MCBC Annual Gathering ANABAPTIST MISSIONAL CONNECTED

Transcription

1 2018 Annual Gathering MCBC LEAD CONFERENCE Friday, February 23 rd 9-4:30 Sign in at 8:30 Eden Mennonite Church Chilliwack Central Road Chilliwack, BC V2P 1K1 ANNUAL GATHERING Saturday, February 24 th 9-5 Sign in at 8:30 Eden Mennonite Church Chilliwack Central Road Chilliwack, BC V2P 1K1 ANABAPTIST MISSIONAL CONNECTED # George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2K7 MCBC.CA (604) admin@mcbc.ca

2 Made in the Image of God: Engaging Prejudice, Power and Privilege LEAD Conference 2018 Facilitators: Betty Pries, Chris Lenshyn (Assoc. Pastor at EMC) & Joon Park (EMC) 8:30am Registration 9:00am Opening, Worship & Plenary Session 1 10:30am Coffee Time 10:45am Plenary Session 2 12:00pm Lunch 1:00pm Worship & Plenary Session 3 2:30pm Coffee Time 2:45pm Small Group Discussion Time 4:30pm Prayer and Closing LEAD Conference Agenda Betty Pries, Co-founder & CEO at Credence & Co. LEAD Made in the Image of God is a full-day workshop designed to support congregational leaders, both as they lead their congregations and as they engage in missional activity. As people of faith, we are committed to honouring the first words of Genesis that all are made in the image of God. Recognizing that our social structures and personal biases can get in the way of this commitment, this interactive workshop will engage themes of prejudice, power and privilege in a manner that honours all voices in the room while also challenging the biases and structures that privilege some over others and that damage the possibility of healthy yet diverse relationships and communities. Betty Pries With over 25 years experience coaching, mediating, facilitating, training, consulting and public speaking, Betty is highly regarded as a Conflict, Change and Leadership Specialist. Betty teaches workshops in communication, leadership, conflict, change, diversity and congregational health. Betty s workshops are marked by her ability to engage participants in a manner that cares deeply, listens well and provides wise, thoughtful insights. Betty has worked with a wide range of congregations and organizations, both nationally and internationally. Betty has extensive education, training and experience in coaching, mediation, negotiation, consensus building, consultation, facilitation, theology and congregational/organizational health. Betty is co-founder and CEO at Credence & Co. (formerly ARC). She is a regular instructor at the University of Waterloo and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, as well as a PhD Candidate at VU (Free University Amsterdam). Table of Contents Numerically LEAD Conference Agenda Table of Contents Table of Contents Annual Meeting Agenda Identity & Vision Statement Confession of Faith Resolutions Executive Minister Moderator Faith & Life Pages Service, Peace & Justice Evangelism & Church Development Women s Ministry Church Health Committee Finance Committee Church Engagement Camp Squeah Report Menno Place Report Mennonite Disaster Service Report Canadian Mennonite Report Communitas Supportive Care Society Report Abundance Canada Report Annabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Report Columbia Bible College Report Canadian Mennonite University Report Mennonite Central Committee BC Report Mennonite Church Canada Report MCBC AGM Minutes Financial Statements (Camp Squeah) Financial Statements (MCBC) By-Laws Nominations Chart Locations

3 Table of Contents Alphabetically Annual Meeting Agenda MCBC AGM Minutes 52 Abundance Canada Report 40 Annabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Report 41 Annual Meeting Agenda 5 By-Laws 90 Camp Squeah Report 30 Canadian Mennonite Report 37 Canadian Mennonite University Report 44 Church Engagement 29 Church Health Committee 26 Columbia Bible College Report 42 Communitas Supportive Care Society Report 38 Confession of Faith 7 Evangelism & Church Development 22 Executive Minister 12 Faith & Life Pages 16 Finance Committee 27 Financial Statements (Camp Squeah) 68 Financial Statements (MCBC) 74 Identity & Vision Statement 6 LEAD Conference Agenda 2 Locations 102 Mennonite Central Committee BC Report 46 Mennonite Church Canada Report 48 Mennonite Disaster Service Report 36 Menno Place Report 34 Moderator 14 Nominations Chart 100 Resolutions 10 Service, Peace & Justice 20 Table of Contents 3 Table of Contents 4 Women s Ministry :30am 9:00am 9:05am 11:30am 11:45am 12:30pm Delegate/Guest Sign-in (muffins/coffee) Acknowledgment of the Territory/Declare meeting in session Discord in Mennonite Church BC - A time of prayer and conversation Adoption of Agenda and Resolution #5 (approving 2017 minutes)/welcome & Introduction to Guests Nominations Report LUNCH Gathering Worship Introduction to new Pastors Moderator s Report/Reflections Executive Minister s Report/Reflections Greetings & Blessing Service for Chinese Grace Mennonite Church Discussion & Voting - Resolution #1 - Chinese Grace Property Greetings & Blessing Service for First Mennonite Church, Burns Lake Discussion & Voting - Resolution #2 - First Mennonite Church Burns Lake Reading the Bible Together information Peardonville Property Report & Questions Columbia Bible College Canadian Mennonite University Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Camp Squeah Report Camp Squeah Financial Statements & 2018 Budget - Resolution #6 & #7 Nominations - Voting on Resolution #11 Service, Peace & Justice Report ECDC Report - an offering will be taken for additional funding for Mennonite Japanese Christian Fellowship Church Health Report MCBC Financial Statements & 2018 Budget - Resolutions #8 & #9 3:25 Coffee/Stretch break Presentation of Resolution #3 Discussion/Voting - Resolution #3 Presentation of Resolution #4 Discussion/Voting - Resolution #4 4:05pm Nationwide Ministry Update Greetings from Ken Warkentin, Executive Minister for Mennonite Church Manitoba Closing Resolutions #10, #12 & #13 Appreciation of workers completing terms Commissioning of new and continuing workers Closing/Sending

4 Identity & Vision Statement Mennonite Church British Columbia Confession of Faith Addendum - Summary Statement, Our Identity and Purpose Mennonite Church British Columbia is a faith community of Christian churches with a passionate allegiance to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Our purpose is to enable congregations to individually and collectively engage most fully in the mission of Christ. Our Vision We are called by God to be followers of Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit to grow as communities of grace, joy, and peace so that God s healing and hope flow through us to the world. Our Beliefs The beliefs and practices of Mennonite Church British Columbia Congregations come from the authority of scripture as interpreted in the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. cf. Confession of Faith Addendum below Our Commitments 1. To love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbours as ourselves. 2. To be effective witnesses through evangelism, peace and justice, and service. 3. To become faithful mature disciples of Christ. 4. To call, train and support leaders to assist congregations in fullfilling the mission of God in a broken world. 5. To keep the unity of the Spirit in our congregations, our conferences and the global Christian Church community. 1. We believe that God exists and is pleased with all who draw near by faith. We worship the one holy and loving God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit eternally. God has created all things visible and invisible, has brought salvation and new life to humanity through Jesus Christ, and continues to sustain the church and all things until the end of the age. 2. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word of God become flesh. He is the Savior of the world, who has delivered us from the dominion of sin and reconciled us to God by his death on a cross. He was declared to be Son of God by his resurrection from the dead. He is the head of the church, the exalted Lord, the Lamb who was slain, coming again to reign with God in glory. 3. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the eternal Spirit of God, who dwelled in Jesus Christ, who empowers the church, who is the source of our life in Christ, and who is poured out on those who believe as the guarantee of redemption. 4. We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit for instruction in salvation and training in righteousness. We accept the Scriptures as the Word of God and as the fully reliable and trustworthy standard for Christian faith and life. Led by the Holy Spirit in the church, we interpret Scripture in harmony with Jesus Christ. 5. We believe that God has created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, and that God preserves and renews what has been made. All creation has its source outside itself and belongs to the Creator. The world has been created good because God is good and provides all that is needed for life. 6. We believe that God has created human beings in the divine image. God formed them from the dust of the earth and gave them a special dignity among all the works of creation. Human beings have been made for relationship with God, to live in peace with each other, and to take care of the rest of creation. 7. We confess that, beginning with Adam and Eve, humanity has disobeyed God, given way to the tempter, and chosen to sin. All have fallen short of the Creator s intent, marred the image of God in which they were created, disrupted order in the world, and limited their love for others. Because of sin, humanity has been given over to the enslaving powers of evil and death. 6 7

5 Confession of Faith - Continued Confession of Faith - Continued 8. We believe that, through Jesus Christ, God offers salvation from sin and a new way of life. We receive God s salvation when we repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In Christ, we are reconciled with God and brought into the reconciling community. We place our faith in God that, by the same power that raised Christ from the dead, we may be saved from sin to follow Christ and to know the fullness of salvation. 9. We believe that the church is the assembly of those who have accepted God s offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the new community of disciples sent into the world to proclaim the reign of God and to provide a foretaste of the church s glorious hope. It is the new society established and sustained by the Holy Spirit. 10. We believe that the mission of the church is to proclaim and to be a sign of the kingdom of God. Christ has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all things he has commanded. 11. We believe that the baptism of believers with water is a sign of their cleansing from sin. Baptism is also a pledge before the church of their covenant with God to walk in the way of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are baptized into Christ and his body by the Spirit, water, and blood. 12. We believe that the Lord s Supper is a sign by which the church thankfully remembers the new covenant which Jesus established by his death. In this communion meal, the church renews its covenant with God and with each other and participates in the life and death of Jesus Christ, until he comes. 13. We believe that in washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus calls us to serve one another in love as he did. Thus we acknowledge our frequent need of cleansing, renew our willingness to let go of pride and worldly power, and offer our lives in humble service and sacrificial love. 14. We practice discipline in the church as a sign of God s offer of transforming grace. Discipline is intended to liberate erring brothers and sisters from sin, and to restore them to a right relationship with God and to fellowship in the church. The practice of discipline gives integrity to the church s witness in the world. 15. We believe that ministry is a continuation of the work of Christ, who gives gifts through the Holy Spirit to all believers and empowers them for service in the church and in the world. We also believe that God calls particular persons in the church to specific leadership ministries and offices. All who minister are accountable to God and to the community of faith. 17. We believe that Jesus Christ calls us to discipleship, to take up our cross and follow him. Through the gift of God s saving grace, we are empowered to be disciples of Jesus, filled with his Spirit, following his teachings and his path through suffering to new life. As we are faithful to his way, we become conformed to Christ and separated from the evil in the world. 18. We believe that to be a disciple of Jesus is to know life in the Spirit. As the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ takes shape in us, we grow in the image of Christ and in our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is active in individual and in communal worship, leading us deeper into the experience of God. 19. We believe that God intends human life to begin in families and to be blessed through families. Even more, God desires all people to become part of the church, God s family. As single and married members of the church family give and receive nurture and healing, families can grow toward the wholeness that God intends. We are called to chastity and to loving faithfulness in marriage. 20. We commit ourselves to tell the truth, to give a simple yes or no, and to avoid the swearing of oaths. 21. We believe that everything belongs to God, who calls the church to live in faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us, and to participate now in the rest and justice which God has promised. 22. We believe that peace is the will of God. God created the world in peace, and God s peace is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who is our peace and the peace of the whole world. Led by the Holy Spirit, we follow Christ in the way of peace, doing justice, bringing reconciliation, and practicing nonresistance, even in the face of violence and warfare. 23. We believe that the church is God s holy nation, called to give full allegiance to Christ its head and to witness to every nation, government, and society about God s saving love. 24. We place our hope in the reign of God and its fulfillment in the day when Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will gather his church, which is already living under the reign of God. We await God s final victory, the end of this present age of struggle, the resurrection of the dead, and a new heaven and a new earth. There the people of God will reign with Christ in justice, righteousness, and peace for ever and ever. 16. We believe that the church of Jesus Christ is one body with many members, ordered in such a way that, through the one Spirit, believers may be built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. 8 9

6 Resolutions Resolutions for the Meeting - Continued Resolution #1 The MCBC Board recommends that, upon the request of Chinese Grace Mennonite Church, we authorize the transfer of property title of 1720 Graveley Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 3B1 (Lot 3 of Lot 5, Block C of Block 137, District Lot 264A, Plans 309 and 1771) to Chinese Grace Mennonite Church upon Chinese Grace Mennonite Church becoming a legal Society in the Province of British Columbia. Resolution #2 The MCBC Board recommends that, upon the request of First Mennonite Church, Burns Lake, BC, we authorize the transfer of property title of 530 Kerr Road, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E3 (Lot B, District Lot 1892, Range 5, Coast District Plan 9820) to First Mennonite Church of Burns Lake, a legal Society in the Province of British Columbia under incorporation number S Resolution #3 Moved by Reece Friesen Where as in the last decade, we have not seen or heard of any formal review being carried out on MCBC executive minister, Where as there is a perceived misalignment in expressed theology and practice between the Executive Minister and our Confession of Faith and Covenant that has been a point of sharp dispute between some in our MCBC churches, Be it resolved that MCBC churches conduct an independent review of our MCBC Executive Minister. IMPLEMENTATION of Resolution #3 1. Each church would send one representative to be a part of this ad hoc review committee. 2. The mover of the motion would set up the first meeting. 3. MCBC would provide the ad hoc committee with the job descriptions of the Executive Minister and the Executive Committee as well as any supporting documents requested (this would be an open book review). 4. To preserve the integrity of the review, no one currently serving on any MCBC leadership board or committee would be present or participating, except if requested by the ad hoc review committee (for interview purposes). 5. The results, conclusions, and recommendations of these reviews would be presented at a special delegate session, which would be facilitated by this same committee. 6. The results must be presented within 4 months (by June). Resolution #4 Moved by Reece Friesen Where as in the last decade, we have not seen or heard of any formal review being carried out on MCBC Executive Committee, Where as there is a perceived misalignment in expressed theology and practice between the Executive Committee and our Confession of Faith and Covenant that has been a point of sharp dispute between some in our MCBC churches, Be it resolved that MCBC churches conduct an independent review of our MCBC Executive Committee. IMPLEMENTATION of Resolution #4 1. Each church would send one representative to be a part of this ad hoc review committee. 2. The mover of the motion would set up the first meeting. 3. MCBC would provide the ad hoc committee with the job descriptions of the Executive Minister and the Executive Committee as well as any supporting documents requested (this would be an open book review). 4. To preserve the integrity of the review, no one currently serving on any MCBC leadership board or committee would be present or participating, except if requested by the ad hoc review committee (for interview purposes). 5. The results, conclusions, and recommendations of these reviews would be presented at a special delegate session, which would be facilitated by this same committee. 6. The results must be presented within 4 months (by June). Resolution #5 Be it Resolved that the minutes of the 2017 Annual Meeting be approved as printed. Resolution #6 Be it Resolved that the 2017 Camp Squeah Financial Statements be approved as presented. Resolution #7 Be it Resolved that the 2018 Camp Squeah Budget be approved as presented. Resolution #8 Be it Resolved that the 2017 Mennonite Church BC Financial Statements be approved as presented. Resolution #9 Be it Resolved that the 2018 Mennonite Church BC Budget be approved as presented. Resolution #10 Be it Resolved that the reports as printed in the Annual Report Book, except for the Faith and Life Committee pages, and presented audibly be accepted; Resolution #11 Be it Resolved that the Nominees, as set out in the Nomination Chart, be elected/appointed. Resolution #12 Be it Resolved that the ballots be destroyed. Resolution #13 Be it Resolved that we express appreciation to Eden Mennonite Church, Crossroads Community Church and Yarrow United Mennonite Church for hosting the LEAD Conference and Annual Meeting at Eden Mennonite Church

7 Executive Minister - Continued Executive Minister Garry Janzen There has been a lot of good energy with new pastors coming to some of our congregations, giving them a fresh start as they engage the mission of God. Here are the new starts for 2017: Adam Back, Co-Pastor at First United Mennonite Church in Vancouver Ian Funk has stepped up to be the fulltime Pastor at Langley Mennonite Fellowship after sharing the role for the past two years with Henry Krause Phil Routly, Transitional Pastor at Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver Samuel Wong, Pastor at Richmond Peace Chinese Mennonite Church Tim Kuepfer, English Pastor, Chinatown Peace Church (formerly Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church) Pastors that have resigned from their ministry among our MCBC congregations in 2017: James Wittenberg, Lead Pastor at Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver Tim Froese, Associate Pastor at Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver Barry Lesser, Lead Pastor at Yarrow United Mennonite Church Phil Wheaton, Lead Pastor at Bethel Mennonite Church in Langley Congregations deciding to leave MCBC in 2017: Chinese Grace Mennonite Church in Vancouver First Mennonite Church in Burns Lake For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 3:11 At our 2016 Annual Gathering, MCBC strongly approved the Future Directions Task Force Final Report, which then propelled Mennonite Church Canada, and the place of MCBC in it, towards a significant restructuring and new way of being. In 2017, this process became known as Future Directions: Covenant New. The new structure was approved at the Special Delegates Assembly on October 13-15, 2017, with the nationwide church now becoming a collaboration of five Regional Churches MCBC being one of them. In this new arrangement, MCBC has been given additional responsibilities, but with that, significant new opportunities. Look forward to hearing more at the 2018 MCBC Annual Gathering. Our Communications Director and Administrative Assistant, Aften Thiessen, ended her work with us in September. We give thanks to Aften for her excellent work. Thankfully we have found Sarah Symons to pick up this work as Communications Coordinator and Administrative Assistant, and she has picked it up rather seamlessly. The importance of communicating well, the increased opportunity we have now with nationwide and global ministry, and the related increased administration have led us to increase the time for our Communications Coordinator and Administrative Assistant position. We are also planning for a half time Congregational Engagement staff position. This position will be for the purpose of relating to our MCBC donors, and helping our congregations to develop and engage their missional opportunities across the street and around the world. This is a response to the new focus on the local congregation as the centre of mission. There has been nationwide discernment that determined the need for this position in each Regional Church. The funding for the Church Engagement position and half of the funding for the increase of the Communications/Administrative position is coming from MCBC donations previously directed to Mennonite Church Canada which are now available to the Regional Church (MCBC). There have been some great stories of what God is doing among and through our MCBC congregations in 2017, and there have also been some challenging ones. Let me begin with the story of the search for a new pastor for the English congregation of Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church. This search was going on for almost a year when Tim Kuepfer became available to do some guest preaching towards the end of By May 1st, 2017, Tim was called to be the pastor for the English congregation. Tim and Sandra have moved into Chinatown, and come with a great deal of energy for the congregation to be an Anabaptist presence in Chinatown. Tim and Pastor Martin So of the Chinese congregation at VCMC have a great working relationship, empowering their congregation to be the presence of Christ in this part of Vancouver. The congregation has wholeheartedly agreed to become Chinatown Peace Church. While the Chinese characters for their name will remain the same, their English name will no longer be Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church, but is now Chinatown Peace Church. The challenging times include several pastors going through health issues. We also have the news that two congregations have decided to leave MCBC: Chinese Grace Mennonite Church in Vancouver and First Mennonite Church in Burns Lake. There are other congregations that are still discerning whether they will stay with MCBC. The other challenge through this year is the journey of ill health of our MCBC Indigenous Relations Coordinator. Brander McDonald s health recovered to the point where he could gradually come back to work in June and through the summer, but on October 10th, he turned ill again and has been off work since then. Please pray for guidance and wisdom in this important work of reconciliation and for Brander. Our theme for 2017 was Building Healthy Connections: within and among our congregations. Carrying this theme forward, I had many opportunities to preach from John 4:7-21 with a focus on love leading the way. Now as we have moved into our series of Joint MCBC/CBC worship services, I have been preaching from Hebrews 10:23-25, with a focus on encouraging us to love each other and serve together. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Our joint services with the CBC Traveling Ministry Team have taken us to Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, and we will continue in January and February at Peace Mennonite Church in Richmond and the Western Hmong Mennonite Church in Maple Ridge

8 Moderator - Continued Moderator Lee Dyck In the book of Joshua, chapters 3-5, we read the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River on dry ground and the instructions to twelve men who had been chosen (to represent each of the 12 tribes) to take a river stone each and pile them as a memorial to this event. The stones were to remind them and their children after them of the story of God s faithfulness in leading them out of the land of Canaan. We are moving to a new place, a place that is slowly opening to us. However, we do not want to forget the stories that brought us to where we are. The Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, is a prayer that is repeated often and reminds them that they shall rehearse their exodus story. What will the story be that we share with future generations about the MCBC journey? It was Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest) who wrote I never travel without my diary; one should always have something sensational to read on the train. If I were to let you read my diary, or journal in my case, I m not sure it would be too sensational, but I believe you would get a flavour of the story of MCBC over the past year. Whether it a story about the delight or disappointment, heartache or rejoicing, they cover the range. In fact, in preparing to write this report, I read the entire volume, looking at the ups and downs of this year from hindsight. From many perspectives, it was a busy year. There were the travels involved in being on the General Board, Interim Council and now the Joint Council of Mennonite Church Canada, representing you as Moderator in discussions, plans and decision making. Since the Winnipeg Mennonite Church Canada Assembly in October at which the Future Directions: Covenant New plan was approved, we have had cluster meetings in both Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Those who were unable to attend in person were able to Zoom in via technology and several took advantage of that. While there was a sense of trust from some, there were also areas that caused concern, such as how finances will be safeguarded for those congregations that do not want to have any connection to nationwide activities. We will need to come up with a suitable amount to cover what it costs for these congregations to avail themselves of some of the services, e.g. Common Word, pension plan and the like. There was the sadness that comes from congregations deciding to leave MCBC. Chinese Grace Mennonite and First Mennonite (Burns Lake) have both moved in that direction and MCBC representatives have met with both congregations in this process. This will be acknowledged at our February 2018 AGM with a sending/blessing prayer and upon delegate approval, the titles to their buildings will be transferred to them once they have become a legal Society in BC. We will miss the connections with these congregations in the ongoing story of MCBC. The Executive is in the process of discerning candidates for the Faith and Life Committee. Leadership Board members have also met with individual congregations who are ACOM (Area Church Only Membership) and wondering about their status going forward. These meetings have not been easy. One of the highlights of the 2017 story was the second Symphony of Hymns on November 19 at Level Ground Mennonite Church. Calvin Dyck brought together a wonderful group of musicians who gave leadership to an afternoon of both singing together and hearing familiar hymns. Comments like I had been longing for just this; it fed my soul were heard. This was meant both as a fund raiser and community building event. The assembled crowd s enthusiastic participation in four-part singing concluded beautifully in the singing of the wellloved Praise God as a sending anthem. The first of three joint services with Columbia Bible College took place at Emmanuel Mennonite on November 26 with Garry Janzen presenting the sermon on the theme of Healthy Connections and the CBC travelling team led in the worship music. One of the students shared about their faith journey. Other services will be at Peace Mennonite and Western Hmong Mennonite Church. We have now concluded our three-year journey through the themes of being Anabaptist, Missional and Connected. Already we are looking ahead to a seminar on Reading the Bible Together facilitated by Tim Geddert on April 14th and are hoping to arrange for a second event in the fall. This story of MCBC is ours together, as congregations, pastors, staff, and volunteers. We continue to write a story of being better together, for as Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us: a cord of three strands is not quickly broken

9 Faith & Life Pages - Continued Faith & Life Pages Lydia Cruttwell (Former Chair) The Faith and Life Committee only had one full meeting last year, on January 4th, Unfortunately, after this meeting, this committee went into a period of dormancy for the rest of the year, due to two members stepping down. Gareth Brandt had to take a year of absence for personal reasons, and by early April, Lydia Cruttwell (chair of the Committee) realised she needed to step back as well due to burnout and a need to reduce her working hours and commitments. She was affirmed in this decision at a meeting with fellow Committee Members Garry Janzen and Artur Bergen on April 12th, 2017, and then sent a formal letter of resignation to the MCBC Leadership Board on April 19th. This means that currently, the Faith & Life Committee is inactive, although the MCBC Leadership Board is currently discussing restarting this committee with a new slate of members. At the January 4th meeting, the topic discussed was Covenant and Scripture - looking at the scriptures which teach about covenant, discussing what can or should be done when covenant is broken, and modern examples of covenants (including marriage and baptism). Near the end of this meeting, Artur Bergen raised the question of whether MCBC Leadership, and in particular Garry Janzen, had broken the MCBC Covenant. Artur Bergen was both the Faith & Life representative on the MCBC Leadership Board and the longest serving member of the Faith & Life Committee - he reached his maximum allowance of 9 years in 2017 having served since the Committee s inception in Artur Bergen has written the following as an expression of his ongoing concern with current MCBC Leadership - this does not represent the committee, or anything directly discussed in Faith & Life meetings, but rather Artur s view. We present it here for your prayerful consideration: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, You might know that the Faith and Life Committee s job is to discern the theology, ethics, ecclesiology, polity, and practice of MCBC. This is a delicate and often difficult job (consider the prophets of the OT, the apostles of the NT, and our spiritual forefathers from the 16th century), because holding people and churches accountable to Scripture is so easy to dismiss as a personal attack. But this is not true, holding one another accountable is a deep and powerful act of Christian love. Please keep this clear and Godly motive in mind as you consider the rest of this report. It has become evident that one of the main issues we face in MCBC is false teaching and its consequences. This becomes clear when we face issues that the Bible clearly addresses and yet a spectrum of opinions pours forth from among us many of them completely opposite to one another which are then smoothed over and lumped into the same group of acceptable interpretation by those who prefer the appearance of unity over submission to Truth. While Faith and Life Committee could use this report to directly identify and challenge those individual issues, it is the over-arching one, the denial of the existence of heresy itself and with it the denial of absolute Truth, that we desire to explore with you here. This is necessary not only because it is what God commanded, but because even the most casual of observers can see that some of our leaders have chosen to focus on this unity instead of Truth. While this is normal and expected from earthly political leaders, it is not the job description of church leaders, and we see in history that when leaders protect and even promote falsehoods, God calls forth prophets to make public and clear what is really going on so that others can choose obedience rather than simply being swept along by those in power over them. Faith and Life Committee s responsibility at this time is clear to remind MCBC churches what the Bible tells us about false teaching. The timing of this situation is worth noting as 2017 was the 500 year anniversary of the Reformation a clash of self-proclaiming Christians who disagreed sharply on what it meant to follow Jesus. The Reformation firmly placed the Bible back in the center of Christian faith and practice, where it belongs. 500 years ago God used a number of ordinary people to move the church back onto the right and narrow path, but this was not the first time the church struggled with confusing/misleading ideas. Since the beginning of the Christian church it has been plagued by heresies and heretics those who deliberately promoted false teaching. Jesus, our Savior and Lord predicted it warning us that as we moved closer to the history s climax, the heresies would increase. That is why Jesus called the Church to be on guard (Matthew 7:15-23, Matthew 24). The Concept of Heresy It is helpful for the faithful to have a clear idea of what heresy itself is. Heresy is a very serious error about a fundamental truth or practice of the Christian faith. Heresy is a false teaching. It is often an attractive belief or idea that is in contradiction to Orthodoxy - having the right beliefs (Ortho = straight and doxy = notion or Judgement). The Word of God has an authoritative system of right beliefs, but obedience to it often puts us in tension with those still fully enslaved by their sinful nature. The attraction of heresy is that it is often a way for believers to escape persecution or even discomfort here in the world, and is often welcomed by the world as open-minded, tolerant, and polite. Satan has used the illusion that this is what loving our neighbour truly means, to great effect throughout history, and particularly in our own time. Our Current Reality The heresy that has gained momentum in our circles is that experience, insight, reasoning and the conclusions we arrive at from them override Scripture. For example: my neighbour is a Mormon and my neighbour exhibits many Godly behaviours, therefore my neighbour s Mormon faith and my Christian faith must be the same. Do you see the trick? Rather than identifying that sinful people can make good choices, we instead use their good choices to justify all of their choices. We end up being the one to proclaim things as good or evil based on how they seem to us. We can even cloak these false assertions in Biblical-sounding ways this is not new. Corruption of the Word of God is perhaps the supreme weapon of the adversary. What we experience today is a new form of that ancient lie that Satan placed in this world so long ago. In Genesis 3:1 we see the Deceiver introduce doubt in the absolute nature of God s word, by asking, Did God really say, and in doing so present himself as freeing people from mindless bondage to God and His unreasonable expectations. We read on and see how devastatingly effective this attack was relationship between God and people and even nature was broken. From that point on, Satan has continued to twist God s Word with the clear intent to destroy human beings, as has been clearly observed by believers through the centuries. Error, indeed is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in on attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced (ridiculous as the expression may seem) more true than 16 17

10 Faith & Life Pages - Continued Faith & Life Pages - Continued truth itself - (Irenaeus Against Heresies 1.2) Heresy and Those Who Teach It in Scripture People who spread false teachings are publically identified by New Testament writers as: false teachers and prophets (2 Peter 2:1), ferocious wolves (Matthew 7:15), vain talkers and deceivers (Titus 1:10), false apostles and deceitful workers, ministers of Satan who follow his example in fashioning themselves as ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:13-15), vessels for dishonor (Mt. 13:25), people who by their smooth and flattering speech deceive the hearts of unsuspecting people (Rom. 16:17,18). The Old Testament period of history was also plagued with false prophets. Consider these passages for further study: Deuteronomy 13, Numerous 31, Leviticus 19, Haggai 2, Jeremiah 23 and 14, Ezekiel 13, 1 Samuel 15. Notice the complete lack of tolerance on God s part toward these deceiving and false teachers. In the New Testament Jesus made it clear to His followers that the future Church would face this problem and He called for alertness. One of the clear motives for writing most of the letters of the New Testament was to battle false teaching and the people who promoted them. Consider for further study: Matthew 7 and 24, Acts 15, 16, 20 and 24, 2 Corinthians 11, Galatians 1:6-9, 2, 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:5-14, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 4:3-5, Titus 1:7-16, 3:10-16, 2 Peter 2:1-22, 1 John 4:1-3, 2 John 1:10-11, Judas 1:3-16, Revelation 2:2. Despite the Bible s clear teaching and the Church s historic struggle with heresy, it remains a very difficult thing to deal with, particularly in our own time. Why? Common Excuses to Avoid Dealing with Heresy Excuse #1: Many present day theologians teach that heresy is very rare, and that the very idea of confronting and condemning it is an outdated and obsolete notion. They argue that those accused of heresy have been dealt with too harshly in the past that in this enlightened age of tolerance, even suggesting that someone might believe wrongly is not the path of allloving, all-accepting Jesus. Response: Jesus himself said, that heresy would not diminish but increase. Heresy is not rare or unusual according to Scripture. Since there is a core set of sound doctrine, when someone is doing or believing something that is seriously an error, the actually loving and right thing to do is to admonish, rebuke and correct him or her. (Proverbs 27:6). Jesus also repeatedly told His followers to choose the narrow way (7:13,14), that He and He alone was that way (John 14:6), and that it would cost us dearly (Mark 8:34-38) surely these Truth claims are not out-dated and obsolete. Excuse #2: The leaders of the large Christian organizations have not made an official decision that something is a heresy, therefore it cannot be heresy. Response: Truth is not anchored in the opinions of leaders of Christian organizations, many of whom are pressured to maintain the status quo and build the brand of their organization a goal frequently requiring more attention to appearances then maintaining alignment with Scripture. But Jesus is the Truth and the whole Bible is Truth (2 Timothy 3:16), and the World is often directly opposed to them following Jesus often does not look good in the Media. If the Christian leaders of those organizations are unwilling to take decisive actions and confront heresy, God may raise up individuals like Martin Luther, Menno Simons, and certainly you and I, to call the Church back to the right and narrow path. How to Deal with Heresy 1. We need to realize the seriousness of heresy these are lies that take people who want to follow God and divert those souls away from Him. Truth and salvation go together, just as serious error keeps us enslaved and helps to condemn us - God s Truth alone will set us free. 2. The apostles and the inspired writers of the New Testament boldly spoke out against false teachers and teachings, and so should we. We have to identify those who are twisting the truth and be on guard for them (2 John 10-11). Heresy is a public sin and needs to be exposed publicly (2 Timothy 2:18, 2 Timothy 4:10-15). Obviously, the followers of Jesus must be warned about those who convincingly promote lies - we ought not to ignore heresy. Erroneous teaching and practice, if not directly and publicly confronted, spreads. A little leaven eventually leavens the whole batch. The spirit of the postmodern age The Zeitgeist is a rejection of absolutes, a twisted kind of tolerance. It is darkly ironic that a movement that embraces love as its main justification for accepting any and all behaviours, is actually actively condemning many by putting a Heaven label on Hell a devious and deeply hateful act. This is also one of the heresies we are facing in our circles. 3. Many of us are confused about the idea of judging things. We need to firmly understand the difference between judging that exalts ourselves over another (which we are forbidden from doing in Mt. 7:1-5) and judging that identifies truth and lies (which we are commanded to do 1 Cor. 5:12,13). This will help us to firmly stand by Truth and not get sucked into the lie that in confronting false teaching we are doing something inappropriate and hateful. A Call to Act Dealing with false teaching is difficult. Often it involves confronting people, and even the most loving confrontations are risky. These is a risk of being labeled judgmental, narrow-minded, and hypocritical (after all- who among us is without sin), but this is exactly what Jesus is calling His followers to risk. It is not a witch-hunt, it is not an Inquisition, it is not a round-up- it is obedience. It is possible to pretend that there is no heresy or heretics in our midst and among our leaders, OR we can follow the calling and teaching of Jesus. Each one of us will choose. Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father s glory with the holy angels. Yours in Christ, Artur Bergen - Mark 8:

11 Service, Peace & Justice - Continued Service, Peace & Justice Henry Krause The main purpose statement for the Service Peace and Justice Committee is to promote awareness of peace, justice and service issues among MCBC member congregations. Our committee has worked with this agenda in mind in a number of areas this past year. Indigenous Relations Work As was reported at last year s MCBC annual general meeting, Brander became very ill in July 2016 and was not able to work in his role as Indigenous Relations Coordinator. At the AGM the delegate body voted to extend his term of employment, which ended in February 2017 by one more year to the end of February The intention was that once he was well and back at work there would be an evaluation of the role and work of the Indigenous Relations Coordinator position. Unfortunately, Brander s health did not improve until June when he did come back to work however his health deteriorated again and on October 10th he again went on sick leave and continued to be off during the remainder of As a result, an evaluation of the Indigenous Relations work and position did not happen although some preliminary conversations were held with the intention of beginning this process. In June an Indigenous Relations Support Committee was initiated in order to work with Brander and to give some direction to this work for MCBC. This group met once with him when he was healthy at the end of June and then once in November without him after he became ill. One of the tasks of this committee going forward will be to give direction to the evaluation of the Indigenous work of MCBC. Even though Brander was not able to work very much last year there were still a number of initiatives that were undertaken during the year: There was support and encouragement for persons to attend the annual North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) conference in Oregon June 1-3. A number of MCBC churches participated in the Walk in the Spirit of Reconciliation June 2-4 from Fort Langley to the Heritage Park in Mission to recognize and acknowledge the second anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission s Calls to Action. Sonny McHalsie led a Sto:lo Nation Cultural Learning Day Bus Tour on June 10th. Participants from a number of MCBC churches as well as some from the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster participated. It proved to be a rich learning experience. MCBC churches were encouraged to support and participate in the Walk for Reconciliation in Vancouver on September 24th in recognition and celebration of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission s work. There were a significant number of people from our congregations who attended and at least one congregation cancelled it s morning service so people could attend the walk. Churches and individuals were encouraged to work with a Mennonite Church Canada initiative to ask the Canadian Government to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous People. A resource Wrongs to Rights, giving information on how Christians can engage in learning about UN Declaration was made available to churches through Common Word the online Mennonite church bookstore and resource center. A second resource Yours, Mine, Ours unraveling the Doctrine of Discovery was also made available this year. The committee has been very supportive of the work that Bridget Findlay has been doing. She is Mennonite Central Committee BC s Indigenous Neighbours program coordinator and has been highlighting resources and educational events. Finally, we want to gratefully acknowledge the financial support and work that both MCCBC and Mennonite Church Canada through Steve Heinrichs have given to this work over the last year. Creation Care Working with the issue of Creation Care and responding to climate change has also been a focus of the committee this past year. The committee has continued to encourage congregations to use resources that are available for our churches. An Adult study resource Every Creature Singing is an excellent resource for small groups, Sunday School classes of both youth and adults or just personal study. It is available for download from Common Word and was put together through the work of the Mennonite Creation Care Network (MCCN). There are also many other resources available from MCCN which invites congregations to join with others in actively engaging in activities that support good stewardship practices. The committee has been looking for examples of congregations that are working on Environmental stewardship and would welcome your stories about what is happening in your local congregations. Activities that have happened in congregations include setting up a Green Team ; having a recycling day for electronics and batteries; and organizing community gardens. Affordable housing discussion The committee has continued to have conversations about how best we might make a difference in the issues related to affordable housing. We have been looking for ways in which our congregations might be more actively involved in participating in providing solutions to the housing issues, especially low cost housing. Again, we invite suggestions and ideas. Support for Palestinian Christians In 2016 our Mennonite Church across Canada made a commitment to listen to the voices of Palestinian Christians who are asking Christians around the world to stand with them in a call for peace through non-violent means in Palestine/Israel. To that end our committee is looking at how we can participate in giving some attention to these issues. Pathways for Peace and Justice for Palestine and Israel is a four-part study series available from Common word for use in churches and Sunday school settings. It offers helpful ways of thinking about the current crisis in the Palestine and Israel and gives a good historic background to the questions related how we respond as Christians and specifically as Mennonites. The committee is also very supportive of the work that MCCBC is doing in this imitative. There are currently two resources available: A Cry for Home, a look at what it means to have a home and the impact on families and communities when their homes are not safe and No Way to Treat a Child a study guide raising concerns about the systematic ill-treatment of Palestinian Children in Israeli military detention. It has been a joy to work with the other members of the committee this past year

12 Evangelism & Church Development Jorge Hoajaca First of all, I would like all the delegates to acknowledge the committed and intense volunteer work of our former chairperson, Barry Lesser. As most of us know, Barry gave leadership to ECDC for many years until last year s Summer when Barry was forced to resign from his ECDC position due to a heart condition. ECDC continued to meet for some time without a chairperson. Late in the summer the committee decided to invite Jorge Hoajaca to chair the committee until our AGM, where the delegates would then affirm that appointment. It is important to also note that the ECDC needs more members since we only have four members out of a potential seven that can serve. Projects update: 1. ECDC was working with two potential church plant projects in 2016/2017. One was the Garage Community Church in Kelowna. That project did not happen due to leadership issues in their own context, though ECDC committed funding in principle. The second project, The Community Table Church, in East Vancouver was put on hold for a year. Garry Janzen and Jorge Hoajaca will resume the conversation with Matt Kwok to find out where the vision stands at this point in time. 2. MCBC thru ECDC support the work at what is formerly known as Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church. The church now has a brand new name, Vancouver Peace Church, and is under the leadership of Pastor Tim Kuepfer. It is exciting to see how God continues to move and work in the inner city and specifically in the heart of Chinatown. Please support this initiative in prayer and, when time permits, come and check out what is happening in Chinatown. 3. Mennonite Japanese Christian Fellowship in Surrey is not a new church plant project; however the mandate of our committee is to also provide support of our existing congregations in order to help them to develop their ministry. We are glad to support the vision of Mennonite Japanese Committee - Continued Christian fellowship thru some funding and our prayers. They are looking to expand their ministry by having a co-pastor who will focus their ministry in evangelism and outreach. 4. Some of our congregations are in the process of revitalization after decades of existence and ministry. First United Mennonite Church entered in a process of discernment about their future a few years ago. The result of that process has led FUMC to get involved in a process of revitalization, which ECDC supports. FUMC has hired a copastor to lead the church in that process, and this process is very much like replanting the church. 5. Last but not least, Living Stones, our Mandarin church plant project in Surrey, continues to believe that, even with many challenges growing, the church of Christ is possible regardless of location or limitations. The biggest challenge has been steady growth. Families with children have joined the church, but are challenged when they see that the kids program is very limited. This has led them to leave for a bigger church where the kids program is strong. They have also considered the possibility of relocating to an area where there is a larger Mandarin population. MCBC will continue to manage Living Stones finances, hoping that their leadership will refocus and are praying that the desired growth will be acheived. As you can see, ECDC continues to support some of our church plant projects, as well as some of our existing congregations that are in need of our support to develop their vision and mission. We are consciously aware of what the scripture says in Psalms 127:1 - Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain (NIV). We are in a time of transitions: structural changes and government changes. Society is continuously changing, and so congregation also change. However, in the midst of all those changes happening around us we have to remember that the Word of God stands firm and is unchangeable. Even though many are striving and making anything possible to change the infallible Word of God, we are called to stand firm and do not let what God said be changed to accommodate what society and the world is saying because we do not live according to this world values or principals - the church is to live under the values and principles of God. Our mission continues to be the expansion of God s Kingdom thru the potent message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

13 Committee - Continued Women s Ministry Waltrude Gortzen She taught us about the Muslim culture and faith and how we can reach out in love and hospitality to our neighbours. The ladies of Mennonite Girls Can Cook led us through a variety of how to demonstrations: making vanilla, creating chacuttery boards, wrapping gifts, and decorating naked cakes. Workshops and various additional activities were also provided to the retreat participants. Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. - 2 Corinthians 13:11 March 1. Mennonite Women Canada Executive Committee met in Winnipeg in March 8 to Informed them that I will be done after the MCBC AGM in Feb Agreed to continue to help with Communications Committee for MWCanada April Inspirational Day May 6th, 2017 at Emmanuel M. Church in Abbotsford Speaker: Marlene Kropf author of the 2017 Mennonite Women Canada Bible Study Guide Faith Travels. Theme: Who Am I Now? Trusting God in Life s Transitions Morning Session Caught in the messy middle: the threshold of transformation Afternoon Session On the way: finding courage for new beginnings 1. Our annual event had barely started when the fire alarm sent all 130+ women outside to wait for the all clear once the firemen made sure there really was no fire. 2. The offering gathered was noticeably lower this year at $2, but we are still pleased to be able to disperse our funds to the following ministries as listed below: ½ of the offering was sent to Camp Squeah to help with Kitchen needs ¼ was sent to Mennonite Women Canada for International Ministries ¼ was given toward the Women s Ministry Education Fund Coming up in Inspirational Day - May 5th, Location TBA Theme: TBA Speaker: TBA Retreat Weekend - October 19 to 21, 2018 Theme: Contagious Joy Speaker: Katelynn Pankratz - From Cedar Valley Mennonite Church in Mission Watch for further information about both events... In the News N Notes & our Facebook Page. Words from the Women s Ministry Coordinator Waltrude Gortzen My time as the MCBC Women s Ministry Rep has come to an end and this is the last AGM report that I am submitting. For almost 10 years it has been my privilege to be the BC Women s Ministry Rep. I have learned so much and connected with so many wonderful people that I would otherwise never have met. This also allowed me serve on the Mennonite Women Canada Executive Committee and meet even more people from across MC Canada. Women s Ministry Education Scholarship Fund - presently at $ 1, We are urgently looking for assistance in writing the scholarship application form and promotional materials. Please remember this fund in your charitable donations or bequests. Until new Women s Ministry Coordinators are found Janette Thiessen, MCBC Admin, will be your contact person. If you, alone or together with several others, are interested in coordinating this valuable ministry, contact Janette at the MCBC Office or her at admin@mcbc.ca. MCBC Women s Ministry Financial Report October MC Canada General Assembly in Winnipeg - October 13 to 15, 2017 I represented MCBC at the Mennonite Women Canada meetings. Mennonite Women Canada ministries continue as they were even-though MC Canada has reorganized. Women s Retreat Weekend at Camp Squeah - October 13 to 15, 2017 Theme: Courage to Boldly Go! aka Being a Superhero Speaker: Margo Tschetter Hoffman - Minister to Muslims living in Canada. BC Women's Ministry Insp. Day Book Swap Bursary (Auc) Misc Inc. Retreat Education Fund Totals Income $ 2, $ $ $ $ 10, $ $ 13, Expense $ (3,458.36) $ - $ (210.00) $ (28.92) $ (11,160.20) $ (50.00) $ (14,907.48) 2017 Total: $ (1,238.36) $ $ $ $ (430.20) $ - $ (1,217.98) Fwd 2016 $ 4, $1, $ 2, $1, $ (2,108.58) $ 7, Carry Fwd $ 2, $1, $ 3, $1, $ (2,538.78) $ - $ 6,

14 Church Health Committee Bob Boehr Finance Committee Gerry Grunau Last year we started this year of building healthy relationships. Recognizing the tense landscape we found ourselves in, we began last year s LEAD conference by recognizing that when we ask God for one thing he often gives us the opportunity to practice it, rather than give us a miraculous solution to our problems. God continues to give us opportunities to practice this while we have been entangled in contentious differences between individuals and groups as we strive to seek God s face. As a church health committee, we have strived to encourage, support and equip all of our pastors, churches and leaders no matter what our differences may be. The main way we have connected the past two years is to connect with personal s to each lead pastor, so we can be more aware of each leader s health, the health of the church and the challenges that are faced, and then pray as a committee for each church. We have seen a couple of churches decide to leave the conference, but had opportunity to connect with them even after their decision was made. We have seen several of our pastors need to take significant health leaves, which has meant the remaining pastors or church leadership have needed to take on more responsibility. After many years of stability, we have had some pastors resign or retire and have conducted a couple of exit interviews, listening to the stories of joy and challenge from each. We have also had some new pastors join the denomination and have conducted entry interviews to hear their story and their heart for God s church. We have seen churches put in renewed efforts toward revitalizing their churches in creative and trusting ways. Tim Kuepfer spoke at the pastor/spouse retreat this past November discussing Love s one condition: that it is unconditional. Thank you to Greg Thiessen who helped shape the retreat for the committee. My highlight was the interaction we had with one another as we were directed to think about the various levels of relationships we have within a church and the challenges that come with the pastoral role as an individual. Along with this retreat, we support the women s retreat and inspirational day as well as the two youth impact retreats. The last significant piece we have focussed on this past year has been working with Chris Lenshyn and Betty Pries on the development of the new Made in the Image of God workshop that is being rolled out at this year s LEAD conference. A special thank you goes out to Allen Harder who was the liaison on the committee. I would like to say a special thank you to the members of the committee who will not be continuing this year (mostly due to having donated three terms to this committee). I want to publicly thank Waltrude Gortzen, Allen Harder, Gerald Dyck, and Mike Wilson for your input and heart for the health of the churches of MCBC. This story is about interspersing many financial deliberations with planning special events. The Panic Squad returned for an inter-generational visit in April. Symphony of Hymns 2 featuring Calvin Dick, Michael Berg and a troupe of instrumentalists led singing participants through many familiar hymns in November. Thanks to Emmanuel, Sherbrooke and Level Ground congregations for opening up your churches to host these events. Financial results for 2017 featured a number of key items. MCBC congregational and individual contributions were lower. But expenses were also lower. Only 60% of the church planting amount was spent and salary costs for the IRC position were reduced because of Brander s time off work due to illness. This resulted in a deficit comparable to the original 2017 budget. The projected 2018 Budget reflects the restructuring of MC Canada into a covenanted group of regional churches. All previous MC Canada donations are now intended to be routed through the MCBC office. The 2018 net effect will be funding for a half-time MCBC congregation engagement position [$50,000], an MCBC travel subsidy [$7,500] and a contribution of the remaining MC Canada donated funds to nationwide programs such as international witness, aboriginal relations, congregational resources, pastoral database support, communications and executive office functions. According to the planned budgeted amounts, the end result will have no net effect on MCBC income and expenses. Projected 2018 Budget reflects MCBC financial results from Budgeted donations from congregations and individuals have been decreased and expenses have been reduced. The Columbia Bible College allocation is $25,000 less, church planting and revitalization allocation is $30,000 less and the Indigenous Relations Coordinator [IRC] position will be discontinued. We are thankful that the Mountainview fund continues to provide support for church planting, church revitalization and aboriginal awareness as authorized by MCBC delegates. Budget development in tight financial times can be a challenge. We are thankful that we have financial resources and prayers to address the work of the church that MCBC participants have discerned as important and glorifying to God. Many thanks to committee members Richard Hordyk, Randy Redekop, Gerry Grunau, Garry Janzen and Janette Thiessen for their attention to financial detail and their commitment of time and energy to organize events. Sharon Zacharias is also acknowledged for her significant expertise in keeping our financial statements in order. Your gracious and generous congregational and personal donations support MCBC and the work it does. May your continued support bless the kingdom of Jesus and his message and mission in our communities

15 Church Engagement A New Position Within MCBC What would be the vision associated with hiring a church engagement staff person at MCBC? This person could engage MCBC congregations in a commonly shared focus on discipleship and peacemaking. This person could work with MCBC congregations in fulfilling God s mission locally and around the world. This person could inspire congregations to revitalize their focus on being vibrant and dynamic and to live out their missional imagination. This person could establish congregational relationships to promote congregational unity and a sense of joint purpose associated with stewardship and shared programs. Building relationships, developing strategies for working within the new regional church framework, developing initiatives to support international witness work, promoting biblical stewardship and focusing on promoting communication with MCBC congregations are key activities identified in the work description of this position. MCBC has the opportunity to hire such a person as a result of the recent regional church restructuring. A portion of the funds previously supporting national church work are intended to remain with MCBC to provide funds for this position. A posting is ready to head out into the workplace and a position could hopefully be filled by June,

16 Summer 2017 was one of Unchartered Territory and adventure! We introduced a ladies' adventure hike in the wilds of the Cascade Mountains for the first time and based on the feedback and interest we received, hope to offer 2 more (one introductory and one intermediate) in We have never experienced wild fire smoke (and an eclipse!) like we did at Squeah in 2017! It was a year of uncharted territory for sure. Keep Camp on loving one another Squeah as brothers and sisters. Do not forget Report to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Heb.13: 1,2 Since 1962, Camp Squeah has, in response to God, who loves us and calls us, been in the business of hospitality; serving, nurturing and loving people. Squeah has served as a Place of Refuge for many, a safe place set apart, in this broken world. Our hope is that fellow sojourners, regardless of where they are on their faith journey, can meet our Creator God, in a unique way when they spend some time at Camp. One of our main strengths is providing a unique context for extraordinary growth. We provide community. The key components of this community are the programs, program leaders as well as a physical and relational infrastructure that nurture healthy empowerment and growth. Primarily, Camp Squeah is a ministry function of Mennonite Church British Columbia. We support MCBC s vision, in part, by: Providing a vibrant summer camp program that ultimately invites children and youth to an awareness of and relationship with God the Creator Offering outdoor education for school groups, connecting kids to a healthy appreciation of our wonderful Creation. Maintaining and developing safe, attractive and financially sustainable facilities and operations for use by MCBC congregations and other guest groups to re-connect and build relationships. Providing opportunity for young adults to dig deeper into their faith formation, honing their skills, while being discipled and mentored. SUMMER CAMP 2017: 2017 was a great year for Squeah for many reasons. Not least of those was the reach in children and families we had the privilege to host and serve this year. More summer campers than in the previous 18 + years! Two ways in which we endeavored to introduce and attract new campers to Squeah in 2017 was via a stronger on-air radio presence (through Praise 106.5) and a greater social media level of engagement (mainly with Facebook, supplemented with some Instagram posts). We took baby steps in both arenas, and initial feedback, and levels of engagement proved encouraging, prompting us to continue in that direction in Our theme helped us dive into the story of Jesus through the lens of exploration and discovery. Campers formed loving relationships with each other, our staff and the living God of the universe. I remember one particular night evening chapel on the last day of camp. And after asking the campers to share their encouraging stories from the week, there was a stream of responses relating how they had made wonderful new friends, felt the love and truth of God sincerely shared with them, came to understand something new of God s great character and had ventured to try new and exciting activities at Squeah. It s just such a wonderful privilege to watch God work in the hearts and lives of others. In addition to the campers we serve, we are always incredibly thankful for all the great people who choose to come and serve Jesus with us at Squeah. Whether seasonally through Spring 2017 Summer Camper # s and Fall or in the summer camp ministry time, none of what we love to do would be possible Onsite: JLT: SLT: MUD: without the many Go Beyond: 20 staff and volunteers who make this possible. Total: 774 Thanks to God who makes all this possible and gives us the opportunity to serve with others and to be a light to them in our world. OUTDOOR EDUCATION 2017: Summer Staff: Outdoor Ed # s Schools served: 49 Our Outdoor Education programming is a wonderful and integral Students served: 2, 833 part of our ministry at camp Squeah. We disciple young people and teach them a variety of valuable skills and help them to live in Seasonal Staff: 16/season community with Christ-likeness. We seek to serve each group openly and with a loving hospitality that makes Squeah feel like home for them. We provide outdoor opportunities for many children who would otherwise not be free to play outside and be challenged with healthy relationships and play time. 2,833 students engaged their senses in Camp Squeah s outdoor classroom in (More students than ever before!) 30 31

17 49 different outdoor education group bookings came and went. Of those, 13 were private, and 36 were public schools. 43 groups were elementary or middle schools, and 6 were secondary students. Of the 49 school groups, 7 were first time visitors. 16 seasonal staff (in both Spring and Fall) shared God s love by providing exemplary service. SQUEAH OPERATIONS: Tim Larson, Program Director In 2017 Business was Boomin, with increased attendance in all areas, (except for MCBC annual retreats, which dropped) with largest leaps occurring in Outdoor Education. This resulted in a significant increase to anticipated revenues which, in turn, allowed us to realize a healthy surplus in our bottom line at year end. This permitted us to make two much needed year end purchases - a diesel 4x4 truck, (which doubles as a snow plough in winter and an off road emergency rescue vehicle in the warmer months) and a 2006 (Case super M) Backhoe, replacing our 1974 backhoe which was deemed inoperable in Both were immediately put to the test by the year end snow accumulation and were much appreciated by both Dan Friesen and Tom Esler, who delighted in the upgrades. In addition, our year-end financial position bodes well for providing the seed money to look ahead and convert pending capital upgrades and projects from current dream status into realities in In 2017 a portion of our playground succumbed to rot alerting us to a need for a significant overhaul to (aka re-do of) our playground area. In addition, November and December s wet wint ry weather introduced us to a number of new leaky spots in our main lodge roof, needing addressing, due to a shortage of available ice cream buckets. DESIGNATED FUNDS: Each year, in partnership with our many faithful and beloved donors, Camp is able to set aside funds toward two special accounts: Our Campership fund provides opportunity for campers whose family financial situation would prohibit them from experiencing an enriching and life impacting camp experience. In 2017 we were able to draw approximately $ 22, from the fund, assisting 112 campers in the process. Since 1999, the Campership has assisted 1,646 campers attend camp to the tune of $285,000. Praise God! Equally as important, our Bursary fund allows us to recruit excellent summer staff while assisting them in their scholastic endeavors. Thanks to another successful paddle-a- thon in 2017 we were able to disburse $40,000 of bursary money to 15 students. If you haven t been involved in a paddle-a-thon before, perhaps 2018 is finally your year. The date is set for April 21 and this marks our 20 th anniversary. It s going to be epic! There s more than one way to be involved. TRANSITIONS Winter of 2017/18 also marked another transition season in the Squeah kitchen. With a degree of nostalgic sadness, we bid a fond farewell to Katie-Sue Stauffer, our head cook of two years, who s indicated her desire to shift vocational direction somewhat and accept an offer to work at Clearbrook Glass in Abbotsford, where she ll take on an administrative management position. We ve really appreciated the gifts and skills she s so selflessly shared with us, and although, it s clear we ll miss her dearly, wish her well in her new endeavors, knowing that the gifts which blessed us so much at Squeah will serve her well wherever God leads her. Turning the page, we re equally thankful for God s leading in directing Robert Gil Gilbertson our way. Via a reference from Tony Thompson, (Squeah head chef, once removed ;-), Gil introduced himself to us late November of last year. We were immediately impressed with his calmness in the face of pre-meal service pressures, his creativity in making meal enhancing decisions on the fly, his obvious passion for cooking, and beyond that a keen mentoring desire/ability. Upon accepting our invitation to fill our vacant head chef position, Gil expressed his conviction that the previous 41 years in the Food Service industry had all been prep work for this, the answer to His calling. MILESTONES & CELEBRATIONS! Speaking of answers to a calling In 2017, we celebrated two milestones: Tim Larson s 10 years of service as Camp Squeah s Program Director and Rob Tiessen s 20 th anniversary (10 years as program director, and the last 10 as Executive Director). In June, days after celebrating my 50 th birthday with close friends and family, my extended Squeah family surprised me with the party to end all parties. I was overwhelmed by the turnout of support, and flooded with oh so many memories, reminding me again how blessed we are to be entrusted with stewarding such a wonderful place, together with so many wonderful mentors, co-labourers and friends. To God be the Glory! On behalf of the MCBC camp committee and the entire Squeah staff team and our families, it continues to be our privilege to host you, as well as host others, on your behalf. Respectfully submitted, Rob Tiessen, Executive Director In response to God who loves and calls us, Camp Squeah provides a place of refuge in a natural setting where people of all ages can build relationships, grow and be nurtured

18 MENNO PLACE FACT SHEET 2018 Established: : 65 years of caring Employees: 675 5th largest employer in Abbotsford, BC Menno Place Report 12% of seniors over 80 in Abbotsford Seniors: 700 Couples: 50+ live at Menno Place Largest Campus of Care for seniors in British Columbia 11.5 acres 6 buildings 3 Fountain Courtyards 1 Fireside Cafe 3 Chaplains 2 Chapels Pharmacy on site Non-Profit Society: Mennonite Benevolent Society Centrally located: Mill Lake Park Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre Holmberg House Hospice Cottage Worthington Rehabilitation Facebook.com/ HumansOfMennoPlace 1025 Followers 121 People's stories told Facebook.com/ MennoPlaceLife 1409 Followers Family & Friends Newsletter 581 Subscribers Mission & Vision Our mission is to reflect God's love by providing facilities and services that express our commitment to excellent care and enable residents to live with hope and dignity. Our vision is to build on our 65 year legacy by providing quality care and quality of life in a compassionate, Christian environment. Menno Place Growth Celebration 65 years! Levels of Care Provided 2018 marks the 65th year of service to elders at Menno Place. Have you worked at Menno Place? Join our Legacy of Care Party on July 6, 2018 at 11am in the Courtyard! First Resident at Menno Home, 1954 Justina Wiens The section of Menno Home that Justina lived in was replaced in Residents in 2018 are still living in these quarters, 63 years later. Menno Place provides all of the levels of care for 700+ seniors who are seeking support as they age-in-place. Independent Living includes main meal Pavilion ( suites) - affordable housing from $1000/month Terrace West ( suites) - comfortable lifestyle - $1700/month Primrose Gardens ( suites) - modern comfort - $ $3400/month Home Health - by-the-hour home care; partnered with Fraser Health through two cluster care centers, largest in Abbotsford Assisted Living includes two meals and minutes of daily nursing care Terrace East (2005) - 41 suites subsidized through Fraser Health 55 suites private-pay Residential Care includes all meals and 24/7 nursing care Menno Home ( ; 196 people) Menno Hospital ( ; 151 people) Donations Living Waters Gardens 10 fountain gazebo garden with walking circle 2017 Bus 16 passenger handicap-accessible bus Duet Bike Handicap two-person bicycle Putting Green & Lawn Bowling 9 hole putting course; lawn bowling pitch Spa Tub Donated by Arjo Huntleigh Ceramics Program Kiln and greenware Grandparent's Day in attendance Four generations at our very own fair Rexall Concerts in Care Monthly symphony, jazz, opera and band concerts sponsored by Health Arts Society & BMO Leadership CEO Karen L. Baillie VISION 1: Menno Place Care Home New 250-person Care Home at Menno Place State-of-the-art care home with person neighborhoods on each floor State-of-the-art gathering room with technology that supports stimulation for dementia, music therapy, dance therapy, chapel, spiritual care Courtyard for activities including walking circle, fountains, music in the courtyard, exercise, creative discovery signs State-of-the-art palliative care designed for pain management, family connection, vigil, spiritual care and end-of-life service VISION 2: Senior Village Urban Hub Five acres of Senior and Mixed Housing at Menno Village Executive Director Finance & Operations Kathrin McMath Executive Director Care Services Hilde Wiebe Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 1K info@mennoplace.ca Urban community focused on aging in place, located on donated land in the heart of Abbotsford, BC Senior-based housing, including nonprofit social housing for seniors in need of social assistance as well as high-end rental with spectacular views Amenities that meet the needs and desires of vibrant seniors who are seeking the ideal location to age-in-place Supportive care-services for seniors such as meal preparation and delivery; pharmacy; home health care; senior centre; physical and occupational rehabilitation; physician hub; music therapy; dance therapy, exercise studio MBS Board Chair Gerd Bartel MBS Board Catherine Kidd, VP Jake Barkman Rudy Kasdorf Hans Krueger Ron Ratzlaff Sylvia Robertson Robin Caldwell Arnie Friesen Deanna Klassen Mark Rempel Jay Teichrob 34 35

19 Three Houses, Two Sites, One Goal Prepared by Ross Penner Director of Canadian Operations In May of 2016 a wildfire nicknamed The Beast wiped out over 2500 structures in Fort McMurray. As MDS planned our response we identified three clients who lost their homes and didn t have the means to rebuild. Mennonite Disaster Anticipating a building boom in Fort McMurray and Service Report wondering how we would be able to get timely access to materials and necessary skilled trades, a creative solution was considered. What if we could build the houses at a different location, while preparing the foundations in Fort Mac? Our Saskatchewan Unit took the lead in coordinating the building of 3 Ready-To-Move (RTM) homes in Hague, Saskatchewan. Zak s Building Group partnered with us in providing materials and expertise to get the houses built and moved. Meanwhile, at the Fort McMurray worksite, foundations and basements were prepared. Three houses, two sites and one goal. The goal is to show the love of Christ. At MDS we frequently talk about seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The miracle our volunteers most frequently talk about witnessing is clients rediscover the hope. They discover it through the loving manner in which volunteers rebuild. As one of the retired widows in Fort McMurray said, I didn t know there were people like you left in the world. We trust that the real person she and others see, was Jesus using our small gifts to reveal the immeasurable love of God. MDS Canada 6A-1325 Markham Rd Winnipeg MB R3T 4J6 Toll Free: (866) Fax: (204) mds.mennonite.net In addition to our Fort McMurray/Hague project, MDS Canada was active in helping a BC family rebuild and a Manitoba family muck out and replace basement infrastructure. In Ontario, several houses were mucked out from flooding in different areas of the province. In the Ottawa River Valley, 2 new houses are currently being built. We did our first family project in Atlantic Canada at Camp Wildwood and also had a successful youth project in Hepburn, Saskatchewan. In this coming year we will anticipate planning a response to the BC fires of last summer. The preparation phase is underway as we seek to identify those in need. We have been blessed by healthy giving in 2017 that allows us to make plans for the coming year. We continue to keep our centre as a grassroots movement of people like you; people who make up the Mennonite and Anabaptist communities who want to live out their faith in practical ways. Thank you for the chance to work with you towards the one goal sharing the love of Christ Annual report for MCBC Tobi Thiessen, Publisher Since 1953, Canadian Mennonite has published the stories of our church family. We offer a broad range of articles, views and opinions by church members from across the country. We also carry the voices of our church leaders and give space to issues being discussed at the nationwide church level. We are deeply grateful for the Every Home Plan that, since 1997, has allowed anyone who attends a Mennonite Church congregation to subscribe to the magazine. These days, a subscription can be print or digital. There is also a bi-weekly update called CM Now, plus a website with web-only content. Canadian Mennonite Regional correspondents, like Amy Dueckman for British Columbia, help us get local stories. In 2017, Amy published 26 stories about B.C., such as From behind the Iron Curtain about an event held by Mennonite Historical Society; and B.C. s wildfires affect large region. Angelika Dawson wrote a feature article called A big fan of Jesus the church not so much that gained a great deal of attention with our online audience. Report Garry Janzen contributed to the From Our Leaders column, and numerous individuals and churches sent in letters to the editor, or photos about activities in their communities. Church administrators are invited to send in notices of births, deaths, baptisms and weddings for publication in our Milestones section. The following table gives a quick picture of how each Regional Church was represented in Canadian Mennonite in As you can see, MC BC comprises 11 percent of the membership across Mennonite Church Canada and 10 percent of the articles published. Interestingly, MC BC households only account for 5 percent of Canadian Mennonite subscriptions, but 13% of our website users. % of members in MC Canada* % of CM subscribers % of articles published % of letter writers % of CM website users # items published in CM** # of CM subscribers (print or digital) # of web visits BC 11% 5% 10% 11% 13% ,497 Alberta 4% 5% 8% 9% 11% ,173 Saskatchewan 9% 11% 11% 9% 7% 66 1,088 11,268 Manitoba 27% 29% 23% 23% 19% 137 3,158 29,497 Ontario & east 49% 49% 38% 49% 45% 214 5,205 69,860 * based on April 2017 MC Canada data ** includes print and online articles, viewpoints, letters, features, photos, news releases and columns British Columbia readers often say that Canadian Mennonite helps them feel connected to the church across the country. We pray that will continue for many years. Thank you for your support! 36 37

20 STORIES OF CHANGE: 2017 Submitted by Karyn Santiago Chief Executive Officer Inspired by Jesus Christ, Communitas will be a place of belonging, growth and contribution. Communitas literally means a place where all people are equal. At Communitas Supportive Care Society we seek to create community that is inclusive and where people of all abilities are recognized as fully human. Our commitment to this goal informs our work, guides our decision-making and is reflected in our values. As we Communitas round the corner on the third year of Vision our strategic plan for achieving five key long-term goals I am reflective of our efforts to build this type of community experience. Over the past year: Ø Supportive Changes to our social enterprises and employment Care options enlarged the support for individuals of all abilities. We celebrated this achievement with the First Annual Inclusive Employers Excellence Awards and by opening a new warehouse. Ø Society We expanded our services for Report children living with complex care needs and tested new services in both Campbell River and the Fraser Valley. Ø We reinforced the message of inclusion and support for all people through the development of resilient, values-based partnerships. Ø We continued to build community awareness and support through volunteer opportunities with Communitas. Many of the 2017 stories highlighted on our website reflect these growing relationships. Ø Our ongoing fundraising efforts testify to the generosity of great community partners. In all of this, Communitas continues to serve in the name of Christ. We recognize that it is Christ who works in us to will and to work according to his good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). And our commitment to a mission which is inspired by Jesus Christ stands firm as we look to the future. I am truly thankful for the contributions of so many: Our board, chaired by Gary Falk, acts as a champion walking alongside of us in both the challenges and the successes. Our larger leadership team members are an amazingly passionate and inspiring group of individuals who lead through example and grace. Communitas staff members bring themselves and their gifts to work each and every day. They truly demonstrate the impact of loving fully and completely. The individuals we support demonstrate their own trust and resiliency as we carefully hold their story. We are so often humbled by their tenacity, abilities and forthrightness in the midst of challenging life circumstances. We look forward to advancing abundant life for all abilities in And we look forward to the opportunity to continue serving our communities and the church by creating meaningful places of belonging, growth and contribution for all. We are grateful for the many relationships we share with Mennonite Church BC. Thank you! We invite you to pray for us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Christ in our communities. Karyn Karyn Santiago Chief Executive Officer of Communitas In June 2017, Communitas completed its fourth Accreditation Review, receiving exemplary status from the Council on Accreditation. We are proud of this achievement, and we celebrate the teamwork that successful accreditation efforts demonstrate. Our personcentred approach to care was warmly affirmed by our reviewers and evident in the onsite visits to our programs and group homes. As Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King notes, the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. This measurement is best evidenced in the daily experiences of Communitas staff members and the individuals they support with love and compassion as they live interdependently, build relationships in the spirit of gentleness and trust, and strive for a quality of life that emphasizes personhood ahead of abilities. To learn more about Communitas Supportive Care Society, visit

21 Abundance Canada 2017 OVERVIEW REPORT JANUARY 2018 Report As each has received a gift, employ it for one another as good stewards of God s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 Generosity is the heart-beat of Abundance Canada. We envision a world were everyone lives generously, because when people choose to be generous, it changes lives. God s abundant love is put on display as we share with others the blessings given to us. For more than 40 years, Abundance Canada has invited people to share their abundance with the charities and causes they care about most today in their lifetime, and tomorrow, through their estate. AN UNPRECEDENTED YEAR! Abundance Canada is continually humbled and inspired by the generosity of the clients we serve. In 2017 we disbursed more donations to more charities than at any other time in our history. Our clients chose a record number of 1,133 charities as recipients of their generosity, and we are honoured to be part of this process. Our goal is to continue inspiring thoughts of God s abundance and to encourage people to share with those in need. A Gift Planning Consultant in your area is available to help you with your charitable goals. Our consultation services are free and without any obligation. WE OFFER: Gift and Estate Planning No obligation, free consultations Charitable gift facilitation Family Foundation planning and management Gift facilitation of stocks, bonds and mutual funds Bequests Gifts of Life Insurance ABUNDANCE CANADA GIFT PLANNING CONSULTANTS 2017 HIGHLIGHTS* $19.72 M Distributed to charities 1,133 Recipient charities supported by generous clients $39.46 M Total receipted * Unaudited figures Report to Mennonite Church British Columbia Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary: Sara Wenger Shenk, president Regional church connections AMBS Board member Gerda Krause (Sherbrooke) Annabaptist Mennonite AMBS student MDiv Connect: Ian Funk (Langley) Resources for faith formation and Biblical Seminary Report leadership development Academic programs AMBS serves the church as a learning community with an Anabaptist vision, educating followers of Jesus Christ to be leaders for God s reconciling mission in the world. Are you feeling drawn to deepen your understanding of Scripture, Anabaptist theology and faith? Our programs integrate academics, spiritual formation and practice, equipping students to read the Bible with an Anabaptist lens, apply critical thinking skills, lead compassionately and live faithfully wherever God may call them to serve. Master of Divinity (80 hrs) Master of Arts in Christian Formation (60 hrs) Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies (60 hrs) Graduate Certificate (27 credit hours) ambs.ca/academics Distance education options include the MDiv Connect which includes online and hybrid courses and the fully online Graduate Certificate. ambs.ca/mdivconnect ambs.ca/academics/certificates Financial aid. AMBS offers generous need-based financial aid, grants and scholarships to help make your education affordable. For example, MDiv Connect students taking at least 12 credit hours per academic year are eligible to receive the full amount of needbased tuition aid from AMBS. ambs.ca/financialaid Want to explore seminary study before applying? Take an on-campus or online class even if you re not admitted to a degree or certificate program and your first class is 50 percent off! Check out next semester s offerings: ambs.ca/academics/one-course-options Lifelong learning AMBS s Church Leadership Center offers various non-degree options for you to continue your education and strengthen your leadership skills: Short courses: Transforming Congregational Conflict and Communication (online); Cómo Se Formó la Biblia (campus); Exploring Anabaptist History and Theology (online) Seminars and workshops (online and on-campus) Pastors and Leaders (Feb. 26 March 1, 2018) Leadership Clinics (Feb. 26, 2018) Become a member of the Church Leadership Center! Members can receive additional benefits, including substantial discounts on events. ambs.ca/lifelong-learning Journey: A Missional Leadership Development Program is a 2-1/2-year non-degree leadership development program for people exploring a call to ministry. The distance-friendly AMBS program features a five-unit online curriculum, biweekly mentor-mentee meetings and one visit to the AMBS region per year. Participants receive a certificate upon meeting program requirements. ambs.ca/journey Host a Reading the Bible with Jesus workshop with itinerant Bible teacher Bryan Moyer Suderman for 1 2 days of digging deep into one of the Gospels to gain tools for reading and interpreting Scripture like Jesus did, in light of today s world. (Available in English and Spanish.) ambs.ca/workshops!explore: A Theological Program for High School Youth: Students (grades 10 12) can explore ministry, develop their leadership gifts and listen for God s call through a Congregational Experience and a Group Experience (July 3 18, 2018). Encourage someone you know to apply! ambs.ca/explore Experience AMBS: Visit our campus to learn more about all that AMBS has to offer. ambs.ca/visit Harold Penner Kevin Davidson Peter Dryden Brad Friesen Marlow Gingerich Sherri Grosz For a no-obligation, free consultation with a Gift Planning Consultant in your area, please call Because generosity changes everything abundance.ca David Barker We thank God for your support and ask for your prayers as we prepare leaders for the church through programs that are biblically, spiritually, ethically and theologically grounded. Rooted in the Word, Growing in Christ February 2018 AMBS 3003 Benham Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46517, USA ambs.ca 40 41

22 COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS: "GREATER THINGS" Columbia "I Bible tell College Report you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father (John 14:12). When things are going well, it is easy to fall into comfortable patterns, and to settle for what seems good. Combatting that human tendency should not lead us to dissatisfaction or a self-absorbed striving for more. At Columbia, it has been a good year and we have much to celebrate: strong enrollment, excellent student leadership, approved accreditations, new academic programs, full dorms, recognition as a Best Christian workplace, increased student financial aid, and a significant operating surplus. That s all awesome! But we continue to believe that God s Spirit desires even greater things for our students as they prepare to engage the world around them. Everywhere we go, we encounter people who are struggling with the consequences of sin: guilt, shame, fear, and meaninglessness. But God intends far greater things for all of creation. The Gospel proclaims forgiveness, belonging, reconciliation, love, purpose and hope. Our vision is that Columbia students, staff, faculty and partners will embody that kingdom dream. Greater things please pray that this would be a year of God s Greater Things at Columbia! COLUMBIA GRAD ATTRIBUTES This year, we articulated a vision for Columbia grads: five key attributes we hope our students and alumni will embody. We'll use this document to guide our teaching, equipping, and discipleship. CHRIST-CENTERED & CRITICAL THINKERS ETHICAL & ENGAGED NEIGHBOURS INTEGRATED & MATURING DISCIPLES CLEAR & AGILE COMMUNICATORS AUTHENTIC & TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERS See the full 'Graduate Attributes' document at columbiabc.edu/grads WE LAUNCHED 3 NEW PROGRAMS DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP A two-year program focused on developing faith, a Christ-centered approach to business, and core skills needed to succeed in the marketplace: accounting, economics, marketing, entrepreneurial operations, and more. STATUS: 7 students enrolled for Fall MEET AMY PENNER Program: Quest, Class of Currently completing the Diploma in Applied Leadership. Hometown: Kelowna, BC QUEST Highlights: Our instructors are absolutely amazing. The whole Quest community is so caring. I wouldn t classify these guys as just my friends: they re a family too. Getting to know everyone is a highlight. I ve gotten so much from hearing other people s stories and gotten encouragement from people saying my story impacted them. DIPLOMA IN APPLIED LEADERSHIP This two-year program equips students with leadership skills for ministry and the marketplace. Students may enter in their first year, or after completing Columbia One, Quest, or the new ERT program. STATUS: 23 students enrolled for Fall 2017 (3 new students + 20 students in Year 2 or above). EMERGENCY RESCUE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE A one-year career-focused program that aims to develop a Christ-centered character and worldview along with the hard and soft skills needed to help people in crisis. STATUS: 16 students enrolled for Fall The second thing is being intentional getting to know people where they re at, and loving them as Jesus did, then sharing the gospel. Intentionality is written all over Quest and now it s written all over me. I m going to be so much more intentional in my relationships the ones I have and the ones I will have. I didn t expect to be so stretched. I ve been stretched in every single way this year: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally. That s made me grow so much, and even though it s been difficult at times, I ve become a stronger follower because of it. Bryan Born, President STUDENT ENROLLMENT Fall 2015 Fall 2016 Fall 2017 Total Students New Students BEST CHRISTIAN WORKPLACES THANK YOU TO MCBC! Columbia was recognized as a 'Best Christian Workplace' for 2017, based on our 'Best Christian Workplaces' staff engagement survey results. We're excited to see that our efforts to create a supportive and inspiring workplace culture are bearing fruit. We're so grateful for MCBC's faithful and generous investment in Columbia Bible College. Many thanks for your gift of $125,000 in 2017! We're also thankful for the dedicated service of MCBC representatives on our Board of Directors: Richard Thiessen (board chair), Gerry Binnema, Curtis McHale, and Dieter Nickel, with special thanks to Aaron Roorda, who stepped down this year. The trips are kind of like the icing on the cake. You get to go out with these people and do crazy things. You bond so much over adventures together. On how she s grown as a disciple: The first thing that comes to mind is getting more firm in the truth, and growing in that. Seeing truth in others, and having truth spoken over me. Getting really grounded in the Bible has been a huge thing, and through that, learning the skills to be a disciple, and what God s mission is

23 CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY Canadian Mennonite Report from Canadian Mennonite University University Report CMU is entrusted with its mission by the church, formally by the collaboration of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Brethren peoples and extended through a wide ecumenical range of congregations who find resonance with Anabaptist commitments of faith and life. Dr. Rick Lindroth CMU Scientist in Residence Dr. Rick Lindroth is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Wisconsin- Madison (USA). His research focuses on evolutionary ecology and global change ecology in forest ecosystems. Dr. Lindroth reflected on the interplay of faith and science in chapels and forums, engaged students in classes, and presented an interactive public lecture. Steve Bell 2018 CMU PAX Award Recipient On April 5, CMU will recognize Winnipeg singer-songwriter Steve Bell with the 2018 CMU PAX Award. Bell is a musician, poet and storyteller whose music springs from the stories and yearnings of others, especially those seeking healing and hope. Bell s commitment to clean water access for Shoal Lake 40 First Nation brought together Indigenous, church, political and other groups, including CMU students. He has also been a strong voice urging the Canadian government to adopt Bill C-262, an act to ensure that Canadian laws are in harmony with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Fall/Winter Enrolment Shaftesbury Campus 709 Students (FTE 610) 586 Undergraduate 71 Graduate 52 Outtatown Menno Simons College (CMU Programs at U Winnipeg) FTE 260 Shaftesbury Students 78 International students from 25 countries 75% Manitoba; 25% other provinces 42% Mennonite (MC, MB, EMC...) 43% Ecumenically Diverse (Baptist and Pentecostal to Catholic and Orthodox) 15% Disclose no church connection *FTE: Full-time equivalent students Science as a Way of Knowing: the Pursuit of Truth in a Post-Truth World CMU Scientist in Residence CMU Pastors in Residence Allysa Bender (Pastor at Hamilton Mennonite Church, Hamilton, Ontario) and Lee Kosa (Pastor of Cedar Park MB Church in Delta, BC) both served as CMU Pastors in Residence in the academic year. Academics and Vocation CMU is committed to bridge student passions, convictions, faith and career paths with the needs and opportunities of church and society. Academic studies link Biblical and Theological Studies with 18 different BA majors all while nurturing an imagination for the church. Students enrol in Arts (English, History, Psychology, Geography ), Biblical and Theological Studies, Environmental Science, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics), Business, Communications & Media, Music and Music Therapy, International Development, Peace and Conflict Studies. CMU students move towards lives of service and leadership in medicine, farming, law, church ministry, business CENTRE FOR FAITH AND LIFE Centre for Faith and Life The CMU Centre for Faith and Life (CFL) links individuals, congregations and ecumenically diverse constituencies with the university s unique, nonformal, church engagement, and resourcing initiatives. Initiatives include: RESOURCING PASTORS FOR MINISTRY ReNew: Resourcing Pastors for Ministry conference focused on the theme Delighting in Scripture: Sola Scriptura at 500 Years. Keynote speakers included Tim Geddert (Professor of New Testament at Fresno Pacific), Meghan Good (Teaching Pastor at Trinity Mennonite Church, Glendale, AZ) and Gerald Gerbrandt (President and Professor Emeritus of Bible at CMU). face face: On Campus Community in Conversation Face2Face is an initiative opening community conversations at the intersection of faith and life. A November conversation reflected on the implications of the legalization of marijuana for communities and the church. A February conversation involved five CMU undergraduate students on the theme The Bible Tells Me so...doesn t it? A Conversation with Young Adults on the Tensions of Taking Scripture Seriously. Face2Face conversations are live-streamed and available via the web across Canada. sixpointeight sixpointeight is a new youth-gathering rooted in the call of Micah to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. On Sunday, April 29, 2018 youth from many streams of the Mennonite family and beyond will gather at CMU for worship, fun, learning and community and to be inspired and equipped as peacebuilders in the way of Jesus. Celebrating Distinguished Alumni Four CMU alumni were recognized for the diverse ways in which their lives and work embody CMU commitments to service, leadership, and reconciliation. Henry Neufeld (CMBC 52) for a lifetime commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; John Longhurst (MBBC 79) for his exemplary work as a communicator, marketer, editor, and columnist; Ken Esau (MBBC 83) for many decades of teaching commitment at Columbia Bible College and in the wider church; Joanne Thiessen Martens (CMBC 96) for her ecological and organic agricultural research. This and That... Centre for Resilience The CMU Centre for Resilience (CFR), to be launched this spring, will enable social enterprises to extend their work through partnerships with the university s education, research and service and extend opportunities for CMU to make an impact in the community and church. The CFR is located on the 4th floor of CMU s historic north side building, and will also utilize land designated for ecological initiatives on the north-west parcel of CMU s property, adjacent to the CMU Farm. MHC Gallery In June 2017, the MHC Gallery was officially welcomed as part of the university and in that extended the peacebuilding commitments of faculty and students and the work of the Canadian School of Peacebuilding. In January, 2018, Ray Dirks, the Gallery s Curator, along with Manju Lodha, a member of Winnipeg s Hindu and Jain communities, were presented with the Lieutenant-Governor s Award for the Advancement of Interreligious Understanding for their efforts in building understanding between diverse faith communities. Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives A new partnership, led by CMU (and together with MC Canada and the Centre for Transnational Mennonite Studies), is helping the MHC Archives to enter a new and exciting chapter in service of the church and community. The MHC Archives is known to house among the best collections of Prussian, Russian, Canadian, and Global Mennonite historical documents in the country

24 Therefore you are no longer foreigners or strangers, but fellow citizens of God s chosen people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19 BC HIGHLIGHTS A Place to Belong Mennonite Central We all need a place to belong, a food in the cupboard and hearts that embrace us. As followers of Christ we are Committee BC Report called to care for our neighbours, to welcome the stranger, and to even love our enemies. home of some kind. a place that is safe and warm, with REFUGEE ASSISTANCE: While the global refugee crisis reached the highest level since WWII, we helped sponsor 175 refugees this past year together with churches and community groups. Our refugee office in Vancouver assisted an additional 85 refugee claimants who arrived seeking sanctuary. HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES: With the homeless count on the rise, we were pleased to have helped 107 people retain or gain access to housing. We assisted approximately 300 people each month with weekly community meals and other practical needs. We also provided overnight shelter for 20 people during the extreme weather crisis until a church stepped forward with 40 beds. INDIGENOUS RELATIONS: In the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission where Indigenous people shared heart breaking stories of the residential schools, we drafted an official MCC response and invited our churches on the journey. We held an educational session together with indigenous elders and 71 attendees where we invited churches to build relations with indigenous people in their community. A total of 280 people have been connected. END ABUSE: As a surprising number of people in our communities and our churches experience abuse, we were pleased to facilitate individual and group support for 161 women experiencing domestic violence. We have also begun providing support groups for men who have identified the need to change. POVERTY ALLEVIATION: While many people in our province experience the benefits of a growing economy, 20% of our children live in poverty. Through programs that foster self-reliance, we assisted 267 people in families that experience child poverty. Most of these are single parent families that are also newcomers to Canada. MOBILIZING RESOURCES: With the support of almost 1,000 volunteers, our Thrift shops generated $1.9 million in net income. Over 700 young volunteers assembled $244,000 in material aid (relief kits and blankets), 1,200 volunteers organized 3 relief sale festivals that generated over $1 million, and over 4,000 donors gave generously to support the ministry of MCC here at home and around the word. This year we helped provide a place to belong to 1,864 people through our local programs and an additional 1,572 people experiencing hardship received practical assistance from our Thrift Shops. Thanks to your support, MCC has been able to work together with churches and community partners to help create a place to belong" for uprooted and vulnerable people, here at home and around the world. Yours in Christ, Wayne Bremner, Executive Director MCC BC MCC BC Board members Peter Wolfe (Chair), MB Tim Kroeker (Vice-Chair), MB Terry Christie (Treasurer), MC Ingrid Schultz (Secretary), MC Norma Bergen, MC Dianne Erisman, Member at Large Gerry Grunau, MC Don Klaassen, MB Ricki Lane, MC Sharon Simpson, MB James Toews, MB ART & COFFEE COMMUNITY GARDENS IN PRINCE GEORGE INVITING CONVERSATION THROUGH THEATRE This year, we launched Art + Coffee night featuring a selection of fair trade coffees and chocolate to sample. The art ex hibit this year is entitled Volvos of Lebanon. Several churches hosted Art + Coffee nights as an opportunity to engage younger audiences in the work of MCC as they explored the parallels be tween the images and the ongoing story that is unfolding in the Middle East. REAL PEACE COMES FROM GOD'S LOVE Sovannara Yoeun is an IVEPer from Cambodia that served as a Chaplain Assistant at Menno Home from September 2016 to July I have learnt how to serve people, he says, to share God s love, to make pace with God, with myself and with others. And to learn that all people have value and need to be respected and know that real peace comes from God s love. (Menno Home photo/amanda Dick) 22 MCC IN CANADA In 2015 MCC received a gift of two apartment buildings located in Prince George. As MCC BC started to engage with the residents of the apartments, our main was how isolated many of the residents were. So, this summer MCC began a community garden project which has already begun to have a positive impact, encouraging community building in the apartments. This year, MCC sponsored two theatre productions: displace, a show that featured the stories of refugees told in their own words, and Forgiven/Forgotten, a story that looks at how our society responds to those affected by crime. MCC's work often addresses difficult subjects and these productions provide a new way to invite our constituency into these conversations. BC Service Workers Service Workers from BC: Anna Vogt Char Siemens Mark Tymm Sharon Mkisi Meg Gerbrandt Wiebe SALTers: Deanna Esau Kaylee Hall Rachel Hills Emily Huang Tiffany Wieler IVEPers serving in BC: Abhijit Das Michelle Kundishora Antonio Lembranca Helen Mordovets Elizabeth Mulya Sovannara Yoeun Service Workers in BC: Andrew Ardell Tammy Battersby Soraya Canales Galdamez Laura Funk Thomas Gleichauf Renny Hutabarat Nicole Knelsen Hubert Calvin Li Jonas Koehler Monica Mellado-Jerezano Thirza Prentice Karin Rempel Samuel Walter Jean Wong 2016/2017 ANNUAL REPORT

25 Mennonite Church Canada: Our Nationwide Community of Faith God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit to grow as communities of grace, joy, and peace, so that God s healing and hope flow through us to the world This has been a year of transition. Yet in the midst of significant staff reduction and restructuring, we have continued to position ourselves so that God s healing and hope can flow through us to the world. Some of the program highlights of this past year: Indigenous-Settler Relations Formal Name Change o Mennonite Church between both Indigenous and Settler peoples. Canada Report We are excited to announce that Indigenous Relations has been formally renamed Indigenous-Settler Relations (approved by Joint Council, December 2017). The change seeks to communicate to constituency and the broader public that our nationwide work is an effort to renew and repair mutual relationships UNDRIP and Bill C-262 o In June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called all Canadian churches to engage the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) within our respective constituencies and the broader Canadian public (Call to Action #48). According to the TRC Final Report, the Declaration is so important that it should be understood as the framework for reconciliation in Canada. In response, Mennonite Church Canada s Indigenous-Settler Relations program has sought to mobilize the church in support of the Declaration through teach-ins, two book resources (Wrongs to Rights and Lifting Hearts off the Ground), the Pilgrimage for Indigenous Rights, the Fast for Indigenous Rights, and a postcard campaign of over 35,000 cards. A significant part of our education and advocacy efforts have been directed towards Bill C-262 An Act to Ensure that the Laws of Canada are in Harmony with the UNDRIP. A private members bill crafted by Romeo Saganash Cree Member of Parliament (NDP) and residential school survivor Bill C-262 would affirm that the Declarations minimum standards for the survival of Indigenous peoples have legal application in Canada. When Bill C-262 was initially introduced, many said that it would never get the support of the Government. Yet through the tireless work of grassroots advocacy including Christian Peacemaker Teams and Mennonite Church Canada the Government of Canada announced on November 20, 2017 that is it International Witness going to support the Bill. It is amazing news! We still have a ways to go before it receives royal assent and thus becomes law. Yet if passed, Bill C-262 will be a tremendous step towards the liberating justice that Jesus proclaimed for the oppressed (Luke 4:18-19). Our International Witness work has continued to remain strong with 19 workers through this past year. Some highlights this year include; - Peacebuilders Community Inc, PBCI, responded to violence in Marawi City, Mindanao with 288 Peace & Reconciliation (PAR) monitors in the affected region. - The newly formed Mennonite Church South Korea, MCSK, hosted its second annual Assembly in September. - Witness worker Bock Ki Kim is leading an effort to plant a new Anabaptist/Mennonite church in Seoul. - Mike & Cheryl Nimz are helping to start a new Anabaptist group in Birmingham, England. - Nathan and Taryn Dirks (after 5 years) completed their ministry in Botswana, leaving a great impact in the whole country for having built the first Futsal/sports park in Botswana. Mushroom cultivation was taught to women of the Grace Community of Churches (GCC) in South Africa. A brick making machine has also been purchased in collaboration with AIMM, MCC and MMN to help construct church buildings. - Other workers include: Darnell & Christina Barkman (Philippines); Jeanette Hanson (Canada/China); Lillian & Norm Nicolson (Burkina Faso); Jennifer Otto & Greg Rabus (Germany); Tom & Christine Poovong (Thailand); Hippolyto & Miriam Tshimanga (South Africa); George & Tobia Veith (China). Although we are not able to include highlights from all our workers, please check out further reports in the following link: CommonWord Report CommonWord is a unique and growing hybrid ministry embracing the resourcing needs of church, university and neighbourhood, local and national communities, Mennonite and ecumenical conversations by providing a fusion of services: curated resources to buy, borrow, or download availability of staff for resource consultation We are grateful to report strong numbers in 2017 that reflect a growing ministry: 48 49

26 Sales revenue, for the first 10 months of our current fiscal year, is up 27.6%. Online sales revenue is up 41%, including competitively priced MennoMedia titles and Mennonite Church Canada products. In 2018, 48% of items borrowed by congregations circulated outside Manitoba, including increases in MCBC, MCA and MCEC. 17.2% of all items borrowed in 2018 circulated outside Mennonite Church Canada, the highest percentage ever. Download totals increased 18% in 2018, including Community Developed titles contributed by congregations and others. Help bring CommonWord to your congregation: Connect leaders and readers to the 12,000 items at Friend us on Facebook and sign up to receive our electronic Curator. Certainly visit us if you re ever in Winnipeg. Request a display on a particular theme to match a worship or educational event. We ll help with the selection and send up to 20 loan books for free. Submit a Cheaper by the Dozen order. We ll send you 12 different book titles on loan for an extended period again at no cost. A great way to supplement your church library, discuss a committee issue, or encourage reading! Set up a standing order and we ll do this on a regular 6-week cycle. Make your purchases through CommonWord. We special order most titles. And regularly discount most items. One congregation recently combined their families giftgiving for Christmas with a single purchase through CommonWord. One congregation supports their pastor s continuing education fund by having an account at CommonWord. One family gifted their loved one with a standing monthly order of book and coffee from CommonWord. We d be glad to talk about possibilities! Closing Thank you for continued financial support of the Regional Churches, which makes the work of the nationwide priorities possible. Willard Metzger 50 51

27 Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes Saturday, February 25, 2017 At: Emmanuel Mennonite Church Delegates: 193 Moderator: Lee Dyck (Eden Mennonite Church) Vice-Moderator: Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (Level Ground Mennonite Church) Parliamentarian for this MCBC AGM: Ed Janzen (Emmanuel Mennonite Church) Recording Secretary: Rita Ewert (Level Ground Mennonite Church) Welcome, Lee Dyck (Moderator of MCBC) Welcome here. We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Sto:lo First Nation people. We are thankful for their hospitality. Janette 2017 Thiessen (MCBC Office MCBC Administrator) stated that AGM we have a quorum. Prayer ~ Francis of Assisi, Minutes Prayer read by Lee Dyck Our Father, each day is a little life, each night a tiny death; help us to live with faith and hope and love. Lift our duty above drudgery; let not our strength fail, or the vision fade, in the heat and burden of the day. O God, make us patient and pitiful one with another in the fret and jar of life, remembering that each fights a hard fight and walks a lonely way. Forgive us, Lord, if we hurt our fellow souls; teach us a gentler tone, a sweeter charity of words, and a more healing touch. Motion Move the adoption of the Revised Agenda as distributed. Moved: Lee Dyck (Moderator) Seconded: Rob Brown (Eden) Discussion: Ken Kehler (Peace): we are gathered as two different bodies: those that are full members of Mennonite Church Canada (MC Canada) and those that are Area Church only Membership (ACOM) - what rights and privileges do the ACOM delegates have? Ed Janzen (Emmanuel): We are voting as a delegate body of MCBC, the issues are legitimate issues that face both parties. ACOM people may vote on all the resolutions. Question was called for: UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by show of hands Resolution #6 Be it Resolved that the minutes of the 2016 Annual General Meeting be approved as printed. Moved: Rita Ewert (Recording Secretary) Seconded: Wilmer Tessman (Eden) Discussion Walter Bergen (Emmanuel): will the congregational meeting minutes from the January 22, 2017 meeting be made available Lee Dyck (Moderator): note that the meeting on January 22, 2017 was not a delegate meeting but a listening meeting. The information has been made available. Question was called for: UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by show of hands Worship Lee Dyck -- Opening Prayer based on I Corinthians 13:13 And now faith, hope and love abide, these three: And the greatest of these is love. Sustain us, O God, when we must face sorrow; give us courage for the day and hope for the morrow. Day unto day may we lay hold of thy hand and look up into thy face, whatever befall, until our work is finished and the day is done. Amen. Welcome of Guests, Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (Vice-Moderator of MCBC) Ken Hawkley, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary Bryan Born, Columbia Bible College Kurtis Kube, Columbia Bible College Karyn Santiago, Communitas Supportive Care Services Gerald Dyck, Mennonite Disaster Services Jane Cooper, LifeBridge Ministries Wayne Bremner, Mennonite Central Committee Jennifer Martens, Mennonite Historical Society Elma Pauls, Mennonite Historical Society Daniel Horne, Mennonite Church Canada Willard Metzger, Mennonite Church Canada Keith Regehr, Mennonite Church Canada Jeff Borden, Place of Refuge Thank you for joining our MCBC family for this day. Delegates, please take time to visit the various booths around the room. Page1 God of Gods: We come to worship today to hear Your Good News, To hear of faith, hope and love Ringing out from Your Kingdom. We know that doubt, fear and hatred Can shake even the strongest. Shape us into faithful, hopeful people, Fill us with Your love that passes all understanding. We pray this together in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Written by Carol Penner Thank you to our Worship Leaders: Gerald Neufeld, guitar and vocal Shim Baek, piano Amy Dueckman, violin and vocal Dolores Martens, vocal 'Hallelujah, Your Love is Amazing' and 'Healer of Every ill' The candle is lit as a reminder that Christ is here among us. The plant is in honour of Marie Rehsler who passed away earlier this year. Marie faithfully attended all MCBC meetings that she was able, she will be missed. A Prayer Room is set up in the Fireside Room, Lydia Cruttwell (Pastor of First United Mennonite) is very ill and could not be here. There are some people in the Prayer Room and you are welcome to Page2

28 join at any point. Moderator s Report, Lee Dyck Many prayers are being said on behalf of our AGM from the other Area churches across Canada. I have a wealth of treasure from being a part of many meetings and connecting with a variety of people across Canada; The Lead Conference yesterday was excellent, thank you for organizing it Executive Minister s report, Garry Janzen Challenging issues drive us to extra and deeper discernment -- we are better people for the conversations; Theme of Building Healthy Connections: we are living into the previous themes we have had for the past two years. Franklin Graham, is coming to Vancouver and we are concerned with his views and comments regarding the Muslims and the LGTBQ. Our concern is that the contentious and confrontational political and social rhetoric that Mr. Graham has used has the potential to overshadow the message of Jesus and incite hostility in our highly charged social climate, said the letter, signed by more than 30 prominent evangelicals, Catholics and mainline Protestants. o o o o The MCBC leadership board said that Garry could sign the letter. The letter and who signed it are in The Province online: +franklin+graham/ /story.html The group released the letter regarding Franklin Graham being the speaker for the Festival of Hope, after nine months of dialogue with the Festival of Hope committee. May we walk in the light of God My hope for MCBC, Garry Janzen - Introducing New Pastors Thank you to Aften Thiessen (MCBC Communications Director & Admininstrative Assistant) for creating the presentation Winston Pratt - Lead Pastor at Peace Mennonite Church, Richmond Jon Tetzel - Pastor of Children and Youth at Peace Mennonite Church, Richmond Jooyong Park - Associate Pastor of Outreach at Mennonite Japanese Christian Fellowship, Surrey Bless Len and Derek Dovale - Associate Pastors for Youth and Young Adults, Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Surrey Grant Miller - Youth Pastor, Cedar Valley Mennonite Church, Mission Jeremiah Buhler - Pastor, First Mennonite Church, Kelowna New Way Forward, Garry Janzen Setting the context with regard to MCBC and Future Directions Vision for MCBC the Identity and Purpose Statement of MCBC was read Hope that we are willing to hear each other Come with the spirit of enquiry and curiosity Hope that we are here to listen to God Hope to be a part of the larger church Being Missionally engaged I Corinthians 13 and I John 4 There is a difference between: "this is how I stand" and "this is how I love" We need to listen well to each other Reconciliation is a value that was the centre of our work in 2016 Canada's 150th celebration -- underlying theme of reconciliation especially with the First Nations Group Jesus is the centre of our faith; faithfully following Jesus in our whole lives God has called us to uphold Unity One of the greatest witnesses is the willingness to continue to dialogue with those with whom we disagree. Page3 Humility -- the importance of being humble; Philippians 2 Love all the people Proposal from Leadership Board, Garry Janzen - New Pathway forward with the National Church 5 regional churches (Mennonite Church British Columbia, Mennonite Church Alberta, Mennonite Church Saskatchewan, Mennonite Church Manitoba, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada) discern what they want to collaborate on; there will be a limited staff that will implement what the 5 regional churches have discerned together; There may be some things that will not be done by the various regional churches Mennonite Church Canada (MC Canada) as we know it is changing o There was 8 or 9 years of Scriptural discernment -- how to read Scripture well; o At MCBC we had not had any appetite for discussion on the BFC7 meetings -- I talked to the pastors in the Fraser Valley and in Vancouver in December 2015 and they said they were not interested in discussing the topic with their churches; So the MCBC Board planned to talk about Being a Faithful Church7 (BFC7) after seeing what the outcome of the vote would be in the Saskatoon July 2017 the decision was made to have one (1) pastors meeting in September 2016 to hear each pastor's thoughts and concerns plus we held two (2) listening meetings -- we wanted to hear from the various people in all the congregations; o o The Listening Meeting in October 2016 was to hear the various voices of the congregations. This is where a group of pastors presented a letter. After the October 2016 Listening Meeting -- Out of the 20 plus ideas that came from the floor on how to move forward, we came up with 6 responses and sent out a survey. The survey was a helpful tool to continue to hear from a variety of people -- we did not expect that the survey would be conclusive, it was one of our tools. In January we presented a proposal to those who attended the meeting to again hear what is the voice of the people; after that meeting the Board listened to the people and this is the draft that we came up with; Resolution #1 The MCBC Resolution for our way forward in response to Being a Faithful Church 7 (BFC7): Whereas MCBC, as a collective body, affirms the MCBC Covenant, and holds to the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective which states that marriage is between one man and one woman for life: Be it resolved that: Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC) will continue the existing practice: that pastors within MCBC will not officiate at same-sex weddings; that MCBC congregations will not appoint pastors who are in a same-sex relationship. We as MCBC congregations encourage one another to continue to walk alongside and share the love of Jesus - as we are able and as our gifts allow - with all people, including those who are same-sex attracted and those who are in same-sex relationships. Moved: Lee Dyck (Moderator) Seconded: Henry Krause (Langley Mennonite) Table Conversation was to begin at this point, however, an Amendment to Resolution #1 was made from the floor. Amendment to Resolution #1 Whereas MCBC Congregations did solemnly enter into a relationship of covenant on May Page

29 27 th, 2007, And, Whereas MCBC affirms the MCBC Covenant of 2007 and holds to the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective which states in article 19 that marriage is between one man and one woman for life, Whereas MC Canada did on July 9, 2016 adopt BFC 7 at the Bi-annual assembly in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, And, Whereas these two commitments, covenant and resolution are incompatible, We do hereby resolve: 1. To affirm again the primacy of the MCBC covenant for MCBC congregations, 2. And to recognize that by the adoption of BFC 7, delegates voted to distance MC Canada from the intent and purpose of the MCBC Covenant, resulting in a relationship of discord. 3. MCBC shall continue the existing practise, a. Pastors within MCBC shall not officiate at same sex weddings b. That MCBC congregations shall not appoint persons to the office of pastor who are in a same sex relationship MCBC congregations are encouraged to continue to walk alongside and share the love of Jesus Christ with all people, including those who are same sex attracted, those in same sex relationships and their respective families of origin. It is with regret that we recognize that MC Canada has entered into an impaired relationship with MCBC, and with the adoption of this resolution we recognize the discord MC Canada has invoked. Moved: Walter Bergen (Emmanuel) Seconded: Phil Wheaton (Bethel) Ed Janzen said we needed to deal with the Amendment to the Resolution prior to discussing the original resolution. It was decided to have a floor discussion. Motion regarding the Amended Resolution #1 Move that the discussion be set to 15 minutes and then the Resolution question called for. Moved: Andre Pekovich (Point Grey) Seconded: Grant Miller (Cedar Valley) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Discussion Regarding the Amendment to Resolution #1 Alf Penner (Eden) -- this amendment is bringing two resolutions as one and they are two separate items; I do not feel comfortable with combining the resolutions; Walter Bergen (Emmanuel): this was our attempt to find a way forward where everyone will be winners; we want MC Canada to acknowledge that they are wrong; Andre Pekovitch (Point Grey): point of privilege -- stick to talking about the amendment John Goossen (First United): combination of Resolution #1 and Resolution #2 is not acceptable George Goertzen (Peace): the language is troubling -- it feels as if we are saying that MC Canada is a separate entity from us -- we are a part of MC Canada and the delegates voted on Being a Faithful Church (BFC) 7 John Klassen (Langley): confused -- the amendment is not bringing unity Cheryl Berto (Living Hope): I felt we had dealt with everything at our signing of the Covenant in 2007 Jon Nofziger (Emmanuel): congregations encouraged to continue to walk alongside and share the love of Jesus Christ with all people, including those... it seems to me that is what BFC7 says, I am confused Rob Brown (Eden): Whereas these two commitments, covenant and resolution are incompatible -- I disagree with that statement Rob Wiebe (Church of the Way: looking at the amendment and the original motion -- it feels like the amended resolution has been made into a political statement Stan Olson (Emmanuel): this is a substitution not an amendment; Artur Bergen (Eben-Ezer): he signed the letter of concern regarding the Resolutions along Page5 with 13 other -- you either believe in Scripture or you don't believe in Scripture; April Yamasaki (Emmanuel): making sure that I understand this correctly, by voting on this amendment, if this amendment gets defeated do we still get to vote on the other resolutions; Lee Dyck (Moderator): Yes, we first vote on the Amendment and depending on whether or not it is accepted, then we move on to the other Resolutions Reece Friesen (Eben-Ezer): resolution puts two things together, if the practice of homosexuality is a sin then the Bible tells us how to walk with each other; Biblically speaking, the two resolutions need to be together John Klassen (Emmanuel): point of order is called Gerd Bartel (Peace): struggle with the issue on the floor, I want to affirm this because of the Unity factor, however, this is a replacement motion, the struggle I have is that there are two issues; one third of the motion is Resolution #1 and the second is Resolution #2 Call for a vote on the Amendment to Resolution #1 by a Show of hands: In Favour of the amendment: 46 Opposed to the amendment: 71 DEFEATED Table Conversations regarding Resolution #1 -- see Addendum #1 Meeting Etiquette a. Use I, not we, when speaking. b. Seek to see the best in one another. c. Listen to hear & understand. d. Bring a spirit of prayer. e. Do not applaud after Speakers or for vote results. Plenary -- questions / comments from the floor (2 minutes per person -- speak only once) Jon Nofziger (Emmanuel): our table had good discussion, I'm not sure of the second clause of "We as MCBC congregations encourage one another to walk alongside..." is the intent to have different congregations deal with this in various ways? Garry Janzen (Executive Minister MCBC): we feel it should be a pastoral matter April Yamasaki (Emmanuel): had good table discussion, appreciation for the revision it was positive. I also appreciated some of the wording in the Amendment to Resolution #1 which included the words, "families of origin"; the wording from the resolution "as we are able and gifts allows each pastor to walk alongside of various people -- " that is as it should be, it needs to be pastoral Steve Swires (First Mennonite, Burns Lake): found this resolution is one that we could agree on it for the most part but a few words were missing; it could have added "and leaders" after "not appoint pastors" and that "we would not receive same-sex people into membership"; Phil Wheaton (Bethel): clarity -- Article 19 of our Confession of Faith, are you saying that it can be interpreted to include same-sex couples? Lee Dyck (Moderator): we are saying that this becomes a pastoral matter Phil Wheaton (Bethel): is the BFC7 attached, is it included in this motion Lee Dyck (Moderator): The MCBC Board is attempting to put feet under BFC7 Garry Janzen (Executive Minister): It could be viewed as the MCBC implementation of BFC7 Henry Neufeld (Point Grey): excessively elevates LGBTQ people -- this might require us to look at divorce and remarriage; love and inclusion is important; Reece Friesen (Eben-Ezer): I appreciate the efforts that the Board did for working on the middle of the road to BFC7. David Friesen (Emmanuel): made a Motion to amend Resolution #1 that was presented by the MCBC Board. Page

30 Motion to Amend Resolution #1 I move that we add the words or those in leadership positions to be added to bullet #3 between the word pastors and who: that MCBC congregations will not appoint pastors or those in leadership positions who are in a same-sex relationship. Moved: David Friesen (Emmanuel) Seconded: Artur Bergen (Eben-Ezer) Comment to the Motion: Richard Thiessen: define leadership David Friesen: the church board Vote to the Motion to amend Resolution #1 was called for by a show of Hands. In Favour of making the Amendment: 66 Opposed: 47 CARRIED-- the words, or those in leadership positions, to be added to Resolution #1 CBC - Bryan Born Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ We grew by 9 students in January 2017 Tuesday mornings at 10 am we see a group of students meet for Prayer Athletes go to Dormick Park Elementary and are meeting with the children Columbia is accredited with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), an autonomous association of Canadian and U.S. colleges seeking to enhance Christcentred biblically-based higher education in North America. ABHE is a member of the Commission on Recognition of Post-secondary Accreditation (CORPA), the body that provides accreditation of all recognized American universities, colleges and professional preparation programs. Prayer for Wisdom and creativity with future plans Terry Schellenberg from Canadian Mennonite University was unable to join us due to the various storms. His flight was cancelled. Discussion on the Amended Resolution #1 Cheryl Berto (Living Hope): Leadership definition could also include those who are in assigned leadership such as youth leadership, anyone of influence John Klassen (Langley): can we live together with disagreement? yes we can; Jesus died for all of us. Why does this resolution only talk about Same Sex, the Gospel is for all of us; Alf Penner (Eden): "congregations encouraging one another to walk alongside..." I want to say that I trust all of you to follow Jesus, I trust that you are compelled by the love of Jesus to love all of us; trust that we are motivated by the love of God -- can we have unity and encourage each other to walk alongside Lorne Brandt (Peace): Our Confession of Faith is a guideline; Anabaptists don't come up with a creed; we trust the Spirit to lead; our fellowship and faith is based on what Jesus has done for us, it is not based on commandments; it is a better witness Vote on the Amended Resolution #1 has been called for by ballots. Clearbrook Mennonite Church Property Report and Questions for Clarification -- Chris Lenshyn The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world s deep hunger meet. Frederick Buechner Community assessment was done on the property and we have talked to local leaders around the property; We gathered on January 7, 2017 to think clearly about the community assessment: o o Matthew 5: practiced Lectio Divina to guide our thoughts We started the day without much clarity but used this passage to guide our talk: 3 values emerges: whatever we use the property for, it needs to be a dynamic space - - it will not be used for one purpose only; missional function -- intentional to build space for building relationships with the community; sustainable -- met with City planners, partnering with a variety of groups Created the set of values -- we are still in the planning process; very dynamic, hopeful and promising location; This is a practical, tangible conversation of peace making in Abbotsford -- Level Ground, Ebenezer, Emmanuel churches have been a part of the conversation Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) -- Ken Hawkley This is your local seminary -- more people than before are taking online courses We are in discussion with Gary Yamasaki about doing an online course with him, we are very excited about that; We continue to educate leaders with greater understanding We are a resource for all congregations; We live and exist as a seminary because of the cloud of witnesses that go before us; Thank you to God Nominations You are invited to engage in the process to come up with some names of people that might consider taking one of the positions. You need to have that person's permission prior to submitting their names. You are welcome to submit the name to any of the Executive or Board members prior to the end of our lunch hour. Ballot Results of Amended Resolution #1 Reported The MCBC Resolution for our way forward in response to Being a Faithful Church 7 (BFC7)* Whereas MCBC, as a collective body, affirms the MCBC Covenant, and holds to the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective which states that marriage is between one man and one woman for life: Be it resolved that: Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC) will continue the existing practice: that pastors within MCBC will not officiate at same-sex weddings; that MCBC congregations will not appoint pastors or those in leadership positions who are in a same-sex relationship. We as MCBC congregations encourage one another to continue to walk alongside and share the love of Jesus - as we are able and as our gifts allow - with all people, including those who are same-sex attracted and those who are in same-sex relationships. Moved: Lee Dyck (Moderator) Seconded: Henry Krause (Langley Mennonite) 95 - Yes 52 - No 3 - Spoiled Ballots CARRIED Lee Dyck read a prayer for the lunch from a book entitled, Thanking God With Integrity: Table Graces and Scripture for a World of Need written by Willard Metzger Columbia Bible College (CBC), Canadian Mennonite University & AMBS Page7 12:00pm Lunch 1:00pm Gather & Worship -- 'Mountain of God' Camp Squeah Report by Rob Tiessen, Executive Director of Camp Squeah Building connections as a camp team by shovelling a lot of snow Page

31 Very thankful for : paddle-a-thon April 8th and 9th -- we want to see some new participants; we are raising funds for our summer programs, so please either participate or support someone Tim Larson and Dustin Siemens are already looking at Spring Staff, we have had a larger number than usual apply, so we are in a time of discernment; Go Beyond Family Camper will spend their first night onsite at Camp Squeah. Families will be involved in preparing for the trip, complete with expert help to do gear checks and make sure everyone is prepared for the trip. Families will then spend 3-4 nights on a guided wilderness backpacking hike before returning for one final night onsite. Resolution #7 That the 2016 Mennonite Church BC Financial Statements be approved as presented. Moved: Lee Dyck (Moderator) Seconded: Gerry Grunau (Langley) UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED by a show of hands Resolution #8 That the 2017 Camp Squeah Budget be approved as presented. Moved: Sharon Zacharias (Emmanuel) Seconded: Alf Penner (Eden) UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED by a show of hands Future Directions Presentation: Keith Regehr, Transition Coordinator of MC Canada We will not vote on anything today, however, I would like your feedback. Aspens typically grow in large colonies, derived from a single seedling, and spread by means of root suckers; new stems in the colony may appear at up to metres from the parent tree. Each individual tree can live for years above ground, but the root system of the colony is long-lived. Just like the Aspen, we are bound together at our roots; we are multiple congregations but we are one church which is rooted, grounded and locked into Jesus Christ Our emphasis will be on the local congregation as the primary place of teaching, we will work at strengthening congregations -- this is a time of great change and uncertainty, we are working through a lot of questions and structures The culture has changed so much: what is faith for? That means we need to change the shift in how we teach. Congregations covenant together: learning, strengthening, being part of the larger family, financial teaching and giving to the local, Area church and the National Church; Different regional churches have different financial capabilities -- we will look at strengthening each Area Church Regional churches form together to be a part of the national church; the national church does not exist apart from the area churches Structure: much of our work in the Future Directions is structure; we need to make sure it meets our needs; Because more people speak at Area Church assembles than at National Church assemblies -- being an Area church model means the Area church is driving the National Church o Governance o Delegate Body o International Witness The Assembly in October 2017 is when we will be presenting the structure; Page9 Floor Discussion Cheryl Berto (Living Hope): we need to build a place for non-cultural people, a place for non- Mennonites. A theological place is peace seeking, following Jesus, Scripture -- Anabaptist Walter Paetkau (Langley): who keeps all the pieces together? Keith Regehr (MC Canada): staffing at central office will be smaller, there will be Executive Leadership on staff; we are still working at all the details; we are building financial models to figure that out Walter Bergen (Emmanuel): concern, wondering if the local congregations gave the authorization for this? Was there a listening process? Page

32 Ken Kehler (Peace): impressed with the working group and their tasks -- how did the Future Directions Task Force team go about selecting who would be a part of the working groups (are all groups represented) Keith Regehr: the primary group is the Interim Council (moderators of area churches); the initial names came from the moderators of the different Area Churches; it took about 150 requests to get the 60 names we needed; we tried to balance the diversity of the groups, it took about 3 months to get the groups together Winston Pratt (Peace): there seems to be 2 drivers - declining financial support and declining numbers in our churches - what will be done to support the local congregations? What do we do to address the decline of the local churches? Keith Regehr: people don't necessarily get what the story of Jesus is all about so we need to tell the story in a way that people understand -- we need to draw them into the church; figuring out the finances is a work in progress Gerd Bartel (Peace): process of empowering the congregations -- the discernment for the money is the local congregation; Congregations that don't feel connected to the national congregation, can they become ACOM? Keith Regehr: we have not figured out all the details, that is a work in progress; Gerd Bartel (Peace): Mennonite Church Eastern Canada did the formula to adjust the percentage of giving from the Area Churches to the Conference; a lot of assurance that the finances are treated with integrity and assure the congregations that their money will go where it was designated; Garry Janzen (Executive Minister): definitely been floating the idea that the local congregation is the primary church and that we may not be able to give as much to the National Church, this is all a work in progress -- lots of details to be sorted out; George Goertzen (Peace): strengthening (individuals, churches, area and national); teaching materials, missionaries -- we do better as a national church; I urge you to communicate clearly what is happening and why; Resolution #2 Moved by Artur Bergen Whereas MCBC Congregations did solemnly enter into a relationship of covenant on May 27, 2007, and Whereas MC Canada did on July 9, 2016 adopt BFC 7 at the Bi-annual assembly in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Whereas these two events, covenant and resolution are incompatible, We do hereby resolve; To affirm again the primacy of the MCBC covenant and the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective for MCBC congregations, and to recognize that by the adoption of BFC 7, delegates voted to distance MC Canada from the intent and purpose of the MCBC Covenant, resulting in a relationship of discord. It is with regret that we do recognize that MC Canada has entered into an impaired relationship with MCBC, and with the adoption of this resolution we recognize the discord MC Canada has invoked. Moved: Artur Bergen (Eben-Ezer) Seconded: Frank Berto (Living Hope) Discussion on Resolution #2 David McAlary (Peace): seeing as Mennonite Church Canada is reorganizing and Resolution #1 was passed -- what is the point of this resolution? John Klassen (Langley): how do we look at Scripture on the issue of homosexuality; is it a question of authenticity? Do we look at the words of Jesus? I have read all of the words of Jesus and he never once mentions homosexuality -- Jesus answer was to unconditionally forgive; Andre Pekovich (Point Grey): Point Grey takes the words of Jesus primarily -- we cannot place the Confession of Faith ahead of Scripture; Page11 Walter Bergen (Emmanuel): he wrote Resolution #2, the intent of the resolution is to create a formal unity, a conversation with Mennonite Church Canada; ask for council from the delegate body on how to proceed; if you do not pass this resolution some churches will need to consider their options Steve Swires (First United, Burns Lake): base what we stand on by the word of God, Confession of Faith and the covenant; old definition between one man and one woman; He calls us to repent -- in the passing of the BFC7, MC Canada has distanced themselves from us; Gerd Heinrichs (Sherbrooke): I have a problem with the language, it feels like you have set up a situation "they versus us" -- there is a situation of discord but not a them against us -- I don't think we need to make this as a stance Allen Harder (Emmanuel): Paul and Jesus talked about discord and were very kind; the Holy Spirit is not limited by us and our limitations; Walter Paetkau (Langley): Walter, if the motion is voted against there was a threat implied, would churches leave MCBC? o Walter Bergen (Emmanuel): no threat implied, today 4 congregations will either leave or address the question of leaving Question was called for and ballots collected and counted. Yes: 68 No: 69 DEFEATED by a Simple Majority -- The ballots were counted twice Service Peace & Justice Report and presentation of Resolution #3 Henry Krause (Langley) read a note for Brander McDonald's wife Jill McDonald Brander contracted the deadly C-Difficile bacteria that almost took him in July His intestines, colon, heart and brain were significantly affected leaving him to deal with bacterial specialist, cardiologist, PTSD, potential neurologist and sleep specialist. Brander had 4 bouts of C-Difficile since then all requiring complete quarantine and bed rest. The last month has been C-Difficile free but his heart was significantly weakened and serotonin has been decimated by the bacteria. Doctors have explained that, his near fatal illness has affected the necessity of both multi-faceted healing and a prolonged recovery. For that reason they are reassessing his recovery in May We had planned on doing an evaluation regarding the Indigenous Relations Coordinator position last Fall, but due to Brander's illness, we have had to post-pone the evaluation. We plan on doing an evaluation once Brander is able to be back at work. Brander was on Salary until the middle of July and then took vacation time and sick leave until this ran out in the middle of December. He is currently in the process of applying for Long Term Disability through MCBC s insurance provider. Resolution #3 The MCBC Board recommends that we extend the Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Brander McDonald for another year to February 28, During this coming year, once Brander s health has improved, MCBC will work on evaluating and projecting how best to continue this work of reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Meanwhile, we will continue with the work Brander is doing to fulfill our ministry objectives as MCBC. Three priorities identified for the coming year are: to be available for congregations when there is a request to speak, teach or be present in a local church to create, build and support relationships of healing and reconciliation through dialogue and community involvement locally within the Sto:lo peoples and other Indigenous communities of the Fraser Valley to organize three bridge building/cross cultural workshops that will provide opportunities for MCBC members to gain knowledge and skills focussing on the 94 Calls to Action coming out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Moved: Henry Krause (Langley) Seconded: Ute Goetzke (Langley) Page12

33 We were to begin Floor discussion when an Amendment was brought to the floor. We will deal with the Amendment to Resolution #3. Frank Berto (Living Hope): great regret that I bring this Amendment to Resolution #3 without Brander being here. We pray for his complete recovery. Resolution#3 Amendment: The MCBC Board recommends that we extend the Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Brander McDonald for another year to February 28, 2018 to allow him to recover from his illness. During this coming year, once Brander s health has improved, MCBC will evaluate his ministry to date with input from all MCBC churches. This evaluation will include a review of his theology in view of his public statements. The results of this review will be shared with MCBC churches. Brander will not represent MCBC in any official capacity, unless there is a positive conclusion of this evaluation. Moved: Frank Berto (Living Hope) Seconded: Wally Gortzen (Emmanuel) Discussion Jon Nofziger (Emmanuel) : is the intent of this Amended Resolution to put the ministry of the indigenous coordinator on hold; Frank Berto (Living Hope): The Indigenous ministry needs to go forward, it is an important ministry Ken Ha (Emmanuel): apply the grace of God to everyone Gerry Grunau (Langley): I am not in support of the amendment. It suggests that his work is not valued, this is not an honourable situation when he is not able to engage in the process Alf Penner (Eden): I do not believe we should entertain this amendment as Brander is not here. Henry Krause (Langley): when we talk about Brander's spirituality, the Indigenous people talk about the "Good Creator"; the Indigenous life line journey is to be walking with or toward "the Good Creator" at all times. How we do theology in Missions in different parts of the world will look different in each place. We need to start with a conversation and a willingness to listen. Peter Bartel (Bethel): this is not the right way to go about it, the staff should deal with an evaluation when Brander is healthy. Edith Krause (Langley) : part of hiring Brander was to liaise between the Indigenous community and MCBC. He is a person of great integrity. Question was called for by a show of hands In favour of the amendment: 33 Opposed to the Amendment: 68 DEFEATED Discuss the Original Resolution #3: Jon Nofziger (Emmanuel): why does it state only the Fraser Valley, MCBC is province wide o Henry Krause : you are correct that will be noted Peter Sawatzky (Eben-Ezer): are there budget commitments o Henry Krause: yes we have budgeted for eight months of Brander's salary, we hope that Brander will be back at work sometime in May Gerd Heinrichs (Sherbrooke): concerns were raised, we need assurances they will be addressed o Henry Krause: yes we will address the concerns raised Resolution #3 The MCBC Board recommends that we extend the Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Brander McDonald for another year to February 28, During this coming year, once Brander s health has improved, MCBC will work on evaluating and projecting how best to continue this work of reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Meanwhile, we will continue with the work Brander is doing to fulfill our ministry objectives as MCBC. Three priorities identified for the coming year are: to be available for congregations when there is a request to speak, teach or be present in a local church to create, build and support relationships of healing and reconciliation through dialogue and community involvement locally within the Sto:lo peoples and other Indigenous communities of the Fraser Valley to organize three bridge building/cross cultural workshops that will provide opportunities for MCBC members to gain knowledge and skills focussing on the 94 Calls to Action coming out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Moved: Henry Krause (Langley) Seconded: Ute Goetzke (Langley) Ballots were collected and counted In favour: 101 Opposed: 35 CARRIED Evangelism and Church Development Committee (ECDC) We need more people, please volunteer soon. A dream that we plant churches in many different communities. Living Stones has met for four years; ECDC has met with them and worked out a plan on how to raise finances and to grow as a church. Resolution #5 Whereas: Living Stones has received four years of financial subsidy as a church plant of MCBC which began in 2012 and ended in 2016; and Whereas: Living Stones has encountered growth challenges and has been delayed in becoming an independent congregation; and Whereas: ECDC has developed a plan together with Living Stones to work toward financial stability and to become a registered charity in 2017: BE IT RESOLVED that a final Subsidy of $30, be granted to Living Stones to make possible the move to a sustainable future for Living Stones. Moved: Barry Lesser (Yarrow) Seconded: Bob Boehr (Living Hope) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Nominations/Elections (Resolution #12) Add: Aaron Roorda on the Columbia Bible College Nominations Committee Resolution #12 Be it Resolved that the Nominees, as set out in the Nomination Chart, be elected/appointed. Moved: Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (Vice-Moderator) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Seconded: Mark Rempel (Eden) Church Health - Pride, Prejudice & Privilege -- Chris Lenshyn How to be engaged as a Christian of Integrity in our world. We will be working out the details and it will be ready in 2018 Page13 MCBC Financial Statements, Budget & Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church Sale The congregation has given their approval to sell the property. Martin So and Winnie Kan are here representing their congregation. All property transactions under Bylaw 26 need to be approved by MCBC, that is why we have brought Resolution #4 to the floor. Page

34 Resolution #4 The MCBC Board recommends that, upon the request of Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church, we authorize the sale of properties located at 375 East Pender Street, Vancouver and 485 Dunlevy Street, Vancouver, BC. Moved: Gerry Grunau (Langley) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Seconded: Wilmer Tessman (Eden) Discussion Linda Matties (Emmanuel): what are the plans for the Vancouver Chinese Mennonite Church? Gerry Grunau (Finance Chair): They will occupy the building for the next two years at an agreed upon rate. During that time, it allows them to figure out where their church will meet in the future. Gerry Grunau (Finance Chair): Thank you to Sharon Zacharias for doing all the work on the Financial Statements. Resolution #9 Be it Resolved that the 2016 Mennonite Church BC Financial Statements be approved as presented. Moved: Sharon Zacharias (Emmanuel) Seconded: Gerd Heinrichs (Sherbrooke) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Mountainview Fund: Approved Mountainview fund withdrawal limit = $77,100 Church Plants [ECDC] = $30,000 Church Plant [Living Stones] = $30,200 Indigenous Relations Coordinator [Net] = $16,900 Actual Income Required to Balance Budget = $64,559 Resolution #11 Be it Resolved that the reports as printed in the Annual Report Book and presented audibly be accepted. Moved: Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (Vice-Moderator) Seconded: Marijke Olson (Emmanuel) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Resolution#13 Be it Resolved that the ballots be destroyed. Moved: Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (Vice-Moderator) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Seconded: Rob Ayre (Crossroads) Resolution #14 Be it Resolved that we express appreciation to Langley Mennonite Church for hosting the Pastors Conference and LEAD Conference and to the Emmanuel Mennonite Church for hosting the Annual General Meeting. Moved: Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (Vice-Moderator) UNANIMOUSLY Accepted by a show of hands Seconded: Josh Willms (Level Ground) Appreciation for those continuing on serving in various areas of MCBC. Commissioning prayer for all of those who let their name stand in various areas of ministry of MCBC. Thank you to all of you who have completed your term of service, may God continue to bless your future ministry. Closed at 4:05 PM We are planning another fun night with The Panic Squad -- March 31st (Emmanuel) and April 1st (Sherbrooke). All funds raised benefit the ministries of MCBC. Resolution #10 Be it Resolved that the 2017 Mennonite Church BC Budget be approved as presented. Moved: Gerry Grunau (Langley) Seconded: Arny Froese (Emmanuel) Yes: 105 No: 4 CARRIED by a show of hands Discussion Linda Peters (Eben-Ezer): Concerned about the deficit budget. We keep using the Mountainview Fund to carry us; 13 churches are wanting to leave the conference, how will MCBC raise the money for the budget? Gerry Grunau (Langley): the MCBC delegate body have voted yes to using the Mountainview Fund. If we need to make adjustments in the future to our budget, we will do that. Peter Sawatzky (Eben-Ezer): how much is left in the Mountainview Fund? Gerry: $680,000 at the end of this year to 12 years left in the Mountainview Fund Walter Paetkau (Langley): you may need to develop a contingency plan Randy Redekop (Emmanuel): we talked about finances with the information we had, we will relook at the budget as needed. We hope that if there are some churches that are considering leaving the conference that they will not withdraw their finances until the end of this year. Reece Friesen (Eben-Ezer): Thank you for all your work on the finances. God is in control. Page15 Page

35 Financial Statements of CAMP SQUEAH (Ministry of Mennonite Church BC) Year ended December 31, 2017 (Prepared by executive) Financial Statements (Camp Squeah) 68 69

36 CAMP SQUEAH Statement of Changes in Fund Balances - Camp Squeah Year ended December 31, 2017 (Prepared by executive) Capital Fund - Capital Assets Internally Restricted Operating Fund Designated Funds 2017 Total 2016 Total Fund balances, beginning of year $ 3,778,909 86,561 86,200 27,201 $ 3,978,871 3,963,089 Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses (19,198) - 170,614 15, ,248 15,782 Purchase of capital assets 69,558 (69,558) Interfund transfers - 41,902 (45,573) 3, Fund balances, end of year $ 3,829, , ,683 46,704 $ 4,146,119 3,978,871 CAMP SQUEAH Statement of Operations - Camp Squeah Year ended December 31, 2017, with comparatives for 2016 (Prepared by executive) 2017 Actual Actual - Operating Designated 2017 Total 2017 Budget 2018 Budget 2016 Actual Operations Revenue: Outdoor education revenue $ 456, ,285 $ 322,000 Non-conference revenue 353, , ,651 Conference revenue 155, , ,587 Summer camp 233, , ,427 Donations - unrestricted 24,563-24,563 49,010 Rental and miscellaneous 42,484-42,484 31,775 SEED ,900 Sales - canteen and clothing 13,082-13,082 10,448 1,279,017-1,279,017 1,127,000 1,250,000 1,096,798 Expenses: Wages and benefits 653, , , , ,967 Food, kitchen and hospitality supplies 227, , , , ,855 Utilities and insurance 155, , , , ,898 Maintenance and repairs 58,213-58,213 69,000 72,000 58,575 General and administrative 60,171-60,171 52,000 69,000 63,284 Program operating 37,814-37,814 44,000 47,000 37,353 1,192,206-1,192,206 1,127,000 1,250,000 1,113,932 Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses for operations 86,811-86, (17,134) Other revenue (expense): Donations and miscellaneous income - unrestricted 83,803 30, , ,902 Donations - restricted - 58,238 58, ,017 Bursaries, camperships and miscellaneous (19,198) (73,145) (92,343) - - (95,003) 64,605 15,832 80, ,916 Excess of revenue over expenses $ 151,416 15, , $ 15,

37 `Statement of Changes in Fund Balances - Designated funds Year ended December 31, 2017 (Prepared by executive) Camperships Summer Staff Bursaries Kitchen Equipment Ground Work Hermitage Program Development Trail Enhancement Memorial Program Equipment 2017 Total 2016 Total Fund balances, beginning of year $ 14,514 1, ,876 2,881 2,624 2, $ 27,201 43,364 Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses (641) 16,515 (42) ,832 (20,456) Interfund transfers 4, (955) ,671 4,293 Fund balances, end of year $ 18,499 17, ,876 2,881 2,624 2, $ 46,704 27,

38 Financial Statements (MCBC) 74 75

39 76 77

40 78 79

41 80 81

42 82 83

43 5:21 PM Accrual Basis Mennonite Church British Columbia Income & Expense (Budget vs. Actual) January through December 2017 Jan - Dec 2017 Budget 2017 $ Over Budget Budget 2018 Nationwide Ministries [NWM] 2018 Income CHURCH HEALTH INCOME Leadership (P/S, LEAD,PSDE) 6, , (3,852.50) 10, Leadership Workshops (RWI,PPP) (40.00) Resource Materials Women's Ministry Inspirational Day 2, , (780.00) 3, Retreat - Bursary (Auction) (110.50) Retreat - Commissions/Sales (200.00) Retreat - Registration 10, , (3,270.00) 14, Total Women's Ministry 13, , (4,360.50) 18, CHURCH HEALTH INCOME - Other Total CHURCH HEALTH INCOME 20, , (7,704.13) 28, ECDC INCOME ECDC Benefit Premiums 4, , , ECDC Church Donations 6, , ECDC INCOME - Other 35, , (9,345.05) Total ECDC INCOME 45, , (9,258.29) 4, MCBC INCOME Ann Session Income 6, , , , Church Donations 160, , (29,457.15) 155, Church Donations - NWM 75, , Individual Donations Fundraising Income-tickets 2, Fundraising Income - Donations 18, Fundraising Income - M.Apparel Individual Donations - Other 92, , (37,320.75) 110, Individual Donations - NWM 18, , Total Individual Donations 113, , (16,737.30) 128, Interest Income MCBC - National Travel 2, Miscellaneous Income Computer Licenses (125.00) Public Performance Video Lic. 3, , (128.08) 3, Page 1 of

44 5:21 PM Accrual Basis Mennonite Church British Columbia Income & Expense (Budget vs. Actual) January through December 2017 Jan - Dec 2017 Budget 2017 $ Over Budget Budget 2018 Nationwide Ministries [NWM] 2018 Resource materials (299.18) Transition into Ministry - NWM Transitional Ministry - MCBC , (1,000.00) 0.00 Women's Ministry Inspirational Day 3, , , Retreat - Bursary ( Auction) , (790.00) 1, Retreat - Exp/Costs , (1,112.96) 2, Retreat - Registration 9, , (2,328.91) 12, Subsidy - Speaker, etc. 1, , (510.00) 1, Women's Ministry - Other Total Women's Ministry 15, , (4,228.59) 19, Total Healthy Leadership 24, , (12,469.44) 36, Total CHURCH HEALTH EXPENSES 30, , (14,520.18) 43, ECDC EXPENSES ECDC MINISTRY expenses ECDC Comm Resourcing/Training , (1,500.00) ECDC Comm/Expl/Publ/Promo/Trvl , (1,000.00) Total ECDC MINISTRY expenses , (2,500.00) 1, ECDC PLANT support ChPlanter Expenses - LSMCC 8, , (1,319.00) ChPlanter Ext Health premiums 7, , (1,102.00) 8, ChPlanter Salaries and Benefits 65, , (21.02) Total ECDC PLANT support 81, , (2,442.02) 8, Total ECDC EXPENSES 81, , (4,942.02) 9, MCBC EXPENSE MCBC NWM 30, , MCBC Annual Session 6, , , , MCBC CBC CAMP Match Program , (500.00) MCBC CBC Witness Internship , (1,000.00) 1, MCBC CBC Subsidy 125, , , MCBC Clearbrook Mennonite Ch 8, , , , MCBC Communications News n Notes / Promo 2, , , Website Development :21 PM Accrual Basis Mennonite Church British Columbia Income & Expense (Budget vs. Actual) January through December 2017 Jan - Dec 2017 Budget 2017 $ Over Budget Budget 2018 Nationwide Ministries [NWM] 2018 Miscellaneous Income - Other Total Miscellaneous Income 3, , (177.07) 3, MTVIEW Dev Fund Grant 12, , (787.96) 13, Periodical Income 10, , (712.25) 11, Rental Income Clearbrook Menn. Church Bldg 37, , , Rental Income - Other Total Rental Income 37, , , Total MCBC INCOME 347, , (41,432.19) 426, SERVICE, PEACE & JUSTICE INCOME Indigenous Relations Coord. 8, , (4,441.66) SERVICE, PEACE & JUSTICE INCOME - Other 1, Total SERVICE, PEACE & JUSTICE INCOME 10, , (3,027.66) 0.00 Total Income 424, , (61,422.27) 459, , Gross Profit 424, , (61,422.27) 459, Expense CHURCH HEALTH EXPENSES Committee Operations Committee travel/mtgs (345.21) Total Committee Operations (345.21) Healthy Church Youth Ministry Young Adult Ministries , (1,200.00) Youth Ministries 5, , (505.53) 6, Total Youth Ministry 5, , (1,705.53) 6, Total Healthy Church 5, , (1,705.53) 6, Healthy Leadership Leadership (P/S, LEAD,PSDE) P/S Retreat Grant 1, , (654.00) 1, Leadership (P/S, LEAD,PSDE) - Other 5, , (4,340.67) 8, Total Leadership (P/S, LEAD,PSDE) 6, , (4,994.67) 9, Leadership Workshops (RWI,PPP/RTB) , (737.00) 4, Pastoral Care Reps , (710.00) Pastors Bursaries 1, , (500.00) 2, Page 3 of 5 Page 2 of

45 5:21 PM Accrual Basis Mennonite Church British Columbia Income & Expense (Budget vs. Actual) January through December 2017 Jan - Dec 2017 Budget 2017 $ Over Budget Budget 2018 Nationwide Ministries [NWM] 2018 SERVICE, PEACE & JUSTICE EXP 5, Indigenous Rel Coord Exp , (8,500.00) Indigenous Rel Coord Salary/Ben 19, , (10,393.83) SERVICE, PEACE & JUSTICE EXP - Other 1, , Total SERVICE, PEACE & JUSTICE EXP 21, , (17,390.43) 10, Total Expense 490, , (59,276.27) 510, , Net Income (66,705.00) (64,559.00) (2,146.00) (51,236.00) 0.00 Transfer from LS Fund/Garage 8, , Transfer from Mountainview Fund 45, , Revised Net Income - Reserves -13, Note 1: Tabulations for budget purposes only 44, Mountainview Eligible Note 2: NWM = Nationwide Ministries 5:21 PM Accrual Basis Mennonite Church British Columbia Income & Expense (Budget vs. Actual) January through December 2017 Jan - Dec 2017 Budget 2017 $ Over Budget Budget 2018 Nationwide Ministries [NWM] 2018 Total MCBC Communications 3, , , MCBC Exec Com/LB 3, , (1,196.12) 2, MCBC Delegate Travel to NW Meeting 7, , MCBC Exec Minister Exp/Travel 7, , , MCBC Exec Minister Prof Growth MCBC Fundraising Costs 7, , , , MCBC Miscellaneous Computer Licenses (68.30) Public Performance Video Lic. 3, , (128.08) 3, MCBC Miscellaneous - Other (499.00) Total MCBC Miscellaneous 3, , (695.38) 4, MCBC OFFICE expenses Office Bank Charges 1, , , Office Equip/Suppl/Postage 6, , (521.64) 7, Office Insurance 3, , , Office Professional Fees 1, , (1,929.65) 4, Office Rent 9, , , Office Telephone 1, , , Total MCBC OFFICE expenses 23, , (1,695.66) 27, MCBC Paypal Fee MCBC Periodical Expense 10, , (0.56) 10, MCBC Subsidies Subsidies - ECDC Potential Church Plants - Chinatown Peace 3, , (26,479.41) 12, Potential Church Plants - Other 18, Total Subsidies - ECDC 3, , (26,479.41) 30, Total MCBC Subsidies 3, , (26,479.41) 30, SALARIES / BENEFITS EXPENSES Admin. Asst. 9, , (349.31) 10, Admin. Asst - NWM 5, , Church Engagement Position [50%] - NWM 50, , SALARIES / BENEFITS EXPENSES - Other 143, , (443.13) 145, Total SALARIES / BENEFITS EXPENSES 153, , (792.44) 210, Total MCBC EXPENSE 357, , (22,423.64) 447, Page 5 of 5 Page 4 of

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51 Position Executive Com Moderator Vice-Moderator Secretary Finance Chair Exec. Minister Office Admin. Church Health Min. 8 elected (2 preferably to be youth reps*.) Name and Church Affiliation MCBC NOMINATIONS CHART for 2018 Annual Meeting Lee Dyck (EDEN) Karen H. Thiessen (LGMC) Mary Barg (EDEN) Gerry Grunau (LMF) Garry Janzen (SMC) Staff Janette Thiessen (CCC) Staff First Elected Term expires NAME OF NOMINEE to be ratified Gerald Dyck (EDEN) Nominations Allen Harder (EMC) Chart Greg Thiessen (FUMC) Women s Ministry Rep Finance Committee Min.4 elected + Treasurer Evangelism and Church Development Committee Min.8 elected Service, Peace & Justice Com Min. 3 elected Nominations Committee Min 3 appointed Com Reps Church Health ECDC Camp Squeah Finance Rep Bob Boehr (LHCF) Chair Linda Matties (EMC) Robin Mauthe (LGMC) Mike Wilson (BMC)* Ken Ha (EMC/VCC) Josh Willms (LGMC)* Waltrude Gortzen (EMC) Randy Redekop (EMC) Richard Hordyk (LHCF) Gerry Grunau (LMF) Vacant Position Vacancy (Treasurer) Jonathan Deng (LHCF) Jorge Hoajaca(FUSMC)Chair Gerald Neufeld (MJCF) Sylvester Aniogbe (LHF) Vacant position Vacant position Vacant position Vacant position Henry Krause (LMF) Chair Sam Dueckman (FUMC) Lorne Brandt (PMC) Carla Niemi (LHCF) David Fawcett (LGMC) Vacant position Stan Olson (EMC) ex officio Vacancy Vacancy Vacancy (3 yrs) (3 yrs) Greg Thiessen (FUMC) (1 yr) (1 yr) (1 yr) see below (3 yrs) (3 yrs) Jonathan Deng (LHCF) (3 yrs) Jorge Hoajaca (FUSMC) (3 yrs) (3 yrs) (2 yrs) (2 yrs) (1 yr) Sam Dueckman (EMC) (3 yrs) (3 yrs) (1 yr) (2 yrs) (3 yrs) (1 yr) *in the absence of a Nominations Committee the Leadership Board has been tasked with finding nominees. NOMINATIONS CHART.Page 2 Position Name and Church Affiliation First Elected Camp Committee Min. 6 elected Executive Director BC Women s Ministry 3 appointed Faith and Life Committee Min 4 appointed by Exec. Committee Columbia Bible College (CBC) 3 elected onto CBC s Nominations Com. Columbia Bible College (CBC) (4) elected at the CBC Annual Meeting terms commence in Oct.) Mennonite Central Committee BC 5 elected members (MCC terms commence in June) Other Appointments Cdn Menn Pub Serv Cdn Menn Univ. Heidi Epp (PMC) Chris Epp (PMC) Chair Nick Brauer (LGMC) Orlando Unruh (LGMC) Sharon Zacharias (EMC) Rob Schroeder (BMC) Vacancy Vacancy Rob Tiessen (SMC) Staff Waltrude Gortzen (EMC) Vacancy Vacancy Artur Bergen (EEMC) Vacancy Vacancy Vacancy Marion Braun (EEMC) Karen H. Thiessen (LGMC) Curtis McHale (CCC) Curtis McHale (CCC) Richard Thiessen (LGMC) Dieter Nickel (PMC) Gerry Binnema (UMCBC) Terry Christie (BMC) Ricki Lane (Eden) Gerry Grunau (LMF) Ingrid Schultz (EMC) Norma Bergen (EMC) Linda Matties (EMC) Janet Bergen (EMC) Term expires NOMINATION Heidi Epp (PMC/YUM) (3 yrs) Chris Epp (PMC/YUM) (3 yrs) (3 yrs) (2 yrs) (3 yrs) (2 yrs) (1 yr) (3 yrs) (2 yrs) (3 yrs) (1 yr) to be ratified Presented for information purposes only Terry Christie (BMC) (3 yrs) (3 yrs) (3 yrs) *Nominations will be accepted on the floor at the Annual Meeting provided that the nominee has been contacted, understands the requirements of the position he/she is being nominated to, has agreed to let their name stand and is presented to the Nominations Committee by noon on the day of the AGM, and there is a person present at the Annual Meeting who will second that nomination. Updated Feb 2nd, 2018 Committee members who are in their last allowable term in their current position: Gerald Dyck, Allen Harder, Bob Boehr, Linda Matties, Robin Mauthe, Gerald Neufeld, Henry Krause, Waltrude Gortzen, Artur Bergen, Linda Matties as CMPS Rep. Allowable term is 3 consecutive terms of 3 years each, not including completing someone else s term

52 Locations LEAD Conference & Annual Meeting Eden Mennonite Church Chilliwack Central Rd Chilliwack, BC V2P 1K1 Directions On Hwy 1, take the Prest Road exit (exit 123), turn left at Prest Road, turn left at Chilliwack Central Rd, & the destination will be on the right. 102