Formation. General. Formation. Witness. Support. Finance. Guide. Round Tables. Appendices

Transcription

1 Christian Council: Sue Steiner Chair Jeremy M. Bergen GB Rep Paul Bergen Alberta Don Rempel Boschman Manitoba Van Hoa Chau Manitoba Veronica Dyck British Columbia Rudy Franz Manitoba Terry Schellenberg Ontario Pauline Steinmann Saskatchewan Naomi Unger Saskatchewan Enough for all is a theme that initiates praise and thanksgiving to God! It highlights that God provides for everyone in a multitude of ways. We thank God for the physical provisions of bread and food, realizing that the food that Jesus provides belongs also to a deeper reality. We marvel at the feast that Jesus prepared through the division of the five loaves and the two fishes. We marvel how God multiplies the gifts and generosity of God s people! Ministerial Leadership For one year Denominational Minister Sven Eriksson has traveled to area conferences and congregations across Canada, learning to know and get a sense of Mennonite Church Canada. Sven has listened, heard and conversed with people across Canada. He marvels at the diversity of Mennonite Church Canada and muses, Each congregation and especially each area conference has distinct characteristics. Each has phenomenal strengths and each has identifiable weaknesses. We have much to be thankful for. We have much to be humble about. Sven is prepared to share some of his observations and to encourage us to be challenged by our diversity of strengths and weaknesses in a seminar at the Winkler Assembly. How does God provide enough for all when we are such a diverse people? Missional Leadership Enough for all alerts us to God s miracle; this miracle is about feeding five thousand people as a sign of the imminent approach of God s coming age. For a Missional Leadership Training event, Eileen Wiebe wrote a song, Welcome the Kingdom in which the refrain repeats, May we each do our part, Give our hands, feet and heart, To serving wherever we are, For we know that your will, Is a guide for us still, Welcome the kingdom of God. We welcome the kingdom of God. You can enjoy this song and the other resources collected during this training course by requesting the binder of resources from resources@mennonitechurch.ca. Both Sharon Brown and Arlyn Friesen Epp are eager to send materials and offer consultation regarding additional resources from the Resource Centre exhibit on site. Weddings: Ideas and Resources from Mennonite Church Canada, is a compilation of wedding and marriage materials originally initiated by the former Council of Faith and Life. Mennonite Church Canada is excited about the completion of this resource and sharing it with you. Pastors and church leaders contributed ideas from their experience and expertise. This material is available on line ( home) as well as in hard copy. Extra copies will be available at the Resource Centre. (Sharon Brown and Arlyn Friesen Epp, Resource Centre co-managers, pictured with the new Weddings: Ideas and resources from MC Canada booklet) 24 Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler 2004

2 Christian Education and Nurture Enough for all challenges Elsie Rempel in her work in Christian education and nurture. Children and adults use different learning styles to discern, learn and worship God. A curriculum to succeed Jubilee is in the planning stages. Congregations continue to experiment with multiple ways to nurture children. Elsie visits area conferences and congregations, inspiring a holistic vision of the missional church. In the ministry area in which I work, Elsie explains, we develop and work with tools for learning, discerning, worshipping and responding to God, who blesses us so that we can be a blessing. There is enough for all. Multi-cultural Ministry The diversity in MC Canada challenges our ability to provide core Anabaptist resources in each group s language. As Samson Lo continues his multi-cultural ministries, he becomes aware of this scarcity and encourages the translation of Anabaptist materials. During this last year, leadership training manuals have been translated into Korean and significant progress has been made in the production of the Chinese translation of the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective. Both of these resources are valuable tools as Mennonite Church Canada continues to collaborate with area conferences in leadership training for multi-cultural congregations. Maurice Martin has been coordinating these courses for Mennonite Church Canada. Youth Ministries Anna Rehan, Youth Ministries Facilitator Anna Rehan of Langham, Saskatchewan became the Youth Ministries Facilitator in March. Anna says Youth groups need to know the schedule for future Youth Assemblies. There is no separate Youth Assembly planned for Winkler in Youth may attend the Winkler Assembly as delegates or with their families. In 2005 youth groups are encouraged to participate in the Joint Youth Convention planned for Charlotte, North Carolina. The next Canadian Youth Assembly will take place in Mennonite Heritage Centre The Mennonite Heritage Centre is generating publicity with its conscientious objector website. Conrad Stoesz, archivist at the Centre, frequently fields questions about the website and has been interviewed by local media. The Centre has had a successful year, and Alf Redekopp, the director, commented, Enough for all is also a suitable theme for the Centre this year, as we have embarked on getting mobile shelving, so that we have room enough for all the archival materials that we are getting from our constituency. The Heritage Centre has been able to secure funds from foundations and other organizations for the shelves. The history of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada, Becoming a National Church, written by Adolf Ens, is scheduled for publication in time for the Winkler Assembly. We encourage delegates and visitors to look for it at the Assembly. Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery In God s Image is a coffee table book that Ray Dirks, curator of the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, published after he visited Anabaptist families around the world. Ray writes, I am passionate about the people in this book. They are created in the image of God I stayed in the homes of ordinary church members, hoping to experience their daily lives and then to sympathetically pass on to the readers the gifts they offered me through their hospitality, love, faith and kindness. Check out the Conscientious Objector web site at Ray Dirks coffee table book In God s Image is an embracing look at the global Mennonite Church. Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler

3 Vision for Education: Mennonite Church Canada believes that the missional identity and ministry of the church is strengthened through educational institutions and programs that invite people to faith, develop that faith in a direction consistent with Anabaptist convictions and equip the people of God for service and leadership in the church and beyond to facilitate God s mission in the world, so that all people may find healing and hope in all circumstances of life. MC Canada desires that such education opportunities be available to as many people as possible across Canada. Der Bote turned 80 in January! The German language paper continues to serve the Germanreading constituency of Mennonite Church Canada as it has for the past 80 years. Ingrid Janzen Lamp is currently the interim editor of Der Bote and is ably juggling living in Winnipeg while her husband and home are located in Swift Current. Thanks to Ingrid for her devotion and conscientious service. Farewell to Justina Heese Ingrid Janzen Lamp, Der Bote interim editor Justina Heese, ends her term as Executive Secretary, in September, Dave Bergen begins as Executive Secretary, in summer, 2004 Executive Director,, The Christian Council says goodbye to Justina Heese as our executive secretary, with much gratitude for her steady leadership during five transition-filled years. She joined us in 1999, implementing the transition from Resources Commission to the new Christian Council. She hired programme staff to put flesh on our vision for formation in a missional church. She carried out the discernment of the Council when downsizing became necessary. She has continued to work with sensitivity and care in reshaping the programmes of our Council to fit our revised budget. She has excelled in helping us do as much as possble with less. For all this and more, we are very grateful. Justina, go well into your retirement. Sue Steiner, chair, for the Christian Council Introducing Dave Bergen Dave Bergen, pastor of Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach, has been appointed executive secretary of Mennonite Church Canada ministries. Bergen says he has always had an interest in denominational work. Even while working in congregational ministry, I ve always had a sense that I would like to get involved in denominational work at some point, and in a way that would fit, he said. I m excited about the larger church picture. I have a great deal of interest in how the church works, as an organism, beyond the congregation, and a really deep appreciation for the role of the church at large in nurturing leadership. I feel I am a product of that, said Bergen. To me one of the strengths of having a denomination is the sense that you are part of something much larger than the little circle in Steinbach or Winnipeg, or wherever. Bergen will provide leadership to the ministries of publishing and resources such as the Resource Centre, the Mennonite Heritage Centre and Art Gallery, the German language periodical Der Bote, youth ministries, Christian education and nurture, and ministerial and congregational leadership. Bergen grew up on a farm near Clearwater, Manitoba. He is a product of the public school system, studied for two years at Elim Bible Institute in Altona, followed by two years at Canadian Mennonite Bible College (now Canadian Mennonite University) and University of Manitoba, and then Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He has worked for four years at Mennonite Church Manitoba s Camp Assiniboia and has been a pastor for 17 years. He succeeds Justina Heese, who will retire in September. Sue Steiner, Chair, Justina Heese, Executive Secretary, 26 Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler 2004

4 Denominational Minister s Report Sven Eriksson Denominational Minister As Denominational Minister, my vision is to cultivate healthy pastoral leadership, faithfully serving a unified, growing church. These are my on-going objectives: Finding, forming and supporting pastors Finding pastors: The most valuable resource that we have as a church is our nation-wide team of pastors. Last year, we placed 65 pastors into 54 congregations. As we look ahead we see that a significant number of our senior pastors will soon be retiring; therefore, many new pastors will need to be found, equipped and linked to our congregations. Forming pastors: There are workshops and courses on Mennonite polity, history and theology offered in our various area conferences; however there is a need to find new ways to strengthen the formation of pastors new to our denomination as well as pastors called to ministry from within our churches. ing pastors: Equipping pastors and leaders for the many challenging opportunities and issues that they face is an on-going priority of the Leadership Office. Two areas of high priority will be to develop improved pastoral-review processes and to provide new pastoral ministry resources for ministry to those struggling with sexual and gender issues. The Company of 1000: Both current pastors and pastors-in-training found financial support in their pastoral training from The Company of 1000 last year. Thirty men and women received loans totaling $37,000. Approximately 330 donors generosity made this support possible. Thankyou! Cultivating unity The unity of Mennonite church Canada is a delicate miracle. Each church and area conference has a diverse journey that has formed their cultures and shaped them to be unique gifts to the greater community of churches. As Denominational Minister, I have had the privilege of traveling to each area conference and embracing this diversity. Articles, consultations, much listening and praying have been engaged in this challenging process. Several priorities emerge for us if we are to cultivate this delicate miracle of unity: Linking diversities: There is a need to intentionally link leaders from one area conference to another in order to hold conversations around issues and challenges that can threaten the foundational unity of the church. Rooting leaders: In light of the often diverse understanding of leadership in our churches, we need to reflect together on our Anabaptist heritage, seeking principles of leadership to give shape and guidance to our pastors and leaders. Including all cultural groups: We have more than 10 language groups within MC Canada. What can be done to expand our collective world-view to foster greater inclusiveness of all cultural groups among us? Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler

5 Chief officers J. Nelson Kraybill President Loren L. Johns Academic Dean Mark Weidner Vice President Jeff Miller Director of Business and Eileen K. Saner Director of Educational Resources Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) Activity: Preparing men and women to be pastors, missionaries, teachers, evangelists, and other church leaders. Ministry goals and objectives: At AMBS, the next generation of pastors and other ministers for the church will be immersed in the Scriptures and will embody leadership, mission and peacemaking. Drawing on strengths of the Anabaptist tradition, AMBS will equip ministers of the gospel for a lifetime of effective service in the church and the world. AMBS strives to make theological education and ministry preparation accessible throughout the church by offering courses through extension sites, such as the Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program in Manitoba; online courses; and conference-based undergraduate programs, such as the Multicultural Leadership Education program in Ontario and Manitoba. Average annual budget: $3.2 million (US dollars) Reporting to: AMBS Board of Directors, five representing Mennonite Church Canada and ten representing Mennonite Church USA Profound ound Personal Truth In the midst of studying theology, I can be side-swiped by a profound personal truth, AMBS student Dianne Hildebrand Schlegel said. In prayer and journaling about the challenges of transitions and family life, the Spirit carries my heart to the lives of others with much less privilege and choice. In joining for regular worship in chapel and the congregation God meets me and informs not only what I believe, but who I am and who God is calling us to be as the body of Christ. Dianne and Harold Hildebrand Schlegel and their three children, Sophia, Isaac and Solomon, came to AMBS in Elkhart, Ind., in fall 2003 so Dianne could pursue a Master of Arts in Christian degree. Harold, who received the Master of Divinity degree from AMBS in 1992 and had been on the pastoral team of St. Jacobs (Ont.) Mennonite Church for 12 years, participated in the Pastor Sabbatical Program during one semester. In this program of the AMBS Church Leadership Centre, pastors can receive spiritual direction, meet with faculty members, use library resources, and participate in chapel and community events. In addition, Dianne s parents, John and Tina Hildebrand from Crystal City, Man., came to campus for several months as volunteers. By helping with maintenance work, painting, mailings and serving refreshments during Pastors Week, John and Tina made valuable contributions to the seminary community. submitted by Mary Klassen, Director of Communications, AMBS Dianne and Harold Hildebrand Schegel, and their three children, Solomon, Sophia and Isaac (left to right), joined the AMBS community in fall Dianne is working toward a Master of Arts in Christian degree; Harold, who has been on the pastoral team of St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, participated in the Pastor Sabbatical Program. 28 Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler 2004

6 Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Mission Statement: Canadian Mennonite University is an innovative Christian university, rooted in the Anabaptist faith tradition, moved and transformed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Through teaching, research and service CMU inspires and equips women and men for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society. Activity/Program: CMU Main Campus: offering undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines, with the largest department of Bible and theology in Manitoba; Menno Simons College: a pioneer in International Development Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies; Outtatown: CMU s Discipleship Schools offer a rich, diversified experience of adventure, travel and solid Christian studies in Guatemala, South Africa & Thailand (new in Fall, 04). Average Annual Budget (04/05): $9.79 million Reporting to: CMU Board of Governors Events and Milestones In , more than 1,712 students enrolled in CMU s programs, for a fulltime equivalent of 935. (CMU Main Campus 408; Menno Simons College 1,163; Outtatown 100; Seminary Studies 41) September Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt installed as CMU s first President October CMU began operating with a single, integrated board. CMU s mission statement was adopted 25 th anniversary J.J. Thiessen Lecture Series with Dr. Paul G. Hiebert January Winter Lectures with Dr. Thomas Heilke Church and Ministry Seminar 2004 with Jim Holm March CMU hosts a public forum to discuss The Passion of the Christ Peace it Together conference on food/ peace issues drew 227 youth April 2004 A record graduating class of 69 participated in CMU s Main Campus convocation ceremony Summer 2004 CMU hosts a series of summer courses and camps The Music Department hosted a number of important concerts throughout the year including Bachfest, a community Christmas concert, the annual Spring Concert, and a series of faculty and guest recitals A place to grow CMU is not only a place to grow in knowledge, but also a place to grow spiritually. This year s chapel theme On Earth as in Heaven was also reflected in class lectures. CMU accommodates the gifts and talents of everyone through programs and classes. So what has CMU offered me? It has offered me growth in both knowledge and my spiritual life. Second, I have been able to strengthen my gifts and abilities through choir and public speaking engagements. Third, CMU has given me a new outlook on different cultures and denominations. (Stephanie Unrau) submitted by Kevin Heinrichs, Director of Communications, CMU Board of Governnors Eleanor Andres, MB Walter Bergen, BC Lois Coleman Neufeld (Secretary) Kerry Enns, MB (Vice- Chairperson) Ruth Friesen, AB Harvey Goossen, ON Herta Janzen, (Chairperson) Ken Kliewer, MB Ed Reimer, MB Harold Hildebrand Schlegel, ON Jake Thiessen, (Treasurer) Jane Woelk, MB Gerald Gerbrandt CMU President chair of the CMU Administration Team First year student Stephanie Unrau of Yorkton, SK Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler

7 Chief Officers Paul Wartman, President Ron Penner Academic Dean George Schmidt Dean of Students Lou Sawchenko Director of Development Liz Duyck at Columbia Bible College Columbia Bible College (CBC) Activity: We are two schools in one: a School of Discipleship and a School for Ministry Preparation. Students can join us for one or two years in which to gain a solid Biblical foundation for life, or once they are out in the work-world, can come back for shortcourses to gain spiritual enrichment. Students can take the one-year Certificate or venture out into the QUEST Discipleship/ Adventure Program. We also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) college preparation program. Most of our students come to Columbia for a four-year Ministry Preparation program in which they can prepare for one of eight ministry areas: Biblical Studies, Caregiving & Counseling, Church Ministries, Early Childhood Education, Missions, Outdoor Leadership, Worship Arts and Youth Work. Ministry Goals & Objectives: To prepare people for a life of discipleship, service and ministry. Average Annual Budget: $4.9 million Reporting to: CBC Board of Directors; BCMB Conference and Mennonite Church BC. MC Students at CBC: This year, 31 of our students have indicated that they are members of or are attending an MC Canada Church. Season of Trusting I have always tried to have a set outline of future goals and ambitions. I have set agendas for my life s direction and timing. Any thought of changing these ideas would make me uneasy. Though I don t like to admit it, change is hard, because it lacks the comfort of familiarity. This past year, God s agenda for me had that uncomfortable change. Through more than mere coincidence, I ve found myself in the QUEST program at Columbia Bible College a place that has risen to the challenge of stretching me spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. What began as an uncomfortable change has turned into the ideal experience for this season in my life. I am encouraged to ask difficult questions and have the courage to struggle with my faith. I am learning to let go of my strict agenda and let God pencil in the changes. I am learning to let God grow me because I don t have the ability to grow myself. What I am taking in here and now is the groundwork for years to come. The exact direction of my future is uncertain, but within that uncertainty, I am called to trust in God with all that I have. Liz Duyck, first year QUEST student from Toronto, ON. We at Columbia are uplifted with the lifechanging testimonies of our students! As a conference and individuals, you are investing in the precious lives of students as they are on life s journey, seeking God s will in their lives. We encourage you to stay actively involved in the tremendous work God is doing at Columbia Bible College! Paul Wartman, President, CBC 30 Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler 2004

8 Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC) Activity: Residential program and post-secondary arts education at the University of Waterloo (UW), including Peace and Conflict Studies and Music departments. Graduate theological education including Masters of Theological Studies (MTS) and the Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre (TMTC). MC Canada, like CMU, is represented on the Advisory Board of TMTC. Ministry goals and objectives: Conrad Grebel University College is a Christian educational institution informed by the vision and values of the Mennonite tradition and dedicated to serving students, the university community, the church, and society. Average Annual Budget: $3.9 million Reporting to: Board of Governors, Conrad Grebel University College In the academic year Grebel taught over 3,350 UW undergraduate students in 71 courses. The graduate theological studies program is growing with 46 MTS students enrolled - 50% of these are in the Ministry option. The College underwent a $4.9 million expansion to enhance the facilities and create more spaces for students. Over $1.4 million of this project was raised from supporters and the remainder is being mortgaged and paid through rent and residence fees. The residential program grew by almost 50% in September University enrollment jumped in Ontario due to the double cohort (the elimination of the 5th year of high school in 2003). Grebel is now home to 142 residents and 32 apartment dwellers. College and community Maida Tiessen, from Rosthern, Saskatchewan, is a 4th year English and Religious Studies major who shares an apartment with 3 other Grebel students In addition to her studies, she has been involved in the Ministry Inquiry Program coordinated by chaplain Ed Janzen. This included chapel leadership, preaching and some educational activities such as a discussion forum on engagement rituals. While attending university, my home at the end of the day is Conrad Grebel, observes Maida. The atmosphere in the apartment complex is slightly different than in the residence. All of the people are upper year students so the building is somewhat quieter than the residence and there is a little more privacy. But the community is still there when needed. It s nice to be able to walk down the halls and know everyone in the building, because we have all lived with each other in the Grebel residence in earlier years. Each of the 8 apartments has 4 bedrooms with a kitchen and living room in the centre. Students in the apartments often share meals and enjoy the occasional potluck. Many still dash over to the dining room for community supper on Wednesday following chapel. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to live in the apartments with other students who value the Grebel community as much as I do, Maida concludes. submitted by Fred W. Martin, Director of Development, CGUC Pemma Muzumdar, Dan Worth, Maida Tiessen and Sarah Crome gather for lunch in their apartment at Grebel. Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler

9 Ron Sawatsky (PA) MPN Board Chair Laverne Brubacher (ON) vice-chair Canadian board members Carry Dueck (SK) Abe Bergen (MB) Ron Rempel Executive director Eleanor Snyder Director of Faith & Life Resources Leader, a new magazine launched in 2003, is drawing appreciative responses from lay and ordained leaders across the church. Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN) Home of Faith & Life Resources, Herald Press and Provident Bookstores A jointly owned ministry of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA Ministry goals and objectives: To provide materials that equip the church to experience and share the gospel from an Anabaptist perspective. To provide simple access to materials that shape Christian identity and mission in a Canadian and U.S. Mennonite context. Reporting to: Mennonite Publishing Network board (with 3 from MC Canada and 5 from MC USA) and to the Joint Executive Committee. Ministry y highlights: Convened a September 2003 churchwide consultation on a network approach to publishing congregational resources. Published and introduced new resources including: Leader, a quarterly magazine; Making Disciples: Preparing People for Baptism, Christian Living and Church Membership; and God s Story, Our Story. The latter two can be used together for baptism and church membership classes. Published and introduced a number of new books, including: In God s Image; The Dogmatic Budgeted income statement Fiscal year-end 01/31/05 (in U.S. dollars) Gross sales 15,600,000 Cost-of-goods sold 8,900,000 Gross margin *6,700,000 Operating costs **6,400,000 Net rev less donations 300,000 Estimated donations 300,000 Total net revenue 600,000 * Gross margin (gross revenue) breakdown by division: Herald Press 11% Faith & Life Resources 23% Provident Bookstores 66% ** Includes interest payments of $221,000 for debt reduction. Total principal payments of $310,000 towards debt to be reflected on balance sheet. ** MPN has total staff of of them in the bookstores. Imagination; Re-inventing Aging; Fierce Goodbye; A High Price of Abundant Living; Soul Care. Decided to become a cooperative publisher, along with the Church of the Brethren, of a new Sunday School curriculum to replace Jubilee in Reduced debt, with donations and operations revenue over a two-year period, from $5 million to $3.7 million. The remaining debt is being amortized over 8 years. Thanks to the many donors who contributed to the Barn Raising Campaign which ended January 31, Ron Rempel, Executive director, MPN 32 Mennonite Church Canada - Winkler 2004