenths@
hotmail.com.
Beyond division
The Worship Se
The central issue is not how many people we can attract to our
worship services. It is how we can best minister to the spiritual
well-being and witness of the church as it affects each age
group in the church.
I
’ve visited numerous evangelical
churches in several denominations,
and in almost all I noted a generational
division in the worship service.
Although there have always been
contentions in the church (Acts 6:1–7, 1
Corinthians 3:4, 1 Corinthians 12) these
appear to have increased with our “new”
styles of worship, which target people
groups, rather than focus on exegetical
preaching and balance in music.
To give us some indication of the enormity of this
issue we need only go to the Internet and type in
worship styles. More than one million hits turn up.
Volumes have been written about this situation in
the church. But is the real issue choosing the right
worship style?
Judging by the many church billboards
announcing multiple worship services—Traditional,
Contemporary, Blended, and Liturgical—one might
conclude this is indeed the issue, as well as the
solution: Choose the right style of worship and your
problems are solved. But are multi-worship styled
services fostering unity in the church?
Dan Lucarini, a one-time secular rocker and
a former Contemporary Christian Music pastor,
disagrees: “This is a family fight, a disagreement
between brothers and sister in Christ, whom I care
enough about to warn them against any involvement
in such unproductive and divisive movement. I want
to challenge Contemporaries to consider their role
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
What
r v ice: is its
Purpose?
in CCM P&W [contemporary
Christian music praise and
worship] and show them a
better way” (Why I Left the
Contemporary Christian Music
Movement, p.19).
Maybe Rick Warren’s
prediction, that churches will
inevitably lose members over
the music styles they choose,
could be interpreted as a partial
solution to divisions in the body,
by having the discontented,
trouble makers leave: “Once
you decide on the style of music
you’re going to use in worship,
you have set the direction of
your church in far more ways
than you realize. It will
determine the kind of people you
will attract, the kind of people
you keep, and the kind of people
you lose” (The Purpose Driven
Church, p. 280). But is that what
we really want?
How can we best minister?
The central issue, as I
understand from the Scriptures,
is not how many people we can
attract to our worship services.
It is, rather, how we can best
minister to the spiritual wellbeing and witness of the church
as it affects each age group in
the church. Youth are not less
important than seniors, nor
are seniors less important than
youth.
Paul makes this clear in his
letter to the Corinthians: “The
body is a unit, though it is made
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
Henry Hiebert
up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form
one body…God has combined the members of the body…so that
there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should
have equal concern for each other…If one part suffers, every
part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices
with it…Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is
a part of it (1 Cor. 12:12–27).
This inevitably brings us to a weakness within the seekersensitive church movement led by men like Bill Hybels and
Rick Warren. Although not officially verbalized, this movement
targets more the youth, especially non-Christians, as shown by
Contemporary Christian Music, Praise and Worship, and pop/
rock worship styles.
Rick Warren puts it this way: “We use the style of music the
majority of people in our church listen to on the radio. They
like bright, happy, cheerful music with a strong beat. Their ears
are accustomed to music with a strong base line and rhythm...
It’s called contemporary pop/rock” (The Purpose Driven Church,
p.285).
Where does this leave those who don’t have their radios
tuned to pop/rock, young or old? Are they the lesser members
in the body that can be ignored in the worship service? Does
this square with Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians? It doesn’t
take complicated research to see that instead of building the
body of Christ across generational lines, in keeping with
Scripture, the very opposite is happening.
It’s for the Church!
If choosing the right style of worship is not the answer, then
what is, and how can we correct the problem of divisions?
5
Whether we use drums and guitars
or organ and piano, or whether
we sing choruses or hymns, is
secondary to this central purpose
of ministering to the Body of Christ
in accordance with the instructions
given us in God’s Word.
First, an article of this nature is
far too limited for detailed analyses
and proposed solutions. Music
is much more than rhythm, beat,
melody and lyrics, as I discovered
when studying the various nuances
of this art, including its spiritual/
emotional impact on the human
psyche.
Second, division in the body is
a spiritual matter and, although
worship style affects us spiritually,
the solution must be sought in our
textbook, the Bible.
We must begin with asking,
What is the purpose of the church
gathering?
I would suggest the primary
purpose is to strengthen believers
in the faith and to prepare them
for the task of witnessing in the
workplace, which includes fostering
a strong, united fellowship of
believers. The epistles are replete
with these instructions (Acts
6
20:28–31, Colossians 3:15–17, Hebrews 10:21–25). The seekersensitive/megachurch philosophy which targets the world,
rather than the believer, tends to divide along generational
lines, rather than to unite the church.
Evangelism is the mission of the church and to attract
unbelievers is to be applauded; but this is not the primary
purpose of our Sunday morning gatherings, especially at the
risk of alienating the very ones we are to shepherd (1 Peter
2:1–5). I might add, the task of shepherding in this context
is an all-inclusive ministry that begins with caring for the
flock and teaching those first, who are to teach others also
(2 Timothy 2:2).
Making the church attractive to the world at the expense
of destroying the unity of the saints has no basis in
Scripture, in my view. To conclude, the issue is not what
method can we use to attract the world into the church, but
rather how best can we equip the saints to be salt and light
in the world (Matthew 5:13–16).
Whether we use drums and guitars or organ and piano,
or whether we sing choruses or hymns, is secondary to
this central purpose of ministering to the Body of Christ in
accordance with the instructions given us in God’s Word.
Divisions have been in the church from its very
beginning. Paul is clear that the body of Christ is one;
everyone is equally needed for it to function effectively. For
one generation to despise the other, as we see happening in
many evangelical churches today, is not of the Lord. Much of
this divisive spirit is spawned by different styles of worship;
it often pits Boomers/Busters and Traditionals against each
T
other. There must be, and is, a better way. M
Henry Hiebert (Steinbach EMC) is a
retired college music professor and
public/private school administrator.
He is now serving as interim pastor at
Emmanuel Gospel Church in Lowe Farm,
Man. His pastoral experience includes
serving within various Mennonite and
non-Mennonite churches; the latter
include Baptist General Conference,
Christian and Missionary Alliance, Baptist
Union of Western Canada, and Church
of the Nazarene.
Laina
The story of Pastor Leonard Barkman’s mother, from 1919
to mid-1940s, by Betty Barkman
259 pp., $13 (plus shipping)
Contact [email protected]; 204-434-6460;
Box 17, Pansy, MB R0A 1J0; or EMC national office,
440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5; 204-326-6401;
or [email protected]
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
with our missionaries
Alberta
Project Macedonia 2006
Skits. Snacks. Crafts. Games. Water- centre for much VBS preparation. The campout at a local campground. We
balloons. Crayons. Stories. Puppets. Van first week felt intense, with doing VBS enjoyed playing sports, worshiping with
rides. Giving piggy-back rides. Good food. both in the morning at the neighboring the youth, and a Mexican-Mennonite
Fun songs. Friendly faces. And kids, kids, town of Noble Fort and in the evening at disco (barbecue).
Picture Butte.
Our last week of VBS was at Taber EMC.
kids!
Afternoons were spent preparing for On our first day we ended up with double
This was the bulk of our summer
as the 2006 Project Macedonia Team the next day and getting all the crafts the kids that we had anticipated. Though
this forced us to scramble to get
to Southern Alberta. Team
some extra crafts ready, it was a
members were Roland and
problem we were happy to have.
Jen Penner of Steinbach, Lucia
During the week we spent two
Bartsch of Blumenort, Melanie
evenings in Lethbridge working
Klassen of Morden, Ryley Fehr of
with Streets Alive, doing innerMorden (all Manitoba), and Lisa
city outreach. We also helped
Doerksen of Osler, Sask.
out at a local youth drop-in.
Our team met for orientation
As a small group of only six
at Steinbach Bible College where
we got to know each other fairly
we did extensive Vacation
quickly. Each person brought
Bible School preparation. The
their unique gifts to add to the
team members did a great
team. Another definite highlight
job of learning skits, telling
was getting to know the billet
Bible stories, and organizing
games, songs, and crafts. The Team members Roland and Jen Penner, Lucia Bartsch, Ryley Fehr, Melanie families and all the people who
opened their homes to us.
orientation also included really Klassen, and Lisa Doerksen.
The curriculum we used for all
encouraging and informative sessions in order. Even though the week felt
with Beth Braun, Ward Parkinson, and overwhelming at times, it was great to three weeks of VBS centred around the
Gerald Reimer, where we learned things see all the kids that turned out for VBS. treasure of God’s love. It was really neat
about children’s ministry and Canadian Many new connections were made with for us to see these kids memorize: “Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
church-planting. We were also able to families in the community.
After having a busy week and a half, we it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not
spend a memorable evening of ministry
were able get away to Waterton National rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily
at The Bridge in Winnipeg.
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Our first stop was at the Picture Park the following weekend.
The next week our team arrived at Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
Butte Mennonite Church (EMC) family
campout. It turned out to be a great way Vauxhall EMMC for our second week with the truth. It always protects, always
to meet the church and start connecting of VBS. Because the group during this trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
with the group we would be working with week was a bit smaller we were able to Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8).
We know that God’s Word is powerful
in the first week. We even learned a few get to know the kids better. We spent two
evenings in Lethbridge volunteering at and can have an impact on people’s lives.
new Low German jokes!
It was exciting!
Abe and Anna Bueckert from the the Interfaith Food Bank.
On the weekend the three churches
Roland and Jen Penner
Picture Butte church warmly welcomed
us into their home, which became a we were working with had a youth
Children attended VBS, where team members taught about God’s love,
sometimes through skits (right).
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
with our churches
Youth travel to New York City
Fort Garry (Winnipeg, Man.): Summer
is over and we are once again into our
regular church schedule.
Fort Garry EMC hosted a Neighbourhood Barbecue on September 9. It was
a lovely evening and it was special to
meet people from the neighborhood.
We also had university students join us
for the evening. The horse-drawn wagon rides, as always, were a big attraction, as was the jumping structure.
We are looking forward to the Sunday
morning messages for the next several
months. Cameron Mackenzie will be
bringing messages from the book of
Exodus, while Layton Friesen will be
studying the book of Revelation with
us. We trust these will encourage us in
our daily walk with the Lord.
It is good to reflect on the blessings
we received during the summer months.
Several of our young people served at
camp as counsellors, while some were
campers. For all of them it was a time of
growing in their faith.
A group of our young people had a
great experience in New York City this
summer. They were a group of nine
youth and three leaders. Our youth
pastor David Kruse had this to say
about their time in NYC: “It was worth
doing. I say it that way because it cost a
lot: Lots of time and effort and money.
But the joy of seeing our youth maturing
each in their own way was worth it.
They all became more self-aware and
saw people to care for. We matured as a
group, too, through the interaction and
decision-making.”
Here’s what Angela Reimer said
about the trip to New York:
For one week in July, 12 members
of our youth group participated in a
Centre for Student Missions trip to New
Twelve people went on the missions trip: Nine youth
and three leaders.
The group spent time teaching DVBS in Little Rock Baptist Church.
York City. We started off our CSM week
with a prayer tour in which we visited
three of New York’s five boroughs. We
traveled by subway and we also walked
about seven miles altogether that day.
Throughout the week we did
different activities in the mornings and
led a DVBS in the afternoon. We spent
one morning at a soup kitchen, where
we served soup and juice, but spent
most of our time interacting with the
people who came in to eat. They were
very friendly and willing to share their
stories with us, asking us questions
about Canada in return.
At another soup kitchen we folded
clothes to be given away to low-income
families. A few group members prayed
outside with people passing by the
church.
We spent another morning in the
only free furniture store in New York,
which is designed to provide furniture
to people who are getting off the streets.
We moved furniture, folded linens, and
learned about homelessness from one
of the store’s employees.
One morning we were sent into one
of New York’s five Chinatowns with
money for lunch and a list of questions
to ask (even though many people in
Chinatown don’t speak English). We
had to eat something that we’d never
had before, a daunting task for some
of us. (Actually, we ate new things all
week, because every night we went to
a different ethnic restaurant for supper;
we ate Malaysian, Mexican, Chinese,
Middle Eastern, Polish, and Indian.)
We were amazed at how stepping into
Chinatown felt like going to a different
country.
One evening we went the East
Village, where we were given questions
to ask and $1.50 each for supper, which
taught us about how challenging it is for
people on the street to feed themselves.
We pooled our money to buy donuts,
bread, and a grocery-store rotisserie
chicken—eaten without utensils. We
enjoyed learning about the colourful
and crazy place that is the East Village.
By far the biggest project of the week
was a DVBS we led every afternoon
at Little Rock Baptist Church in
Brownsville. We had planned skits,
songs, puppet shows, crafts, snacks,
and games for the kids, who ranged from
three to sixteen years old. Although we
did have to learn how to use our voices
properly (we were “too Canadian”—
that is, too quiet), we soon connected
with the kids.
They listened well during our
devotional talks and we trust that
they learned more about God and
how He wants us to live. Several of the
youth grew attached to the kids and it
was hard to say goodbye in the end.
Overall, the week was a great growing
experience for all who participated. We
learned a lot about our own abilities, as
well as our responsibility as Christians
to help others as best we can.
Youth: Angela Reimer
Reporter: Diana Remer
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
Excited by new people
Rosenort Fellowship (Man.): Where did
the summer go? Even though we did not
have many cloudy days, and even fewer
mosquitoes, we at RFC still managed to
have a great summer! Here are some of
the key events that took place.
Way back in April, we held a deacon
commissioning service. We welcomed
Elmer and Anne Brandt, and Cal and
Kim Kroeker as new deacons at RFC.
We are excited to see how God will use
them in our congregation.
Avery. Pastor John Driedger baptized
Craig Cornelsen, Jeremy Siemens,
Kristen Siemens, and Teresa Thiessen
on June 9. We held an earlier service to
accommodate the people who wished
to attend the Rosenort EMC baptism
service which was held on the same
morning. Our summer Sunday school
picnic took place at the Rosenort Rec
Centre in June as well.
July 9 was the Rosenort community
service, involving all three EMC
Pastor John Driedger with newly baptized Craig Cornelsen, Jeremy Siemens, Kristen
Siemens, and Teresa Thiessen.
We had a number of missionaries
join us for a Sunday morning this
summer. Danny Plett, Gordon Johnson,
and Elmer and Elvira Warkentin all
shared their time with us. It is always
appreciated when missionaries take
time from their busy schedule to share
what God is doing in other parts of the
world.
In May we held a baby dedication
for Tim and Tammy Sanderson’s girl
churches. It was held at Rosenort EMC
with Amos Fehr speaking.
Living Fountain Bible Camp was a
huge success this year again. It took
place in early August at the Beaver
Creek Bible Camp north of Riverton.
Approximately one hundred kids were
registered and had a great time. There
were many decisions made to follow
Jesus’ teachings. There is something
about the camp setting that really
speaks to the kids’ hearts and souls.
Only God knows the actual success of
camp!
In September we accepted Marvin
and Heidi Schmidt as new members at
RFC. They had moved from Paraguay to
Rosenort in January 2005. We are very
excited to have them as a part of our
church body.
We just got back from Wilderness
Edge in Pinawa. We had our Family Camp
up there from September 29 to October
1. Michael Fehr, our guest speaker from
the Gladstone Christian Fellowship,
spoke on God’s calling on our lives.
His messages were very challenging
and a great reminder of what our job
descriptions are as Christians here on
earth. He asked the question “what
sets the Christians apart from the nonbelievers?” This really spoke to me and
challenged me to examine my life as a
follower of Jesus.
There were approximately 110 people
attending, and a few more wishing they
had signed up a little earlier as we were
at capacity. I feel the church retreats
are great for renewing and making
friendships. It really brings a church
family closer to each other and closer
to God.
I am encouraged to see the direction
RFC is heading. We are a congregation
that has a desire to reach the lost and
less fortunate. It is awesome to be a
part of a church body when you are
personally experiencing good and bad
times. Let’s remember to encourage
and lift each other up in prayer in our
daily lives.
Ryan Friesen
EMCup Hockey Tournament
November 17–19, 2006
Steinbach, Manitoba
Tournament to begin on Friday,
November 17 at 5 p.m. Final game to
be played on Sunday, November 19 at
2 p.m.
Admission for this game is $2. Donations
go to Hockey Ministries International
to support their chaplain program for
junior hockey teams in western Canada.
For additional information call Colin
Loewen at 204-346-1380 or e-mail
[email protected].
Bernie Friesen with the loot at the Amazing Race during family
camp in Pinawa, Man.
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
Mission Impossible becomes Mission Accomplished
Anola, Man.: Zealous, the Anola Chapel
youth ministry, has used a field game
called Mission Impossible as its fall kickoff night for three consecutive years. The
event gets bigger every year, bringing in
many teens that don’t normally go to
church or youth. This year saw about 65
students attending. Here is one of many
stories that can be told of this annual
event:
It’s a rainy Saturday night in September, yet you arrive at Camp Fogolar tingling with anticipation. The driveway is
marked with a massive LED light; you’re
waved in by orange-vested greeters.
You hike toward the sound of pulsating
music and youthful conversations. Silhouettes materialize into people as you
reach the meeting place.
You shiver at the edge of the picnic
shelter-turned-base site. From the bordering darkness step the youth leaders,
sinister in their dark clothes and grease
painted faces. Grinning teenagers show
up for the game in black hoodies and
camouflage face-paints, gathering impatiently around picnic tables.
Your eyes sweep the shadowed,
unfamiliar “camp.” While the impending
game may be well-known, the location is
new for this year, so you must take stock
of your surroundings. A large wishing
well looms behind you, and beyond that,
a locked building. Vehicles of all sorts
are crammed into the nearby parking
lot…evidence that the event will be
well-staffed. A wall of speakers booms
hip-hop from beneath the shelter.
The music fades and a microphone
crackles to life. A middle-aged man,
dressed in a black sweatshirt and jeans,
raises his hands. “Everybody gather
’round!” he says. He explains the rules
and boundaries for the game. Music
reminiscent of Tom Cruise throbs faintly
in the background. Two college-age men
amble toward the mic.
The taller man clears his throat. He
acquaints the group with the plot, a
story of alchemists and foreign lands,
scientists and a strange rock. This rock
is hidden somewhere, and your task is
to seek it out and bring it back to the
base camp. “Remember,” the speaker
warns, “this isn’t Mission Difficult; this
is Mission Impossible.”
The soundtrack blares from the
amps, and everyone stampedes toward
the first checkpoint.
Checkpoint 1 is easy; follow the
crowd toward the blue light. Once you
reach this clearing, you receive your
first wristband and ticket. After this, you
can get caught by snipers at any time.
Kids shoot off all directions from the
checkpoint, crashing through the brush,
dashing across the open field, and
sneaking around vehicles in the parking
lot. Bright beams of snipers’ flashlights
pan across the area, with people diving
for cover as the light approaches.
Your heart sinks as a nearby flashlight
rests its beam on you. “Hand me your
ticket,” says a triumphant voice. You
dawdle a few minutes before returning
to Checkpoint 1 and starting again.
You head in a totally different
direction this time. Crawling on your
belly behind a hedge and sneaking
alongside a building brings you to a
clearing. You approach a harmlesslooking bystander. He turns to face you
and you gasp; he’s a sniper!
But, for once, you’re allowed to go
free. He directs you toward a stack of
straw bales off to the side. A tunnel
has been fashioned in the corner, and
you must crawl through it. You wedge
through, bumping against someone
ahead of you and being urged on from
behind.
At the end of the tunnel you are
handed a new wristband and ticket, and
told a password for Checkpoint 3. The
checkpoint officer points broadly east
and you begin another leg of your trek.
The toughest part is the constant
threat of snipers. Stacks of firewood,
scraggly bushes, even the shadow of an
old fridge become your refuge, but you
still get caught many times. You know
where to go, but can’t think how to stay
free long enough to get there.
Metres away from the third
checkpoint, you’re caught again. You
were so close this time! Fireworks
signal the end of the game, and your
chances are spent. You trek back to the
meeting place to join the others around
a bonfire. Mission Impossible has once
again proved impossible for you.
Very few succeed at Mission
Impossible, though many have tried.
Other stories include tales of triumph,
tales of near success, and tales of utter
failure. Yet it is Mission Accomplished,
because many teenagers from the
community have been introduced to
the youth group. We pray that we will
see some of these kids attending youth
throughout the year.
Jessica Wichers
births
A team of students and adults travelled to Ensenada, Mexico, where they built a house for a family in need.
The trip took place July 23–26, 2006. Pictured are the Anola team, the family who received the house, and the
Mexican foreman: (standing) Brian Davis, Harold Martin, Joyce Martin, Josh Wieler, “Senora” and “Senor,”
“Gerardo,” “Rudy” (foreman), Shaun Sawatzky, Raymond Nolt, Peter Hall, (seated) Geralyn Wichers, Rachel
Davis, Jessica Wichers, Jessica Melnyk, “Romano,” “Adriana,” Marissa Sawatzky, Starr Wiebe.
10
FIELD – to Tim and Matilda Field of
Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Page Wesley,
on January 9, 2006.
FEHR – to Wes and Angie Fehr of Pansy,
Man., a son, Malachi James, on September
23, 2006.
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
A day filled with emotion
Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): Sunday,
June 25, was a day filled with emotion.
We needed to say good-bye to
Scott Koop who is leaving us to take
on a pastoral internship at Gateway
International Church, in Calgary. Pastor
David Funk shared a beautiful way of
doing this that had been done for him
when he left his church to come here.
First, he gave Scott an opportunity to
“say good-bye” and tell of his plans;
then everyone who loved and supported
Scott was asked to stand. A chair was set
facing the door and we gathered behind
him praying for him and blessing him to
“go.”
Then there was a baptism. Chris
Verge had been too sick to be immersed
in river water a couple of weeks earlier.
Chris, eagerly awaiting his 20th birthday
in three days, has battled leukemia three
times—and that’s very rare! Doctors
don’t really know what to do with him.
He’s in remission right now, but because
of treatments over the years (since he
was 7) he has permanently lost most of
his hair, and most of his lung function.
But his brain and “spiritual heart” are
just fine, and his strength is a visible
reminder to not give up!
Brenda Dick
Scott Koop being blessed to go!
Scott Koop
weddings
REIMER – WIEBE: Kevin Reimer of Landmark,
Man., and Laurie Wiebe of Pansy, Man., were
married on September 16, 2006, in Steinbach,
Man. The couple lives in Landmark area.
Chris Verge
Malcolm Koop now a
credentialed YFC leader
Steinbach EMC: Sunday
October 1 saw a Youth for
Christ credentialing service
in our church. The service
was held for Malcolm Koop,
who has already been active
in Steinbach Youth for Christ
chapter for some time.
Steinbach Youth for Christ
chapter was started in 1989
with Jim Harms as the first
Executive Director. Before
that Harms was, for some 10
years, youth pastor at our
church.
Youth for Christ was Malcolm Koop was commissioned as a credentialed leader
organized at the end of World with Youth for Christ. Malcolm, shown here with his wife
War Two into a national Noella and son Rhys (Aiden not shown), has completed YFC’s
movement. Billy Graham leadership internship program. Taking part in the service
with prayer for Malcolm was Steinbach YFC’s executive
became YFC’s first full-time
director Jim Harms and Arden Thiessen.
staff member.
Dave K. Schellenberg
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
FUNK – BERG: Chris Funk and Kim Berg were
married on September 9, 2006 at Kleefeld EMC.
The couple lives in Steinbach, Man.
EILER – RECHT-SIGEL: Bob Eiler and Ruth
Recht-Sigel were married on August 30, 2006,
in Winnipeg, Man.
KLASSEN – HARMS: Dave Klassen and
Mary Harms were married on June 4, 2005,
at Leamington EMC with John Bartsch of
Leamington, Ont., officiating. The couple lives
in Leamington.
GIESBRECHT – KLASSEN: Abe Giesbrecht and
Tina Klassen were married on July 9, 2005, at
Leamington EMC with Lowell Froese officiating.
The couple lives in Alberta.
VASQUEZ – WALL: Alex Vasquez and Lisa Wall
were married in August 2005 at Leamington
EMC with John Bartsch of Leamington, Ont.,
officiating. The couple lives in Leamington.
WALL – ENNS: Henry, son of Henry and Tina
Wall of Leamington, Ont., and Susy, daughter
of John and Agatha Enns of Leamington, were
married on June 11, 2005, at Leamington EMC
with Jake Enns of Tilbury, Ont., officiating. The
couple lives in Leamington.
KLASSEN – WIEBE: Jake Klassen of Leamington,
Ont., and Lisa, daughter of Cornelius and Susan
Wiebe of Leamington, were married in July
2005 at Leamington EMC with John Bartsch
of Leamington officiating. The couple lives in
Leamington.
MARTENS – LETKEMAN: Ben Martens and Judy
Letkeman were married on May 21, 2005, at
Leamington EMC with Jake Enns of Tilbury, Ont.,
officiating. The couple lives in Leamington, Ont.
11
From Labrador and La Crete,
with thanksgiving
Kleefeld, Man.: We are very excited
about the installation of our new
associate pastor, Peter Ascough.
Peter and Irene, together with their
sons Christopher and Reuben, arrived
in Kleefeld after a one-month journey
from Labrador, where they had been
serving with MCC as directors at the
Labrador Christian Youth Camp. Before
that they had been serving in Ontario
as a youth pastor and assistant camp
director, respectively.
Peter and Irene met in Ontario
while working with young offenders,
and even before their marriage they
chose the words of Colossians 3:16–17
as their motto in life: “Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly as you sing
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word
or deed, do it all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through him.”
The commissioning service took
place on October 1 and was followed by
a potluck lunch for the church family.
Welcome back to Leanora Koop,
who transferred her membership back
to the Kleefeld EMC after an absence
of many years. Leanora’s testimony
was marked with thanksgiving and
joy as she recalled some of her past
experiences and highlights in her walk
with the Lord.
She transferred from the La Crete
Christian Fellowship, where she had
been worshipping during the 25 years
Peter and Irene Ascough, with Christopher and Reuben, at Peter’s commissioning as associate pastor on
October 1, 2006.
she taught elementary school in the
area. Previous to that, she also taught
in Brazil for four years. We are already
benefiting from Leanora’s friendly
personality and leadership qualities.
On October 6 the Kleefeld EMC
hosted the Community Thanksgiving
Supper at the Kleefeld School gym.
Special thanks go to all the volunteers
who helped make the evening a success.
Proceeds went to the Kleefeld/New
Bothwell First Responders to purchase
new equipment.
Louella Friesen
Region 8 Women’s Day
Uncluttering our lives:
The call to simplicity
October 28, 2006
Ridgewood EMC
A day for worship in music and listening
to guest speaker Deanna Treadway. The
day will also include a fashion show, MCC
Thrift Store style. Plan to attend this special
day and prepare yourself for the challenge
of simplifying your life.
12
Leanora Koop transferred in membership to Kleefeld
EMC on September 17, 2006.
STRAFFORDVILLE EMC
10TH ANNIVERSARY
Straffordville, Ontario
October 29, 2006
Service at 10:45 a.m., lunch, an
afternoon program followed by a
light supper. Everyone welcome.
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
writings shared
Gracious Christianity: Living the Love We
Profess by Douglas Jacobsen and Rodney J.
Sawatsky (Baker Academic, 2006), 140 pp., $16.50.
Reviewed by Rev. Terry M. Smith, executive secretary,
Board of Church Ministries.
G
racious Christianity focuses on how the
Christian faith is to be lived out graciously
in our belief in God and in our treatment of
others. Love of God and of our neighbour is
“the Jesus Creed.”
The book is co-authored by a former president and
a former professor of Messiah College, an institution
founded by the Brethren in Christ (which has an
Anabaptist connection). Sadly, one of its writers,
Rodney Sawatsky, died from brain cancer before the
book was completed.
Gracious Christianity succeeds as a gentle
introduction to, or as an overview of, the Christian
faith. It’s highly readable in style—other scholars, take
note! Thoughtful discussion questions are scattered
throughout the book.
Its eight short chapters look at God and creation,
human nature, hearing God’s voice, the fullness of
salvation, the Spirit and life, being church, the Bible,
and the future. The paperback conveys a rich, holistic
understanding of what Christ calls us to be and to do as
the world-wide, ecumenical Church.
Gracious Christianity is the sort of book I’d consider
giving to a Canadian inquirer who is wary of the
Terry M. Smith
passion in Galatians 1. For
instance, there’s no caution
against purgatory (p. 125).
Perhaps it over-claims that
God’s voice is “almost always
quiet” (pp. 52); the various
witnesses in Scripture say that
God can speak quietly, loudly,
or even be silent.
Further, when exploring
Christ’s atonement, it’s helpful
for love and law not to be
pitted against each other (p.
73). Finally, the book would
have been strengthened by more quoting of Scripture
and by including additional references for direct study
T
of the Bible. M
Gracious Christianity is the sort of book I’d
consider giving to a Canadian inquirer who is
wary of the Christian faith or, in some cases,
who has been wounded by the Christian
Church.
Christian faith or, in some cases, who has been
wounded by the Christian Church. The book succeeds
as a gentle discussion starter, while educating and
being open to questions along the way. It can be used
by individuals or groups. Some study resources are
available at www.graciouschristianity.org.
The book’s weaknesses? Perhaps in its desire to be
peaceful, Gracious Christianity has, at times, a vagueness
that contrasts with Paul’s depth of conviction and
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
1
Bible translation: Why bother?
Bible translation is as essential today
as it ever has been. Its impact on a
culture can be profoundly spiritual, but
also immensely practical. And on some
days it’s even better than chocolate.
“Wow, this is really great; this is as
good as eating chocolate.”
The person who spoke these words
was talking about reading the Bible in
their own language. It was August 2003
and Prime Minister Jean Chretien had
just signed a land claims agreement in
Rae-Edzo, Northwest Territories. The
agreement gave the Dogrib people selfgovernment and extensive control over
39,000 square kilometres of land. It was
a significant event for the Dogrib Nation,
well publicized throughout Canada.
But that same weekend, another
historic event took place there: The
launch of the first complete New
Testament translation in the Dogrib
language. The launch didn’t get as much
attention as the lands claim agreement,
but having the Bible in their own
language also had a significant cultural
impact on the Dogrib Nation.
“Oh man, this is good! This is the
real treaty. This one will never change,”
said one Dogrib elder when she saw the
translated New Testament.
Such words fuel the vision and
mission of the Canadian Bible Society.
CBS translates, publishes and distributes the Bible throughout Canada,
“Oh man, this is good!
This is the real treaty.
This one will never
change,” said one Dogrib
elder when she saw
the translated New
Testament.
and has Bibles, New Testaments and
other Scriptures available in 111 foreign
languages as well as 23 Canadian aboriginal languages.
The computer is the translator’s best
friend and the CBS has been a leader
in creating computer technology used
around the world to present God’s Word
14
in local languages. The Society helped
develop the Institute for Computer
Assisted Publishing (ICAP), which
develops computer tools to support
Bible translation and publishing, and
helps to build a community of support
around the use and deployment of these
tools.
ICAP will host two annual institutes
to serve the broader translation
community, the Developer Institute and
an Applied Institute. The first Applied
Institute in 2005 was an especially
successful contribution to the goal of
building a community of support among
more than 30 international solutions
providers for the translation task. This
was followed up by apprenticeship
experiences for three international
participants, as well as ICAP web site
enhancements that allow participants to
contribute directly to the site’s content.
Since
perfect
translation
is
impossible, there will always be a need
for Bible translation in the community
of believers in Christ. English and some
other major languages of the world
almost seem to have a glut of Bible
versions today, but since languages
continue to change, before this century
is over many of today’s cutting edge
versions will need to be revisited and
revised.
As many as 3,000 languages still
require Scripture translation. But
whatever the final tally, there are not
enough resources available to those
engaged in Bible translation today to
meet all the needs—or even the requests
for translations—in new languages.
No one organization can accomplish
this essential task alone. There is more
than enough work to do for all who care
about the Bible and want to help make
it available to all people in a language
they can understand, at a price they can
afford.
Hart Wiens, CBS
Hart Wiens directs Scripture translation for
the Canadian Bible Society ([email protected]).
Bible translation: Where faith
and technology meet
Bible translation is as essential
today as it ever has been. The
ministries of countless organizations,
both in Canada and overseas, are
empowered by having Scripture
available in local languages and
accessible formats.
Computer technology has become
an indispensable tool in the support
of Bible translation and Bible
publishing. And the Canadian Bible
Society (CBS) has made invaluable
contributions to the advancement
of this field. CBS’s translation office,
located in Kitchener, Ont., is home to
the Institute for Computer Assisted
Publishing (ICAP). This cutting
edge institute has a mandate to
develop computer tools for the Bible
translation efforts of ministries and
organizations around the world.
That includes creating a community of support around the deployment of the translation tools devel-
oped at ICAP. Short term courses
and long term apprenticeships bring
Bible translators from around the
globe to Canada. They learn the latest technology, receive support and
encouragement, and become part of
the growing body of translators impacted by CBS’s contribution to the
translation movement.
The Bible is now available in more
than 2,200 different languages, with
an estimated 3,000 left to go.
From its very early days the
Canadian
Bible
Society
has
recognized the pivotal importance
of translation for the worldwide
Church.
“We’re
basically
servants,”
says Ed Peters, ICAP’s manager of
computer assisted publishing. “We
serve the translation world and the
Bible publication world, and in doing
that, we serve the global Church.”
CBS
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
Violent crime victims need help with bond, Derksen says
Without choice, victims of violent
crime are thrown into an abyss of
darkness, confusion, frustration, fear and
anger.
“We used to call it shell shock. Now
we recognize it as trauma,” says Wilma
Derksen, whose 13-year-old daughter
Candace was abducted. Almost seven
weeks later her daughter’s frozen body
was found in an abandoned shed near her
home in Winnipeg, Man.
Wilma Derksen displays a poster by Victims’ Voice,
a MCC Canada program that assists people affected
by violent crime.
“To this day, we still have no idea who
would have done this to our child, or
why,” says Derksen, director of Victims’
Voice, a MCC Canada program assisting
people affected by violent crimes.
Still, Derksen says a bond developed
between the offender and her family—an
insidious bond that had to be understood,
addressed and resolved for healing to
take place.
In her book, Confronting the Horror,
the aftermath of violence, she describes
the victim/offender trauma bond as one
of the most destructive elements in the
aftermath of a violent crime.
“Until we break this victim/offender
trauma bond we will never be free to
recover from the incident, rebuild our
lives or feel in control of our lives again,”
she says. “We have to defeat the mastery
of fear. We have to defeat the control of the
trauma. The only way to free ourselves of
this bond is to break the hold it has on
us.”
The first step to breaking the bond is
to identify ways that the offender controls
one’s life. “In order to break the bond we
need to deal with our fear, anger, mistrust
and dependencies,” says Derksen.
To help victims with the trauma bond,
a program called Safe Justice Encounters
was launched in 2002 for victims who
choose to communicate with their
offender.
This face-to-face encounter, says
Derksen, helps victims find answers about
the crime, clarify confusion, reduce anger
and fear and deal with issues surrounding
the violent incident and trauma bond.
Her journey of breaking her trauma
bond with the offender included meeting
with 10 prisoners serving life sentences.
Derksen compares the healing process
following trauma to rebuilding after
natural disasters. “Some stuff can be
recycled but it all has to be re-evaluated
before it can be put together again.”
Forgiveness, she says, is a key
component. It’s letting go of the need to
retaliate, to hurt back, and of revenge.
“We have to let go of that and learn to
trust again,” she explains.
Derksen’s healing process included
reliving her trauma through writing the
books Have you seen Candace? in 1991
and Confronting the Horror in 2002.
Confronting the Horror is written
primarily for victims of violent crime, but
destructive elements experienced after a
violent crime can be applied to all trauma
and situations of victimization, including
terrorism, war, bankruptcy, natural
disasters, divorce, and cultural genocide.
Gladys Terichow, MCC Canada
IMPaCT has an impact on global pastors
Throwing together eleven Mennonite
pastors from three continents and six
countries from June 1–14 in Winnipeg,
Man., is bound to create interesting
challenges and new insights.
“We want to become a global church.
Bringing Anabaptist pastors together
to talk about the challenges and joys of
being the church in different cultures
will have a significant multiplier effect to
this end,” said Janet Plenert, executive
secretary of Mennonite Church Canada
Witness and part of the planning
committee for IMPaCT (International
Mennonite Pastors Coming Together).
Their
national
church
bodies
recommended the international pastors
while Manitoba pastors were selected
because of their minimal international
experience and contact.
Despite language challenges, guests
and hosts quickly connected with one
another. Carlos Gallardo from Chile
talked about his faith journey into radical
Anabaptism. His host Norm Dyck, of
Graysville Mennonite Church, observed
that his prayers had been answered: God
sent him someone who would invite a
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
radical understanding of faith.
All the pastors spoke either English or
Spanish. One participant observed initial
concern about the language barrier was
evaporating. “[Sometimes] I forget that we
can’t speak the same language and I just
start speaking to someone!”
Carlos Gallardo shared a story about
the last pope’s visit to Peru. The indigenous
people presented him with a Bible. “When
your people came to Latin America they
taught us to pray with our eyes closed. We
did that. When we opened our eyes, we
had a Bible and you had our land. Today
we are giving you back your Bible, because
we think that the values and the precepts
contained in it are more needed by your
people than by our people,” they said.
The colonial conquest of the church
continues to plague today’s church and
wider society in Latin America.
Most pastors agreed that barriers to
developing gifts in the body include the
attitude of perfectionism, busy people
with competing priorities, low self-esteem,
and church structures that focus on filling
positions rather than on the core identity
of the church.
A
closing
communion
service
acknowledged two missing guest pastors
from Cuba who were denied entry visas
by the Canadian government. A prayer
circle formed around their photographs,
propped up on empty chairs.
Next year, IMPaCT will be in Alberta.
MWC
Quotes
It is said in Latin America, “The church is the
only army that kills its wounded.”
– guest pastor
Consumerism is our new Baal.
– guest pastor
Church and faith in our community have
become optional.
– host pastor
We are a church that is liberal with tradition
but radical in our understanding of the gospel.
– guest pastor
You don’t just wake up one day and say “I’m a
heretic.” It takes a long time to become one!
– guest pastor
15
Hold Me
Hold me
Oh, hold me
My father
When the wind blows
Tumbling pails across the yard
Slamming doors
Snatching away shed roofs
Hold me in your strong arms
Sheltering me
Hold me,
Oh, hold me,
Father God,
When the storms of life rage
Tearing at my ideals
Smashing down my peace
Snatching at my faith
Cradle me in your mighty arms
Tenderly.
Laura Plett Siemens
Kola, Man.
The Spotless Bride
Her dress is soiled and her veil is
torn
Instead of true beauty, she’s an
object of scorn
Where is the groom that she
longs to see?
When is the banquet prepared
for thee?
If the groom has been delayed,
does her heart stray?
Can she stand to wait another
day?
Do we long to be a spotless
Bride,
Or do we cover our shame and
then run and hide?
As the days grow dark,
Does our light grow dim?
Do we have fresh oil,
And keep our wicks trimmed?
Be faithful to the one to whom
you’ve pledged your love,
He’ll be arriving soon with a call
from above
Wash your wedding clothes and
patiently wait,
Light the garden path and
anticipate!
For when the Bridegroom
comes, He expects to see
A Radiant Bride in you and in me
Brigitte Toews
Landmark, Man.
Scripture Inspiration
Matthew 25:1–13; Jude 17–25; Revelation
22:12–17, 19:1–10; Ephesians 5:25–27
16
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
stewardship today
Edwin Friesen
Women and Charity
F
or the past ten years, I have been a member
of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners
(CAGP) and during this past year, I served as
chair of the ongoing education program of the
Manitoba chapter.
The association is made up of people involved in the
“money and charity” sector for a variety of charities
including health, education, religion, and other social
causes. It didn’t take me long to realize that as a male in
the group, I was in the minority.
Nationally, about 60 percent of the approximately
1,300 CAGP members are women. In some employment
sectors women are underrepresented, but not in the
“money and charity” sector. They are at the forefront,
maybe for good reason.
In charitable fundraising, there is a saying that
donors give to people, not causes. Though that is
a maxim, not an absolute truth, this trend favours
women’s relational aptitudes.
to end of life, on average
women outlive men and
therefore, hold sway over
estate distributions,
including charitable
bequests.
The link between
women, ministry, and
money is, of course, not
a new phenomenon.
Even in New Testament
times, women were
key participants and
financial supporters
of the early church
ministry.
Jesus and his
disciples received
money from a
The link between women, ministry, and money is, of course, not a
new phenomenon. Even in New Testament times, women were key
participants and financial supporters of the early church ministry.
In addition to their skills in representing the needs
and challenges of their particular charity, many women
are very good at building and sustaining relationships
with donors, relationships that are integral to long term
donor loyalty and generosity.
While in earlier generations it was often the male who
oversaw household finances, in many homes today that
role is now shared or has shifted to the wife. Cheques
going to support our churches, schools, and conference
programs are often signed by women—both single
and married. Regardless of their marital status, many
women today have significant personal income and are
very engaged in charitable gifting decisions.
In the corporate world, companies will often
designate a portion of their profits as “social capital” to
be given to programs that better the community where
the company and its employees are located. Often
women in senior staff positions are very influential in
choosing the beneficiaries of this “social capital.”
Key positions on family or corporate foundations
are also frequently held by women. And when it comes
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
group Luke
describes
as “some women he (Jesus) had healed…Mary
Magdalene…Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s
business manager; Susanna; and many others who were
contributing from their own resources to support Jesus
and his disciples” (Luke 8:1-3).
The emotional support and the monetary gifts from
these women, though probably unexpected, will have
greatly encouraged Jesus and his disciples as they
carried on their itinerant ministry.
And so too today. The vision, passion, volunteerism,
and money that flow from the women among us forms
T
an integral part of kingdom work today. M
For stewardship education and services, contact your
nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office.
Abbotsford – Dave Kroeker, 888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary
Sawatzky, 877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen,
888-212-8731; Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, 888-212-7759;
Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 800-772-3257.
17
MARY BARKMAN
1924–2006
He who dwells in the shelter of the
Most High will rest in the shadow of the
Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my
refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I
trust (Psalm 90:1–2).
Mary was born to Dave and Justina
Kroeker on March 18, 1924, the fifth
child. Due to her mother’s early death
when Mary was only three years old, and
her father’s serious accident whereby he
was unable to provide for his children,
the four children were given a new home
with relatives.
Mary’s new home was with her uncle
and aunt, Jacob U. and Maria Kornelsen.
She was an only child. A few years later
she was overjoyed when a baby boy,
Peter, joined the family. Now she had
a brother she was proud of and took
special care of him. Mary and her brother
grew up together on the family farm in
Kleefeld. They spent much time playing
and working together in fields and in the
bush. Mary was a hard worker; this came
out in various ways throughout her life.
She accepted Jesus as her personal
Saviour. As long as her health allowed
she quietly served her Lord and was true
to Him to the end. It could be said of her
as in Isaiah 30:15, “In quietness and in
confidence shall be your strength.”
One of her first adventures of
independence was when she went to
work in St. Catherine’s, Ont., in a cannery.
One of her dreams was to buy her own
bedroom suite with her well-earned
money.
As a young adult her mother died and
all the hard work and housework fell on
her. This left the family very lonely. Then
her father Jacob Kornelsen married Mrs.
Sara Plett of Blumenort. This marriage
brought six brothers and three sisters
into her life. Despite all the work she was
happy to have sisters.
In February 1950 the family decided to
make the big move to Mexico and again
establish a new home. Mary seemed
enthused and worked hard to make this
a happy home. Here in Mexico she was
joined in marriage to Peter Barkman on
December 9, 1951. They shared 54 years,
seven months, and six days together. A
baby son joined them in August 1960.
Little Johnny gave them much joy. Mary
was overjoyed and took great pride in
dressing him with special home-designed
clothes.
Their employment took them to
many different communities, like
Mexico, Morris, Riverton, Mennville, and
Dugald. They then made their home in
Blumenort and Oakwood. Mary worked
hard in helping to earn a living. She was
MDS bits
• For the second time in five years,
Mennonite Disaster Service has
quadrupled its office space in
Winnipeg,
Man.
On
Tuesday,
September 19, 2006, MDS dedicated
a newly renovated 1,500 square foot
office space to improved disaster
response. The new space is located
in a strip mall at 1325 Markham Road
near Bison Drive.
• MDS has started an RV Program for
retired and semi-retired couples and
singles with access to a self-contained
RV. The MDS RV Program allows MDS
the opportunity to set up RV sites
rapidly near locations where houses
need rebuilding. For information on
the RV Program email mdsrv@mds.
mennonite.net.
MDS
18
employed at Granny’s Poultry for many
years, always walking to and from work
in sunshine, rain, or snow. Then in her
spare time, she did a lot of beautiful
handwork—crocheted afghans, knitted
baby sweater sets and cute little dresses.
Later, when her eyesight was somewhat
failing, she knitted many scarves, toques,
and mitts for friends and relatives.
Mary’s last years were spent at Rest
Haven in Steinbach. Here she received
gentle and loving care from staff and
relatives. Many times when you’d talk to
her and (due to her hearing limitations,
she didn’t always understand) she would
smile sweetly as if to say, “I love you
anyway.” Or she would smile ever so
lovingly and say, “Thank you.”
The last four months were gradually
getting more difficult, as she was
confined to her chair and, lastly, to her
room. Many times communication was
difficult and we were wondering what
she wanted to say.
On Sunday she was noticeably weaker
and fever set in. She was diagnosed with
pneumonia. On Tuesday evening, July 25,
2006, at 7:30 p.m. she breathed her last
and was released from suffering to her
eternal home. Her brother and his wife
from Mexico were at her bedside.
She was predeceased by their son
Johnny in a tragic fire accident in
December 1991. She will be missed by
her loving husband Peter.
We wish to thank all the staff and
relatives for the loving care and support
during her stay at Rest Haven and
especially in the last days.
Her Family
Israel 2007 Biblical
Discovery Tour
March 24 to April 3, 2007
Hosts: Pastor Dale and Lori Dueck
Winkler EMMC
Visit Old Jerusalem, The Garden of
Gethsemane, The Garden Tomb,
Nazareth, Capernum, the Mount
of Olives, Beth Shean, Sea of
Galilee, Meggido and the plains of
Armageddon, the Dead Sea, Qumran,
Mars Hill (Acts 17). Tour base price:
$2,449 Canadian. Mars Hill adds $95.
There are incidental tour costs (phone
for info).
Cutting the ribbon at the new MDS office: Lois
Nickel, director of region relations and programs;
Gord Friesen, region V board chair; and Ben Funk,
Manitoba unit chair.
See sunworldtours.com or 1-800461-6854. Call 204-325-7667 or email
[email protected].
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
shoulder tapping
MENNVILLE CHURCH (EMC) seeks a part- or
full-time pastor. Experience and education
expectations are flexible. Mennville Church is a
congregation of about 100, located in the Interlake
area of Manitoba and close to Hecla Island, in a
predominantly agricultural area. Contact Wes
Barkman at 204-378-2778 ([email protected])
or Roland Friesen at 204-378-2907 (rfriesen@riv.
mb.ca). Conference pastor David Thiessen can
also be contacted at the EMC national office (204326-6401).
RESERVE FELLOWSHIP Chapel (EMC), located
in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to
develop long-term relationships with people of the
community.
The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part
of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a community that
has a Christian history going back to 1879. The
congregation is located about 45 minutes from
Virden and Brandon.
A strong sense of God’s call and a love for people
are required. Direct inquiries to David Pashe, 204730-0409, e-mail: [email protected]; or to
Len Barkman, 204-326-6401, e-mail: emclen@mts.
net.
THE EVANGELICAL Mennonite Mission Conference
has an opening for a permanent part-time accountant-business administrator in its Winnipeg,
Man., office (FTE 50–60 percent, with flexible work
arrangements). This involves preparing accounting
records, financial reporting and statements, budget preparation and income tax reporting, banking
and cash transfers, administration and coordination of employee benefit plans, administrative and
office support activities.
The person should have experience as an
THE EMC invites applications for the senior administrative position of
General Secretary.
Responsibilities: Serve
as Executive Secretary for
the Board of Missions, General Board, and
Board of Trustees; provide management
of conference finances; coordinate
conference events; provide management
role of national office.
Applicants should have experience and
training in areas of financial management
and missions administration with strong
communication skills.
A job description is available upon
request. Duties to commence September
1, 2007. Please request an application
form from the office at 204-326-6401,
fax 204-326-1613, [email protected]. The
application and resume can be addressed
to EMC Moderator Ron Penner and
forwarded to the same addresses or to
440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5.
THE MESSENGER October 18, 2006
accountant working with computerized records
and interpersonal skills in a small office team
setting; an asset is a broad knowledge of nonprofit income tax matters.
EMMC holds to the Anabaptist-peace
position with member churches in Canada, USA,
Mexico and Belize (www.emmc.ca). Submit your
confidential application/resume by October 31,
2006, to The Moderator, EMMC, Box 52059, Niakwa
PO, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5P9.
MCC ALBERTA is looking for a full-time thrift
shop manager for the Calgary northeast store,
located at 2946-32 Street NE, Calgary, starting
immediately. If you have retail experience and
management skills, and a commitment to the thrift
store philosophy and working with volunteers, call
Heather Klassen at 403-275-6935 or Sheila Froese
at 403-932-4093.
ENDEAVOUR FELLOWSHIP Chapel in east-central
Saskatchewan, with a congregation of about 50, is
currently looking for a pastor. Contact Tom Treen
(Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@
sasktel.net.
MASERU UNITED Church, situated in central
Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, southern Africa,
seeks a senior pastor.
MUC interconnects cultures, nationalities, and
religious identities in Christ. Currently 27 different
nationalities are represented. Many members
are here for the short-term, about two years. Th is
Protestant church reflects its members’ varied
traditions in worship and educational programs.
The pastor needs to feel comfortable with his
tradition and varying traditions. The pastor is to be
committed, flexible, cross-cultural, able to network,
open, and Christ-centred. MUC is committed to
outreach.
A candidate should be ordained, a theology
graduate, have at least two years senior experience,
and be fluent in English.
We strongly prefer a long-term pastor, with a
minimum of two years. Resumes need to arrive
by October 31, 2006: Chairman, Pastoral Search
Committee, Box 365, Maseru 100, Lesotho; email:
[email protected].
MORRIS FELLOWSHIP Chapel, a church of 100
members located in the town of Morris, Man., is
looking for a senior pastor. Contact Ernie Siemens
at 204-746-8342 or e-mail [email protected].
MDS INVITES weekly volunteers to register at
its projects for Oct. 22 to Dec. 16. Please call the
project directly. Numbers can be found at www.
mds.mennonite.net or by calling 1-800-241-8111.
Work will continue in the Gulf Coast at least four
locations during fall in Louisiana, Mississippi, and
Alabama. Skilled crews are welcome.
Volunteers able to give a month or longer should
call 1-866-261-1274 and ask for Evelyn Peters-Rojas
to fi nd out what openings are available and for an
application form (also available on the website).
Construction foreman and head cooks are often
openings that are hard to fi ll certain months of the
year. If you have these skills and some time to give,
give MDS a call.
LA CRETE Christian Fellowship (La Crete, Alta.) is
looking for a senior pastor to continue to nurture
and spiritually grow this well established church
of about 400 regular members. LCCF is located in
Northern Alberta, and its service to God is based
on the core values of a commitment to teaching
God’s Word and outreach to the community.
The senior pastor will lead the church to
engage in a fellowship of worship, compassion,
training, ministry and application. He will work
well in a team environment to proclaim the
gospel to believers and unbelievers, and to care
for the church’s members and other persons in the
community. The applicant must have a strong and
growing relationship with God, as well as with his
family.
If you are interested, we invite you to
prayerfully consider this opportunity. Contact the
search committee by emailing [email protected]
or [email protected], or contact Bill Driedger at
(780) 928-2850.
Food for Fun and
Fellowship is back!
Due to popular
demand, Food for
Fun and Fellowship
will be printed
once more. Orders
received by midNovember should
get to you in time
for Christmas
baking (and giving),
so don’t delay. Funds raised go to EMC
missions.
Copies are available at the EMC office in
Steinbach, or at Hull’s Family Bookstore. It is
more cost-effective to send a shipment of
books than individually, so you may wish to
coordinate your orders. For any questions
or more information, please do not hesitate
to contact Melanie Frayle at 204-355-4060.
Mail order forms to Melanie at:
Box 8, Grp. 18, RR 1
Steinbach, MB R5G 1L9
Please send ___ copies of Food for Fun and
Fellowship to:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
____ cookbooks at $16.00 each
$________
add shipping and handling rates
as below
$________
TOTAL ENCLOSED
$________
1 book to Manitoba and western provinces
$ 8.50
2–5 books to above provinces
$10.50
1 book to Ontario and eastern provinces
$10.25
2–5 books to above provinces
$12.25
For orders larger than 5, phone (204) 355-4060.
19
KIDS
corner
Loreena Thiessen
Grumbles and the Perfect Day
W
hat kind of day are you having? Is it perfect?
Has anything upset you? Have you grumbled
about anything?
Maybe your best friend let you down. Then
your mother demands that you clean your room—now!
Maybe your brother is driving you crazy. Or your dog tore
up your sweater and ate your homework! You discover that
your favorite jeans are in the laundry (or should be) and in
one minute you have to make a whole new outfit choice.
The fridge is out of milk and you’re late for the bus. How
can this be happening?! Your day is ruined!
On any day, any one or more of these disappointments
can happen. What do you do?
To grumble is natural. People have grumbled for
thousands of years. Take the children of Israel. They
wanted to get out of Egypt where as slaves they were
beaten and punished. Moses led them out, but Pharaoh
and his soldiers were after them and the Red Sea blocked
their escape, so they cried and wished they were back
in Egypt. Then they were safe on the other side but they
had no water to drink. Again they complained. They got
hungry and again they grumbled and wished they were
back in Egypt where they had had enough to eat.
Why did the Israelites grumble?
They grumbled because they were afraid. They were
afraid of new difficulties, afraid of an unfamiliar situation,
and afraid of death on the journey. They did not trust
God—this is why they were afraid.
But for each problem God had a plan: He made a path
through the Red Sea. He made their drinking water sweet.
He provided enough meat and bread for each day.
How did God do this?
God called Moses to help the people. Moses didn’t have
the solutions to the problems they faced, so he asked God
what to do. Each time God gave him an answer. And each
time it worked.
Moses didn’t have
the solutions to the
problems the people
faced, so he asked
God what to do. Each
time God gave him
an answer.
PAGE 20
Moses made the right choice. He obeyed God and
helped the people.
You will face problems, but grumbling does not solve
them. What can you do?
In a notebook make a prayer diary. Divide a page
vertically (from top to bottom). On one side make a list of
your prayers. Across from each prayer record the date the
prayer is answered.
Another thing you can do is sing to God to break a
grumbling mood. Play a praise tape or CD and sing along.
Praising God is a way of showing that you trust God to
help you through a problem.
Read God’s promises to remind you that He will help
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you: Jeremiah 33:3; Proverbs 3:5–6; Psalm 121. M
Word Search: Find the Grumbles
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Fill in the blanks below. Then find those words in the
puzzle above.
1. At __________ they couldn’t drink the water because it was
__________ (Exodus 15:23).
2. Moses threw a piece of __________ into the water and the
water became __________ (Exodus 15:25).
3. The Israelites said they would __________ to death (Exodus
16:3).
4. God gave them __________ and __________ to eat
(Exodus 16:13–15).
5. The people were thirsty. God told Moses to __________ a
rock and water would come out (Exodus 17:6).
6. Moses always __________ (prayed) to the __________
when the people complained (Exodus 17:4).
THE MESSENGER
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
440 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
Publications Mail Agreement #40017362
PAP Registration #9914