Nominations Committee faces new challenge - Deborah Froese

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1 Vancouver 2012 Assembly Thank you for coming! Karen Martens Zimmerly, Denominational Minister Welcome to Mennonite Church Canada Assembly 2012! In mix of meeting old and new friends, in discernment, and in worship and study toger, my prayer is that we would be encouraged and equipped to continue to live out our Vision Statement, in which God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ and by power of Holy Spirit to grow as communities of grace, joy and peace so that God s healing and hope flow through us to world. Thursday Vol.1 Thinking out loud brings healing Winnipeg, MAN. A mumble can be fateful. Two years ago, members of Sardis Community Church in Chilliwack B.C. sought ways to build connections with surrounding First Nations communities. At one resulting meeting, Isadore Charters, an indigenous artist and elder from nearby Cultus Lake area, spoke out. Or, rar, he mumbled. I d like to make a healing pole for residential schools. Don Klaassen, a Church Missions Coach with Outreach Canada, says that Charters may have been thinking out loud, but idea intrigued him and after some discussion, he offered to take on logistics of project. Charters says that se intricately carved poles tell stories and each unique character depicted carries significance. For Indian Residential School Healing Pole, he chisels meaningful images into a 200-year-old log of yellow cedar. Comfort figures top pole a black bear sent down from heaven to help Charters people, a mor figure with a blanket to cover those who died in residential schools and to comfort survivors. A nun who served as a mor figure to him while he was in residential school will be carved into ear of bear at top of pole. 500 years ago: Birth of Anabaptism Living by Word Anabaptism took root when faithful began challenging familiar thinking about scripture. On October 31, 1517, Augustinian monk Martin Lur publicly protested abuses made by Roman Catholic Church. He hammered his Ninety-five Theses onto hard wooden door of Wittenberg church, launching Protestant Revolution. Seven years later, Menno Simons, after whom Mennonites are named, was ordained as a Catholic Priest. He had only served his parish in Pingjum, near Witmarsum, for a year when he began to doubt church s teachings. He officially joined Anabaptist movement in 1536, and spent next 25 years devoted to seeking out scriptural truths, teaching and admonishing. -Deborah Frose, images Public Domain Isadore Charters (left) and Don Klaassen carve fragrant yellow cedar pole. The emerging figures represent story of residential schools, cultural conflict, and healing that comes through Christ. Photo provided by Outreach Canada. There is also a racoon. He s a bandit like Zorro, Charters says. Zorro was my hero in residential school. Zorro, with his racoon-like mask, stood up for rights of oppressed. Healing continued on page 2 some Assembly stats 236 registered delegates (150 are required for quorem): BC- 38 AB- 22 SK-45 MB-70 ON young adults registered 165 churches are represented at Assembly 2012 approximately 70% of Mennonite Church Canada family. Thank you for coming! 430 people in total are registered attendees at Dusting of Bible for 21 st Century 1875 meal will be served: 400 for Friday supper; 745 breakfasts; 730 lunches

2 Nominations Committee faces new challenge Winnipeg, MAN. The shift from annual to biennial assemblies leaves Nominations Committee with a unique challenge; y are tasked with filling positions that will become vacant over a two-year period rar than a one-year period in effect doubling ir work. Part of problem with that is that some persons who are eligible to renew for anor term in 2013 are not necessarily prepared to agree to it a year in advance, says Dave Feick, retiring committee chair. Dave Feick We try very hard to invite people who represent diversity of people who are involved in Mennonite church, says committee member Gladys Bender. Feick, from Mennonite Church Saskatchewan (MC Sask) and Lorne Buhr from Mennonite Church Alberta (MCA) are concluding ir terms on Nominations Committee this year. Coreen Froese of Mennonite Church Alberta (MCA) will join Janet Bergen from Mennonite Church British Columbia (MCBC), Justina Heese Gladys Bender from Mennonite Church Manitoba (MCM), and Gladys Bender from Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC). One more Nominations Committee member is sought. Nominations Committee members encourage potential recruits recommended by various Councils and Committees of Mennonite Church Canada. They keep in touch with each or via telephone and throughout year, with a face-to-face meeting at Fall Leadership Assembly. The slate y develop over course of year is presented to delegates at assembly. Currently, Nominations Committee is seeking: Secretary to begin July 2013 (2 year term) Christian Witness Council Member for 2012 (3 year term) Engagement Council member for 2012 (3 year term) Engagement Council member for 2013 (3 year term) If you know of someone who would like to serve larger church, please contact Nominations Committee. Lorne Buhr Justina Heese Feick s service on nominations committee was inspired by an invitation from moderator of MC Sask. It seemed to be a good fit for me, he says. Through my years as a pastor and subsequently in working with RJC [Rosrn Junior College], I had gotten to meet and know a lot of people within MC Sask and felt I could help out It has been a joy and a blessing to serve in this capacity se past 6 years and I wish committee well in future as y face changes and challenges ahead. Thinking out loud brings healing continued from front page Although Charters admits to being nervous when project began, response he received encouraged him. I realized people want to hear and share more about what we [First Nations people] were like before settlers came. At first re was no intention of travelling with Healing Pole project, but as positive responses grew, Charters and Klaassen recognized its potential to encourage ors on path toward healing. So, with help of Outreach Canada, y took to road. Wherever pole goes, individuals listen to Charter s story and share ir own as he places his hands over irs to help m carve. Human touch is so important, Klaassen says. When a carver puts his hand over your hand and guides knife, it s quite emotional for both parties. He speaks of range of responses y have witnessed, from silent tears or sobbing, to quiet reverence and earnest questions. Age is no barrier. We ve had lots of people carve, Klaassen points out, from an 86-yearold residential school survivor to a 6 or 7-yearold child. A rendering of envisioned pole is available for participants to see. When pole is completed, it will be displayed in a location designated by a residential school. The Indian Residential School Healing Pole is located in Sheraton Hotel Westminster Salon 1 and open to carvers on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All are welcome. To learn more about project, hear Charters and Klaassen share briefly of ir experience during Sunday morning worship at 9:30 a.m. in Minoru Ballroom. 2

3 59 Cents Campaign grows out of peace building assignment -CMU release with files from Dan Dyck Winnipeg, Man. On June 22, a small group of students from Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) and CMU s Menno Simons College launched a campaign to challenge federal government s decision to begin denying supplemental healthcare coverage to refugees on June 30, The 59 Cents Campaign for Refugee Healthcare is a politically independent, student-led movement that grew out of a small group assignment in a one-week course Speaking Out... and Being Heard Citizen Advocacy at CMU s Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP). Group members Matw Dueck (Ridgewood EMC and Charleswood Mennonite Church), Maureen Gathogo (Springs Church, Winnipeg, Man.), and Deanna Zantingh (Canadian Reform Church, Smithville, Ont.) were later joined by fellow CMU students Cecilly Hildebrand (Ridgewood EMC and Charleswood Mennonite Church) and Rianna Isaak (College Community Church Mennonite Brethren, Clovis, California, and River East Mennonite Breren Church Winnipeg, Man.) to help spread word about campaign. We believe that recent changes to Canadian Interim Federal Healthcare Program (IFHP), which supplied refugees with medical help, are unacceptable, says project spokesperson Matw Dueck. We would like to see this changed, and refugees given opportunity to receive healthcare y need. Our assignment was to create an advocacy campaign that could, in ory, be implemented in real life, says Dueck. But by time we were making our class presentation at end of week, we realized that re was nothing stopping this from moving beyond oretical and after everything we d learned about situation, we were passionate about helping to create change. The advocacy campaign is focused in a YouTube video group developed. In 2011 alone, Canada opened its doors to 25,000 refugees, offering an opportunity for healing and hope. Many refugees entering country are leaving traumatic situations, coming to a place where y are operating Hearing what Spirit is saying Mennonite Church Canada is one of many churches seeking to be faithful in our time. This church sign was spotted on Grant Avenue in Winnipeg on June 18. Photo by Dan Dyck 59 Cent Campaign group, from left: Maureen Gathogo, Rianna Isaak, Cecilly Hildebrand, and Matw Dueck (missing: Deanna Zantingh) photo courtesy CMU without support networks or sometimes even a working knowledge of Canada s official languages. Until now, refugees have been entitled to full medical assistance under Interim Federal Healthcare Program - a $20-million per year program federal government has cancelled, effective June 30, 2012, says Dueck. $20-million spread across our country s population works out to only 59 cents per person, says Dueck. It makes practical and moral sense to continue this relatively small program that ensures se vulnerable new residents receive help before ir treatable illnesses become serious longterm health issues. We recognize that many refugees are unable to speak up on this issue. We re encouraging all Canadians to lend ir voices by sending 59 cents to Prime Minister, showing our willingness as a country to give our part toward a small but vital program - and hopefully pressure federal government to reverse this decision. We ve been overwhelmed by response so far, Dueck continues. People from across country including a law professor in Victoria and doctors from all over Canada, as well as regular citizens of all ages have been encouraging us and getting involved. It really proves power of a simple idea. Over Canada Day weekend, federal government quietly reversed some of cuts, but a Winnipeg Free Press article ( July 3) reported that cuts still apply to refugees sponsored by faith groups. As a result, group is re-evaluating how to proceed. Regardless, we are still encouraging Canadians to send ir 59 cents to office of Prime Minister, he said. For more information, contact Matw Dueck at 59centscampaign@gmail.com or

4 NHL er spends face time with summer campers -Dan Dyck with reports from Dave Erb Winnipeg, Man. Not many kids at Mennonite summer camps have a chance to meet a bona fide Mennonite NHL hockey player, but that is exactly what happened when Nashville Predators Nick Spaling spent day at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp (Ont.) on July 4. Spaling, a member at Drayton Mennonite Church who has been featured in Mennonite Church Canada s first Mennonites Everywhere video project, took time to answer questions from 6 to9-year-old campers ranging from What is your favourite cupcake icing flavour? to How does God help you? The highlight was definitely having Nick at evening campfire as a special guest on Silver Lake s Hockey Night in Canada said Dave Erb, Silver Lake executive director. In front of 200 campers and staff, Spaling shared how his faith plays an important role in his life both on and off ice. What a powerful testimony to our young campers who so often hold hockey players and or professional athletes as role models. Willard Metzger, Mennonite Church Canada s executive director, is a personal friend of Spaling and invited him to spend day with campers. Nick s visit and his role in broader Mennonites Everywhere video series is an attempt to give an alternative view to many Mennonite stereotypes that exist in society and in media. In a sense we are speaking to public and to ourselves at same time, he said. Our own Mennonite young people need to know that y can pursue ir dreams and hold tight to ir faith at same time, Metzger added. For photos of Nick Spaling s visit, see slmc.ca/2012/07/08/hanging-out-with-nick -Dan Dyck Winnipeg, Man. Dorothy Fontaine has been appointed to oversee planning of 2013 Mennonite Church Canada youth assembly in Manitoba. As Event Coordinator, Fontaine will work with or Mennonite Church Manitoba (MCM) volunteers and Mennonite Church Canada faith formation staff to lead all aspects of garing, which will take place July 29 Aug. 2, 2013 at Camp Assiniboia, an MCM camp located on Assiniboine River just outside of Winnipeg. Come to where prairie and forest meet proclaims a save--date postcard which has been sent to all previous youth assembly participants, youth pastors, and congregations. Fontaine warmly invites youth from across Canada to attend. Camp Assiniboia, where Assembly is being held, is a beautiful camp. We ll be able to worship and learn from each or under canopy of God s great creation and at same time have a lot of fun. I m looking forward to seeing everyone re next year, she said. Fontaine brings several years of experience as Program Assistant with MCM s Camps with Meaning program Youth Assembly Coordinator Announced As a person with a keen, analytical mind and a deep commitment to Christ and church, Dorothy brings a range of experience in project and event planning to this contract position, said Dave Bergen, Executive Minister of Formation with Mennonite Church Canada. I m really looking forward to working with her. Fontaine is a member at Bel Mennonite Church where she has also served as church council chair. Youth Assembly 2013: Come to where prairie and forest meet! Mennonite Church Canada youth and youth leaders are warmly invited to Camp Assiniboia, just outside Winnipeg, Manitoba, from July 29-August 2, Hundreds of youth and sponsors from across Canada will come to draw closer to Jesus and one anor. Keynote speaker Iona Snair and many or fine seminar and program leaders will provide inspiration and challenge on mes from lost and found parables of Luke 15. This is a unique opportunity for youth to discover how God is at work in ir lives and to embolden m to share and live ir faith. Plan now and encourage your congregation s youth to be part of Youth Assembly 2013!

5 Gracious and dedicated service Winnipeg, MAN. Any conversation with Andrew Reesor-McDowell garners his undivided attention. He listens intently and responds thoughtfully, allowing dialogue partners to know that y and ir contributions are important. This gracious and meticulous approach to ors has shaped Reesor-McDowell s service as Moderator to Mennonite Church Canada s General Board for past four years. I have greatly appreciated Andrew s servant leadership, says Willard Metzger, Executive Director, Mennonite Church Canada, describing Reesor-McDowell s non-anxious style and his willingness to serve. Andrew took call of church seriously and served it with great energy and commitment. Reesor-McDowell has been on General Board since 2000, where he originally served on behalf of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) as moderator of Area Church. Moderating Assembly 2012 on behalf of General Board will be his final official duty. His track record shows a strong commitment to Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary ~ service. At 20 years of age, Reesor-McDowell served as President of Mennonite Youth Fellowship in former Mennonite Conference of Ontario and Quebec (now MCEC). Since that time he has participated on various councils and boards of churches, counselling institutions, and church organizations from Mennonite World Conference (MWC) to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). He credits his parents, Emerson and Elsie McDowell, with instilling in him a desire to serve. My mor has a wonderful ability to welcome stranger and relate to people who feel y are on margin, he says. His far, a pastor, was deeply involved with children s camping ministries perhaps motivation for years that Reesor-McDowell provided leadership to camps at Fraser Lake and Glenbrook. One of most concerning aspects of his tenure with General Board has been downward trend in financial contributions, and resulting budget reductions in 2004 and This is very difficult and we have lost excellent people and programs in this process, he noted in an interview. Despite such challenges, he has been inspired by work of national church, particularly Being a Faithful Church process (BFC). Part of gospel work is dealing with difficult issues. In BFC process we are increasing our capacity to work directly with difficult issues. I am very pleased with developments. Reesor-McDowell says he is grateful for opportunity to serve as Moderator, a role he views as a calling. He accepted responsibility trusting that God would provide what was needed like incredibly gifted, generous and committed leaders, Jack Suderman and Willard Metzger, and a thoughtful and wise General Board. When Assembly 2012 draws to a close, Andrew Reesor- McDowell will complete his term of service as Moderator for Mennonite Church Canada s General Board, a role he has held for 4 years. For past 39 years he has been dedicated to a wide variety of volunteer positions and has been employed in children s mental health field, first as a group home parent with his wife, Joanna, and for past 33 years, until his retirement on June 30, 2012, as director at a children s mental health centre in Toronto. The couple has two adult sons; Martin, and Allan, who plans to marry Winnie Siu this summer. Photo by Deborah Froese. Hilda Hildebrand, Assistant Moderator, says that she is grateful for Reesor-McDowell s generosity and consensus-building style. He invites all into conversation, n from a diverse range of perspectives, thoughtfully seeks to weave toger threads of common ground, testing as he goes along to ensure integrity. It s been a joy to work alongside Andrew. He has a quiet strength grounded in a deep faith and love for church. Past General Secretary (Executive Director) Robert J. Suderman says that few people recognize depth of Reesor-McDowell s commitment and sacrifice. Most of meetings and assemblies he has attended and led have been done on his holiday time from his full-time work. And he has done this for many years. Reesor-McDowell may be leaving role of moderator, but his relationship with national church will go on. I will continue to pray daily for our staff, General Board and leaders of our supporting ministries, and trust that God will provide what is needed to build church as it shares gospel. 5

6 Winnipeg, Man. Gerald Gerbrandt cannot recall a period of time when Bible did not play prominently in his life. He does remember one of earlier translations he read as a preschooler one that provides an interesting contrast to his lifelong vocation as a scholar and educator, and recently retired president of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU). It was a comic book version of part of Bible, says plenary speaker for Mennonite Church Canada Assembly 2012, recalling balloons that carried conversations of Paul and or key biblical figures. Gerbrandt says that image of a dusty Bible portrayed in this year s assembly me, Dusting off Bible for 21st Century, may be an exaggeration. But, he adds, We re in a time where Bible isn t as prominent in church people s thinking as it was when I grew up. The rise of scholarship has sometimes indirectly communicated that only scholars can make use of Bible, he says. We re living in a time where all authority is questioned. I think it s helpful today to ask what is it and how might we become more enthused about scripture so that it remains central for us. Gerbrandt says he hopes that those who participate in Assembly 2012 become excited and inspired to become more actively involved in reading and interacting with scripture to see in it a story that continues to be absolutely central to who we are as Christians. Gerbrandt s passion for Bible will continue into his retirement as he prepares to complete a Shaped and Called Social Media and Assembly - Dan Dyck Winnipeg, Man. Social media is not a fad, and it is not likely going away. For many, it has become a normal and even integral part of our lives. But is it a complement or a detriment to church life, and in particular to church meetings? There is a considerable amount of information on how to effectively use social media in ministry. Harder to find are some tips on use of social media for attendees of large, church assemblies. I was delighted when friend and colleague John Longhurst, Director, Resources and Public Engagement, Canada Food Grains Bank, sent me a link to just such a guide developed by Presbyterian Church USA for its 219 th (2010) Assembly in Minnesota. What follows here is a brief summary of highlights lifted from ir web page at tinyurl.com/d68zh4k (with thanks): The guiding principle for using social media at Assembly is to be attentive and present to community gared immediately around us 6 commentary on Deuteronomy for Believers Church commentary series published by Herald Press, travel with his wife Esr, and spend a month in Israel at Tantur Ecumenical Institute, a research library just outside of Jerusalem. Career chose him Growing up, Gerbrandt did not anticipate a ministry career in higher education. He planned to spend a year at Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC, now CMU) studying to become a research scientist, but found himself drawn to ology and Bible studies. I had a good year and simply stayed. His career, he says, chose him, although looking back he sees influence of his far who studied at CMBC and often shared his dream to pursue education. After completing three years at CMBC with no long term goals, Gerbrandt attended Bel College in North Newton, KS, because it seemed most efficient way to complete his BA. Then a new career objective began to solidify through two unexpected invitations. First, he was invited to serve as a pastoral intern at Reedley Mennonite Church (California), and second, he was invited by CMBC to undertake graduate studies and return to CMBC in a term teaching position. Toger se experiences served as a calling to ministry through postsecondary education. CMBC/CMU became Gerbrandt s vocational home where throughout his career, he served in a variety of positions. He officially retired from his latest role as President of CMU on June 30, 2012 but he says that he will continue to have a relationship with university. and to mysterious and wondrous movement of Spirit of Christ. Please do not make using social media primary focus of your attention during meetings of Assembly. Avoid serving as a proxy for those outside assembly who wish to ask questions or make motions. The leadership and delegates with whom you serve trust that your words are a reflection of your own heart and convictions. Please do not make a comment on social media about proceedings that you would not make in person to leadership or or delegates. As Presbyterian Church USA points out: A major affirmation of our faithfulness toger is a trust in power of discernment when men and women gar to speak and listen to each or and to voice of Holy Spirit. Mennonite Church Canada s 380+ member Facebook group is a good place to get in touch with conversations on a wide range of church related matters, wher it s a about Assembly or not ( mennonitechurchcanada/). There s also a Twitter feed

7 Relationships are key to healing and reconciliation - Dan Dyck Winnipeg, MAN. For church in Canada to have any integrity, it must work to heal its relationships with host people and host land. This statement from Mennonite Church Canada Executive Director Willard Metzger reflects importance of Mennonite connections with indigenous people and its involvement with Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process. Metzger, along with Steve Heinrichs, Director of Indigenous Relations (formerly Native Ministry), and Tim Froese, Executive Minister, Witness, attended most recent TRC public event in Saskatoon, Sask. June 21-24, They were among numerous ors present from broader Mennonite community including representatives of Area Churches and many volunteers. The statistics are numbing. Thousands of Indian Residential School (IRS) survivors can be found in Saskatchewan alone. Generations of families sometimes as many as four are affected directly and indirectly by impact of schools, which forced separation of parent and child. The resulting destruction of family units and ir ability to nurture has had catastrophic and lasting effects on communities. One survivor offered chilling statement that we seldom have a natural death in our community. Forgiveness and healing, work of TRC, are difficult. A survivor asks how something like IRS system, a school, a government, or a church can be forgiven. The perpetrators are not [at TRC]. Is reconciliation possible? Jennifer Henry, Executive Director of KAIROS Canada, suggests following steps: 1. Listen with your whole heart. 2. Tell your friends until all Canada hears and until ir hearts are also broken. 3. Act for justice. In order to have reconciliation, says anor, you first need to do work yourself. Work with self, family, community, elders, professionals, and ceremonies. Yet anor added, You will never be able to live in peace if you don t forgive. This is advice I received from elders. Pray every day, forgive and live in peace with ors. Learning to love was a challenge cited by many survivors. [I] want to learn my culture and how to love myself. My parents went to an IRS and never told us kids I love you. I did not and do not know what love means more than 90% of native people don t know how to show love If you are not shown, you can t learn. Metzger acknowledges that se painful stories tempt an emotional shutdown. But nature of abuse necessitates that we show discipline in listening to imagine what we do not want to think about, and accept what we do not want to believe. To hear of such treatment done in Willard Metzger (left) and Tim Froese pose with frame bearing slogan of TRC event in Saskatoon June 21-24, 2012: It matters to me. - Photo courtesy of KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, a Canadian faith-based human rights and social justice movement. name of Christ is deeply troubling. We must not stop listening until those wishing to speak have stopped talking. There is room for hope. Heinrichs was moved by inclusivity of indigenous leaders and hosts. The TRC is a deeply spiritual event, he says. It welcomes both traditional indigenous expressions of spirituality, and Christian. They model an openness and respect that many of us non-native, and church persons, can really learn from The key, we are gently reminded here and re, is radical reverence and respect for sacred traditions of different peoples. For Froese, TRC event was a humbling experience. At opening ceremony, Chief Wallace Fox said that we [indigenous persons] are a very forgiving people. The grace and reality of his statement only grew in intensity after hearing numerous testimonies and interacting with ors at this event. Froese notes that statement It matters to me was strongly promoted in regard to truth and reconciliation. While it resonated, he felt re was something missing until Harley Eagle, coordinator of Mennonite Central Committee s Indigenous Work Program said that reconciliation implies a prior relationship. Here for me was missing key, Froese reflects. I think importance of truth and reconciliation would also be affirmed by most of us in Mennonite Church. The harder challenge for us is to engage both truth and reconciliation in context of an ongoing relationship. Without relationship, we do not have opportunity to build trust that has been so seriously eroded and abused in past generations. Visit MennoMedia Book Table. Open daily. Check out new title specials, meet authors, enter draws and browse and buy great books, CD s and DVD s! 7

8 8 Faithful response, remarkable document Winnipeg, MAN. Last fall, tables were turned and it became your turn to teach. Mennonite Church Canada leadership invited you congregations, church groups and individuals to share how you approach issues of discernment with scripture. By taking part in Being a Faithful Church (BFC) process using discernment and feedback tool provided, your responses generated more than 100 pages of thought-provoking, insightful and often inspiring comments and reflections. Toger, se findings explore perspectives and on--ground experiences from groups ranging in age from young adult to senior citizen. The responses have been summarized and presented in BFC 4 document. It is a remarkable document, says Robert J. Suderman, past General Secretary (Executive Director) of Mennonite Church Canada and a member of BFC Task Force. It is fruit of diversity of experience of priesthood of believers that is part of our church. It is not created by a small group of scholars or authorized leaders. In this sense, it is remarkable and, I think, it is also something that is new. I m not aware that we ve used this kind of grassroots process before to create some semblance of a common framework for interpreting Bible. That, I think, is noteworthy. A second primary source of responses to discernment and feedback tool was gleaned through an online discussion for Bible scholars and teachers set up by Faith and Life Committee. The BFC Task Force, consisting of Willard Metzger, Mennonite Church Canada Executive Director; Suderman; Andrew Reesor-McDowell, Moderator; Donita Wiebe Neufeld, General Board Member at Large; and Rudy Baergen, Chair, Faith and Life Committee; received and reviewed all of responses. The task was given to Suderman to compile material. He carefully poured through results several times to develop a grid that would accurately and fairly reflect information received. He n had several retired pastors read initial responses and evaluate grid for accuracy and objectivity. The idea, Suderman says, was to keep focus on what priesthood of believers ( respondents) discerned. The gared input formed basis of a summary report for discussion and approval at Assembly 2012 Being a Faithful Church 4. It s important to emphasize that this is not an interpretive framework generated by Jack [Suderman] or by task force, but a framework generated by those who chose to have ir voices heard, says Baergen. Although not complete, in sense that re may be things missing that people didn t say and not all congregations submitted responses, we feel confident that it reflects accurately what we received. It is truly a remarkable snapshot of what congregations and individuals across our denomination believe about scripture and its healthy use. The discernment and feedback tool prompting responses examined key features of II Timothy 3:14-17 as an example of a passage to guide discernment. It offered an outline that leaders could use to encourage discussion and reflection. Participants explored Timothy passage, shared stories of ir own experiences with scripture, examined Confession of Faith, and talked about what y learned. Delegates to Assembly 2011 discuss Being a Faithful Church. Photo by Dan Dyck. This tool is one more step in BFC process which is designed to strengn church s capacity for biblical discernment on issues of life and faith in this current age. And it s a challenging age. Some of issues or mes identified for discernment over past few years include unity and diversity in life of church, being a peace church, confessing and witnessing to Jesus Christ as Lord in a religiously pluralistic context, human sexuality in life of church, and ecological concerns from a perspective of faith. These issues can evoke anxiety because perspectives about m often differ within church body even when observed through a biblical lens and guided by same Holy Spirit. Is re a clear right and wrong? How do we remain church in midst of disagreement? Suderman was at helm of Mennonite Church Canada when BFC process began in From beginning he acknowledged its complexity. The primary issue is not what exactly we will decide about challenges that face us; primary issue is wher we can be church in doing so. It is very important not to lose sight of this fundamental focus. Metzger says it has been a learning process for him. It is interesting to note that most congregations processed material with a smaller group such as Sunday School class, or a meeting with interested people or leadership team. It helped me realize that re is little, if any platform, that engages whole congregation in dialogue. With our Anabaptist emphasis on community for discernment, this is something we may need to address. Suderman does not want results summarized in BFC 4 to be lost in speculation or personal preferences that could arise through presentation or reporting. He says it could be a challenge during discussions on delegate floor, but I will continue to point to document it is understandable and profound and deserves attention. Metzger and Baergen will present BFC 4 document to Assembly 2012 delegates on Thursday, July 12 with discussion following on Friday and Saturday.

9 Please Pass Faith: Book launch at Assembly - Ardelle Stauffer Winnipeg, Man. Elsie Rempel, Mennonite Church Canada Formation Consultant, is launching her new book, Please Pass Faith, at Assembly The book explores spiritual grand-parenting as an intentional way to share faith with next generation in a world full of distractions and busy schedules. Spiritual grand-parenting is more than taking an interest in biological grandchildren. In fact, it is a role that requires neir grandchildren nor marriage. Spiritual grand-parenting is relating to those in first third of life, with willingness to be spiritual companions or co-pilgrims, says Rempel. Many seniors are wonderfully intentional about ir relationships with young people in ir lives. Spiritual grand-parenting is a mentoring practice with biblical precedents, Rempel says, citing Samuel and David, Timothy and Eunice, and Elizabeth and Mary, among ors. The whole culture of Bible was one where elders were respected and integrated into lives of children. Though today s world presents its own unique challenges, from geographical distance of extended families to cultural and technological distractions, young and old continue to share a need for relationship and faith sharing. Rempel s book examines challenges of se relationships, tending one s own spirituality, and process of how faith grows and New donate web interface coming for Mennonite Church Canada - Dan Dyck Winnipeg, Man. In coming months Mennonite Church Canada will launch its first major web site upgrade since The first component to go live is a completely new donation portal to allow donors to choose projects by me, by country, or by worker. The new portal features a completely new graphical interface, photos, and concise descriptions of giving projects to help individuals and congregations select ministries though donors will be encouraged to also give to where most needed category. matures. With this background in place, she gives practical advice for connecting across generations, interweaving and building faith of old and young in church. Some [elders] have learned to be a blessing for younger folk, she says, and ors need to learn to bless and mentor ors into leadership, rar than shape church into a senior s club, says Rempel. Once youth and seniors are introduced and participate in a nonthreatening conversation around things that matter, y enjoy it and want more of it. Relationships between elders and youth are full of spiritual potential. She encourages cross-generation interactions through worship, church retreats, game nights, and by having interest-based, rar than age-based, service, craft, discussion, or prayer groups. The most critical thing is unconditional love for young, she believes, and genuine interest in ir lives. Through se interactions young and old can share time-honoured tradition of telling stories about our lives, and finding our place in God s big story. Faith formation is not a one-way street from old to young. I ve learned so much and been so blessed by my ministry with young people, says Rempel. That s one reason I had to write this book, to share se blessings with ors. Rempel has an MA in ology and brings experience from 40 years of children s ministry as a lay leader, camp pastor, and staff trainer, as Elsie Hannah Ruth Rempel is married to Peter Rempel, has three children, and four lovely grandchildren, ages one to twelve. She notes that her middle names were given to me by my children for Christmas when I was 55, so y are important to me. She is a member of Charleswood Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Photo by Deborah Froese. well as 13 years as a teacher in a Mennonite elementary school. She has taught senior Bible class in her congregation and has extensively studied area of seniors and church. Most recently, Rempel wrote curriculum for Vacation Bible School, edited a Bible study series on Revelation, and served as a mentor to elementary school teachers in Zambia s Sourn Province through a Mennonite Central Committee program. An interview with Rempel about spiritual grand-parenting can be found via Mennonite Church Canada s Church Matters podcast at Over two year research and design phase, staff looked at many or charitable organization web sites and consulted with those considered to have best practice. Specialists were engaged for high level programming infrastructure. The new donate portal serves as a design template for a rebuilding of entire site. New sections of web site are scheduled for phasing in as y are completed. Existing web pages with old information will be archived and remain available, but retain old design and interface. The new system is designed to comply with accepted online financial security protocols and Canada Revenue Agency requirements. 9

10 Zahara Kawje Ali featured in Mennonites Everywhere video Winnipeg, Man. Zahara Kwaje Ali is a Mennonite who proudly declares her affiliation with Peace Mennonite Church in Regina, Sask. in latest installment of Mennonites Everywhere video series produced by Mennonite Church Canada. Ali arrived in Canada in 1993 with her husband and seven children as refugees from Sourn Sudan. Soon, she was attending Peace Mennonite Church and getting acquainted with congregation. In 2000 she became a member and began volunteering on a variety of projects, later serving as a deacon in small house church. Today, Ali is working with Children First, a program of Regina s Open Door Society that provides in-home support for new Canadians. Florence Driedger of Peace Mennonite Church who provided on-site support for Ali during filming process for video says, She is continually helping out someone while at same time working, being a grandmor, sending money to educate orphan nieces in Africa while she waits for m to come to Canada under her sponsorship, and on and on. Ali took production of video in stride, affirming Driedger s assertion that She is always herself. Zahara is an ambassador for house churches. When Zahara went to visit her parents in Africa before y died and were far from ir home church, she suggested y take lead in Bible study for a group of people who were refugees far from home. She suggested y did not need a church building to worship and study Bible. Her life is not a pretty one, but one of service, proudly sharing her affiliation with Peace Mennonite and inviting or new comers to Peace, says Driedger. Ali, who lost her husband in 2007, says Life is full of goodness, but it s even better when we help each or. The video can be seen at 10 Living by Word Fifty-eight years ago (1954), Conference of Mennonites in Canada (a predecessor of Mennonite Church Canada), met in B.C. At that time, a faithful understanding of scripture appeared to mean that only men could serve as delegates. - from Archives at Mennonite Church Canada Heritage Centre Leadership Transitions Two of our four Mennonite postsecondary schools are experiencing a presidential transition this year: 1. Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) has appointed Dr. Cheryl Pauls as incoming president, beginning November 1, She succeeds retiring CMU president Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for Gerald s dedicated, visionary leadership in formative first decade of CMU, and for many years of service he has given to church as a professor and administrator. We also anticipate with excitement, gifts that Cheryl Pauls will bring to ministry of CMU she takes up her office this fall. Both Dr. Cheryl Pauls and Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt will be with us for Assembly Please take a moment to greet m and offer m your best wishes. 2. Columbia Bible College (CBC): Dr. Bryan Born, CBC professor and director of Intercultural Studies program, has been recommended to succeed Dr. Ron Penner as President of Columbia Bible College. Born s candidacy will go to school s Annual General Meeting on October 11 th for affirmation.

11 Spreading Word Andrew and Karen Suderman in South Africa Winnipeg, MAN. Anabaptism is catching on in South Africa, thanks in part to a Mennonite Church Canada presence. Like Dan and Yvonne Nighswander and ors before m, Andrew and Karen Suderman are helping to establish Anabaptist Network in South Africa (ANiSA), to walk with, support, and grow communities of peace, justice, and reconciliation... 1 The Sudermans have been in Pietermaritzburg since It s difficult to appreciate full potential of Anabaptism in South Africa or hunger for it without recognizing impact and aftermath of Aparid. Racial disparity first emerged under colonialism in 1800s, but it wasn t until 1948 that government instituted an official, legalized system to enforce segregation. Named after an Afrikaans word for separation policy governed every aspect of life along racial divisions, from where one could reside or whom one could marry to what church one could attend. It clearly outlined access to education, healthcare, transportation and or public services such as designating which washrooms and water fountains one could use limiting quality and availability for those who were not of white descent. Although Aparid was abolished in 1994 when Nelson Mandela and African National Congress (ANC) came to power, division, pain and suspicion continue. If you re trying to work toward restoration you sometimes just don t know where to start, Karen says. There is so much need There is so much inequality. The gap between rich and poor is biggest in world. While South Africa s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) allowed people to speak out about what y experienced under Aparid, it only started process of reconciliation. Once TRC process ended, re were limited places and interest to continue dialogue. One of things that ANiSA offers is a space where some of that discussion can continue, Andrew says. The Sudermans are building connections in this milieu. They create safe places for people to meet one anor across racial and economic boundaries. We invite a couple of people to 1 share ir thoughts and spark imaginations of ors, Andrew says. And it works. Through se ANiSA Dialogues people have been open enough to be vulnerable with one anor. The conversation expands as people invite ir friends. Andrew has spent significant time considering what it is that draws people to Anabaptist message. Anabaptism goes hand-in-hand with a lived expression of faith. The Anabaptist story, as people have seen it, is not just a ory or a ology, but something that a people have strived to live. The historical Anabaptists were willing to die for ir faith and die for ir enemy. He says that Dirk Willms, escaped Anabaptist who returned to save his captor from drowning, is among examples that South Africans find inspirational. People also draw inspiration from historical examples of Anabaptists who were willing to be different and stand out from becoming conscientious objectors, or wearing head coverings or dressing in a certain way, to eschewing modern technology. Even how church itself is structured stands out, Andrew says. Most Mennonite churches reject powerful hierarchical structures. Peace, or shalom seeking to live in right relationship with God and with ors is instrumental in demonstrating Kingdom of God that is at hand (Mk. 1:15) which is heart of gospel. Being a people of peace is vital and base of what it means to be a Christ follower, Andrew says. What s interesting is to hear how peace is also revolutionary! During Aparid Mennonites specifically were not allowed to live in South Africa. They would ask questions as to why is re no peace? Why is re no justice? Who are ones suffering from injustice and who are ones being unjust? These questions made ruling authorities uncomfortable. In South Africa, Andrew continues, re remains a long road ahead in pursuit of living in right relationship with one anor. This continues to be true for those who have different racial backgrounds. But bit by bit, dialogue by dialogue, we see times and places where bricks begin to crumble, slowly bringing down wall of division between brors and sisters in Christ. This pursuit is a wonderful vision to work towards. Andrew and Karen Suderman, with ir South-African born daughter Samantha, are currently in Canada visiting congregations and sharing stories about ir ministry. They will return to South Africa at end of August. Photo provided. Ministry in Five Parts Andrew and Karen Suderman, Mennonite Church Canada workers in South Africa describe ir ministry in five parts: Building connections between local, national and international Anabaptists Providing Anabaptist resources Sharing information Creating safe spaces for people of all races and background to enter into conversation Seeking ways of being incarnational to one anor 11

12 Worshipful journey toward community Winnipeg, MAN. With a palette of thoughtful, striking photographic images, a gently probing poem and compelling music, Jane-Ellen Grunau has created a worshipful multi-media presentation for Mennonite Church Canada s Assembly 2012, Dusting off Bible for 21st Century. Grunau says people sometimes look upon faith communities and world as two separate entities that must continually be reconciled, but she has a different perspective. I see God in images of world around us. The Bible speaks to us in context of that world, good and bad, always with that important element of choice. Grunau s presentation was drawn from that perspective and from a poem by Dayalan Devanesen about his search for community. His journey is made through lens of his frustration with world that he sees around him. The [presentation] images which follow reflect that world world in which we live, world which we have been responsible for, Grunau says. They move into open ended possibility which God s community can Native Assembly 2012 July Philadelphia, Mississippi Jane-Ellen Grunau is a teacher. She and her husband Gerry have three grown children and attend Langley Mennonite Fellowship. bring. We begin to understand that not only are we held in hands of God, but our world, with all its mistakes and heartaches, is as well. The multi-media presentation will form a part of July 13, Friday morning worship service. Assembly Officers: This year s Resolutions Committee members are: Samson Lo (Grace Chinese MC, B.C.), Earl Reimer (Covenant MC, Manitoba), and Carol Penner (First Mennonite Church, Ont.). Minutes: Lynell Bergen, George Epp; Parliamentarian: Harold Peters Fransen. anabaptist+ Everything you need to resource your congregation, and more, is available here: free shipping on books, both ways. I am way, truth and life - Jesus (John 14) Proud to support Mennonite Church Canada Hosted by: Sponsored by: photo by: Sarah Ryeland Choctaw Mennonites Mennonite Church Canada, Native Ministry Mennonite Church USA, Native Mennonite Ministries For more info contact: Steve Heinrichs Director, Native Ministry, Mennonite Church Canada ext.106 For more information on how KPMG can help you, contact Debbie Grenier at kpmg.ca 12

13 part of Equipping #91, December 2008 Celebration Story Tuning in to Christ surrounded him when he practiced animism. He found hope and comfort in Christian teaching of eternal life, and in notion of a God who loves and sustains his followers. Rad and Pat Houmphan, Mennonite Church Canada Witness workers in Borabu, Thailand, recently met Sontee*. With his wife and six children, Sontee lives in a Souast Asian country that has no religious freedom. He shared with Houmphans a story of transformation that freed him from fear and gave him courage in face of oppression. After some time, Sontee returned to his home village and eagerly shared his newfound faith with or villagers. In response to his passion for sharing Good, nine families accepted Christ into ir lives. A small church was established and se new Christians gared in ir homes for worship and fellowship. This year, however, Sontee s faith in Christ has been challenged. Local government officials have threatened him, his family and or Christians in his village. They have been ordered to give up ir Western faith or y will be kicked out of village, ir children will not be able to go to school, and y will cease to receive any state benefits. His story began by accident 14 years ago, in Sontee was working in a village far from his home when by chance or by grace of God he tuned in to a Christian radio station. He was intrigued by what he discovered re and over next two years he listened to stories about God, Creation and Christ. What he learned compelled him to give up animism, belief that all animate and inanimate objects have spirits, and turn to Jesus. Sontee found peace and joy in his new faith a stark contrast to fear of evil spirits that 13

14 Announcements 1 First aid is available at Sheraton front desk. 2 Families can call hotel at to pass urgent messages on to Assembly Delegates even those who are not registered hotel guests. 3 Don t forget your name tag! Name tags are required at all times for meals and for admission to delegate sessions. 4 Have a lunch ticket you are not going to use and would like to pass on, or someone you re looking for? Put your message on white board next to information table. 5 Have a message for anor Sheraton guest? The Sheraton front desk will deliver that message as long as you can provide guest s room number. 6 Attention Young Adults: Join us for a Meet and Greet at Sheraton Starbucks after delegate sessions close this evening. 7 Thank you to our parking volunteers for ir efforts to manage limited parking resources. If you need parking, check out Park and Ride services at Ride.aspx Sexsmith P&R 400 parking spaces Capstan Way Available all week Bridgeport Station P&R 580 parking spaces 8888 River Road Available 7 days a week 8 You are warmly invited to help carve Residential School Healing Pole with Isadore Charters, Indigenous Artist and Elder in Westminster Salon 1, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and to acknowledge that this year s assembly is gared on overlapping territories of two First Nations people, Musqueam and Tsawwassen. Isadore Charters and Don Klaassen of Outreach Canada (Sardis Community Church) will also be sharing briefly during Sunday morning worship. (Photo provided) 9 The Prayer Room located in Westminster Salon 2 will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Elsie Rempel, Mennonite Church Canada Formation Consultant, will lead prayers at 8:00 a.m. each morning. 10 Check out Art Space in Westminster Salon 3 to view scripture-based artworks submitted by artists from across country. Thanks to Ray Dirks, Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery Curator and artist, as well as artist Laura Eriksson of MCBC for organizing exhibit. Art Space is open 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. 11 Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Alumni and Friends Lunch Friday, July 13th, 12:00 p.m.-1:30p.m. The buffet for this special lunch is located in Elmbridge room. Prepurchased tickets required for entry. 12 Special guests: a) Please welcome Pastor Yin Hongtao, our Mennonite Partners in China Church liaison. He is joining us to learn from and interact with Mennonite Church Canada. Pastor Yin is part of leadership of China Vision church leaders group and he works very closely with Jeanette Hanson, current Witness Worker in China. b) Please welcome Pastor Valeria and Jailson Taumaturgo, of Lagoa Encantada Mennonite Church, Recife, Brazil, and ir daughter, Samara. Valeria will lead a workshop, Reading Scripture in a context of poverty and violence on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Valeria s congregation is part of Evangelical Mennonite Alliance, our partner group of churches in Brazil. On behalf of ir Brazilian congregation, Taumaturgo family are connecting with ir sister congregations in Mennonite Church Canada family during this visit; Zoar Mennonite Church in Langham, Sask. and Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach, Man. Photo caption, left to right; Valeria and Jailson s son, Salomao; daughter, Samara; Valeria, and Jailson. Photo provided 14